stsai@netcom.com (Stephen Tsai)
Kimagure Orange College
[Writer's foreword: This is the thirty-third 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
ftp://ftp.cs.ubc.ca/pub/archive/anime-fan-works/KOR/Kimagure-Orange-College/
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 to watching anime, pen pals and research.
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 mailto:koc@usagi.org.]
Episode 33 - The Paper Chase
[Cut to the Butsumetsu Journalism building. Inside the main press
room, there's a great deal of activity as several students and teaching
assistants work at their desks or talk to one another. A chalkboard on
the wall details schedules and writing tasks, reminding everyone that
the next school newspaper's due date is approaching. At Oda's desk,
Kasuga is going over his next week's assignment.]
Kasuga: Special assignment?
Oda: [Nods.] Un. Doko-sempai* thought you did very well on the
interview last week. He asked me to tell you that he thought your
second-half questions showed some initiative. Next time though, he
wants you to make sure not to omit any of the prepared questions.
*Older student/senior
Kasuga: [Nods.] Ah, un.
Oda: Personally, I thought you were very good. You really went after
him like a real reporter.
Kasuga: [Smiles.] Thanks. By the way, what is this special
assignment?
Oda: Well.... [Looks over her desk, covered with papers and incoming
letters.] Oh...! I must have left it on Doko-sempai's out tray. Just
a minute. [Gets up and walks towards the exit to the next block of
offices.]
[As she leaves, Kasuga's curiosity gets the better of him and he looks
over some of the letters on Oda's desk.]
Kasuga: [Reading.]
Dear Oda-san,
I have recently moved into this part of the world and have met a very
nice young man I call "Y-chan". He is in love with another girl who I
call "M-chan". Unfortunately, she only has eyes for his best friend
"T-san".
I consider it my duty as a friend to help him find romance in his life
but I am finding it difficult to keep that in mind. I'm not the one
that supposed to fall in love! What should I do?
Yours truly,
"A-chan".
Kasuga: [To himself.] Wow...some story.... And Oda-san has to answer
this kind of questions every week? [Reads an attached draft of
response.]
Dear A-chan,
My advice for you is to follow what your heart is saying - and go for
it! If "M-chan" cannot see what a wonderful guy "Y-chan" is, then
don't waste your life away wondering what might have happened. Maybe
you should help "T-san" see just how devoted "M-chan" is, and be happy
yourself with "Y-chan". If you don't, you may regret losing the
chance!
Oda-san
Kasuga: Hmm.... [Reaches for the next letter.]
Dear Oda-san,
I am a professional tennis coach who graduated from school a few years
ago. I am attracted to a beautiful lady who I call "K-san" for now.
"K-san" is a manager of a boarding house. But she seems to have
feelings for one of the tenants of her house. This guy, who I call "Y-
kun", is a complete loser! He's stupid and can't even manage his own
affairs, let alone take care of a lady like "K-san". She seems to like
me, and I'm confident that she would be so much better with me than
him. How do I gently get her to realize this without offending her?
Sincerely,
"S.M."
Kasuga: [To himself.] Wow... that's hard to believe.... [Reads the
attached draft.]
Dear "S.M",
Clearly, K-san would be better off with a successful professional coach
than a loser like "Y-kun". You should start inviting her out on dates
and explaining that her feelings are simply a matter of her confusing
professional concern for tenants with personal feelings. Go for it!
Don't look back and have faith that she will eventually see your true
feelings.
Oda-san
Kasuga: [Glances over several of Oda's replies to various other
letters.] "...Go for it...", "...go for it..."? Oda-san really likes
to tell people to go for it. [Picks up the next letter.]
Dear Oda-san,
I am a second year student in the college. I have a friend with a
relationship problem. You see, my friend dates this guy who I'll call
"K-san". They've been dating since Junior High. "K-san" is a little
indecisive, but he's a nice guy. However, my friend recently met "H-
san", who is really nice. He is also handsome, athletic, and comesfrom
a rich family. Recently, "H-san" has been making it clear that he
would really like to go steady with my friend. Should she stick with
"K-san" or try her luck with "H-san"?
