MARMALADE BOY #1 (KD) Koishikawa Miki (or in our language Miki Koishikawa) is called downstairs by her parents for a snack. She really should have been suspicious when they pulled out the good china. Mama (Rumi) and Papa (Jin) gleefully inform her of their happy news...they're getting a divorce! Miki, if you think you're in shock, wait till you hear the rest... Yes, when I say they're gleeful, they really are... Because... Momma and Poppa met another couple when they were on vacation in Hawaii. Momma fell in love with the husband (Youji) and Papa fell in love with his wife (Chiyako). And isn't this cool...having an affair is so distasteful so... they're going to switch partners and remarry. (Cough!) Miki, I know you want it back the way it was but Momma and Papa are sure this is what they want. They still love each other but...well.. more like good friends than lovers. Oh, but Miki, in your heart you know this is the end of the world...so, don't let anyone know except your best friend, Meiko. Even your buddy, Ginta, don't tell him... Geeez, such an embarrassing situation! Miki, skips tennis club after school to meet with both couples for dinner. Well, the "other" couple doesn't "look" strange. Whoops, they are, after all. They REALLY intend to go through with this...this...arrangement. Momma asks Chiyako, "Where's Yuu-kun?" Yuu-kun? Miki hasn't a clue who this is. She's informed that he's the other couple's son, the same age she is and that he'll be coming directly from school. Oh, here is he now... Hold onto your seat Miki...Drop Dead Gorgeous...just walked in! Miki's hair turns blue on the spot. It actually takes a minute or two for her to collect herself. But Miki realizes she has WORK to do. She's got to make the insanity stop! Miki promptly tells them that she is absolutely opposed to their plan to switch partners and remarry. It's true that her mother can't cook, her parents don't care about her grades, shop too much, and go on too many vacations...BUT they're the only parents she has and she can't bear to live without either one of them! Miki.............you should have known.... Because, They're going to buy a house and all move in together! If You and Yuu-kun register under your father's names, you can keep your names the same. Isn't it a good idea...one happy family. Aren't you happy for us? Don't you care about our feelings? Wrong! Miki continues her futile attempts at changing their minds. Your feelings? What about Yuu-kun and my feelings?! What? Yuu-kun just said he didn't care and long as the people involved were happy. This guy's strange! And he says my soup's getting cold? Two moving vans pull up to a two story house, Miki's now living with a guy her own age. (No such thing as step-sisters/brothers in Japan) The two of them don't particularly get off to a good start either. See the first episode to see what I mean. And to make matter worse, he has secretly transferred to her school and is in her class. Just what you needed, was for the family (Yuu) you've been trying to escape from, to be right under foot at school. Their first day at school relationship borders on coldly polite to terribly rude. Yuu, skips class but returns for PE. Miki watches Yuu during PE with fascination over his athletic ability; she gets slammed in the head by a basketball. In the nurses office, Miki lies in bed with hair undone and the wind blowing through it. When she hears Yuu walk in, Miki decides she doesn't want to deal with his insults so she pretends to be asleep. He kisses her very soundly on the lips. As soon as he's left the room, Miki, who somehow managed not to move during this surprise event, bolts upright, blushing and wonders "what he's up to now"! _________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #2 (KD) It was her FIRST KISS! (The "first" kiss is VERY important in Japan.) Well, she avoided him by skipping dinner the night before...but it's time for school now. She walks into the kitchen and finds Yuu is reading a newspaper as though nothing happened. Well, she uncomfortably asks him to pass the jam that she sees over by him. Yuu informs her that it's actually marmalade and that there isn't any jam. A disappointed Miki says she doesn't LIKE marmalade because the rinds are bitter. Oh yes, here comes the reason for the title of the series... Miki comes to an important decision... that... "This marmalade is like you. It looks good on the outside, but on inside it's full of tricks!" Miki, Miki, Miki...if you think you're going to get the better of Mr. Pretty Face, you're out of luck! Yuu grabs the mustard and informs her that she's like it...hot and spicy! This pisses her off no end! And they're off for another day at school! Well, the school day is not uneventful. Let's see, Miki has to ward off Furutachi-kun during the Lunchtime News interview with Yuu. After all, the guy was implying things she didn't care to have the ANYONE know. A good clobbering with a book should make him behave. By the way, Miki if you thought Yuu-kun might say something about the "important" first kiss he laid on you, you were wrong. Doesn't it just kill you that he doesn't seem to be affected by it...at all? It isn't fair is it! Oh, then there some of Miki's classmates, who thinks that Ginta's irritation with Yuu-kun is caused by jealousy over Miki. But Miki knows this can't be true, after all, when they were in 9th grade, he dumped her. Sure they're close friends but, Ginta? Jealous? Oh, no way. During chemistry class Miki remembers that event. This is interesting to watch this scene as Miki gazes at Ginta while he and another classmate are working on a project. Yuu is in the background watching Miki as she does this, looking back a forth between the two (Miki and Ginta). The audience, in turn, gets to see into her memories of what occurred between the Miki and Ginta in 9th grade. Be sure to see this. It's important to future stories. After tennis practice, Miki is walking from school with some friends. Yuu grabs her and hauls her off to help choose a present for her mother's birthday. At this point, she felt their relationship soften and changed somewhat. _________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #3 (KD) These summaries do NOT do them justice but just some interesting moments to look for are written here. Chiyako has free tickets to Wonder Dog, an amusement park, and offers them to Miki and Yuu. Yuu asks Miki if she's free on Sunday and would she like to go with him. Miki replies in the affirmative and realizes that this is a "date". While on their date, Miki meets Arimi, Yuu ex-girlfriend, for the first time. Yuu finally breaks down and tells Miki why he kissed her (his first kiss too)... The devil made him do it. Miki slaps him! Later, a classmate is overheard by Ginta talking about how she'd seen Miki and Yuu on a date together. Ginta gets steamed. After school, Ginta and Miki are a team to do the classroom cleanup duty. Ginta asks Miki what she's eating. She replies that it's a new candy called "Muscat Kiss" and would he like some. Ginta, who's been acting rather solemn, remembers the candy's commercial and it's claim of what a kiss ( a real one ) tastes like. He asks her if they should try it ( kiss) and find out. Miki thinks her friend, Ginta, is teasing her by embarrassing her so she tries to outsmart him by saying "Yes". But then, of course, she tells him she's kidding and that this really ISN'T his usual style of humor. Ginta isn't listening by now. He lifts her out of the desk chair and passionately kisses her. Miki jumps back from him, then steps up and slaps him one! Miki runs home, anxious to put distance between herself and Ginta. After all kisses should be between people who are in love...and Ginta doesn't love her. ____________________ MARMALADE BOY #4 (KD) The next morning, Miki decides she's not going to school. There's no WAY she can face Ginta. Yuu, however, fouls up that plan by being pesty about going. At school, Meiko and Yuu are somewhat surprised at the strange behavior of Miki and Ginta...Miki is desperate to avoid Ginta. At home after school, Miki is in her room suffering over the latest dilemma, when Yuu barges in and informs her that they're going out for a while. She doesn't want to but he insists. Yuu takes her on his bike to a lovely, quiet place with the sun setting in the background. Miki soon loses her sour mood through the excitement of learning to skip a stone on water. On the way, back she asked him how he found such a wonderful place. At which, he replied that he discovered it after they moved into the area and that he often went there when he needed to cheer himself up. Miki then realized that Yuu was trying to cheer her up. At home later, Yuu finds Miki's robot voice memo in his room with a message from Miki that thanks him. He returns it to her with the message "That place is our secret". And the race is on....The next day, Ginta has the determined look of someone who's bound and determined that he's going to straighten things out. Miki is just as determined that she's DOESN'T want to see his FACE! She's so desperate to keep him away that after school she grabs onto Arimi and pretends Arimi was waited for her...she neatly drags Arimi away with her! In the process of setting up this little ruse, Miki's voice memo drops out of her school bag. Ginta, grabs it up and accidentally hears the messages between Yuu and Miki. Back to Miki and Arimi... Actually, Arimi, left Sagaki Academy (after school) and was waiting outside the Toryo gate for Yuu. She didn't appreciate Miki hauling her away, so she's insists on Miki buying her a treat...at Miki's expense. Arimi decides Miki should hear about the relationship that she and Yuu had in the past. This story is also woven into some future episodes. Later, as Miki nears home, she find Ginta waiting for her. She insists that he get out of her way but he tells her he won't. Ginta and Miki have a very interesting conversation here....which includes what really happened back in 9th grade between them. Ginta finalizes this conversation by telling her that he won't let Matsuura have her! ____________________________ MARMALADE BOY #5 (KD) Episode 5 continues the scene between Ginta and Miki in front of her house. Yuu interrupts them. Miki runs into the house and Yuu and Ginta continue the conversation calmly but with some well directed words. Miki avoids Ginta in the morning (at school) but makes up with him later in the day (due to some of Meiko sage advice). Meiko and Miki discover Yuu working at the Junk Jungle as they're walking home from school. Miki, Meiko, Yuu, and Kijima discuss the school medallion. Kijima's past is revealed. At school, Ginta needs a tennis partner for an upcoming invitational at Sagaki Academy. His doubles partner rolled his bike and broke his arm. The rest of the Junior varsity know they aren't good enough to keep up with Ginta...everything looks bad for the upcoming tournament until Miki remembers that Yuu was part of a tennis club in Junior High. She ropes Yuu into playing a game against Namura-sensei (the club advisor)...Yuu hasn't a clue as to why he's been acting to try a game against him, but he neatly beats Namura. Namura talks Yuu into temporarily taking the position just for the upcoming match. Yuu isn't thrilled being matched with Ginta, who he knows can't stand him. Before a loud Ginta can tell him off, Yuu sneaks away and crawls through a window in the library. After all, there's no reason why he should have to spend his free time with Ginta. Unfortunately, Yuu has accidentally interrupted some lovers who apparently felt the privacy of the empty library was a place they could meet safely. Now Yuu can't leave without causing embarrassment. When he looks around the end of the bookshelves, he discovers much to his amazement that the two are Meiko and Namura-sensei...and they're kissing. _________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #6 (KD) Meiko finds out the Yuu was in the library and discovered she and Namura-sensei. She asks him not to tell anyone. Yuu wants to know if Miki knows