stsai@netcom.com (Stephen Tsai)
Kimagure Orange College
[Writer's foreword: This is the twenty-first 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 have
graduated from college, my experience is in the American
college system and culture. The span of my experience in the
Japanese advanced education system is limited with what I 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, I would appreciate any constructive criticisms,
corrections, and insight any readers might offer me. Mail
all such letters, praises or flames to stsai@netcom.com.]
Episode 21 - The Stranger in No. 4
[Fade in to the boarding house. With autumn coming, the
leaves have begun falling, covering the lawn with a multitude
of colors. As Fujimoto and Egami work together to clear the
lawn, a tall, sandy-haired young man climbs out of a taxi and
sets his bags on the sidewalk.]
Kasuga Narration: The fall of our first year was one I'll
never forget. It was a formative time; one that I look back,
not with pleasure but with a solemn understanding of
friendships and trust. It started with the meeting of
strangers, both the ones we didn't know, and the ones we
thought we knew...
Fujimoto: [Stops raking.] Ara! Okaeri nasai Sakurai-san!*
*Oh my! Welcome back Sakurai-san!
Sakurai: Tadaima!*
*I'm back!
Egami: [Ties a bag of leaves closed.] You're very late!
You almost missed fall-registration!
Fujimoto: How was London? Are you still seeing Michiko-san?
Sakurai: [Unconcerned.] No, she and I both decided that we
just weren't right fo--
Egami: [Look of satified glee.] Well anyway, you're still
in time for the upcoming baseball tournament!
Sakurai: [Look of fearful worry.] Ahh...I'll pass. I'm
still recovering from last year's annihilati--
Egami: Nonsense! "Seishun-kan*" will be triumphant this
time!
*House of Spring/Youth
Fujimoto: Ahh...what happened to "Yujou-kan*"?
*House of Friends
Egami: That name has led us to seventeen straight ignoble
losses! [With a huff.] Obviously it's time for a change!
Fujimoto and Sakurai: [As both try to comprehend Egami's
conclusion.] Ahh...obviously...
Sakurai: [Watches Egami gloat.] I...almost wish I stayed in
England...
Fujimoto: [Understanding tone.] Don't be too harsh. You
were here last year; you know the renters' baseball
tournament is one of the few things he looks forward to each
year.
Sakurai: That and dumping my furniture on the lawn.
Fujimoto: Well, maybe he's calming down. Come to think of
it, he hasn't done that in...[Counts back.] about five
months.
Sakurai: So he's almost due then. [Tries not to notice
Fujimoto's embarrassed expression.] Good thing I left behind
a large deposit. So is Akemi-san still around?
Fujimoto: No, I'm afraid all the others have left except
Tanaka-san. I'm sure you'll like the new tenants though.
Sakurai: [Picks up his bags and carries them up the front
door.] Well, at least they can't be as much a bunch of
weirdos as that last batch was.
Fujimoto: Well...actually, they all have...unique
distinctions that make them a special group of young people.
Sakurai: [Waves Fujimoto's explanation off as he walks to
Room No. 1.] Fine, fine, just as long as none of
them...<Sniff!> What's that awful smell...?
<BBBBOOOOOOOOOMMMM!!!!>
Egami: [Gloats as he turns his attention back to the lawn.]
Meet your new upstairs neighbor!
Sakurai: ...
[Cut to the Butsumetsu University library. With the first
wave of mid-terms over, the main reading room is only at
half-capacity. Ayukawa is reading a book marked "The Works
and Influence of John William Fenton*". After finishing the
book, she puts it down and takes a few notes. When a shadow
blocks the fluorescent lights, she looks up and takes note of
the approaching form.]
*An Englishman who began teaching Western music in Yokohama
circa 1869. One of the first foreign music teachers; he
formed Japan's first brass band.
Hayashibara: Do you have a minute?
Ayukawa: Sure. [Sets the book aside and follows Hayashibara
to a secluded corner of the library.]
Hayashibara: [Whispers.] I was wondering if you'd be
willing to have dinner with me tonight.
Ayukawa: Well...I'm not sure it'd be proper...