Sincerely,
"A."
Kasuga: [To himself.] Boy, they're in a real jam.... [Thinks about
it.] Wait a minute.... "K-san"... indecisive... "H-san"...
athletic..."A.".... [Thinks some more.] It can't be....
[Fade to imagination.]
SD Ayukawa: [Looking indecisive between SD Kasuga and SD Hayashibara.]
Should she stick with "K-san" or try her luck with "H-san"?
SD Oda: [Holding victory fans.] Go for it!
[Fade back to reality.]
Kasuga: [Shakes head vigorously.] Nononono...!
Oda: [Coming back from the other room.] Hey, Kasuga, what are you
doing? [Takes the letter.] These are supposed to be private.
Kasuga: Ah, sorry! [Forces himself to be calm.] I guess I was
just... a little curious... what was going to be in the next week's
edition.
Oda: [Sagely.] If people knew their letters were being read by
strangers, no one would confide in me!
Kasuga: But these letters are going to be read by the whole campus in
the next week's newspaper!
Oda: [Red-faced.] That's beside the point!
Kasuga: Alright. [Thinks for a moment.] Do you actually know who "A"
is?
Oda: Not really. Most people who write in don't use their real names
for obvious reasons. Sometimes they use initials, and sometimes they
use vague descriptions. Sometimes people are so shy, they write
letters about "their friend" when they really mean themselves.
Kasuga: "Their friend...?" Ahh... by the way... that last
letter...how are you going to answer it?
Oda: Oh, that's easy. [Enthusiastically.] "A's friend" should go for
it!
Kasuga: Eh?!? But what about m... I mean... that guy, "K-san"?
Oda: But the letter says "H-san" is handsome, nice - and he sounds
like a really cool guy! If she doesn't at least try, she'll always
wonder just what could have happened if she tried! Life's too short to
go through it with regrets of what might have been! Besides, if this
"K-san" was a real man, he would simply take her into his arms and the
situation would not be what it is now.
Kasuga: B-but...!
Oda: [Calms down.] Anyway, back to your assignment. Doko-sempai
wants you to do a personal interview with Hayashibara-san. It's going
to be our feature story for the next sports page. [Hands Kasuga a list
of questions.] He also asked me to make sure you ask every one of
these.
Kasuga: [Looks over the questions.] EH?!?
Oda: What's the matter?
Kasuga: Doko-sempai wants me to ask Hayashibara-san... these
questions?!?
Oda: Oh, what's the big deal? It's just your usual "personal-
interview" type of questions. It's not like he's going to start
romancing girls right in front of you.
Kasuga: [Nods nervously.] Ah... un....
Kasuga Narration: As I looked over the questions Oda-san gave me, I
felt my indecisiveness coming back. I knew she had helped me get this
position and I didn't want to let her down. But....
[Cut to next day at the Butsumetsu Chemistry building. It is a five
story brick structure, with large open windows; it's located between
the mathematics and physics departments. Inside one of the
laboratories, Katsu looks over Kasuga's notepad while keeping an eye on
a beaker with boiling liquid.]
Katsu: So, you're supposed to ask him these questions?
Kasuga: [Nods.] Un. The questions aren't really a big deal.
[Pauses.] It's the answers I'm a little worried about.
Katsu: Eh? Why? Didn't Hayashibara-san say he was going to stay out
of your way?
Kasuga: Well, yeah... But even though he says that, I know he cares
for her. Also... the "Dear Oda-san" column received a letter that's
got me worried....
Katsu: Eh?!? You're "Oda-san"?
Kasuga: [Embarrassed as he shakes head vigorously.] No, no! I just
know Oda-san from Junior High.
Katsu: Whew...!
Kasuga: Why were you so shocked?
Katsu: Well... the column's replies tend to read like a girl talking.
Besides, Oda-san hasn't answered mine letter yet.... [Pulls boiling
beaker off the heater and pours the contents into a large flask using a
funnel. The contents proceed to change color and deposit particulate
in the bottom. Katsu then drops the test-tube into a centrifuge and
turns it on.]
Kasuga: Your letter?
