[Writer's foreword: This is the twelfth episode of a fan-fict series based on the characters in Kimagure Orange Road. They are intended to take place after the movie, "I Want to Return to that Day", and follow the characters Kasuga Kyosuke and Ayukawa Madoka as they start the next phase of their lives in college.
If you missed the previous episodes, notes about the new characters, and previous events are listed after the ending credits. In addition, previous episodes are available at the wpi.wpi.edu ftp site.
One thing I would like to say up front: Although I and my co-writer have both graduated from college, our experience is in the American college system and culture. The span of our experience in the Japanese advanced education system is limited with what we can pick up watching anime, reading manga, and consulting with friends, pen pals and anime clubs. Any mistakes, inconsistencies, etc. are neither intentional nor are they meant to show disrespect for the Japanese education system. In fact, we would appreciate any constructive criticisms, corrections, and insight any readers might offer us. Mail all such letters, praises or flames to acombs@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu.]
[Cut to the main lecture room in the mathematics building. Inside, the students are busy writing on the tables. On the blackboard in the front of the room, the words "15 minutes left" are written in large letters as the teaching assistant keeps an eye on the time.]
Kasuga Narration: We had reached the end of the first academic term before the summer vacation. Midterms were in full swing, but fortunately I was mostly prepared for them. With the coming of summer break, I was looking forward to spending tomorrow on a date with Ayukawa. I hoped to have a memorable time, and I got my wish. Well, sort of...
Kasuga: [While tapping his pencil on the last two problems.] Hmm... [Glances up at the chalkboard and watches the TA erase the "1" from "15", leaving "5". He then looks around and sees Saito's, Kasamatsu's and Hayashibara's chairs are already empty. Kimura is still seated in her's, scribbling something on her paper.] Wonder why she's still here? [Turns his attention back towards the paper, but continues to draw a blank.]
TA: [Erases the blackboard.] Time's up! Please turn in your midterms.
Kasuga: [Putting his pencil down.] Che...should have studied more.
[Kasuga gets up along with some of the other students still in the class, folds his paper in half lengthwise, then drops it on the pile of completed papers. Outside, Hayashibara is signing autographs for some cute girl classmates.]
Hayashibara: [While signing a card.] ...to Megumi...have a nice summer...Hayashibara Akira.
Megumi: [Accepts card and bows quickly.] Doumo arigatou!
Fujiko: [Thrusts her card forward.] Me please!
Hayashibara: [Accepts card and continues to smile.] Hai, hai... [Signs card.] To Fujiko...good luck on your trip...Hayashibara Akira.
Fujiko: [Accepts card and giggles a little.] My little brother plays baseball in high school! He said he'd give anything to be just like you!
Hayashibara: [A little nervously.] Ah...yeah. [More assertively.] Well, tell him I appreciate his support! Tell him to continue to do his best!
Kasuga: [As he exits the lecture room.] Boy he's lucky! [Noting the girls' reactions.] I really hope he's not looking at Ayukawa.
Hayashibara: [To Kasuga as he finishes the last autograph.] Ah Kasuga-san. I was wondering what was taking you. Saito-san told me to tell you to stick around. He'll be back in a few minutes. He went to the Liberal Arts building to pick up the Miyasato twins.
Kasuga: How'd you finish so quick? You were the third guy to leave the test room.
Hayashibara: [With some pride.] I was captain of the math club in high school.
Kasuga: [A little miffed to himself.] Of course he was...[To Hayashibara.] So you're really good at math too?
Hayashibara: [Shrugs.] Pretty good. Saito-san's probably better; at least he was the first one of our class to finish the midterm.
Kasuga: Well, fast isn't everything. Keiko-san's a lot better.
Hayashibara: Kimura-san? [Smiles and tries to be tactful.] I know she's a friend of yours, but she's also one of the last ones in the test room. Surely you're...exaggerating a little.
Kasuga: Are you kidding? [To himself as he slowly realizes...] Ah I see...[Smiles a little.] He's never studied with Keiko-san before. [To Hayashibara.] What do you say about putting your money where your mouth is? Do you think you could do math problems faster than Keiko-san in a fair competition?
Hayashibara: Well, I wouldn't want to embarrass any...
Kasuga: Never mind that! [Opens up his wallet and pulls out some bills.] 3,000 yen says you'll get annihilated! [Offers his hand in a wagering manner.]
Hayashibara: [A little taken back by the challenge.] Hrumph! Well since you put it that way...[Takes Kasuga's hand and accepts his challenge.]
Kasuga: [Firmly.] 20 problems then.
Hayashibara: [Confidently.] Hai!
Kasuga: First one to finish all 20 correctly.
Hayashibara: Hai! Just be prepared to fork over the 3,000...
[Just then, Ayukawa and Katsu comes walking down the hallway.]
Ayukawa: Konnichiwa Kasuga-kun! How did you do on your mid...[Looking over Kasuga's shoulder and notices the money.] What's going on?
Kasuga: [Looking pretty confident.] Heh...Hayashibara-san thinks he's better than Keiko-san in math...so I bet him 3,000 yen he can't beat her in a test of twenty randomly selected problems.
Katsu: [Thinking that the deal's too good to be true.] So what's the catch?
Ayukawa: [Looks surprised.] Are you kidding, it'll be a slaughter!