Hayashibara: Please...it's important to me. [Pauses to
consider the appropriateness of his request.] I think you
should bring Kasuga-san along as well.
Ayukawa: Well, OK.
Hayashibara: How about I meet you two at the Kisso
restaurant in the Ginza district at 7:00pm?
Ayukawa: That would be fine.
Hayashibara: I will look forward to seeing you there!
[Teeth gleam.]
[As Hayashibara leaves and Ayukawa returns to her studies,
she overhears the sounds of muted whispers. Although exact
words are lost, Ayukawa belatedly realizes that they were not
as isolated as either of them had hoped. She tries to go
back to studying, but without success. Deciding to call it a
day, she checks her watch.]
Ayukawa: Hmm...Kasuga-kun probably won't be back from
classes for a few hours. [Walks out of the library and gets
on her scooter.] He should be back in time to make it
tonight though. [Rides several miles through traffic and
reaches the boarding house in just over an hour. As she
parks, she is surprised to see someone greet her.]
Ayukawa: Tanaka-san?
Tanaka: [Smoothly.] I saw you pull up and thought I'd be
the first one to welcome you here.
Ayukawa: [A bit uncomfortable.] Well, thanks. Kasuga-kun
isn't back by chance?
Tanaka: No he isn't. I don't expect him back for another
hour or so.
Ayukawa: [Eyes narrow.] I'm surprised you know his schedule
so well.
Tanaka: [Looking a little hurt by the insinuation.] Simple
neighborly concern. The break-in a few weeks ago and
all...[Shakes his head.] It's simply shocking, such moral
degradation in these trying times.
Ayukawa: I don't suppose you know any more than that?
Tanaka: [Chidingly.] You shouldn't be so suspicious...next
thing you know, you'll be suspecting me of following you...
Ayukawa: Yes, I've been warned about you.
Tanaka: [Eyebrow raises slightly.] You have? [Pauses.] I
suppose it's something I should have expected.
Ayukawa: Oh? Why?
Tanaka: [Exhales with fatigue.] You see, there was a time
in my life when I engaged in financial endeavors of
questionable character; perhaps even illegal. I don't
pretend I didn't take professional pride in my activities;
one could even say I enjoyed it. It wasn't until a
close...personal friend of mine suffered a grievous loss when
I realized the consequences of my actions. [Looks down with
bereavement.] I renounced my profession and have tried to
make amends for my past.
Ayukawa: Why are you telling me all this?
Tanaka: Because I wouldn't want you to get any false
impressions about me. Please understand I hold Kasuga-san
and you with the highest regard. His friendship...and
yours...[Watches for a reaction and notes Ayukawa stiffen
slightly.] mean a great deal to me. [Looks away in light of
Ayukawa's discomfort.] Besides, I could be very helpful with
regard to your roommate.
Ayukawa: [Suspiciously.] How do you know about her?
Tanaka: Call it mutual interests. You did mention she was
in finance; think of it as one peer knowing another. [Noting
that Ayukawa is entering the house.] Is there someone else
you're here to see?
Ayukawa: Is anyone else here?
Tanaka: Fujimoto-san is aiding her son with his schoolwork;
like most mothers in Japan, she frets endlessly for her son's
education. The boisterous young twins are at the gymnasium,
Ooya-sama is in his office, our recently-returned Sakurai-san
is at school completing his late registration and Katsu-san
left word that he's "at a crucial stage" and doesn't want to
be disturbed.
Ayukawa: [Deciding to leave the matter alone.] I guess I'll
just leave a message then. Kasuga-kun doesn't have an
answering machine yet.
Tanaka: I see...how interesting...
[Tanaka enters his room and closes the door. After making
sure Tanaka isn't coming back out, Ayukawa pulls out a small
pad of paper and writes a short note. She then tapes it
securely on the door to Room No. 5. and heads back
downstairs. As the sounds of the scooter fade away down the
street, the door to Room No. 4 opens and Tanaka takes a few
steps down the hallway and look at the door to No. 5]
Tanaka: [Reading at the note to himself.]
Kasuga-kun,
Please meet me at the Kisso restaurant in Ginza tonight.
