acombs@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu (The Kimagure Orange College People)
Kimagure Orange College
[Writer's foreword: This is the twelfth episode of a fan-fict
series based on the characters in Kimagure Orange Road. They are
intended to take place after the movie, "I Want to Return to that
Day", and follow the characters Kasuga Kyosuke and Ayukawa Madoka
as they start the next phase of their lives in college.
If you missed the previous episodes, notes about the new
characters, and previous events are listed after the ending
credits. In addition, previous episodes are available at the
wpi.wpi.edu ftp site.
One thing I would like to say up front: Although I and my
co-writer have both graduated from college, our experience is in
the American college system and culture. The span of our
experience in the Japanese advanced education system is limited
with what we can pick up watching anime, reading manga, and
consulting with friends, pen pals and anime clubs. Any mistakes,
inconsistencies, etc. are neither intentional nor are they meant
to show disrespect for the Japanese education system. In fact, we
would appreciate any constructive criticisms, corrections, and
insight any readers might offer us. Mail all such letters,
praises or flames to acombs@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu.]
Episode 12 - First date
[Cut to the main lecture room in the mathematics building.
Inside, the students are busy writing on the tables. On the
blackboard in the front of the room, the words "15 minutes left"
are written in large letters as the teaching assistant keeps an
eye on the time.]
Kasuga Narration: We had reached the end of the first academic
term before the summer vacation. Midterms were in full swing, but
fortunately I was mostly prepared for them. With the coming of
summer break, I was looking forward to spending tomorrow on a date
with Ayukawa. I hoped to have a memorable time, and I got my
wish. Well, sort of...
Kasuga: [While tapping his pencil on the last two problems.]
Hmm... [Glances up at the chalkboard and watches the TA erase the
"1" from "15", leaving "5". He then looks around and sees
Saito's, Kasamatsu's and Hayashibara's chairs are already empty.
Kimura is still seated in her's, scribbling something on her
paper.] Wonder why she's still here? [Turns his attention back
towards the paper, but continues to draw a blank.]
TA: [Erases the blackboard.] Time's up! Please turn in your
midterms.
Kasuga: [Putting his pencil down.] Che...should have studied
more.
[Kasuga gets up along with some of the other students still in the
class, folds his paper in half lengthwise, then drops it on the
pile of completed papers. Outside, Hayashibara is signing
autographs for some cute girl classmates.]
Hayashibara: [While signing a card.] ...to Megumi...have a nice
summer...Hayashibara Akira.
Megumi: [Accepts card and bows quickly.] Doumo arigatou!
Fujiko: [Thrusts her card forward.] Me please!
Hayashibara: [Accepts card and continues to smile.] Hai, hai...
[Signs card.] To Fujiko...good luck on your trip...Hayashibara
Akira.
Fujiko: [Accepts card and giggles a little.] My little brother
plays baseball in high school! He said he'd give anything to be
just like you!
Hayashibara: [A little nervously.] Ah...yeah. [More
assertively.] Well, tell him I appreciate his support! Tell him
to continue to do his best!
Kasuga: [As he exits the lecture room.] Boy he's lucky! [Noting
the girls' reactions.] I really hope he's not looking at Ayukawa.
Hayashibara: [To Kasuga as he finishes the last autograph.] Ah
Kasuga-san. I was wondering what was taking you. Saito-san told
me to tell you to stick around. He'll be back in a few minutes.
He went to the Liberal Arts building to pick up the Miyasato
twins.
Kasuga: How'd you finish so quick? You were the third guy to
leave the test room.
Hayashibara: [With some pride.] I was captain of the math club
in high school.
Kasuga: [A little miffed to himself.] Of course he was...[To
Hayashibara.] So you're really good at math too?
Hayashibara: [Shrugs.] Pretty good. Saito-san's probably
better; at least he was the first one of our class to finish the
midterm.
Kasuga: Well, fast isn't everything. Keiko-san's a lot better.
Hayashibara: Kimura-san? [Smiles and tries to be tactful.] I
know she's a friend of yours, but she's also one of the last ones
in the test room. Surely you're...exaggerating a little.
Kasuga: Are you kidding? [To himself as he slowly realizes...]
Ah I see...[Smiles a little.] He's never studied with Keiko-san
before. [To Hayashibara.] What do you say about putting your
money where your mouth is? Do you think you could do math
problems faster than Keiko-san in a fair competition?
Hayashibara: Well, I wouldn't want to embarrass any...
Kasuga: Never mind that! [Opens up his wallet and pulls out some
bills.] 3,000 yen says you'll get annihilated! [Offers his hand
in a wagering manner.]
Hayashibara: [A little taken back by the challenge.] Hrumph!
Well since you put it that way...[Takes Kasuga's hand and accepts
his challenge.]
Kasuga: [Firmly.] 20 problems then.
Hayashibara: [Confidently.] Hai!
Kasuga: First one to finish all 20 correctly.
Hayashibara: Hai! Just be prepared to fork over the 3,000...
[Just then, Ayukawa and Katsu comes walking down the hallway.]
Ayukawa: Konnichiwa Kasuga-kun! How did you do on your
mid...[Looking over Kasuga's shoulder and notices the money.]
What's going on?
Kasuga: [Looking pretty confident.] Heh...Hayashibara-san thinks
he's better than Keiko-san in math...so I bet him 3,000 yen he
can't beat her in a test of twenty randomly selected problems.
Katsu: [Thinking that the deal's too good to be true.] So what's
the catch?
Ayukawa: [Looks surprised.] Are you kidding, it'll be a
slaughter!
