zettai shinja dame da....

you can't die....

Natsuo reaches out for a herring muttering "Even if the seasons change, we still have have urumeiwashi....I guess that's not bad...." Looking around & not seeing Hiroto in his usual spot beside Jun, asks "By the way, where's Hiroto?" Beside him Chika replies "I guess he's overslept...." Natsuo sighs "Just working a little late last night & he does this? Oi Hiroto!" but before he can continue, Chika calls out angrily "Hiroto! What time are you intending to sleep until?! You'll be late for school!!" Natsuo & Jun look at her in surprise as Hiroto walks in half asleep "...morning....." Natsuo starts to say "What do you mean morning...." & gets cut off by Chika "What do you mean morning?! Hurry up & go wash your face!" Meekly Hiroto node "ok..." but Chika suddenly recalls "Ah, you were the last one that took a bath last night weren't you?! For heaven's sake clean up after! In this house the last one that takes a bath cleans up the bathroom! As punishment, you clean it up tonight you hear?! Having to say the same thing everyday, it really is annoying....." Natsuo mutters "Really....." exchanging looks with Jun . Chika glances at her watch "Ah, I'm late..." & eats in a hurry. Natsuo says "Chika...." "Huh?" "Seconds please...." Natsuo tell her, holding out his bowl but when Chika glares at him "What?!", Natsuo meekly replies "I'll get it myself.....I'll get it myself....." going into the kitchen. Hiroto walks in & Natsuo starts to say "We started without you, go have breakfast...." but Chika again interrupts, telling Hiroto in a tone of irritation "Hurry up & eat!" "ok...." "Sit down & eat! WHar are you doing? Hey, what are you suppose to say?" "Itadakimasu....." Silently, Natsuo observes the exchange between his sister & Hiroto........

 

In the store, watching Hiroto smoothly repairing a punctured tier, Natsuo compliments him "You're getting pretty good at that....." Hiroto replies "Think so?" "You remember what you did over the summer huh...." "But getting praised by you is a little strange....." "You doing good....do the same with the customers ok?" "I will...." "That's great....." The both of them working harmoniously together when the door slides open & Chika comes home from school, bag of groceries in hand. Looking at Hiroto, Chika says "Hiroto, did you go to school today?" "Yes I did...." "You didn't cut school?" "I did not....." "Really?" "Really!" Natsuo interrupts "Chika, shouldn't you trust Hiroto a little?" Chika replies "I believe in Hiroto himself, I just don't believe in what he says...." walking into the house. Natsuo frowns "She's a little intense....was she always like that?" Hiroto replies "No, just recently....." "Well, they say that when a woman becomes a mother she gets much stronger but then again, there's a little unfair to you....." "But what Chika says...." "But if you just give in to her all the time she'll just get conceited....understand? women & men....." Suddenly Chika comes up with the laundry in exasperation "Onichan!" "Yes?" "How on earth do you expect the clothes to dry like this?! I told you to hang up them up properly didn't I?! I have to do everything over again!" Natsuo quickly apologies "Sorry! I'm sorry!" Hiroto looking on, starts laughing. Natsuo glares back "What are you laughing at?" Right then the phone rings & Natsuo answers "Hello, this is Shinoda Cycle.....ah Yuki.....you're the voice I wanted to hear....." Yuki, dressed in pajamas at home, replies "I can't go for the volunteer session today...." "How come?" "Well...." "Well what?" "I'm not feeling too good so I took the day off....." Worriedly, Natsuo asks "Are you ok?"

