kowarete iku futari

　

the breakup

　

　

Morning arrives. With a vancant expression, Manato sits on the rail at the bus stop. "Irie-kun?" Turning at the sound of Haruka's voice, Manato sees her approaching "What's wrong? You're looking kind of absentminded." Manato gets to his feet "Ah, just not enough sleep." "Playing computer games?" "Well, yeah, just couldn't get it." "Go get some exercise." "Is the athletic competition over?" "What?" "Well, you're back to leaving for school at this hour." "Ah, well yeah." Looking around, Haruka asks "Where's Yui-chan?" "Seems like she's got a cold." "Is she alright?" "Uhm, it's nothing serious." Haruka looks at her watch & takes a step back to sit on the rail "So when is it going to be?" Still standing by the curb, Manato turns around to look at her "What is?" With a bright smile, Haruka replies "The next letter you're going to send to me." "More like to Hirase Ai." "Ah, yes." His expression darkening slightly, Manato turns away "I still haven't written it." "Why not? & here I was looking forward to it." Surprised, Manato stares at her "How come?" Haruka replies with a twinkle in her eye "It's interesting to find out more about you." "About me?" "Uhm." "Don't you hate me?" "Of course I don't. I was merely uncertain whether or not I truly liked you." Manato nods. The bus arrives & they board it, Manato sharing a seat with Haruko. Manato asks "When a girl's been disappointed by love, will she fall in love with someone else right away?" Haruka ponders "I think it depends on the individual." "What about Yui?" "Hm?" "Ah, no, I was just wondering." "Hmmmm, what would she do I wonder?" "Don't answer my questions with questions!" "She might surprise everyone & forget it all  easily." "You think so?" "Well, those two hit it off really fast didn't they?" "So you're saying that she'll get over it just as fast?" Haruka smiles "Well, there's the saying that passion that's quick to rise, cools equally fast." Manato smiles "Maybe she is this type of person," turning away with a pensive look on his face.

　

　

あの時の僕は、

愚かにもその言葉にしがみついていた
熱しやすく冷めやすい
だから君のことを忘れないよ
早く魔法が解けるように、
そのためなら僕はどんなことでもしたんだ

　

　

At that moment

no matter how foolish it seemed,

I clung on to those words

passion that rises easily, cools easily

that is why I will never forget you

breaking that spell as quickly as possible

just for that I was willing to do anything

　

　

With his hand fool of bread & fruit in one hand, Saeki reaches into his pocket with the other, searching for his wallet "Eh?" Suddenly a hand appears in front of him with a note "Here." With a cool smile, Saeki takes the money from Haruka "Thanks." "You are welcome," replies a cheerful Haruka.

　

In the music room, Saeki opens up the cover of the piano & finds his packet of cigarettes sitting on top of his wallet  "So I did leave it here. Ah, my cigarette's crushed." Taking a note out of his wallet, he holds it out to Haruka "Here." Haruka asks playfully "What about interest?" "Just for a mere five minutes?" Smiling, Haruka takes the note out of his fingers "Just kidding!" Saeki comments "You've become really cheerful." "Is that so?" "Things must be going well between you & Manato?" "What?" "Didn't the both of you come to school together? I saw you." "Is that so? But that's not it." "Hm?" "I've decided that I'm not going to force things." "Force things?" "Hmm, for example, I thought that I was the type that would wait around for happiness to come along." Uhm." "But there are people who search for & grab that happiness too. I was always envious of them." "I see. So?" "So I decided to stop doing things that weren't me." "Hmmm...." "When you do things that aren't like you, then everything's just an illusion. Someday, you'll become someone else." "& you don't like that." "Well if not, then the person you really are becomes really pitiful." Saeki looks at her in silent admiration. Haruka nods "Right?" "Yes." "But what made you come to that conclusion?" "Hm? Ah, nothing...." "Ah, you slept with that guy, the one the bike you met in front of the station. Ah, sorry, I lack finesse I guess. Well,  of course  I'll keep it a secret from Manato. It looks like things are going well between you two." "I'm have no expectations of that sort." "What?" "That things will work out between Manato & myself." "Don't say that." "I said so didn't I? That I have no expectations." "But not to search for something & not wishing for something are two different things. You said that you're going back to being yourself, the type that waits." "Not with regards to Irie-kun." "But don't worry too much over sex, that Manato gave himself to a woman he didn't know. Ah, if you didn't know about this, I'm sorry." "I knew." "Phew!" "But things are different for men & women." "In this day & age?" "You're wrong." "So you're still...." "You want to say old-fashioned. But, that's me." With deeper understanding of Haruka, Saeki nods "I see."  Walking ahead, Saeki opens the door "After you." "Thanks," replies Haruka & they both walk out of the room amicably.

