Episode 36 - Topsy-turvy

[Cut to a train, travelling in the picturesque valley between two mountain peaks. Inside, Kasuga and Ayukawa are seated next to each other, facing Hayashibara and Oda. Kasamatsu and Saito are seated next to each other on the other side of the train. They are all dressed in light summer clothes. Hayashibara is wearing a baseball cap with initial "H".]

Hayashibara:
[Glancing at his watch.] We should be in Nikko pretty soon.

Oda:
[To Hayashibara.] Thank you for taking us with you. I, for one, usually wouldn't be able to afford to stay in a nice Western inn.

Hayashibara:
It's no problem. Saint Bois Inn offers discount deals to the affiliates of my father's company, and I guess I count as one. It's my pleasure to be able to go with all of you, if only for a weekend. [His teeth gleam.]

Oda:
[To herself.] Wow. How does he do that?

[Cut to the train station. The six disembark, pick up their luggage, and look around. The town looks nice and peaceful, with the river flowing through the center. Many people walk along the river embankment - alone, in groups and couples, young and old, casual beachgoers and sportsmen in "Marathon '89" tank tops. The day is almost over, and the sun is setting behind the mountains, coloring everything in shades of orange.]

Hayashibara:
[Reading the guidebook.] The inn is a fifteen minute walk north from here, across the river; it's on the edge of the town, among the pine trees. Sounds very nice.

[Kasuga, Ayukawa, and Oda pick up their bags. Saito and Kasamatsu, who had already done so, walk ahead.]

Saito:
[Looking around and nudging Kasamatsu.] Look at all the girls here! Do you think we'd be able to pick up a few?

Kasamatsu:
[Haughtily.] The Red Ninja had flawlessly mastered the centuries-old techniques of seduction! Just rely on me!

Saito:
[Shrugs.] Nothing ever came from me listening to your advice. Maybe we can tag along with Hayashibara-san. Girls seem to be swarming around him.

[Behind them, Ayukawa, Kasuga, Hayashibara, and Oda are walking together, carrying their bags.]

Oda:
[Stopping.] Um, Kasuga-san, my bag is heavier than I thought. Would you mind helping me carry it?

Kasuga:
Eh? Sure.

[He takes one handle of Oda's bag, while Oda takes the other. Ayukawa and Hayashibara walk ahead.]

Kasuga:
[To Oda.] I don't think it's heavy at all.

Oda:
I know. I just wanted to talk to you, alone.

Kasuga:
Y...yes?

Oda:
Do you know if he's... you know, attached?

Kasuga:
What? Who?

Oda:
Hayashibara-san. Is he... seeing someone now?

Kasuga:
Um... no, not that I know of. Why do you ask?

Oda:
Well - I think he's... nice, you know. So I'm curious.

Kasuga:
You mean you... like him?

Oda:
[Sighs.] Maybe. I'm thinking about it. I don't know if I should do anything about it, though.

Kasuga:
I think you should go for it.

Oda:
[Blushes.] Should I?

Kasuga:
[Scratches his head.] Well, I wouldn't be sure myself, but there is that romantic advice columnist that I usually read, and she always tells people to go for it.

Oda:
[Blushes.] Yes, but... it's different with me.

Kasuga:
Why?

Oda:
Ah... well... I think I'd like to try, but... ah... well, he's always hanging out with you two, and, you know....

Kasuga:
Hmmm... I'll think what I can do, ok? [To himself.] Wouldn't that be nice. Then I won't have to worry about him and Ayukawa. [Looks at Oda.] And she might be happy as well. I should do something about this whole situation.

[Cut to the lobby of Saint Bois Inn. Hayashibara is talking to the inn's owner, a gray-haired man, while Kasuga and Ayukawa are signing the guest register.]

Owner:
...so you'll have the rooms number three, six, and nine. There's a king size bed in each, so you should have no problems with fitting two people per room. All rooms are on the second floor; they are very nice rooms, overlooking the pond. There is also a bar on the first floor.

Saito:
[Signing the registry, to Kasamatsu.] So we're in number three, I guess. [To Kasuga and Hayashibara.] And you're in number six.

Hayashibara:
[Nods.] All right. [He signs the register, and gives the pen to Oda. Oda looks at the other signatures, then carefully signs her name.]

Ayukawa:
Which means that Oda-san and I are in room number nine. [To Kasuga.] You know what this place reminds me of? [Kasuga looks at her questioningly.] Remember that mountain in, which we went to two years ago? We went skiing with Hikaru, Yusaku, and the rest of our friends. The one where you almost walked on me in the sho... [Looks around.] Um, well, you know.