and she tells him that Miki doesn't know. Lunchtime news features Yuu again. At the tennis court before the game, Tsutomu show up and makes everyone miserable especially Miki, who run off telling Ginta that she hates him. A challenge arises between Tsutomu and the Toryo boys, Ginta and Yuu, and whichever side loses has to cut his hair like a monk. Ginta's game is bad, really bad because of what happened with earlier with Miki. The game is saved when Miki returns and encourages Ginta. After the game, Arimi grabs ahold of Ginta and drags him off with her. _________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #7 (KD) Miki and Yuu's class take a trip to Sapporo. Arimi discovers Ginta, grabs him and hauls him off with her just like before (after the tournament.) Tsutomu shows up and is after Arimi as usual. In a fast food restaurant, Arimi explains to Ginta her plan to make Miki jealous - so that she can get Yuu and he can get Miki. They'll play the part of boyfriend/girlfriend. Ginta and Arimi start playing the part of a couple in the top of a tower...with Miki watching on angrily. __________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #8 (KD) The family has a barbecue, Miki gets upset with the family and leaves home in a huff. Miki runs into Arimi at a store. They talk awhile and then Arimi says that she has to go meet Ginta. Miki is shocked by this as Arimi has called him "Ginta" and not "Suou-kun". (In Japan using the first name of someone who is not a classmate or co-worker implies a fairly intimate relationship - thus Arimi using Ginta's name REALLY confused Miki). BD Later, the parents pretend to all be angry with each other and make out that they've decided to return things to the way they were. And, in addition, the Matsuuras and the Koishikawas should never see each other again. Yuu will have to go to a new school. Miki is confused and trys to sort things out with them, but they continue the charade until they can get her to admit that she doesn't really mind their situation anymore. Then they finally tell her it was only a joke. Miki crys her eyes out in her room; Yuu jumps balconies to help calm her down, and help her make up with the family. __________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #9 (KD) Miwa starts making the move on Meiko (while she's in the library). Miki works that day at the Junk Jungle during a sale. Ginta and Arimi show up (because they discovered that Yuu and Miki would be there together). Tsutomu barges into the store when he see Ginta and Arimi there together. Another challenge is issue from him to the Toryo boys. This time it's a store sells competition. And the hair must go again on the loser! Tsutomu's is already short from the last bout. After work, Miki and Yuu come home to find suitcases in the hallway. Their parents are going to Hawaii and leaving them home alone! __________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #10 (KD) Home alone, Yuu tells Miki he's hungry and begs her to cook something for him. Miki's cooking is bad. For the next time, she studies cook books. Yuu takes her grocery shopping. She buys lots of junk. Miki trys cooking again but spills everything. Yuu cooks and it's good. Miki trys to talk Yuu into cooking from now on...but he says her cooking is eatable and that she's cute when she cooks. Miki is left with no way to argue after that. Miki is nervous about being alone with a guy in the house. Miki and Yuu watch a horror video. A frightened Miki hold onto Yuu's shirt then realizes what she's doing and jerks her hand away. She impressed though about spending time with him...because he's so handsome. Later she takes a hot bath. But she stays in too long and passes out onto the floor with nothing but a towel on. Yuu hears her fall, breaks the lock on the door and carries her to bed. When she comes to, she's so confused that when she discovers that she's only in a towel, she slaps Yuu. _________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #11 (KD) Miki is sorry she slapped Yuu because she realized he was only trying to help her. But she's too embarrassed to talk to him about it. The next morning the parents call to wish Yuu and happy birthday. Miki doesn't think that's enough. Miki puts together a meal and bakes Yuu a birthday cake. Yuu comes down to a lovely candle lit dinner, with Miki dressed up and waiting. A nervous Miki and a calm Yuu almost kiss...when the doorbell rings...It's Ginta and Arimi. Tsutomu shows up. Ginta confronts Miki at her bedroom. He tells her that if she'll choose him, he won't see Arimi anymore. But if she doesn't, he'll give up on her. The choice is hers! __________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #12 (KD) Miki, at school, is trying to avoid Ginta again. Miki is chosen to represent the girls in a rematch tennis game against Sagaki Academy. Ginta confronts Miki in front of the tennis courts. Miki asks him to wait for her decision until after the match. The parents return from Hawaii. Ginta spends time getting Miki ready for the upcoming tennis competition, while Yuu takes time to take her shopping to keep her from being nervous about it. Miki wins handily against her competitor in the tennis match. Now Miki is left with deciding between Yuu and Ginta. ________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #13 (KD) The story opens with Miki with her hair in a towel remembering the time she spent with Yuu and Ginta before the match. She realizes that both are important to her but has made up her mind to talk to Ginta the next day regardless. Ginta, at school, worries what he's going to do. He regrets that he's forced her to make a decision because as long as she's confused about who to pick, he has a chance to get closer to her. As it is, he's afraid he'll be turned down. Miki and Ginta talk on the school building roof. She tells him that she really cares about him. This excites him. But then she adds...she also has feelings for Yuu. (disappointment) Miki goes on to tell Ginta that she can't date him because she's a girl that has feelings for another guy too. She feels that he wouldn't want her like that. Ginta jumps on that and says that he doesn't care that she would forget Yuu after they were together. Miki doubts it because Yuu lives in the same house and she'd have to see him everyday. So, since she doesn't want to keep him from having a chance for a great great friend, she tells him to please take Arimi-san. At this point, Ginta wants to tell her the truth...that's there's nothing between he and Arimi-san, it was all a ruse...but then, he imagines Miki yelling that she hates him. He figures he can't do it. Later, Miki plays tennis while Ginta watches on. He's holding the Toryo medallion with Miki's photo in it. He decides he has no other choice but to tell Miki the truth. Miwa and Meiko are in the library talking when Namura shows up. Namura and Meiko can't spend time together because Miwa's there. At a cafe, Miki and Meiko discuss the latest developments in Miki's world. Meiko tells Miki that she really needs both guys because Yuu is like a breath of fresh air for her...but that she still needs Ginta who stands by her side. This depresses Miki no end...it's too late to hear that now that she told Ginta to take Arimi-san. Later Miki goes shopping by herself. She's too depressed to get her heart into it though. On the way home, she bumps into Arimi-san. Arimi is carrying a large handbag and tells Miki that she going to spend the night at a friends house...can she guess who. That's right...at Ginta's. Arimi tells Miki that she's really nervous because this is her first time to spend the night at a boys house. When Arimi is through razzing Miki, she exclaims that she's just kidding but Miki's already left in a daze. Ginta confronts Miki in front of her house and tells her everything, apologizes and asks her to forgive him. Miki's knees buckle. Ginta is stunned to hear from Miki that she was afraid she'd lost him as a close friend and that she was glad to hear that it wasn't true. Ginta, feeling very passionate, says her name in that tone. Miki, jumps back from him realizing that he's feeling that way. She tells him that that's not the mood she's in and tells him to wait! He tells he won't wait anymore and grabs her and pulls her in for a kiss. Just as he's almost there... we hear "Stop!" and a hand holding a small paper bag is pushed into his face and another hand covers Miki's mouth. Yuu's back. Yuu asks Ginta what the hell he's doing with his "family" out in public, etc. He marches Miki into the house with his hand still over her mouth. Inside Miki tries to ask him why he stopped her. She wants to know if he's jealous. Yuu acts innocent and walks away looking completely unperturbed. An irritated Miki wondered to herself "How can you walk away from me with a smiling face...Stupid!" _________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #14 (KD) Namura is features playing with his class as a teacher. There's an upcoming exam and he's giving the kids a hint as to what will be on it. Meiko watches on and remembers dating Namura at an aquarium. It was the day he told her that he found out he would be teaching her class the next term. This meant that they could no longer date until she graduated from High School...teacher/student dating is taboo. Later Miwa looks for Meiko in the library but she's not there. He does find Yuu, who tries to avoid him like the plague. Arimi confronts Miki on Miki's school grounds and lets her know that even though her plan has been ruined, she won't give up on Yuu. A distraught Arimi runs away from Miki and by coincidence see Yuu as he comes out of the school building. She runs up to Yuu and embraces him. He tells her he thinks she made a mistake, he's not Suou (Ginta). He looks totally uninterested as she relates that he MUST know that it was all an act to make Miki-san jealous. But Yuu doesn't respond. Arimi reaches up and kisses him in front of everyone in the school yard. This is something rather unheard of in Japanese schoolyards. (Grin) Kijima, Namura and Youko sit in a bar and talk about the situation between Yuu, Miki, and Arimi. Namura tells Kijima it's their business (the kids) and that he, even as their teacher, has no right to evade their privacy and that he really shouldn't discuss it. Miki and Yuu sit in their rooms in the dark thinking that night. At Meiko's there's a screaming match going on between her parents. It's ugly, with accusations about each other's lovers. Meiko can't bear to listen to any more of this and runs out the door and through the streets. Ryouko, who's never told him how she really feels about him, invites Namura up to her apartment. He politely declines. When he gets back to his apartment, he find Meiko there banging on his door in tears. ________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #15 (KD) Miki calls Meiko's house fairly late (it's the same night as when Meiko ran out the front door) and the maid tells her that Miss Meiko is out. Miki leaves home the next morning early and without breakfast in order to avoid Yuu (who, of course, was kissed by Arimi the previous day). At school the next morning, Meiko shows up later than usual... just a bit behind Namura-sensei. Miki is suddenly banged on the head by something. She angrily turns around and sees Yuu holding her lunch...she forgot it in her rush to leave in the morning. Later, Meiko is in the library and thinks Namura has come when she hears someone heading her way. It's Miwa. Ginta motions Miki to meet him on the roof. He tells her that he's decided to wait for her until she realizes that he's better than Matsuura (Yuu). But, he won't wait forever so make up her mind! And, by the way, he's been thinking about her during tennis practice. He's noticed her legs are getting thicker! This sets Miki off no end and they start razing each other in a fun way that ends up with them making a bet for cake at the Loft House. Namura is requested to come to the Principal's office. Yuu and Miki leave for school together the next morning and find