eien no wakare....

 

farewell forever.....

 

Walking sleepily down the stairs yawning away, Chika hears a banging sound & walks to the store. There she finds Natsuo working on a bike "Onichan?" Natsuo turns around "Oh, you're awake?" Chika yawns again "What on earth are you doing so early in the morning?" "What do you mean what am I doing....working of course!" "But it's not even 6!" "Doesn't matter what time it is! Alright, this is done...next.....I'm really busy....." Natsuo replies enthusiastically..... 

 

At the table, Natsuo wolves down his breakfast "Having breakfast after working alone, this takes delicious!" Chika looks at him "But it'll bother the neighbors with all that noise...." Hiroto complains "Yeah, you woke me up with all that racket!" Natsuo retorts "& you're always sleeping until the last minute! I've told you before, the early bird catches the worm!" Hiroto returns a blank look "What's that?" Natsuo drops his chopsticks in exasperation "For heaven's sake please study a little bit! It means that if people wake up early, they'll catch the worm!" Hiroto mutters "Kidding...." Jun asks "Did you have work that needed to be done in a hurry?" Natsuo grins "No, not particularly...." Chika asks "Then why?" Natsuo suddenly turns sober "It's Yuki...." Chika looks at her brother "Ah, a sudden change....." Natsuo explains soberly "She has to stop work for a while....she's got stay in the hospital....." Chika says worriedly "In the hospital?" Jun & Hiroto look at Natsuo, leaning forward "It's that serious?" "Is she alright?" Natsuo looks back at Hiroto "No she isn't, that's why she's got to go into the hospital...." Hiroto mumbles "Oh...." At the silence around him, Natsuo suddenly speaks up brightly "That's why I have to do my best now....if I get downhearted it's of no use....that's why for Yuki's sake, I'll do my best & work hard....seconds please!" holding out his bowl to Chika......

 

At the bank, the branch manager addresses everyone "From today on Katase-san will have to stop working for a while....it's unfortunate as she's worked hard....I hope you'll get better & return...." Suddenly, Arimura interrupts "...to work as soon as possible & do a proper job...& now, Katase-san, would you say a few words to everyone....." The branch manager looks displeased with Arimura's actions but unfortunately before he can do anything, Yuki steps up "Due to personal reasons, I have to stop working....my apologies for troubling everyone at work...." bowing respectfully to her colleagues.....

 

As Yuki clears out her locker, Suzuki says "That's great....I'd like to take a long break too.....how long are you going to be in the hospital?" Yuki quietly replies "I still don't know...." "Ah, I should go visit you in the hospital....maybe there's a doctor who's still single & a nice person....& speaking of which, you should stop going around with that guy from the bicycle shop & look for a doctor instead!" Yuki grins.....

 

Waiting outside the bank is Natsuo, leaning on the side of his van. Seeing Yuki appear with a big box & a couple of bags, he helps her with them "Hi Yuki....is this all you have?" "Yes...." "I'll send you home...." "What about your work?" Natsuo assures her "Don't worry....I'm more worried about you having to go home with all this rather than about work...." When Yuki doesn't reply, Natsuo looks at her "Ah, you think I'm a busybody, right?" Yuki smiles, shaking her head "No....I was thinking that you're always so nice...." Embarrassed, Natsuo replies "What are you saying?"

 

In the van, Natsuo chatters on brightly "The weather's great today....the laundry would dry in no time on a day like this...ah damn! I forgot to the laundry Chika asked me to do! Ah never mind....lately she's been a slave driver....well, I guess it's tough on her, getting bigger with the baby...." Yuki says enviously "I really want to see Chika's & Hiroto's baby......" Natsuo tells her "After the baby's born, come over & see it anytime.....as long as the baby's strong & healthy......" At that, Natsuo realizes his blunder & trails off "....ah, doesn't have to be strong or healthy, just as long as it's born....for the present at least...." Yuki replies smiling "Don't mind me....you don't have to worry about that....." Natsuo retorts "Who says I'm worrying? No such thing....." To change the subject, Natsuo reaches out to turn on the radio. As luck would have it, a song comes on that is dedicated to a lover who's passed away. Natsuo sings along "...anata ga yume no you ni shinde shi...." (as if in a dream, you passed away....) before hastily glancing at Yuki & turning off the radio. Rather awkwardly, Natsuo asks "Shall we go to the beach this year? Or to the movies?" Yuki quietly says "Natsuo...." "Yes?" "I've got a favor to ask......"

