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yuki no kuni no S.O.S.
Snow Country S.O.S.
Manato walks away, turning back, staring up at the hospital. High up in the hospital ward, Yui looks at Saeki sitting by her bedside, listening to him say "It looks like Mariko has no intentions of going with me. At first I thought that she was just making a big deal about it. But it seems like she's dead serious. Anyway, it's not just because this has happened but if you'd like, you're welcome to use the ticket for the seat next to mine. Of course that'll only happen after you get better." Yui smiles "So number two has been promoted to the number one spot." Saeki nods amicably "Uhm." "Albeit wounded." "There's no need to say that." "A victory is a victory I guess." "Yes it is." "Was it Manato?" "Hm?" "He asked you to come here?" "Yes." "I knew it." "He's a great brother isn't he." Yui leans back against her pillow & nods "Uhm."
Seeing Manato sitting on a bench, reading a book at the park near the hospital, Haruka calls out "Irie-kun?" Looking up, Manato smiles "Yah..." "What are you doing here? Is Yui-chan sleeping?" "No, Saeki-san is here to see her again." "I see." "Have a seat." "Ok," replies Haruka, sitting down beside Manato. Holding out a little box, she says "I brought some cake, but I'm not sure if she can eat though." Taking the box from her, Manato nods "Thanks. I think she's getting better but I'm still not sure if her appetite's back yet." Noticing Manato's calm resignation, Haruka ventures "It's strange." "Hm?" "It feels like you've changed again." "I have?" "Uhm. It's like you've regained your composure & your kindness shows." Manato smiles "I don't know about that. It's just that...." Haruka looks at him "Just what?" "I guess it's because I've given up completely...." "Yui?" Manato nods "Uhm, yeah." "I see." Manato gets to his feet "Seeing Yui in such a serious state, any strange malicious intentions I had just disappeared I guess." Haruka ventures "The state of enlightenment perhaps?" Haruka laughs & Manato returns it "Perhaps." Manato walks slowly to the edge of the pond & stares at his reflection in the water as someone inside him murmurs; that's the best thing to do.
あのとき僕は突然、
そう突然に
もうひとりの自分を呼び戻してしまった
フィルターとしてのメガネをかけていた、
あのもうひとりの自分を
At that moment I suddenly,
yes suddenly
called out to the other person inside me
the other one inside me
that wore those glasses as a filter
Lying in bed, Yui says to Saeki "There is someone I really would like to meet." "Someone you'd like to meet?" "Uhm." "Who is it? Someone I know?" Yui shakes her head & reaches under her pillow, pulling out the yellow colored letter "Hirase Ai-chan."
だから君のことを忘れなよ
That is why I will never forget you.
Sitting back on the bench next to Haruka, Manato's stomach starts to growl. Haruka laughs "You haven't had lunch yet." "You're right." Holding out the cake box, Haruka offers "Have this then." Manato nods & takes it from her "Uhm. I'll have one." Opening the box, Manato sees three pieces of strawberry shortcake. Taking one & holding it up, Manato ponders "Where shall I start?"
最後の最後まで、君は僕を、
困らせたね、エンジェル
Right to the very end,
you put me in a spot, didn't you
Angel...
At the cafe, with Haruka scribbling away on a writing pad, Saeki moans "But how come I have to make the valedictory speech at the graduation ceremony? Maybe because I cool? Maybe the majority of the girls voted for me without my knowledge?" "It's probably because you stayed an extra two years in school." "You're right, I'm sure that's it. They get a student who's suffering from some illness make a touching speech at the ceremony." "& faking an illness at that." "I guess it's better to hide that forever, together with my affair." With a tired sigh, Haruka drops the pencil on the writing pad & gets up "Work on this yourself, I'm going home." Saeki pleads "Please, I need your literary expertise." "I haven't got any of that." "You do. It was fairly obvious in the letter, Hirase Ai-san." Haruka freezes. Saeki grins "I knew it. So it was you." "You read it?" "Yui showed it to me." "I see," replies Haruka, sitting back down at the table. Saeki continues "There's no need to be embarrassed, I'd like you to tell me about it." "It's got nothing to do with you." "What heartless words again. I would like to have something to do with everything that happens in this world." "You mean have something to do with all the girls." "You've got me wrong." "We're right back where we started." "Well, in any case this Hirase Ai doesn't exist, does she." "She's in Niigata. She transferred away during junior high." "Ah, this is hard to figure. & then?" "Irie-kun said that she was his first love, lying to Yui." "Why did he make up that lie?" 'I think it was to hide his own feelings." "I see. So that's why he wrote the letter. But then why did you reply?" "If I didn't she'd suspect something, wouldn't she?" "Lies on top of lies. So you were part of the cause of this too." "Don't put it that way." "It's just like an accounts clerk that misrepresents the accounts at a bank. She knows for a fact that she's being used & yet, she continues to help out the man." "I was the one that wanted to reply." "Why?" "I wanted to go back to being the real me." "That again. There's no such thing as being real or fake," Saeki brushes the thought off, putting a cigarette in his mouth. Haruka flatly counters "There is. Even in you." At her quiet confident reply, Saeki turns somber & admits "Probably."