when they get there that the hallways full of students are buzzing about something. It's about Namura-sensei and Meiko. In her classroom, her Ginta and the other classmates tell her the story. Meiko walks in, picks up her schoolbag and walk away. She stops only briefly to say she's been expelled and a brief "bye bye". Miwa confronts Meiko briefly as she's going down the stairs. Miki decides she wants to talk to Na-chan (Namura-sensei) but gets a dose of the Vice-principal, Kyoto-sensei, instead. Ryouko is in the teachers room. She tries to cheer Namura up by telling him that she'll have to tell Kijima about all this, Kijima will be jealous of him dating a high school girl. Miki ditches school to go to Meiko's home. Meiko and Miki walk through the garden at Meiko's family's estate and discuss Meiko's situation. Meiko ends up hurting Miki's feelings and Miki runs off, comes home and shuts herself in her room. __________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #16 (KD) Miki is in her room remembering how she and Meiko first met and how much she admired her. And recalls their close friendship since then. Outside her bedroom door Yuu looks concern but obviously decides to leave her alone. Meiko looks out at the night sky through her bedroom window. She thinks about how she had no choice the night she went to Sensei's apartment and feels if she didn't have Sensei she would know what to do. She notices a photo of she and Miki together and realizes she hurt her badly especially since Miki doesn't really know the whole story. Miki parents beg her to come out and talk to them if she has a problem...she can talk to them about anything. Miki comes out with tears in her eyes. But, when push comes to shove, the parents think the whole thing with Meiko is really nifty. They're excited! The mothers think Meiko's quite a girl and that Na-chan is a good looking young man. Jin doesn't think Na-chan is good enough for Meiko (he's a Meiko fan). Youji said he had a "thing" going with his high school teacher after school. Jin wants to know the detail. And Chiyako said she'd LOVE to be a teacher at an all boys school - doing you know what. Miki leaves them absolutely furious that they would act that way, when she's SO DEPRESSED! We returns to the upstairs floor to find Yuu waiting for her. He tells her that she's pretty slow not to realize the low level their parents minds are on...her temper puckers her face up. Yuu then softens and tells her that he thinks everyone has "some" things they can't tell anyone. That it hurts to tell them to anyone but it also hurts to hold them in. He finger thumps her nose and says "Good night". Miki says "Good night" and thinks to herself that he helped her to understand Meiko better and yet it sounded like he was talking about himself. At school the next morning Namura's students are all fired up over what's going on. Kyoto-sensei (Vice-principal) comes in to tell them that they will have a self-study period. She isn't real pleasant about their tendency to call Namura-sensei, "Na-chan", and accuses them, among other things, of being the reason for all the problem...because they'll crossed the line on the teacher/student relationship. Namura sit's with the principal and much to the protestations of the principal Namura hands in his resignation. In the teachers office, Ryouko remember when she, Namura, and Kijima were in High School. She and Kijima were going steady. But Namura was always by her side. The three of them felt inseparable and so they were always together. Gradually her feelings moved and deepened for Namura. One day, Kijima left for the US. His parents had been transferred. He seemed sad the day he left because he seemed to know her feelings for Namura. Later she got a letter from him telling her to be happy with Namura. Some years later, Kijima remet a girl that put her Toryo medallion in his bag just before he left for America. They fell in love and were married. Ryouko's feelings have never been revealed to Namura, she simple plays the part of a good friend. Miki trys to call Meiko from a pay phone at school but Meiko is not allowed any phone calls. Ryouko confronts the principal while he's talking to Namura because she heard rumors among the other teachers that Namura will be fired. Instead she finds out that it was Namura's decision. He tells her later, outside the office, that it was the best way he could show his love for Akizuki (Meiko). He's going back to Hiroshima to work with his parents' real estate office. She's very upset that he would give up his teaching career and trys to talk him out of it. But he asks her to understand his reasons, after all, she knows him better than anyone. Ryouko walks away from him in distress over the situation. Meanwhile, Miwa was coming down the hall when this conversation was taking place and so he overheard it. Miwa is no shrinking violet. He tells Namura that he thinks he's a coward and just want to look innocent of impropriety. But then too, he feels that Namura leaving will make it easier for him to approach Akizuki and is sure to let Namura know it. ________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #17 (KD) Namura goes to Meiko's house to talk to Meiko and her parents. He's refused. Later, when Meiko's father leaves, the telephone rings...it's Namura. Even though she's been told not to let Meiko talk to Na-chan, the maid hands her the phone. He tells her everything will be all right soon and assures her that it's not her fault. He's resigned and is going to Hiroshima. That he really did love her. Meiko, of course, is very upset by this turn of events. Namura goes on to tell her that she will meet someone else that is better than he is..(more fitting with her age and background). He tells her goodbye. Meiko decides she doesn't care if she gets expelled for good. She goes to her closet. Miki is home on her bed thinking about the events with Meiko and Na- chan and she can't get Meiko's cruel words out of her mind. Yuu knocks on the door and tells her that they have a visitor - Meiko. Meiko tells Miki that she doesn't need to come out of her room...to please just listen. Meiko relates the story of how she a Sensei met (when she was in Jr. High) and how and when they feel in love. To Miki, she tells her that she can't tell everything -that that's her personality and she doesn't even like herself that way. But she always liked the fact that Miki was so open with her. She assures her that she really likes Miki. After, Yuu offers to take Meiko home. But Meiko declines saying that she has a taxi waiting. She tells Yuu to please take care of Miki. Yuu realizes that Meiko is planning to elope with Na-chan and rushes into Miki's room to tell her. Miki is depressed and has no confidence, so Yuu verbally pushes her until she'll agree to go to the train station to support Akizuki. Miki and Yuu race hand and hand through the streets to get to the train station. Meiko arrives at the station relieved to see that Sensei is there. She wasn't sure what time his train left. Meiko, begs him to take her with him. But he refuses and makes it clear that things are over between them. The train pulls away. Meiko races after it. Miki and Yuu find Meiko leaning against a pole. Miki asks Meiko where Na-chan is. Meiko tells her he left and that he said "no". She leans against Miki and crys. __________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #18 (KD) Miki and Yuu are sitting at the table the next morning before school. Miki is worried. Meiko should be at school that day. She doesn't know what to say to Meiko. Yuu tells her to be normal, that that's the best way. Besides, Miki is so silly she can make anyone smile. This irritates Miki. On the way to school Miki and Yuu see Meiko ahead of them. Miki pauses not sure what to do. Yuu gives her a shove and she practically bumps into Meiko. It's all smiles and the buddies are back together. Meiko's classmates greet her warmly and later Ginta, Yuu, Miki, Chigusa are a guard for her against gossips as she walks down the hall. Miki, Meiko and some of the other girls are sitting at a table at school. Miki has a handheld electronic thing that in one position is a game and in another is a love fortune teller. She asks an absent minded looking Meiko if she'd like to try it. Meiko declines and asks if everyone will excuse her. She leaves and goes to the library. In the library Meiko thinks about Sensei as a tears roll down her cheek. Miwa comes by a see her. He looks like his heart is breaking for her. But he leaves her alone. Miki and Ginta are on the tennis courts while Ryouko looks on unseeingly. She's thinking about the situation with Namura. After the tennis practice, Ginta and Miki talk. Ginta tells Miki that he's glad to see Meiko looking better. Miki tells him that Meiko's working awfully hard at it. Ginta suggests that they take Meiko somewhere to help her feel better on Sunday. Miki agrees that it's a wonderful idea and why don't they stop by Yuu's work and invite him to go too. (Ginta's a bit disappointed). Miki and Ginta arrive at Yuu work about a minute after Arimi. They tell Yuu about Ginta's idea. And Yuu agrees that it's a good one and plans to come. Arimi tells them that there's no reason why they shouldn't invite her too. But the guys try to stop her after all it's for Akizuki. But Miki stops them and tells them that more people is better. Miki secretly thinks she must be crazy for inviting Arimi but she didn't want to have to explain about Meiko's situation and besides she only want to make Meiko happy, that's all she cares about. Sunday morning Miki is finishing up a HUGE lunch that Chiyako helped her learn how to do. The big lunch basket to carry it in is what cause Yuu and Miki to be late for their rendezvous with the others at Karyon Farm. Yuu decides that since the basket is so heavy they should eat before doing anything else. Arimi's lunch is so good looking, Miki is afraid to bring out hers. But she does eventually and surprises Ginta no end. Yuu spends his time teasing Miki about her lunch (like...Hmm..it's not burnt!) The rest of their time at Karyon Farm is spent playing...rowing boat, riding a train, riding bikes, etc. They finally rest while watching some horses. Miki says that the foal is so cute, she wants to touch it. Yuu says that she's so clumsy, he bite her. She giggles. Arimi informs Yuu that she's thirsty and he offers to get her some juice. Ginta says he'll go with him. Miki yells after them to please get them some too. Meanwhile Meiko's hat blows off and flies into the corral. Miki offers to go get it. She slips on some manure. Meiko smiles and tells Arimi that Miki is always like this. She's clumsy, cheerful, and cares about her friends. Meiko tells her that Miki makes her smile. Miki reaches the hat and notices the foal is right there. She turns to touch it and infuriates a stallion who's across the pen. A yell goes out to Yuu and Ginta from Arimi. They drop the juice can and run for the corral. Yuu yells at Miki to run. She does but she trips. The boys go over and through the fence. As the mad horse is almost upon her, Yuu takes a flying leap through the air and grabs the horse neck and proceeds to calm him down. Ginta helps Miki up and asks her if she all right. Miki doesn't answer, she looking at Yuu. Yuu is angry, he grabs her by the wrist and pulls her over to him saying "I told you it was dangerous!" Miki leans against him with tears and crys that she's sorry, so sorry. Yuu softly tells her it's ok. Meiko turns and says to Ginta and Arimi that it's not easy loving someone. ___________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #19 (KD) Yuu, Miki and the mothers are at the table eating dinner. Miki says the food is delicious and that she was really hungry. Yuu comments that it's because she's studying for a change. Chiyako gets after Yuu for saying such a thing to Miki. But Miki tells her that it's ok, she's used to his teasing. Yuu sarcastically says "Yeah, I'm such a tease." Miki sticks her tongue out at him and he returns the favor, Miki does it again. The