Katsu: Come on, Kasuga-san. You don't think I spend my whole life
behind a test-tube, do you?
Kasuga: Well, no. I guess not. Is there something going on?
Katsu: Well....
[There is almost a full minute of silence, the only thing heard being
the motor of the test-tube centrifuge.]
Katsu: Suppose I told you that... a friend of mine likes a certain
girl. He wants to go out with her, but he's too worried if she likes
him, too. So, instead, he hides behind another friend, all the while
sending messages to that girl, helping her out, and wishing her the
best.
Kasuga: I know what you mean. Believe me, it's tough to make that
kind of commitment, but I can tell you it will save a lot of pain
later. My advice is that Saito should make up his mind and tell either
Yuko or this Chun-Li how he feels.
Katsu: [Face-faults.] ...!
Kasuga: What's wrong?
Katsu: Ah... no! I mean... you're probably right!
[Just then, the door to the lab opens.]
Miyasato-tachi*: [In unison.] Kasuga-san!
*The Miyasatos
Kasuga: [Annoyed.] I already told you I couldn't get his autograph!
Yuko: No, not that.... [Thinks it over.] Well, ok, *that*.
Yoko: We heard you'll be doing a personal interview with Hayashibara
Akira.
Katsu: [Deadpan to Kasuga.] Word travels fast.
Kasuga: [Nods.] Th-that's right, I will. How did you two find out so
fast?
Yoko: [Proudly.] That's easy. My very cool boyfriend hacked into
your user account on the Journalism computer. He said to tell you not
to make your password so obvious next time.
Kasuga: [Annoyed.] Why you...!
Katsu: [Coolly.] Is this the "very cool boyfriend" you've never met?
Yoko: [Indignantly.] I-it's not like that at all! [Confidently.]
Our relationship is based on mutual understanding. He respects my
intellect!
Yuko: [Thoughtfully, to herself.] That's strange... Saito-san was the
one who told me about this interview.
Yoko: Anyway, you'll have the perfect chance to get that autograph you
missed last time!
Kasuga: I told you two that Sakai-sempai doesn't approve of abusing
interviews for personal favors.
Yoko: But you're doing this interview without her, right? Besides,
[Points dramatically.] any true journalist knows there are times you
must take risks!
Kasuga: I see. So how much are you going to pay for the risk?
Miyasato-tachi: [Surprised, in unison.] ...hah...?
Kasuga: You two have been charging everyone else to do favors, and I
don't think that's fair. Actually, I don't really want money. But it
still doesn't feel good when your friends charge you for favors.
Yoko: [Looking down.] Well....
Yuko: [Resigned sigh.] Yoko, I think he's got us....
Kasuga: Alright, I'll try to do it - for free. No promises, though.
Yoko: A-alright. We'd be... grateful for your effort.
[Both twins leave.]
Katsu: [Impressed.] I was wondering when someone would get around to
feeding them their own medicine.
Kasuga: [Shrugs.] It's just that someone had to teach those two a
lesson sooner or later.
[Cut to the next day at the Student Union. Kasuga walks down a hallway
with his notepad and micro-tape-recorder in hand. He reaches the
reserved room and opens the door. He freezes at the sight of Ayukawa
sitting next to Hayashibara with their arms around each other as they
are about to kiss.]
Kasuga: [Shocked.] Wh-what th...?!? [Notepad drops out of his hand.]
Hayashibara: [Pauses and smiles.] So, Kasuga-san... does this answer
your newspaper's question about my girlfriend?
Kasuga: It... can't be...!
Ayukawa: [Swooning in Hayashibara's arms.] Sorry about this, Kasuga-
kun... but Oda-san told me to go for it.
Kasuga: [Shaking his head in disbelief...] Ayukawa! AYUKA...
[...and waking up.]
Kasuga: [Sitting up in his futon yelling.] ...WAAAAAA!!!!
Eiji: [From Room #3.] Kaachan*, he's doing it again!
*Mom
Miyasato-tachi: [From Room #2.] Be quiet!