Late in the evening, with Manato by her bedside, Yui says "Senpai said that if I got better, he'd give me the ticket." Manato asks "For the flight to New York?" Yui nods "Uhm." Manato smiles "I see. That's great." Yui frowns "It's just that there's one problem." "About sensei?" "No, it's you, Manato." Manato looks surprised "Me?" Yui turns to look at him "I don't like to be the only one that is happy. If you're not happy...." Manato assures her "I'm not unhappy. Well, I got into college when I didn't expect too...uhm....I'm pretty contented." "& what about Ai-chan?" Manato looks away as he replies "You know as well as I do that it's going along fine. Well, as far as pen pals go." "I want to meet her." Manato looks surprised "Eh?" "I want to meet Ai-chan." "That's not possible." Yui sits up suddenly "Why not?" Manato quickly gets her shawl & puts it around her shoulders "Well, it's not exactly impossible but.....well, it hasn't been easy getting to know one another...." "But I'm worried." "What about?" "Well, one can write anything in letters right? Perhaps she's really bad natured in person." Manato smiles "You're thinking too much." "I don't like the thought of you being unhappy when I'm no longer around." "Alright. We'll wait till you get better." "That's just the opposite." "The opposite?" "Meeting Ai-chan would put me at ease, & then I'll get better." "Yui....." "I won't eat anything until you let me see Ai-chan." Manato turns away in silence. "Come on, let's go see Ai-chan," pleads Yui. Manato replies curtly "No." "Please. This is my last request." "Stop it, what last request." "Is it unlucky?" "That's for me to say," replies Manato, smiling, ultimately giving in to Yui.
The day of the Yukigaoka High School 37th graduation ceremony arrives. In the music room, Mariko picks out the tune of the T's Waltz on the piano. Haruka, leaning against the grand piano, says "I've been thinking about it ever since.....but no matter how I look at it, I still can't accept it. When I think that the same thing might happen to me when I grow up, I feel afraid." "Afraid?" "That just loving someone isn't enough." "I'm sure it's better that you feel that way. I never even had the slightest doubt." 'Then why?" "I guess I've changed. My life is chained by him. & I have tainted him..... " "Does that mean you're unhappy?" "If that's the case then the person I have been all my life is to be pitied. No, I'm sorry. I'm sure that isn't the case. This is probably.....some kind of punishment." "Punishment?" "Ever since I started thinking about our parents, our future, or things that had nothing to do with us at all....it's God's punishment not to give me the one person I love most." "Sensei...." "I was engaged to someone from an omiai (arranged marriage) meeting." "Yes, I know...." "I'm pregnant." "Eh? You're not saying that it's his?" Mariko remains silent & Haruka ventures "Then, you & he....?" Mariko shakes her head "That's my punishment." With those words, Mariko walks out of the music room, leaving a stunned Haruka alone with her thoughts.
A nurse enters Yui's room "Irie-san, I'm here to change your IV." However, seeing the empty bed, she looks around "Eh? Where is she?"
The graduation ceremony takes place in the auditorium & Mariko stands at the podium. "Due to personal reasons, I will be resigning at the end of this school term. I have a lot of memories here & I am unable to speak about all of them now. They will be forever in my heart, something that I will always cherish." Haruka glances at Saeki who sticks his tongue out at her in return. Mariko adds "Thank you very much for everything," ending with a bow as the students break out into appreciative applause.
The train comes out of the tunnel into bright sunlight, the white snow of the surrounding area dazzling. Inside the train, one of the cars is deserted save for Manato & Yui. Turning to look at Yui, Manato asks "You're not cold?" Looking rather pale with a faraway look in her eyes, Yui slowly nods in reply.