mothers laugh and comment that they act like little children. The mothers ask them if the next day is their last day of exams and would they come straight home after school. The kids, of course, want to know why. They're informed that the 6 month required wait before remarriage is up and that the couples can remarry now. The mothers tell them their plan is not to have a fancy wedding but to celebrate instead at a fine Italian restaurant where the specialty (gag) is caviar and spaghetti. The papers are filled out at the registry. Miki and Yuu congratulate the parents. Jin comments that it's time to continue on even though it's a bit early for their reservation at the restaurant. Youji agrees. Miki uncomfortably tells them that she's really sorry but that there something she needs to do. She takes off. As she walks alone, she comes across things that remind her of her own childhood with her parents. It's early evening and Miki is sitting on a park bench when Yuu shows up and surprises her. He's apparently been following her. He comments that she still isn't over the partner exchange and she replies that that's not it, she's actually gotten used to it. It's just that now her mother has a different name than her and it feels like she's a stranger. Yuu sit's by her silently. Miki realizes this is Yuu way of being kind. Later she a Yuu go to a fast food restaurant where Miki enjoys the teriyaki chicken. Yuu tells her it good but that they could have had a meal at a fancy Italian restaurant. He wanted to try the caviar and spaghetti (barf) and even the coffee would have been expresso or cappuccino. Even though he doesn't sound like it, Miki knows Yuu is teasing her...that he's really sweet and kind. When she gets home that evening she takes her family photo out of her medallion and puts Yuu's in instead. Furutachi-kun, camera in tow, is waiting somewhere within distance of the Matsuura/Koishikawa residence. The parents emerge and he is stunned by their passion as they kiss their spouses goodbye. Next the kids, Miki and Yuu, come out of the house together. The school reporter knows he's got a scoop! At school, the reel runs showing that indeed Koishikawa-SAMA and Matsuura are living together! Of course, their parents are there so they aren't alone. Now, the school has the real story of the most popular couple in school! The school is in a buzz. Some of the classmates try to figure out which parents is kissing whom. Later, Miki and Yuu are in front of the principal in his office. The vice-prinicipal is hostile but the principal, himself, is more interested in being sure that Miki and Yuu are not ashamed of their parents. It is normal he says for "some" unusual things to happen in society. The principal is pleasant about it, but the vice-principal isn't. Yuu tells them that even though they're teachers it's not appropriate for them to invade their privacy. This irritate Kyoto-sensei (vice- principal) who says it's strange parents like theirs that make kids like they are. Miki disagrees and explains why in the beginning she wanted to keep their situation a secret. But that now she knows that they (the parents) are really serious. And like Meiko and Na-chan, she feels it isn't right the people who love each other be separated. The parents show up with Furutachi-kun. The principal asks them who is Miki-san's parents...all four answer. He asks who are Yuu-kun's parents and they all answer "I am". The principal is surprised. Jin introduces the man that he was in a business meeting with when he was called (he drug him along with him), Chiyako apologizes for wearing a lab jacket (she was in the middle of testing). The parents each take a part of the sentence which comes out "This marriages allayer selfishness". The principal laughs and tells the kids they have fine mothers and fathers. Afterwards, the family is walking down the school hallway. Miki and Yuu pass Miwa. Yuu returns a polite "hi" to Miwa as they pass by. Miki gets excited and says she didn't know that he knew the student body president. Student body president? Yuu is surprised. Miki tell him that Miwa is smart and he's handsome too. Yuu is in shock and asks her to tell him if she just said his name is "Miwa". Yuu catches up with Miwa and asks if that invitation to see books on architecture is still open. Miwa tells him "anytime". _________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #20 (KD) (probably the funniest in the series) Miki is in her room preparing another message for Meiko. She reminds Meiko that they won't have summer vacation until after the marathon. Meiko and Miki are sitting at one of the tables outdoors at school with a group of friends. The girls, except Miki, are complaining about having to run a marathon. One wonders why they have to run it. Miki says it's because it's a famous event. Another girl reminds Miki that Miki's be ok because she's in tennis club where she does a lot of running. One of them says she wonders who came up with this idea for a marathon. Meiko replies that she doesn't know but that she has a grudge against him. One of the more notable gossips of the group leans over with the latest tidbit....Yuu and Miwa-san are a couple. Yuu and Miwa-san are a couple? Miki is stunned and frankly doesn't believe it. Meiko is confused. She remembers all the things that Miwa has said to her in the past. But then, it could be that he's just hiding his homosexuality. Of course neither girl says these things outloud. One of the girl's asks for Miki "love checker". The girl decides to test Yuu and Miwa on aught% affinity! Meiko decides it must be true. Miki yells at her and Meiko giggles and says she's just joking. In the bushes, the girls look on Yuu and Miwa-san talking. Miki and Meiko give each other a bad time about blushing. Meiko decides the reason everyone is talking is that the guys just look too good together. (Pretty boys.) Miki turns her head and sees and camera pointed at the guys. She asks Furutachi-kun what he's doing there. And he tells them that Yuu and Miwa-san is the hottest couple on campus. Hottest Couple?! Miki can't stand it, she tells Furutachi-kun off and tells him if he wants to get a scoop to look at OTHER COUPLES! Furutachi- kun tells her that's against the freedom of the press. A super deformed Miki rises above him and says "HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT!!!" A timid Furutachi says "No". Miki is watching TV with her parents. In the a show with very melodramatic music, a man is trying to convince a woman not to go home in evening but to stay with him. The woman tells him things like "No, I can't" , "This is enough for me for now", "I'm not ready yet". Miki gets up and walks away thoroughly disgusted. This is not the kind of thing she wants to watch with her family...why don't they have any common sense. The telephone ring and the parents, who are thoroughly absorbed in the drama ask, her to answer it. It's Miwa calling for Yuu. Miki takes the portable up to his room. When Yuu finds out who it is, he acts rather strangely and closes the door. Ginta meets Miki on the way to the tennis courts and helps her carry a rack of tennis balls. He tells her that he couldn't help her when she was worried about Meiko and about her own family but that he is so happy to see her smiling again. He notices she doesn't have her tennis racket and tells her to go get it; that he'll take care of the tennis balls. Miki mentally thanks Ginta, while looking at the photo of Yuu in her medallion, for being a close friend and being so supportive. She thinks she must tell him soon about her choice. She wonder who Yuu has in his medallion........ surely not Miwa-san. Naw, impossible. Back in the locket room Miki accidentally overhears a conversation between Miwa and Yuu. Miwa asks Yuu if he's ready yet. Yuu tells him "no" and that this is enough for him for right now. Aaaack, Miki realizes that this sounds just like the show from last night. Is it really true about Miwa and Yuu! Miki is ready for the marathon. There's a determined look on her face as she encounters Miwa-san and challenges him to a race during the marathon. He's just a little surprised especially since there are different courses - the women's and the men's. Miki tells him she'll run the men's course and if she wins he's to keep his hands OFF Yuu! He thinks for a second then says "You mean if I win, I can touch Yuu? It's a deal!" and he runs off. Miki realizes she just made a big mistake. But, she's going to win this even if she dies in the process. The race is on and Miki and Miwa are out in the lead. They challenge each other running right away. Miwa is surprised by Miki's speed. Miki reminds him not to take her lightly and tells him that he surprises her too. Miwa tells her that before becoming student body president he was in basketball club. She reminds him that, even so, he'll be in trouble if he overworks himself. This irritates him enough to tell her that he's going to be serious now. He takes off with Miki trying fairly successfully to keep up...but soon she realizes she's just dying. Miwa tells her she looks pale and should give up. She snaps back that she's just fine and that he should quit. With that, Miki takes off with a "I'm outta here"! Miwa pursues. Later, Miwa and Miki, are far in front of the pack. They're not running anymore but walking side by side with saggy faces. Miwa thinks to himself that he had this marathon all planned out on how he was going to run it, and that it's Koishikawa's (Miki) fault that things aren't going according to plan. He decides he's really going to razz her now. He turns and tells her that he and Yuu have a relationship that she can't even touch. This infuriates her. She yells "Why does Yuu have to chase a man....!" She runs into a pole and knocks herself out. In the nurses office, Meiko is relieved when Miki comes to. She leaves to tell the teacher that Miki is recovering. Yuu enters. He tells her that he heard she was running the men's course with Satoshi (Miwa) and asks her why. She doesn't really answer that one. He tells her that Satoshi carried her over to the supervisor and that she should thank him. Miki's makes a noise but doesn't answer him. Suddenly, she remembers. She and Yuu experienced this before .... being in alone in the nurses office and what happened (see MB#1). She turns so he can't see her blushing. She's sure if he see her face, he'll know what she's thinking. Suddenly Yuu says "Oh, now I remember." Miki with her head facing away from him asks him "what?". He tells her he knows she remembers and wonders outloud if he should do that again. Yuu stuns Miki by putting his leg on the bed and starts to maneuver himself into position... when Miwa walks in. Miwa asks him what he'd have done if it would've been a teacher that came in instead of him. Yuu answers that they were just kidding around. Miki thinks "Kidding.... Around... What kind of guy is he?!" Miwa tells Miki that he's glad she doing better. Miki decides maybe he's not such a bad guy after all and apologizes to him. Miwa changes gear and tells her that "Yeah, she was so heavy, that she nearly broke his arms". Miki mentally takes back her apology. Miwa goes on to remind her of their deal. She didn't finish the race, he did. He puts his hand on Yuu's shoulder and maneuvers him towards the door saying "Well Yuu, we now have your relative's permission. Let's go.". Yuu isn't too anxious to leave yet. Miwa tells him "It's all right, she's strong". Outside Yuu is walking beside Miwa rather sullenly. Miwa tells Yuu that Yuu was right about her. She's uncomplicated and a lot of fun to tease. Yuu still looks sullen. Miwa asks Yuu if he has a problem with it. Does he think he's the only one who can tease her?" Yuu wanly says "Not really". Miwa turns and grins widely. Yuu whips around and yells "I SAID "NOT REALLY". STOP GRINNING AT ME!!!!" __________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #21 (KD) Miki is in her bedroom with her colorful imagination running wild regarding Miwa and Yuu's relationship. Later Meiko and Miki are out