　

(CJ - I like the way the relationship between Saeki & Haruka is turning out. Nice to see Haruka coming to terms with who she really is. Manato still needs work, but Yui at this point......)

　

In the counselor's room, Manato sits at the table awkwardly waiting before mumbling "Excuse me...." Sitting mutely in the corner, Mariko finally breaks her silence "Ah, I'm sorry. I was just wondering how I would say this." Manato assures her "It's alright, you don't have to explain anything to me." A tad embarrassed, Mariko gets up from the chair & steps forward, hesitatingly saying "But, your sister & I are...." "I know," Manato breaks in. Surprised, Mariko looks at him "You've heard?" "Not from Yui, but from....." "You're not saying it's Saeki-kun?" "Ah, well, yeah." Sighing in resignation, Mariko takes a seat across the table from Manato "I never thought he would be such a chatterbox." "I'm the only one he's told, I'm sure of it. We're....good friends." "Good friends?" "Yes, so I know everything." "What do you mean everything?" "Ah, well, I don't really know all that much about your relationship with him." "I see. You must have been shocked." "Well in any case, there's not need for you to explain anything," replies Manato, getting onto his feet, turns to leave, nonchalantly adding "I also know of the love triangle between you & Yui." Taking offense, Mariko tells him "Stop it! Don't say that!" Taken aback by her vehemence, Manato turns back "Ah, I'm sorry." Gathering her composure, Mariko shakes her head "I'm sorry. I just realized recently that I'm not being matured enough. Because you're good friends I'll say this. I am totally confused by his actions. Ah, I'm not making excuses." "Oh." "I just think he's a little rash. Perhaps that's the part of him I'm attracted to but to tell you the truth, there are times when I think I just can't keep up with him." "Are you talking about going overseas?" "Ah, you really do know everything." "Yes, going together with you." "It's ridiculous don't you think? He's still only a student & yet says that he wants to marry me." "Is that ridiculous?" "Of course it is. Although I've called of my engagement but I have no intentions of marrying Saeki." Manato freezes at her words "What?" Mariko explains "There's also the big difference in our ages," walking towards the door. Without thinking, Manato grabs her arm "You can't think like that!" Shocked, Mariko stares at him "Irie-kun?" "You can't let that bother you! If you love each other, you should be together no matter what it takes! It's ridiculous! I'd be in trouble!" "In trouble?" Mariko's questioning look checks Manato's tirade as he awkwardly mumbles "Ah, no, it's....I think that would make Saeki-san really pitiful." "I wonder. I'm really not that interesting a woman." "sensei..." "That's why I'm just feeling a little uneasy if there comes a day when he'll get tired of me." "He won't. Have more confidence in yourself, please." Mariko nods weakly "Uhm. Strange how this room's become become a counselor's room for teachers." With a little laugh, Mariko slides the door open & walks out, leaving Manato alone in deep contemplation.

