tengoku no oyaji e...

to Dad in heaven...

From the ocean surface far above, light streams through the blue water. Shinoda Natsuo dives through the water, an underwater camera in his hand....

Summer 1951....

the first Japanese submarine the "kuroshio" took its first dive off the Straits of Tsugaru.....

when the searchlight shone out from the window into the darkness of the sea...

tiny particles that were like cotton balls were seen....

it was recorded that it was as if it were snow......

 

I want to see it once....

thousands of meters deep under the sea....

the pure white Summer Snow....

 

Morning arrives & a voice calling from downstairs "Onichan, wake up! Onichan! Oiii~~!!" Natsuo finally stirs, smiling in his sleep....

 

In the kitchen, Chika grumbles to herself as she makes breakfast on the stove "What is he thinking of?! Every morning...every morning....even getting up I've got to call him....." As she sighs & turns to yell one more time "Onichan!" she suddenly sees Natsuo in front of the refrigerator, his hair a mess, drinking milk out of the carton burping "You're making a racket..."

 

All washed up & ready to start the day, Natsuo stands in front of the altar & puts his hands together "May the three of us brothers & sister have a safe day today too....yoroshiku..." he grins at the photograph of his parents....

 

Coming into the living room, Natsuo looks at the table where Jun's quietly eating & then says "It's urumeboshi (herring) again?" Chika replies "Do we have a choice? We've still got debts to pay after renovating the store..." Natsuo mutters "We've still got debts to pay....I know what you're trying to say..." Chika puts some soup down for her brothers & tells him "Then be quiet & eat..." Natsuo meekly nods "ok then I'll be quiet & eat...itadakimasu...." As they start, Natsuo looks at his brother "Oh yes, Jun, you were up late again last night studying...don't over do it, if your ruin your health it'll be meaningless..." However, Jun, looking down & concentrating on his food, doesn't reply. Natsuo raps the table in front of Jun to get his attention & when Jun looks up, Natsuo points to his ear "Ear..." Jun grins & from a glass bottle filled with sea shells, takes out his hearing-aid & puts it on his right ear. Natsuo continues "Be careful...if you go out like that, there're cars, bicycles & bikes...& then there are people who suddenly approach from behind...what if they bump into you?" Chika sighs "There you go again, just like an old man...." Natsuo retorts "What's wrong with worrying about one's brother?" Chika replies "It's fine....Jun-nichan's hearing might not be good but he's never been in an accident before...." Natsuo continues "That's before....one never knows what happens from now on...like Mom & Dad too....they said they'd live to be a hundred but they were killed in an accident.....one can never tell what's ahead of us...." Jun smiles "Aniki, I'll be careful...." Jun speech is slurred & takes getting used to. Natsuo nods "Yes, do that....if anything happens to you, I'll have a hard time explaining to our Dad up in heaven..." Looking around, Natsuo says "Where's the soy sauce?" Chika replies "Over there...." & Natsuo starts on his long winded story again "See, I was talking about what's ahead of us, I didn't know where the soy sauce was...."

 

As Jun & Chika leave for school, Natsuo tells them "Be careful! Look out for cars!" Chika & Jun both turn around & grin "We know already!" Natsu smiles "As long as you know..." & then as Jun hops onto the back of Chika's bicycle, Natsuo starts yelling "Don't ride double! It's dangerous! It's dangerous!!"

 

In the store, Natsu takes the training wheel off a bike & says to the little boy with his mother "It's done, would you like to try it?" When the boy doesn't reply, Natsuo asks "What's wrong?" The boy pouts "I don't want to ride it...." Natsuo says "What are you saying.....with the training wheels off you'll be speeding away!" The boy retorts "You're annoying! I said I didn't want to ride!" & pushes a bike on display, resulting in all the bikes falling over like dominoes. The boy storms out as Natsuo yells at him "What are you doing?! Quit messing around!" before stopping himself "Ah, sorry...." But feeling embarrassed for her son's behavior, she instead apologizes "Sorry...." & helps him right all the fallen bikes "That boy's the only one in his class that can't ride a bike, so it looks like he's been bullied by the others...." Natsuo says "That's a little hard on him, the only one who can't ride...."