Back on the podium, a teacher continues with the graduation ceremony, announcing "& now for the valedictory speech, the representative from class 3C, Saeki Tetsuya." Everyone turns to look at Saeki as he slowly gets to his feet. Haruka whispers "Go for it." Saeki leans forward & mutters "I guess this is the last chance." Haruka looks at him in surprise "Eh?" Walking up to the stage, Saeki stands in front of the teachers & bows in respect. Looking at Mariko, Saeki says "You said that I could even become a politician, didn't you." Caught off guard, Mariko looks at him "Eh?" Without another word, Saeki stands in front of the mike & closes his eyes. Murmurs build up in the crowd of students as they wonder what Saeki is up to.
On the window of the train, frosted over with the cold, Yui draws an aiaigasa - the figure of an umbrella with their names 'Manato' & 'Yui' on each side of it. Seeing it puts a melancholy smile on Manato's face.
Amid the murmurs, Saeki finally opens his eyes & the murmurs subside. With a wry grin, he starts "We were born to love!" Haruka looks on in wonder "Eh?" Saeki continues "We were born into this world to love. We weren't put into this world to suffer. The 20th century that has been created by irresponsible adults is filled with conflict & deceit. However we were not born into this world to suffer." The murmurings among the students get louder & a girl next to Haruka laughs "What's wrong with Saeki-san?" Without looking at her, Haruka replies "Shut up." Getting to her feet, Haruka looks around at the others "Everyone, shut up!" When silence returns, Saeki continues "There are times when we will meet people who are heartless & we will feel like hitting them from behind, but we were not born into this world to hurt others. There are times when we will meet people who are heartless & we will feel insecure or stifled, but we were not born into this world to be hurt by others. Sometimes, we will create another person inside us. Perhaps that's just a way of escaping from pain & suffering. Perhaps in the eyes of others we are just running away, shutting oneself up at home, or running away to another different place, in order to talk to the other person, the friend inside us. That is why no one is ever alone. Everyone of us has a friend, the other person inside us. There are times when we think that those friends are bad company, that they are cowardly & cruel. But in reality it is different. The ones that are cowardly & cruel aren't our friends but our own selves. Why? Because in truth, the existence of those friends are created by us for our own sakes. That is why we have to part with those wonderful friends. If we don't do so, we will always be dependent on that other person inside us. Well then, when will that happen? That will be when we meet the person we love. When we give up loneliness, sorrow, pain & the person inside us for that person we love. Well then! Let's go look for the one we love. Someone we love whom we can talk to about anything, to laugh, to cry, to hold each other, to kiss & have sex with. Someone from whom we can get courage from, & to whom we can give courage in return." Moved, tears roll down Haruka's cheeks. Taking a deep breath, Saeki continues "The only reason we were born into this world is to love! Only, we are......." All of a sudden, Saeki stops in mid sentence & then unable to carry on, adds ".....valedictorian, Saeki Tatsuya." The auditorium is deadly silent. A solitary Haruka gets to her feet & starts applauding, sparking off others to do the same. The auditorium explodes into cheers, whistles & applause.
Late at night, Irie receives a call "Niigata?! What are you thinking of? Yui-chan is ill! She's so weak....what? Emotionally...? Whatever, just come back right now! If anything happens it'll be too late! Besides, how will I make it up to Yurie?" Manato assures his father "Don't worry, leave it to me, ok Dad?" His cell phone starts to beep & Manato hurriedly adds "The battery's going flat, well then, bye." Irie shouts into the phone "Hey Manato! Manato!" Giving up, Irie hangs up the phone & then reaches for the photograph of Yurie & Yui on Yui's desk.
Having checked into a room at a hotel, Manato pulls up the bed covers over Yui as she ponders "There must be a big fuss happening at the hospital right now." Manato replies "You talk as if it's got nothing to do with us." "What did Papa say?" Lying down on top of the other bed, Manato replies "It's to be expected I suppose but he was sure in a panic." "We'll get a good scolding when we go home." "Yeah, especially me," retorts Manato gruffly. "Are you mad, Manato?" "No, I'm not mad but just a little disgusted. But I am used to giving in to you." "Because it's me?" Manato turns to look at Yui "Hm?" "Because it's me you give in to my whims & fancies?" Manato pouts "Of course! It's a special service." "What if it's Ai-chan?" Taken aback, Manato replies "Eh?" Yui asks "What if Ai-chan asked you to?" Soberly, Manato turns away "She would never say so." However Yui persists "You don't know that. So, what if she did ask you to? You would listen to her wouldn't you? Because you love her." Not looking at her, Manato replies darkly "Maybe." Yui looks away "I wonder if we'll be able to meet her tomorrow." "It's so sudden so I don't know." "If she feels the same way about you she'll show up for sure." "I hope so." "Manato?" "Hm? Are you feeling cold?" "Let's sleep together again." "No way, this bed is so narrow." "It's ok, as long as you hold on to me from behind. Hurry up." Giving in to her again, Manato gets under the covers next to Yui as she pouts "You can't touch my chest." Manato laughs "I won't," pulling up the covers & putting his arm around her "How's this?" Yui giggles "Ticklish." "I'll turn out the light," says Manato. Yui nods "Uhm. Goodnight." Manato mutters in reply "Goodnight." In the dark, Yui gentle reaches for Manato's hand, holding it tight.