Kasuga: [Panting and sweating with fear.] Dream... it was just a
dream. [Calms down and looks at the clock. It's almost 6am.] I guess
I may as well get up. [Kasuga goes out to the public sink with his
usual toiletries and cleans himself up. As he brushes his teeth, he
freezes up.] Wait a minute...! What if this was a premonition
dream?!?
[COMMERCIAL BREAK.]
[Cut to the supermarket. A tall handsome blond guy and a short red-
haired girl are walking along the aisle, pushing a shopping cart in
front of them. The girl suddenly stops and points at the shelf.]
Miki: Say, Yuu, let's get some marmalade!
Yuu: [Looks skeptically at the shelf.] This marmalade? I don't like
it. It has added sugar.
Miki: No, it doesn't! It's Smuckers 100% natural marmalade - it's
sweetened with natural fruit juices!
Yuu: Then it must be bitter.
Miki: No, it's really sweet. [Pause.] Like you.
Yuu: [Pause.] Oh. Really? Well... I guess we can take it. [Miki
beams and puts the jar into the cart. Meanwhile, Yuu picks up a jar
from the opposite shelf.] Now, speaking of this mustard... it is all
hot and spicy. Just like Miki.
Miki: YUU!
Voiceover: Smuckers. 100% natural.
[Writer's note: Standard Disclaimer.]
[END COMMERCIAL BREAK.]
[Cut to Ayukawa's and Ikemoto's apartment building. Kasuga runs up the
staircase and knocks on the apartment door.]
Kasuga: [To himself as he waits.] I'm sure this is just a bunch of
coincidences. Ayukawa knows Oda-san already. If she were feeling that
way, she'd never.... [Trails off then shakes his head vigorously.] I
mean... no way! O-of course she doesn't feel that way! "A"... there's
probably a lot of them on campus! It might not even be the writer's
real initial!
Ikemoto: [Coldly after she opens door.] Ayukawa-chan already left for
school.
Kasuga: [To himself.] "Ayukawa-chan"? [To Ikemoto.] D-did she say
where she was going?
Ikemoto: [Lights a cigarette.] Not really. She can take care of
herself so I don't keep up with her schedule.
Kasuga: [Annoyed.] Y-you know, if you keep smoking, you will never
have healthy babies.
Ikemoto: [Raises an eyebrow; with sarcasm.] You two are truly made
for each other. [Blows a puff of smoke in Kasuga's face.] Did it ever
occur to you that I might not want a baby?
Kasuga: Well....
Ikemoto: Did it ever occur to you that I might be quite content with
my life being what it is? Did you even think that I might be willing
to pay the price for independence?
Kasuga: [Swallows nervously.] But... you... if you tried... I mean,
it's nice to trust someone else and know they trust you, so...
Ikemoto: Oh, so it's all about trust, right? [Quietly.] And why, I
wonder, do you think I haven't tried? Maybe I did? Maybe I found the
price too high to pay? Maybe I wanted to live my life as I wanted - is
that so unusual? [Extinguishes the cigarette and drops it into the
ashtray.] You're so... confident about teaching the others. I wonder
how come nobody slapped you for that yet. [Pause.] Why are you here,
anyway?
Kasuga: I... I wanted to locate Ayukawa. Do... do you mind if I check
her appointment calendar?
Ikemoto: [Shrugs.] Be my guest. I have to go to work. Lock up when
you're done here. [Picks up her bag and leaves.]
Kasuga: [To himself.] I wonder why Ayukawa puts up with her attitude?
[Cut to Ayukawa's bedroom. The room is well-kept, with the bed made.
The desk has a few written notes on a pad of paper. Kasuga glances
over a desk calendar, and freezes.]
Kasuga: [Reading the current date entry.] "Meeting with Hayashibara
at Student Union..."! Wh-why would she do that...? [Shakes his
head.]I-it can't be what it looks like! It's gotta be something
else![Looks at the pad of paper on the desk and notices some writing on
the top page.] "Dear Oda-san: I'm a second-year student..." [The
rest of the note is scribbled out. Kasuga goes pale and the sheet
drops out ofhis hand.] It can't be....