 

At the Katase home, Shogo & Yuki have dinner, with Shogo holding out his glass in a toast "Although it wasn't for very long, you worked hard...otsukaresama...." Yuki smiles "Thank you....." Shogo takes a big gulp of his beer & says "Let's eat...." However, when he notices Yuki not eating, he asks "What's wrong?" Yuki says "I've got a favor to ask.....I've got to stay in the hospital from the day after tomorrow right? Before that, I'd like to stay over at Natsuo's house....." Shogo looks shocked "Eh?" "Can I go tomorrow?" "But....what about Natsuo?" "I've spoken to him about it already....he said that if it was ok with you, that I could go over anytime...." "But....." "It's not just the two of us alone....his younger sister Chika-chan &...." "I'm not worried about that, rather it's your health.....I trust Natsuo.....well, sort of....."

 

At the store, Natsuo sees a customer off "Thank you very much....." Turning back & entering the living room where Jun & Chika are cleaning up the place, Natsuo tells them "Make sure everything is spotless & shining.....Yuki might stay over tomorrow....." Chika grumbles "You could've told us earlier!" as Jun adds "Aniki always does things suddenly...." Hiroto appears, wiping the floor "Natsuo-san never thinks about other people...." Natsuo merely orders "Stop chattering! Move those hands!" As Hiroto wipes the floor of the corridor, Natsuo comes up & gives him a shove "Hiroto! How many times do you intend to wipe the floor without cleaning the rag? Clean the rag properly!" Hiroto nods "ok...." Natsuo then enters the kitchen "Chika-chan...make sure you arrange the flowers in the toilet...." "Yes, yes....." Natsuo then claps his hands to get everyone's attention "&....in front of Yuki, don't talk about her illness....medication, surgery, & all the words about one's heart....especially you...." Natsuo points at Hiroto. Hiroto grumbles "I know...." Natsuo adds "Yes...you don't say a word....the moment you talk, everything comes out....."

 

The phone rings & Chika answers it "This is Shinoda's....yes, I'll get him now...." looking at Natsuo. Natsuto, in his eagerness doesn't hear Chika say "It's Yuki's...." Grabbing the phone from her, Natsuo rattles off cheerfully "Hello, it's me...what did your Dad say? Even if he objects, figure out something & come over, we'll be waiting....." On the other end of the line, Shogo finally gets the chance to speak "It's me..." Natsuo goes "Me?" before realizing it's Yuki's father & in a panic, asks Chika "It's her father!" Chika mutters "That's what I was about to say!" "What should I do?" "I don't know!" replies Chika as she disappears into the kitchen. Taking a deep breath, Natsuo finally says "Hello...." Shogo looks at Yuki "I just heard from my daughter....." Natsuo quickly adds "If you...I mean Katase-san objects then it's ok...." Shogo growls "Didn't you say to figure out something & come over?" Natsuo stammers "Ah no....figure out....Dad, ah Katase-san...." Shogo suddenly laughs "Natsuo-kun, take good care of Yuki......" "Eh?" "Looks like she's going to stay over tomorrow...." "Really? I understand! We'll take good care of her...." replies a thrilled Natsuo. Shogo smiles "I'll let her talk to you...." handing the phone to Yuki "Hello?" Natsuo's shoulders sag in relief "Yuki..." Yuki smiles "So that's it, I'll be coming over tomorrow..." "We'll be waiting...." "What time?" "Anytime's fine....ah, I'll come over & pick you up...." "It's ok, if you keep taking off everyday, you can't get any work done....." "But I worry.....eh? Not allowed to come over? Yuki-chan! I want to go! I want to go" Chika, Hiroto & Jun laugh at Natsuo acting like a little kid "He's really a worrier...." "He'll never change...." Natsuo however carries on chatting with Yuki "I'll wait for you at the pumpkin place....uhm...it's getting dark here......" for some odd reason, wriggling under the table as he speaks.....