 

With a frilly apron on, Natsuo stands in the Katase kitchen, cooking over the stove "This is the Shinoda special mabodofu (tofu dish)....it's really good....." Putting on a sweater, Yuki smiles "I look forward to it....." "You should stay in bed, when I'm done I'll let you know...." "I'm fine....it's just a cold & the fever's gone down already....." "Really?" "Yes...." "Alright then..." Yuki looks what Natsuo's cooking "Smells good....so you're not just good at nabe...." Natsuo looks at her as if offended "But of course! I can cook anything! If you're ever feeling sick, just let me know, I'll come cook for you...." "You really like to look after people...." "That's not true, I'm just doing what I want to do..." "& that's looking after people....." "oh, I see.....ok, & after that to add...toubanjan...or is it tenmenjan...." Natsuo puzzles over the two different bottles of spices in his hand. Seeing Yuki looking at him, he shakes his head "Nothing....ah, may I use the phone? I'll just reconfirm with Chika...." Picking the phone, Natsuo mutters "03-840...Shinoda Cycle.....hello Chika, it's me....Yuki's fine....I just need to ask you something......" At that moment, Shogo arrives home but Natsuo, his back to the door & speaking to Chika, doesn't hear him enter. Neither does Yuki. Natsuo continues "....adding toubanjan....does that come before adding the tofu or after? I can't hear you...what are you cooking, tempura? Walk out of the kitchen for a second...." Yuki suddenly notices Shogo approaching Natsuo from behind but Natsuo merely continues "I'm just asking if I should add the toubanjan before or after the tofu....." Shogo, standing next to Natsuo, replies "Of course it's before....." Natsuo replies "I see I see.....a big ok, ok....." & then suddenly realizes the answer came from Shogo & turns around in shock. Shogo stares at him "What with a 'big ok'?" Loss for words, Natsuo mutters "Ah, Katase-san....welcome home....." Shogo replies "tadaima....." & walks into his room. Natsuo quickly tells Chika "I can't talk to you right now, I'll talk to you later...." & quickly hangs up. Natsuo & Yuki exchange worried glances......

 

Putting on his shoes & leaving, Natsuo tells Yuki "Eat it while it's still hot....." Yuki, seeing him off, asks disappointedly "You're really not going to eat with us?" "It's rare that you father's home so early, it's better if I'm not around...." At that moment, Shogo reappears from his room "Natsuo, you're leaving already?" Natsuo hurriedly explains "I've still got work to do at the store so I have to go...." Shogo takes a seat at the table "That's unfortunate....I thought we'd eat together...." Yuki & Natsuo look shocked. Yuki smiles "Is that ok Dad?" Shogo replies "Of course....but it's unfortunate that Natsuo's still got to work......good bye...." Disappointed, Natsuo mutters "Goodbye.....I'm leaving then....." Shogo calls out "Hang in there...." Natsuo nods "I will.....bye...." closing the door & then to himself "What do you mean 'hang in there'...I'm already done with work today....." walking away.....

 

Having dinner, Shogo says to Yuki "Shouldn't you go see the doctor tomorrow?" "I've got my regular checkup coming up anyway...." "Even so....." "I know myself if I'm ok....." "But...." Yuki, changing the subject, holds out a plate of the tofu that Natsuo made "Try this....it's delicious...." Taking some, Shogo looks up "It is good...." "Isn't it...." smiles Yuki. Shogo continues eating "A guy who can cook these days isn't bad...." & then pauses "Even if it's good, it's still not as good as my cooking...." Yuki smiles & Shogo adds "I still haven agreed to you going out with Natsuo...." Yuki replies "That seems to be your favorite phrase lately....." Shogo looks at her "Is that so?" & Yuki hands him more food "Here..." smiling at her father.......

 

