Namaikizakari [Chapter 51]

A girl shakes her hand sideways and says, no, no, high school romance-whatever is for a short duration only, just like fireworks. “‘Forever together’-whatever is impossible.” Yuki darkly squeezes the rag dry and starts to wipe the window.

Sachi exclaims that it is quite unexpected for she thought that Misato [guesswork from 美理] absolutely do not believe that kind of thing. Meiko says it isn’t so, it is because this girl got a full shock because of reports regarding Keigo’s marriage. [<- idol?] Misato sobs out loud over how lonely she is. Someone shouts for them to properly clean for this is their school for three years.

Yuki thinks, fireworks. They did quarrel or rather, it is better to say that she got angry all by herself. Flashback: Yuki shouted that she’s leaving and slammed the door. Outside, Yuki thought that’s wrong, where she is going when this is her house. She wondered what to do for if she goes back in the room, he’ll absolutely think that she’s really stupid...

Just then, Shintaro came out of his room and said that it has always been so noisy since a while ago and what is she making a ruckus about all by herself. Yuki tried to explain when Shou came out of her room. Shou said that he recalled that he still has something to do so he’s going ahead. Shintaro asked if he is leaving already. Shou apologized for intruding. End flashback.

While spraying and wiping the floor, Yuki wonders if he is slightly angry..it seems so..no, but then, she didn’t say anything wrong. From that time, it has already been two whole days of no contact. This time, might want to give in... Recalling Shou saying if she totally doesn’t care even if there is someone who’ll say he likes her, Yuki wonders how come there is no way of making him understand.

At the outdoor sink, Hatori mentions to Shou about tomorrow being graduation day and it is when they’re seeing off the graduates. During that time, they want him to give Tonomura and Yuki flowers. Himiko is the one preparing for flowers. When Shou goes into the clubroom, he startles Himiko who is reading some books.

After exchanging ‘otsukaresama’ [/good job], Himiko apologizes for the messy place. Shou says that he heard that they will give flowers to the third years so isn’t it better for her to be the one to give the flowers to Yuki since they are both managers. Himiko asks why, when that is more natural and it is better for him to go and give the flowers because he is a special person.

Thinking that she stepped on a land mine, Himiko backtracks and says, no, she thinks that they should have words that they want to tell each other. Himiko thinks that it is over for it seems that she touched a deeper layer, what to do... Shou says no, it’s fine, and she doesn’t have to say each word so cautiously.

Himiko exclaims but it is graduation ceremony!? She says that didn’t he say before at the camp, she should properly say things clearly..not wanting to open one’s heart wide to the other person, then the other person have no way of understanding oneself [/you]. Shou says, ...camp. Himiko realizes that he has already forgotten about it.

Then, he notices a book filled with basketball clippings. He asked if Yuki made this. Himiko says yes. While flipping through the book, Shou imagines Yuki crying while sitting in front of some books on the floor. While taking a bath, Yuki thinks that it is finally tomorrow. She has already prepared the things for the class, entering college and moving out of the house..but what’s left is the situation of the cold war with her boyfriend who’ll also take part in the graduation ceremony..

She blows bubbles in the water after recalling Misato mentioning about high school romance is short like fireworks. She recalls again about what Shou said about someone liking her. Yuki thinks that from the direction of the conversation, could it be that he wanted to say, ‘for example, Shizuka’..that’s quite impossible.

Holding a rubber duckie, She thinks, after all, during the resignation battle [/her last basketball game?], didn’t he seriously provoke her... Her cellphone is buzzing. She quickly answers it. Shou says that she answered it quickly. She denies it by saying that she’s reading messages and is he going home right now.

Shou says that he ate out with Abe and others after the club activity. He apologizes regarding that time. Yuki nervously says that it is nothing. Shou says that actually, he doesn’t doubt her at all...it simply felt that she’ll show her softer side [/show weakness] to Shizuka for she appears to lower her guard in front of him so he [Shou] felt that probably, that guy is more reliable. So, he felt a bit anxious.

Yuki tries to explain that is because.. Shou says that even if she said at that time that they ‘have no reservations with each other’ but in the end, you still don’t say anything to him. This surprises Yuki that she wonders, why. Shou says that the train is coming so see you tomorrow. Then, he hangs up the phone.