 

Natsuo hangs up a decorative ball in the store "This is fine right here...." & rehearses Yuki's arrival, walking to the front of the store "She arrives....& then...." walking under the ball, pretends to open it as if the streamers come flying out. Picking up a bicycle tire pump, Natsuo walks outside & looks around "It's strange....she's still not here....I should've gone to pick her up after all....." Suddenly, someone taps him on the shoulder & turning around, he finds a finger on his cheek. Natsuo moans "Ouch! That hurt...my nose!" as Yuki laughs "What are you doing here with that thing?" Natsuo looks at the pump in his hands & Yuki smiles "Ah, you stopped working & came out to look for me..." "No, no...I was just volunteering to pump air for anyone coming by...." A huge guy walks pass & Natsuo says "I did that for him just now....thanks!" Yuki looks on dubiously "Oh I see...."

 

Entering the store, Natsuo tells Yuki "Chika & the others will be back in a little while....we were thinking of doing "otsukimi" (moon watching) tonight....." Yuki smiles "Otsukimi?" Natsuo quickly slides over & is about to pull the string from the ball to greet Yuki when a customer walks in wheeling his bicycle "Natsuo...." "Welcome....." "The tire's punctured again....." "I'll take a look at it...." Natsuo replies, & tells Yuki "Sorry, go on inside....." "It'll be fixed in a minute...." Natsuo assures his flustered customer "I'm in the middle of my deliveries, if I don't hurry, it'll all turn cold...." Right then, a lady & her young son walks in "Excuse me...I'd like to take a look at the children's bicycle...." Natsuo calls out "The children's bikes are all inside, please take a look...." The little boy walks up to the ball & just as Natsuo can says "Ahh! Stop!" the streamers fall out "Welcome Yuki". Amid the commotion, another customer walks in "Good afternoon.....the brake on my bicycle isn't working....." Natsuo replies "Please wait a moment..." "Can my child try it out?" "Sure, go ahead..." replies Natsuo. Yuki, seeing Natsuo with his hands full, comes up "Welcome...which one would you like to try out?" asking the lady & her son. Natsuo quickly says "Yuki, I'll take care of it...." but Yuki assures him "It's ok...." "Really? Thanks...." Natsuo replies a little embarrassed. The lady with the faulty brake on her bicycle slaps Natsuo on the back "You've got yourself a good woman! A cute wife!" Natsuo replies "She's not my wife....." but the lady gives him a shove that sends him flying across the room "What are you saying...." as the customer with the punctured tire asks "Where are you going?"

 

In her room, Chika helps Yuki with her yukata "All done...." "Thanks.....it's been a long time since I wore a yukata...." replies Yuki, looking at herself in the mirror. "You look great in a yukata!" "Think so?" "So do you...." "Really? Feels like a little kid...." grins Chika, prancing around in her pink yukata. Chika looks at Yuki "The yukata you're wearing was my mother's so it's not as bright....." "It's Natsuo-kun's mother's....." turning around to look at herself in the mirror......

 

Downstairs in the kitchen, the three guys are preparing sushi. Natsuo furiously stirs up the rice as Hiroto fans at it "The rice has to spread out like that....hurry up, will you fan properly?!" Hiroto mutters "Yes...." as Natsuo continues his chatter "There are four seasons in Japan...starting off with shogatsu (New Year), there's the hinamatsuri (Girls' festival) at the beginning of spring....the festivals in early May....there's Tababata in summer & in autumn, there's otsukimi......" Hiroto mumbles "There's too many events..." Natsuo looks at him "What did you say?" "I said there's too many events....." "What...." starts Natsuo but Jun interrupts "We always make chirashizushi for otsukimi don't we, aniki?" Natsuo nods "Yes, yes....Dad used to prepared this for us....the taste is essential, have to get the amount of vinegar right....let me try some....it's delicious! This is great!" Jun comes up with his plate of sliced egg omelet "This isn't bad either...." Natsuo announces "Then let's start!!"