[Cut to the Student Union. Kasuga is seated at a small table, with
several notes and a copy of the school newspaper in front of him. He
checks his tape recorder and goes over the interview questions.]
Kasuga: [Outwardly calm.] OK... I'll just do the interview and that
will be it. No matter what he says, I won't let it get to me. Since
Ayukawa isn't here, that dream can't be a premonition dream!
Ayukawa: [From behind Kasuga.] Kasuga-kun.
Kasuga: Waah...! [Turns around and freezes.] A...Ayukawa...?
Ayukawa: Oda-san told me you were going to be doing your second
interview today.
Kasuga: O-oda-san...?
Ayukawa: Un. Hayashibara-san's going to be here, right?
Kasuga: Ahh... un... he should be here pretty soon.... [To himself.]
I-is she here to see him? Was that a premonition dream?!?
Ayukawa: [Concerned.] What's wrong?
Kasuga: [Puts his hand behind his head.] Ah... nothing....
Hayashibara: [Coming from around the corner.] Sorry I'm late; my
class ran long. [Sees Ayukawa.] Ayukawa-san?
Ayukawa: [To Hayashibara.] Nice to see you again.
Kasuga: [To Hayashibara.] Ahh... it's OK. I just got here myself.
Hayashibara: [Sits down.] Very well, let's go for it.
Kasuga: [Goes pale.] ...!
Hayashibara: What's wrong?
Kasuga: [Recovers.] Ah... nothing. Let's start. [Clears throat and
starts the tape-recorder. Ayukawa walks away and sits behind the next
table.] How did you get started playing baseball?
Hayashibara: [With confidence.] I started playing baseball for fun
when I was six years old. In junior high, I joined the school baseball
team and I've been on my school teams ever since.
Kasuga: Who would you say has influenced your success?
Hayashibara: Well, I was a fan of the Giants when I was younger and I
grew up watching people like Sadaharu Oh and Isao Harimoto. I've had
many good coaches and fellow teammates who influenced and helped me
through the years. [Pause.] Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't
mention my father for encouraging me to succeed.
Kasuga: When you played in high school, you were mainly known as a
fielder and not a power hitter. Did Koushien* change the way you play?
*Site for the Japan Senior High School Baseball Tournament
Hayashibara: I've been fortunate to have very good coaches who
stressed the fundamentals of the game. As a result, I spent much of my
time practicing my fielding. For hitting, I was taught mainly to hit
the ball with accuracy more than power. However, my high-school coach
felt that we had a favorable match-up against some of the pitchers in
Koushien so he encouraged me to swing away.
Kasuga: When you're not playing baseball, what are your personal
hobbies?
Hayashibara: I spend a lot of time in physical training and school,
but when I do have time, I like listening to classical music and
reading. Sometimes I watch a professional baseball game, for as much
the enjoyment as the learning.
Kasuga: [Rapidly, without reading from his notes.] Do you plan a
life-time career of professional baseball?
Hayashibara: [Less confident.] Well... no, not really. I might play
for a while, but later I presume I'll join my father's company.
Why...?
Kasuga: [Raises an eyebrow.] Well, you mentioned you spend a lot of
time studying and doing baseball; do you think that this is the best
investment of your time and efforts? Does your social life suffer
because of this?
Hayashibara: [Even less confident.] I... well... try to compensate
for the little time I have for social pursuits by spending it more
efficiently. For example, in high-school, I had many friends. After
each game, the whole team would always go out together. [Pause.]
That's... the best way I can answer this.
[Pause.]
Kasuga: [Nods, and resumes reading from his notes.] This brings me to
another question. You're very popular among some of our female sports
fans. [Looks at the question and tenses.] Are you romantically
involved right now?
Hayashibara: [Nervously.] Ahh... well.... [Looks away, glancing
momentarily to where Ayukawa is sitting.] Baseball takes up much of my
free time. I guess I haven't had time to really think about it. I
suppose... I've been waiting to meet the right girl. [Ayukawa,
listening to the conversation, looks around uneasy.]
Kasuga: Well... if you did... if you did find her?
[Long pause. Kasuga watches Hayashibara tense up with nervousness.]
Hayashibara: If I did... she'd be someone very special to me.