Coming out of the bath, Natsuo walks into the kitchen & tells everyone "I'm done with the bath, whoever's next....." Hiroto gets up "Then I'll go...." but as he passes Chika doing the accounts, she says "Hiroto, aren't you suppose to be the last so you can clean up the bathroom?" Hiroto answers meekly "Yes....." Natsuo approaches Chika "Chika-chan....Hiroto works 'til pretty late in the store after school, he's got all that oil on him too....." Jun quickly adds "That's right.....I'll go last today so I'll do it....." but Chika is adamant "It's already been decided...." Both Jun & Natsuo look at Hiroto, not saying another word. Hiroto's cell phone rings & he reaches out for it "It's mine....." but Chika's quicker at grabbing it & answers it "This phone is not in use......" hangong up abruptly. Hiroto says "What are you doing?!" Natsuo asks "Chika, isn't that from Hiroto's friend?" Chika explains "Onichan....do you know what Hiroto's phone bill was last month? It was three times the rest of us put together!" holding out the bill. Natsuo replies surprised "Three times?" Hiroto looks sheepish "I'm sorry....." Chika adds "We haven't got any money.....for the sake of Jun-nichan's college fees & having the baby, I'm keeping the phone....." Hiroto looks shocked "Eh? I need that!" "No way...." "I can't keep in touch with my friends..." "Then don't...." "Please, give it back....." "No....." Natsuo comes up "Chika, aren't you being too hard on Hiroto?" Jun too adds "Chika, give it back to him......" Chika sweetly replies "ok....then in return your pocket money will be halved from next next month...." Natsuo & Jun exchange glances & with a sigh, Natsuo puts his arm around Hiroto's shoulders "Hiroto.....may I suggest that you start writing letters? It's not too bad...."

 

Finally done with his bath, Hiroto enters the bedroom to find Natsuo waiting for him "I've had my bath...." Natsuo looks at him "You sure took a long time in the bath...." "Yeah, did what Chika wanted & cleaned up the bathroom....." "Come sit over here...." "oh, ok...." Natsuo says "Chika's my sister, my precious sister....but if you carry on like this you'll be under Chika's control forever...." "Yeah..." "For a guy that's pathetic....do you know what it means to be a man?" Hiroto tilts his head "I don't know....." Natsuo continues "A man is one that a woman depends on, looks up to......there's a saying....Men are ships, women are ports....traveling over the seven seas & tired, a women is there to say 'Welcome home, how about a meal? How about a bath?'.....so, why on earth are you washing the bathroom...." When Natsuo turns to look at Hiroto, he finds Hiroto having nodded off. Leaning over & finally toppling onto the futon, Hiroto falls fast asleep. Natsuo sighs "I guess you're really tired out......"

 

The following week, the hospital welcomes Yukari back from the US. Natsuo tells her "You did well, Yukari-chan....." Yuki adds "Welcome back...." Yukari says "What you said...'to meet again'.....I kept my promise....." Yuki smiles "You certainly did....it's great the surgery was a success wasn't it....." "God was watching over me....." Yuki smiles & Sakurai comes by to push Yukari in "Let's go inside....." Yukari says "Onichan...." Natsuo nods "Yes?" "Will you give me a ride on your shoulders again?" "Of couse!" Yuki smiles, watching them go in. In the distance standing by his car, watching the commotion is Seiji. Yuki walks over to him "Seiji, it's been hard on you...." Seiji assures her "Yukari's fine now.....her progress after the surgery's really good as well....." Seiji looks at her "Can I talk to you?" Yuki looks around & then nods "Yes....." Walking in after Yukari, Natsuo turns around & looks at them.....

 

Up on the roof of the hospital, Seiji says "To tell you the truth, I had hoped that it would be you returning home today....." "Don't talk about that anymore..." "I guess I shouldn't.....no point bringing it up now....." "I don't regret it....seeing Yukari returning home today....I really feel that....." "It's your turn next, Yuki.....there's a good chance that you can have the surgery in the country....I think you should get yourself prepared for that....." After a little hesitation, Yuki nods "Yes...." Seiji adds "I'll do my best to help you....." Yuki smiles "Thank you....." A little awkwardly, Seiji asks "Yuki-chan.....what do you really think of me?" Yuki turns away "I think I have to make things clear with you....I....." Before Yuki can continue, Seiji says "I know.....the one in your heart right now isn't me.....but I know that I am someone that you'll need....the one that will protect you isn't him....it's me......" Yuki looks away, not saying a word......