Kasamatsu:
Yeeees?

Ayukawa:
[Big-sweats.] It's a long story.

Kasuga:
[Nods and smiles at Ayukawa. To himself.] All that brat Kazyua's fault. If he hadn't switched the room numbers, none of that would've happened. Wait, this is an idea. Maybe I can.... [He looks around and notices that Oda, Saito, and Kasamatsu are already heading toward their rooms.] Perfect. [Calling Ayukawa and Hayashibara.] Uh, can I have a word with you?

Hayashibara:
Yes?

Kasuga:
[Puts his hand behind his head and laughs.] Ahahaha... I just, um, wanted to thank you for inviting us. It's a great place, and, um, I'm sure we'll have great time here.

Hayashibara:
You're welcome, Kasuga-san. It's my pleasure.

Kasuga:
[To himself.] Oda-san should be in her room by now....

[Cut to room #9. Oda enters and closes the door behind her.]

Oda:
Hmm... I have a few minutes. Maybe I should take a shower.

[Cut back to Kasuga. He concentrates, and two plaques with door numbers "6" and"9" leave their respective places and float in the air, switching places with each other.]

Kasuga:
[To Ayukawa and Hayashibara.] Uh, I think I forgot something by the front desk. I'll catch up with you in a minute.

[Ayukawa and Hayashibara walk toward the rooms, while Kasuga returns to the front desk.]

Kasuga:
[Chuckling to himself.] Now I just need to wait for a minute while they get to their rooms, then all I need to do is switch the room numbers back, and everything will be great! Hayashibara will walk into Oda's room, and she should be able to keep him there for a while, and I can spend at least some time with Ayukawa, and not worry about him.

Owner:
[Calling Kasuga.] Excuse me, sir. I think your friend forgot this. [Points to Hayashibara's baseball cap, left on the counter.]

Kasuga:
What? Oh yes. Thank you, I'll give it to him. [He picks up the cap and walks toward the rooms.]

[There is nothing but the owner left by the front desk for a minute. Then a high school girl walks by - medium hight, brown hair, cute face.]

Girl:
[Yawning, to herself.] It's so boring here. [To the owner.] Is there anything interesting going on?

Owner:
Depending what you call interesting, Asono-san. Hayashibara Akira is here, for one.

Asono:
Who is he?

Owner:
He is a pretty good baseball player, as far as I understand. He's also the son of Hayashibara Takeo, who heads one of our corporate sponsors.

Asono:
[With curiosity.] Aha, I think I've heard of this guy. Is he... handsome?

Owner:
[Cautiously.] Well... I presume you could say so.

Asono:
Great. Where do you think I can find him?

Owner:
[Pointing.] As a matter of fact, he just left toward his room.

Asono:
Cool. [She dashes in the indicated direction.]

[Cut to Kasuga walking toward his room. Asono rushes past him, stops suddenly, and looks at him.]

Asono:
[To herself.] Hmm... kinda cute, in a puppy-dog kind of way...about the right age.... [Notices the baseball cap with letter "H".] It's him! [To Kasuga.] Hi!

Kasuga:
[Carefully.] Hi...

Asono:
Say, do you want to go out with me?

Kasuga:
[With his usual eloquence.] Umph....

Asono:
Please? Please?? Pleasepleasepleaseplease!

Kasuga:
Umph. Ehh. You know, I really can't, because...

Asono:
[To herself.] He's so cute when he's shy! [To Kasuga.] Come on! There's a bar right here, we can talk!

Kasuga:
[Sighs. To himself.] I guess I'll have to talk myself out of this. [To Asono.] Sure.

[Cut to Hayashibara entering the hotel room. There's the sound of the shower from the bathroom.]

Hayashibara:
[Looking around the room.] Wow, Kasuga must have gotten here before me. Maybe he took another route. Or... ah, never mind.

[The shower is turned off, and in a minute Oda walks out of the shower, wrapped in the towel. Hayashibara suddenly has the expression of abject horror on his face.]

Oda:
The bathroom is all yours, Ayukawa-san. [No reply. Oda looks around, takes her glasses from the nightstand and puts them on.] Hmmm. Nobody here. Did I see some movement...? Hmm. My vision is not *that* bad. Oh well. [She puts the glasses back on the nightstand.]

[Cut to Hayashibara, under the bed.]

Hayashibara:
[To himself.] Aack. Did I enter the wrong room?! Good thing she didn't catch me. [Pause.] So what should I do now?

[Cut to Kasuga and Asono, seated at the bar.]