There are a few important things I need to talk to you about
regarding what happened a couple of months ago at the dinner.
Hayashibara-san will be there and I think there are a few
things he wanted to clear up.
The reservation is at 7:00pm. I look forward to seeing you
there.
Ayukawa Madoka
[Tanaka checks his watch and silently ponders the contents,
then gingerly removes the note. As he palms it, his motion
to put the note in his pocket is slightly rushed by the sound
of an opening door.]
Katsu: [Coming out of No. 6.] Tanaka-san? Was someone just
here?
Tanaka: [Nods amiably.] Yes, Ayukawa-san was just looking
for Kasuga-san.
Katsu: Hmm...a shame she couldn't stick around. We could
have played some tennis.
Tanaka: Yes a pity. However, she apparently has a pressing
commitment elsewhere.
[Tanaka goes into his room to place a few phone calls, then
leaves to go downstairs and lights a cigarette. Stepping
outside, he sits on the porch steps and waits for half an
hour. When the sounds of another scooter are heard down the
street, he extinguishes his current cigarette and stands up.]
Tanaka: [To Kasuga.] Kasuga-san, good to see you.
Kasuga: [As he parks his scooter.] Ah...hai. [Noting that
Tanaka looks like he's waiting for something.] Anything
going on?
Tanaka: If you didn't have any plans, I was wondering if you
would be interested in coming with me tonight. I've just
been in contact with some old business associates and I think
I may be able to swing a few possible student internships for
you. This would be a great benefit to your future career
prospects.
Kasuga: Well...sure, I guess. I was going to see if Ayuka--
Tanaka: Ayukawa-san was just here and I think she was going
to leave a message.
Kasuga: Hmm...[Goes inside and looks at the message board,
then goes upstairs and looks at his door.] There's no
message here.
Tanaka: There isn't? Strange...I suppose it probably wasn't
that important. Then are you free tonight?
Kasuga: Well...[Unsure.] I guess that'd be OK. But why the
interest in me?
Tanaka: Because we're friends... [Kasuga looks a little
uncomfortable, but nods.] and I've noted a few...special
qualities that can be used to carry you far in the business
community. I think if you started early, I can help you find
a few inside roads to your future career. You do want to be
a successful salaryman, right? For Ayukawa-san?
She...[Subtly emphasizes.] deserves someone who is a
success, correct?
Kasuga: Ah...[Nods with a bit more confidence.] hai.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
[Fade into a pair of anime fans driving on their way to a
hotel.]
Anime fan 1: Can't believe we're going to an anime con...
Anime fan 2: I can just picture it...
[Fade into an imaginary desolate scene. A few sleezy looking
dealers sell pirated tapes as several otaku huddle around a
9-inch screen watching a 5th generation copy of "Gatchaman".]
Anime fan 1: Hey, check it out...[Points to a pair of
convention gofers carting several packs of Keystone beer in
the back entrance.]
Voiceover: Who says you can't have a good time at an anime
con? You *can* have a good time!
[Both fans walk into the dealers room and are awed by the
selection. Both spend a great deal of money.]
Voiceover: With a great tasting beer like Keystone...
[Both fans walk into the video theatre and are blown away by
the 100" screen and surround sound.]
Voiceover: A smooth never bitter taste in a specially lined
can...
Anime fan 1: [To one of the con personnel.] Hey great con!
Anime fan 2: [To one of the con personnel.] Yeah, what's
next?
Con staff: Costume contest!
[Crowd of fans gather around to watch "characters" from
Gundam, Sailor Moon, Ranma, Giant Robo, Dirty Pair, Urusei
Yatsura, Ushio to Tora, Lupin, Video Girl Ai, and several
other shows dressed with varying degrees of accuracy.]
Voiceover: Keystone: the "can" beer. Who says you can't
have a good time?
END COMMERCIAL BREAK
[Cut to the Kisso restaurant. Unlike most kaiseki*
restaurants, the decor flaunts a sleek modernity with
artistic flair. Black granite walls separate it from the
Mitsukoshi and Matsuya depaato. At the front of the
restaurant, Ayukawa checks in with the maitre'd, who in turn
confirms the reservation.]