The next morning finds Manato & Yui in a little cafe. Seated with her back to Manato at a next table, Yui grumbles "She's late. Did you really arrange to meet with her at 11?" Manato nods & Yui looks at her watch "It's already half past. Maybe something came up at the last minute?" Manato mumbles "Perhaps," taking a sip of his coffee. Yui looks at him & then turns away "Manato." "Hm?" "Isn't it about time you told me the truth?" "Eh?" "I already figured it out much earlier. There's no one called Hirase Ai-chan......" Suddenly a long haired girl appears, quietly enquiring "Irie-kun?" Yui's face clouds over, stunned, as Manato gets to his feet "Hirase-san?" Hirase nods "Uhm. You're wearing contacts?" Manato replies "My eyesight got better." "That's great, my eyesight's gotten worse since high school." "Oh," replies Manato as they sit down at the table. Yui listens silently to the conversation behind her. Looking up at the mirror reflecting Hirase Ai behind her, Yui's expression remains unreadable. Hirase adds "It's been a long time," to which Manato replies "Yeah, this is a little awkward." "You're right." The waitress comes by to take her order "Welcome," & Hirase mutters "Tea...." "Alright." Manato continues "You must have been surprised that I wanted to meet up with you so suddenly." "Uhm, but I was really happy." "I just finished my exams so had some time on my hands." "Congratulations on getting through." "Thanks." At the next table, a dejected Yui mutters to herself "So she really exists." Behind her the conversation continues as Hirase says "Actually there's something I haven't told you." "What is it?" "I'll be attending college in Tokyo starting April." "Really?" "Uhm, I'll be living alone." "Will you be alight?" "Well, I'm a little nervous but now that you're going to be around...." "Leave it to me." "But....." "Hm?" "It's strange. We never spoke a word back then." "It wasn't that we never spoke, it was because we couldn't speak...." "....to each other." "Yeah." In shock & dejection, Yui slowly gets to her feet & without looking back, walks out of the cafe. Silently, Manato watches her leave. The moment Yui disappears from sight, Manato breathes a sigh of relief "Thanks for taking the trouble." Pulling the wig off, Haruka appears "Did she fall for it?" Manato nods "I think so. She had her back towards you so she only caught a glimpse of you. You were really great, even the way you spoke was different." Haruka grins "The moment I got your phone call I was desperately practicing. But why didn't Yui-chan ask to be introduced?" "That's because I told her over & over again that I wouldn't." "Are you going back right away?" "Uhm, Yui did sneak off quietly from the hospital." "Yeah." "What about you, Sawamura?" "Well, since I'm already here, I might take a look around the place.....as Hirase Ai." "I've really put you though a lot of trouble." "It's ok. I hopped on the boat & there's not turning back now." "Thank you. Hopefully this will help Yui get better & go with Saeki....." Unable to continue, Manato gives Haruka a sad smile "Bye." Haruka mutters a "Bye," & watches Manato grab his coat, leaving her alone in the cafe.
Saeki walks down the corridor towards Mariko's apartment. Knocking on the door, he calls out "Mariko? Mariko?" Not getting any response, he reaches out for the door handle & finds the door unlocked. Opening it, he steps inside into an empty apartment. Looking around, he mutters to himself "No way...." Swallowing hard in an attempt to accept Mariko's answer, he slides down to the floor & takes out the ring from his pocket. Staring at the ring, Saeki's voice trembles "& I proposed to you in front of the entire school....." Falling onto his back, Saeki closes his eyes, in tears.
As Saeki gets into his car, his cell phone rings. Answering it "Yes?" he finds Haruka on the other end "Its me, Sawamura." Saeki kids "Who are you looking for? This is the lost love restaurant." "Stop kidding around." "Let me kid around." Panic in her voice, Haruka says "Yui's missing!" Shocked, Saeki says "Eh?" From a payphone, Haruka frantically explains "I'm in Nakaoka, Niigata right now." "What on earth are you doing there?" Seeing someone approach, Haruka quickly says "Ah, wait, I'll call you back." Hanging up, Haruka rushes out of the phone booth towards Manato "Well?" Manato shakes his head. Haruka asks "She wouldn't have gone home would she?" "No, her wallet's with me. What about the hospitals?" Haruka shakes her head "Nothing. I've called all the hospitals in the city." "I see." "What do we do now?" "Go back to the cafe, she might go back there." "What about you?" "I'll go look around," replies Manato, running off. Haruka calls out "Wait, why did Yui-chan run off?" Not knowing the answer, Manato shakes his head replying "If she doesn't show up in a while, go to the police."