Hayashibara: [Reassures her.] Don't worry, I'll take it easy on her.
Ayukawa: [Looks at Hayashibara with a firm expression.] Baka...I'm talking about you!
Hayashibara: [Surprised look on his face] What...?
Kasuga: Come on Ayukawa...anything can happen.
Hayashibara: [To Ayukawa.] Right. Would you two like to place a counter-wager? I could use some moral suppo...eh? [Sees Ayukawa slap down 5,000 yen next to Kasuga's money.]
Ayukawa: [With her hand on the bills.] I don't usually like to gamble...[Looks at him with a disapproving manner.] but if you insist on giving away your money...
Katsu: [Slaps down 4,000 yen on the table next to Kasuga's.] Sorry... [Also with a stern look on his face.] but I'm saving up for a precision balance scale and I need my money.
[Hayashibara is about to retort, when the scene is interrupted by Saito, Kasamatsu, and the Miyasato twins, who enter the building from the outside.]
Saito: What money?
Katsu: A friendly wager...Hayashibara-san verses Keiko-san in a math test.
Saito: [To Katsu with a look of disbelief.] You're kidding, right?
Yoko: [To Hayashibara with disbelief.] Are you serious?!?
Hayashibara: [Still in the dark.] What?
Yuko: [Pulls out her wallet from her purse.] Heck...that's easy money. [Pulls out 4,500 yen.]
Yoko: [To Hayashibara.] Sorry...I'm a big fan of yours and all but...[Pulls out 5,000.] that's just too good a deal to pass up!
Saito: [Pulls Katsu over closely and whispers.] Does he know about Keiko-san?
Katsu: [Shrugs.] Apparently not...he's never studied with us before, so...
Saito: [Digs out his wallet.] Well far be it for me to pass that up. [Digs out a few bills.] I'm in for...4,000 yen! [To Kasamatsu.] Hey Terihiko-kun, how much money do you have on you?
Kasamatsu: Let's see...[Digs out his wallet and leafs through it.] I got about 3,500 yen...but I need that money for...
Saito: [Pats Kasamatsu's shoulder.] Don't worry...this'll be the easiest money you've ever made!
Hayashibara: [Now beginning to sweat as the stakes start to climb to uncomfortable levels.] Now wait just one minu...!
Akane: Did someone say money?
[The group turns around and sees Akane walking out of the adjoining lecture hall with Oinuma-sensei*.]
*Professor Oinuma
Oinuma: [Looks at the table.] What's going on here? Don't you have other classes to go to?
Saito: [Sheepishly to Oinuma-sensei.] Err...it's a bet...Hayashibara-san's challenged someone to a math contest.
Oinuma: [Frowns with disapproval.] Shame on you people! You're really setting a bad example by indulging in this game of chance. [Sniffs.] I don't bet on wagers! I only put my money on sure things! [Pauses a moment.] By the way, who's he was up against?
Saito: Keiko-san.
Akane: [Incredulously.] Are you kidding? [Yanks out her billfold and empties the bills and coins on the table.] I'm in for...[Counts.] 3,800 yen!
Oinuma: [Raises his eyebrow.] Oh really? [Pulls out his wallet and leafs out some bills.] I have about...10,000 yen.
Hayashibara: Sensei!
Oinuma: Don't worry about it...[Smiles at him.] Your father will cover it right?
Hayashibara: [To the group, now with some suspicion of a set-up.] This is Kimura Keiko we're talking about...our classmate? The girl at the birthday par...?
[Hayashibara is interrupted again by Fujimoto and her son Eiji coming into the mathematics building. When she sees the familiar faces clustered around the study table, she approaches the group and bows.]
Fujimoto: Konnichiwa...it's good to see you all here! I just brought Eiji to the campus to show him the value of education and why it's so important to start extra study classes early. I was hoping that having him see young adults studying togeth...[Notices the pile of cash on the table.] What's this?
Kasuga: Well...[Somewhat embarrassed.] we've got a bet going. Hayashibara-san says he can beat Keiko in a timed mathematics pop quiz.
Fujimoto: [Somewhat relieved.] Well, I can't say I totally approve, but I suppose if it's for the sake of academic challenge, I can see...[Notices Eiji coming back to the table with his hands digging through his pockets.] Eiji, what are you-?
Eiji: [Slaps a dozen coins on the table.] Put me down for 750!
Fujimoto: Eiji!
Eiji: [Pleading look on his face.] But Kyosuke-niichan* says Akira-niichan is giving away free money!
*Older brother, or in this case older male friend
Hayashibara: ...
[Just before he can say anything, Kimura comes out of the lecture hall. She sees the group clustered around the table and the money in the middle.]
Kimura: [Inquisitive look on her face.] Say...what's going on?
Saito: [Rushes up to encourage her.] You can take him right?
Yoko: [Rushes up to encourage her.] Yeah...show no mercy!
Kimura: [Now confused.] Take who...[Almost faints when she sees who stands up from the middle of the crowd.]
Hayashibara: [Stands up and bows.] I'm honored to compete with you. Apparently...[looks around the crowd.] they have a lot of confidence in your ability, so I'm sure it will be an interesting match. [Teeth gleam.]
