sekkusu no fushigi

 

~ the wonders of sex ~

 

The next day, Manato & Yui visit their parents in the hospital. Manato asks his stepmother who's lying in bed "Are you alright?" Tiredly, she smiles "I'm sorry about this. It's nothing serious. I'm just feeling a little tired. I could just as easily rest at home." However, Irie, anxiously watching over her by her bed, quickly says "No way. If you overdo it you'll ruin your health." Yui adds teasingly "Mom, you've been trying too hard, looking after Dad & onichan." "Ah, listening to you talk it's as if I never looked after you before this." "Did you?!" "Of course I did!" "Yes yes, I'm sorry." Irie adds "For the moment you'll have to rest, alright?" "Alright," replies Yurie before turning to Manato "I'm sorry Manato, bothering you when you're studying for your exams." Manato politely replies "It's ok." Yui brightly assures her mother "From tomorrow I'll start taking care of everything." Yurie replies, a gleam in her eye "Really? I'll worry." Manato adds "I'll help out too. In any case Dad & I used to do everything anyway." Yurie looks at the both of them apologetically "I'm really sorry." Irie finally tells them "You both better get going. I'll stay with her today." "I'm alright, you don't have to." Yui chirps "Papa wants to be with you! & you really want him to anyway!" "Yui!" warns Yurie but Irie tells "They're right. I'll stay with you until visiting hours are over. Why? Because....." "You're newlyweds!" finish Manato & Yui together with wide grins. Irie laughs "Right!"

 

Having dinner at a little stall along the road, Manato tells Yui "It's great that she looks better than we expected. You'll feel a little better too." Pensively, Yui asks "Do you really think that?" Manato turns to look at her in surprise "Eh?" Staring unseeingly into space in front of her, Yui says "It's really not what it seems." "It's not?" "Actually, Mom's terminally ill & she can't be cured. Papa knows that too. But the both of them love each other very much & no matter how short a time they have left, he wants to be by her side. Mom was really moved when Papa proposed to her." Manato stares at Yui in silence....

 

While crossing an overhead bridge, Yui asks "Hey, would you prefer bread or rice for breakfast tomorrow? Hey!" Trailing behind her lost in his own thoughts, Manato doesn't reply. Yui looks at him "What's wrong?" Worriedly, Manato replies "What do you mean what's wrong?!" "Don't tell me you took what I said just now seriously?!" "Eh?" "I lied. It was a joke!" Peeved at having been made fun off, Manato retorts "Stop kidding! I'll think it's for real!" "You believed me?" Manato turns & looks at the traffic flowing under the bridge "Because you're her daughter. I didn't think that you would lie about your own mother having an incurable illness." "But I was just thinking that it's wonderful." "Wonderful? Your own mother dying is wonderful?" "It's not that. I'm talking about a time limit on love." "Anyway, I'm relieved that it was just a lie." "Every single day, every second, cherishing each moment. Even though there's pain & it's heart wrenching, he still loves her." Manato stares at her "That's a little extreme." Yui smiles "Is it? Whenever I fall in love with someone, that's what I always think." "That the guy might die?" "No, that I might die. That's why I want to be together with him every second, every minute." Yui starts walking again & Manato follows "You're exaggerating." Yui agrees companionably "Yes I am. But it makes things interesting. It feels great to be alive!" "Now you're talking about being alive? Aren't you contradicting yourself?" Yui smiles at him "Yes, a lot of contractions!" Manato gives Yui an assessing look as she walks on, holding up her key chain & playing with the pink colored bell.......

 

 

from that moment on,

I might have felt jealousy that no one could see...

that's why I will never forget you,

that heart wrenching love you didn't give to me....

 

 

The next morning, Manato's waiting for the bus when Haruka comes running up. Pausing when she sees him, Haruka smiles & runs up "Morning." Looking up, Manato replies "Morning." "Where's Yui-chan?" "She left earlier. Her mother....ah, mine too I guess, she's in the hospital." "What's wrong with her?" "It seems that she's just over exhausted. Maybe it's just stress from all the change, everything, like maybe worrying about whether she'd get along well with me or not." "Haruka grins "I don't think you're that bad are you?" "I don't either." "I see, so Yui's doing everything at home?" "Yeah, she's had to look after two people too." Exchanging easy smiles, they get ready as the bus arrives.....