Kasuga:
Listen, I can't go out with you because...

Asono:
[Tearing up.] Waah!

Kasuga:
Huh? Listen, it's nothing personal, but...

Asono:
Waaaaaaaah!

[People around are looking at them.]

Man 1:
Oh, look at the cute girl crying.

Man 2:
What do you think happened?

Woman 1:
It must be all the guy's fault.

Woman 2:
Yes. I'm sure he's breaking up with her.

Man 3:
She's kinda cute.

Woman 3:
I'm sure he heartlessly used her, and now wants to toss her off.

Umao:
: Ushiko-san, wherefore art thou Ushiko-san?

Ushiko:
Umao-san, wherefore art thou Umao-san?

[Everyone glares at Kasuga, who is clearly very uncomfortable.]

Asono:
Waaaaah!

Kasuga:
[Flustered.] Umm, err, uhh, eff, umm. Listen, it's all right, it's...

Asono:
Waaaaaaah!

Woman 1:
[To Woman 2.] Shall we go and slap him for her?

Kasuga:
[Big-sweats.] I think I gotta go.

[He gets up and rapidly dashes out of the bar. Asono jumps up and follows him.]

Woman 2:
[With disappointment.] Oh, he ran away.

Woman 1:
Yes. That's all they do these days - run away.

Woman 2:
Yeah. They aren't good for anything else.

Woman 1:
Uh huh.

[Cut to Kasuga, who is running down the hallway, with Asono in hot pursuit.]

Kasuga:
[To himself, looking back over his shoulder.] What does she want from me?!

[He runs through the lobby and outside. Asono stops by the owner's desk.]

Asono:
[Through tears.] Can I have a tissue, please? My contact lenses bother me. It must be all that smoke in the bar.

Owner:
[Giving her the dispenser.] Here you go.

Asono:
Thanks. [Wipes her eyes.] Ahh, much better. Now, back to business. Where did he go?

Owner:
Uhh... he ran outside.

Asono:
Great!

[She dashes outside.]

[Cut to Oda's room. She is already dressed.]

Oda:
[Thinking.] I wonder where is Ayukawa-san. [She opens the door and looks into the hallway.] Ayukawa-san?

Ayukawa:
[Turning from behind the corner.] Sorry, I got delayed; there was a nice view from the window - you know, the setting sun, and everything looked just so... orange. Very pretty. This is our room, right?

Oda:
Of course. [They enter the room.] I had time to take a shower already. It feels nice.

Ayukawa:
Oh, that's a good idea. I think I'll take one myself.

Hayashibara:
[Under the bed, to himself.] Urk.

Oda:
All right. I'll go around and explore the hotel. The owner mentioned a bar. I'll be back soon.

Ayukawa:
Sure.

[She starts undressing. Oda walks out of the door.]

Hayashibara:
[To himself.] I certainly can't get out of here now. Maybe when she's in the shower.... [He looks sideways, to see Ayukawa's bare feet walk by. Then she drops a bra on the floor directly in front of him, and Hayashibara freezes.]

[Cut to Saito, walking down the hallway.]

Saito:
[To himself.] Now, let me see. Kasuga was in number six....

[He comes to the door with #6, and knocks on it. He hears no reply, but listening carefully he discerns the sound of shower. He enters the room.]

Saito:
[Thinking.] One of the guys must be in the shower. Oh well, I guess I'll wait for a few minutes.

[Cut to the street outside the inn. Kasuga sprints along, followed by Asono.]

Asono:
Hey, stop! Stop, Mr. H!

[A nearby policeman hears her.]

Policeman:
[To himself.] Did she say "ecchi"? If she's chasing a pervert, I should help!

[He jumps on his bike and follows her.]

[Cut back to room number 9, currently number 6. Saito loiters around, until the shower is turned off. In a moment, the bathroom door opens and Ayukawa walks out, clad in a towel. She has another towel over her head, drying her hair. Saito's eyes suddenly open wide as saucers. Ayukawa finishes drying her hair, opens her eyes, and looks around. The room is empty. Cut to Saito, who hides under the bed, his teeth chattering. He slides deeper under the bed, when his back hits an obstacle. He turns, only to see Hayashibara glaring at him.]

Saito:
Urk.

[Cut to Kasuga, running along the street. He is followed by Asono, who is followed by a policeman on the bicycle. A group of young guys, standing around in "Marathon '89" tank tops, notice the procession.]

Sportsman 1:
Hey, guys, did you see that?

Sportsman 2:
Yes, it seemed like a policeman was trying to arrest the girl and a guy.