 

At the table, the three guys start preparing the chirashizushi. Hiroto grabs a huge handful of egg "I like eggs a lot...." but Natsuo says "You've taken too much! Think of the others!" taking a handful back from Hiroto's plate. Hiroto mutters "That's mean...." Natsuo retorts "We bought them....any complaints?" Just then, Chika prances into the room "Sorry to keep you waiting...." Natsuo says "Good timing! We were just about to start....." but suddenly trails off as he sees Yuki enter. Smiling, Yuki asks "How does it look?" but when Natsuo remains speechless, Yuki asks worriedly "It looks strange?" Vigorously, Natsuo shakes his head & Chika says "You mean she looks great?" Natsuo nods again vigorously & gets a smile from Yuki.....

 

Sitting outside in the little garden looking up at the moon in the sky, Natsuo says "It's nice isn't it....makes me think that it feels great to be born in Japan..." Yuki adds "The moon's really beautiful....." "When I was a kid & heard from my mother the rabbit would make mochitsuki (rice cakes) on the moon, I thought 'wow'....just to make mochitsuki, it went all the way to the moon....all that trouble.....I thought it was fantastic...." "I want to believe that too....." "Really?" "....if you do that you'll have dreams......." "That's true....." Yuki & Natsuo exchange looks....

 

Upstairs on the second floor in Chika's room eating teriyaki, Chika says to Jun & Hiroto "I wonder why Yuki came over...." Jun replies "Well, she's going into the hospital isn't she?" "But to stay over?" Hiroto grins cheekily "A summer experience?" but Chika says "It's autumn already...." Hiroto gets up & Jun asks "What are you doing?" Hiroto says "Just checking up on the two of them....." "Don't do that!" "Don't worry!" Hiroto steps out into the veranda & looks downstairs. When he sees Natsuo & Yuki about to kiss, Hiroto quickly motions to Jun & Chika to come look. Coming out, Jun bumps into Hiroto & Hiroto drops his stick of teriyaki downstairs, startling Natsuo & Yuki. Natsuo comes out & sees the three of them, Hiroto hanging on the rail of the veranda "What are you doing?!" In a panic, Hiroto replies "Nothing! We didn't see anything so don't worry!" Chika slaps Hiroto on the head & Natsuo growls "You guys were peeping weren't you!" Hiroto says "Sorry!" as Jun & Chika pull him back in. Natsuo mutters to himself frowning "Just at that moment too....." & Yuki smiles.....

 

Going back into the house in the living room, Natsuo grumbles "...really a rowdy bunch, won't even keep it down....at least keep a little quiet during otsukimi....." Yuki says with a smile tinged with sadness "I'm glad...." Natsuo looks at her "Hm?" "...that I could stay over at your home before I go into the hospital.....I just got one more good memory to keep....ever since I met you, every time we met, I've only gotten more & more good memories....." Yuki looks back at Natsuo, a glimmer of tears in her eyes. Natsuo stares back at her, loss for words. Finally finding his tongue, he suddenly says "...uhm....I've got to go to the toilet....sorry....sorry....." getting up & leaving Yuki alone.....