Hayashibara: [Reassures her.] Don't worry, I'll take it easy on
her.
Ayukawa: [Looks at Hayashibara with a firm expression.]
Baka...I'm talking about you!
Hayashibara: [Surprised look on his face] What...?
Kasuga: Come on Ayukawa...anything can happen.
Hayashibara: [To Ayukawa.] Right. Would you two like to place a
counter-wager? I could use some moral suppo...eh? [Sees Ayukawa
slap down 5,000 yen next to Kasuga's money.]
Ayukawa: [With her hand on the bills.] I don't usually like to
gamble...[Looks at him with a disapproving manner.] but if you
insist on *giving* away your money...
Katsu: [Slaps down 4,000 yen on the table next to Kasuga's.] Sorry...
[Also with a stern look on his face.] but I'm saving up for a
precision balance scale and I *need* my money.
[Hayashibara is about to retort, when the scene is interrupted by
Saito, Kasamatsu, and the Miyasato twins, who enter the building
from the outside.]
Saito: What money?
Katsu: A friendly wager...Hayashibara-san verses Keiko-san in a
math test.
Saito: [To Katsu with a look of disbelief.] You're kidding,
right?
Yoko: [To Hayashibara with disbelief.] Are you serious?!?
Hayashibara: [Still in the dark.] What?
Yuko: [Pulls out her wallet from her purse.] Heck...that's easy
money. [Pulls out 4,500 yen.]
Yoko: [To Hayashibara.] Sorry...I'm a big fan of yours and all
but...[Pulls out 5,000.] that's just too good a deal to pass up!
Saito: [Pulls Katsu over closely and whispers.] Does he know
about Keiko-san?
Katsu: [Shrugs.] Apparently not...he's never studied with us
before, so...
Saito: [Digs out his wallet.] Well far be it for me to pass that
up. [Digs out a few bills.] I'm in for...4,000 yen! [To
Kasamatsu.] Hey Terihiko-kun, how much money do you have on you?
Kasamatsu: Let's see...[Digs out his wallet and leafs through
it.] I got about 3,500 yen...but I need that money for...
Saito: [Pats Kasamatsu's shoulder.] Don't worry...this'll be the
easiest money you've ever made!
Hayashibara: [Now beginning to sweat as the stakes start to climb
to uncomfortable levels.] Now wait just one minu...!
Akane: Did someone say money?
[The group turns around and sees Akane walking out of the
adjoining lecture hall with Oinuma-sensei*.]
*Professor Oinuma
Oinuma: [Looks at the table.] What's going on here? Don't you
have other classes to go to?
Saito: [Sheepishly to Oinuma-sensei.] Err...it's a
bet...Hayashibara-san's challenged someone to a math contest.
Oinuma: [Frowns with disapproval.] Shame on you people! You're
really setting a bad example by indulging in this game of chance.
[Sniffs.] *I* don't bet on wagers! I only put my money on sure
things! [Pauses a moment.] By the way, who's he was up against?
Saito: Keiko-san.
Akane: [Incredulously.] Are you kidding? [Yanks out her
billfold and empties the bills and coins on the table.] I'm in
for...[Counts.] 3,800 yen!
Oinuma: [Raises his eyebrow.] Oh really? [Pulls out his wallet
and leafs out some bills.] I have about...10,000 yen.
Hayashibara: Sensei!
Oinuma: Don't worry about it...[Smiles at him.] Your father will
cover it right?
Hayashibara: [To the group, now with some suspicion of a set-up.]
This *is* Kimura Keiko we're talking about...our classmate? The
girl at the birthday par...?
[Hayashibara is interrupted again by Fujimoto and her son Eiji
coming into the mathematics building. When she sees the familiar
faces clustered around the study table, she approaches the group
and bows.]
Fujimoto: Konnichiwa...it's good to see you all here! I just
brought Eiji to the campus to show him the value of education and
why it's so important to start extra study classes early. I was
hoping that having him see young adults studying togeth...[Notices
the pile of cash on the table.] What's this?
Kasuga: Well...[Somewhat embarrassed.] we've got a bet going.
Hayashibara-san says he can beat Keiko in a timed mathematics pop
quiz.
Fujimoto: [Somewhat relieved.] Well, I can't say I totally
approve, but I suppose if it's for the sake of academic challenge,
I can see...[Notices Eiji coming back to the table with his hands
digging through his pockets.] Eiji, what are you-?
Eiji: [Slaps a dozen coins on the table.] Put me down for 750!
Fujimoto: Eiji!
Eiji: [Pleading look on his face.] But Kyosuke-niichan* says
Akira-niichan is giving away free money!
*Older brother, or in this case older male friend
Hayashibara: ...
[Just before he can say anything, Kimura comes out of the lecture
hall. She sees the group clustered around the table and the money
in the middle.]
Kimura: [Inquisitive look on her face.] Say...what's going on?
Saito: [Rushes up to encourage her.] You can take him right?
Yoko: [Rushes up to encourage her.] Yeah...show no mercy!
Kimura: [Now confused.] Take who...[Almost faints when she sees
who stands up from the middle of the crowd.]
Hayashibara: [Stands up and bows.] I'm honored to compete with
you. Apparently...[looks around the crowd.] they have a lot of
confidence in your ability, so I'm sure it will be an interesting
match. [Teeth gleam.]
Kimura: [Dreamily staring at Hayashibara with heart-shapes in her
eyes.] Ohh...he's so handsome...!
Kasuga: [Reassures Kimura.] Twenty math problems isn't that tough
right? [Starting to worry.] Uhh...Kimura-san? [Starts waving his
hand in front of her eyes to no effect.]
