the COLD & HOT kiss

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The title being <<Itazura Na Kiss>> or <<It Started With A Kiss>>, it is understandable that the kiss creates the major dramatic effect throughout the show alongside other developments. At the end of Episode 4 and Episode 5 respectively, audiences get to see 2 different type of kisses >>>

1. The Cold Kiss - given to Kotoko by Naoki

2. The Hot Kiss - given to Naoki by Kotoko

Essentially, the 1st type of kiss is one devoid of any real feelings. In simple terms, it is just 'kiss for the sake of kissing'. Kotoko feels that such an unfeeling kiss shouldn't be counted as a real kiss at all. On the contrary, the 2nd type is soft and filled with warmth and passion. Under literary devices, the two scenes form a straight parallel with the Indifferent Naoki vs Passionate Kotoko, which is main jizz of the story plot all along.

wpe3F.jpg (6905 bytes) Ever since Kotoko moved in with the Irie family, there has not been any peace for Naoki. His mother, Machiko is also not helping him by chirping in nosily and publicly praises Kotoko's father in front of Ki (Naoki's father). One day at the dinner table, Naoki just explodes and accuses Machiko of being very insensitive towards Ki, especially in the area of work. When Kotoko tries to talk him round, he plainly says that Kotoko will never understand him.

When Ki finds out about the quarrel, he forces Naoki to apologise to Machiko. However, Naoki refuses to do so and storms out of the house. Kotoko chases after him.

wpe40.jpg (4181 bytes) Kotoko tells Naoki that she does understand him -- while he keeps trying to act cold and aloof, underneath, he does have a warm and gentle side to him. Occasionally, he will still feel shy and childlike. Unable to bear it anymore, Naoki orders her to shut up.

Kotoko then starts to get angry too and scolds him for being selfish and not sparing a thought for all those who care for him -- he is so caught up with his own affairs that he has neglected his loved ones. If it is really the case, Kotoko declares that she will dislike him.

wpe53.jpg (5646 bytes) Naoki halts for a moment. He looks at Kotoko intently and after a moment, advances towards her. Abruptly, he pulls her close to him and plants a kiss on her lips. Kotoko is shocked.

When Naoki lets go, he says, " If you really dislike me, then prove it to me." He then walks away.

While Kotoko is focusing on his retreating figure, she remarks, " So cold... my second kiss with Naoki is so cold..."

wpe4A.jpg (7698 bytes) This scene occurs towards the end of Episode 5. This time, Naoki is exasperated by his family members, who keep making plans for him and Kotoko without his consent. When Machiko proudly exhibits an extension plan of the house, Naoki accuses them of manipulating his life and wants to leave the house again. When his parents attempt to stop him at the doorway, he is hurtful in his words and Kotoko slaps him in a fit of anger. He then storms away.

Outside, Naoki finally pours out all his frustrations to Kotoko, saying that he is irritated by the older generation for 'behaving like young kids'. He even hurts Kotoko by accusing her of ruining his life and causing so much destruction to the household. The breaking point came when he tells Kotoko frankly that "if only she had never existed".

Though Kotoko is heartbroken, she still thanks Naoki for telling her the truth. Nevertheless, it is the first time that Naoki actually reveals his true feelings to her. It is what she described as 'his real voice'. On hearing this, Naoki is unable to face her for a moment. Kotoko then slowly reaches over and kisses him softly on his lips, whispering, "This kiss is quite a gentle one..."

And she runs away, leaving Naoki to stare after her.

The Kiss Trilogy

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