Kimura: [Dreamily staring at Hayashibara with heart-shapes in her eyes.] Ohh...he's so handsome...!
Kasuga: [Reassures Kimura.] Twenty math problems isn't that tough right? [Starting to worry.] Uhh...Kimura-san? [Starts waving his hand in front of her eyes to no effect.]
Kimura: [Still staring at Hayashibara with heart-shaped eyes.] ...
Kasuga: [Look of fear on his face as he suddenly realizes...] Oh shoot...! [To Ayukawa.] Ayukawa...
Ayukawa: [Thinks for a moment.] Just a sec...what about Keiko- san? If this is a bet, what's in it for her?
Hayashibara: [Sits back down and gets his paper ready.] Well she could put some money down.
Ayukawa: I've got a better idea...[Takes Hayashibara aside for a moment and whispers a proposal into his ear.]
Hayashibara: Eh...? [Listening.] sure, if you say so...[Continues listening.] Well...all right, I guess that's OK. What if she loses?
Ayukawa: Well...how about this? [Whispers into his ear.]
Hayashibara: Really? Are you sure?
Ayukawa: If that's acceptable to you.
Kasuga: [To Ayukawa after she finishes whispering to Hayashibara.] What'd you tell him?
Ayukawa: [Whispers back.] That's I'd go out with him if he won.
Kasuga: [Barely manages to keep whispering.] WHAT...?!? That'll motivate him all the more!
Ayukawa: [Confidenly whispers back.] Don't worry. The motivation for Keiko-san is a lot more.
Kasuga: [Calming down.] Eh? What happens if he loses?
Hayashibara: [Confidenly to Kimura.] OK, if you beat me, I'll take you out on a date.
Kimura: [Eyes really light up.] REALLY...? [Opens her book bag and empties the contents onto the table. She stacks several math formula books to one side and a stack of paper in front of her. The mechanical pencil twirls expertly onto her finger, snapping to a halt. Her normally, bubbly expression vanishes; her eyes suddenly give off a look of cold, steely confidence and determination.]
Everyone else: [Lean back in awe at the sudden transformation.] Whoa...!
Hayashibara: [Swallows a lump in his throat after seeing the change, and thinks for the first time that he may have bitten off more than he can chew.] Uhh...
Oinuma: [Pulls out a sheet of paper.] Here guys...this is a quiz the last class period just finished taking. Just to keep it fair...[He then puts his hand on Hayashibara's shoulder.] Don't disappoint me now.
Hayashibara: [Looking a little more confident.] Hai sensei! I'll do my best!
Oinuma: No not that! My wife will kill me if I lose 10,000 yen!
Hayashibara: [Looking a little less confident.] ...
Ayukawa: [After making sure both are ready.] Start!
[Both Kimura and Hayashibara immediately start scribbling on the paper.]
Hayashibara: [To himself as he writes down the first problem's solution.] Ha! Not so tough! dP/(P(M-P))=kdt; 1/M(1/P+(1/(M- P)))dP=kdt. Second pr...
Kimura: [Excitedly shuts her book.] Finished!
Hayashibara: Wh-what?!?
Everyone else: YEAH!
Oinuma: [Takes the test paper and looks it over.] Hmm...you used Dase's theorem to prove problem #16?
Kimura: [Bubbly.] Hai! Dr. Machin's application of Simpson's equations breaks down when the degree of precision exceeds over a hundred dig-
Hayashibara: Wait a minute! If she's so fast, then why is she always the last person to turn in her quizzes?
Oinuma: Oh you mean these? [Show Kimura's test paper to Hayashibara . Scribbled all around the borders are a series of cute cartoon characters.] I conservatively estimate that she wastes 45 minutes of each quiz hour doodling.
Hayashibara: ...
Saito: [Looking at Kasamatsu.] I see a trip to Akihabara* tomorrow!
*Area of Tokyo known for selling electronic goods.
Kasamatsu: Hai! Time to spend some money!
Katsu: [To himself.] Rats...! [Looks back at Kimura as he leaves with Kasuga and Ayukawa.] Maybe I shouldn't have put my money on the table after all...
[Everyone else leaves, discussing their future plans with their new-found money. For several long seconds, Hayashibara and Kimura are alone in the hallway until...]
Hayashibara: [Sheepishly.] So...when's a good time to pick you up?
COMMERCIAL BREAK
[Cut to the auditorium of a large anime club.]
Club President: I've just got the Viz Discs in. I think we should watch Ranma 1/2.
Club Librarian: We just got some tapes which have been checked out for a while back in. We'd better show Sailor Moon before it gets checked out again.
Half of the club members: Ranma!
Other half of the club members: Sailor Moon!
Club VPresident: [With a Miller Lite Beer in his hands.] Hey guys! Let's watch both! [Slams the Miller Lite beer bottle on the VCR.]
[The VCR flickers a bit then...]
Voiceover: Miller Lite presents...Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Ranma!
[On the big-screen TV, Ranma-chan, Akane, and Shampoo are wearing short sailor suits and are chasing after a knife-armed duck-like monster.]
Duck-youma: SHI-NE!!!
Sailor Akane: Shabon...Spray!
Sailor Ranma: Kachu-Amaguriken!
Duck-youma: [Flustered.] Oh yeah...! Try my...Death Feather Attack!!!