Kimura: [Still staring at Hayashibara with heart-shaped eyes.]
...
Kasuga: [Look of fear on his face as he suddenly realizes...] Oh
shoot...! [To Ayukawa.] Ayukawa...
Ayukawa: [Thinks for a moment.] Just a sec...what about Keiko-
san? If this is a bet, what's in it for her?
Hayashibara: [Sits back down and gets his paper ready.] Well she
could put some money down.
Ayukawa: I've got a better idea...[Takes Hayashibara aside for a
moment and whispers a proposal into his ear.]
Hayashibara: Eh...? [Listening.] sure, if you say
so...[Continues listening.] Well...all right, I guess that's OK.
What if she loses?
Ayukawa: Well...how about this? [Whispers into his ear.]
Hayashibara: Really? Are you sure?
Ayukawa: If that's acceptable to you.
Kasuga: [To Ayukawa after she finishes whispering to
Hayashibara.] What'd you tell him?
Ayukawa: [Whispers back.] That's I'd go out with him if he won.
Kasuga: [Barely manages to keep whispering.] WHAT...?!? That'll
motivate him all the more!
Ayukawa: [Confidenly whispers back.] Don't worry. The
motivation for Keiko-san is a lot more.
Kasuga: [Calming down.] Eh? What happens if he loses?
Hayashibara: [Confidenly to Kimura.] OK, if you beat me, I'll
take you out on a date.
Kimura: [Eyes *really* light up.] REALLY...? [Opens her book
bag and empties the contents onto the table. She stacks several
math formula books to one side and a stack of paper in front of
her. The mechanical pencil twirls expertly onto her finger,
snapping to a halt. Her normally, bubbly expression vanishes; her
eyes suddenly give off a look of cold, steely confidence and
determination.]
Everyone else: [Lean back in awe at the sudden transformation.]
Whoa...!
Hayashibara: [Swallows a lump in his throat after seeing the
change, and thinks for the first time that he may have bitten off
more than he can chew.] Uhh...
Oinuma: [Pulls out a sheet of paper.] Here guys...this is a quiz
the last class period just finished taking. Just to keep it
fair...[He then puts his hand on Hayashibara's shoulder.] Don't
disappoint me now.
Hayashibara: [Looking a little more confident.] Hai sensei!
I'll do my best!
Oinuma: No not that! My wife will kill me if I lose 10,000 yen!
Hayashibara: [Looking a little less confident.] ...
Ayukawa: [After making sure both are ready.] Start!
[Both Kimura and Hayashibara immediately start scribbling on the
paper.]
Hayashibara: [To himself as he writes down the first problem's
solution.] Ha! Not so tough! dP/(P(M-P))=kdt; 1/M(1/P+(1/(M-
P)))dP=kdt. Second pr...
Kimura: [Excitedly shuts her book.] Finished!
Hayashibara: Wh-what?!?
Everyone else: YEAH!
Oinuma: [Takes the test paper and looks it over.] Hmm...you used
Dase's theorem to prove problem #16?
Kimura: [Bubbly.] Hai! Dr. Machin's application of Simpson's
equations breaks down when the degree of precision exceeds over a
hundred dig-
Hayashibara: Wait a minute! If she's so fast, then why is she
always the last person to turn in her quizzes?
Oinuma: Oh you mean these? [Show Kimura's test paper to
Hayashibara . Scribbled all around the borders are a series of
cute cartoon characters.] I conservatively estimate that she
wastes 45 minutes of each quiz hour doodling.
Hayashibara: ...
Saito: [Looking at Kasamatsu.] I see a trip to Akihabara*
tomorrow!
*Area of Tokyo known for selling electronic goods.
Kasamatsu: Hai! Time to spend some money!
Katsu: [To himself.] Rats...! [Looks back at Kimura as he
leaves with Kasuga and Ayukawa.] Maybe I shouldn't have put my
money on the table after all...
[Everyone else leaves, discussing their future plans with their
new-found money. For several long seconds, Hayashibara and Kimura
are alone in the hallway until...]
Hayashibara: [Sheepishly.] So...when's a good time to pick you
up?
COMMERCIAL BREAK
[Cut to the auditorium of a large anime club.]
Club President: I've just got the Viz Discs in. I think we
should watch Ranma 1/2.
Club Librarian: We just got some tapes which have been checked
out for a while back in. We'd better show Sailor Moon before it
gets checked out again.
Half of the club members: Ranma!
Other half of the club members: Sailor Moon!
Club VPresident: [With a Miller Lite Beer in his hands.] Hey
guys! Let's watch both! [Slams the Miller Lite beer bottle on
the VCR.]
[The VCR flickers a bit then...]
Voiceover: Miller Lite presents...Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Ranma!
[On the big-screen TV, Ranma-chan, Akane, and Shampoo are wearing
short sailor suits and are chasing after a knife-armed duck-like
monster.]
Duck-youma: SHI-NE!!!
Sailor Akane: Shabon...Spray!
Sailor Ranma: Kachu-Amaguriken!
Duck-youma: [Flustered.] Oh yeah...! Try my...Death Feather
Attack!!!
Club member1: Get him...!
Sailor Shampoo: [Holding a Shinto ward to her face.] Rin, pyou,
tou, sha, kai
Duck-youma: Noo...! How can *you* betray me like this!!!
Sailor Shampoo: ...jin, retsu, sai, zen! Akuryou taisan!
[Flames wrap around the ward.]
Duck-Youma: AAAAIIIIEEEEHHHH!!!!
Club member2: Wow...this is some anime!
Club member1: This is some beer!