 

In the van on the way home, both Natsuo & Yuki are lost in their own thoughts. Suddenly Natsuo says "Hey...." Yuki, brought back to the present, looks at him "Hm?" "What did he say?" "Oh, you mean Seiji-san?" "Yeah...." "Oh...nothing in particular...." "Really?" "Uhm...." "But he likes you, doesn't he....didn't he say anything at all?" At Yuki's silence, Natsuo adds "If you don't say anything then it'll really bother me!" Finally, Yuki looks at him "Ah, a bug...." Natsuo frowns "A bug? Where?" Yuki reaches out with both hands as if to get the bug. Natsuo looks at her "Don't say it's a 'jealous' bug...." Yuki asks "I can't?" Natsuo retorts "Of course not! In the first place that kind of bug doesn't exist! What are you saying....."

 

Walking into the store, Natsuo says apologetically to Yuki "I was thinking that it would be nice to eat out with you once in a while but Chika's been reducing my pocket money....would you mind just having dinner at home?" Yuki smiles "Don't worry about it......" "Sorry...I'm....." Natsuo starts but suddenly is interrupted by Chika's voice scolding Hiroto "Stop that already! Why won't you listen?!" Hiroto, running into the living room with Chika behind him, replies "I know already!" as Chika adds "You're not getting away with it!" Hiroto gets down on his knees "Alright, I'll apologize......I'm sorry....." but Chika continues in a huff "This isn't not about apologizing! It's pathetic having to repeat this over & over!" Hiroto says again, equally exasperated "I'm really sorry...." Natsuo walks "What did he do this time?" Chika points to a bag of goodies "Look at that...." Natsuo smiles "You went & played pachinko again?" Hiroto nods sheepishly as Natsuo adds "You really are good at pachinko aren't you....." Chika fumes "Onichan....cutting classes & running off to the pachinko parlor, that's not allowed...." Hiroto quickly gets up in defense "But I haven't been in over a month!" Chika glares at him "So what?!" grabbing Hiroto's shirt. Quietly from behind Natsuo, Yuki says "Uhm....good evening......" Both Chika & Hiroto notice her & pleasantly return her greeting "Good evening....." The next moment, Chika turns back to Hiroto & continues chiding him "You'll go back to loafing around in no time! Do you really think that's a good characteristic to have?!!" Hiroto replies "I have that sort of characteristic in me too!" Chika throws up her hands in frustration "Are you making fun of me?!" Hiroto apologizes "Sorry....." Chika shoves Natsuo out of the way as he tries to walk pass them "& you've got that characteristic of being direct! Don't you think that playing pachinko is a waste of time & money?" Continuing her tirade, Chika takes no notice of Natsuo & Yuki trying to get inside without getting involved in their fight.....

 

Entering the kitchen, Natsuo & Yuki find Jun concentrating on his studies at the table "Jun, you're here...." but Jun doesn't hear them. Natsuo taps him on the shoulder to get his attention & Jun looks up "Oh, welcome back....." When Natsuo points to Yuki, Jun smiles in greeting "Good evening....." & puts on his hearing aid. Natsuo looks at Jun's books spread on the table "You're studying? Can you do that? It's really noisy here....." Jun replies "I just take off my hearing aid...." Natsuo smiles "Oh I see...." Taking a look around the kitchen & not seeing any food, Natsuo tries to interrupt Chika "Chika-chan, what about dinner?" Chika pauses & flings back a "I haven't made it yet!" & turns back to Hiroto, not letting up on her scolding. Natsuo says "But I'm hungry.....my stomach's growling......" Yuki smiles "Shall I make something? You cooked for me the other time...." Natsuo looks thrilled "Really? Then I'll help, I'll help...." As they turn back into the kitchen, Natsuo suddenly hears Hiroto retort "I work hard everyday, what's wrong with taking a break once in a while?!" Natsuo mutters to himself "Hiroto's finally retaliating today....." Hiroto tells Chika "Everyday I go to school & help out at the store, got to school & help out at the store.....that's all I do everyday!" Chika crosses her arms "So what? If you're that unhappy living here then get out! Leave!" pushing Hiroto out. Hiroto flings back "Why are you the one to tell me to leave?! It should be Natsuo, not you!" From the kitchen, Natsuo commets to Jun "Hiroto's vocabulary is as pathetic as usual..." Jun grimaces "This is just like children quarreling...." Smiling, Yuki asks "What shall I make?" Natsuo smiles back "Ah, whatever you make is fine....." Yuki opens the refrigerator "Really?" Natsuo assures her "Anything's fine...." As Yuki takes something out of the refrigerator, she suddenly grimaces in pain & grabs her chest. Natsuo noticing, asks "What's wrong?" but Yuki merely smiles "....nothing......ok if I take the tofu?" reaching out of them. Natsuo nods & prepares to set the table. Neither him nor Jun notice Yuki getting up & standing by the sink, a troubled look on her face.....