Manato runs about the streets looking for Yui, asking people on the street "Have you seen a girl in a red coat?" Finally, Manato finds someone who's spotted Yui "You saw her while you were driving?" A worker in a factory replies "I saw her along the road, but she was headed up the mountains." "The mountains?" "Yeah, she looked pale too." "Thank you." Manato runs off & heads up a ski area in the mountains, all covered in snow. Running pass a cordoned off area, something catches his eye. Looking past the sign board that says "No entry", Manato spots something in the snow - Yui's key chain. Picking up the bell, Manato shouts "Yui!" following tracks in the snow.
Driving on the roads towards Niigata, Saeki speaks with Haruka on the cell phone "Have you heard from Manato?" "Not since we split up. I haven't been able to get him on the phone either. Looks like his phone's turned off." "What about the police?" "I just called them a moment ago & I'm on my way there now. But since I don't really know what's happening I don't know if they can actually help." "Tell them that she's ill." "Uhm." "I'm also heading for the police station." Giving in to terror, Haruka chokes back tears "What do I do now? If anything happens....." Saeki assures her "Manato will find her." Haruka replies worriedly "But the guy at the cafe said that it would snow tonight....." Saeki's only reply is to step on the accelerator even harder.
Snow begins to fall heavily up on the mountains as Manato searchers for Yui. Mindless of the snow, Manato shouts "Yui! Yui!"
Haruka runs to the police station as Saeki speeds towards Nagaoka.
Struggling in the snow, Manato falls over in exhaustion. But looking at the key ring grasped tightly in his fist, Manato mutters "Yui..." & with renewed resolve, gets back up on his feet.
In the backseat of a patrol car, Haruka listens to a policeman radioing out a call "There have been reports of a high school boy & girl seen up at on the ski slopes. It seems like they were headed into the mountains. Uhmm.....there is a possibility that they might commit suicide." Haruka objects to his last comment "Wait a minute! They're not....." However the cop ignores her protests & continues on the radio "Anyway I'm headed over there now." Haruka, seeing a familiar car pull up, dashes out of the patrol car "Saeki-kun!" Saeki calls out "Get in!" The cop frantically calls out "Hey!" while another cop approaches Saeki "Who are you?" "A friend," replies Saeki, while Haruka hops into the car.
Saeki trails the patrol car heading up for the mountains. Haruka says shakily "I don't know why Yui's doing this...." Almost to himself, Saeki murmurs "It could be my fault." Haruka stares at him & agitatedly retorts "Did you say anything to her?! What did you say to her again?!" "Nothing, calm down." "How do you expect me to be calm?!" Saeki explains "For sure I told her that if she got better to come with me to New York. She just said 'thank you'." "Then why?" "She said that she couldn't go. I never imagined something like this would happen. Perhaps I am partly at fault because I wasn't exactly thinking about them. I should have told Manato." "Why did Yui say that she couldn't go?" "Because she's in love with someone." "In love with someone?" "Yeah." "Not you?" "It seems like he's the most important person in the world to her."
Manato's cries of "Yui! Yui!" echo in the howling winds with the snow falling fast & furious.
At the ski lodge with darkening gray skies outside, policemen question a witness "You last saw them at around 3pm?" "Yes." More police arrive "Gokurousan...what are the ways up the mountain?" "There are two trails but one is blocked....." The police stride off, past Haruka & Saeki. Haruka quietly asks "When did it start?" Saeki looks at her "Hm?" "When did Yui....." "I don't know. I didn't ask about the details but it was probably in the park after she heard me tell her I wanted to break up with her." "But after that....." "She was so shocked that she lost her appetite for food." "So it was because of you after all...." However Saeki shakes his head "It seems that she was overjoyed that he was worried about her."
Shouting "Yui! Yui!" at the top of his voice, Manato battles the snow & finally stumbles & falls. Exhausted, Manato stays down, trying to catch his breath. Lifting his head, he suddenly spots something in the distance. Staring at it, he sees a figure lying on the snow, a red coat. Getting up on his feet, Manato struggles to run towards her, each stride burying his feet into snow that is knee high, screaming "Yui!"