　

By the shoe lockers, Saeki changes his shoes & gives a wave when Manato approaches. Manato, however, answers in total annoyance "Just what do you think you're doing?!" Not knowing what Manato's upset over, Saeki answers without taking offense "What am I doing? Well, I can't exactly go home barefooted." Manato just glares at him, taking out his own shoes & dropping them on the floor with a loud thud.

　

Walking along the path, Manato says "I spoke with Asami-sensei today." Saeki asks "With Mariko?" "Yeah." "She wanted to explain to you about what happened in the classroom with Yui?" "Well, it started out that way, but half way through, it became more like a woman confiding in me." Saeki laughs "& you were forced to listen to her appeals." "It's your fault." "My fault?" "Well, you haven't really got a firm hold of sensei, have you..." points out Manato, irritation in his tone. Saeki smiles unruffled "No such thing. I've expressed my love for her in words." Manato bites out in a rather surly tone "You come across too frivolous." Saeki laughs "This is nothing for you to get mad about." Surprised, Manato stares at him  "Mad? No, I'm not mad. It's just that I feel sorry for sensei." "Alright I know, I know." "She'll never along go with you if you behave like that." "It'll be fine. She's always peevish about it but at the end, she can't do with me." Saeki turns around when he finds Manato stopped in his tracks "What's wrong?" Manato stares at him "Nothing, I was just thinking that you're so full of confidence." Saeki turns back "Well, talk is for free." Manato shoots back "Is it just talk?" Saeki laughs "I'm kidding, I'm full of confidence!" Manato frowns & walks pass him "Well, please." Saeki adds "I see, you're worried about Yui." Taken aback, Manato stops & turns back "What?" As if reading Manato's mind, Saeki says "You're thinking that if Mariko retreats then Yui might start to get her hopes again." "That...." "You have nothing to worry about. It's not because you pressed me to, but I've already made it clear to Yui. I told her that I hated her. " "Is that so?" Manato doesn't let on that he already knows. Saeki nods "I was downright despicable towards her. Not frivolously like you accused me of being earlier, in fact I was shaking inside, it's out of character for me. Besides, I was wondering when I said it, if I really meant it, if I really hated her that much....even now, I wonder....." In irritation, Manato retorts "Stop fooling around!" & stalks off in a huff. Saeki chuckles & follows quickly "Alright! You want to say that I've got Mariko, right? That's why it's not exactly love. It's just that, doesn't she seem a little bit like an angel to you?" "Well, I think she's pretty much given up on you." "From what happened today?" "Yeah." "I heard from Sawamura that she didn't come to school." "She ate too much so she's just feeling a little ill." "I see." "She's the type that gets passionate quickly but cools just as fast." Saeki walks on amicable without answering. Manato suddenly adds "It's fine. Did you expect her to be shocked & depressed?" Saeki puts his arm around Manato's shoulders teasing "Don't be that cruel to me!" A horn sounds in the distance & Manato runs off "The bus is here!" Heading down the steps, Manato heads for the bus, Saeki following.

　

(CJ - Hmmm, I always get the feeling that Manato starts off wanting to say something but when confronted, ends up saying something else instead. sunao janai na, Manato)

　

Manato trudges up the slope towards home with a bag of groceries in hand.  Entering the house, he finds it in darkness. Putting the bag of groceries on the floor, Manato starts up the stairs when he suddenly hears a bang from the bathroom & then the sound of Yui throwing up. Rushing in concerned, Manato calls out "Yui!" Turning around, Yui weakly moans "I'm sorry,  threw up." "It's okay." "Are you alright?" Manato rubs her back to calm her. "The mop..." "It's ok, I'll do it." I'm sorry." "Don't worry about it, it's nothing." "Uhm." "You'll be well in no time." "Uhm," moans Yui before throwing up some more.