Voiceover: If you can combine great taste with less filling, you
can combine anything!
[Writer's note: Standard Disclaimer.]
END COMMERCIAL BREAK
[Cut to the Blue Horseshoe apartments. Outside, the sun is low in
the sky as the sunset paints the sky red. In the parking lot, a
red RX-7 parks in one of the side lots. Hayashibara opens the
door and steps out. He is dressed in a white blazer and pleated
pants, with a dark blue dress shirt. After he closes the door, he
presses a stud on his key ring and stands there under the parking
awning for a moment.]
Car: <Chirp!>
Hayashibara: [Looks woefully at his latest bank statement.]
Che...talk about a pasting. [Looks a little more cheerful.] Well
let's make the best of it. [Enters the apartment complex.]
[Cut to the Kimura apartment. In her room, Kimura Keiko finishes
dressing in front of her dresser mirror. After looking herself
over, she nods in approval.]
Keiko: <Giggle!> Just like a romance novel!
Akiko: [From the kitchen.] Keiko! It's time for dinner soon!
Keiko: I'm going out!
Masaki: [Looking in her room.] Eh? Keiko, why are you dressed
up like that?
Keiko: Err...I have a date!
Akiko: [Aghast.] Not that awful Kasuga person!
Keiko: [Looking a little embarrassed.] Err... no.
Masaki: [Pleadingly.] But Keiko...!
[Just then, the doorbell rings. Masaki and Akiko both walk over
to the entry hall and open the door.]
Hayashibara: Konnichiwa! [Teeth gleam.]
Masaki: Ahh...! [Steps back momentarily, then calms down.] Wait
a minute...I've seen you before.
Hayashibara: [Bows.] It's possible...we just finished a series
against Gakushuin University. You may have seen the television
coverage.
Akiko: You're on the baseball team?
Hayashibara: Hai.
Akiko: [Sternly.] Well we have strict rules regarding Keiko.
She's a very proper girl and we don't want anything to happen to
her.
Hayashibara: [Confidently.] Don't worry about a thing!
[Whispers into Akiko's ear.] I'll make sure not to return home
too late! Dewa mata*! [Leaves.]
*I'll be seeing you
Masaki: [After they leave.] Kawaisou* Keiko! Such a handsome
man; she'll just fall into his arms!
*Poor, unfortunate
Akiko: Nonsense! Keiko has more sense than that!
Masaki: Are you telling me that we should just trust him?
Akiko: Don't be silly! We'll do what any normal concerned
parents would do! We'll follow them every step of the way!
[Cut to outside the Blue Horseshoe apartments. Across the street,
two young men sit and eat at the Okonomiyaki Maru.]
Man 1: ...said we'd better get a juicy story or we'll have our
bonus cut! [Watches as the other man continues to eat.]
Kashiwakura-kun! Are you listening?
Kashiwakura: [With mouth full.] What's the deal Mizuhara-kun?
Something will come.
Mizuhara: Oh yeah...easy for you to say! You don't have a wife
at home to tell you what an idiot you are for not bringing home a
big check!
Kashiwakura: [Tossing his paper wrapper into the waste bin.]
Hey, look who's coming out of the apartment. Isn't he...?
Mizuhara: [Disinterested.] Hayashibara Akira the college
baseball star? Yeah I saw him pull up.
Kashiwakura: [Points.] Well look who's coming out with him.
Mizuhara: [Now interested.] Hello...who's this? Gimme your
telephoto.
Kashiwakura: [Hands him a large camera lens.] She's a cutie!
The man has taste!
Mizuhara: [Looking through the lens like a telescope.] Oh this
is rich! Oh shoot! [Watches as Hayashibara closes the door to
his car and drives off.] Let's go! We'll follow them every step
of the way!
[Mizuhara and Kashiwakura both get up and walk over towards the
nearby bus stop. Unbeknownst to them, Ayukawa is finishing her
soda seated behind them. A few moments later, Kasuga returns with
his plate of okonomiyaki.]
Ayukawa: Kasuga-kun, there you are. We gotta go.
Kasuga: Eh? What? [Drops his order into the wastebasket.] We
just got here!
Ayukawa: [Points at the bus stop as the bus pulls up.] See those
two guys getting on the bus? I overheard them and they're going
to try and take a picture of Hayashibara going out with Keiko-san.
They're from a tabloid.
Kasuga: Tabloid reporters?
Ayukawa: [Nods.] Un.
Kasuga: [Looking unconcerned.] Well that's the price of fame.
Ayukawa: What are you talking about? We gotta warn them!
Kasuga: Eh? Why? He can take care of himself.
Ayukawa: I'm not thinking of him; I'm thinking of Keiko-san!
Think what her parents will say if she's on the tabloids!
Kasuga: Well...
[Fade to imaginary scene.]
Kimura Masaki: MY POOR BABY GIRL...!
[Fade back to reality.]
Kasuga: ...yeah, I see what you mean. But Keiko-san's been
looking forward to this date. We can't ask them to call it off!
Ayukawa: Let's follow them and see if we can warn Hayashibara
without letting Keiko-san know.
Kasuga: [Nods.] Un!
[Cut to the parking lot. Hayashibara's RX-7 pulls into the
street. Behind them, Akiko and Masaki peek out from behind the
surrounding wall and look at each other.]
Masaki: Well now what? We don't have a car!
Akiko: [After watching the RX-7 turn the corner, steps out and
waves.] Taxi!
Taxi driver: [Quickly pulling up and opens the door.] Where to?
Akiko: [As both she and Masaki climb in.] Follow the red sports
car that just turned onto the expressway!