Saeki recites what Yui told him to Haruka "Gentle & kind Manato....he would peel an apple for her, make her meals, never leave her side for even a moment. She knew that it couldn't be like this, but she was happy. Yui went on pretending to be ill. She wanted Manato to go on looking after her."
Manato finally reaches Yui & falls down on his knees beside her "Yui! Yui!" Holding her up, he gently puts his hand on her cheek "Yui...." Yui opens her eyes weakly "Manato...." Manato asks "Why did you come here?" Yui looks away, not answering.
Saeki continues "He would listen & give in to her whims & fancies....her one & only gentle hearted Manato. She didn't realize that she was beginning to fall in love. She said that when she realized it that it was probably too late. Yui's anguish began. Why? Because there was someone that Manato could never forget." Haruka looks at him "Hirase Ai?" "She was unbearably jealous of a girl she hadn't seen. But no one knew." "How come....." "You want to say that it's not like Yui? But when one falls in love, everyone turns into a coward. Look at me, I even stayed back in school for two years. I was just staying by Mariko's side all the time. Just like you once said before, even when I was trying to tell her that I loved her, I could only do it half in jest." "Because you were afraid of losing her?" Without replying, Saeki thoughtfully lights up a cigarette.
In a hut up in the mountains, Manato lights up a fire in the middle of the room. Yui, silently watching, sitting up against the wall.
"But it seems that Yui discovered that Hirase Ai didn't really exist," adds Saeki. "How come?" asks Haruka. "The letter wasn't postmarked." "Ah....she noticed that. But....." "In actual fact, she existed. That was you in disguise." "It must have been a great blow to her." "Yes, it must have been. When Manato finally reached the limit & admitted that a Hirase Ai never existed, she intended to tell him her feelings. She'd probably laugh & say "I already knew that.'"
Lighting up the fire, Manato goes to Yui & putting his arms around her, rubs her back "It'll warm up real soon."
Haruka asks "Then Yui-chan..." "It's not the same as it was with me. She may be serious about wanting to die." At Saeki's words, Haruka moans "What have I done?" "Don't blame yourself. Everything's just a misunderstanding." "But...." "It's the same with me. I should have told Manato right away." "Why? They're in love with each other but....." "Yui can no longer confess her feelings for him. She's probably given up all hope." "There is......a way of saving Yui. If he.....Irie-kun can tell her his feelings...." "That's impossible. If Manato could do that he would've done so already." "But......" Saeki sighs heavily & the both of them stare out through the window at the heavy snowfall in the dark of the night.
Holding Yui in his arms, Manato tries to keep her warm. Quietly Yui asks "What happened to Ai-chan?" "Ah, we went out separate ways soon after that. We agreed to meet again in Tokyo." "Oh." "She talked about you too. That she wanted to meet the adorable sister in the photograph." "Uhm." "Just hang on for a while longer, help will arrive soon." "Manato?" "Hm?" "It's great isn't it. It's really great, isn't it?" "Yeah, I'm really grateful to you." "Grateful?" "I'm a coward. If you hadn't told me to, I wouldn't have written to her. I think I would've gone on for the rest of my life merely reminiscing about my first love. The courage....the courage that you gave me, brought us together again. So you don't worry about me anymore. Hurry & get better, you have to get back with Saeki again."
At the police station, Haruka stares at the policemen upset "Called off?!" Saeki presses "What do you mean called off?" The policeman explains "It's snowing terribly up in the mountains right now. It's asking for trouble!" Saeki says "But...." The other policeman tries to pacify them "In the morning when the snow lets up...." Haruka retorts agitatedly "What if they die?! Yui-chan is ill!" Saeki declares "I'll go. Lend me a flashlight..." The policemen try to stop him "Wait! Don't do this! If anything happens to you we can't go searching for you too!" Saeki stares at the faces around him, a frown on his forehead.