Yuki wonders if he is saying that he totally doesn’t want to understand [so don’t say anything]. They’re always not in tune [/sync]. The more she treasures him, the more she feels that she likes him.  All the more she sees their estrangement, the more she constantly feels uneasy. If this keeps on, perhaps, we will gradually grow further apart.

Soon, it is graduation day. The teacher calls out to the students to line up according to school number, and go with the second year high school students behind them to the gym. The other students are making a fuss about forgetting their camera, mascara, etc. Gloomy Yuki thinks that she didn’t expect that she’ll be welcoming the graduation ceremony in this kind of situation.

Someone is saying that the flower on his chest is so heavy that his neck will snap off. [<- the bubble is in Yuki’s but I don’t think she’ll be complaining like that ^^;] Sachi calls out to Yuki and asks if her flower is askew. Yuki offers to fix it when she sees Shou who glances at her. She immediately looks away.

Sachi comments that it seems that Shou is always staring at this side. Yuki nervously wonders if she is an idiot, what she is doing that she’ll avert the glance. While her friend is trying to call her attention about the flower, Yuki is in deep thought over what to do for if this keeps up, she has no way of properly graduating.

While someone is making a speech about hoping the students can leap higher and continue to do their best, and his favorite singer.., Yuki thinks that she’ll contact Shou once the ceremony is over. Yuki reminiscences that most of the time, she is with Shou is in this gym. Shou said, “Is it okay that only her chest is stiff, sorry he rest for too long, what’s the color of her panties today.”

Yuki wonders what’s going on for she obviously thought of are some lousy stuff yet she is unexpectedly somewhat moved.. She thinks that from today on, this gym would still continue to accompany Shou. That’s right, the first time he seriously said, ‘like’, she is also in this place... After a pause, she thinks, ‘first time’ then what afterwards.

“Did I properly convey my feelings to Naruse? Tell him that I hope that he’ll trust me. Tell him that I like him very much. Not just keeping it in my heart but rather, properly saying it out for him to know. There are still very important words that I haven’t told him.” Outside, some girls tearfully cries while giving Tonomura a bouquet. They congratulate him and say that he is the oasis of the beautification committee. Tonomura thanks them.

Amamiya tells Nishiyama that they take a picture, but what’s with his eyes. Nishiyama says that it is already swollen. While Yuki’s friends say that they definitely go out during summer vacation, Abe and others call out to Yuki and congratulate her. Yuki bows and says that she is always under their care. Abe and Hatori cry as they tell her not to say that anymore or they’ll cry.

Someone comments that the basketball team is really crying. Holding out a bouquet, Shou says that it’s for her from the basketball club. Yuki blushes a bit, and thanks everyone. Yuki becomes nervous over her mistake when she unconsciously grabs Shou’s hand. Everyone is surprised when Shou pulls away the bouquet and holds Yuki’s hand. Surprised Yuki asks,..what..

Suddenly, Shou pulls her with him as he starts to run. Abe and others scream in shock and ask if it is an elopement. Some people are looking at the two as Yuki shout for Shou to let her go. Shou tells her to quickly run. She asks where they are going. He says to somewhere convenient. Then, they are at a hallway. Yuki manages to free herself.

While catching her breath, Yuki says about having something to say and making her ‘don’t say anything’, yet he has something to say...what is that. “I also have many things that I want to say. Thank you for rising up to take the great responsibility of a captain. Thank you for always watching me attentively. (Thank you) Thank..thank you for falling in love with me.. (for always staying at my side)...

...I really, really think that way, so no matter what others tell me, no matter what happens, I.. *teary-eyed* I like you the most in this whole universe, Naruse! You remember that, okay!” Shou looks surprised and hits his head on the pillar. Sweatdropping Yuki asks what happened, is he alright. Shou says how is it alright,..[he’s] gonna cry. Yuki blushes a bit.

Shou says, by the way, he is really frightened by his own childishness. Yuki wonders if he only realized it now. Shou says that just now, those words caused his confusion and anxiety to all dissipate so later on, can she exert all her effort in saying those words that she said just now. Yuki shouts, why you..didn’t he tell her to ‘don’t say anything’!!