Kasuga: [Continues reading from his notes.] So, what are you looking
for in this... special person?
Hayashibara: [Swallows.] Well... she would have to be kind...and
smart... and independent.
Kasuga: Independent?
Hayashibara: [Nods.] Yes, I think so. Every relationship has to
strike the right balance between trust and mutual independence, so....
[Trails off.]
Kasuga: So...?
Hayashibara: So I would look for all these qualities in... the person
I would like to care about.
Kasuga: [To himself.] "Person he would like to care about".... Is he
talking about...? [To Hayashibara.] Well, I guess I shouldn't pry too
much. [Looks over his notepad.] I guess I've got enough.
Hayashibara: Eh? I mean, OK. Did you get everything you need?
Kasuga: Un. I've got what I need to know. [Remembers.] Oh yes!
There's one thing more. I've got a request for an autograph from two
of my housemates; I wouldn't ask this favor during the interview, but
since it's over....
Hayashibara: [Teeth gleam.] I'd be glad. That's for Yoko-san and
Yuko-san, isn't it? [Kasuga nods.] Very well. [Hayashibara picks two
empty sheets from Kasuga's pad and signs them.] Here you go.
Kasuga: [Nods.] Thank you for your time.
Hayashibara: [Stands up and prepares to leave.] You're welcome.
[Pause.] You... you're a good interviewer, Kasuga-kun. Go for it.
Kasuga: ...
[Hayashibara waves at him and Ayukawa and leaves.]
Ayukawa: Well, it wasn't quite what I expected from a personal
interview.
Kasuga: [Nods.] Un.
Ayukawa: Why are you so down? I think you did a pretty good job.
Maybe next time you can be more relaxed.
Kasuga: Well... yeah.... [Thinks.] Actually.... [Trails off.]
Ayukawa: What?
Kasuga: [Takes a deep breath.] The truth is... I was worried when I
saw you. You see, yesterday Oda-san got a note from a person named
"A." who talked about "K-san" and "H-san". Then, last night... I had
a dream that you and Hayashibara would be... well.... [Stops.] I
guess I was worried because when I dropped by your place this morning,
I saw your note to Oda-san and that you were going to be meeting
Hayashibara today.
Ayukawa: [Surprise.] Where did you get that from?
Kasuga: [Puts his hand behind his head and laughs awkwardly.] Well...
I was just checking your calendar to see if I could find you. I just
wanted to talk to you.
Ayukawa: I see.... [Thinks for a minute, then stifles a laugh.]
Kasuga: Eh? What's so funny?
Ayukawa: [Unable to stifle her laughing.] Hahahaha.... [Calms down.]
Sorry. [Sighs.] Kasuga-kun, after all this time, I would have thought
you'd know better!
Kasuga: What...? But what about meeting Hayashibara?
Ayukawa: [Playfully.] Baka-mitai*... I wanted to meet you! This was
supposed to be your first solo assignment and I wanted to encourage
you.
*Idiot (politely)
Kasuga: First? I did an interview with him already.
Ayukawa: [Laughs.] But that one was in the locker room! I didn't
think they'd let me there!
Kasuga: Oh. [Thinks.] But... you *did* write a letter to Oda-san
about "K-san". I saw a scratch copy when I dropped by your apartment
this morning.
Ayukawa: [Thinks.] That letter? I haven't even sent it yet. [Pulls
out a folded sheet of paper from her school binder and hands it to
Kasuga.]
Kasuga: [Looking at the letter.]
Dear Oda-san,
I am a second year student in the college. A friend of mine who I call
"K-san" is dating a guy I call "S-san". "K-san" is a little naive
about dating and she's already had two dates go bad for different
reasons. "K-san" is a very sweet person and I don't want to see her
hurt again, but I don't know much about "S-san". Would I be intruding
to try and find out more about "S-san" or should I just let "K-san"
have a chance to learn about "S-san" herself?
Sincerely,
"Girl with the red straw hat"
Ayukawa: It's obvious who am I talking about, isn't it? The truth is,
I don't know how well Keiko-san and Sakurai-san are getting along. The
last two times she's been on a date, she's been very disappointed and I
didn't want her to go through that again. I just wanted another
opinion on how they should proceed.