 

The next day, Yuki goes on her rounds. Standing in front of a house & speaking into the intercom "I'm Katase from the Hikari Shinyo Kinko....I'd like to introduce our new services to you...." A flustered sounding voice replies "I'm busy right now....." "I see, then I'll just leave the brochures in your mailbox, when you have time please read it....." "Alright....." Just as Yuki puts the brochures into the mailbox, she suddenly pauses, grimacing & breathing heavily as pain grips her. Falling to her knees, Yuki grabs her chest.....

 

Making it back to the bank, Yuki cheerfully grins "I'm back...." Arimura greets her "Otsukaresama....." & then dumps a stack of files onto Suzuki's desk "These have to be completed by tomorrow....onegai...." & strides off. Suzuki grimaces & then whispers to Katase, pushing the stack of files to her "Please help me with these, I've got something on at 5 today....." Suzuki looks at her watch "Don't worry, I'll help you until 5 o'clock......" giving Yuki no chance to object.....

 

At the playroom in the hospital, Natsuo reads to Yukari "Gurunpa is a very big elephant...he lived alone all his life....." Suddenly, Sakurai calls out "Natsuo-kun....." "Yes?" Sakurai comes up to him "There was another call from Yuki....she said she would be a while.....looks like she got to work overtime....." Disappointment on his face, Natsuo glumly mutters "I see....." Sakurai smiles "I heard from Shogo-san......" "Hm?" "That you cooked for them the other day...." "Oh...that was nothing....." "The snow is melting....." "The snow is melting?" "Shogo-san sounded very happy when he spoke about it....." Natsuo brightens up "Really?" Sakurai explains "Shogo-san objected once so it's hard for him to say otherwise but deep down, he's already accepted you....." Thrilled to hear that, Natsuo grins a little embarrassed "Is that right?" & to Yukari, says happily "The snow's melting.....isn't it great Yukari-chan?" Yuki finally shows up "Sorry I'm late....." Natsuo replies "It's ok...you had to work late didn't you?" "Yeah....." "Don't over do it......" "ok.....it's fine....." Smiling when she sees Yukari, Yuki asks "How are you feeling Yukari-chan?" Yukari grins "I'm fine.....I went for a walk this afternoon...." "It was a nice day today wasn't it...." "Soon, I won't need the wheelchair anymore.....next time I'll walk by myself....." "Then when Spring comes you can carry your backpack & go to school....." "The doctor said that I'll be able to run then.....& that I can even swim in the pool....." "I see....you can even swim in the pool....." "Yuki-chan, let's swim together......" Yuki nods as Natsuo looks on, seeing the sadness in Yuki's smile as Yukari adds "I got a swimsuit today too....." 