 

With standing room only on the bus, Haruka says "It's crowded." "Yeah." "Uhm...." "What?" "It's just an idea, but what do you think  about going to the same university?" "Together with you?" Haruka nods & Manato replies "It's impossible. The passing grade is too high." However, Haruka says optimistically "You can do it if you start putting in some effort now. I told you before that you've got great hidden potential." "I'm going to give it a miss this year." "You can't, there's still time. I'll give you the motivation!" "Motivation?" "Yes, going to the same university." Manato looks at Haruka, not exactly enthusiastic at the idea. Just then, the bus jerks suddenly, causing Haruka to fall against Manato & grabbing his hand. Manato glances at her & Haruka looks away, shyly saying "It really is crowded." A little smile appearing on his face, Manato adds "Yeah it is," grasping her hand in his......

 

By the shoe lockers changing their shoes, Haruka says "That night I couldn't sleep." Manato looks at her enquiringly "Eh? Ah...ah," when he recalls kissing her that night. Haruka asks hesitatingly "What about you?" "Eh? Me? Kind of...." While exchanging embarrassed smiles, Saeki appears "Morning." While Manato returns the greeting "Good morning," Haruka merely slams her locker shut & walks off without a word. Saeki says "Looks like she can't stand me." "You're feeling better lately." "Me? Ah, yes, I intend to graduate this year." "I see." As Manato starts walking off, Saeki tells him "Wait a minute." Manato pauses in his tracks as Saeki puts his arm on his shoulders "You owe me a favor." "Eh?" "The incident with the knife, the dangerous youth A." "Ah..." "I'm the one who told them to keep their mouths shut. I don't really need you to return the favor but what do you think of taking on a part time job?" "A part time job?" "Yes." Manato gives Saeki a questioning look, only to see Saeki grinning back at him.....

 

During lunch break, Yui's practicing monotonous sounding scales on the piano in the music room when Saeki says "Instead of practicing that, wouldn't it be better to practice a tune that you like?" Yui shakes her head, not stopping her fingers on the keyboard. "Don't tell me you want to be a pianist someday?" Yui shakes her head. "Then you just want to play the piano?" Yui shakes her head again. "Then it could be any other instrument?" Yui nods. "That's to say that you haven't got any interest in the piano at all?" Yui nods. "I see. Don't tell me you like me?" Yui's fingers pause & looking up with a smile, Yui nods. Saeki smiles, nodding "I see," & Yui goes back to playing her scales....

 

After school, Manato finds himself in a restaurant waiting. A woman approaches "Irie-kun?" Manato looks up "Yes." Reaching out for the bill, she tells him "Let's go." Manato gets up hesitatingly "Uhm...." "You heard from Tetsuya didn't you?" "Well, sort of. But being an artist's model, I....." "It's alright, you just have to take of your clothes for a bit." Manato looks a little stunned at the thought.....

 

In the classroom, Saeki's putting on his coat when Haruka walks in. Seeing her, Saeki asks "Here to change your clothes?" "I just came to get something I left behind." "I see." "You're a fast runner aren't you, even made it to the prefecture races too I hear. Are you going to a college for Phys Ed?" When Haruka ignores him, not replying, Saeki nonchalantly picks up his bag "I'm kidding. I'm off." Haruka says "Will you stop it?" Saeki turns around "Eh?" "I heard you asked him to take on a part time job." "Ah, Manato?" "He's preparing for his exams, it's not the time for fooling around." "But he didn't seem to dislike the idea too much." "Because he's a nice guy." "Probably hiding something inside." "Eh?" "Nothing, just talking to myself. But I don't think what you're doing is a good idea. That's to say, putting shackles on him. I understand that you like him but guys find it annoying. I would." Haruka retorts "You're not him." "That's true too, sorry. Well then, good bye...." Coolly, Saeki leaves, sliding the door shut behind him. Walking down the corridor, Saeki mutters to himself in amusement "Looks like I made her mad again." 

 

Entering Shiho's apartment, Manato mutters "Excuse me." "The place is a mess, sorry." "It's ok," replies Manato, getting a little anxious when he sees sketches of nudes in the apartment. "Let's get started." "Uhm, ah, I don't think this....." When Manato drags his feet, she tells him "You're a guy aren't you? Stop wavering, come on." "Even if it's for the sake of art, I don't think I can pose nude...." "Nude? No one said anything about nude!" Shiho's surprise turns into laughter. "But you said to take my clothes off." "Just your arm." "My arm?" "Yes, that's what I'm concentrating on." "Oh." "Sit down." 