Kasuga: [Realization dawning.] Then "A." is really...?
Ayukawa: I haven't got the slightest idea. [Starts laughing again.]
Kasuga: [Smiles in relief.] A...hahaha....
Ayukawa: [Stops laughing and touches Kasuga's hand.] You should still
have known better. It's nice to trust someone else and know they trust
you, don't you agree?
Kasuga: [Pauses, then nods.] Um.
[Cut to the Journalism building later that evening. Kasuga types away
at his workstation. Sakai and Doko are looking over rough layouts as
they put together the finished master to be run later that evening.]
Doko: Oda-san, hurry up! We're going to press in ten minutes.
Oda: Alright.... [Turns her attention back to the screen as she types
her last response.]
Dear "A."
I'm going to address this to your friend, since she's the one in the
need of an advice. Please relay this message to her:
It's good to hear that you have a friend in "K-san". However, if you
are truly having doubts about your relationship, then perhaps it is
time to explore other possibilities. College is all about change and
growth and you shouldn't go through life wondering about all the
possibilities that were missed. If "H-san" really is as nice as
yousay, then go for it! Seize the moment! It may never come again!
Ihope you find the true love of your life!
Sincerely,
Oda-san
[She saves the response and sends it to the typesetter. Walking over
to Kasuga's workstation, she watched over his shoulder for a moment.]
Oda: So, how did it go? Did you like the assignment?
[Kasuga opens his mouth, but doesn't say anything, lost in thought.
Fade to memory of last days:]
Yoko: [Confidently.] Our relationship is based on mutual
understanding!
[Fade to:]
Hayashibara: Every relationship has to strike the right balance
between trust and mutual independence.
[Fade to:]
Kasuga: [To Ikemoto.] It's nice to trust someone else and know they
trust you, so....
[Fade to:]
Ayukawa: It's nice to trust someone else and know they trust you,
don't you agree?
[Fade to:]
Ikemoto: [Raises an eyebrow.] You two are truly made for each other.
[Fade back to present.]
Kasuga: [Looks at Oda, smiles, and nods.] Yeah, I liked the
assignment.
[Cut to the Butsumetsu athletics department. The team workouts have
long ago ended and the locker room is quiet and dark except for a
single hanging lamp in the back of the room. Sitting alone on a bench
with his locker open, Hayashibara flips the newspaper closed, the
conflict on his face clear. After thinking it over, he opens the paper
and reads the reply again.]
Hayashibara: [Reading the paper.] "It may never come again. I hope
you find the true love of your life...." [Pushes the paper aside.]
Sagawa: [Opening the door.] Hey, they're closing up the building.
Are you ready? What are you doing in here, anyway?
Hayashibara: Eh? Ah... just reading... the newspaper. I'll be...out
in a moment.
Sagawa: Ok. Remember, we're waiting for you! Hurry up, Akira!
[Exits.]
Hayashibara: [Pauses and looks at the newspaper again. Reading
quietly to himself.] Dear "A.".... [He sighs, closes the newspaper,
picks up his sports bag, and exits the locker room, turning off the
light.]
END CREDITS
New Character Designer/Writer Stephen Tsai
Co-writer Vladimir Zelevinsky
Pre-readers Robert Carragher
Herbert Fung
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, mail
them to mailto:stsai@netcom.com.
Thank you for taking the time to read this episode of my series. If
you are interested, previous episodes should be available at
ftp://ftp.cs.ubc.ca/pub/archive/anime-fan-works/KOR/Kimagure-Orange-College/
site. I've got the next episode in the works.
Hope you enjoyed it and thanks again!
--
Kimagure Productions|Nephrite: [Exasperated.] Yes, it's a dark evil mark!
--present-- |
Orange College #33 |Man: [Shocked.] Ahh... I just wanted to know
Sailor Ranma #19 |where the bathroom was.
*Coming Soon* |
Stephen Tsai |Nephrite: ...
stsai@netcom.com |Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Ranma #18
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Ginza/1604/