 

Driving on the way home, Natsuo says to Yuki "Don't try too hard....." Yuki assures him "Sorry I was late....but I'm alright......" "I'm not talking about that.....I'm talking about Yukari-chan....I can feel that you seeing her healthy & feeling envious of her...." Yuki smiles a little bitterly "I'd be lying if I said that wasn't true.....but it's ok, I have you beside me....." After a pause, Yuki says "Hey, I want to go to the ocean....." "The ocean?" "Yes, you haven't been in a while right? You used to dive every Sunday....." "No...." "Why?" "But your health....." "It's ok...I'll just watch you dive....." "It's boring just to watch......" "It's not....." "Really?" "Yes...." Natsuo thinks but then says "No....if your father finds out he'll get mad again....the snow's melting as it is..." Yuki, not understanding, asks "The snow's melting?" "Hmmmmm.....if you really want to go.....ah yes....that place.....it's like the sea......"

 

Hiroto peeps into the store & gingerly steps in. Natsuo, working on a bike gets up with a "Welcome....." before realizing it's Hiroto. When he sees Hiroto putting his fingers to his lips "shhhhh....." Natsuo asks "What are you doing?" "Where's Chika?" "She's not back yet...." Hiroto sighs in relief "That's great....." "What did you do this time?" "I forgot to wash the bathroom again yesterday....." "I did that for you....otherwise you guys will be making all that noise fighting again....." "Thank you very much......" "But in exchange, I've got a favor to ask of you.....can you look after the store today?" "Eh?" "Well.....it's Yuki...." "A date?" "Well, yeah......" "That's great...." "Yeah it is....." "Yuki's great....a girl that's kind & considerate....." "Hmmm....that's why we don't fight like you guys do...." Taking offense to Natsuo's remarks, Hiroto says "I'm going to get change...." & walks in as Natsuo rubs it in "Not like you guys......" When the door slides open, Natsuo turns arounn "Welcome....." & then stops short as he sees who it is. Seiji walks in & looks at Natsuo "Can I have a word with you?" Hesitatingly, Natsuo nods "Yes....."

 

At a cafe, Seiji tells Natsuo "Sorry to disturb you during work....." "It's ok....." "What I wanted to talk to you was about Yuki's health....." "I'm also watching out for her....." "Yuki once collapsed in front of you....she had an attack...." "Yes...." "Her illness hasn't gotten any better at all....it keeps getting worse as time goes by....even with medication there's a limit.....the only way to save her is to have heart surgery....." Natsuo remains silent & Seiji tells him "I'll speak frankly....ever since she had that attack, she's gotten worse....you still don't know how serious it is for her.....I'm very worried leaving her to you...." Finally, Natsuo asks "What do you want me to do?" "I want you to break up with her...." "Eh?" "From a doctor's point of view, the chances of her living is higher....because of you, she'll only put her life in danger....." Seiji picks up the check & starts to leave when Natsuo says "I might not know anything about her illness....but I understand what her feeling are!" Without looking back, Seiji retorts "Love can't save her! What can you do?!" Finally, Seiji turns around & looks at Natsuo "The one that she needs isn't you....it's me....." Natsuo, nothing to say, watches as Seiji departs......

 

That afternoon, Natsuo & Yuki visit an aquarium, riding an escalator through an underwater tank, seeing the fish & other sea creatures swim around them. Natsuo says "It feels like we're really swimming in the ocean doesn't it? Alright, let's swim....like this....." holding his arms out & moving them as if he were really swimming, making Yuki laugh..... 

 

Watching the dolphins perform in a pool, Natsuo says to Yuki "It looks like dolphins understand humans...." "Yes, they do....." "if I ever get reincarnated, I'd like to be a dolphin just like them......swimming all the time, feeding, having fun......" Yuki smiles & then half to herself, adds "But then I'm sure those dolphins would like to swim freely out in the ocean....." Natsuo suddenly finds himself at a loss for words, the small pool appearing like shackles to Yuki, just like her illness......