 

Natsuo drives in his van to the "Hikari Shinyou Kinko" (name of bank) & going inside, makes the loan repayment for the month. Taking the cash out from the envelope, Natsuo tells the bank employee "This month's repayment...eighty three thousand, six hundred forty five yen....eh? where's my five yen?" As Natsuo searches all over for his five yen, over in the counter, Arimura Sanae introduces two new employees to everyone "Ah, shitenchou (branch manager) these are the new employees assigned to this branch from today..." "I'm Suzuki Misa....yoroshiku onegaishimasu..." "I'm Katase Yuki....yoroshiku onegaishimasu..." Something in Yuki's sweet voice & face suggests sadness & pain. Both girls bow politely to the branch manager as he replies "Work hard....if there's anything you don't know, just ask Arimura....take care of them..." Arimura nods "I will...." & then to both girls "Then I'll show you your places...."

 

Natsuo, still looking for his missing five yen, assures the bank employee "I definitely put it in, definitely...." looking around. The guy says "Why not debit your account? Most people do that..." Natsuo replies "What are you saying....we borrowed from you so if we don't pay you back properly every month, it's inexcusable...by the way, thanks to you, we've renovated our home & since then, sales have gone up...from now on, we're work hard & pay you off as soon as possible....that's what I intend to do...." Suddenly looking down at his bag, he spots his missing five yen "It's here....it fell out....here, exactly...." pushing the cash towards the guy. With a smile, Natsuo cheerfully adds "Then, see you next month...."

 

At the counter, Yuki serves a customer "Here's your bank book & seal, thank you very much...." From behind, Arimura calls "Katase-san, could you come here for a minute please?" As Yuki gets up to go over, Suzuki walks pass & whispers "Another scolding...." Arimura hands Yuki a document "Please remember what I've taught you....this, you've left out an item of expenditure...." Yuki takes it & replies apologetically "I'm sorry, I'll correct it right away...." & is about to walk off when Arimura says "Also, the medical examination during training, you went for a heart examination....are you alright?" Yuki assures her "So far until now, I've been able to attend college normally....the doctor in charge has also said that work should be alright too....." Arimura replies "Is that so....in that case it's fine....if anything happens, my workload will increase...."

 

At lunch break in the canteen, Suzuki comments "That person is really irritatingly annoying...I wonder if we'll be bullied from now on..." Getting her lunch from the counter, Yuki smiles "Perhaps...." Suzuki asks "Hey, there's a get-together for new employees from the other branches, want to go?" Sitting down at the table next to her, Yuki replies "No, don't think so..." "Why not? You have a boyfriend?" "I'm just concentrating on work right now...." "Eh? Nowadays that's rare, Katase-san....but I'm also wondering what to do....I recently got to know a high school student...." Surprised, Yuki looks at her "A high school student?" Suzuki explains "Met him through the internet....diving homepage...."

 

Coming home from his deliveries, Natsuo cheerfully mutters to himself "I'm home....ah~~~, worked hard today too....." Coming out of the kitchen, Chika's flustered to see Natsuo "You're back early today...." Natsuo replies "Yeah, next time if I'm early I'll call....is the bath ready?" Chika stops him "How about having dinner first?" Natsuo looks at the tempura Chika's cooking "But nothing's ready...." Chika grabs Natsuo's arm "It'll be done soon, how about making some?" Natsuo replies "I want to go take a hot bath so I'll feel refreshed.....right now I smell of oil don't I, here smell...." putting his arm near Chika "The oil's ready...." pointing to the pot on the stove & walking off to the bathroom. However, Chika stops him in desperation & Natsuo asks "What? Get out of the way!" Chika starts to say "Uhm...." & suddenly, a singing voice comes floating into the kitchen "chan chan chan...bokura wa ai no hana sakasou yo...." Surprised, Natsuo looks around & Chika puts her hand to her forehead at being found out. Natsuo mutters "Who is it...." & follows the singing voice into the bathroom to find his friend Suetsugu Hiroto soaking in the tub. Natsuo sarcastically says "Sounds good...." & without a pause, Hiroto says "That so?" & continues singing before realizing Natsuo's standing at the doorway "Natsuo!" Natsuo says "What do you think you're doing in someone else's bathroom?!"

