omae to wa mou tsukiaenai yo....

 

I can't see you anymore....

 

Natsuo wolves down his breakfast "This is really delicious!" Chika looks at him "It's the same as always...." "The urumewashi (herring) is exceptionally good today....did you know that there's this DHA in here, it's good for the brain...said so on TV the other day...ah, seconds please...." Natsuo motors on, holding out his bowl to Chika. "Again?" says Chika in surprise as Jun adds "That's three bowls!" Hiroto mutters "Like he's trying to drown his sorrows in food or something...." Natsuo puts his bowl & chopsticks down "Dad used to say so didn't he? Getting up early is a virtue, so is breakfast....." Taking the refilled bowl of rice from Chika, Natsuo nods "Thanks Chika-chan....ah, you should eat more too....you've got to eat for the baby too...& Jun-kun, you've got to study for exams so eat more to get more nutrition....ah, & you freeloader, don't worry & eat more too...working in the store this summer, you're an important part of this family too...." Everyone looks at Natsuo strangely, wondering at his chirpiness this morning. Natsuo puts his hands together "Gochisosama.....got to work had today too....I'll go open the store now....." Singing at the top of his voice, Natsuo walks out to the front of the store & looks up into the sky "Ah, the weather's great oday....." Back inside, Chika says "Isn't onichan acting a little strange?" Jun adds "He's not the same as usual...." & Hiroto nods "He was even nice to me...." Outside, Natsuo still looking up into the sky "The sun's really brilliant....makes one's eyes smart....." Natsuo mutters to himself, sniffling at the same time.....

 

At the bank, Yuki says to Suzuki "Sorry I had to take take some time off suddenly....." "It's ok....but you were in the hospital? Was it that serious?" "A little.....butI'm ok now....." Arimura calls out "Katase-san...." & Suzuki whispers "Another lecture...." Yuki hurries over & Arimura tells her "You don't have to go out canvassing for new accounts this afternoon....you're not well...." "I'm sorry to have caused you trouble....but I'm used to it already, please let me do it.....I'm feeling alright now....." "Alright, but don't overdo it.....when you're not around, my workload increases...." Yuki nods "I understand....."

 

At the canteen, Yuki gets her from the counter & tells Suzuki "Go ahead & start....." "I'm hungry so I will...." Suzuki replies as Yuki takes her cell phone out into the hallway to make a call....

 

At the store, Hiroto works on a bike with Natsuo hovering around him, giving instructions "Be careful, it's a new bike....." The phone rings & he tells Hiroto "Go answer the phone, I'll do this...." Hiroto picks up the call "This is Shinoda Cycle....ah, Yuki-san? I'm working right now, it's really hot over here....Natsuo's here, I'll pass you to him...." Natsuo however, knowing it's Yuki, signs to Hiroto that he doesn't want to take the call "Tell her I'm not here.....hurry...." Reluctantly, Hiroto tells Yuki "He's not here....." Yuki replies "Oh....then I'll call back later....." sounding lonely. Hiroto says "Sorry...." & hangs up....

 

Turning around, Hiroto looks at Natsuo "Why didn't you want to take the call? It's from Yuki-san....." Natsuo replies "Many reasons....." trying to dodge the question but Hiroto presses "What reasons?" "Never mind, go get the new bike ready...." retorts Natsuo. Right then, Chika comes out with an envelope in her hand "Onichan, the loan repayment is due today....going to the bank to see Yuki-san? Here, this month's installment...." Natsuo doesn't take the money from her "You go...." "Why? You're the one that does it every month...." "Well....uhm....I'm really busy today....really busy today....." Natsuo finds an excuse not to see Yuki as Chika looks at him wondering.....

 

At the bank, Yuki returns the payment receipt to Chika "Thank you for this month's repayment...." Chika reaches out & takes it from her "Thank you...." Yuki looks around, then half whispers "Thanks for the other day..." "It's nothing.....come over any time...." "Thank you...." The atmosphere gets a little awkward between both of them & Chika gets up to go when Yuki asks "Did Natsuo-san not say anything?" Spinning around, Chika quickly sits back down nodding. Yuki mutters "Ah....I haven't been able to get in touch with him the last couple of days....." "It's just as I suspected....onichan's been rather strange....we were wondering if something happened....did you have a fight or something?" When Yuki doesn't reply, Chika asks "You did?" but Yuki quickly shakes her head "No....it's not that....sorry to worry all of you..."