Club member1: Get him...!
Sailor Shampoo: [Holding a Shinto ward to her face.] Rin, pyou, tou, sha, kai
Duck-youma: Noo...! How can you betray me like this!!!
Sailor Shampoo: ...jin, retsu, sai, zen! Akuryou taisan! [Flames wrap around the ward.]
Duck-Youma: AAAAIIIIEEEEHHHH!!!!
Club member2: Wow...this is some anime!
Club member1: This is some beer!
Voiceover: If you can combine great taste with less filling, you can combine anything!
[Writer's note: Standard Disclaimer.]
END COMMERCIAL BREAK
[Cut to the Blue Horseshoe apartments. Outside, the sun is low in the sky as the sunset paints the sky red. In the parking lot, a red RX-7 parks in one of the side lots. Hayashibara opens the door and steps out. He is dressed in a white blazer and pleated pants, with a dark blue dress shirt. After he closes the door, he presses a stud on his key ring and stands there under the parking awning for a moment.]
Car: <Chirp!>
Hayashibara: [Looks woefully at his latest bank statement.] Che...talk about a pasting. [Looks a little more cheerful.] Well let's make the best of it. [Enters the apartment complex.]
[Cut to the Kimura apartment. In her room, Kimura Keiko finishes dressing in front of her dresser mirror. After looking herself over, she nods in approval.]
Keiko: <Giggle!> Just like a romance novel!
Akiko: [From the kitchen.] Keiko! It's time for dinner soon!
Keiko: I'm going out!
Masaki: [Looking in her room.] Eh? Keiko, why are you dressed up like that?
Keiko: Err...I have a date!
Akiko: [Aghast.] Not that awful Kasuga person!
Keiko: [Looking a little embarrassed.] Err... no.
Masaki: [Pleadingly.] But Keiko...!
[Just then, the doorbell rings. Masaki and Akiko both walk over to the entry hall and open the door.]
Hayashibara: Konnichiwa! [Teeth gleam.]
Masaki: Ahh...! [Steps back momentarily, then calms down.] Wait a minute...I've seen you before.
Hayashibara: [Bows.] It's possible...we just finished a series against Gakushuin University. You may have seen the television coverage.
Akiko: You're on the baseball team?
Hayashibara: Hai.
Akiko: [Sternly.] Well we have strict rules regarding Keiko. She's a very proper girl and we don't want anything to happen to her.
Hayashibara: [Confidently.] Don't worry about a thing! [Whispers into Akiko's ear.] I'll make sure not to return home too late! Dewa mata*! [Leaves.]
*I'll be seeing you
Masaki: [After they leave.] Kawaisou* Keiko! Such a handsome man; she'll just fall into his arms!
*Poor, unfortunate
Akiko: Nonsense! Keiko has more sense than that!
Masaki: Are you telling me that we should just trust him?
Akiko: Don't be silly! We'll do what any normal concerned parents would do! We'll follow them every step of the way!
[Cut to outside the Blue Horseshoe apartments. Across the street, two young men sit and eat at the Okonomiyaki Maru.]
Man 1: ...said we'd better get a juicy story or we'll have our bonus cut! [Watches as the other man continues to eat.] Kashiwakura-kun! Are you listening?
Kashiwakura: [With mouth full.] What's the deal Mizuhara-kun? Something will come.
Mizuhara: Oh yeah...easy for you to say! You don't have a wife at home to tell you what an idiot you are for not bringing home a big check!
Kashiwakura: [Tossing his paper wrapper into the waste bin.] Hey, look who's coming out of the apartment. Isn't he...?
Mizuhara: [Disinterested.] Hayashibara Akira the college baseball star? Yeah I saw him pull up.
Kashiwakura: [Points.] Well look who's coming out with him.
Mizuhara: [Now interested.] Hello...who's this? Gimme your telephoto.
Kashiwakura: [Hands him a large camera lens.] She's a cutie! The man has taste!
Mizuhara: [Looking through the lens like a telescope.] Oh this is rich! Oh shoot! [Watches as Hayashibara closes the door to his car and drives off.] Let's go! We'll follow them every step of the way!
[Mizuhara and Kashiwakura both get up and walk over towards the nearby bus stop. Unbeknownst to them, Ayukawa is finishing her soda seated behind them. A few moments later, Kasuga returns with his plate of okonomiyaki.]
Ayukawa: Kasuga-kun, there you are. We gotta go.
Kasuga: Eh? What? [Drops his order into the wastebasket.] We just got here!
Ayukawa: [Points at the bus stop as the bus pulls up.] See those two guys getting on the bus? I overheard them and they're going to try and take a picture of Hayashibara going out with Keiko-san. They're from a tabloid.
Kasuga: Tabloid reporters?
Ayukawa: [Nods.] Un.
Kasuga: [Looking unconcerned.] Well that's the price of fame.
Ayukawa: What are you talking about? We gotta warn them!
Kasuga: Eh? Why? He can take care of himself.
Ayukawa: I'm not thinking of him; I'm thinking of Keiko-san! Think what her parents will say if she's on the tabloids!
Kasuga: Well...
[Fade to imaginary scene.]
Kimura Masaki: MY POOR BABY GIRL...!
[Fade back to reality.]
