Main Page


Authors


Gallery


Reviews


Magazines


Shop's addresses

AuthorSuetsugu Yuki ––ŽŸ—R‹I
Title Promise
Number of volumes 1
Year(s) of publication 1992-1995
Publisher Kodansha
Magazine Betsufure
ISBN 4-06-303051-2
Promise is actually a collection of four short stories, though Promise itself makes up two of these stories. If that explanation does not make sense just read on. I don't normally these kind of short compilation because they have the same satisfaction as bubble gum, you chew them then forget about them for a long while. For some reason I just can't help but ponder over this story long after I've finished it. By the way this review is full of spoilers, just skip the last few paragraphs if you don't want to spoil the story.

In his life, Keisuke made two important promises which shaped him as a person.


Promise 1
The first promise was made when he was sixteen, while visiting his grandmother in the country. Even though it's his holiday he brought his books to study for his finals. The last thing he had on his mind was the holiday itself. It's not surprising that when a girl named Nagisa tried to befriend him, he saw her as nothing more than a distraction. She teased him about studying too hard, and he blew up saying that at least he doesn't fool around with his study unlike her. His comment hurt and she ran away. Keisuke's grandmother then hit him for being so rough, it turned out that Nagisa was rather sickly and she has problems attending school, right now she's only in second year of junior high.

Feeling guilty, he approached Nagisa and asked for her apology, she forgave him and he ended up tutoring her. Pretty soon Keisuke also end up tutoring the other children who came to visit his grandmother's house. Keisuke and nagisa also became close. One day she found a book which he dropped, embarrassed he took it out of her hand. It turned out that Keisuke's a closet romantic, the book was actually a love story about a guy whose girlfriend had died, though he continued to love her. For some reason there's something about the plot which struck him, and he carries it around. Nagisa became quiet when she heard his explanation . "Don't forget me." She said, as he watches her face.

Finally Keisuke had to leave, and as he turned around to say goodbye to Nagisa for the last time he saw her collapse. In the hospital he held her for the last time, and she made him promise to become a good teacher.

Promise 2
Fast forward eight years into the future. Keisuke received an invitation to his high school reunion, an invitation which reminded him of his second promise...

It was two years since Nagisa's death, he was in his senior year and for some reason he was appointed as the president of the student body. Nagisa's death had made him to become a more mature person and this in itself seemed to bring the trust and respect he used to crave for.

In his grade there was a girl called Minori, supposedly the prettiest one in the entire school. He met her an end of year party he was pushed in to coming. As the party progressed it become apparent that Minori was having problems with some over amorous boys. Taking charge of the situation he took her away from the party. They parted, but when he turned his back she was again accosted by some guys and getting punched in the face for his pain.

"I'm sorry" She said.
"Maybe this is too blunt, but you need a "guy". If there's no one else I'm willing to be that person."

So they went out...the entire school went crazy. Their calm and sedate president going out with the school beauty?! To Keisuke his role was clear cut, he was there as her knight protector as she seemed so very defenseless against the entire world. One day while changing a student spotted a love bite on Minori's shoulder, rumors spread and again Keisuke received the blame. He didn't want to ask her who did it, but continued protecting her from the others.

All was explained when he went to Minori's house and saw her step father about to rape her. He took her away and tried to comfort her as best as he could. He sent her off on the train to her aunt the next day. "Be a good man" she said for the last time.

While accompanying his class on an excursion, lost in thought Keisuke looked up and saw a familiar figure walking towards him...


Nagisa

Tokito Keisuke


Mamiya Minori


This page hosted by GeoCities Get your own Free Home Page

Y.W © 1997 natane@geoties.com