*One of the three basic styles of traditional Japanese
cooking. Meals are presented with exquisite arrangements,
with appearance, color and texture carefully chosen. Most
kaiseki restaurants are decorated with the traditional decor
of tatami floors and shoji walls.
Maitre'd: [Takes a menu from the rack and escorts Ayukawa to
one of the tables.] One of your party has arrived, but the
other is still not here.
Ayukawa: [Nods.] Un...[Looks at the back-half of the dining
area and sees Hayashibara.] Hayashibara-san!
Hayashibara: [Stands up and bows.] I'm glad you could make
it! [Waits for Ayukawa to seat herself before sitting down
again, then looks at his watch.] It's a little early,
Kasuga-san will be here right?
Ayukawa: Sure...I left a note on his door.
Hayashibara: That's good... [Smiles, then to himself.]
that'll keep the atmosphere strictly platonic.
[Cut to Lupin's bar. The long wooden bar, booths and
cabinets create a rustic environment, dampening the ambient
sounds. Several young salarymen build their company "esprit
de corps" with generous helpings of complimentary popcorn and
large bottles of beer. At the entrance, the sounds of the
nearby German restaurant Ketel can be heard as Kasuga and
Tanaka enter the front of the establishment.]
Tanaka: So what do you think? When you become a salaryman,
you'll be spending quite a bit of time in places like this to
help nurture the success of your company.
Kasuga: [Feeling a bit out of place.] Ah...hai...
Tanaka: Relax Kasuga-san, that's what we're here for.
Remember that drinking is an outlet and an important
unwritten rule of cultural intermission. [Tanaka escorts
Kasuga to the bar and order two large bottles. He then helps
himself to some of the popcorn made available to the
customers and motions to Kasuga to follow suit.]
Kasuga: [Hesitantly while helping himself to some popcorn.]
I don't...really like to drink too much.
Tanaka: Well I'm not encouraging you to lose control.
[Picks up one of the bottles as they are set in front of them
and pours the first mug for Kasuga.]
Kasuga: [Looks around while filling Tanaka's glass.] So who
are these business friends of yours?
Tanaka: [Puts the bottle down and raises his glass.]
Patience Kasuga-san...Good things come to those who wait...
Kampai!*
*Literally dry glass; traditional salutation or toast before
drinking
Kasuga: [Raises his glass.] Kampai.
[Cut back to Kisso. The clock on the wall reads 7:30pm and
both Hayashibara and Ayukawa show signs of restlessness.]
Hayashibara: [As he notes the time.] Maybe he's held up
with something?
Ayukawa: [Looking a little disappointed.] Un...
Hayashibara: How about we go ahead and start? He'll
probably show up later. [Motions to the waiter to start the
first course of the meal.]
Ayukawa: [To herself.] I hope. [Tries to ease the tension
from Hayashibara.] How is...the baseball team?
Hayashibara: [Relaxes.] Well we've just completed the last
set of home games against the division. The large schools
have been tough this year, but the Coach thinks we have an
outside chance to make the tournament if a few things go
right for us. Basically, we're rooting for some teams to
beat some other teams. We...[Looks at Ayukawa's face with
some regrets.] don't have control of our own
destiny...[Trails off.]
Ayukawa: [To herself, not missing the reference.] Kasuga-
kun...where are you?
[Cut back to Lupin's bar. With the evening in full swing,
more young businessmen are milling around, discussing
informal matters of business and personal lives.]
Tanaka: [Spots a familiar face in the crowd.] Ginga-san, my
old friend.
Ginga: [Walks up to Tanaka, shakes his hand and embraces
him.] You're looking fit, Tanaka-san. I'm glad to see you
getting back into the world; the business hasn't been the
same without you.
Tanaka: [Face turns calm.] You know why I had to leave.
Ginga: [Looking sympathetic.] What happened...wasn't your
fault!
Tanaka: Well...[Turns to Kasuga.] what am I thinking, my
manners! [Berates himself mildly.] Kasuga-san, this is my
long-time business associate Ginga-san!