Kasuga: ...yeah, I see what you mean. But Keiko-san's been looking forward to this date. We can't ask them to call it off!
Ayukawa: Let's follow them and see if we can warn Hayashibara without letting Keiko-san know.
Kasuga: [Nods.] Un!
[Cut to the parking lot. Hayashibara's RX-7 pulls into the street. Behind them, Akiko and Masaki peek out from behind the surrounding wall and look at each other.]
Masaki: Well now what? We don't have a car!
Akiko: [After watching the RX-7 turn the corner, steps out and waves.] Taxi!
Taxi driver: [Quickly pulling up and opens the door.] Where to?
Akiko: [As both she and Masaki climb in.] Follow the red sports car that just turned onto the expressway!
[Behind the taxi, Kasuga and Ayukawa are running after the departing bus.]
Ayukawa: Shoot! The next bus to Akasaka isn't for another 15 minutes.
Kasuga: Let's go! [Takes Ayukawa by the hand and goes behind an alley.] Hold on!
Ayukawa What? Hey-! [Both disappear in a vacuum sound.]
[Cut to Akasaka. As the RX-7 drives along the street, cabarets, night clubs, bars and restaurants. New Otani and Akasaka Tokyu hotels loom over the horizon.]
Kimura: I'm sorry I beat you in that bet, and making you take me out. It's awfully nice of you to do so!
Hayashibara: Eh? Nonsense! I would've asked you out anyway! I am a little surprised by your mathematical ability. Well, perhaps astonished might be more appropriate. Have you always been so good at math?
Kimura: [Looking away.] Hai...
Hayashibara: [Sensing her sadness.] But? Pardon me if I am being too personal.
Kimura: No, that's ok. [Slowly.] But in school, the teachers tell me I shouldn't try to show off in math because it's not polite. And the other girls and boys usually avoided me when they found out. Mother and father keep telling me to try my best, and I do...[Trails off.]
Hayashibara: I'll just bet. [Solemnly.] It's nice to have parents who care eh?
Kimura: [Brightening.] That's one of the things I like about college and my new friends; they don't hate me even though they know. [Looks around in wonder.] Where are we going?
Hayashibara: To this place in the Ana Hotel. They have a good French restaurant and a nice view of the city.
[Cut to the Rose Room in the Ana Hotel. In the center of the small, intimate room is a huge vase of roses. The decor is simple but elegant. As Hayashibara helps Kimura exit the car, a valet takes the car and parks it in the valet parking lot. As they enter the hotel, a taxi pulls up to the curb on the street.]
Masaki: [With a terrified expression on his face as he exits the taxi.] Okaasan* are you sure about this? We can't even afford to park here much less eat here!
*Mother, but also used as wife when used by the husband.
Akiko: [Firmly as she pays the taxi driver.] Don't be silly! We have to make sure that nothing happens to Keiko! That's worth a few nights out with those good-for-nothing friends of yours!
Masaki: [Meekly.] Well, I guess...
[They both enter the hotel. Right behind them, the bus pulls up and Kashiwakura and Mizuhara disembark.]
Kashiwakura: Err...I'm not so sure about this anymore. Are you sure the chief will OK this on our expense account? This place ain't cheap!
Mizuhara: Don't worry about a thing! We get that picture and we can name our price!
Kashiwakura: Err...I'm not so sure about th...
Mizuhara: Trust me!
[Cut to inside the Rose Room. To one side of the restaurant, the door to the woman's restroom swings outward slightly accompanied by the sound of expanding air. Two seconds later, another sound is heard.]
Woman's voice: Sukebe*...! <Slap!>
*Lewd, vulgar
[Both Kasuga and Ayukawa come running out of the women's restroom with embarrassed looks on their faces.]
Ayukawa: [Whispers to Kasuga.] What was all that for?
Kasuga: [Sporting a new hand mark on his cheek and breathing a little.] I'm not used to taking passengers. My control's a little off.
Ayukawa: Then I hope this is the right place. It's the fifth place we've tried tonight.
Kasuga: [Regaining his breath.] That's another thing; teleporting that many times is tiring too.
[Kasuga and Ayukawa walk to the front of the restaurant entrance and look into the main dining room.]
Ayukawa: [Pointing them out to Kasuga.] There they are!
Maitre d': Excuse me?
Kasuga: [Regaining his composure.] Ahh...yeah. Table for two?
Ayukawa: [Points to Hayashibara's and Kimura's table.] Could we get a table close to them?
Maitre d': [Mischievious look.] Oh? Is that guy your boyfriend?
Ayukawa and Kasuga: ...
[Cut back to Hayashibara's and Kimura's table.]
Waiter: Are you ready to order?
Kimura: [Looking at the menu and frowns.] Wow...everything's so expensive! Do we have to be careful what we order?
Hayashibara: [Tries to laugh.] Don't be silly! Order anything you want!
Kimura: [Nods.] Un! [Looks back at the menu then frowns again.] Err...what's beluga caviar?
Hayashibara: Sigh...[Closes the menu.] never mind I'll order. [To the waiter.] I read on the menu that you serve quenelles.. I'll have that quenelle de homard en sauce. It is served with rice?
Waiter: Yes sir.
Hayashibara: Hmm...I think Trois-Gros in France serves that.