 

Back at home preparing dinner, Chika wonders "What happened between them I wonder....." Hiroto adds "Maybe Natsuo's been dumped....." however Jun says "But I think Yuki-san really likes aniki....." Hiroto says "Ah, I know...." "What?" "Maybe Natsuo-san suddenly forced a kiss on her....." "No such thing....." Suddenly they hear Natsuo call out "I'm home..." With a gasp, Chika says "Onichan....." & the three of them instantly disperse. Natsuo saunters in "I'm done with the deliveries....hard day today...." Chika, washing up by the sink, greets him "Otsukaresama....." Where's Jun?" asks Natsuo & Jun walks in with a kettle "Welcome home...I was in the garden watering the plants..." "Oh I see...." replies Natsuo & looks at the food on the table "Ah, himayakko (chilled tofu) looks great...." "Well, because the weather's been really hot....." "& this is nasu (eggplant)....this is good too, Chika-chan...." "nasu's cheap that's why...." "himayakko & nasu....that's really something Chika-chan...." Suddenly, Natsuo says "Chika-chan...." "Hm?" but Natsuo merely moves to the living room muttering "Chika-chan...Chika-chan....." Chika follows him as Hiroto & Jun look on wondering what's with Natsuo. At the table, Natsuo asks "Did you go?" 'Where to?" "Hm? Ah, that building in front of the station....the one next to the furniture shop next to the convenience store...." "Ah, that restaurant?" "You skipped one....there's one here...." "Ah....Shinyou Kinkou...I did...." "So how was it? Any change?" "What?" "Shinyou Kinkou of course....banks are collapsing these days...." "Ah, that bank's fine....." "Oh...that's good....I was just wondering that's all...." "If you're wondering about Yuki-san, she's fine..." "I was only wondering about the branch manager...." "Onichan, what happened between you & Yuki-san?" Natsuo gets to his feet muttering "Time for a bath....." Chika says "Onichan....onichan...." but Natsuo ignores her & muttering to himself, goes off to have his bath. Looking at Jun & Hiroto, Chika says "So he's worried about Yuki-san after all....." Hiroto adds "So it was his fault after all...." Suddenly, they hear a splash & Chika gasps "I haven't heated up the bath!" The three dash into the bathroom "Onichan! I haven't heated up the bath!" only to see Natsuo soaking in the tub of cold water "Hm? What's wrong?" "The water...." "Water? Ah...water....I was wondering why the water was cold.....then, could you heat it up for me Chika-chan?" 

 

At the Katase house over dinner, Shogo asks "So how's work?" Yuki nods "It's ok....." "I see....you should've stayed longer in the hospital.....it's better if you get a thorough checkup....." "It'll be hard on the others at work if I take too many days off...." "That's true, but you're......" Shogo suddenly trails off into silence. Drinking up his tea, Shogo says "Gochisosama..." & gets up from the table. Turning around, he looks at Yuki "Diving in the sea is dangerous...don't do it again....." as Yuki stares back at her father, not saying a word.....

 

Coming out from a customer's home, Natsuo sees Yuki going on her rounds & quickly hides out of sight. Yuki however, spots Natsuo's van & comes running up, looking around for Natsuo. As Yuki runs pass Natsuo's hiding spot, Natsuo quickly gets out, gets into his van. Hearing the door shut, Yuki comes running back "Natsuo-san!" but Natsuo merely drives off. However, seeing Yuki running after him, Natsuo stops, grimacing to himself. Looking at the side mirrors, he sees Yuki lugging her bags & running up to him. However, before Yuki reaches him, Natsuo puts the van in gear & drives off, leaving Yuki gasping, looking sad as she realizes Natsuo's avoiding her....

 

Stirring the tamagozake (egg & sake) on the stove, Chika talks to Sakurai on the phone. Sakurai says in surprise "He's got a cold?" "Yes...so until he's recovered from his cold, he won't be able to volunteer at the hospital..." "I understand...tell him to take care...." "Yes...thank you, bye...." As Chika pours the concoction into a mug, Hiroto mutters "To think that Natsuo-san's ill in bed....." Chika nods "Yes, what's that saying....something that rarely happens, happens.....oni...oni no...." Hiroto suggests "oni no me ni mo namida" (Even the hardest heart will sometimes be moved to pity) Chika says "Idiot, not that....ah...." Jun finally says "oni no kakuran" (the devil succumbing to sunstroke) "Yes, yes...that's it....but I wonder if that's too saying it too refined...." Chika mutters, picking up the tray. Jun however, take it from her "It's fine....I'll take it to him....."