 

At the supermarket, Haruka's doing some shopping when suddenly someone from behind touches her chest. Startled, Haruka turns around & sees Yui smiling at her "Did I surprise you?" "Yui-chan! You scared me!" "Doing some shopping?" "Yes, you too?" "Yep. My first time." "I heard from Manato. You're worried about your mother?" "Yes, but Papa's with her so it's ok. Hey, what are you going to cook?" "Hm? I was thinking of making hamburgers tonight." "Can I follow you?" "Yes!" 

 

Walking home with groceries in hand, Haruka asks "Did Manato say anything?" "What about?" "About me." Yui purses her lips thinking "Hmmmm...." Haruka adds "If you have to think about then never mind." "Think about it?" "I don't have much experience with love, that's why I don't really know how to go about it." "Really?" "I was wondering if I'm being too possessive or not, that's why I'm feeling a little uneasy." "It's the same with me." "Eh?" "It's the same when I fall in love. When I feel uneasy, I want to be with him more." "But wouldn't he end up getting tired of you?" "Well, for me, the feelings of wanting to be with him are stronger than the fear of being disliked." "I guess I feel the other way 'cause I don't want to be disliked." "That means you don't really like him that much." "Eh?" "That means that you like yourself more than you like him." 

 

(-= CJ =- Yui's logic never ceases to amaze me but, I have to agree with her.....)

 

With an apple in his fist, Manato struggles to hold out his right arm in the air. Losing to fatigue he drops his arm & the artist chides him "Don't move!" Manato rubs his arm with his left "Sorry but my arm has gone numb." Giving up with a disgusted look, Shiho dumps the sketch pad on the table "Hopeless. Alright then, let's stop here for today." Manato looks surprised "Today?" "Come back again tomorrow. I haven't got the best sketch I want yet." "But I'm studying for my exams!" Lighting up a cigarette, she says "Then you can hold out your text books with your left." "Oh, but tomorrow, I'll ask Saeki-san instead." "He won't do. I want to draw the arm of a youth." "A youth? I'm already 18!" "But you're still a 'cherry' aren't you?" "Cherry?" "Ah, you're not? That's what I requested Saeki for." Put in a spot, Manato mutters "It's not that I'm not....." Shiho smiles "otsukaresama, I'll see you tomorrow." Manato nods "Alright," & getting his bag, walks out of the apartment.....

 

On the bus, Manato rubs his sore arm & leaning his head against the window, gives a tired sigh......

 

Seated at the dinner table, Manato asks Yui "Where's Dad?" "At the hospital. He's really loving." Manato nods, eating without much expression. Yui asks "It's bad?" "What is?" "It tastes bad?" "No, it's not that. It's so-so I guess." "What's this so-so? Just decide whether it's delicious or awful & say so!" "It's delicious! Just tastes like home cooked I guess." "What's that?" "I don't know." "So this takes like home cooked?" "Yes, that's it." Yui takes a mouthful of food & ponders. Suddenly, Manato puts down his chopsticks "Uhm...." "What?" "This is kind of hard to ask but...." "What is it? Something interesting?" "No, I don't think so." "What?" Manato hesitates "That...." Getting impatient, Yui asks "What exactly are you trying to say?" Manato looks at Yui "That, well.....cherry's not good, is it?" Yui thinks "Well, I don't dislike it." Manato quickly tells her "I'm not talking about the Sakura kind...." "Hm?" "Uhm, for girls, they say......virgin." Yui stares at him & Manato pulls back "Ah, nothing...." Yui suddenly laughs & Manato looks offended "Don't laugh!" "Are you being serious?" "Not that serious but...." "I think it depends on the individual." "Individual? Ah, what about you? Just for an example." "Well, for me..." "For you?" "I don't really like the idea." "I see." "Ah, there's no way I'm going to do that!" "What?" "I'm not going to practice that with you!" "I know that!" Yui smiles & Manato picks up his chopsticks "Sorry, bringing this up during dinner." "Yeah, really! Ah, what about desert? I don't have cherries but I do have apples." Yui takes out two apples from the grocery bags but Manato retorts "I don't feel like looking at apples either." Yui looks at Manato, surprised.......