Waiter: You're very well informed. Our chef trained at Trois- Gros.
Hayashibara: Then it's served with caviar sauce?
Waiter: That's correct sir.
Hayashibara: And the escargots wrapped in pastry...they are called bouchees right ?
Waiter: Yes...the inside is escargots cooked with butter marinated in a mix of garlic, parsley and shallot.
Hayashibara: Yes, I'll have that and an apple-and-walnut salad.
Waiter: A perfect match sir. And for the lady?
Hayashibara: Well, it's not on your menu but could you see if your chef can prepare Blanquette de veau a l'ancienne and a salade de foies de volailles. It was one of their best at Trois-Gros.
Waiter: An excellent choice sir. I'm sure that won't be a problem. A drink sir?
Hayashibara: Yes. I think we'll have some Chateauneuf du Pape. Do you have 1981?
Waiter: I'll call the vigneron.
Hayashibara: [Hands over the menu.] Doumo arigatou.
Kimura: [In awe.] Wow...
[As the waiter takes the menu, he turns and walks over towards Kasuga's and Ayukawa's table, who have been listening in.]
Ayukawa: [Obviously impressed listening over to Hayashibara's table.] Well that sounded good...
Waiter: Are you ready to order?
Kasuga: [To Ayukawa.] Oh that's not so tough. [To the waiter.] We'll have...[Looks back at the menu.] Melon au Jambon de Parme.
Waiter: I'm very sorry sir, we only serve that when those melons are in season.
Kasuga: Oh...err...then we'll have two Oeufs a la Coque.
Waiter: I'm very sorry sir, but we only serve breakfast before 11:00 am.
Kasuga: O-of course, I knew that, ahahaha...[Sweating.] Well...why not some Oeufs a la Neige then?
Waiter: [Trying to keep a straight face.] Certainly sir. But normally we bring desserts after dinner. If you could tell me what you want for your main course, I could bring your dessert with your entree if you'd like.
Kasuga: [Sweating a little more.] Ahh...certainly. That's sounds good. Ahh... then we'll have...[Looks back at the menu.]
Ayukawa: [Without looking at the menu.] We'll have Brittany duckling and curry veal medallion. [Quietly to Kasuga.] Trust me.
Waiter: Excellent choice ma'am. And for drinks?
Kasuga: How about...[Looking at the wine list.] Creme de Cassis? [To Ayukawa.] That sounds good.
Waiter: Well sir, that's normally served before entrees. The heavy creme liqueur ruins the taste of the...
Ayukawa: Corton Charlemagne '85.
Waiter: [Taking the menus.] Very good choice ma'am. [Leaves.]
Kasuga: [Red-faced to himself.] Well that could have been...better.
[As the evening passes, both parties are enjoying their dinners, as a third party grumbles about the prices. Behind all of them, there is a glint of reflected light from behind the bushes.]
Mizuhara: You got him?
Kashiwakura: [Adjusting a camera telephoto lens and flash settings.] And...now! <Snap!> Shoot! [Watches in dismay as a waiter stops to take the order of the table in front of Hayashibara's.]
Mizuhara: Kuso...[Whispers.] Move left! Left!
Kashiwakura: I'm getting eyestrain! [Lowers the camera in frustration.] What's taking them so long?
[After a few minutes, the waiter finishes and leaves.]
Mizuhara: [Harsh whisper.] Now!
Kashiwakura: [Puts his hand back on the camera.] And...[Just about to press the button.]
Maitre d': [From behind them.] A-hem!
Kashiwakura and Mizuhara: ...
[Cut to the outside of the hotel. The maitre d' is walking out into the parking lot, followed by two burly men dragging Kashiwakura and Mizuhara by the collar.]
Maitre d': [Firmly.] We don't welcome tabloids!
Kashiwakura: [Picking himself up.] Now what?
Mizuhara: [Determined.] We're not finished yet!
[As they get to their feet, Masaki and Akiko are walking out.]
Masaki: [Whining.] 4,000 yen for an appetizer? What's this world coming to?
Akiko: Shh! They'll be coming out in a few minutes!
[Both leave to get a taxi waiting. Just as they do, Hayashibara and Kimura exit the hotel.]
Valet pulling up: [Exits the car and bows.] Doumo arigatou gozaimashita!
[After the RX-7 pulls out, Kasuga and Ayukawa come running out.]
Kasuga: Do you know where they're going?
Ayukawa: I think I overheard them saying they were going to take a walk in the park.
Kasuga: Let's go then! We'll make sure to wait for them there!
Ayukawa: Are you sure about your control?
Kasuga: [Confidently.] Hai, hai! Trust me! [Both run off to find a secluded spot.]
[Cut to the Kamon'yama public park. As the last vestiges of sunlight disappear, the park lights turn on. Hayashibara and Kimura enter the park from the car. Picking up a bag of peanuts from a nearby yatai*, Hayashibara follow Kimura as she walks onto the bridge over the pond.]
*Wheeled food carts with roofs; often appear around dusk in popular stations and entertainment areas.
Kimura: Wow...this place is so romantic! It's just like a fairy tale!
Hayashibara: Un...when I was a little kid, okaasan would take me here. Later, it became my favorite place to remember her. Sometimes...I have this crazy feeling that...she's going to appear out of nowhere in the most unexpected place...