shopping. Meiko asks Miki if she's bored with Yuu-kun gone so much (with his part-time job). Miki says that she is and Meiko giggles to herself. Miki has never admitted this before. Miki goes on to say that with Yuu gone more she worries more (presumably because of Miwa). Meiko suggests that they go to the Junk Jungle. Miki's not sure, though, that it's appropriate to just show up at Yuu's work. Meiko reminds Miki that she wanted a new dress. Oh well, under those circumstances it's ok, isn't it. Kijima greets Miki and Meiko warmly. Miki looks over at Yuu...to find Miwa there too. Miki marches over to Yuu and lowers her voice and asks what Miwa is doing there? Yuu tells her he just came to visit. Meiko tells Yuu that Miki is looking for a dress and asks him to help her. Yuu is more than happy to. Miwa and Meiko are a distance away and out of ear shot. Miwa tells Meiko that Yuu and Miki are getting along...so should they. Meiko reminds him that she was the one dating Namura-sensei. Miwa smiles and tells her that he doesn't feel that way. He assures her that that kind of experience can only season a woman. Meiko's not certain of him...and asks you don't really like women do you? Miwa tells her that's for sure...except the woman he goes after. Meiko gets more specific with a "I didn't mean that". Miwa's a bit surprised. "You don't mean you believe that rumor going around about Yuu and me. It isn't true. Anyway..." Miwa changes gears, "When do you want to go out with me? I'm free next week!" Miki is in a dressing room trying on a dress but can't quite get a button fastened. Yuu, who's standing outside, offers to help but gets refused with a swift "IDIOT!" from Miki. Miki figures now is the best time to ask Yuu about his relationship with Miwa. But she doesn't get very far. The minute she comes out of the dressing room, Yuu tells her that she's cute in the dress and pull Meiko and Miwa in on the praise. Miki is delighted. Later Miki realizes Yuu managed to change the subject on her. At home, Miki and Yuu are on the couches when they hear a lot of buzz from the parents. They wonder what's going on. Rumi comes in and asks the kids if they're packed yet. Packed? The Miki and Yuu haven't a clue about what she's talking about. The parents start passing the buck as to who was supposed to tell Miki and Yuu. Apparently the parents decided that since it's summer vacation they would go on a family trip. For one night from Saturday to Sunday. Yuu tells them that he has to work but that he'll stay home and house-sit so the rest can go. Rumi tells him it's no fun without him. Jin adds that they should go to Karuizawa. It's cool this time of year. Karuizawa, rings some kind of bell in Yuu's head, and Miki is quick to notice it. Yuu decides to go. The family arrives in 2 taxis. Miki thinks it's a cute hotel. Yuu offers to carry his mother's bag, he swings it over his shoulder and hit's Miki in the head. Miki is irritated and doesn't let it pass that Yuu did it on purpose. Chiyako tells her to forgive him, it's just his way of showing affection. Miki comments that Yuu probably never had any difficult periods. Chiyako tells her that he did. When he was in sixth grade, Yuu locked himself up in his room for a month and didn't want to talk or look at his parents. Chiyako said she didn't know what to do...but, I got over it on his own. Miki, thinks to herself that that is hard to imagine with Yuu. But then, there's a lot about Yuu she doesn't know. Out on the hotel tennis courts, the parents decide they should play a game of mixed doubles against Miki and Yuu. The worst pair has to clean up afterwards. Miki takes the first ball served by her mother, she thinks she should smash it but she feels sorry for the parents. So she just decides to hit it. She misses. A stunned Miki exclaims "WHAT WAS THAT!" It had a strange spin on it! Yuu lowers his head to talk to Miki so the others can't hear. He tells her not to misjudge them because they're old. They don't have energy but they do have technique and might try to trick them. He suggests that they cover the courts to beat the parents' weak legs. Miki and Yuu win. The parents say they're too tired to clean up would the kid do it. The parents leave to go take hot baths and drink beer. Miki and Yuu feel put upon. The two sit on a tennis court bench to talk. Miki honestly tells Yuu that she's never enjoyed tennis so much. Being part of a tennis club is hard work. She goes on to tell him that the trip to Karuizawa might have been a good idea. She never liked doing family things with her parents before. Yuu asks her why. She tells him it's because of their resort shirts - it made them look like the mafia. Yuu tells her he can see her point. But Miki, in her head, is thinking that because Yuu is there she could spend a lot longer time on the family vacation. Up in one of the motel rooms, Miki has on her new dress and is putting on the makeup that Chiyako gave her (in a previous episode). The parents wonder where Yuu is. Miki tells them that she'll go look for him. When she gets down to the lobby, she sees Yuu leaning against a pole. She's about to call out to him, when she sees Miwa come in. Yuu leaves with him...with Miki follows them a safe distance back. On the forest pathway, Miki hears a noise that startles her. The bushes move and a cat comes out. She looks up and finds out she's lost the guys. She must return the way she came to get back to the hotel. But when she gets to a fork, she can't remember which way she came. She's trying to muddle through her confusion when two drunks grab her. The drunks try to convince her to come with them and drink. But she nervously tells them "no thanks". They're insistent and won't let go of her. A hand reaches out into the night...and taps one of the boys on the shoulder. A deep serious voice says "Do you have business with my daughter". The guys come to a salute as four angry looking parents glare at them. They excuse themselves and take off. Miki runs over to her father and whimpers. The parents tell her that they got worried when she didn't come back and that's why they came looking for her. Youji comments outloud that he wonders where Yuu went off to. Miki is very upset with Yuu and adds in her thoughts that Yuu didn't have to see Miwa during their family vacation. Yuu and Miwa look at a house. Yuu notices that the design is extremely unusual for a second house, but that it's an excellent Miwa Yoshimitsu design. Miwa agree that the house is very different from anything else in the area. Miwa invites Yuu inside to see the interior but Yuu declines saying that he didn't tell his family that he was going out. He needs to get back. Yuu thanks me for showing it to him. It was convenient for him to see it while he was on the trip. Miwa assures Yuu that he and his family come there often and that it's no problem at all. When Yuu returns to the motel room, the fathers ask him where he was. The mothers run up to tell him what happened to Miki before he has to answer. Yuu finds Miki in a hallway and asks her if she's all right. She tells him the parents got rid of them. Yuu apologizes and tells her he had something to do. Miki asks him if "something" meant being with Miwa. Yuu is shocked. Miki adds "You met him in the lobby and went out with him". Yuu surprised that she saw that. Miki tells him he didn't have to see Miwa here. Yuu grabs her arm and yells at her not to tell anyone. Miki assures her that she won't but why. Yuu realizes that he was too sharp and apologizes but tells her nothing and leaves. Miki stands looking at him retreat. She can still feel where he grabbed her. She wonders what's going on with him. _______________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #22 (KD) Meiko is in the library, remembering her experiences there with Sensei. Yuu notices her there and comments that she really loves this place, doesn't she. She tells him she has fond memories of it. Yuu finds out that, even though it's summer vacation, Meiko is there to collect information for her literary club. Yuu and Miwa sit at one of the outdoor school tables talking. Miwa repeats to Yuu that "Koishikawa (Miki) saw them"? Yuu confirms and adds that she thought something "strange" was going on. Miwa figures that if Yuu just leaves Miki alone she'll forget about it. Yuu tells him pointedly that Miki is uncomplicated but not THAT uncomplicated. Miwa tells Yuu not to worry and look...Miwa holds up four tickets for him to see. Miki and Meiko are having a drink at the junk jungle. Miki asks Yuu what these tickets are about. Yuu tells her that, as she can see, they're movie tickets and that (Miwa) Satoshi-san said they should all go. Miki asks Meiko what she thinks. Meiko replies that she really wanted to see this one and she'll go if Miki does. At the theater on Sunday, Miki scans it from the entry for a place for them all to sit. Miwa neatly grabs Meiko by the shoulders and points her in the opposite direction. Yuu shoves Miki off the other way. The boys turn and grin at each other and agree to meet after the movie. Partway down the next aisle, Meiko get hostile and wants to know what this's about. Undaunted, Miwa reminds her that Koishikawa is in love with Yuu isn't she. He and Meiko need to give them time to be alone (Author's note: Yeah, right.) Meanwhile Miki is nervously looking around the theater for Meiko. Yuu tells her she's all right, that she's with Miwa, and to calm down. Miki wonders to herself how she can be calm with his (Yuu's) arm lying on the back of her chair. She bets he doesn't even notice it and that's she's the only one who's heart is racing. It's not fair. After the movie, Yuu grabs Miki by the wrist and pulls her out of her chair before the ending titles come up and maneuvers a protesting Miki out of the theater. Meanwhile Miwa insists on seeing all the ending titles. Yuu tells Miki shortly thereafter, as they're walking down the street, that it was Miwa's idea that they should separate. Miwa likes Akizuki (Meiko) and is very serious about her. Having Miki there would was assure that Meiko would come too. Miki cutely tells him "That's the way, use me". Then Miki realizes that this means also that Yuu and Miwa DON'T have a dangerous relationship. Miki looks down at her hand and is surprised to find that he's still holding it. Yuu goes on with his thoughts. He feels that even though Akizuki (Meiko) may not be ready for a boyfriend yet, she might really like Satoshi once she gets to know him better. An embarrassing Miki trys to say something but doesn't quite make it. Yuu asks her what's wrong does she have to go to the bathroom. Miki yells "NO!" "Hand...!" Yuu innocently replies "Hand?" Miki: "We've been holding hands!" Yuu pulls her hand over to him "Oh, does this bother you? Want me to let go?" Miki is stunned and replies "Not particularly". Yuu tells her it's all right them. He suggests they go get something to eat. Meiko and Miwa are in the outer lobby of the theater. Miwa tell Meiko that it looks like they're lost. Meiko decides since that's the case she'll go home. She thanks Miwa and turns to leaves. Miwa is desperate to keep her from going and bursts out just enough for Meiko to figure out that she was been tricked into this movie thing. She angrily turned to leave Miwa standing there. But Miwa is quick and asks her if she wants to know that truth about he and Yuu. She tells him "not really". Miwa isn't missing a step now. He shrugs his shoulders and says "You're not interested, but don't you want to know for Koishikawa. If you stay with me, I'll tell you everything." Meiko tells him that exchange conditions aren't fair. Miwa doesn't waste time to tell her he would do anything to get his own way. Meiko and Miwa are sitting in a restaurant. Miwa is disturbed by the fact that even though he forced her to come, she isn't smiling. He asks her if his story is boring. She tells him not really that she was just admiring him as a playboy student body president and his talent for wheedling things his way. Miwa tells her she doesn't need to admire him, just smile for