 

Going into Natsuo's room, Jun asks "Aniki, how are you feeling?" Completely under the covers, Natsuo moans "Feeling restless....." Jun says "Tamagozake...." & immediately, Natsuo sits up "Thanks...." reaching out for the mug. "Aniki..." "What?" "Is there something you're hiding from us? You're always saying that we shouldn't hide anything between us...." "....don't talk so loud....my head's pounding...." "Sorry...but to think that you're ill in bed...." "That happens too....I'm only human....." "Something happened between you & Yuki-san, am I right?" "Please leave that alone....all I want to do right now is to sleep....." 

 

Walking into the hospital, Yuki suddenly sees little Yukari sneaking out of the hospital "Yukari-chan?!" Yukari stops "Ah....Yuki-chan..." Yuki comes up to her "Where are you going?"

 

Yukari seats alone in the children's play area as Sakurai says "Thank goodness you noticed her...." Yuki replies "I just happened to be coming in....." "Talk to her about it later?" Sakurai smiles at Yuki, who nods. A nurse approaches Sakurai "Oba-sensei is calling for you...." Sakurai nods "Alright...." & starts to walk off before stopping to say to Yuki "I almost forgot...Natsuo-kun isn't coming today....seems he's caught a cold....."  

 

Leaving the hospital for the day, Seiji suddenly calls out "Yuki-chan....how are you feeling?" catching up with her. Yuki replies "I'm fine...." "That's good...." "We've just finished discussing about the trip to America...." Seiji looks at his colleagues just out from their meeting. Seiji then remembers something "Yuki-chan, do you have a passport?" "No..." "I guess it's better if you get one....you'll be needing it soon...." Yuki nods "Uhm....."

 

Arriving home, Yuki gets out of Seiji's car "Thanks for sending me home...." "Don't mention it...." Yuki starts walking towards her apartment when Seiji suddenly turns off the car's engine & gets out "Your surgery in America will be a success....." "Uhm..." "I decided to specialize in cardiology just for that reason.....to cure your illness....." "Seiji-san...." "I guess that's saying it a little strong but then again I have to say it....I've got a strong rival...." "Rival?" "I was really jealous when I heard you went diving with him....have you seen him since then?" Yuki shakes her head "No..." "That was the first time he heard about your illness?" Seiji asks. Yuki replies "Yes.....I kept it a secret from him that's why..." Seiji adds "Maybe to him it's a burden...." Yuki looks at him "A burden?" Seiji looks back at her "Going out with you....."

 

In her room, Yuki looks at all the pictures taken on their dives, touching the pearl pendent Natsuo gave her. Suddenly her phone rings....

 

Working at the store, Hiroto hear the door slide open "Welcome...." & sees Yuki with a basket of fruits. Yuki explains "I came to see Natsuo...." Hiroto tells her "Please wait a minute...." & dashes into the house "Chika-chan! She's here!" tripping over himself as Chika & Jun look on in surprise....

 

Seated alone at the table, Yuki waits. In the kitchen, Jun & Hiroto peer curiously at her while Chika prepares some fruit. Natsuo walks quietly down stairs. Chika notices Natsuo retreating & goes after him "Wait....wait...what are you doing?! Yuki-san's waiting!" Natsuo, with his hair standing on end in a mess, nods "I know...I know...." Coming back down, Natsuo wavers & Chika whispers "Hurry up!" "I know...I know....." Tucking his shirt in & running his hands over his hair, Natsuo nonchalantly saunters into the living room "Hi....." Yuki asks "Are you alright?" Natsuo replies a little awkwardly "It's nothing serious....." "I got calls from Jun-kun & Chika-chan last night..." Natsuo looks surprised "Eh? Those....." & glares into the kitchen to see Jun & Chika hiding behind Hiroto....

 

Chika says "You called her too Jun-nichan?" Jun nods "Yes...you called too?" Hiroto mutters "You two are really busybodies....."