 

(-=CJ=- I thought it was so funny to find Natsuo coming home to find Hiroto singing a popular Kinki Kids song in the bath tub!!)

 

Wrapped in only a towel at his waist, Hiroto sits across the table from Natsuo who starts on his lecture "Listen well, the first one in the batchroom is the one who's sweat flows the whole day, who works the hardest, do you understand?" Hiroto mumbles "But those that work....I'm still a high school student...." "Idiot! If you're a high school student then study hard like a high school student should! You didn't go to school either today did you, but spent the day at that game center over there didn't you!" Hiroto frowns "I went in the morning, but it was boring & I didn't understand either..." Natsuo fires back "That's because you never study! Look at our Jun, until junior high, the both of you were in school together...but the high school is the best one around here....seems like his results at the last mock examination was pretty good....I think he could get into college too...." Hiroto mumbles "Boasting about your brother again..." Natsuo looks annoyed but at that moment, Jun comes home "I'm back...." Natsuo grins "Welcome back..." As Jun walks past Hiroto, he laughs "Another lecture?" Hiroto nods "Yeah...." Natsuo says "What...I'm saying this for your own good, you've got to be a little more serious....have you ever worked hard for a single thing in your life? You can't always be pouting to your parents & making them worry...." Chika finally comes in & starts putting bowls on the table "Onichan, isn't your 'advise' enough already? Hiroto will properly consider things...." Natsuo tells her "Chika, there's no need to be so nice to someone as childish as him...." Chika says "I'm not being nice...." when Hiroto sneezes. Natsuo frowns "Hurry & go get dressed...." Hiroto nods & Chika smiles "I'll make a hot drink for you...." Hiroto grins "Cafe au lait please...." Chika smiles "ok...." & Natsuo, not liking the looks going between Hiroto & his sister, says to Hiroto "Oii!" Hiroto pauses & looks at Natsuo threaten him "Just try laying a hand on my sister....I'll beat you up...." Timidly, Hiroto nods "I understand..."

 

In the locker room having changed out of their uniforms after work, Suzuki checks her e-mail connected via her cell phone "I've got  mail!" Yuki says "Mail? From the high school student?" Suzuki nods smiling "Yes.....it's so cute....'This Sunday I'll be going diving. Right now the water's still cold. Even with a suit on, it still feels like I can catch a cold. Although I can't show you what the temperature feels like, I'll send you pictures I take with the underwater camera next time'..." Yuki looks over Suzuki's shoulder & grins "It's cute...." Suzuki grins "Isn't he? Most guys these days want to meet right away, they've got other things in mind....but this guy doesn't say that.....I told him I was interested in diving so all we've talked about is about the ocean....somehow it feels very sweet...." Yuki smiles "...about the ocean?" Suzuki thinks "This makes me feel more interested instead....." 

 

In his room, Jun looks at the monitor to see an incoming mail 'I've read your mail. I'd like to know more about your life in school. What does it feel like everyday?' With a smile, Jun reads it & then replies 'School's a lot of fun. I spend more time talking to my friends than studying though. Well, I guess that's because I'm a chatterbox....' Suddenly, Jun pauses & stares at the screen, at the words 'chatterbox' & appears to look troubled. At that moment, a buzzer goes off & a light comes flashing on, getting his attention. Picking up the phone, he hears Natsuo say "Jun, dinner's ready...." Jun replies "I'll be right down..." hanging up & giving a downcast glance at his computer....

 

At the police station, a police officer comes out of the Juvenile Crime section & calls to an elderly man walking down the corridor "Shogo-san! How about going for a drink?" Shogo answers tiredly "Not today, I've been going home past midnight the last few days...." His partner looks at his watch "That's just a few moments away too...." Shogo smiles "That's true, ostukaresama..." "Otsukaresama desu!" says his partner....