Kasuga: How do you do?
Ginga: Kasuga-san! You're the young man Tanaka-san has
spoken so highly about!
Kasuga: Eh? [Looks surprised at Tanaka.] Really?
Ginga: Tanaka-san's a very good judge of character and I've
never known him to lie on matters of business.
Tanaka: [Smiles at Ginga.] You flatter me...
Kasuga: But...but I'm not a business major.
Tanaka: Perhaps not, but have you considered public
relations work? Companies always need people who are good
writers and communicators.
Ginga: That's right. There were more than a few times that
we could have used some really good Public Relations
personnel. [Looks at his watch.] Well, I'd better leave.
Tanaka: So soon?
Ginga: Personal business. [To Kasuga as he leaves.] You
should listen to what he says. It'll be good for your
future. [Leaves.]
Kasuga: [Nods.] Un...
[Kasuga watches him leave and wonders to himself what Tanaka
said about him. After a few more drinks, he turns back to
Tanaka.]
Kasuga: [A little unsure if he should be asking.]
What...was Ginga-san talking about when he mentioned "fault"?
Tanaka: Well...[Exhales with fatigue.] Back when I was in
the trade, I negotiated several financial deals. Usually, I
prided myself on my integrity and discretion, but as you
know, these are still important deals of a highly sensitive
nature. On one particularly important one, I rushed a client
into closing a deal that I genuinely thought would be to his
best benefit. I was wrong...[Lights a cigarette and takes a
puff.] The client lost a great deal of money and many people
were hurt. [Looks down with regret.] Even though my
colleagues insist that I acted properly and with good faith,
I felt I had to resign. Put simply Kasuga-san, I made
mistakes. At the time, my conscience wouldn't let me
continue doing the kind of business that was necessary.
Remember Kasuga-san, you're not a kid anymore. It's time you
started joining the real world of business. The change and
growth will be good for your future prospects. You must
assume responsibility both for yourself and the ones who care
about you.
[Cut back to Kisso. Ayukawa stands in the back of the
restaurant next to a pink telephone by the restrooms.]
Ayukawa: [Holding the phone to her ear for several rings,
then finally hanging up.] Where could he be?
[When she returns to the table, she sees beautifully arranged
dishes of sashimi*, suimono** and yakimono*** have been
placed on the table.]
*Sliced raw fish
**Clear soup
***Grilled food
Ayukawa: Sorry I took so long.
Hayashibara: It's OK. They just started the first course.
Ayukawa & Hayashibara: [Both pick up their chopsticks.]
Itadakimasu!*
*I humbly receive; traditionally said before a meal.
Hayashibara: So, you were talking about the first time
Kasuga-san declared the two of you a "couple".
Ayukawa: [Noticably more relaxed.] Well, at first it was
supposed to be an act, [Thinks back and remembers Hikaru
whispering from a script while hiding in a barrel.] it ended
up being more than that. [Looks wistful.]
Hayashibara: But I thought you said there were several other
students heading towards the yard. How did you get away?
Ayukawa: Kasuga-kun and I used one of the yard rail cars to
get away. Unfortunately, it didn't occur to me that we were
on a circular track until Kasuga-kun asked me where we were
going. [Takes a bite of sashimi and continues.] The
misunderstanding was cleared up though and I'm just glad that
no one was really hurt.
Hayashibara: So whatever happened to Hoshi-san?
Ayukawa: Well, I lost touch with her and haven't heard from
her since. Kasuga-kun took everything in stride though.
Hayashibara: [Smiles.] I knew Kasuga-san was a special guy.
That kind of reminds me of something that happened to me.
Ayukawa: Eh? Really?
Hayashibara: It was during my second year in high school.
There was a friend of mine who was in the same class as I
was. [Picks up his cup of tea.] One day after baseball
practice, Hiro-kun asked me to meet a friend of his named
Chiba Aya. It seems he was having some problems telling her
how he really felt about her and he wanted my advice. He
figured that I had it all worked out with girls.
Ayukawa: Oh? You were a "ladies man" in school?