　

Manato carefully skins an apple & brings it upstars on a tray together with a jug of water. Knocking on Yui's door & entering, Manato asks "How are you feeling?" In bed reading the letter from 'Hirase Ai', she replies cheerfully "I'm fine." "Are you still reading that?" "Uhm. Whenever I read Ai-chan's letter, it cheers me up." Pouring a glass of water for Yui, Manatao asks "How come?" "Well, you're happy aren't you?" "Uhm, well, yeah." "Well then it's passed along & it makes me happy too." "Is that so?" Manato replies, holding out the glass of water to her. Yui shakes her head & asks instead "What about your reply?" "I haven't written it yet." "You can't do that. You have to write it soon, I'm sure she's waiting for it." "I wonder..." "Of course she is, the color of this letter is yellow." Sitting down on the chair next to Yui's bed, Manato asks "Does that mean something?" "It's definitely her first love, the color of lemons." "You think too much into it." "Hey, go write it now so you can send it off tomorrow?" "I can't right now." "I'm fine so please. & then when you get another reply, let me see it?" "Then will you eat some apple now?" Yui moans "Ehhhh?" "You haven't eaten anything since yesterday. I know you haven't got any appetite because of your cold but you won't have any strength if you don't eat." Manato puts the plate of fruit on the chair & heads for the door. Yui slowly sits up "Manato." "Hm?" Quietly, Yui says "I'm sorry. In fact I don't have a cold. That's why I haven't got a fever either." Manato mumbles "I see." Yui hesitatingly says "Actually.....I think I'm...." Suddenly as if afraid of what Yui's going to say, Manato insists "You've just got a cold. & you're just tired." Walking over to the bed, Manato gently lays Yui back down & pulls the covers over her "You transferred to a new school, your mother passed away too. Everything's just added up & it's finally taking its toll. So don't worry about anything. I'll take care of what's happening in school so you just rest." Yui looks at his hand "Did you cut your hand?" "Huh? Ah, yeah, nothing serious," replies Manato, rubbing the band aid on his palm. Touched, Yui smiles "Maybe I'll just have one piece." Manato nods "Uhm," getting the plate for her "Just a small piece will do." Yui opens her mouth waiting to be fed "Ahh...." & Manato looks at her in surprised "Huh?" Them smiling, Manato takes one & puts it into her mouth "Here." With her mouth full, Yui mutters "Write the letter." "I will," replies Manato, putting the plate down on the chair. "I'll turn off the light." "Uhm." Yui watches Manato switch off the light & walk out, shutting the door behind him. The moment he's out of the room, nausea hits Yui & she scrambles to sit up, spitting the apple out of her mouth.

　

In his room staring at the green colored letter paper, Manato ponders over what to write when the phone rings. "Yes?" "Hello." "Sawamura?" "I saw your bedroom light come on." Drawing the curtains open, Manato looks out. Taking a sheet of the green letter paper, he waves it, showing it to Haruka "I was about to write the letter." Haruka smiles "That's great! Can you send it out by tomorrow?" "Yui's been bugging me to write it quick." "Is Yui better?" Manato looks away "Uhm, its' nothing serious. She's still got a fever though." "I see." Sitting down at his desk, Manato says "This letter, I still don't really know what to write." "Do your best!" "But thinking about it, it actually doesn't matter if I don't write it." "Huh?" "Well, what is needed is only Hirase's reply." "No way! You expect me to just write it myself?" "Not you, Hirase." "It's the same thing." "It isn't." "I can't get into it if you don't write." "Don't say that, put your writing talent to good use." "What's that?" Haruka mumbles in a pout, not liking the idea. Manato suddenly turns a little sober "However, Yui really likes it. She keeps reading it over & over." Haruka merely replies "Well in any case if you don't write, I'm not going to reply. It'll be inconsistent." "Just make something up." "That's cheating! If you're going to say that I'm not going to write anything." "I'll be in trouble!" "Then write. & write seriously. Then I will...ah....I mean Hirase Ai will also write seriously." Manato gives in with a little laugh "Alright, I understand. But, how long are we going to keep this up?" "Until you tell her." "What?" "Until you tell Yui how you really feel about her." At a loss for words, Manato merely utters "Uh." With a smile, Haruka takes a sheet of yellow colored writing paper "When that happens, Hirase will disappear. Just like a lemon drop in your mouth." "So that's why you picked the color yellow?" Haruka nods "Uhm."