 

Chika & Jun, coming down the stairs just then, notice their brother heading for the bathroom. Curious, they follow him & see Natsuo crying in the bathroom. Quietly, Chika asks "What's wrong?" Jun asks surprised "Aniki, you're crying?" Natsuo replies "I'm not...." Chika says "Then why are you in here?" Fighting back tears, Natsuo replies "....looking at Yuki....feels so sad.....once she goes into the hospital, she doesn't know when she's ever going to come out....it's so tough for her, yet she's smiling all the time....& I can't do a single thing for her....." Jun & Chika exchange glances, not saying a word. Suddenly, Hiroto comes in "What are you all doing in here?" & then seeing Natsuo "Natsuo-san, what shall we do with Yuki-chan's futon?" Natsuo looks at him surprised "Yuki's futon?" Hiroto says "Is it ok if we put hers next to yours? Or will you be sharing one together?" Natsuo retorts "Idiot! Of course Yuki's going to sleep in Chika's room tonight....what are you thinking of....." walking out of the bathroom. However Chika tells him "Ah, but Yuki-chan said that she was going to spend the night in your room....." Stunned, Natsuo looks at them "Eh? Come one, don't kid...." but Chika replies seriously "We're not, it's for real....." as Hiroto & Jun nod in agreement. Shocked, Natsuo stares back at them & then turns to see Yuki standing down the corridor, a shy smile on her face......

 

Lying side by side on their futon in Natsuo's room, Yuki looks up at the ceiling as Natsuo holds the globe she gave him for his birthday, nervously turning it around in his hands. Yuki says "Natsuo....." "Hm?" "Let's do this together again next year...otsukimi....." "Uhm...." "Natsuo?" "Hm?" "Can I move closer to you?" Natsuo nods "Uhm...." & Yuki moves a little closer. Looking at Natsuo "Lately, I haven't been able to sleep well....." Looking back at her, Natsuo says "Yuki?" "Even when I fall asleep, I'll wake up in the middle of the night...I think, maybe I won't ever wake up again.....I get scared....." "...don't worry, when that happens, I'll set the alarm clock for you....." "...& what if I don't wake up even then?" "Then I'll wake you up....I'll keep clanking on a bucket next to your ear......" Yuki smiles & then suddenly holds her hand out "Hold my hand.....I want you to hold it tightly.....so that I don't go anywhere....." Natsuo looks back at her "....alright....." & gripping her hand tightly, pulls her close, his arm around her shoulders. "Natsuo?" "Uhm?" "You'll stay by my side forever?" "Sleep tight......" "Goodnight....."

 

At the hospital in Yuki's room, Natsuo arranges some roses in a vase. Looking around, he says to Yuki who's putting her things away in the cupboard "There's no TV here.....shall I go borrow one? Even a game or something....when you get bored....." Before Yuki can reply, Sakurai enters "How are you doing? Got your things sorted out?" Natsuo formally bows to Sakurai "Please take good care of Yuki....." & Sakurai returns it "Yes, I will take good care of her...." Natsuo grins "Thank you....." Sakurai smiles & then says to Yuki "The doctor said he'd like to see you in his room....." Yuki nods "Alright....." Natsuo tells her "Then I'll stay here & pack your things...." Yuki smiles "Thanks....." but her expression suddenly changes when she sees Sakurai pushing a wheelchair in "Yuki-chan, sit in the wheelchair..." Stunned, Yuki looks at her. Sakurai explains "From now on we need to relieve the burden on your heart...." "But....I can still walk....." "Just within the hospital....." "...but........" Natsuo looks at Yuki & then suddenly stoops down in front of her "Alright, I know.....I'll give you a piggy-back....you don't like riding in a wheelchair right? So get on..." "....alright, I'll use the wheelchair....." Sakurai & Natsuo smile. Sakurai says "Yuki, take your necklace off...." Taking it off, Yuki hands it to Natsuo & gets in the wheelchair. Wheeling Yuki out, Sakurai says "We're off....." as Natsuo says "Itterashai....." As soon as Yuki leaves, a worried look appears on Natsuo's face......