[Behind the taxi, Kasuga and Ayukawa are running after the
departing bus.]
Ayukawa: Shoot! The next bus to Akasaka isn't for another 15
minutes.
Kasuga: Let's go! [Takes Ayukawa by the hand and goes behind an
alley.] Hold on!
Ayukawa What? Hey-! [Both disappear in a vacuum sound.]
[Cut to Akasaka. As the RX-7 drives along the street, cabarets,
night clubs, bars and restaurants. New Otani and Akasaka Tokyu
hotels loom over the horizon.]
Kimura: I'm sorry I beat you in that bet, and making you take me
out. It's awfully nice of you to do so!
Hayashibara: Eh? Nonsense! I would've asked you out anyway! I
*am* a little surprised by your mathematical ability. Well,
perhaps astonished might be more appropriate. Have you always
been so good at math?
Kimura: [Looking away.] Hai...
Hayashibara: [Sensing her sadness.] But? Pardon me if I am
being too personal.
Kimura: No, that's ok. [Slowly.] But in school, the teachers
tell me I shouldn't try to show off in math because it's not
polite. And the other girls and boys usually avoided me when they
found out. Mother and father keep telling me to try my best, and
I do...[Trails off.]
Hayashibara: I'll just bet. [Solemnly.] It's nice to have
parents who care eh?
Kimura: [Brightening.] That's one of the things I like about
college and my new friends; they don't hate me even though they
know. [Looks around in wonder.] Where are we going?
Hayashibara: To this place in the Ana Hotel. They have a good
French restaurant and a nice view of the city.
[Cut to the Rose Room in the Ana Hotel. In the center of the
small, intimate room is a huge vase of roses. The decor is simple
but elegant. As Hayashibara helps Kimura exit the car, a valet
takes the car and parks it in the valet parking lot. As they
enter the hotel, a taxi pulls up to the curb on the street.]
Masaki: [With a terrified expression on his face as he exits the
taxi.] Okaasan* are you sure about this? We can't even afford to
park here much less eat here!
*Mother, but also used as wife when used by the husband.
Akiko: [Firmly as she pays the taxi driver.] Don't be silly! We
have to make sure that nothing happens to Keiko! That's worth a
few nights out with those good-for-nothing friends of yours!
Masaki: [Meekly.] Well, I guess...
[They both enter the hotel. Right behind them, the bus pulls up
and Kashiwakura and Mizuhara disembark.]
Kashiwakura: Err...I'm not so sure about this anymore. Are you
sure the chief will OK this on our expense account? This place
ain't cheap!
Mizuhara: Don't worry about a thing! We get that picture and we
can name our price!
Kashiwakura: Err...I'm not so sure about th...
Mizuhara: Trust me!
[Cut to inside the Rose Room. To one side of the restaurant, the
door to the woman's restroom swings outward slightly accompanied
by the sound of expanding air. Two seconds later, another sound
is heard.]
Woman's voice: Sukebe*...! <Slap!>
*Lewd, vulgar
[Both Kasuga and Ayukawa come running out of the women's restroom
with embarrassed looks on their faces.]
Ayukawa: [Whispers to Kasuga.] What was all that for?
Kasuga: [Sporting a new hand mark on his cheek and breathing a
little.] I'm not used to taking passengers. My control's a
little off.
Ayukawa: Then I hope this is the right place. It's the fifth
place we've tried tonight.
Kasuga: [Regaining his breath.] That's another thing;
teleporting that many times is tiring too.
[Kasuga and Ayukawa walk to the front of the restaurant entrance
and look into the main dining room.]
Ayukawa: [Pointing them out to Kasuga.] There they are!
Maitre d': Excuse me?
Kasuga: [Regaining his composure.] Ahh...yeah. Table for two?
Ayukawa: [Points to Hayashibara's and Kimura's table.] Could we
get a table close to them?
Maitre d': [Mischievious look.] Oh? Is that guy your boyfriend?
Ayukawa and Kasuga: ...
[Cut back to Hayashibara's and Kimura's table.]
Waiter: Are you ready to order?
Kimura: [Looking at the menu and frowns.] Wow...everything's so
expensive! Do we have to be careful what we order?
Hayashibara: [Tries to laugh.] Don't be silly! Order anything
you want!
Kimura: [Nods.] Un! [Looks back at the menu then frowns again.]
Err...what's beluga caviar?
Hayashibara: Sigh...[Closes the menu.] never mind I'll order.
[To the waiter.] I read on the menu that you serve quenelles..
I'll have that quenelle de homard en sauce. It is served with
rice?
Waiter: Yes sir.
Hayashibara: Hmm...I think Trois-Gros in France serves that.
Waiter: You're very well informed. Our chef trained at Trois-
Gros.
Hayashibara: Then it's served with caviar sauce?
Waiter: That's correct sir.
Hayashibara: And the escargots wrapped in pastry...they are
called bouchees right ?
Waiter: Yes...the inside is escargots cooked with butter
marinated in a mix of garlic, parsley and shallot.
Hayashibara: Yes, I'll have that and an apple-and-walnut salad.
Waiter: A perfect match sir. And for the lady?
Hayashibara: Well, it's not on your menu but could you see if
your chef can prepare Blanquette de veau a l'ancienne and a salade
de foies de volailles. It was one of their best at Trois-Gros.
Waiter: An excellent choice sir. I'm sure that won't be a
problem. A drink sir?
Hayashibara: Yes. I think we'll have some Chateauneuf du Pape.
Do you have 1981?
Waiter: I'll call the vigneron.
Hayashibara: [Hands over the menu.] Doumo arigatou.