Sportsman 3:
But there's two of them, and only one of him. Hey, let's help the law!

[They all take off running, pursuing the policeman who is pursuing Asono who is pursuing Kasuga.]

[Cut back to room #9, currently #6. Ayukawa is already dressed, when Oda comes in.]

Oda:
There is a bar on the first floor. Do you want to come take a look?

Ayukawa:
Is it any good?

Oda:
Quite good, I think. Oh, by the way, I forgot these. [Takes her glasses from the nightstand and puts them on.] Much better this way. I bet I could even read our room numbers now. Say, would you like to go with me? We can get a drink.

Ayukawa:
[Smiles.] Sure!

Oda:
Great!

[The girls take the key and leave the room, locking the door behind them. In a minute, Saito cautiously crawls from under the bed, followed by Hayashibara.]

Hayashibara:
[Glaring at Saito.] What were you doing here?!

Saito:
[Glaring right back.] You are asking me! You were here first! What were you doing here?!

Hayashibara:
I was hiding under the bed!

Saito:
I know! Why were you hiding under the bed?

Hayashibara:
Because I entered the wrong room, that's why.

Saito:
What wrong room?

Hayashibara:
This is clearly the girls' room, number nine.

Saito:
No way. I remember looking at the room number, and this is number six.

Hayashibara:
I also thought this was number six, but I guess I was wrong.

Saito:
Oh.

Hayashibara:
Yeah.

[Pause. Saito comes to the door and tries to open it, but to no avail - it's locked.]

Saito:
Ack. Why did they have to use the locks that can't be opened from the inside?!

Hayashibara:
[Shrugs.] Maybe these are cheaper. It's a discount inn, after all. [Pause.] Shall we get out of the window?

[They look out of the window. There's a pool underneath, and people around.]

Saito:
Do you want to jump out of the second floor window into a pool, wearing all your clothes, with people watching?!

Hayashibara:
[Shudders.] I don't think so.

Saito:
Me neither.

[Pause.]

Hayashibara:
So, what are we going to do now?

[COMMERCIAL BREAK]

[Cut to the interior of a museum, late at night. Two masked figures are removing a painting from the wall. Then, suddenly, a bright beam of light shines at them.]

Unipuma:
Whaaa...?

[Leona rides in through ornate double doors on her tank.]

Leona:
[Through a loudspeaker.] Your game's lost! Weapons down, hands up!

Unipuma:
Hands?

Anapuma:
[Smirking.] I guess she means paws. Or claws.

[The Puma sisters whip out motorbikes from nowhere and toss a couple of hand grenades in Leona's direction. Leona steps on gas, the tank's caterpillars squeak, and the race is on. Ramming through the walls, crunching ancient statues and pieces of artwork, racing up and down the staircases, Leona steadily pursues the bandits.]

Anapuma:
[Looking over her shoulder.] She's gaining!

Unipuma:
It's impossible! She's can't be driving a... Volkswagen?!

[Cut to a "VW" emblem on the tank's hood.]

Voiceover:
On the roads of life, there are passengers and there are drivers.

[Cut to Leona putting handcuffs on the Puma sisters.]

Voiceover:
Drivers wanted.

[The tank roars away, leaving behind a gaping hole in the wall.]

[Standard disclaimer.]

[END COMMERCIAL BREAK]

[Cut to Kasamatsu going down the hallway.]

Kasamatsu:
[Stealthily, to himself.] The Red Ninja, driven by his innate sense of curiosity, ventures out to seek adventures! [He sees the door marked "9".] The Red Ninja comes upon the abode of two beautious maidens!

[He knocks. There is no response. He tries the handle and the door opens. Kasamatsu peeps inside.]

Kasamatsu:
Weird, no beauteous maidens here. Hmph.

[He exits the room, and slams the door behind him. Walking away, he doesn't notice the sign "9" tremble, shudder, and lose the top screw attaching it to the door. Free from its upper support, the sign flips over, displaying "6" - the true room number. Kasamatsu proceeds down the corridor to another door marked "6". He knocks, but there's no reply.]

Kasamatsu:
[Trying the door knob.] Aha, this one is locked. The Red Ninja espies the rare opportunity to ambush his enemies, whose fort is left empty! [Opening a Swiss Army pocket knife.] The Red Ninja never leaves his humble abode without the versatile tools of his dangerous trade!

[After a few seconds of fiddling the lock yields and Kasamatsu enters the room. He slams the door behind him. Outside, the sign "6" shakes and flips, turning into "9".]