 

Down in the lobby, Seiji sits waiting, looking at the chart in his hand. Looking up, he sees Natsuo who bows politely to him. Sitting back down, Seiji tells Natsuo "I've seen the results of Yuki's medical report....it's worse than we thought.....if left alone & she suffers another attack, she can't be saved.....I want to take Yuki to the US with me.....I want to let her have the surgery there.....I'll take care of all the expenses.....I want to take care of Yuki forever....." Not saying a word, Natsuo looks at the Yuki's pendant in his hands. Finally looking straight at Seiji, Natsuo tells him "Take her with you.....please take care of her...." Seiji stares back at Natsuo "Are you sure that's ok, Natsuo?" Natsuo nods "I've been thinking over what you said before.....what I can actually do for Yuki.....but I haven't got any money....I can't help cure her either......no matter what I think, I haven't got that power.....that's why I've decided that I'm going to leave her with you....." Seiji looks at Natsuo, not saying anything. Natsuo continues "The one that Yuki needs right now isn't me.....I believe it's you, a doctor.....please save Yuki....." bowing deeply to Seiji. Seiji asks again "You're sure it's ok....." With his head still bowed down, Natsuo replies "Yes......onegaishimasu......"

 

Working, Hiroto turns around when he hears the door sliding open "Welcome.....Natsuo-san....." Natsuo walks in despondently "I'm back....sorry, leaving you to do all the work......" "It's ok....." Hiroto replies, a questioning look in his face. However, Natsuo merely walks by him. Chika greets "Welcome back....how's Yuki-san?" Natsuo walks pass her "Uhm.....she's checked into the hospital....." Jun comes by "Welcome back, aniki....." Glumly, Natsuo nods "Uhm....." taking a glass of water from the sink. Worriedly, Hiroto, Jun & Chika look at him. With a sigh, Natsuo mutters "I'm not going to bother with dinner or a bath today.....goodnight....." Chika whispers to Hiroto & Jun "I wonder what's wrong...."

 

With heavy steps, Natsuo walks into his room. He sees the yukata Yuki wore folded on the futon. Sliding down onto the tatami floor, Natsuo stares at the water globe Yuki gave him.....

 

In the examination room, the Doctor Tachibana looks at Yuki's X-ray & then says "Yuki-chan, what do you think of having the surgery in the US?" Yuki looks surprised "Eh?" Sakurai smiles, explaining "It would be at the same hospital Yukari-chan went to...." Tachibana adds "Right now we're checking it out if it's possible...." Yuki replies "But the expenses....." Tachibana assures her "We'll take are of the medical expenses....it's got nothing to do with the hospital.....we're personally paying for it....." Yuki looks stunned. Tachibana continues "This is Seiji's suggestion....you're really important to Seiji....he's really thinking about the future together with you....." Yuki doesn't reply......

 

With a TV set in his arms, Natsuo is about to enter Yuki's room when he hears Shogo say "So what do you intend to do? Let's hear it...." Sakurai says agitatedly "Yuki-chan!" Shogo presses urgently "It's your last chance....I think you should accept it...." Sakurai says again "Yuki-chan!" Finally, Yuki breaks her silence "I was thinking of rejecting it...." Shocked, Shogo says "Yuki!" Yuki replies "There's no reason to get Seiji-san to pay all that money! If I get that from him, I'll never be able to pay him back....." Sakurai tries to persuade her "But that's just Seiji's good intentions....." but Yuki interrupts "I'm really sorry.....I can't think of a future with Seiji-san......" Shogo looks at her "But your life depends on this!" Sakurai adds "Yuki, think about it a bit more? You're just 20 years old.....I don't think it's right if you decide just because of what you feel right now....."  Shogo continues "That's right.....your life is just beginning....think about it!" Yuki stubbornly refuses "I don't even know what's going to happen right now......if I have another attack, it'll be the end.....all I can think about is what I feel now.....my feelings for Natsuo, I love him, that's all......" Outside, Natsuo listens. Yuki adds "I want to be true to my feelings.....I have Natsuo beside me.....I have Natsuo......" Suddenly, Yuki grimaces in pain. Shogo anxiously says "Are you alright?" Sakurai quickly takes a look at her "Yuki.....calm down....." as Yuki says painfully "I have Natsuo......" Outside Natsuo turns away, tears in his eyes......

 

Lying in bed, Yuki suddenly hears a knock on the door "Come in....." Natsuo enters, carrying a bag of things "Hi...." Yuki smiles, sitting up "You're earlier than usual....." Natsuo puts the little TV on the table "It's lunch time so I'm taking a break.....I was thinking of spending the day with you......"