 

Buying drinks at the stand, Natsuo turns around & sees Yuki in a distance, down on her heels. Dropping the drinks, Natsuo flies to her side "Yuki are you alright?! Are you feeling bad?" Yuki gets up smiling "Eh? I was just tying my shoelaces....." Natsuo sighs in relief "You scared me....." "Why are you so shocked by that?" "No...I just thought that you had another attack....I got worried....I'm just thinking about things....why I haven't been more careful about your illness....being inconsiderate......you're always smiling so I sometimes forget that you're ill......" Yuki smiles "...Natsuo......" but Natsuo suddenly says "I don't know what to do at this time.....what if you quit your work?" Yuki stops short as Natsuo continues "You had to work late the other night, it's tough on you isn't it? & then you have to go around distributing all those pamphlets, that's not good for you....if you feel bored at home all the time, I can take you out....." Yuki finally responds "....I can't go to the ocean.....I can't work.....you're beginning to sound exactly like my father...." Natsuo tries to explains "I'm just worried about you....." only to have Yuki retort "Just like my Dad...." "But when I think about you....if anything happens to you again, it's going to be really serious....that's why you should take more care....." "I said I wanted to take a risk! That's why I tried to be brave...." "But I didn't know about your illness then......" "When I'm with you, I feel like I'm alive, just like normal....being happy, forgetting that I'm ill.....why are you saying all this now?" "But if something happens to you....." "But if you're that worried about me all the time I'm not happy! I just want to be with you like normal....to go out with you just like other people...." "But if that's the case you're being stubborn...what's wrong with worrying about you?" "You want to go to the ocean don't you? You want to go diving don't you? But because of me you're holding back, going out with me.....I've become a burden to you...." "You're not...." "I said I didn't want your pity didn't I?" "Yuki......you've got your regular checkup today haven't you? I'll wait until you're done....." "It's ok, I can go alone...." "Yuki....." "I can live normally just like everyone else....I don't need you to worry....." Yuki walks off & Natsuo sighs muttering to himself "Really.....how are you going alone from here......" running after her......

 

Walking into the store returning home, Natsuo finds Chika & Hiroto fighting again "Why did you take 2 hours to do the deliveries? You stopped by at the pachinko parlor again didn't you?" "I didn't..." "Then where did you go?" "The convenience store...." Natsuo mumbles despondently "I'm home...." & Jun, at the table, greets him "Welcome back, you're early....where's Yuki?" "I sent her to the hospital....she has her regular checkup today....." "You didn't wait for her?" Natsuo doesn't say anything as the fight between Chika & Hiroto grows louder with Hiroto stomping off "I'm sorry!" Chika grabs him "If you've got something to say then say it!" Hiroto retorts "Forget it! I'm doing things right!" "You really don't understand anything!!...." Sitting down at the table, Natsuo finally gets irritated "Shut up! Think about the other person for a change!" Chika says "Look, onichan's saying the same thing...." but Natsuo adds "Chika! I'm talking about you!" "Me?" "Don't keep picking on Hiroto all the time! Hiroto knows what he's suppose to do & doesn't need you to tell him over & over again....besides he's already apologized to you! Right Hiroto?" Hiroto nods his head vigorously, glad to have help on his side. Natsuo continues "You're being too concerned about him....it's good to be concerned but not to that extent! If you keep picking on him he'll get tired of you....if you're so overly concerned about him, he won't be happy at all....." Suddenly Natsuo pauses as what Yuki said earlier hits home as he mutters to himself "...being so overly concerned about someone, won't be happy at all....being picked on for every little thing, one gets sick of it....oh yes, Yuki said the same thing...ok, I understand now....." Getting to his feet, Natsuo suddenly announces "I'm going to have a bath.....oh yes, don't play too often...."advising Hiroto before more muttering, leaving the others wondering what's up with him......

 

At the hospital, Yuki walks to the doom where Sakurai is consulting with the doctor. Seeing her, Sakurai smiles "Otsukaresama...come sit down...." Yuki does as told & the doctor asks "How have you been feeling lately? Do you tire easily?" Yuki admits "A little...." The doctor presses "Any symptoms at all?" "Nothing in particular....." replies Yuki evasively but Sakurai adds "Even if it's something insignificant....." The doctor adds knowingly "For example, you've had heart palpitations & dizzy spells haven't you, Yuki-chan?" Yuki remains silent.......