Hayashibara: That was something of a reputation I ended up
with. Kiite gokuraku mite jigoku*. Perception can
oftentimes equate reality. So I..."introduced" Chiba-san to
Hiro-kun, but he still couldn't tell her what was in his
heart. Part of that was my fault; I think my being there
partially ruined the mood.
*Imagination goes a long way/Sounds like paradise, but hell
when you see it (Japanese proverb/dual possible translation)
Ayukawa: So did they ever get together?
Hayashibara: [Smiles.] Sure, right before our last year in
high school ended. It came down to a choice for him; either
lose her as we all separated to various colleges and trade
schools or make his declaration right there. They're going
to different schools last I heard, but I understand they
write and call one another a lot.
Ayukawa: You know, I was wondering...did you ever have a
girlfriend?
Hayashibara: [A little evasive.] I had many friends back in
high school. [Finishes his tea.]
Ayukawa: [To herself.] That's not an answer...
[Cut back to Lupin's bar. A young businessman asks Kasuga
several questions while Tanaka looks on.]
Businessman: ...and what else do you think you can
contribute to our company?
Kasuga: [Tries to be confident.] I don't have a lot of
experience Harada-san, but I learn fast and I'm willing to
work very hard. [To himself.] I hope that's the right
answer...
Harada: [Nods and makes a notation.] Very good. I'm sure
our company will be contacting you shortly. [Puts away his
notebook and bows.] Sayonara*, Takana-san.
*Good-bye
Tanaka: [Casually nods.] By the way, I trust your latest
government contract came through?
Harada: [Slyly smiles.] Of course. The construction
business has never been so profitable.
[The evening goes on as Tanaka introduces Kasuga to more
acquaintances. Although clearly nervous at times, he tries
with apparent success to make some good impressions.]
Kasuga Narration: Being submerged in Tanaka-san's world, and
meeting his friends made me feel vaguely uncomfortable. I
wasn't sure I belonged here...but I was determined to try my
best...for both my future, and for Ayukawa's sake.
Tanaka: How is the publishing business these days, Kotani-
san?
Kotani: [Sips his drink.] Doing quite well, in fact we're
considering expanding our market overseas. There seems to be
a high demand for certain products, especially in the United
States. [Turns to Kasuga.] Why are you interested in our
company?
Kasuga: Well...I'm a literature major. I like to read and
I'm hoping some day to write fiction.
Kotani: Really? [Dryly.] JUMP Publications is always
looking for new talent. You don't happen to draw do you?
Maybe you'll be the next Takahashi. [Stares at Kasuga, then
begins to laugh.] Ha ha!
Kasuga: ... [Then nervously joins in the laughter.]
[Later, the evening is winding to a close. Tipsy businessmen
stagger out even as sober ones enter to replace them, but the
bar becomes less and less crowded.]
Tanaka: Well, I think that's enough for our first time out
wouldn't you say? Definite interest from three companies,
I'd say you've made some progress. You've made some positive
contacts and abetted your chances at getting an internship
considerably. [Nods with approval, looks at his watch and
empties the last of his mug.] Responsibility and growth
changes a person; makes him better prepared to face the real
world. You'll see it in the way other people treat you.
Kasuga: Ah...hai. Do you really think Ayukawa will notice
the change?
Tanaka: [Nods and smiles.] Count on it.
[Cut back to Kisso. By now, Ayukawa and Hayashibara are
finishing up their meal and the dining room is emptying out
as they begin to close down for the evening.]
Hayashibara: [Looks at his watch, then pours Ayukawa another
glass of wine.] It looks like Kasuga-san didn't get your
message. Would you...[Uncomfortably loosens his collar.]
like to stop somewhere on the way back for dessert?
Ayukawa: [Distractedly looks up.] Eh? Ah...sure.
Hayashibara: Well...things didn't turn out like I had hoped,
but I hope you still had a good time.
Ayukawa: [Nods.] Un...this really is a nice restaurant.
Hayashibara: [Nods in agreement.] Un...
Ayukawa: [Absent-mindedly.] You know, someone seeing us
like this would almost think we're...
Hayashibara: Eh? What?