 

Yuki looks at Natsuo "You look fine now so I don't have to worry...." "Yeah, well...." mutters Natsuo. Chika brings in a plate of fruit "Here.....Yuki-san brought these...." Natsuo politely tells Yuki "Thank you....." Looking at the awkwardness between Yuki & her brother, Chika finally says "Have the fruit...." & goes back into the kitchen. Reaching out & taking a slice of orange from the plate, Natsuo looks for something to say "It's been warm hasn't it....I guess it's usual because it's summer.....I'll turn on the fan...." "It's alright....." "Oh....." Silence descends between the both of them as Natsuo eats the orange & Yuki finally says "I'm sorry....not telling you about my illness...I knew I had to tell you but.....I wanted to go diving with you.....because we made a promise....." Natsuo replies "Made a promise....but if anything had happened, it would be too late....." "I'm sorry...." "I should have realized it sooner...I knew that you had stayed in hospital when you were young...so is it really bad?" "I might be going to America for surgery...." "So you weren't planning on going for a holiday with your friends.....that's what you said before...." "I'm sorry....." "Forget it....well, I guess if it's lies all the time it means we're not really seeing each other......" Yuki looks shocked as Natsuo continues "...can't trust the other person....I hate people who lie....so I think it's better if we not see each other anymore....." Swallowing hard, Natsuo adds "...I can't accept the responsibility......" Hurt & in tears, Yuki says "...I'm sorry....making you remember painful times, I'm sorry....I'm sorry for telling you lies....." "You don't have to apologize...." but Yuki says again "I'm sorry...." & grabbing her bag, walks out of the Shinoda house...

 

Immediately, Chika, Hiroto & Jun emerge from the kitchen & pounce on Natsuo with Chika the first to say "Onichan, why did you say that?!" Hiroto says "I've misjudged you Natsuo-san!" Jun adds "Yuki-san was crying!" When Natsuo remains silent, Chika say "Onichan!" & he finally replies "She's ill...." Jun retorts "So what if she's ill?! What's that got to do with it?!" Natsuo raises his voice "I don't want us to get involved with her!" Calming down, he continues "She collapsed in front of me the other day...Yuki's father pleaded with me....he wanted me not to see his daughter anymore...he bowed to me over & over again....if she's with me she'll force herself to keep up with me....with her condition that shouldn't even be allowed to go diving, she went diving with me....if she does that again, she might die....." Stunned, Chika says "Onichan....." Fighting back tears, Natsuo tells them "As long as she's with me, her illness will get worse....that's why this is the best....this is for the best....." Chika, Hiroto & Jun look on, unable to say anything.....

 

On his rounds, Natsuo walks down a busy shopping street carrying a bike to his fan, muttering at the music playing over the speakers "What a racket!" Putting the bike into his van, Natsuo notices a little girl walking alone "Yukari-chan! What are you doing here?" Yukari replies "I ran out...."

 

Making a call to the hospital, Natsuo says "Yes....I'll bring her back right away...yes, thank you....." To Yukari, Natsuo says "Let's go back to the hospital shall we? You're really something, sneaking out of the hospital.....the nurses are mad...." Carrying her in his arms & walking back to the van, Natsuo asks "Yukari-chan, where were you thinking of going to? There's someplace you want to go?" "My old home..." "Your old home?" "The home where papa, mama & I lived.....I wanted to see papa.....I had a dream about him the other day....I wanted to see him a little longer but I woke up...." "So you wanted to go see him?" "Yes, I'd like him to come see me...." "Alright....then I'll go talk to him for you..." "Really?" "Yes...." Natsuo puts her in the van & shuts the door when Yukari suddenly says "I have to pee...."

 

Back at the children's play area in the hospital, Sakurai says to Natsuo "I was just about to call the police....." Natsuo looks at Yukari "Don't scold her....seems she wanted to see her father...." "Her father?" "Her parents are divorced?" "When Yukari-chan was three...." "You know her father's address don't you? I'd like to go see him & tell him about Yukari-chan wanting to see him...." "But...." "I'm sure he'll understand once I talk to him...." "Alright, I'll give her mother a call....."