　

At the breakfast table the next morning, Irie enquires "Is Yui still feeling ill?" Manato replies "She's much better. In any case the final exams are approaching & she's studying at home. It'll be tough if she doesn't make it." Irie gets up & starts to walk off when Manato asks "Where are you going?" "I'm just going to check on her." "She's still sleeping." "I'm only just going take a look at her. To be honest with just the two of us, breakfast isn't that appetizing." Irie turns to go when Manato suddenly bursts out "No!" When his father turns around in surprise, Manato mumbles "Ah, she said that she's just recovering & doesn't want to pass the cold on to you," quickly coming up with some excuse. "It'll be alright just to see her for a moment." Manato nonchalantly  adds "If you persist on being inquisitive into an adolescent girl's affairs, she'll end up getting annoyed with you." "Is that so," Irie sighs, walking back to the breakfast table. Manato adds "She'll say that you're dirty & that you stink." With a frown, Irie sniffs at his shirt sleeve & then with a laugh, sits back down at the table "Hehe, body odor is hereditary you know." Manato looks up at him & chuckles, eating his breakfast. A second later, a pensive look appears on his face.

　

With a green envelope in his hand, Manato walks up a flight of stairs to the mailbox. Pausing just in front of the box, Manato hesitates for a second before slowly slotting the letter into it. Hearing it drop into the box, Manato stares at the it before turning around & walking off.

　

In the music room, Saeki plays on the piano - T's Waltz. The pensive music drifting through the air to the roof top of another building. Sitting alone on the roof top & staring at Saeki from a distance, Yui sits listening to the soulful tune. Leaning against the rail, Yui closes her eyes. Suddenly, the music stops & Yui turns around. Through the window of the music room, she sees Saeki smiles at someone & through another window, Yui sees Mariko throwing the window open. Saeki comes up to her & smiling, puts his arm around her. A frown of pain appears on Yui's face, looking sad.

　

Manato takes the tray from Yui's desk "That's great, you finished all your lunch." Lying in bed under the covers, Yui nods "Uhm. I can if it's udon (noodles)." "Even with an egg in it?" "Uhm." "So what about dinner? I didn't get groceries today but I'll make you some porridge." "No, actually I have a favor to ask of you." "If it's about the letter, I sent if off this morning." "It's not that. I left something behind." "You left something behind?" From under the covers, Yui takes her hand out & shows him her key "The bell's missing." "I guess you must have dropped it somewhere." "I've looked all over the house. I think it's probably in school, either in the classroom or the music room." "Alright, I'll look for it tomorrow." "I want it now..." "What? School's closed already." "It's not possible?" "No, it isn't that but....why?" "Well....I got it from Mom so it reminds me of her." "I see." "That's why I feel uneasy without it." "Alright. Can I go after I wash the dishes?" asks Manato looking at the tray in his hands. Yui gets up "I'll do them." "Don't bother, it'll be done in a jiffy. Lie down." Yui nods obediently "Uhm." "Ah, but if I can't find it...." "You will, I'm sure." Manato nods & walks out of the room, Yui stares at the broken end of her key ring.

　

(CJ - Now that's asking a bit too much, talk about Manato totally giving in & spoiling Yui! You want that bell that badly girl, go get it yourself!!!)

　

Manato washes up the dishes & needing to throw something in the trash, steps on the pedal to open the lid. His expression changes & reaching beneath a plastic bag, stares at the udon - Yui's lunch, in the trash.