 

Arriving home into his apartment, Shogo sees his dinner on the table. As he puts a plate into the microwave to reheat his dinner, Yuki comes out of her room yawning "Welcome back Dad...." Shogo, warming up soup on the stove, turns around "You're awake...." Yuki says "I'll do it..." but Shogo tells her "No, it's alright, you must be tired...." "It's ok, I've gotten used to work...." Shogo takes off his tie "There's no need to over do things....you said that you wanted to relax & do live the way you want...." Yuki dishes out a bowl of rice "I want to live life just like everyone else..." Shogo sits down at the table "But your health isn't the same as everyone else's...." Yuki hands the rice to him, assuring "Everything's fine...actually, it looks like you're the one that's gotten tired lately...." Yuki takes the plate out of the microwave as Shogo laughs replying "That's true...lately juvenile crimes have changed....more & more, no one knows the reasons for why they happen....but don't worry, I'm fine...." "I hope so..." replies Yuki, putting the plate on the table "It's hot! Shall I take the cellophane off?" "It's ok, I've got it..." Shogo takes the film wrap off & takes a mouthful "It's delicious....it tastes exactly like your mother's cooking....that's strange, surely you wouldn't remember your mother's cooking...." Yuki watches her Dad eat, smiling "I learnt this 'taste' from you Dad...." Shogo looks up "Eh?" "You've cooked for me since I was little, I've just imitated that 'taste'...." Shogo looks surprised "My cooking tastes this good?" Yuki smiles & Shogo starts laughing.....the love between father & daughter apparent in their smiles....

 

The following day at work, Arimura hands out instructions to Suzuki & Yuki "...going house to house & look for new customers...for the time being, this morning your job will be to look for new customers, is that understood?" Both girls nod "Yes..." & Arimura hands them a bag each "These are little gifts....work hard..." & leaves the two girls holding on to their bags, looking at each other. Yuki says "We're going to be running around like this for a whole day?" Suzuki replies "We'll just do our best....in any case we're just newcomers....let's go...." & walks out, Yuki following....

 

On his delivery rounds, Natsu takes a look at a customer's bicycle "The tire's a little worn, the brakes also not working to well, it's dangerous...." The lady sys worriedly "Maybe it's better to change a new one..." Natsuo tells her "Yes, it's probably better to change a new one but....in this case, just a little oil here & there will fix it...." "Really?" "Yes..."

 

Natsuo pulls up at a red light & reaches over to the passenger compartment when he glances out the window "Isn't that...." In the playground outside, he sees the little boy Yuta, that threw a tantrum in his store, struggling to balance himself on his bicycle. Wobbly riding a little distance, he finally loses his balance & topples over onto the ground. Natsu grins before hearing someone sound their horn behind him, & starts moving.....

 

Yuta rides wobbly on his bike before toppling over again. Before he can get up on his feet, he sees Natsuo approaching "Aren't you something, practicing how to ride all by yourself..." Yuta picks himself up "Who's practicing...." Natsuo rights the fallen bike "I'll hang on to the back, try riding one more time....." At that, Yuta kicks the bike "Who wants to ride like that...." & walks off. At that moment, kids around Yuta's age come riding by & Yuta watches silently as does Natsuo. Natsuo finally says "Everyone's riding...." Stubbornly, Yuta retorts "Why should you care...." Natsuo tells the kid "I don't merely sell bikes....you don't know how many kids have learnt to ride by my hands of mind....more than two digit numbers....that's to say, more than a hundred....I'm a pro of pros....however, since you're not interested, I'm going home....." As Natsuo starts walking off, in a small voice, Yuta says "oji-chan...." (Uncle) Natsuo turns around not looking to pleased "oji-chan?"

 

Yuki speaks into the intercom at the gate of a big house "I'm Katase from Hikari Shinyou Kinko....I'm here today to see if you're interested in signing up to be a new customer...." A curt reply greets Yuki "Sorry, I'm busy right now...." At another house, Yuki says "....if you haven't got an account with us, please don't miss this opportunity....." The lady replies "I'm sorry but I've already got three accounts with other banks...." Yuki hands her a document anyway with a smile "I see, however if there's anything you'd like to know, please get in touch with us....."