Upset, Saeki strides out of the lodge & gets into his car. With a sigh, putting his hands on his face, he leans forwards onto the steering wheel. The door opens & Haruka gets into the seat beside him. Before she can get further than saying "Saeki-kun...." Saeki gives in to despair "Give me a break! How can something like this happen?! This is the first time that I've made friends that are important to me, Manato & Yui both! Why is everyone around me leaving me?!" "Don't say that! We can't give up yet...." "Mariko's gone too! Before I got your call I went to her apartment. I was shocked! The place was totally empty! She didn't even leave me a note. Although, whether she's gone back to her hometown, or if she's gone some place else, I have no intentions of looking for her." "That's the best thing to do." At Haruka's stiff tone, Saeki turns to look at her, calm returning. Haruka adds "That's because I think sensei doesn't want to see you anymore." Saeki questions demandingly "Do you know something? Was it a guy? Did she arrange another omiai meeting without my knowledge?" When Haruka remains silent, Saeki mutters to himself 'No, it's not that, is it." Seeing Saeki's entreating expression, Haruka continues "She thinks it's a punishment." "Punishment?" "Punishment for worrying about things that had nothing to do with the both of you......it's like if you're just looking at the surrounding scenery you all the time, before you realize it, you've gone astray......" "Do you understand what Mariko was thinking about?" "I'm.....afraid of growing up." Saeki doesn't reply, tiredly running his fingers through his hair.
In the hut, Yui starts getting drowsy & nods off in Manato's arms. Quickly pushing Yui upright, Manato tells her "Yui, you can't fall asleep." "Why not?" "Your body temperature will fall. I don't really understand it, but that always happens in movies." However Yui sleepily falls into his arms again "It's a little fuzzy, feels nice....." "I know, I know but.....hey, let's sing a song." "A song?" "Uhm. What shall we sing?" "Make something up." "Make something up? No way." "Then I'll sleep." "Alright! So what song?" "Mori no kuma-san." (The mountain bear.) Manato asks "Can one compose to that song?" "I don't know....just make anything up." "Alright, I'll just make something up." Leaning Yui against the wall, Manato gets to his feet & clearing his throat, starts "aru hi...." with Yui echoing "aru hi..." "mori no naka...." "mori no naka...." "kuma-san ni...." "kuma-san...." Yui starts to sing but then seeing Manato's actions, shakes her head "That's a bear?" Manato insists "It's a bear!" & then continues "deatta..." "deatta..." "hanasaku mori no michi kuma-san ni deatta. kuma-san no iu koto nya ojou-san onigenasai. sutakora sassassa no sa sutakora sassassa no.... " Suddenly Manato notices Yui's closed her eyes "Yui?" Yui falls over & Manato frantically dashes up to her "Yui! Yui! Wake up! Yui! Yui! No....just wait a little longer! Help is on its way! Yui!" When Yui doesn't respond, tears well up in Manato's eyes & falling onto Yui's cheeks "Somebody.....save Yui.....I......Yui....." Suddenly the emotions that Manato's kept in check snaps & in the hut up in the snowy mountains where his cries can be heard by no one, screams "Yui!"
(-= CJ =- I wouldn't have bothered translating this little ditty but since there's a reference made to it by Yui later on......)
aru hi
mori no naka
kuma-san ni deatta
hanasaku mori no michi kuma-san ni deatta
kuma-san no iu koto nya ojou-san onigenasai
sutakora sassassa no sa sutakora sassassa no....
one day
in the forest
I met Mr Bear
on a forest path of blooming flowers, I met Mr Bear
Mr Bear said, Miss, please run away
& flee, flee........
Haruka says vaguely "It's been said that one shouldn't marry the person they loved most. Why, I wonder. I guess it must be tiring, that's why it's better to find peace of mind with someone else. & then once in a while, remember him. Maybe think about him too at the moment of death." Saeki adds bleakly "Maybe that's what growing up is about. Love isn't everything." 'I don't want that! No matter how tough it gets, how painful it gets, I want to live with that person one only gets to meet once in a lifetime. I want to be with him....weren't we born for the sake of love?" 'That was...." "....a joke?" "No.....I was....unusually serious....."
With Yui lying unconscious in his arms, Manato mumbles to himself, in a daze. "Yui......interesting.....there's something really interesting which I never told you. Or rather, I guess you were the only one that I would never have spoken to about it. But....I'll tell you all about it now. Why? Because right now you can probably see right through what's in my heart. Whatever I say, whatever I'm thinking, it's probably the same as yours. First of all, the Hirase Ai in junior high, that was just pure nonsense. Not only did I not speak to her at all, even looking at her photo I don't even remember what she looked like. So she never sent me any reply. That yellow colored letter was the reply I got Sawamura to write. & that person you saw at the cafe in the afternoon was Sawamura in disguise. Because we started with a lie, we had no choice but to go on lying. & when you said that you wouldn't eat, we desperately fabricated the whole thing to the very end. I don't know how I will ever make it up to Sawamura, not to mention that I've hurt her so much. " Manato pauses & then continues "There's still something else that I haven't told you. In fact, Saeki-san came much earlier to see you." From his pocket, Manato takes out Yui's key ring "See, your precious bell. You dropped it along the way earlier." The bell tinkles as Manato puts it into her hand. When we were talking, the intercom rang. That wasn't Dad, it was him. & then, I turned him away. At that moment, he was kind of taken aback. But to be honest, when I found out that you were going out with him, I didn't dislike the thought. I wonder why. I guess it must have been because I liked him, perhaps admired something about him." With a deep breath, Manato continues his soliloquy "Well, I guess it's about time to get to the main subject. I'm getting sleepy too. Running around searching for you, I'm all worn out. Yui.......there's no other more interesting thing than this......you'll get all swell headed I'm sure.......Yui......I......love you. Words fail to express how much.......I love you. See? There isn't anything anywhere more interesting than this, right? Nowhere......" Lovingly, Manato holds Yui closer to him, closing his eyes.