　

In the dark of the night, Manato stands outside the school gates. Climbing over the gates, Manato starts searching for the bell in Yui's desk in her classroom. Muttering to himself "I feel like a burgler," before seeing someone "Ah!" Realizing that it's only a reflection in the mirror, Manato grimaces "What! It's only me!" Getting on his hands & knees, Manato starts searching the floor.

　

　

The more one thinks about someone

one becomes something laughable

at that moment I

became completely obsessed

it was as if trying to find that tiny little bell

would save her

a spell with a single keyword

would save her, would save even me

if I could clear this game

then the bells of happiness would chime

　

　

Looking around in the dark music room, Manato spots something stuck on the blackboard. On music notes drawn on the board, Yui's bell is stuck on it. Pulling it off & shaking it, a wide grin appears on Manato's face "Yes! Yes! Yes! I found it!" Ecstatically, Manato jumps up & down on the desks.

　

On top of the roof of the other building, Yui smiles as she sees Saeki in the music room having lunch. Saeki tosses an empty can & grimaces, walking over to pick it up. Yui smiles. When Saeki tosses another & hits the target, Yui smiles applauding. Saeki starts playing the rather plaintive tune again & Yui closes her eyes, listening to it as it floats into the air.

　

Sitting on the bench at the bus stop, Yui doesn't move when the bus arrives & leaves.

　

In class, Saeki nods half asleep through a lesson.

　

Another bus arrives & leaves. Yui remains motionless on the bench.

　

Class over, Saeki strolls out into the corridor, yawning away. By the shoe lockers, Saeki changes his shoes.

　

Yui is still as a statue on the bench.

　

Saeki walks on, looking around at nothing in particular, along with other students chatting on their way home.

　

Another bus pulls away, Haruka comes running down the steps yelling "Ah stop! Stop!" & then moans "Ahh, I missed it." Turning around, she sees Yui sitting alone on the bench "Eh? Is that Yui-chan?" Walking over, Haruka calls out "Yui-chan? Yui-chan?" When there's no response, Haruka reaches out for Yui's shoulder shaking her but Yui suddenly slides falling over on the bench, going limp, her face pale. Haruka tries to wake her up "Yui-chan! Yui-chan! Hang on!"

　

Manato comes home with a bag of groceries & is surprised to see a pair of shoes in the foyer. Walking into the living room, Haruka asks "Where have you been?" Turning around to see Haruka, Manato replies "Where? I went to buy groceries for dinner." "Yui-chan passed out earlier." "Where?" "At the bus stop, by our school. I got the doctor to come take a look at her." "Is it that serious?" "He gave her an injection so she's sleeping now. But she's very pale & her body was very cold." Indifferently, Manato walks into the kitchen "She has a cold & she still went outside." "The doctor said it wasn't a cold. She's just very weak at the moment." Manato remains silent & Haruka asks "I would guess that Yui-chan hasn't been eating anything lately." "No such thing, she even had udon yesterday." "Then why?" Manato replies irritably "How would I know?! It's probably all the things that have happened recently, she transferred here, & then her mother..." "Really. Is that the only reason I wonder?" Refusing to think otherwise, Manato continues putting the groceries in the fridge as he replies stubbornly "There's no other reason." Haruka asks "What about Saeki-san?" Manato pauses & then gets up with a retort "No way! There's no way that could be it. Even you said so that she's the type that gets passionate easily & then cools just as fast."  "What if she isn't that type of person? & haven't you already realized that yourself? Am I wrong?" Manato yells at her "Even if that's the case what do you want me to do?! If that's the cause of all this, I can't do anything anyway!" Manato sits down on the sofa in a huff continuing "I know she's really hurting. & all I can do is not say anything & leave her alone!" "& not tell a single soul about it? & keep her hidden at home?" "I'm not hiding her!" "Really?" "Of course! It would be meaningless to do that!" "You didn't even mention anything to Saeki-san, is that for Yui-chan's sake?" After a pause, Manato quietly says "Yes it is." Haruka presses "& not for your own sake?" Angrily, Manato shouts "Yes!" Stunned at Manato's reaction, Haruka mumbles tearfully "I'm sorry...sorry...." & starts to cry. Manato turns & gets onto his feet "Why are you crying?" Haruka sobs "I don't know....but it's probably because....I don't want to end up hating you...." Manato stares at her wordlessly. Haruka calms down & continues "I received the second letter this morning." "Uh." "I liked the real Irie-kun that wrote that. Especially that one phrase I really liked that's appeared in both letters. Ah, there must be something wrong with me....am I becoming Hirase-Ai I wonder." Drying her tears Haruka gathers her coat & bag "The doctor said that if you get in touch with him, he'll come by & check on Yui too. The telephone number is over there." Manato nods "Uhm, I know." "Well, then I'm going home." "Uhm. I'll let Yui know that you took care of her." "There's no need to. Well then, goodbye," Sawamura turns to leave when Manato starts "Ah..." Haruka turns around & Manato says "Ah, not Sawamura but Hirase....." Haruma nods "Uhm." "The phrase that you liked, which is it?" "It's the last bit...'That is why I will never forget you.'" Manato stares at her wordlessly & finally nods. Haruka turns & leaves, shutting the door behind her.