 

At the park, Natsuo encourages Yuta as he cycles on "That's it...that's it.....ah, just a bit more, but you're getting it....." as Yuto hits the dirt again. Picking up the bike, Natsuo tells the boy "One more time, don't give up, don't give up...I've got you....let's go, keep going...." Yuta concentrating "Don't let go..." Natsuo assures him "I won't...keep going, go.....like that, keep going...." & lets go of both hands. Yuta, not knowing he's riding on his own, says "Make sure you don't let go!" Finally Natsuo yells "Hey Yuta-kun! You're riding by yourself!" Yuta takes a peek around "Waa~" but keeps on riding, heading towards the street. Natsu says "Congratulations!" before shouting "Wait! Use your brakes! You're heading for the street!" & runs after him. Yuta rides out of the playground & crashes into Yuki along the pathway & both go tumbling onto the ground. Yuki grabs her chest, breathing heavily. Natsuo comes up flustered "What are you doing? Are you alright?" Yuki assures him "I'm fine....it's ok...." Natsuo looks at her "I'm sorry...." "I'm fine..." Yuki gets to her feet unsteadily & Natsuo says "Ah, you're hurt....wait a minute...." & runs off to his van. Turning around, Yuki notices Yuta looking up at her "Sorry...." Yuki smiles back "It's ok...." Coming back with a first aid kit, Natsuo tells Yuki "Sit over there, on that bench...." Yuki limps to the bench & Natsuo asks "What shall we do about it? Shall I take your stocking off for you?" Yuki looks shocked "Eh?" Natsuo looks at her "I'm kidding, just kidding...." Yuki smiles with relief & Natsu mutters "Sorry...." & starts to work on cleaning up the cut on her knee. Natsuo says "That uniform...it's Hikari Shinyou Kinko isn't it?" Yuki nods & Natsuo continues "I've never seen you before....I go there often as I've got business dealings....ah, more like paying my loan....ah, did you apologize to the one-chan (older sister)? You're the one that crashed into her...." Yuta retorts "That's because you let go of me..." Natsuo tells him "What? Because of me you can now ride...." Yuta stubbornly insists "I could've done it myself...." Natsuo grumbles "Is that right....then my apologies...." Yuki grins, listening to the two guys when Natsuo says "Alright, done....how's that?" Yuki nods "Thank you..." Natsuo shakes her head "It's ok...." & then to Yuta "You can now ride alone right? So go practice....." Yuta gets on his bike & rides back into the park albeit still a little wobbly. Natsuo mutters to himself a little proudly "That's good....ah, I taught him how to..." telling Yuki. Suddenly, they hear Yuta call "Oii~!" Natsuo replies "What?" Yuta turns around "Thank you...." Natsuo grins, watching Yuta ride off, waving to them. Natsuo mutters "Cute kid...." Yuki smiles & then picks up her things "I've got to go...." Natsuo picks up the first aid kit "Ah, I'll be passing Hikari Shinyou Kinko so I can give you a ride...." Yuki starts to say "You don't have to..." but Natsuo reassures her "Don't worry, your leg hurts doesn't it?" Yuki explains "It's ok....besides, I'm not done with work yet...." Natsuo stops "Eh? Work?"

 

Sitting in front of a machine in a pachinko parlor, Hiroto sings to himself when someone whacks him on his head. Looking up, he sees Natsuo "What's a high school kid like you playing pachinko?!" Then showing Hiroto an application card "By the way, it's about time you had your own bank account..." Hiroto looks surprised "Eh?"

 

Yuki visits another home "...our interest rates are a little better too, please don't miss this opportunity...." but gets turned down "Sorry but no thank you...." "Sorry to have disturbed you...." Yuki nods & walks down the street before hearing someone sounding the horn behind her. Natsuo pulls up next to Yuki & hands over the bank application "Got it, new application....the handwriting's a little messy but it's ok isn't it? The guy will come by with his seal later..." Yuki takes it from Natsuo gratefully "Thank you...this is great...." Natsuo tells her "Hang in there, newbie...." Yuki starts to formally thank him "Thank you for everything...." but Natsuo brushes her off "It's no big deal....well then good bye...." mumbling as he drives away, leaving Yuki watching him with a sweet smile on her face....

 

In his room, Jun reads an e-mail 'Dear J-kun, I want to go back to being a high school student too. Being an OL (office lady) is tough. I'm moaning again this time. Feels like I can talk to you about anything.' Jun smiles to himself when suddenly the buzzer & light go off, getting his attention. Picking up the phone, he hears Natsuo say "Sorry Jun but could you help me with the inventory?" Jun replies "I'll be right down..." & as he leaves, Chika comes in from her room "Jun-nichan, lend me your compass...oni-chan!" but Jun doesn't turn hear her. Looking around, Chika notices the monitor & reads the e-mail Jun left on screen....