[Cut to under the pond bridge. Without warning, the sound of expanding air is accompanied by Kasuga's and Ayukawa's appearance, who suddenly find themselves without a place to stand and fall into the pond.]
Ayukawa and Kasuga: YEOW...! [Fall into the pond with a splash.]
Ayukawa: Kasuga-kun!
Kasuga: S-sorry!
Kimura: [From above.] Eh? Is someone down there?
[At the sound of her voice, both Ayukawa and Kasuga re-submerge. Kimura bends over and looks at the now-quiet water.]
Kimura: Eh? No one here.
Hayashibara: Just the koi*. Here watch...[Reaches into the peanut bag and drops a handful of peanuts into the water. In seconds, the water starts to boil as the fish take advantage of the unexpected snack.] They'll go on a feeding frenzy like that whenever food drops in. That's probably what you heard.
*Carp but also can be translated as love
Kimura: [Watches as the water froths with foam as the hungry fish indulge.] Wow...
Hayashibara: [After watching the fish for a few minutes.] Ready to go?
Kimura: [Nods.] Sure. Where are we going now?
[As they leave, Kasuga and Ayukawa scramble back to the surface of the water amid a swarm of feeding fish.]
Ayukawa: [With a fish flapping in her face.] Kasuga-kun...!
Kasuga: [Picking up on her request as he shakes fish out of his shirt.] Hai! [Takes her hand and disappears as the water fills the void.]
[Back in the bushes.]
Mizuhara: [With dismay.] What they hell are they looking at in the water?
Kashiwakura: [Trying to get the picture.] Is this worth all this trouble?
Mizuhara: [With a harsh whisper.] Of course it is! Think about our names on the front page!
Kashiwakura: Hai, hai...[Looks back into the camera, but can only see black.] What th...[Standing in front is an arguing couple.] Who the hell are they?!?
[Cut to the arguing couple.]
Masaki: Okaasan...it's getting late! Don't you think we should be getting back?
Akiko: Shh! Quick, let's hide here! [Points to the bushes behind them.]
[Cut back to the bushes.]
Kashiwakura: They're coming this way!
Mizuhara: Get down! [Both lie down prone as Masaki and Akiko both are standing on them.] Urk...!
Kashiwakura: [Quietly under Masaki's weight.] Mi-mizu...
Mizuhara: [Also under strain, but quietly.] Sh-shh...!
Masaki: [Looking through the bushes.] Where are they going?
Akiko: [After watching them for a moment, then realizing...] Back to the car! Let's go, hurry!
[As they leave, Kashiwakura and Mizuhara peel themselves off the ground.]
Kashiwakura: A...are you sure this is worth all this?
Mizuhara: ...
[Cut to the Miyazakicho area just outside Kamon'yama. Hayashibara and Kimura are walking back towards the car as the buildings that surround the part begin to light up with nighttime activities.]
Hayashibara: Well, it's getting a little late. Your parents are going to worry if I don't take you home soon.
Kimura: [A little down, but nods.] Un...
Hayashibara: Well, how about a soda before we go? There's an ice-cream shop over across the street.
Kimura: [Eyes light up.] Really?
Hayashibara: Why don't you go on ahead and order? I need to get something from the car.
Kimura: [Nods.] Un! [Leaves.]
[Hayashibara is about to head back to the car, when a sound from above suddenly interrupts him.]
Kasuga: <Ah...Ah-choo!>
[Hayashibara looks up and frowns. Dangling from the building fire escape is Kasuga and Ayukawa, both soaking wet. As he steps to one side, a fish drops out of Kasuga's shirt.]
Hayashibara: You know I don't know which to ask first; what you two are doing up there or why are you two soaking wet or why do you both have fish in your clothing?
Ayukawa: [Looks at Kasuga.] You want to tell him or should I?
Kasuga: [Sheepishly.] Err...this isn't what it looks like...<Ah- choo!>
Hayashibara: It looks like you two are following us.
Kasuga: [Even more embarrassed.] Err...ok it is what it looks like...but not that way.
Ayukawa: There are two guys following you from the tabloids. They're wanting to get a picture of you and Keiko-san and publish it!
Hayashibara: [Looks back and watches Kashiwakura and Mizuhara duck back behind the bushes.] So that's who they are. I was wondering what they were doing at the restaurant. They weren't even dressed for it. [Turns back towards Ayukawa and Kasuga.] Thanks for the tip! I'll...
Man 1: Akira!
[Behind Hayashibara, an older man appears. He has a strong expression and a look of fire in his eyes. His black hair is only beginning to show signs of gray, and his stride demonstrates his confidence.]
Hayashibara Akira: [Stiffens at the sound of the voice.] T- toosan!*
*Father
Hayashibara Takao: [Sternly.] I've been looking for you! What are you doing wasting your time here ?
Hayashibara Akira: Well I...
Hayashibara Takao: I've just returned from the company's business trip and what do I find? Fooling around as usual? What about your baseball? Do you plan on just breezing into the professionals? Your coach has pointed out a number of problems to me!
Hayashibara Akira: [Surprised.] Eh? I'm leading the league in RBI's!
Hayashibara Takao: [Harshly.] You're also leading it in strikeouts! You lack patience and need to improve your judgement of the pitches!