Shou says that it isn’t that meaning. “..I won’t do that stupid thing again during the college exam. When you’re hurt, encountered trouble, want to rely on me, if you don’t want to say it then don’t say it. If you want to hide it then hide it. If you want to act strong [by forcing herself] then act strong. *removes petal from her hair*...

...Even if it is like that, I’ll also take the initiative to go over and hug you. Take the initiative to help you carry things. From today on, I won’t ignore your every move. From today on, I won’t miss your every little bit. *leans his forehead on hers as she becomes teary-eyed* I will properly protect [you] at your side.” Crying Yuki covers her nose and says,..okay..

Narration: “Routine is filled with tradition. It is probably through a charm [/amulet] that will embody every minute and every second of some irreplaceable time *Yuki watches Shou sleeping in the club room* and the all-around radiance of busyness. *Himiko freaking out over the guys jumping over each other while Yuki continues to prepare the futons* Thereby, making us hold it tightly in our hands.”

While walking holding hands with Shou, Yuki sees a basketball. Shou says that Abe is giving him 15 LIME [pun for Line messages], so he should more or less go back since he’s noisy to death. Yuki says about that.. She grabs a basketball and says if this ball gets in the basket, he can take the bow tie..her bow tie.

After looking surprised, Shou says that the two of them are obviously going steady so why should she painstakingly want this kind of bet. Embarrassed Yuki says no, she also wants to properly keep her own bow tie [as remembrance, I presume], and she even kept her sailor uniform during junior high. She wonders how come he has this serious face that is saying, ‘give me your bow tie.’

Yuki says forget it, she’ll just throw it in so help her in looking after the flowers and paper cylinder [<- diploma certificate]. Yuki gets ready to aim when she is surprised that Shou carries her up. Shou says that if she still couldn’t get it in at this distance then she is really a sports idiot. [<- bad at sports] Yuki says that he’s noisy to death. She aims and the ball bounces off.

She tries again and it bounces off again but Shou catches it. He smiles at flustered Yuki and shoots the ball inside the basket. Shou says, “Yuki-senpai, congratulations on your graduation.” Then, they kiss. While the others are taking pictures and saying their goodbyes, Yuki says, “Thank you.” Narration: “About that, Naruse, each minute and each second that passed in this place will become my stronger charm.” The last scene is Yuki’s bow tie.

Comment: And everything is okay again after that lovers’ quarrel. They just need some reassurance of each other’s love to calm down any anxieties. Contrary to what I thought, apparently Shou has more problems with her demeanor when she’s with Shizuka compared to what happened that day.

I think Shou would either be laughing or confused if she tells him that Shizuka gives her a feeling like of her deceased grandmother. ^^; Maybe, he is her reincarnation. Lol. Kidding aside, apparently she totally doesn’t have any inkling that Shizuka likes her.

That one instance when he was ‘mean’ to her totally obliterated any possible hints that he likes her. ^^;; Is that good or is that bad? Good since she will be totally oblivious over Shizuka’s intentions and will treat him accordingly. Not so good if Shou thinks otherwise. Bad since she’ll be conscious of a possible ‘someone’ if things didn’t work out.

Well, Yuki has graduated and there are no ‘last arc’ or ‘last chapter’ announcements so I guess the series will continue with Yuki already in college. That means, that issue with Shizuka will possibly continue as to why Yuki feels that certain thing about him. It is possible for the ex-girlfriend to appear. Then, perhaps, Shou’s sister will be in Yuki’s college or something. Of course, there are more basketball tournaments between the two. Maybe, new characters?

There will be many more challenges in the future but if they keep their communication open, reassure each other of their love and make adjustments, etc, I’m sure the couple’s relationship will go smoothly. ^^ And thankfully, the mangaka didn’t drag the quarrel but I guess it helps that this is a romance-comedy series. Scans by 红莲汉化组.

Gratitude generates joy, and joy generates strength. ‘The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10’ ~ 101 mottos for success by J. Richards and M.S. Fontaine.