 

Sitting down at the table where Yukari's drawing a picture, Natsuo says "Yukari-chan, is that papa?" Yukari nods "Yes....it's a letter to papa...." "Alright, then I'll bring it with me when I go see him, ok?" "Uhm..."

 

At the Katase home having dinner, Sakurai says to Yuki ".....& Yukari-chan's mother didn't object to Yukari-chan meeting with her ex-husband & gave us his address...." Yuki smiles "That's great...." "Yukari-chan will be really happy if she gets to see her father...it'll be good for her...." Yuki looks surprise & Sakurai explains "Natsuo-kun's really doing this as if it were for himself....he's a really good person...considerate too....." Yuki doesn't reply & at that moment, the door opens & Shogo comes back from work "I'm home...looks like I made it in time today...." Sakurai greets him "Welcome back, we've started on dinner..." "Ah, go ahead..." "Shogo-san, would you like to have a beer?" "Great, thanks...." "We were just talking about Natsuo....you know him don't you?" In his room taking off his jacket, Shogo pauses & then replies "He's a good kid.....rare to find someone like him nowadays....." Sakurai smiles "Yes..." & then half whispers to Yuki "That's great, looks like your Dad likes him too...." Yuki doesn't reply & Shogo, coming out of his room, asks her "Have you seen him?" When Yuki shakes her head, Shogo adds "Yuki, I don't think it's a good idea for you to see him....I've told him that too...." Surprised, Sakurai says "But you just said he's a good kid...." "Yeah....but now it's a critical time for Yuki....she's about to go to the US for her surgery....if she collapses again, what's going to happen? If she's healthy she can do anything she wants, but until then....."  "But Natsuo didn't know about Yuki's condition when that happened...I'm sure he'll be very careful from now on...." "I'm not against them seeing each other....just that Yuki will force herself to keep up with him...." "But....." Finally Yuki interrupts "It doesn't matter......I don't think we'll see each other again....I'll just do as you say Dad & think about the surgery...." giving a sad smile....

 

Natsuo arrives in front of a house & checks the address against a note in his hand. Seeing a man washing his car, Natsuo bows in greeting....Fukazawa, Yukari's father....

 

Inside seated at the dining table, Fukazawa pours Natsuo some tea as his wife comes by "Well, I'm going to go shopping..." He gives an awkward "uh...." in reply & she leaves without another word. Placing the tea in front of Natsuo, Fukazawa says "So, what did you want to speak about regarding Yukari?" Natsuo says "You know that Yukari's in the hospital..." Picking up a mug & stirring the tea, Fukazawa replies "Yes....I heard about it from my ex-wife...." "Yukari tried to sneak out of the hospital...." "Eh?" "Apparently she wanted to see you.....she thinks that you're staying at your old home...." "Is that so...." "If it's all right, will you come see her at the hospital? I think Yukari will be thrilled...." Fukazawa puts the mug down on the table with a bang "Is that all you wanted to say?" Natsuo looks surprised at the reaction as he adds "I won't go see Yukari....right now I have my family here...." "But Yukari really want to see you....ah, this is a letter from Yukari....it's ok just to read it right?" says Natsuo, taking a picture Yukari had drawn & showing it to her father. Fukazawa turns away "I have no intention of reading it....it's a bother more than anything else...." pushing the picture back towards Natsuo. Natsuo, looking upset "There's no need to speak like that....your own daughter's in the hospital wanting to see you....all she wants is to meet you & get a hug from you...that's why she's trying so hard to get well.....what's wrong with just meeting her & wishing her well?!" Fukazawa finally breaks down "It's too hard....I haven't seen her in so long....seeing her again, what can I do?....just seeing Yukari's smile again, it'll only get more painful.....please leave......I have no intention of seeing Yukari again...." Natsuo looks back, unable to find any words to say....

 

At the playroom, Yukari suddenly asks Yuki "How come I'm ill?" Yuki struggles for an answer & unable to, Yukari asks again "How come?" Finally, Yuki says "It's God's decision...." Yukari, hearing Yuki's answer, suddenly pulls away the building blocks she's playing with & everything comes crashing down on the table "God is mean...." Stunned at Yukari's comment, Yuki finally manages a smile "But Yukari, God's watching over you, watching how hard you're fighting to get well...." Yukari asks "Then if I ask, will God make me better?" Yuki nods "I'll ask together with you, that Yukari gets better soon...."