Kasamatsu:
[Looking around the empty room.] The Red Ninja espies a chance for his customary good-natured prank!

Voice:
It's only Kasamatsu. We didn't need to hide.

Second Voice:
What is he doing here?

First Voice:
I guess he's lost, too.

Second Voice:
Oh.

Kasamatsu:
[Looking around in panic.] The Red Ninja thinks he's hallucinating! The mysterious voices sound in his brain, and...

Saito:
[Climbing from under the bed.] As if you had a brain. Are you lost, too?

Kasamatsu:
Ehh? What are you doing here? And what are you doing under the bed?!

Hayashibara:
[Also climbing from under the bed.] We thought you were the girls.

Kasamatsu:
[With indignation.] I'm not the girls! I'm not even a single girl! [Curiosity gets better of him. He peeps under the bed.] Is Kasuga there, too?

Saito:
No, he's not. He must be lounging somewhere.

[Cut to Kasuga, running along the street, chased by Asono, chased by a policeman on the bicycle, chased by four sportsmen. Cut back to room #9.]

Saito:
We think we got the wrong room.

Kasamatsu:
What do you mean? This is room #6. I've seen the sign on the door.

Hayashibara:
I thought I've seen #6, too.

Saito:
Anyway, I guess we... walked on the girls while taking a shower.

Kasamatsu:
You were taking a shower?

Saito:
What? Oh, no, they were taking a shower.

Kasamatsu:
[His eyes bug out.] Together?

Saito:
What together?

Kasamatsu:
[Drooling.] Were they taking a shower together?

Saito:
Baka hentai*! Of course not!

*<Netiquette violator>

Kasamatsu:
[Shakes his head.] Then I really don't understand how you could walk on them if they were taking shower one at a time.

Saito:
[Shakes his head as well.] It's a long story.

Hayashibara:
The important thing is that now we can get out of here. [To Kasamatsu.] Did you, what, get an extra key so you could enter this room?

Kasamatsu:
[Proudly.] No doors or locks are obstacles for the Red Ninja!

Saito:
Ah hah, you picked the lock!

Kasamatsu:
Pin-pon*!

*Bingo

Hayashibara:
Listen, you should probably do it again, so we all can get out of here.

Kasamatsu:
By all means. [Getting out his pocket knife.] The Red Ninja prepares once more to demonstrate his superior skill! The Red Ninja...

[He is interrupted when the door is unlocked from outside.]

Kasamatsu:
[Rapidly.] The Red Ninja decides to exercise his supreme hiding skills!

[Ayukawa and Oda enter the room.]

Ayukawa:
[Stretching and yawning.] Well, that was fun. I'm sorry I dragged you back, though. It's just that I'm really tired.

Oda:
No, it's fine. I might go back, though - I don't feel sleepy yet.

[Cut to Hayashibara, Saito, and Kasamatsu. Three of them are cramped under the bed.]

Saito:
[Whisper.] Oh why do they keep coming and going!?

Hayashibara and Kasamatsu:
Shhh!

Ayukawa:
Did you hear that?

Oda:
Hear what?

Ayukawa:
Some kind of hushing noise.

Oda:
No, I didn't.

Ayukawa:
Oh. Must've been the wind.

Oda:
Yeah. Say, did you see any of the guys this evening?

Ayukawa:
No. I do wonder where they might be.

[Hayashibara, Saito, and Kasamatsu big-sweat.]

Oda:
[Winks at Ayukawa.] Kasuga-san, I'm sure, is chasing girls.

[Cut to Kasuga, chased by Asono, policeman, and a group of sportsmen. People on the street start taking note of the curious running group.]

Onlooker 1:
Hey, these guys are running pretty fast! This must be the marathon - they even have a police escort.

Onlooker 2:
But the guy in front isn't wearing a sports uniform.

Onlooker 1:
I guess this means the marathon is open for everyone.

Onlooker 2:
Sounds like fun. Shall we join them?

Onlooker 1:
Sure! Let's go!

[They take off running, and join the group. More people off the street start joining the group as well, which rapidly grows to the size of a small crowd.]

Kasuga:
[Looking back in horror.] Why are they all after me?! I can't keep this up much longer. I guess I have to use the Power....

[He concentrates and picks up the speed.]

[Cut back to the guys under the bed in room #9. They are clearly uncomfortable, not only because there is very little space, but also because of the conversation that's going on in the room.]

Ayukawa:
No, I don't think Kasuga-kun would go chasing girls.

Oda:
[Laughing.] You mean, he'd have no luck if he tried?