 

The next day in the arts room, Saeki admits "Actually I used to be her model before. It was worse back then. She wanted me to hold out my left leg all the time. I couldn't walk for the next two, three days." Manato replies "I have to go again today." "Hmmm, you don't have to if you don't want to. I'm sure she's already got a good image of what she wants." "I can't, I already promised." "Ah I see, she is a beauty." "No, it's not that." "She sure is voluptuous too, probably a size E, F....or J?" Manato looks at him Saeki in disbelief "She's that big?" "Are you surprised?" "How come you....?" "How come I know? Well, I used to....." Saeki starts before adding "I'm kidding." Manato retorts "What!" Saeki adds "But she is an art student at an arts university, she would have a lot of sexual experience." "I guess so." "If you asked her she might be happy to oblige." "I have no intentions of doing that...except...." "Except what?" "I guess girls don't really like that sort of people....." "That sort?" "I mean.....a 'cherry'...." "I see. But older women who wouldn't mind. 'Ah, you're so cute! I'll teach you.' There are women who will do that to." Manato replies, half talking to himself "She's younger than I am. & she's not a virgin either." Saeki looks at Manato in surprise "Is that so? You amaze me...." "Eh?" "Nothing." Resting his chin on his hand, Manato continues to ponder.......

 

After school, Yui waits outside by the school gates, anxiously waiting. Spotting Saeki coming out, she starts trailing him. At the train station, she fumbles buying a ticket, dropping her wallet & coins onto the floor. Running up to the platform, she finds herself on the opposite track. When Saeki suddenly disappears from her sight after buying a drink from a vending machine, Yui looks around & running about, spots Saeki running down a street. Following, Yui turns a corner & suddenly finds a hand in her face. Taken by surprise, Yui brakes & falls backwards. Saeki grins, holding his hand out "You haven't got what it takes to become a detective." Yui nods with a smile "Uhm," taking his hand & letting him help her up onto her feet.....

 

At the studio, Manato poses for the artist, right arm raised with an apple in his fist, the left holding up a text book. When Shiho doesn't appear to notice, Manato drops his arm & starts to massage it with the other. When she looks up, Manato quickly raises his arm to the required pose. Puts her paints down & getting to her feet, Shiho peels off a shirt revealing a sweater underneath "It's getting a little warm." Manato peeps over his text book as she draws aside drapes giving privacy to the bedroom. Crawling over her bed, she opens the window next to it. When she turns back, Manato quickly turns his eyes back to his book......

 

In Saeki's apartment, Yui looks around exclaiming "You're living here in such a big place all alone?!" Saeki flops down onto the sofa "Both my parents are in New York so I'm taking care of the place." "Don't you feel lonely?"  Putting his feet up on the table, Saeki replies "Lonely? Not particularly." "Hmmm....." With a smile Yui takes a seat on the sofa across from Saeki, who asks "& then?" Yui looks at him "Then?" "Are you going to take your clothes off yourself? Or do I?" Yui looks taken aback "Eh?" "You said that you liked me, didn't you?" "Yui smiles, nodding "Uhm!" Saeki nods "Uhm. Following me all the way home, naturally you have this intention," losening his tie & unbuttoning his shirt. Yui stares at him, not saying a word. Saeki continues, taking off his shirt "Hurry up. There's no need for any tiresome talk is there? Or do you expect me to whisper sweet words of love to you?" When Yui continues staring without a word, Saeki laughs "Go home. I'm sorry but I have no interest in children." Sauntering to a table, Saeki picks up a cigarette & lights up. Behind him, Yui gets up & starts taking off her coat. As she's about to take off her top, Saeki stops her in surprise "What are you doing?!" Yui replies "What am I doing? I was thinking that I'd take off my clothes myself. Ah, or would you like to do it for me?" Saeki looks at her in amazement "No. Aren't you really trembling with fear?" Yui smiles "My heart's pounding with anticipation." Saeki laughs "You're really weird." "Compared to who?" "Who I wonder....." "Ah!" "What?" "What time is it now?" Saeki looks at his watch "5.30." Yui grabs her coat "I've got to go home & make dinner!" Saeki looks at her in shock "Dinner?!" "Bye, senpai!" "Bye..." "Ah, it's Yui." "Eh?" "My name. Oh." "Bye bye." "Bye bye." Yui rushes out the door, leaving Saeki frowning in puzzlement at Yui's behavior. Grabbing his shirt from the couch, he mutters "It's freezing...."