Kimura: [In awe.] Wow...
[As the waiter takes the menu, he turns and walks over towards
Kasuga's and Ayukawa's table, who have been listening in.]
Ayukawa: [Obviously impressed listening over to Hayashibara's
table.] Well that sounded good...
Waiter: Are you ready to order?
Kasuga: [To Ayukawa.] Oh that's not so tough. [To the waiter.]
We'll have...[Looks back at the menu.] Melon au Jambon de Parme.
Waiter: I'm very sorry sir, we only serve that when those melons
are in season.
Kasuga: Oh...err...then we'll have two Oeufs a la Coque.
Waiter: I'm very sorry sir, but we only serve breakfast before
11:00 am.
Kasuga: O-of course, I knew that, ahahaha...[Sweating.]
Well...why not some Oeufs a la Neige then?
Waiter: [Trying to keep a straight face.] Certainly sir. But
normally we bring desserts after dinner. If you could tell me
what you want for your main course, I could bring your dessert
with your entree if you'd like.
Kasuga: [Sweating a little more.] Ahh...certainly. That's
sounds good. Ahh... then we'll have...[Looks back at the menu.]
Ayukawa: [Without looking at the menu.] We'll have Brittany
duckling and curry veal medallion. [Quietly to Kasuga.] Trust
me.
Waiter: Excellent choice ma'am. And for drinks?
Kasuga: How about...[Looking at the wine list.] Creme de Cassis?
[To Ayukawa.] That sounds good.
Waiter: Well sir, that's normally served before entrees. The
heavy creme liqueur ruins the taste of the...
Ayukawa: Corton Charlemagne '85.
Waiter: [Taking the menus.] Very good choice ma'am. [Leaves.]
Kasuga: [Red-faced to himself.] Well that could have
been...better.
[As the evening passes, both parties are enjoying their dinners,
as a third party grumbles about the prices. Behind all of them,
there is a glint of reflected light from behind the bushes.]
Mizuhara: You got him?
Kashiwakura: [Adjusting a camera telephoto lens and flash
settings.] And...now! <Snap!> Shoot! [Watches in dismay as a
waiter stops to take the order of the table in front of
Hayashibara's.]
Mizuhara: Kuso...[Whispers.] Move left! Left!
Kashiwakura: I'm getting eyestrain! [Lowers the camera in
frustration.] What's taking them so long?
[After a few minutes, the waiter finishes and leaves.]
Mizuhara: [Harsh whisper.] Now!
Kashiwakura: [Puts his hand back on the camera.] And...[Just
about to press the button.]
Maitre d': [From behind them.] A-hem!
Kashiwakura and Mizuhara: ...
[Cut to the outside of the hotel. The maitre d' is walking out
into the parking lot, followed by two burly men dragging
Kashiwakura and Mizuhara by the collar.]
Maitre d': [Firmly.] We don't welcome tabloids!
Kashiwakura: [Picking himself up.] Now what?
Mizuhara: [Determined.] We're not finished yet!
[As they get to their feet, Masaki and Akiko are walking out.]
Masaki: [Whining.] 4,000 yen for an appetizer? What's this
world coming to?
Akiko: Shh! They'll be coming out in a few minutes!
[Both leave to get a taxi waiting. Just as they do, Hayashibara
and Kimura exit the hotel.]
Valet pulling up: [Exits the car and bows.] Doumo arigatou
gozaimashita!
[After the RX-7 pulls out, Kasuga and Ayukawa come running out.]
Kasuga: Do you know where they're going?
Ayukawa: I think I overheard them saying they were going to take
a walk in the park.
Kasuga: Let's go then! We'll make sure to wait for them there!
Ayukawa: Are you sure about your control?
Kasuga: [Confidently.] Hai, hai! Trust me! [Both run off to
find a secluded spot.]
[Cut to the Kamon'yama public park. As the last vestiges of
sunlight disappear, the park lights turn on. Hayashibara and
Kimura enter the park from the car. Picking up a bag of peanuts
from a nearby yatai*, Hayashibara follow Kimura as she walks onto
the bridge over the pond.]
*Wheeled food carts with roofs; often appear around dusk in
popular stations and entertainment areas.
Kimura: Wow...this place is so romantic! It's just like a fairy
tale!
Hayashibara: Un...when I was a little kid, okaasan would take me
here. Later, it became my favorite place to remember her.
Sometimes...I have this crazy feeling that...she's going to appear
out of nowhere in the most unexpected place...
[Cut to under the pond bridge. Without warning, the sound of
expanding air is accompanied by Kasuga's and Ayukawa's appearance,
who suddenly find themselves without a place to stand and fall
into the pond.]
Ayukawa and Kasuga: YEOW...! [Fall into the pond with a splash.]
Ayukawa: Kasuga-kun!
Kasuga: S-sorry!
Kimura: [From above.] Eh? Is someone down there?
[At the sound of her voice, both Ayukawa and Kasuga re-submerge.
Kimura bends over and looks at the now-quiet water.]
Kimura: Eh? No one here.
Hayashibara: Just the koi*. Here watch...[Reaches into the
peanut bag and drops a handful of peanuts into the water. In
seconds, the water starts to boil as the fish take advantage of
the unexpected snack.] They'll go on a feeding frenzy like that
whenever food drops in. That's probably what you heard.
*Carp but also can be translated as love
Kimura: [Watches as the water froths with foam as the hungry fish
indulge.] Wow...
Hayashibara: [After watching the fish for a few minutes.] Ready
to go?
Kimura: [Nods.] Sure. Where are we going now?
[As they leave, Kasuga and Ayukawa scramble back to the surface of
the water amid a swarm of feeding fish.]