Ayukawa:
[Laughs.] No, I didn't mean that. Although, I presume, Hayashibara-san would have more luck.

Oda:
[Dreamily.] Yes, he sure is handsome.

Ayukawa:
[Nods.] And there's always a crowd of girls around him.

[Hayashibara big-sweats.]

Oda:
How about Saito-san?

Ayukawa:
Saito-san? Well, he does have two girl-friends already....

[Saito big-sweats.]

Oda:
[Nods.] True. And as for Kasamatsu-san - well...

Ayukawa:
Well...

Oda:
I think he should graduate from the kindergarten first.

[Kasamatsu big-sweats.]

Ayukawa:
[Yawns.] Anyway - I think I'm getting really tired. I probably should go to sleep soon.

Oda:
Uh, ok. I think I'll go to the bar again.

Ayukawa:
Have fun. Let me change into my nightclothes.

[The guys big-sweat.]

Oda:
Sure. [Pause. The guys hear fabric rustle.] You're going to sleep in that?

[The guys big-sweat again. More fabric rustle.]

Oda:
Wow, Ayukawa-san. You have a great figure.

[The guys bug out their eyes. More rustle.]

Oda:
Say, what is your bra size?

[The guys faint.]

[Cut to Kasuga, running along the lamp-lit street, with a huge crowd in tow. The people on the sides of the streets are cheering on the runners. There are balloons and music around, and the local news station is broadcasting the proceedings.]

[Cut back to room #9. It's dark, and Ayukawa is asleep in the bed. Under the bed, there is some kind of a commotion.]

Saito:
[Whispering to Kasamatsu.] Hey, careful with your hand!

Kasamatsu:
[Whispering.] It's not my hand!

Saito:
Whose hand is it, then? I know it's not mine!

Hayashibara:
[Whispering.] It's not a hand, it's my foot!

Saito:
Well, be careful with it, whatever it is!

Kasamatsu:
Hey, do you think she's asleep?

Saito:
I hope she is. Shall we run for it?

Hayashibara:
And what if she's not?!

Saito:
Then, I guess, we all have to stay here, under the bed, ALL NIGHT.

Hayashibara:
[Big-sweats.] I guess she's asleep.

[One by one, slowly, guys creep from under the bed, and move toward the door. Then, opening it just a crack, three of them carefully slip out, and quietly close the door behind them. They crawl on the floor, until Kasamatsu hits something headfirst. He looks up, and sees the owner looking at three of them in puzzlement.]

Kasamatsu:
Urk.

Owner:
What are three of you doing, crawling in the hallway!?

Kasamatsu:
Err...umm... we're lost!

Owner:
You are lost?! In the hallway?!

Hayashibara:
Err, he means we lost... something!

Owner:
What did you lose?

Saito:
Umm... my contacts! They should be on the floor somewhere! So we're looking for them!

Owner:
But you're wearing your glasses!

Saito:
I... got them on because I can see better in them!

Owner:
Oh. Tell me again, why were you crawling from that corridor?

Saito:
We decided to look here, because... um... because... here's more light!

Owner:
Ohh. Umm. Ok. [To himself.] What is it with people behaving weirdly about their contact lenses tonight? [To the guys.] Well, good luck. [He leaves.]

Saito:
[Springing onto his feet.] Ufff! Free at last!

Hayashibara:
At last? I've been under that bed longer than you!

Kasamatsu:
[Pointing.] Uh, guys, this is weird. This room is #9.

Saito:
[Looking.] You're right. This is strange. I clearly remember that it was marked #6.

Kasamatsu:
Well, you were wrong!

Saito:
Was not!

Kasamatsu:
Was too!

Hayashibara:
Shh! Not so loud! I guess we'd better go to our rooms. I had enough excitement for one night.

Kasamatsu:
The Red Ninja is never tired of adventure!

Saito:
Yeah, right.

[Saito and Kasamatsu leave toward #3. Hayashibara carefully looks at the door sign.]

Hayashibara:
[Thinking.] I wonder where Kasuga-san is....

[Cut to Kasuga racing along with a crowd in tow. There's a finishing line stretched in the end of the street. Kasuga looks around and sees that several people are gaining on him. With last ounce of strength, he pushes ahead - and crosses the finishing line first. The crowd erupts in cheers and surrounds him.]

Kasuga:
[Thinking to himself.] Well, at least I've lost that annoying girl.

[Cut to the bar on the ground floor of the inn. Oda is sitting at one of the tables, nursing a drink. Hayashibara enters.]

Hayashibara:
Oh, hi.