 

Natsuo quietly peeps into the bathroom as Jun takes his bath & then sneaks off upstairs into Jun's room with Chika to take a look at the e-mail "Really an OL?" Chika whispers "Yes, I think so..." In front of the monitor, Chika grins "This is fun...." Natsuo reads the message "It's really an OK...'feels like I can talk to you about anything'...." Chika giggles "Nice isn't it?" Natsuo contemplates "I guess Jun's already at that age......." grinning from ear to ear....

 

That Sunday, with their diving gear in the van, Natsuo & Jun set off off to go diving. While driving, Natsuo grins "Looks like it's going to be a hot day today...." giving Jun strange looks. Jun, flipping through a magazine, finally asks "What is it?" "Nothing....ah, it's going to be hot..." grins Natsuo....

 

Arriving at a cove & getting into their wetsuits, Natsuo says "Jun-kun, is there anything you're hiding from me?" Jun says "Eh?" Natsuo tugs on his suit "The OL who's older than you...when did it start?" Half embarrassed & half annoyed, Jun says "You saw?" "Sorry, just a little....sorry...." "No matter what, you..." "But this actually makes me feel at ease....I actually thought you had no interest in girls....besides, you've never gone out with a girl before.....bring her home next time...." Jun tells him "We haven't met..." Natsuo looks surprised "Eh?" Jun repeats "We haven't met...." "Why not?" Jun gets to his feet "Just talking on mail is good enough...." Natsuo says "She could be a nice person....if it were me I'd want to meet up...." Finally Jun spits out angrily "I don't want to meet her!" Stunned, Natsuo says quietly "Jun....." Jun looks at Natsuo "I'm different from you....." With that, Jun walks away, taking off the hearing-aid from his ear, putting it into the glass container. Natsuo stares at his brother "Jun!" but not getting a response, gives a big sigh......

 

Chika comes up the stairs with Hiroto muttering "You're sure your brother isn't home?" Chika assures him "It's ok....they've gone diving & won't be back until late...." Hiroto replies "What if he comes back suddenly to find us alone together, I'll be in danger!" "I said it'll be ok..." Chika pushes Hiroto into her bedroom. Inside, Chika puts her arms around him & Hiroto returns the hug & kiss "But it's not good, we'll be found out one day...."

 

Diving under water, not speaking, both brothers become equal, using only hand signals to talk to each other as they take snapshots on their dive. Done with their dive & packing up for the day looking out into the sun setting over the water, Natsuo finally speaks up "It really bothers you doesn't it, your hearing.....that's why you haven't met her...." Jun starts "I'm different from you...." Natsuo cuts him off "You're wrong....don't blame it on your hearing just because you haven't got the courage...." Jun looks at his brother without saying a word. Natsuo tells him "Have a little more self confidence, just like when you're swimming in the ocean....cause that's when you're the best...." Touched by his brothers words, Jun doesn't say anything, a hint of tears in his eyes, a hint of a smile on his lips. Natsuo a little embarrassed, starts muttering "Do I sound too cool? I guess it's the orange rays of the setting sun that's getting to me, sorry, sorry....shall we go? Chika's got to be lonely all alone....let's go, let's go...." & starts putting the gear back into the van. Jun continues looking out into the setting sun, a watery smile on his face.....

 

Working at the counter, Sasaki whispers to Yuki "I'm going to meet up with him today, that high school student...got a reply to say that he wanted to meet up too...." showing her the message 'I'd like to meet you too. Let me know the time & place, Jun'. Yuki smiles & whispers back "That's great....." From behind, Arimura clears her throat in warning & both girls get back to work. Looking up, Yuki calls "Suetsugu Hiroto-san...." Hiroto approaches the counter "Yes...." Yuki says "This is your bankbook...." Hiroto takes it "I don't have any money, didn't have a choice but to open this....but Natsuo-san insisted...." Yuki asks "Natsuo-san is...?" Hiroto looks surprised "Eh? Aren't you friends?" Yuki tells him "I only met him once in the park...." Hiroto looks at her "Eh?" but Yuki merely smiles "He's a nice guy...." Hiroto tilts his head with a frown "Just a busy body I think...." Yuki smiles.....