 

Walking down the corridor, Yuki hears a couple of nurses chattering among themselves "I heard that it's been decided that Katase's going to America for the surgery...." "It's Seiji-san's recommendation...." "I thought it would have been Yukari-chan..." "Me too.....Yukari's condition is a lot more critical too....her relapses occur more often too...." "Well maybe they think they have a higher chance of success with Katase....it's the first time for the hospital as well....." "But poor Yukari-chan...." Outside, Yukari listens....

 

In the playroom, Yukari turns to see Natsuo approaching & runs up to him "Ah, onichan!" Looking behind Natsuo & not seeing anyone, Yukari asks "Where's papa?" Natsuo doesn't reply & Yukari asks "What's wrong?" Natso crouches down in front of Yukari. At that moment, Yuki comes round the corridor just in time to hear Natsuo tell Yukari "It looks like papa has moved, there was no one at home...." "Then maybe he's at the new house...." Natsuo picks Yukari up "It looks like he's gone far far away...." "Far far away?" "Uhm...." "Have to go by airplane?" "Yeah, I guess..." "Oh....." replies Yukari in a sad voice. Putting her back down on the floor, Natsuo says "Yukari-chan, I'm really sorry...I said that I'd let you meet your father but....." Yukari replies "It's ok....in any case, when people die, wings grow on their backs don't day? When I die, I'll fly into the sky & look for papa's new house..." Natsuo, shocked at Yukari's words, tells her "Don't talk about dying.....you're definitely going to get well....." Yukari nods "Uhm....I'm praying to God right now...Yuki-chan also said that she'd help me pray to God too..." "Is that so....well, I'll pray to God for you too...." Unseen by Natsuo & Yukari, Yuki listens to their conversation in silence....

 

A couple of days later as Natsuo's working in the store, the door slides open & automatically, Natsuo says "Welcome...." only to see Seiji walk in "I want to speak to you, are you free now?" Hiroto strides up in a huff "What's that....just walking in here like that, the least you could do is say who you are..." Natsuo stops him "Stop it...." Seiji introduces himself "I'm Tachibana Seiji...my father is Katase Yuki's doctor...I'm also a doctor....." Hiroto retorts "So what if you're a doctor...." only to find Natsuo holding him back "Forget it....." "But...." "It's ok...go inside..." pushing him back into the house. Natsuo then asks Seiji "Did something happen to Yuki?" "Yuki's decided not to go for the surgery in America...." "Eh?" "She was crying...all of a sudden saying she wanted us to take Yukari-chan instead....." "Yukari-chan?" "I know Yukari-chan's condition very well....but the next time anything happens to Yuki it'll be critical....." Natsuo looks away, not saying a word. Seiji stares at him "It's your fault isn't it...." Natsuo turns to look at Seiji, hearing him say "Since you appeared, she's changed.....she used to care about her father's concerns about her health...she wouldn't have turned down the surgery....if anything happens to Yuki, what do you intend to do?" Natsuo looks back at the intensity in Seiji's eyes, unable to reply.....

 

End of the day, Yuki gets up from her desk "Otsukaresama deshita....." & leaves....

 

Arriving at the bus stop, Yuki pauses when she sees Natsuo waiting for her. Walking up to the bus schedule, Yuki nonchalantly says "Waiting for the bus? It should arrive soon.....another 5 minutes....but it might be late, it's never on time....." Natsuo finally speaks "You're looking well...." Yuki smiles "Makes you feel better?" Natsuo tells her "I've heard about it.....that you're letting Yukari go for the surgery instead.....is that really ok with you?" Yuki pauses before replying "I'm fine...I know my own body well enough.....Yukari-chan's praying to God with all her might to get better....& then to go see her father...." "...once you get better, there are a lot of things you want to do too, don't you?" Yuki nods with a smile "Lots.....had so many things that it was uncountable...." Natsuo looks at her "Had...?" "Even if it was only once, I wanted to go diving.....that's why it's ok....." After a pause, Natsuo says "I went to see Yukari-chan's father the other day...he said that once he thought about what could happen, he felt tormented....if he met Yukari & saw her smile, it would be really painful....that's why he can't bring himself to see her.....I understand his feelings....because I feel the same way....I finally understand....the one that suffers most isn't the ones around that person, it's that person himself...I can't bring myself to see you suffer alone....that's why I..." Yuki cuts him off "Thank you for worrying...but I don't want your sympathy..." Natsuo looks at her stunned. The bus arrives & Yuki smiles "I'm really fine, there's no need to worry....." & get up the bus. As the bus pulls away, Natsuo suddenly starts running along side the bus to the door "Stop the bus!" When it stops, Natsuo gets up & digs into his pocket for the fare. As he walks up to where Yuki's seating, Yuki, in tears, asks "Why?" Panting, Natsuo tells her "It's not that I feel pity for you....I just want to be with you...." Tears rolling down her cheeks, Yuki looks at Natsuo. As Natsuo puts his arm around her shoulder, Yuki turns & leans against him, crying....