Oda:
[Looks up.] Hello. [Looks around.] You're... alone?

Hayashibara:
[Shrugs.] Saito and Kasamatsu said they're tired, and I've no idea where Kasuga is. Say, do you mind if I join you here?

Oda:
[Blushes slightly.] Sure.

[Hayashibara sits down next to Oda, flags the waitress, and orders a beer. Oda watches him, toying with her napkin. There's a moment of uncomfortable silence.]

Hayashibara:
So, what do you think of this place so far?

Oda:
Uh, it's fine.

[Another pause.]

Oda:
[To herself.] This is really my chance. I should really... or should I not?

Hayashibara:
[Interrupting her concentration.] You look like you have something on your mind.

Oda:
[To herself.] Well, go for it, Oda. [Looks at him and lowers her gaze.] I... I wanted to ask you something.

Hayashibara:
Yes?

Oda:
This might not be an... appropriate question, so... forgive me if you think so. [Sighs. Carefully.] What did you think of my response to your letter in last month's "Dear Oda" column?

Hayashibara:
[Goes pale.] How do you...

Oda:
I saw your signature earlier tonight, and I recognized the handwriting.

Hayashibara:
[Swallows.] Oh. Well... I... I didn't really decide anything yet. You see, I promised Kasuga-san that I won't compete with him. [Sighs.] Or maybe I already broke that promise, I don't know.

Oda:
Um. Do you... want to talk about it?

[Cut to Kasuga, entering the inn. He is clearly exhausted after his midnight run.]

Kasuga:
[Approaching the room #6.] At last I can get some sleep... maybe a shower first... nah, I'm too tired now. Can take it tomorrow. [Puts his hand on the door handle and freezes.] Oops. Almost forgot about the numbers! [Shudders.] There'd be a lot of trouble if I entered this room.

[He ambles toward room #9 and enters. It's dark inside.]

Kasuga:
[To himself, feeling his way around.] Aha... this is the dresser... and this is the nightstand... and this is the bed... and this is Hayashibara's leg....

Ayukawa:
[Half-asleep.] Umph?

Kasuga:
[To himself.] Ohh, did I wake him up? [Whispers.] Sorry.

Ayukawa:
[Falling back asleep.] Umhh.

Kasuga:
[Undressing and climbing under covers. Whispers.] Good night.

[Fade out on Kasuga and Ayukawa sleeping next to each other.]

[Cut to the bar. Oda and Hayashibara are still seated at the table. There're several empty beer bottles by Hayashibara's elbow.]

Hayashibara:
...so what can I do? I really like her. Should I forget everything else and just go for it? You know, the whole thing - flowers, chocolates, dinners at fancy restaurants, moonlit walks on the beaches. I can take her on a weekend drive to Hokkaido anytime. I think she'd enjoy this.

Oda:
[Shakes her head.] I'm afraid things don't quite work that way, Hayashibara-san.

Hayashibara:
How would I know how do they work? I can't just ask her what she likes.

Oda:
[Quietly.] You can ask someone else.

Hayashibara:
Whom would I ask? Who would care, anyway? [Oda sighs.] I can't ask my friends, because they are involved, and I don't have... relatives who could help. [Pause.]

Oda:
[Carefully looks at Hayashibara.] You know what, Hayashibara-san? I don't think you should have any more beer.

Hayashibara:
[Sighs.] It's easy to tell other people what to do and what not to do, isn't it?

Oda:
[Shakes her head.] That was only an advice. I didn't mean to mother you.

[Pause. Hayashibara stares at Oda and doesn't say anything.]

Oda:
[Realizes what she just said.] Ohh... I'm sorry. I... forgot. I didn't mean to... to be...

Hayashibara:
[Shakes his head.] It's ok. [Pause.] I think I'd better go now. [He stands up and glances around, looking somewhat disoriented.

Oda:
Are you ok?

Hayashibara:
[Tries to smile.] I'm fine... just... tired.

Oda:
You should probably go lie down. [Rapidly.] Not that I'm telling you what to do.

[Hayashibara nods weakly.]

[Cut to room #6. The door is opened from outside, and Hayashibara enters, being supported by Oda. He nearly falls down on the bed and curls into a fetal position.]

Oda:
[Looks around.] I wonder where Kasuga-san is. [Notices that Hayashibara is shivering.] Are you ok, Hayashibara-san?

Hayashibara:
I'm... fine. Just a bit... cold.

Oda:
Hold on a minute, let me get you a blanket.

[She looks through the closet, and returns with a blanket.]