 

At the store working on a bike, Natsuo looks around anxiously. When Jun comes down into the living room, looking a little embarrassed, Natsuo quickly gets to his feet "That outfit suits you, looks good...." "Really?" grins Jun. Natsuo asks "Do you have money? She's an OL so places around here aren't good enough, make sure you go to a proper restaurant....." Digging into his bag, Natsuo pulls out a note as Jun says "It's ok...." However, Natsuo says "Chika, let me have some money from the household expenses...." Chika replies "Haven't got any more...." Natsuo points to the fridge "There is...under the box in the refrigerator....." Chika pouts "How come you know...." Natsuo tells her "I know everything that goes on in this house..." a rather know-it-all haughty look on his face "Don't hide anything..." Chika takes an envelope from the fridge & pulls out a few notes "Here....it's a loan..." Natsuo takes it "I know...." & then to Jun "This should be enough....have fun...." Jun takes it with a grin "Then I'm off..." as Chika & Natsuo send him off "Be careful, especially cars!" Natsuo grins like a contented old man......

 

Sitting in front of a fountain, Jun looks around rather apprehensively. Reaching out with his hand, he brushes his hair over his right ear, covering his hearing aid. With the noise of the fountain splashing, he doesn't hear Suzuki say to him "Are you Jun-kun? You're Jun-kun aren't you?" Finally, Jun looks up & notices Suzuki, quickly getting to his feet. Suzuki says "Good evening....you're even better looking than I imagined...." Uneasy, Jun finds himself at a loss for words....

 

Having dinner together, Natsuo says to Chika "I wonder if he'll really met the OL-san....I wonder where Jun will take her for dinner...." Chika replies "Probably Italian...." Natsuo continues "In a dim setting getting into the mood,  they'll even forget about food, meeting one another...that's great, that Jun...." Chika adds "That's getting carried away..." Natsuo agrees "That's true..." & they both laugh. Natsuo looks at Chika "You talk too much..."

 

Walking along the fountain, Suzuki asks Jun "Where do you live?" Jun replies "Asahaya..." but not understanding his slurred speech, Suzuki goes "Eh?" Jun says again "Asahaya...." Suzuki replies "Asahaya? Ah, what a coincidence! I'm working at the Hikari Shinyou Kinko in front of the station....attending Shiseikan High School, you must be really smart....you've got a promising future, I probably can't compare to you...." Cheerfully chattering on, Suzuki finally notices Jun not walking beside her. Turning around, Suzuki asks a troubled looking Jun "What's wrong?" Jun replies "I've got something to tell you..." Suzuki asks "Why are you speaking so strangely?" Jun tells her "I can only speak like this...." "Eh?" "Actually I wanted to tell you in the mail yesterday, actually I...." but Suzuki cuts Jun off "You kept this from me? That's mean....so you lied...." Jun frantically says "It's not what you think!" & tried to grab her hand but Suzuki pulls her hand away. With the fountain gushing beside them, Suzuki coldly flings words at Jun & walks away, leaving Jun looking totally crushed....

 

Sitting at the dining table working out his accounts, Natsuo looks up & notices that it's past 11pm on the clock. Upstairs, Chika's doing her homework when there's a knock on the door. Natsuo peeps in "Isn't Jun a little bit late?" Chika asks "What do you mean?" "Well, it's a first date so it's not likely that he'll stay over...." Chika laughs "As long as it's Jun-nichan, he won't..." However Natsuo continues "But she's older isn't she? Jun's also a guy. If the mood changes & they feel good, then this will happen, that will happen...." Chika giggles "Don't start imagining things...."

 

Finally past midnight, Natsuo picks up his keys & says to Chika "It's already this hour & yet he hasn't called, it's a bit strange....I'll go to the station to take a look...." Chika asks worriedly "I wonder if anything's happened to Jun-nichan..." Natsuo says "Go on to bed, & make sure you lock up....." Chika nods "Be careful....."