him. Meiko gets very uncomfortable at his seductive tone and asks him how he can say things like that. Miki and Yuu are walking down the street. Yuu's just won some more stuffed kappas for Miki from a game machine. Miki tells him the Kappa-chan now has a family (see episode #3 for the story on Kappa-chan). Yuu replies that she can depend on him! Miki and Yuu pass by a shop that Miki really wants to go into. Inside she finds a music box with "Moment" written on the top. The music box plays "Moment" and Miki listens to it almost as though lost to the rest of the world (By the way, this's the music that played in the background when Yuu kissed her in MB#1). Yuu watches her intently. He decides to buy it for her. Miki is so thrilled with the gift that she decides to cherish it a her "first present" from Yuu. Yuu tries to cover his embarrassment by telling her that he just felt sorry for her because was tricked by Miwa's date plan. But she leans over to look at his turned away head and sees him blushing. She giggles. As he walks off ahead of her, Miki catches up and gently slips her hand back into his. Yuu looks at her in some surprise. When she smiles at him about it, he smiles in return. Miwa has returned Meiko to the Akizuki mansion. Meiko trys to get him to finally tell her about his relationship with Matsuura. But Miwa says that it's not really a story he should tell...but he will if she kisses him. Meiko decides she's had ENOUGH! He's a liar and she has no more patience, she stomps off. Miwa hurries to tell her he was just kidding and that he will tell hart has to do with his father. Meiko whips around angrily and asks him how she supposed to know anything from that little hints...Miwa kisses her soundly before she can say any more. Meiko stands in front of her family's estate totally shocked. Meiko meets Miki over at Miki's house. Miki asks Meiko how things went after she and Miwa lost Yuu and Miki. Meiko grumbles "terrible!" Miki then notices Yuu behind her getting his shoes on to go out. Miwa comes up from outdoor and tells Miki that Yuu is with him. Miwa starts to talk to Meiko, but she jumps behind Miki and tells Miwa not to come closer than 2 meters of her. Curious Meiko and Miki quietly follow Yuu and Miwa. The girls don't know what's going on...but something's apathy know it. They end up at a hotel and see that the guys are waiting for someone. That someone show up and it's someone Meiko recognizes from books she's read. Ah, Meiko remembers that this is Miwa Yoshimitsu, the famous architect. She didn't realize that he was actually Miwa-san's father. Now it all makes sense. Yuu was just nervous about meeting his idol. Idol? Miki has no idea what Meiko is talking about. Meiko explains to Miki that Yuu is probably interested in majoring in architecture because he reads books on the subject all the time. Miki is near to tears when she hear this because she didn't know about it. She didn't know what kind of books he reads or that he was planning to major in architecture. At home in his room, Miki sees rows of books on architecture. She realizes that this may be the reason that Yuu didn't join any of the school clubs and why we sometimes go on trip away from town. Yuu comes home and finds her in his room. When she asks him why he never told her about his plans to become an architect, he tells her she wouldn't be interested. She tells him he wrong. She wants to know about his interests. He hurts her by telling her that he doesn't care, it has nothing to do with her. When he realizes what he's done he tells her he's sorry and walks over to her. But she slaps his hands away from her and runs out of the room. In her own room, she remembers Arimi saying that Yuu was different with Miki. In Miki's mind she tells Arimi she's wrong...that Yuu has a wall between them too. Miki thinks on...I want him to tell me...because I love him so much! ________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #23 (KD) Meiko is in her bedroom reading the latest from Miki. Miki is upset that Yuu is closed off from her. The maid knocks on Meiko's door and tells Meiko that Nishida-san called from Izu and is pressing Meiko to come to the family's second house there. Meiko realizes that it's been a long time since she's been and decides that taking Miki with her would be a great way to cheer her best friend up. When the girls are ready to leave on their trip, the guys show up! It's Ginta, Yuu, and Miwa-san, who managed to invite themselves. Yuu tells the girls that (Miwa) Satoshi invited him. Ginta tells them that it's dangerous at the beach this time of year. Miwa sidles in on Meiko tells her that's right, she'll need someone strong to protect her. An unimpressed Meiko returns that that is none of his business. In Izu, the gang has a good time swimming, playing volleyball etc. Later Miki is on a raft sunbathing, when Yuu shows up. He offers to push her to shore. Miki politely tells him no that she's thirsty and is going back, she dives off and swims away from him. He can tell she's avoiding him and he yells for her to wait. He swims after her. Miwa is at a juice stand when a girl walks up. He remarks to her that she cute and would she like to come play with his group...there's a guy without a girl. Yuu is chasing Miki along the beach, grabs hold of her wrist and accuses her of holding a grudge for what he said. She tells him she's not and to let go of her. She pulls her arm away from him. The two stare at each other with eyes full of pain. A voice rings "Yuuuu" through the air...it's Arimi. He grabs ahold of Yuu as though attached at the hip. Miwa seems confused when he comes up. He remarks "So you know each other?" Arimi replies it's more than "Just Know" isn't that right Miki. Not too long after Tsutomu shows up and yells at Yuu to let go of Arimi. Arimi's friends show up. This includes 3 guys, seniors, that are part of Arimi's fan club. Tsutomu tells that group that he's afraid one of them could become Arimi's boyfriend. And while he's thinking about it why are Yuu and Ginta in Izu! He challenges them once again. This time, however, Miwa-san is around. He tells Tsutomu that there's a better way....Kimodameshi. Kimodameshi (Taking a specified trail in the dark without freaking yourself out)...Tsutomu can't figure out why he'd say that since there is no conclusive winner with Kimodameshi. Miwa tells him that's true but it might give him a chance to be alone with Arimi. With that in mind Tsutomu likes the idea but is not sure Murai and the others will go for it (Murai is the tallest of the 3 guys). Miwa tells Tsutomu not to worry he'll handle everything. Meiko concurs that Miwa is a master at handling such situations. Later both groups of teens Arimi/Tsutomu etc. and Miki, Yuu, Ginta, Miwa, and Meiko are in the dark listening to Miwa's directions for the trail. Miki thinks to herself that she's not good at Kimodameshi and she has a worried look on her face. The guys are matched up with partners for the upcoming event by drawing cards. Interestingly enough Miwa gets Meiko, Yuu gets Miki, and Ginta ends up with Arimi. Miwa thinks to himself that he's glad he knows how to manipulate cards. Tsutomu? He got paired with one of the guys from Arimi's fan club. Arimi and Ginta are walking alone in the dark. Arimi remembers that it's been a long time since they walked together like this. Ginta sympathetically tells her that he's sorry that she didn't get a chance to pair up with Yuu. Arimi tells him that it's ok, she given up on him. Ginta is shocked because of how she acted earlier in the day. But Arimi explains that she only did that because she saw Yuu and Miki looking so serious. Arimi relates that she tried everything to get Yuu to love her, but failed...there's nothing more she can do. But, she tells Ginta, that she think he still has a chance. Ginta doesn't agree. He tells Arimi that he came on this trip because he knew Yuu and Miki would be together on it...but he doesn't think his plan is working. Miwa and Meiko are nearing the end of the trail. Miwa wishes he wasn't over so soon. Meiko is impressed with Miwa or so she tells him... because... not only can he talk his way through anything, he can manipulate cards. Miwa looks shocked that she caught on to what he was up to. Yuu and Miki are on the beach. Miki's scared. She knows she shouldn't have tried Kimodameshi. She pinches the side of Yuu's shirt for comfort as she looks fearfully around in the dark. Yuu thinks she's a cute wimp and he grabs her wrist to pull her up closer to where he is. Miki grabs her arm away from him. Yuu is surprised by her behavior. He accuses her again of holding a grudge. She repeats that she isn't and that he thinks "everything's about him". Miki realizes fearfully that she's said too much! Yuu tells her "fine" and walks away from her. Miki watches him leaving her and can't stand it. She calls out to him as she runs to catch up. She puts her hands up on his shoulders from behind and sadly tells him that she was afraid of being hurt again. That he would say "It has nothing to do with you" again. So she thought she should stay away from him. She reminds him that he didn't tell her about Miwa, about wanting to be an architect, or anything. Yuu turns around holding Miki in a circle of his arms and admit's that he knew she was worried and that he was hiding. He felt that if she knew the truth, she's worry more. But holding back the truth is keeping her apart from him and he doesn't want that. Definitely! So, he'll tell her everything. Yuu struggles as he trys to tell her the truth. "Matsuura Youji is not my father." A stunned Miki looks on as Yuu explains that before his mother was married she had a lover. Yuu's real father is Miwa...Miwa Yoshimitsu! _________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #24 (KD) Miki remembers Yuu's words Later while watching TV with the parents, Miki can't help but stare at Chiyako and think about Yuu's relationship with Miwa-san, and his real parents. Yuu calls her aside and gives her a bad time about being so transparent. At school Miwa confides the story about Yuu's background to Miki. It went something like this...Chiyako used to work for Miwa-san's father's firm. They had an affair. At the time Miwa's father was married to Miwa's mother. When Miwa-san was born it was a new start for his parents. Chiyako and Miwa-san's father broke up. Chiyako married Matsuura who she knew since college and then had Yuu. Matsuura knew she was pregnant when he married her. Miwa-san found out about the situation when he accidentally found his mother's diary. He was in 9th grade at the time. Yuu found out when he was in 6th grade. Miwa tells Miki that he was really excited about having a brother so he decided to trace him down. It wasn't hard since there was a resume for Chiyako in his father's office. Miwa went to Yuu's junior high just to see what Yuu was like but he didn't contact him because he wasn't sure if Yuu knew who he was. Miwa and Miki agree that Yuu is sensitive and that they're both worried about him. Miwa suggests that Miki support him. Miwa decides that he'll support Meiko and that Miki should back him up. Miki tells him that's another story. (Grin) Meiko and Miki are walking up to the school. Miki mentions that because of summer vacation, it's been a while since they've seen their friends. But Miki is glad that Meiko helped her to have a fun summer vacation (because of the trip). Inside the school building Miki and Meiko hear quite a commotion. It's because of Ginta. If he wins one more tennis match, he go to the Inter-regionals. Miki comes up to Ginta innocently and says "I didn't know you won all you summer matches, I thought you lost already". This just kills Ginta, who wants to know what tennis club she's in anyway. Miki laughs and tells him that she knew all along that she was just teasing him; that she and Meiko will be there to watch him compete for that last win (after school that day). Meiko is in the classroom doorway when she hears a voice ask if that guy (Ginta) is really that good. Meiko answers that he's the