Oda:
Is this one all right? [Silence.] Hayashibara-san? [Looks carefully.] Oh... he's asleep. Now what should I do?

[Hayashibara turns and mumbles something in his sleep. Oda looks at him and bends down toward his face.]

Hayashibara:
[In his sleep.] Mom....

[Oda freezes. Then she straightens, unfolds a blanket, and carefully covers Hayashibara. After that, she turns down the lights and sits down in the armchair, resting her head on her arm and watching sleeping Hayashibara. Fade out.]

[Cut to next morning. Kasuga wakes up and stretches. Ayukawa is curled next to him, completely covered by the blanket.]

Kasuga:
[To himself, getting up.] Now it's time for shower. I really could use one after the race last night.

[He proceeds to the shower. In a minute, Ayukawa wakes up to find herself alone in the bed. The sound of shower is coming from the bathroom.]

Ayukawa:
[Stretches.] Oda-san is certainly an early riser.

[She gets up, dresses, and leaves. In a minute, Kasuga comes out of the bathroom.]

Kasuga:
[Seeing the bed empty.] Oh, I guess he got up already. [He dresses and leaves.]

[Cut to room #6. Hayashibara stirs and opens his eyes. First thing he sees is Oda, sleeping in the armchair. Hayashibara gets up and gently touches Oda's arm. Oda's eyes open.]

Oda:
[Sleepily.] Huh?

Hayashibara:
Oda-san... did you sleep here for the whole night?

Oda:
[Rubs her eyes and looks at her watch.] Eh? Oh. Yes, I guess I did. [Blushes.] I... just wanted to make sure you're ok, and I guess I fell asleep myself. [Shudders.] That seems awfully inappropriate, doesn't it?

Hayashibara:
Well... a bit. You know, I would... really appreciate it if you wouldn't tell anyone what happened last night. I mean, about...

Oda:
[Shakes her head.] I understand; of course I won't say a word.

Hayashibara:
[Nods.] Thank you.

Oda:
Don't mention it. I'm... glad to help.

[Hayashibara nods and smiles at her. His teeth gleam.]

[Cut to Kasuga, entering the hotel lobby, where he sees Ayukawa.]

Ayukawa:
Ohayo, Kasuga-kun.

Kasuga:
Ohayo. Do you want to go grab some breakfast?

Ayukawa:
Maybe we should wait for the others.

Kasuga:
Fine. [Sits down.] How did you sleep last night?

Ayukawa:
[Sitting down next to him.] Well... so-so, as a matter of fact.

Kasuga:
Anything wrong?

Ayukawa:
Well... Oda-san is not the best roommate, as I found out. She came back from the bar when I was asleep and she woke me up.

Kasuga:
Oh, that's very inconsiderate of her.

Ayukawa:
Um. Also, you know what? [Whispering to Kasuga.] She snores.

Kasuga:
Really?!

Ayukawa:
Um. I even tried to shake her a bit, but she wouldn't stop.

Kasuga:
Oh, that's horrible. But, you know, my bedfellow wasn't perfect either. I was really tired last night, but I think I remember him tossing and turning and pushing me all night.

Ayukawa:
Oi, that's too bad. [Pause.] You know, Kasuga-kun...

Kasuga:
Yes?

Ayukawa:
Maybe, sometime in the future, we...

Kasuga:
Yes?

Ayukawa:
You know...

Kasuga:
Yes? Uh... you mean...?

Ayukawa:
Um....

Kasuga:
Ah....

[Saito, Kasamatsu, Hayashibara, and Oda walk into the lobby.]

Saito:
Good morning, you two lovebirds!

Kasamatsu:
Shall we go and have breakfast? I could surely go for a something to eat.

Kasuga:
[To himself.] Why did they have to come right now?!

Ayukawa:
Sure. Let's go.

[They open the door, and the rays of the morning sun rush in.]

Oda:
Oh... it's so bright.

Hayashibara:
[Nods.] Should be a great day to go for a hike... or climb a mountain trail... or watch the sunset.

Ayukawa:
[Smiles.] Sounds great!

Kasuga:
[Smiles as well.] Looks like we're going to have a great day! Come on! Let's go!

[They rush out of the door.] 

END CREDITS


New Character Designer / Pre-reader     Stephen Tsai
Writer                                  Vladimir Zelevinsky
Pre-reader                              Greg Dreher
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, mail them to stsai@netcom.com.

Thank you for taking the time to read this episode of my series. I've got the next episode in the works.

Hope you enjoyed it and thanks again!

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Changes last made on: Wed Sep 30 13:22:04 1998