Ayukawa: [With a fish flapping in her face.] Kasuga-kun...!
Kasuga: [Picking up on her request as he shakes fish out of his
shirt.] Hai! [Takes her hand and disappears as the water fills
the void.]
[Back in the bushes.]
Mizuhara: [With dismay.] What they hell are they looking at in
the water?
Kashiwakura: [Trying to get the picture.] Is this worth all this
trouble?
Mizuhara: [With a harsh whisper.] Of course it is! Think about
our names on the front page!
Kashiwakura: Hai, hai...[Looks back into the camera, but can only
see black.] What th...[Standing in front is an arguing couple.]
Who the hell are they?!?
[Cut to the arguing couple.]
Masaki: Okaasan...it's getting late! Don't you think we should
be getting back?
Akiko: Shh! Quick, let's hide here! [Points to the bushes
behind them.]
[Cut back to the bushes.]
Kashiwakura: They're coming this way!
Mizuhara: Get down! [Both lie down prone as Masaki and Akiko
both are standing on them.] Urk...!
Kashiwakura: [Quietly under Masaki's weight.] Mi-mizu...
Mizuhara: [Also under strain, but quietly.] Sh-shh...!
Masaki: [Looking through the bushes.] Where are they going?
Akiko: [After watching them for a moment, then realizing...]
Back to the car! Let's go, hurry!
[As they leave, Kashiwakura and Mizuhara peel themselves off the
ground.]
Kashiwakura: A...are you sure this is worth all this?
Mizuhara: ...
[Cut to the Miyazakicho area just outside Kamon'yama. Hayashibara
and Kimura are walking back towards the car as the buildings that
surround the part begin to light up with nighttime activities.]
Hayashibara: Well, it's getting a little late. Your parents are
going to worry if I don't take you home soon.
Kimura: [A little down, but nods.] Un...
Hayashibara: Well, how about a soda before we go? There's an
ice-cream shop over across the street.
Kimura: [Eyes light up.] Really?
Hayashibara: Why don't you go on ahead and order? I need to get
something from the car.
Kimura: [Nods.] Un! [Leaves.]
[Hayashibara is about to head back to the car, when a sound from
above suddenly interrupts him.]
Kasuga: <Ah...Ah-choo!>
[Hayashibara looks up and frowns. Dangling from the building fire
escape is Kasuga and Ayukawa, both soaking wet. As he steps to
one side, a fish drops out of Kasuga's shirt.]
Hayashibara: You know I don't know which to ask first; what you
two are doing up there or why are you two soaking wet or why do
you both have fish in your clothing?
Ayukawa: [Looks at Kasuga.] You want to tell him or should I?
Kasuga: [Sheepishly.] Err...this isn't what it looks like...<Ah-
choo!>
Hayashibara: It looks like you two are following us.
Kasuga: [Even more embarrassed.] Err...ok it is what it looks
like...but not that way.
Ayukawa: There are two guys following you from the tabloids.
They're wanting to get a picture of you and Keiko-san and publish
it!
Hayashibara: [Looks back and watches Kashiwakura and Mizuhara
duck back behind the bushes.] So that's who they are. I was
wondering what they were doing at the restaurant. They weren't
even dressed for it. [Turns back towards Ayukawa and Kasuga.]
Thanks for the tip! I'll...
Man 1: Akira!
[Behind Hayashibara, an older man appears. He has a strong
expression and a look of fire in his eyes. His black hair is only
beginning to show signs of gray, and his stride demonstrates his
confidence.]
Hayashibara Akira: [Stiffens at the sound of the voice.] T-
toosan!*
*Father
Hayashibara Takao: [Sternly.] I've been looking for you! What
are you doing wasting your time here ?
Hayashibara Akira: Well I...
Hayashibara Takao: I've just returned from the company's business
trip and what do I find? Fooling around as usual? What about
your baseball? Do you plan on just breezing into the
professionals? Your coach has pointed out a number of problems to
me!
Hayashibara Akira: [Surprised.] Eh? I'm leading the league in
RBI's!
Hayashibara Takao: [Harshly.] You're also leading it in
strikeouts! You lack patience and need to improve your judgement
of the pitches!
Hayashibara Akira: [Now beginning to get disturbed.] Don't you
think that's for the coaches to decide?
[Just then, Kimura returns.]
Kimura: [With an ice-cream cone in each hand.] H-hayashibara-
san?
Hayashibara Akira: [Tries to leave.] Can we talk about this
another time?
Hayashibara Takao: [Looking down at Kimura.] Who is this?
Hayashibara Akira: [Offended.] Toosan! That's no way to talk
about a fr-
<Slap!>
Hayashibara Takao: [Striking Akira across the face.] Don't you
talk back to me Akira! [Harshly.] Take her home! I think we
need to talk about evaluating your priorities!
Hayashibara Akira: [Looking down.] H-hai...
[Cut to the Blue Horseshoe apartments. Pulling into the carport,
Hayashibara's RX-7 quietly comes to a halt.]
Hayashibara: [Shuts off the engine.] Well, thank you for a
wonderful evening and...I'm very sorry you had to see that.
Kimura: [Obviously enjoyed herself.] That's OK! [Smile fades.]
Are you going to be alright?
Hayashibara: Well...[Looks down.] I don't know.
Kimura: [Concerned.] Is it...was it me?
Hayashibara: [Quickly.] No...this is something that's been
brewing...for quite some time.
[Hayashibara watches Kimura as she runs back into the apartment
building, turning once for another wave goodbye. After she
disappears, he sits in the car alone for a moment and slides in a
CD into the car stereo. He then sits back and closes his eyes as
a tenor booms Don Giovanni* on the speakers.]