 

Outside, Yuki laughs watching the children play ball with Natsuo, telling the kids to throw the ball at him. Wheeling her back in, Natsuo grumbles "It's dangerous you know....." Yuki laughs "But you're so bad at it...." Natsuo retorts "Shut up! Speaking of which, I'm thirsty....." "Alright, I'll give you a treat...." At the cafeteria, Natsuo comes back with two drinks. Yuki reaches out for Natsuo's "I want this...." but Natsuo takes it back from her "Guys drink the melon flavor..." pushing the pink strawberry flavored drink back to her. However, Yuki pouts "No way!" & Natsuo gives in.....

 

Up on the roof top, Natsuo tells her "I've been having strange dreams lately...." "What kind?" "Well, when you sit in a wheelchair you don't get enough exercise right?" "Uhm......" "I dreamt that you got really really fat!" Yuki laughs "You're mean! The least you could do is dream that the both of us went swimming in the ocean or something....." "Become a mermaid?" "Yes...." "I would like to, but I really can't....." Natsuo teases her. Yuki smiles & suddenly gets pensive "But....just as long as I can be with you in my dreams, that'll be great....." Natsuo looks away, not saying anything....." Suddenly they hear a little girl say "Yuki-chan....." Yuki smiles "Yukari-chan!" Natsuo looks at her walking towards them with the help of a nurse "You can walk now!" Yukari nods "Uhm......Yuki-chan....you're sick?" Yuki nods "Uhm...." Yukari asks "What kind of sickness?" Yuki replies "The same as yours....." Yukari says "Then why don't you got to America & get better too?" Yuki shakes her head, smiling "I'll stay here in this hospital & get better....." Hearing her words, Natsuo's expression turns sober.....

 

Back in her room & playing with the computer game, Yuki says excitedly "Wow! I won! One more game?" Natsuo, not his usual self, says "I think it's better if you get some rest.....you're tired aren't you?" "No, not really...." "But, that's enough for today....." "How boring...." Natsuo sighs & Yuki points her finger at him "Achi muite hoi!" but Natsuo stares at her, not falling for her this time. Yuki pouts "Hey? You always fall for it....." Natsuo looks at her "Yuki.....go with Seiji-san to the US.....if it's Seiji-san, he'll save you for sure....." Yuki replies "You knew about that? But I'll turn it down....I'll stay here with you....." "Go with Seiji-san!!" "Natsuo?" "It's stupid to turn something like that down.....& Seiji-san's really thinking about you...." "Why are you saying that?" "You said before didn't you.....that there were many kids who couldn't live even if they wanted to.....that the most important thing is this world is life.....if that's the case then why are you turning it down?" After a pause, Yuki asks "Is it ok with you?" Natsuo swallows, not replying. Yuki adds "Is it ok with you that I go with Seiji-san?" Natsuo nods "Uhm...." Stunned, Yuki replies "I don't want to! I want to be with you....as long as you're around, I'm not afraid to die...." Natsuo tells her "If....if because of me....you don't want to live anymore, I'll definitely regret it....meeting you....." Tears in her eyes, Yuki says "Don't say that......I've got so many good memories of us....." Natsuo looks at her "You'll make more good memories from now on.....you'll make more from now on if you try......" going next to her. Yuki looks back at him, not saying anything. Natsuo adds "It doesn't matter who's beside you.....as long as you're healthy that's all that matters....." "Then what about my feelings? I love you so much....." "It's the same with me....but.....when I think of this world without you in it.....I can't stand it, can't take it....you understand don't you, Yuki..." Yuki shakes her head, tears rolling down her cheeks. Natsuo says "Don't do this to me...." but Yuki shakes her head again. Natsuo takes her hand in his "I want you to live....for your sake.....for mine too....." Yuki looks at Natsuo, crying. Natsuo gets up "Bye....." but Yuki holds on tightly to his hand. Natsuo pushes it away & starts walking out when Yuki says "What about our promise? You said that we'd go see the summer snow together.....what about that promise" Fighting back tears, Natsuo doesn't turn around. In a shaky voice, Natsuo says "I'm sorry......" & walks out, sliding the door shut. On either side of the door, both Natsuo & Yuki are in tears. Natsuo walks towards the elevator but at the last moment, runs down a narrow & dark corridor. Falling against the wall, Natsuo breaks down & the tears he tried to hide from Yuki flow down his face.....as Yuki's tears flow down hers.......