 

Coming out of the hospital, Yuki looks around rather despondently. Suddenly her cell phone rings "It's me...." Yuki smiles "Natsuo....." Sitting out in the veranda alone, Natsuo tells her "I'm sorry about today....." "No, I shouldn't have said all that....I understand how you feel.....I'm sorry...." "No, I'm the one who's sorry....I finally realized that I was being a nuisance....ah, how did your checkup go?" Yuki quickly assures him "There's nothing wrong....I can continue like I have been....." "Great...." "That's what you wanted to hear didn't you?" "Well, yeah.....but I'm really glad you're ok...." "Hey....I still want to go to the ocean...." "But....well......" "I really want to see the ocean.....please, take me there...." 

 

That night Natsuo giving in to Yuki's request, goes to the convenience store to pick up some things "Ice, fire works, juice....ok....." Putting the basket at the register "These please....how much is it?" "Just a second...." "Ah, sorry...." Waiting, Natsuo notices a yellow booklet on display "Heart donor card" & stares at the words "Heart transplant...."

 

Shogo returns home from work "Yuki?" but not seeing her, notices a note on the table. Picking it up, he reads it "Dad, I've gone to the ocean with Natsuo...Yuki" Just then the phone rings "Hello, this is Katase...." "Shogo-san? It's Sakurai.....I haven't been able to get through to you on your cell phone all night....." Shogo pulls out his cell phone from his pocket "Ah, sorry...." Sakurai asks "Have you heard from Yuki regarding her examination results?" "No...what's wrong?" Sakurai says hesitatingly "It's....." A look of shock appears on Shogo's face "What did you say?"

 

Leaning against an overturned boat by the beach, both Natsuo & Yuki look out over the water, Natsuo says "It's great, looking at the real ocean....." "Yes...feels great....why don't you go in for a dive?" "No, it's ok....I'll just sit here with you...." "But we came here all the way....you have all your equipment here don't you?" "It's alright....really...." Yuki pouts "So I am just baggage after all....." "No you're not...." "Hey....I want to see what's in the ocean.....take some pictures for me....you've got your camera with you haven't you?" "Well, I do but...." "Then go in my place & take some pictures....."

 

Persuaded, Natsuo goes for a dive & takes pictures for Yuki. Coming up from his dive, Natsuo doesn't see Yuki by the boat. Looking around, he sees Yuki all dressed up in her suit, entering the water. Natsuo yells "What are you doing?!" going over to her "You were intending to dive weren't you?" Yuki doesn't reply & Natsuo presses "Yuki....." Finally, Yuki says "I was hoping to give you a surprise in the water..." "What are you saying? Why are you doing this?!" "I wanted to go diving together with you....just that...." "I didn't bring you here so you could do something reckless...." "....doesn't matter if I die....." Yuki says sadly. Natsuo goes up to her, upset "Why do you say that it doesn't matter if you die?! Yuki......" Yuki gives a little laugh "The medication can't control it anymore...." "Eh?" "I know it....it's my own body.....I noticed it even before the checkup....." Natsuo stares at her "Then on the phone....telling me that there wasn't anything wrong....." Yuki admits "I lied to you again......I think I'll have to check into the hospital....when that happens, I'll never get another chance to come to the ocean with you again....that's why I wanted to come here with you, to go diving with you....wanted to see what's in the ocean together.....I guess I'm being really stubborn.....I'm sorry.....really sorry....." "Yuki......" Yuki ends up crying & Natsuo, reaches out, holding him to her, comforting her. In his arms, Yuki's tears flow "I'm really terrified....of dying....of leaving you.....I don't want to die......" Natsuo holds on to her tightly "We haven't seen it yet....the snow falling in the ocean...." "I won't be able to see it anymore....." "We made a promise....." "....I won't be able to see it......" Natsuo looks at her "I want us to see it together....that's why you can't die....you can't die....." Natsuo then pulls Yuki towards him & once more, puts his arms around her as she continues to cry.....