junior class ace. She turns around and finds Miwa. He follows her right into the classroom and parks himself nearby her. She makes a threatening move at him. He jumps up and says "I know, I know...stay at least 2 meters away!" Miwa sitting two desks away starts his flirting procedure by asking her about her hair. Meiko only puts up with his questions for a short time before irritably commenting that she hates men with long hair, and leaves him sitting there...with the rest of the class stunned that she said it. Miwa has longish hair. Meiko goes to her beloved library and remembers Sensei. She remembers when she first got her hair permed and how he had commented that she was even prettier. Suddenly her name rings out "AKIZUKI"! It's Miwa from outside the library window. Meiko is startled to find out that his hair is missing. Miwa tells her that he ditched class and had his hair done. A terribly upset Meiko tells him that she's sorry she said it & that she didn't think he'd do something like that! Miwa grins and turns his head he actually has it in a rubber band. "Just Kidding!" Meiko's head hit's the window sill. Miwa teases her about getting so upset about it. A fed up Meiko asks him WHY he always teases her. She reminds him that there are a lot of other girls around and to leave her alone. He's not serious. Suddenly Miwa is very straight and to the point. He tells her that he is serious...it's just that he can't help it. The more important things are the more he gets this way. He can't say what he feels straight out because he gets embarrassed. Meiko honestly tells him that she just can't take it because she's still in love with Sensei. She goes on by saying that she was clearly rejected and perhaps Miwa thinks she's persistent but... Miwa joins in "You sure are...but so am I". He walks away from her with the words..."Please take care of me". Miki finds Yuu staring out a window (at school) and asks him if he wants to come cheer Ginta on at the tennis match after school. A solemn Yuu tells her that he has other plans. Miki asks him if he means Miwa Yoshimitsu. Yuu makes a noise in the affirmative and wonders what he would say if he tells him that he's his son. Yuu admit's to being tense. Later Ginta is looking forward to Miki being at the match but tears roll down her eyes as she tells him she can't come. Ginta guesses that it has to do with Matsuura. Miki tells Ginta that's she's worried about Yuu and can't leave him alone. ________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #25 (KD) Miki hands her voice memo (the robot) to friends at school and asks them to give it to Meiko...the message is that she's going with Yuu and she'll explain later. She then catches up with Miwa and Yuu and asks them to let her go too. Miwa Yoshimitsu tells them that he was told that Yuu wanted a tour of the office but that he wasn't expecting to hear this. There's been a misunderstanding he's not Matsuura-kun's father. Miwa irritably tells him that it's not pretty and not to pretend that he doesn't know. Yoshimitsu tells him that it's impossible...that Chiyako (Yuu's mom) and he did not have that kind of relationship. Miwa's father admit's to being confused and ask the guys what made them think that he was. Miwa relates how when he was in 9th grade he accidentally came across his mother's old diary. In it, he learned that his father was having an affair with Chiyako, that she married someone else, then had HIS baby. Yoshimitsu was surprised that she (Miwa's mother) thought that, he knew that she suspected he and Chiyako but he didn't know it went that far. Miwa asks his father if his mother didn't believe him about not having an affair with Chiyako. Yoshimitsu admit's that he didn't try to convince her....because it camouflaged his other affairs. The older man then asks Yuu what made him think that he was his father. Yuu tells him about a letter he found from his grandmother to his father. The contents went something like this: "Can you continue to be happy with a woman who has a baby by another man. Can you continue to love that wife and baby. I won't say anymore. I'm just worried about you". Yoshimitsu ask Yuu if the letter said that the father of the baby was him. Yuu confirms but admit's that he's not sure that she knew for sure. Yoshimitsu suggests that Yuu ask his family about it. An emotional Yuu fears that it will change his relationship with them (probably making him feel like an outsider.). He tells Miwa Yoshimitsu that he won't do it. The grandmother is dead so he can't ask her. Riddled with pain Yuu tells the man he'd believed was his father for so long that it's strange that he didn't have an affair with his mother yet everyone thought so. "IT HAS TO BE YOU!" he yells. "It really wasn't me", the man tells him. He goes on to explain that he really liked her but that Chiyako turned him down. Besides she had had a boyfriend since college and that that man is probably Yuu's father. Miwa, Miki, and Yuu are walking together after leaving from the meeting with Miwa's father. Miwa wonders why his mother doesn't leave that jerk. Even now, he must have 2 or 3 women on the side. Yuu mentions that he smells salt water. Miwa tells him that the ocean is not too far away. Yuu asks Miwa to please take Miki home for him, he'd like to take a walk. Yuu walks away. Miwa calls out to him, "Yuu! I thought it would be interesting to have a brother like you!" Yuu turns and smiles "I didn't want a brother like you....bye." Miwa tells Miki that he feels sorry for Yuu....but, he thinks Yuu's ok because he's still able to tease him. Miki excuses herself from Miwa. She tells him that she can't leave Yuu alone. Miwa understands. At the beach, Miki watches Yuu from above as he sit's on the beach. When an hour is up, Miki trys to convince Yuu to come home with her....especially since the ocean breeze is getting very cold and she worried that he'll get sick. Yuu quietly comments that he "just noticed" the cold. He turns and asks her "if she'll warm him up". He grabs her wrist and pulls her down to him and leans his head against her chest. Miki's not sure if he's being fresh or what, "Wait Yuu!" Then from the rise and fall of his body, she can see that Yuu is crying. "Shit, I thought he was my father all this time." Moved by compassion and love Miki holds him in her arms for a long time. Walking along the beach, Yuu talks about how he felt as though he should have never been born when he found out about his birth. He told her about not wanting to talk or see his parents. But then, after a long time thinking about it he began to appreciate his mother for giving him birth and the father that raised him. Yuu expresses sorrow that he thought Miwa Yoshimitsu was his father and that Satoshi was his brother...for so long. "What a fool I am. I wonder where my real father is." Miki tells him that that's not important, it's doesn't matter where his father is. Even though they're not really related, and even if they're strange Papa, Youji, Momma, she and Chiyako, all really love him...and that they're an important family. Yuu agrees that that's true. Yuu continues his story by saying that when he found out that his father and mother were going to exchange partners, he was shocked...but he was used to being shocked. He couldn't understand how they could go through so much together and then change partners so easily. But he apparently was used to being shocked...so he pretended not to care. No, he decides, "I really felt that way". Yuu turns and smiles at her..."But you were so different". When we first met... Yuu reminds of what she said to the parents then goes on to say "Crying like a baby, you opposed them. Unlike me, your very pure and honest. You give everything your all." A pouty Miki returns "You mean I'm uncomplicated". Yuu smiles gently knocks her for a loop with "It's why...I love you". A stunned Miki can only ask "Really?" Yuu reminds her that he told her that before (See MB #3). He had to kiss her when he saw her sleeping face. But Miki didn't believe him when he originally told her. (At that time she slapped him because she thought he was teasing her as usual, and a first kiss isn't something to tease about!) Miki asks "You mean you were telling the truth?" Yuu starts to walk away when Miki tells him that she loves him too. Yuu turns, lowers his head and calls her an idiot. Miki is taken aback by that comment. Yuu tells her that she's only saying that because of the situation that in the same situation she'd say the same thing to Suou (Ginta). Like in front of the gate...it looked like she liked him (Ginta) quite a bit. Miki tells Yuu that he's wrong, that she really is (in love with him). When she found out about Na-chan and Meiko, it felt like Na-chan was stealing her friend away - that the most important person to Meiko was Na- chan, not her. And then she realized that Ginta was a friend like Meiko and that she didn't want to lose her friend. "But...you're different..." "You're the one that makes my heart pound. .....Only you. Miki and Yuu look into each others eyes for a long time. Yuu steps up to Miki and puts his finger up to her lips and notices outloud that her lips are turning blue, that she's cold because of him. He tells her he's sorry. Miki and Yuu continue to look at each other. They mutually kiss each other...a long gentle kiss (Long kisses are kind of unusual for Japanese anime's as far as I can tell.) with the sun setting in the background and the waves rolling in. Bruce: The dialog between Miki and Yuu on the beach gives a perfect example of the three words used for "love" in Japanese. Usually a couple will use "suki" (pronounced "ski"). This word can mean either "like" or "love". This is what Miki and Yuu usually use later in the series (though they often say "daisuki" which means "BIG like/love"). When Yuu is feeling alone, Miki tells him that everyone in the family loves him. She uses the word "ai" which means that you love someone and you know that they also love you back. (In Video Girl Ai, Yota uses this word to Ai and she gets REALLY made as it implies that she loves him too and of course, Video Girls aren't supposed to be able to fall in love.) After he tells her that she'd be saying the same thing to Ginta, and he implies that he was joking when he said he loved her, she uses the word "koi" for love when she is insisting that she does love him. This word means that you love someone, but you are NOT sure whether or not they love you in return - and exactly presents her feelings at the moment. ________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #26 Guess which two characters have a fever the next morning? The mothers can't figure out what the two were doing on the beach without enough clothing on. On the way back to their rooms (to sleep it off), Miki wonders if it was real, it seems like some kind of dream...but, the sound of the waves and Yuu's cold, dry lips, she remembers well. Before leaving her at her room, Yuu leans over and leans his face against her head. (Miki's expression is priceless). In bed Miki realizes that it wasn't a dream. Yuu told her he loves her and she told him she loves him. They're a couple...Miki felt such a rush that she decided her temperature was rising! The next day, the two are in the kitchen and ready for school. Miki asks Yuu if he wants scrambled eggs (she was going to make fried eggs but they broke). Yuu tells her that she doesn't look like someone who's had a fever. Miki gets very cute and says that because she's trains in sports, a good nights sleep is all she needs. Yuu returns the tone with the comment that oh, she's so strong, he's delicate so he still has a bit of a fever. Miki gets a sour look and asks him if there's something wrong with being strong! Yuu teases her about her cooking being something even kindergarten kids could make but relents and tells her it's good anyway. Miki can only think that the morning view is the same, but she's really glad about it. At school, Meiko graduates Miki on her and Yuu getting together and asks her if she's told Ginta yet. Miki tells