 

Yui runs out of the apartment building & turning to look back, she sees & waves to Saeki out on the veranda. Saeki waves back & watches Yui run down the street. Saeki turns & stares at his hand, looking at it as if wondering what on earth he's doing......

 

At the studio, Shiho finally finishes her painting with a deft brushstroke & announces "It's done! Finished!" Manato relaxes with relief as she grabs him "Come look! Don't you think it's good piece?" Manato stares at it "Eh?" "I'm going to enter it in a competition, I'm sure I'll win." Manato, not exactly sure what to make of her art, replies "Is that so? That's good then." "It's because of the model, thanks." Manato puts on his shirt, modestly replying "It's nothing..." "Your muscles are different." "Is that so? Well then, I'm off," Manato tells her, picking up his coat. "Ah wait, I haven't paid you for the work." "It's ok, it's not a big deal." "Really? Actually I'm also a little strapped for cash. I was wondering what I had to do for rent too." "Don't worry about it, bye," Manato starts for the door but Shiho stops him "I don't feel too good about that. How about staying the night?" Manato looks at her "Eh?" "Are your parents really strict?" "Ah, they're not really strict or anything but...." "Take a look inside your coat pocket," Shiho tells him, walking to her bed. Manato looks enquiringly "My coat?" Putting his hand into his coat pocket, Manato pulls out a packet & looking at it, is taken aback to see what it is. "Tetsuya-kun was the one that asked me to. He said that if I didn't have money, that I could do this." A little embarrassed, Manato holds out the pack of condoms "When did he....?" Sitting down on the bed, Shiho replies "It's just in case. You know too that getting pregnant would be a problem. Come sit over here," patting the bed beside her. Manato sputters "Ah, I don't...." but stops when he sees her taking off a sweater, revealing nothing underneath. In a matter of fact tone, she tells him "Come here..." Manato stares at her, hesitating, wavering......

 

Haruka pushes aside the curtains & looks out the window, staring across to see Manato's room, dark with curtains drawn. Glancing at the clock, she sees it past midnight & stares out the window again, knowing Manato hasn't returned home.....

 

Lying in bed, Manato stares up into the ceiling. Giving Shiho beside him a glance, he quietly gets up & pulls on his shorts. Dressed, Manato heads for the door, turning back & giving a pensive look at the woman lying asleep in bed, before turning & walking out the door. In the early hours of dawn, Manato finds himself walking to the fountain. Dropping his bag onto the ground, he sits on the ledge of the fountain, lost in his thoughts. Morning arrives. The bustle of people heading off to work & school bringing him out of his reverie, Manato slowly rises to his feet & starts walking....

 

As Yui washes up the dishes, she hears the door open & hurries to the foyer. Seeing Manato, she chides him "Hey, where have you been?! If you're going to stay over at a friend's place at least call home! You'll worry Dad too." Manato however, ignores her, & despondently heads for the stairs. Yui looks at him strangely "Manato? The least you could do is answer!" When she grabs him, Manato tumbles onto the floor. "I'm sorry, are you hurt? Are you feeling ill?" However, Manato just walks up the stairs without a word. Looking away with puzzlement, Yui spots the box of condoms on the floor & picks it up. Understanding dawns on her & she glances upwards with a smile "Ah!"

 

Manato enters his bedroom & tumbles onto his bed. The door opens & Yui bounces in holding the box of condoms "Was this it?!" Manato turns away, not replying & Yui comes in, sitting beside him on the bed "So how was it? Did it go well? Come on, tell me! Please?! Hey Manato! Ah, never mind, I'll have all the time to ask when I get back from school!" With a grin & tossing the box onto the bed, Yui bounces out of the room, leaving Manato lying in bed, staring at the box of condoms next to him......

 

Yui heads for the bus stop & seeing Haruka waiting, calls out "Morning!" Turning to see who it is, Haruka smiles back "Morning. Where's Irie-kun?" "He's still asleep. He might be late, or will he take a day off?" "Isn't he feeling well?" Yui gives her a knowing grin "Don't act!" Haruka however, doesn't know what Yui's talking about. Yui slides closer to Haruka "Excuse me," & proceeds to unravel Haruka's muffler, looking at her neck. Haruka pulls away "What are you doing?" Yui replies "There isn't one." "What?" "A hickey." Haruka stares at Yui shocked.....