Hayashibara Akira: [Now beginning to get disturbed.] Don't you think that's for the coaches to decide?
[Just then, Kimura returns.]
Kimura: [With an ice-cream cone in each hand.] H-hayashibara- san?
Hayashibara Akira: [Tries to leave.] Can we talk about this another time?
Hayashibara Takao: [Looking down at Kimura.] Who is this?
Hayashibara Akira: [Offended.] Toosan! That's no way to talk about a fr-
<Slap!>
Hayashibara Takao: [Striking Akira across the face.] Don't you talk back to me Akira! [Harshly.] Take her home! I think we need to talk about evaluating your priorities!
Hayashibara Akira: [Looking down.] H-hai...
[Cut to the Blue Horseshoe apartments. Pulling into the carport, Hayashibara's RX-7 quietly comes to a halt.]
Hayashibara: [Shuts off the engine.] Well, thank you for a wonderful evening and...I'm very sorry you had to see that.
Kimura: [Obviously enjoyed herself.] That's OK! [Smile fades.] Are you going to be alright?
Hayashibara: Well...[Looks down.] I don't know.
Kimura: [Concerned.] Is it...was it me?
Hayashibara: [Quickly.] No...this is something that's been brewing...for quite some time.
[Hayashibara watches Kimura as she runs back into the apartment building, turning once for another wave goodbye. After she disappears, he sits in the car alone for a moment and slides in a CD into the car stereo. He then sits back and closes his eyes as a tenor booms Don Giovanni* on the speakers.]
*W.A.Mozart's opera about a man who kills his father and is in turn killed by his father's ghost.
Fujiko from memory: My little brother...said he'd give anything to be just like you!
Hayashibara: [Dryly to himself as he stops the CD.] Sure he would...so would I...[Drives off into the night.]
[Back at the Blue Horseshoe apartments. Kimura opens the door and enters her family apartment. She is momentarily surprised to not see anyone waiting for her then shrugs. Taking off her shoes, she turns on some lights and heads for her room. Outside, two familiar, dirty forms are waiting around the inside corrider.]
Mizuhara: [Hiding in the stairway.] Alright, this is our last chance!
Kashiwakura: [Getting his camera ready.] Hai!
Mizuhara: First person up those stairs we snap!
Kashiwakura: Hai! [Just then the sound of footsteps are audible in the hallway.]
Mizuhara: [Whispers.] Here they come...! [Both hide.]
Masaki: [Obviously tired.] What a wasted evening... not to mention all that money!
Akiko: [Tired, but trying to hide it.] Hrumph...well I think it was worth it to protect Kei...eh?
Mizuhara and Kashiwakura: [Leap out from behind their hiding place.] Now! Smile cutey...err...ahh...
Akiko: [No longer sounding tired.] What...are...you...doing...here?!?
Mizuhara and Kashiwakura: [Acting defensively and with embarrassed expressions on their faces.] Ahh...err...
Akiko: [Now getting angry and noticing their advanced photography equipment.] Are you two from the tabloids?!? Were you trying to get my Keiko?!?
Masaki: MY POOR BABY GIRL!!
[Cut to outside the apartment complex. From the nearby bus stop, Ayukawa and Kasuga listen to the sounds of conflict then watch as Mizuhara and Kashiwakura come running out of the complex at full speed.]
Ayukawa: Heh...looks like they met Keiko-san's parents.
Kasuga: [Chuckles.] Yeah...parents. [Turns serious.] Who would have thought...Hayashibara-san...?
Ayukawa: I guess we were all looking at all the flash. I know a little what it's like...hiding behind a mask. I hope he's going to be alright.
Kasuga: [After a pause.] Un...
Kasuga Narration: Listening to Hayashibara's father's criticisms that night really made me think; that was the first time I realized that he had his problems too. In that way, it helped me realize that maybe I took too many of my own blessings for granted. Speaking of such...
Kasuga: Wait a minute...[To Ayukawa.] weren't we suppose to go on a date?
END CREDITS
New Characters Designer/Writer Stephen Tsai
Doujinshi Artwork Tony Jung
Pre-readers Chung-Mau Cheng
Jim Ramberg
Andy Combs
Robert Carragher
Charles Winata
Lisa Richardson
Michael Welsh Duggan
Jeff Yang
Pascal Janin
Very special thanks to Hitoshi Doi
A tip of the hat and a deep bow to Matsumoto Izumi for starting
the whole thing
If I left anyone off, my apologies. Any mistakes/embarrassing
faux pas are entirely my own. If there is anything here you must
flame, aim them at me and me alone.
Thank you for taking the time to read this episode of my series.
I have the next episode in the works.
Hope you enjoyed it and thanks again!
For the new readers: I'll be doing character profiles, major
location descriptions, and situation updates on a rotating basis
for each episode. If there is a particular character, place or
event that you would like to know more about, and it is not being
covered, don't hesitate to email me and I will send you either a
note or a copy of the episode it is introduced.
Focus on the Okonomiyaki Maru [Introduced in Episode 1]: The
Okonomiyaki Maru is an old traditional fixture around the
Butsumetsu University campus. Over the years, it has undergone
several renovations and different owners. Currently, Kuroki Ukie
owns the restaurant, carrying on her family's tradition from her
father.