Ayukawa: N...[Looks away.] nothing. Just...thinking
about...something else.
[Cut back to the boarding house. Kasuga exits a taxi cab as
Tanaka takes care of the bill. Kasuga is a little unsteady
on his feet, but is able to manage.]
Tanaka: [Helping to keep Kasuga steady.] Whoa there...had a
little too much tonight?
Kasuga: [A little loudly.] I can handle it...!
Tanaka: Well next time we'll...
[Just then, a familiar looking RX-7 pulls up to the boarding
house. The doors open and Ayukawa and Hayashibara step out
of the car. Ayukawa coldly notes his mild inebriated state
with disapproval.]
Kasuga: [Rapidly sobering up.] A...Ayukawa...
Ayukawa: [Face softening.] I'm sorry we missed you tonight.
Kasuga: M...missed me? Where?
Ayukawa: I left a message on your door. [Long pause, then
she turns back to the car.] It's OK, I'll see you tomorrow.
[For several long seconds, both Hayashibara and Kasuga look
at each other, neither one knowing what to say or do. Then,
with a slight look of embarrassment and regret, Hayashibara
gets back in the car and drives away.]
Kasuga Narration: It wasn't so much the drinking that
worried me. Even the date was only planned that day.
However, it was the feeling I got from Ayukawa and
Hayashibara when they both saw me that night with Tanaka-san.
Nothing was said, but the meaning was plain - "I'm very
disappointed with you..."
[Kasuga immediately turns away and runs into the Boarding
house, followed by Tanaka. He runs upstairs and turns to
face the door to his room. He searches his door and can't
find a thing.]
Kasuga: Where...? [Unlocks and opens his door. He looks
around the front of the room and finds nothing. Finally,
after looking under the cabinets, he sees a slip of paper
sticking to the underside of the door.]
Tanaka: [With regret as he looking over Kasuga's shoulder.]
Oh my... it must have slipped off the door after she taped it
on. One can only guess how it got under there. If I had
only known... Kasuga-san, if it's any consolation...[Stops as
Kasuga immediately takes the note, enters his room and closes
the door.]
[Cut to Room No. 4. Tanaka closes the door behind him and
lights a fresh cigarette. Waiting for him with a fresh pot
of tea is Ginga.]
Ginga: [With some amusement.] Well, did my performance meet
with your approval?
Tanaka: [With satisfaction.] Positively theatrical. The
embrace was a particularly nice touch.
Ginga: I thought you'd like that. It did make passing that
note easier.
Tanaka: Yes, good thinking.
Ginga: Tell me Tanaka-san...were you serious about helping
Kasuga-san get an internship?
Tanaka: [Smiles.] Of course. Consider it the cost of
establishing Kasuga-san's trust. I wouldn't want to
be...dishonest... [More seriously.] Besides, nothing about
my goals dictates that Kasuga-san must remain a pauper.
Just...not the right guy...
Ginga: [Concerned.] What about Hayashibara-san? It seems
like you're just trading one obstacle for another.
Tanaka: A strong obstacle for a weaker obstacle. Despite
his considerable assets, any relationship with him would
never be as strong as with Kasuga-san. Don't worry; I think
he'll serve as a useful foil until such time as I no longer
need one. Yes...[Stretches to alleviate the tension of the
evening.] everything is proceeding just fine.
Ginga: Then what do you want to do now?
Tanaka: [Voice turns cold.] First things first...find out
who's talking to her about me.
END CREDITS
New Characters Designer/Writer Stephen Tsai
Doujinshi Artwork Tony Jung
Pre-readers Robert DeLoura
Douglas Eckhart
James Holman
Quincy S. Huoh
Jim Ramberg
Lisa Richardson
Tony Schrick
Eric Shen
Ben Taylor
Jeff Williamson
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!
--
Kimagure Productions| Ranko: Ha...ha...HACHI-JUU-GO-MAN-EN!?!??!!?!!?!??
--present-- |
Orange College #22 |
Sailor Ranma #7 |
*Coming Soon* |
Stephen Tsai |
stsai@netcom.com | Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Ranma #7