 

On the bus seated next to each other, Yui chatters on, thinking that Manato's spent the night with Haruka. "Manato refuses to tell me anything. I guess maybe I'm a girl & although I'm his sister, I guess he feels a little embarrassed to talk to me about it. That's why I thought I'd ask you instead. If you don't feel like talking about it it's ok. It's not that I'm being perverted, I just want to share in the happiness, & that feeling of excitement!" Haruka quietly says "I....." Yui turns serious "Yes?" "I didn't stay out last night." Yui's expression changes to surprise "Eh?" Haruka stares straight ahead "I didn't spend the night out." Yui turns away, grimacing at her own mistaken assumption......

 

At the counselor's room, Mariko looks at Saeki's records in front of her "If you don't miss any more school days, it looks like you'll be able to graduate." Resting his chin lazily on his hand across the table from her, Saeki merely stares at her. Uneasily, Mariko continues "If it works out, what are your plans? Do you intend on going to university here in Japan? Or..." Saeki breaks in, asking instead "How far have you gone with that guy?" "That's got nothing to do with you." "Have you kissed yet? Or have you gone all the way?!" Saeki asks, gasping in jest. Mariko frowns "We're in school." Saeki however, ignores her warning "Is he good? Hmmm, he looks like the serious type so perhaps it feels like making out according to a textbook?" Saeki gets up onto the table & slides across to her "Does that satisfy you? Or are you just pretending? Want me to show him what satisfies you most? Bring him to the biology class next time. I'll show him according to the textbook. He's not going to get upset about our relationship, is he? We're all adults after all." Mariko looks at him "I've already told him about it, that I had a relationship with one of my students," getting up & walking to the window. Saeki says "Had? So it's past tense." "I don't want to give him any excuses. He's an honest man. He's takes me seriously." "It looks like you're seriously thinking about marriage." Mariko turns around & replies firmly "Yes. I intend to." Saeki looks away, a look of pain appearing on his face. Mariko adds "I'm thinking of resigning once this school term is over." "Will you be happy?" "Yes." "You're lying.....lying....." False bravado dissolving completely, Saeki puts his hand to his face, fighting back tears......

 

Manato's asleep in bed when the phone rings. Opening his eyes, he stares at it before turning over & ignoring it. When it refuses to stop, he finally forces himself out of bed "Hello, this is Irie." Haruka replies "Hello, it's me. Could you come out for a bit?" Manato nods "Uhm."

 

In the music room, Saeki's playing the piano while Yui flips through a magazine. With irritation, Saeki slams down the cover of the piano & gets up.  Yui scrambles to her feet "You're not playing anymore?" In a huff, Saeki grabs his back & storms out "I'm sorry but could you stop following me about?" Yui stares at him & proceeds to do just that......

 

Manato heads down to the park & sees Haruka playing with her younger brother Satoru "Playing catch ball?" Haruka smiles "Want to take my place?" Manato shakes his head "I'll watch." "I see." Haruka tosses the ball to her brother as Manato takes a seat on the swing. "What happened last night? I never saw the light come on through your bedroom window." Manato looks up in surprise & comes up with an excuse "I was kind of lost in thought in the living room & fell asleep there." "I see." "Yeah. Feels like I caught a cold too." Haruka laughs "I'm sorry." "What for?" "Actually I know about it. Yui-chan told me about it this morning." "Eh?" "That you came home early this morning. I was a little worried. Sorry, thought I'd tease you about it." Manato remains silent, unable to say anything to say. Haruka adds "I wonder if all husbands lie like that when they have affairs." "I don't know." "Are you regretting it?" "What? Ah, well, sort of." "In that case I forgive you. I wonder when I become someone's wife if I'll do that too." Haruka throws the ball out of Satoru's reach "Ah, sorry!" Suddenly, Haruka starts to cry & Manato, seeing her tears, gets up & slowly approaches her "I'm sorry. To be honest, I did it for your sake." "For my sake?" "Yes. It's an embarrassing confession to make but I....I didn't have that experience before," Manato turns away, not looking at her "That's why, if I didn't, then it's like I haven't grown up. It might be hard for you to understand but...." "Who was she? I guess how shall I put it, she must be a 'pro'...." "Yes, she is." "I see." "I guess you think I'm just making excuses." "No, I don't." Manato finally gathers the courage to look at her & she smiles "So this is what it was." "Yeah, it had nothing to do with being in love & all that." "I'm glad." "If you weren't serious about it, then it's ok. That's what my Mom always says." Satoru comes back with the ball "onechan!" & then continue playing catch ball as Manato stares pensively at Haruka......