　

In Yui's bedroom, Manato quietly stares at Yui's sleeping figure, drawing the covers snugly over her.

　

Sitting alone flipping through a magazine, Saeki waits at the usual cafe hangout. Looking up, Saeki asks "What is it that you wanted to speak to me about?" Coming forward, Haruka replies "I was wondering what to do." "Are you going to shockingly confess that you're in love with me? ndeed. Anyway, you've always been blunt with me." "It's about Yui-chan." "I see. What!" Saeki drawls out derisively. Haruka retorts "You don't have to speak like that!" "Ah, sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I just have some bitter memories with Yui that's all. I just meant 'forgive me'." "What do you mean?" "You know what happened in class don't you? So I thought that I should make it clear to her once & for all." "What about?" "The usual break up story. But I was really mean to her, to the extent that I hate myself for what I did." "No wonder...." "No wonder?" "Seems like it was too much of a shock for her." "Shock? No way, Manato said that she's given up completely." Haruka shakes her head. Saeki asks "Are you sure?" looking a little bit upset at the news. The waitress comes by "Sorry to keep you waiting, what would you like?" Haruka replies "Coffee." "Sure," replies the waitress, taking her order. Saeki coolly asks "& then?" "& then what?" "Uh, nothing. But I guess even if I had known there's nothing that I can do anyway. Manato probably thinks the same way so didn't tell me about it." "That's true but...." "Say even if I call & tell her get well soon, it would end up making her even more miserable. & may even cause her to recall unpleasant memories. Whatever the case, it would do any good." "I know that much! It's just that, I didn't like the idea of you not know anything about it. I always thought of Yui-chan as an optimist but I didn't want you to think that too. I won't forgive you if you don't feel anything." Saeki assures her "I do feel guilty. Just like the way you feel guilty towards Manato for having slept with another man. But if you think like that you'll never fall in love, ever. Excuse me but I'm leaving." "Wait..." Haruka tries to stop him but with a blunt "Take your time," Saeki walks off. 

　