 

Running along the street towards the station, Natsuo looks around for Jun. Finally walking into a CD music store, he finds Jun with headphones on, listening to music "What are you doing here?" Jun replies "I wanted to listen to some CDs...." & walks away. Natsuo says "Oh....if you're going to be late then give us a call...." Jun nods "Sorry...." Excitedly, Natsuo asks "So how was it?" Jun, trying to look cheerful, says "Ah, it was fun....she works at the Shinyou Kinko in front of the station...." not looking at Natsuo. "We went for dinner....she doesn't mind the strange way I speak....she's nice...." Natsuo nods, not quite believing Jun "I see...." Jun continues "Just like you said, I'm glad we met.....I'm really glad we met....." Jun walks away looking at the CDs on the shelves. Suddenly, he sees Natsuo with headphones Jun had on earlier. Natsuo asks "What song were you listening to?" looking at the empty CD player on the wall "There's no CD in here..." Jun looks away, not answering. Natsuo asks "What happened? Tell me the truth...."

 

Back home, with his back to Natsuo & Chika, Jun says "I....I lied...." Natsuo looks surprised "You're kidding...." Jun continues upset, tears in his eyes "I said I was a chatterbox.....that I chatted more than I studied in school....I wanted to tell her my handicap so as soon as we met, I did....but...." Natsuo comes in front of Jun "What did she say to you?" but when Jun remains silent, Natsuo says again "What did she say to you?" putting a comforting hand on Jun. Jun however, merely shakes his head crying "I wanted to apologize....for lying....but I couldn't.....I'm pathetic.....I couldn't even apologize....it's pitiful...." Natsuo stares at his brother quietly but suddenly gets up ".....why do you always blame yourself?! She's the one that's in the wrong! Just because you're hearing impaired doesn't mean you have to retreat....just say what you want to say...." Sobbing, Jun says "It's none of your business...." but Natsuo yells back "It's my business!" Shocked, both Chika & Jun look at Natsuo as he says "I can't always be looking after you like a parent! Stop feeling sorry for yourself & grow up!!" Stunned at the tongue lashing from Natsuo, Jun runs upstairs to his room in tears. Chika says "Jun-nichan...." & then says to Natsuo "You're mean, onichan....Jun-nichan's a sensitive person, he can't say what he wants to! On top of that you...." Natsuo tells her "I know...." Chika doesn't understand "Then why did you say all that?!" Natsuo explains "I don't want him to get hurt any more....he can't go on being unable to say what he wants to....the one that Dad's the most worried about is Jun....if I don't do this, he'll end up denying himself the things in life.....that won't do....." Chika looks at Natsuo "Onichan...." understanding her brother's feelings.....

 

The next day at work, Suzuki looks around before whispering to Yuki "Looks like there's no happy stories after all...." Yuki looks up "Hm?" "That high school student yesterday was really awful....but I've found someone else...look....." Suzuki shows Yuki another mail that she's signed off with Yuki's name. Yuki says "This 'Yuki' is...." Suzuki explains "Ah sorry, I didn't use my real name because I was afraid....you know, stalkers & all that....that's why I've always used your name...." Yuki looks shocked "Eh?" but doesn't say anything....

 

An employee greets someone "Welcome..." & looking up, Yuki notices Natsuo & approaches the counter "Thank you for the other day...the person you introduced Suetsugu-san came by yesterday & I've given him his bankbook...." Natsuo, looking at Yuki's name tag, says "So it was you..." Not knowing what Natsuo means, Yuki looks surprised "Eh?" Natsuo continues "I apologize for my brother having lied to you, sorry...." Yuki, not understanding, starts to say "Uhm...." but Natsuo cuts her off "However there's something I want to say to you...there are a lot of people in this world....among them, there are people who can't walk or use their hands, or people who are blind....& even those whose appearances hide a handicap...there are a lot of people who live with handicaps & illnesses....I'm not saying that you have to treat them nice, just to treat them like they were normal!" Stunned & hurt at Natsuo's words, Yuki stands staring back at him, dumbfounded. Behind her, Suzuki realizes what's happening & gets to her feet. Natsuo continues his attack on Yuki "I don't know what you said to my brother....but you really hurt him......no one has the right to hurt another person!" With those angry words flung at Yuki, Natsuo turns & walks out of the bank, not realizing how deep his words have sliced into her heart. Striding with angry steps into his van, Natsuo gets inside & slams the door shut, glances back towards the bank.....the expression on his face one of disappointment, thinking the one that hurt Jun was Yuki......