 

Saeki walking home, grimaces "I said not to follow me about didn't I?" Yui, a few paces behind, asks "Why not?" "You just can't." "That puts me in a spot. I still want to be with you." "Ah, is that what the guys before use to say to you? They would be the ones going after you instead?" "Usually." "Because they think you're cute?" "I'm not a guy so I don't know about that." I'm sorry but I don't think so." Saeki stops in his tracks & turns to look at her "Rather, I think you are a really inconsiderate person instead." "Inconsiderate?" "You think only of your own feelings, right? Either that or you're just confident in yourself." "Because I haven't got any self confidence is why I want to be with you. If I had confidence, whatever you said wouldn't bother me at all." "So you really are inconsiderate after all. You refuse to understand that I really want to be alone at this moment." "Do you hate me?" "I neither hate nor like you." "You don't have to like me but don't hate me." Saeki stares at Yui, giving her an assessing look. Yui frowns "I'm not smart at all, & just like you say, maybe am an inconsiderate person. I can't really think of too many things all at once. In any case I like you. That feeling of wanting to be with you won't let me think of anything else." Saeki tells her flatly "You're a nuisance. I'm telling you straight. I already have someone I like. Perhaps even being in love with." "I see." "Do you understand? Alright, good bye." Giving her a pat on the head, Saeki turns to leave. Yui stares at him "I'll keep trying!" Saeki turns back & Yui says again "I'll keep trying because I like you. Even if you like someone else, this feeling won't disappear." Saeki asks "So how can I make it disappear?" "I don't know. What about you? What if you knew that the person you like is in love with someone else, can you make your feelings disappear?" Saeki ponders "Yes I can." "Really?" Saeki grins "That's a big fat lie." Yui smiles "See. It won't happen right away." "I guess so," Saeki replies & coolly saunters on. Yui stares at him as if she's about to break into tears & decides to follow him anyway......

 

(-= CJ =- Talk about shitsukoi!! (annoyingly persistent) but I guess many guys wouldn't mind Fukada Kyoko trailing after them like a puppy dog...)

 

Standing side by side in the bathroom, Manato & Yui brush their teeth, each lost in their own thoughts. Yui, not her usual cheery self, says "Hey..." Manato, absentmindedly replies "Hm?" "Can I change what I said before?" "What did you say before?" "I said that I would cry only when I was happy." "Ah, yes, you did say that." "Can I correct it?" "Which part?" Manato looks up & sees Yui about to dissolve into tears "I cry when I feel sad too." Manato asks worriedly "Did something happen?" Yui nods "Uhm." "Something interesting? Ah, I guess it doesn't look like it." "Part of it is interesting, part of it is sad." "Sounds awfully complicated." "It's complicated, but it's simple too." Manato mutters "Sounds like all the questions in the exam...." "What's that?" "Nothing, go on...." "I've found someone I like." Manato looks at her stunned "Eh? I see." "Uhm." "So why is that sad?" "He said he liked someone else." "I see. That's unfortunate. You should give it up & find someone else." "I don't want to." "Even if you don't want to....." "If you were in the same position, would you give up?" "Uhm. I would definitely give up. It can't be help, I'm afraid of getting hurt." "I can't, I can't do it." The tears start falling as Yui slides down onto the bathroom floor. Manato takes the towel around his shoulders & going down on his heels in front of her, holds it out to her. Taking it, Yui mutters "Thanks." Hiding her face in the towel, she says "Then cheer me on?" "Eh?" "Tell me not to give up, to go for it. Please?" Manato looks at her "Alright, I will." Yui looks at Manato with wet soulful eyes "Really?" With a sad smile, Manato tells her "I'll cheer you on." Reaching out & hugging her brother, Yui says tearfully "Thank you, Manato." Without a word, Manato puts his arms around her, holding her as she cries........

 

 

from that moment on, my world ended,

& a new one began....

that's why I will never forget you....

no matter how much I would fight for it,

I could never play the leading role,

that was the new world you created for me.....