*W.A.Mozart's opera about a man who kills his father and is in
turn killed by his father's ghost.
Fujiko from memory: My little brother...said he'd give anything
to be just like you!
Hayashibara: [Dryly to himself as he stops the CD.] Sure he
would...so would I...[Drives off into the night.]
[Back at the Blue Horseshoe apartments. Kimura opens the door and
enters her family apartment. She is momentarily surprised to not
see anyone waiting for her then shrugs. Taking off her shoes, she
turns on some lights and heads for her room. Outside, two
familiar, dirty forms are waiting around the inside corrider.]
Mizuhara: [Hiding in the stairway.] Alright, this is our last
chance!
Kashiwakura: [Getting his camera ready.] Hai!
Mizuhara: First person up those stairs we snap!
Kashiwakura: Hai! [Just then the sound of footsteps are audible
in the hallway.]
Mizuhara: [Whispers.] Here they come...! [Both hide.]
Masaki: [Obviously tired.] What a wasted evening... not to
mention all that money!
Akiko: [Tired, but trying to hide it.] Hrumph...well I think it
was worth it to protect Kei...eh?
Mizuhara and Kashiwakura: [Leap out from behind their hiding
place.] Now! Smile cutey...err...ahh...
Akiko: [No longer sounding tired.]
What...are...you...doing...here?!?
Mizuhara and Kashiwakura: [Acting defensively and with
embarrassed expressions on their faces.] Ahh...err...
Akiko: [Now getting angry and noticing their advanced photography
equipment.] Are you two from the tabloids?!? Were you trying to
get my Keiko?!?
Masaki: MY POOR BABY GIRL!!
[Cut to outside the apartment complex. From the nearby bus stop,
Ayukawa and Kasuga listen to the sounds of conflict then watch as
Mizuhara and Kashiwakura come running out of the complex at full
speed.]
Ayukawa: Heh...looks like they met Keiko-san's parents.
Kasuga: [Chuckles.] Yeah...parents. [Turns serious.] Who would
have thought...Hayashibara-san...?
Ayukawa: I guess we were all looking at all the flash. I know a
little what it's like...hiding behind a mask. I hope he's going
to be alright.
Kasuga: [After a pause.] Un...
Kasuga Narration: Listening to Hayashibara's father's criticisms
that night really made me think; that was the first time I
realized that he had his problems too. In that way, it helped me
realize that maybe I took too many of my own blessings for
granted. Speaking of such...
Kasuga: Wait a minute...[To Ayukawa.] weren't we suppose to go on
a date?
END CREDITS
New Characters Designer/Writer Stephen Tsai
Doujinshi Artwork Tony Jung
Pre-readers Chung-Mau Cheng
Jim Ramberg
Andy Combs
Robert Carragher
Charles Winata
Lisa Richardson
Michael Welsh Duggan
Jeff Yang
Pascal Janin
Very special thanks to Hitoshi Doi
A tip of the hat and a deep bow to Matsumoto Izumi for starting
the whole thing
If I left anyone off, my apologies. Any mistakes/embarrassing
faux pas are entirely my own. If there is anything here you must
flame, aim them at me and me alone.
Thank you for taking the time to read this episode of my series.
If you are interested, previous episodes should be available at
the wpi.wpi.edu ftp site. Assuming that I don't get flamed off
the net, I've got the next episode in the works. If you have any
story ideas, or general ideas, please send them. Any tidbits
about the Japanese advanced education system will be especially
looked at (see first writer's note).
Hope you enjoyed it and thanks again!
For the new readers: I'll be doing character profiles, major
location descriptions, and situation updates on a rotating basis
for each episode. If there is a particular character, place or
event that you would like to know more about, and it is not being
covered, don't hesitate to email me and I will send you either a
note or a copy of the episode it is introduced.
Focus on the Okonomiyaki Maru [Introduced in Episode 1]: The
Okonomiyaki Maru is an old traditional fixture around the
Butsumetsu University campus. Over the years, it has undergone
several renovations and different owners. Currently, Kuroki Ukie
owns the restaurant, carrying on her family's tradition from her
father.
The Okonomiyaki Maru has a long black hotplate on the front
of the bar. The bar is accessible to the more ambitious students
would-be cooks at the bar and the restaurant cooks alike. Behind
them is a large area for standing students, with high tables. In
the main dining room, several sitdown booth allow more private
dining. The padio has a few tables for outside dining.
The menu offers a wide variety of okonomiyaki and toppings
such as pork, squid, or shrimp. Also offered is fried noodles
(yakisoba), tofu steak, and Uk-chan's own creation called
tororoyaki, or jam okonomiyaki. The restaraunt is one of the most
popular students' hangouts because of it's quality inexpensive
food, campus proximity, and tradition.
Visual Description: The restaurant is a traditional styled
restaurant, but with an unusually large dining area to accomodate
the large number of students that pass through. Close anime
comparisons include (but are not limited to) Kuonji Ukyou's
okonomiyaki shop from Ranma 1/2 and the beefbowl restaraunt from
Urusei Yatsura.
Stephen Tsai
Andy (The Android) Combs | Eiji: Just wait until| To be is to do (Sartre)
Stephen (The Chunk) Tsai | I tell Madoka-neechan!| To do is to be (Decartes)
acombs@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu| | Do be do be do (Sinatra)
| Kasuga: ...! | Yabba dabba do (Flintstone)
Read the doujinshi! | KOCollege Episode #13 | Scooby dooby do (Doo)