Silently sitting by Yui's bed, Manato watches over a sleeping Yui. Finally Yui opens her eyes & sleepily looks about "Manato." "You're awake." "Uhm, I slept well." "Sawamura brought you home in a taxi. Also, the doctor came by & gave you a jab." "I remember. I hate injections, I flinched." "I see." "Were you worried?" "I was." "A whole lot?" "Uhm." "Really," Yui's pleased to hear. Manato returns her smile & gets up to pour her a glass of water. "Manato..." "Uhm." "You like me don't you." "What?" "You like me don't you?" After a moment's pause, Manato looks at her "Yeah." "Because we're brother & sister right?" "Yeah." "You'll always be with me?" "Of course." "I'm glad." Slowly, Yui holds out her hand & says to Manato "Hold my hand?" Nodding, Manato puts the glass of water down & takes her hand in his. Yui says "I have something to apologize to you." "Forget it, not that I know what for." "You're just like me, we don't like to be apologized to." "That's right." "But, I lied to you." "Lied?" "For that I want to apologize." "What is it?" Yui takes her other hand out from under the covers & holds out the bell "This." "Oh, great that it's been found huh." "I told you before didn't I? That it reminded me of Mama." "Uhm." "Actually it's not that." "What?" "It actually holds memories of senpai. The first time I met him, he picked it up for me." "Oh, is that so." "I'm sorry." "It doesn't matter. Actually I kind of thought that wasn't really the truth anyway." "Really?" "Well, if you didn't say that it was because of 'Mama', I'd probably have said that I would have looked for it the next day, right?" "Oh." "Of course, I know whatever you're thinking." Yui smiles "I see." "Yeah," smiles Manato. Suddenly the doorbell rings & Manato looks surprised "I wonder who's that." Yui adds "It must be Papa! He must have lost his keys." "Yeah, it must be," replies Manato, slowly letting go of her hand as he gets up.

　

The doorbell rings again & coming down the stairs, Manato calls out "I'm coming!" Opening the door, Manato's expression darkens in shock. Saeki saunters up "Yo!" Without moving out of the way, Manato asks "What are you doing here at this hour?" "I met Sawamura." "Sawamura?" "I heard about Yui. It's a bit of a bother but it's weird. Before I realized it I was headed this way." Saeki brushes pass Manato & walks into the house "I was thinking that if she really was feeling that bad that I'd come by & cheer her up. I guess that's because she's like an angel. Well, in any case saying that I hate her isn't actually the truth either." Manato's expression remains grim.

　

あの時の僕は
胸の中で必死に鳴り響こうとする鐘の音を
押さえていたんだ
それは僕が求めたこと

まるで正反対の   

At that moment I was suppressing

the chimes of the bells

that were violently reverberating in my heart

whatever I had wished for

was turning exactly the opposite

With a dark look on his face, Manato tells Saeki "She's alright." Pushing Saeki out the door almost rudely, Manato adds forcefully "Thanks for taking the trouble to come by, but Yui's asleep." Surprised at the cold treatment, Saeki merely stares at Manato.

　

Upstairs in bed, Yui rings the bell, the sound tinkling away.

　

だから君のことを忘れないよ

that is why I will never forget you

Staring intently at Saeki, Manato adds "She'll forget about you.....in no time," shutting the door on his friend.

嫉妬が叫ぶ悲鳴のようなS.O.S.
　

as if jealously was screaming & shrieking S.O.S.

Shutting the door, Manato leans against it, letting out a long breath, a grimace of pain on his face.

　

　

　

　

(CJ - Hmmmm, I really do not like what Manato's become, what happened to my gallant knight in shining armor?? Lying to himself & to everyone around him, the way he's treating his father & his friends. & the phrase that's been said to only Yui so far up until now - 'that is why I will never forget you'. It appears in both the letters to Sawamura / Hirase. By any chance is that the only time Manato is true to himself? Is he writing to 'Yui'? & interestingly enough, Sawamura's reply seems to cheer Yui up. When the lemon drop disappears..... On a whimsical thought, Sawamura's favorite color blue mixes with Hirase's lemon drop yellow color to give Manato's green. & of course, everyone's under the impression that her breakup with Saeki is the cause of Yui's 'illness', but there's certainly more than meets the eye....I'm still wondering about the title of this episode - kowarete iku futari. Who are the futari (2 people) that will kowarete iku (break apart)? At first I thought it was Yui & Saeki but they were never really a couple to begin with. So it's Yui & Manato? The two of them have really fallen to bits at this point......)