 

At the airport, Shogo says "Seiji-kun.....take care of Yuki....." Seiji assures him "I will...the surgery will be a success & we'll return together with Yuki healthy....." Sakurai says "Yuki-chan....make sure you write...& don't worry about your father....I'll look after him...." Yuki bows "Onegaishimasu......that's great isn't it, Dad...." Shogo mutters "Uhm....yoroshiku....." bowing to Sakurai. Seiji says "I think it's time we get going...." Shogo tells her "All the best Yuki....I can't go with you because of work but I'll wait for you here....." Yuki nods & Seiji pushes Yuki inside......

 

Working at the store, Natsuo sees Chika coming back "I'm back....ah look, I got the health book today...." "So how's everything?" "Going well......I'm going to make dinner now.....I've got your favorite today....." "You're really know me....." Chika walks in & suddenly turns around to look at her brother "Onichan..." "Hm?" "Not seeing her off....are you sure it's ok?" "Yeah....she's together with Seiji-san so there's no need to worry....." "But I think Yuki would like to see you before leaving Japan.....I'm sure she's thinking that she'd like you to encourage her....." Natsuo doesn't reply, merely carries one working on bike......

 

Entering into the departure hall, Seiji chatters on "It'll take about 12 hours to get to Los Angeles.....when we arrive it'll just be dawn....." Yuki, sitting in the wheelchair, stonily replies "Oh....." "We'll take a taxi & go to the beach....the ocean's really beautiful there....." Yuki doesn't reply......her thoughts on Natsuo......

 

Natsuo, working on his bike, his thoughts on Yuki.......suddenly his hands pause.....

 

At the airport, Seiji continues pushing Yuki along in her wheelchair. Suddenly Yuki's phone rings once & then stops. Yuki holds the phone to her chest.....

 

At the store, Natsuo looks at the cell phone in his hand.....Yuki stares ahead, thinking.....Natsuo suddenly stands up.......Yuki suddenly reaches out & pulls the brakes on her wheelchair.......

 

Shogo & Sakurai look at her "What's wrong?" "Yuki-chan?" Suddenly, Yuki says "I can't go......Seiji-san I'm sorry....." In a fluster, Seiji asks her "You've come all this way already what are you saying?!" Yuki tells him "I love Natsuo.....no matter how long a time I live, if it's not with Natsuo it won't do! If Natsuo's not with me there's no reason for living! I want to be with Natsuo!" Suddenly, Yuki gets up & starts running. Seiji frantically shouts "Yuki! Don't run!!!" as they go after her, getting their way blocked by some passengers going by. Yuki ignores the warning & keeps running. Suddenly, she grabs her chest in pain, grabbing the pearl pendant at the same time, breaking the chain. Doubling over, Yuki falls to the ground. Seiji, Shogo & Sakurai come running up anxiously "Yuki-chan!" Seiji yells "Someone call an ambulance!" Shogo & Sakurai call out frantically "Yuki!" "Hang in there!" Yuki suddenly calls out in pain "Natsuo~~!!!"

 

In the store, Natsuo suddenly stops cold, as if having heard something......Hiroto walks in "I'm back, sorry I'm late.....I'll help out right away....." Chika comes out grumbling "Onichan! Jun won't go buy the tofu for me!" "I've got to study!" "What's wrong with just doing that for me, right onichan?" However, when Natsuo doesn't reply, all three of them turn around to stare at him. Chika says questioningly "Onichan?"

 

Natsuo, staring off into space, suddenly mutters "Yuki........."