 

At the airport seeing Yukari off, Yuki tells her "Yukari-chan, do your best..." & Natsuo adds "I'll be waiting for you to get well & come back..." Yukari nods & Yuki takes out a book to give her "This is for when you're bored in the plane...." "Thank you....." Natsuo sees Seiji approaching & walks up to him. Seiji says "The both of you came to see us off...." "Yes...we'll pray that Yukari's surgery will be successful..." "Leave that to me....but while I'm gone, take care of Yuki....don't let her do anything reckless...." "I won't...." Seiji takes two steps forward & then turns back "I'll tell her my feelings when I get back....." Natsuo looks at Seiji in surprise "Eh?" Seiji says "I'll tell you something now.....in the end the person that she'll need is me, a doctor...not you....." Walking up to the others, Seiji says "Let's go...." pushing Yukari in her wheelchair. Pausing, Seiji turns to look at Yuki who after a moment's silence, finds a smile "Good luck..." Seiji smiles back & starts pushing Yukari along. Suddenly, Yuki shouts "Yukari-chan!" Seiji & everyone turns to look back. Yuki tells her "We'll see each other again! We'll see each other again!" Yukari nods & gives a little wave. Behind Yuki, Natsuo looks on in silence, walking up next to Yuki as she mutters to herself "We'll see each other again...."

 

At the Shinoda house, the girls Yuki & Chika are preparing dinner when they hear Natsuo call from the dining room "Chika! Yuki! Hurry & come sit down...sit down...uhm, today we're having chanko-nabe....first, we take some of the soup stock & then add the akamiso....mixing it, we then add the shiromiso....ah, where's the shiromiso? Jun says "Hiroto's gone out to buy some right now..." Natsuo moans "What? I've been saying since last night that we were going to have chanko-nabe, should've bought everything already!" Chika replies "It's hot....we're not a sumo stable....on such a hot day like this why are we having this, right Yuki?" Yuki however, says "Ah, but I heard that when one eats hot food on hot days, it feels cooler..." Natsuo nods "You're right Yuki....but then it is hot, let's throw it out..." reaching out for the pot. Everyone goes "No~~" & Natsuo grins "I was kidding....."

 

At the store, Hiroto takes the bag from the lady "Thank you..." & mutters to himself "Really bothersome...." After a few steps, Hiroto stops in his tracks as he sees some of his old friends "Long time no see, Hiroto...."

 

At a warehouse, the leader of the gang lights a cigarette "Everyone's been saying that we haven't seen you in a while...." Hiroto hesitatingly replies "I've been a little busy lately..." Another one of the guys start talking in threatening undertones "Being serious now means you're really busy huh..." & reaches out for the bag Hiroto's holding. Pulling it back, Hiroto mutters "Sorry, I have to get going...." & starts to leave but they push a barrel in his way. One of them put his arm around Hiroto's shoulders "We're friends aren't we?" as another adds "We're accomplices you know....."

 

Finally, Hiroto returns to the Shinoda house "I'm back....." Natsuo looks at him "What took you so long? Did you get the shiromiso?" Hiroto holds out the bag "Here..." & Natsuo grumbles "Our nabe is based on mixing the miso's together, without the shiromiso we can't make it....." Hiroto mutters despondently "Sorry....." Chika asks "Did something happen?" Hiroto shakes his head "No...." but before he can say more, Natsuo says "Yuki! Come sit down....." & Yuki smiles "ok, teach me...." With everyone else chattering noisily, no one notices Hiroto sitting off to the side, a troubled look on his face......