The next morning, Saeki & Haruka join the search party up the mountains, yelling for them. Saeki & Haruka freeze in their tracks as they here a shout echoing through the mountains. Running up a slope, they stop as they see in the far distance, Manato walking towards them, Yui in his arms. Yelling "Manato!" Saeki dashes towards Manato & Yui, Haruka following. Panting, Saeki asks "Are you alright?" Haruka asks worriedly "How's Yui-chan?" Without answering, Manato stares at Yui, who slowly opens her eyes. Saeki mutters "Yui..." Yui smiles, putting her fingers in the shape of a V, giving them the sign of peace. Relieved smiles appear all round. Haruka apologizes "Yui-chan, I'm sorry...." but Yui interrupts "I heard an interesting story from Manato last night....." Manato exchanges a rather sheepish looking smile with Saeki when the search party reaches them "Are you alright?" Handing Yui over to them, Saeki is left alone with Manato for a moment. Saeki stares at Manato & suddenly holds out his hand towards him. Manato reaches out for it in a firm handshake. Manato walks past Haruka & with a quick "Thank you," follows Yui down the mountain. Left alone with Haruka, Saeki says "Let's go to the hospital too." "Uhm." "This is great. I can go off to New York next week then." "Next week?" "Uhm, although I'll feel a little sad at the thought of no longer being able to see your angry face. "Me too, I'll feel a little sad at not hearing those sarcastic words of yours." Saeki teases Haruka "Hey hey hey~~~??? By any chance...." Before he can say more, Haruka shoves a handful of snow into his face, & pulling a face, starts running off. Saeki yells "Haruka! Have you caught the love bug?! Tell me!!" running after her. Catching up, he tosses a laughing Haruka onto the snow.
The ambulance speeds off with the sirens howling, carrying away Manato & Yui. Holding onto Yui's hand, Manato says "Even then, would someone pretend to be dead in such a situation?" Yui grins "But that's because......I met Mr Bear....." At the thought, a silly grin appears on Manato's face & they both start laughing.
In the busy streets of Tokyo, Manato sits on the rail, waiting as people go walking by. From his pocket, he pulls out a postcard from Saeki & Haruka sent from New York.
あれから一年が過ぎた
驚いたことに、沢村は三か月で中退して、
ニューヨークに行ってしまった
僕はといえば、あいかわらず進歩があるのかどうかもわからない
ただ、心はとても満たされてはいた
since then a year has passed
the shocking thing was, three months after that Sawamura dropped out
& left for New York
As for me, I no longer know if I've made any progress or not
only, my heart was filled with contentment
Manato gets up & looks into the crowds. Finally a figure dressed in red appears - Yui. Cheerfully, she waves "Manato!" Manato grumbles good naturedly "You're late!" "Sorry, sorry! Did you wait long?" "We could have left together. There was no need for us to meet on purpose." Yui pouts "No. If we did that the mood would be different," & then gives a sweet smile to Manato.
だから決して君のことを忘れないよ
that is why I will never ever forget you
Manato smiles "Let's go. The movie's going to start," taking Yui's hand & walking. Yui protests "Wait, I'm hungry, let's go get something to eat." "After the movie. Haven't you been eating too much lately?" "Well, I guess I'm just happy." "Yes, yes," grins Manato. "Or maybe I'm pregnant." "No way." "You were startled!" "I was not!" A little girl holding a strawberry balloon walks past & both Manato & Yui stop to stare at it floating in the air. Exchanging glances, they start walking again, hand in hand, arm in arm.
ありきたりな僕たちのありったけのこの想い
忘れるはずもない
なぜっていつまでもこの僕の目の前に
変わらず存在してるんだから．．．
all the memories that we have
how could I ever forget
why, because they exist forever, never changing
right before my very eyes........
~ owari ~