her best friend that she's going to and that Yuu will be talking to Arimi. On a bench on the tennis courts, Miki and Ginta sit talking. Ginta bemoans the fact that if he had just been honest with her when they were in 8th grade, the two of them would be together now. But then, Ginta realizes outloud, Matsuura would have stolen her anyway (or as it was actually said in Japanese...he would have stolen her "from the side"). Suddenly Ginta gets angry and tells Miki that if Matsuura ever makes her cry, to let him know, HE'LL KICK HIS ASS! (excuse me, but that's what he said) Yuu and Arimi are at a coffee house. Arimi congratulates him on making a confession. (Confessions in Japan don't mean anyone's going to prison...the word is used to signify telling someone that you love them. I didn't use this for the anime translation because of the difference in American and Japanese connotations.) Arimi tells him that he's finally a human with REAL feelings. She tells him that she's glad but that she's sorry that she's not the one in his life. Miki and Yuu are in uniform walking to school in the morning. Miki smiles sweetly and slips her hand into Yuu's. Yuu smiles and tells her he's been thinking about what they should do. Should they tell their parents? Miki suggests that they keep it a secret...she feels sorta shy about it. Yuu agrees that it would probably be a good idea because the parents would probably tease them....and besides it could be really fun trying to keep it from them. He reminds her that her face shows everything, can she keep it a secret? Miki tells him she doesn't know. Yuu jokes and says "It's your idea". Meiko is in the library with Miwa in hot pursuit. He wants to know if she'll have some free time on Sunday. She tells him "No" that she has a paper due for the literary club and doesn't have enough information to write it. An excited Miwa, offer to help by helping do research all over Tokyo. She refuses and says she doesn't need any help. But she turns around and sees Miwa looking so downcast (or pretending to be downcast, I'm not sure which with Miwa-san) that she tells him that maybe she'll have enough time to have a cup of tea with him. Miwa then makes the mistake of putting his hands on her shoulders and suavely saying "I'm glad you've finally seen my charm"....this awards him with her books slammed into his head. Meiko storms out of the library with Miwa calling out that he was just kidding! At Chiyako's work, the new model, Sakuma Suzu, is being shown around. On Chiyako's desk, the young teen notices Yuu photo. At home, Yuu knocks on Miki's door. He tells her that his mom just called and she wants them to join her at a French restaurant to celebrate her new line (of cosmetics). At the restaurant, Miki is reminded that this is the same restaurant where they all met for the first time. Jin remembers that that was when Miki was really "pissed off". Miki doesn't want to be reminded of that. As the parents joke around, Miki can't help but think that they all seem to love each other so much...but that they all loved someone else before. And Chiyako had a boyfriend that she must have loved as well. She wonders if this is normal. She wonders to herself if she'll love someone else after Yuu. (Yuu, turns and smiles beautifully at her) She continues her thoughts: I don't know what the future holds, but I want to love Yuu forever. I want him to feel the same. To do that, I'll try to be a good girlfriend. The group stands outside the restaurant. The parents tell the two that it's adults only time...they're going to go get drunk. The teens make some sour noises at the parents, who, of course, are completely oblivious. Yuu tells Miki that they're alone and that's ok and why don't they take a walk. Yuu and Miki are sitting on a park bench. Miki points out a Orion Yuu reminds her that Orion is "a winter constellation". Miki realizes she goofed. Miki then remembers...She pulls out her Toryo medallion and suggests that they exchange them when they get home. Yuu replies "For the sake of our future happiness together...is this what you mean?" Yuu has his medallion with him as well. Miki is stunned that he brought his too and suggests that the reason they both did is because their hearts are both one now. Miki and Yuu are looking through a photo album of their recent photos trying to figure out which ones are best. (Mika suggests that she thinks they're trying to pick new photos for their medallions). The mothers, who have just arrived home from their jobs, interrupt the two. Rumi suggests that Chiyako tell them her big news. Chiyako asks Yuu how he'd like to be a model for their upcoming commercial. Yuu is taken aback and says but you already have a model. Chiyako explains that they have a model but not a co-model. Yuu tells her he doesn't want to go into showbiz. Chiyako tells him it not a big deal, it's a one time only. Rumi encourages him to take it and asks Miki what she thinks. Miki gets excited about Yuu doing a commercial and tells him to do it. An exasperated Yuu says "Whatever you say". When the 3 women start squealing with glee he yells "I haven't REALLY agreed!". The mother gloat. Rumi says she always thought Yuu shouldn't waste his good looks. Chiyako adds that it's a dream come true to have her son advertise her products. Miki asks Chiyako who the co-model is. Chiyako pulls out a magazine with Sakuma Suzu on the cover and gushes over how popular and pretty she is. ________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #27 Miki and Yuu are walking to school. Miki asks Yuu if he's going to the studio after school. Yuu tells her that he has a camera test...he's hoping that they'll decide they can't use him because he's an amateur. He accuses her of it being her fault he's stuck in this position because she wanted him to do it. But Miki can only think that that's BEFORE she knew that who was going to be his co-model. She grabs onto his arm to stop him a minute and asks him if he'll get involved with Sakuma Suzu. Yuu grins and teasingly tells her "that he won't do it". Miki grins. The two are close to the school (walking to school still) when Ginta sees them. For a second he's disturbed by the sight, then pulls himself together, runs up and slaps both of them on the back with a loud "Good Morning!" Once they get over the shock they return the greeting. Miki notices that Ginta took his tennis racket home with him. Ginta tells her that the strings were lose and that he wanted to fix it before the practice (that day at Sagaki Academy). He tells her that today's practices is only a warm-up for him. Miki teases him that he's been cocky ever since the inter-regionals and that that can be detrimental to his game. Yuu agrees and reminds him that Tsutomu may be fired up and ready for him. Their senses of humors aroused the three turn and point "GINTA, I CHALLENGE YOU!!!" "GINTA, I CHALLENGE YOU!!!" rings out at Sagaki. Tsutomu tells Ginta that his guard was down before but that now he's a brand new Tsutomu. His new slogan is "I'm going to beat Ginta!". Ginta manages to sneak away from the ever-loud Tsutomu to get some peace and quiet. Arimi finds him and the two decide to talk about their previous romances. Ginta tells Arimi that he's feeling much better since Miki and Yuu became a couple. Before that, he wanted Miki so badly and was so jealous of Yuu that he could hardly breathe. He found that now he's found that he was able to give up and he feels that Miki and he can still be good friends. Arimi agree that he probably can and adds that she's not jealous of Miki either. But, she can't get over the fact that, even though she told Yuu that she loved him, that he didn't love her into return. Ginta upon seeing Arimi's forlorn face, finds to his utter shock that his arm is edging it's way around Arimi. Just as his hand begins to settle on Arimi's shoulder, a loud voice rings out. It's Tsutomu yelling "GINTA!!! Miki follows yelling the Ginta's time is up (at the courts). A fight ensues between the cousins (Ginta and Tsutomu) over Ginta being near Arimi. Arimi leaves because her coach is waiting for her. Ginta can't help but mention to Tsutomu that it looks like she really hates him because she's so COLD towards him. Tsutomu disagrees vehemently. He says she's just trying to "protect his feelings". Ginta and Miki look doubtful. Tsutomu tells the two that Arimi's been pushing him away since grade school. He's tried to give her up but every time he tried, she'd smile at him as a friend, he'd have the same old problem. He'd like to quit but she's SOOOO CUTE! Miki and Ginta walk away from Tsutomu thoroughly disgusted. As Miki and Ginta are passing by the track, they notice Arimi is being timed while she's racing. Miki mentions that she's fast. Ginta can't take his eyes off of the running girl. Miki gets cute and asks Ginta if he's drooling over her. Ginta gets defensive No, it's just that... He thinks to himself that Arimi's smile is so fragile and realizes he can't get her out of his mind. Of course Miki didn't hear him think that so she pursues her thought...It's just that...what? Ginta clobbers her on the head. Miki and Ginta playfully give each other a bad time. At home Miki and Yuu talk about the developments between Ginta and Arimi. Yuu asks Miki if she's sad about Ginta falling for Arimi. Miki honestly tells him it's surprising but that she's not. She goes on to tell him that she thinks it's because he (Yuu) told her he loves her. Now if Meiko finds someone to love again, she (Miki) won't be alone. Yuu pulls her close to him. Miki thinks about the fact that since he confessed his love for her, he's had a gentle honesty about him, he likes to touch her. Of course, she thinks, she doesn't really mind. It's so comfortable next to his warm body. Yuu suddenly grabs her cheek and pulls. Miki, continues her thoughts "But he still teases me". Miki pulls away and raises her hand to clobber him, but Yuu grabs it mid swing and gives her a look that melts all previous thoughts. The two kiss. At school Meiko is surprised to hear Miki say that she scared about Yuu working with Suzu, who's so cute. Meiko assures her that Yuu isn't that kind of guy and though Arimi-san is really cute, Yuu chose Miki instead. Miki agrees that Yuu isn't like that and that the problem is that she has too much time to think about such things. On the way home from school the girls talk about feelings and relationships. Meiko tells Miki the reason she doesn't want to get married is because she's afraid if she falls in love and then changes her mind, then her child will feel like she does. (This is in reference to the horrible relationship her parents have with each other and with her.) At the studio where Yuu is working, Suzu-chan run up and hugs him. _______________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #28 (KD) Miki is very depressed. Even though she and Yuu are a couple, they rarely get to be with each other. Between school and his two part-time jobs..there's no time left over. She's afraid they'll grow apart. To make things worse, when she gets downstairs before school, Yuu has already left for school without her (because of the weekly classroom cleanup duty). Then, when she gets to school Yuu is laughing with some guys and doesn't even notice her. And, it gets worse. Her friends call her over to see the latest issue of Seventeen magazine that features Sakuma Suzu! Miki can't help but think that ANY guy with a girl that cute near him couldn't help but be attracted to her. Miki and Meiko are discussing Miki's fears (at one of the school tables) when Ginta yells for Miki. He runs up and asks her to runs over to the sports clothing store to pick up the club sweatshirts (that have just come in). Ginta wants to distribute them to club members before the end of practice. While out, the two see Arimi come out of a coffee shop...followed by Murai. Miki recalls that he's one of the 3 handsome seniors that are part of Arimi-san's fan club. Ginta puts up a big front that he's really happy for Arimi and that now she'll recover from being in love with Matsuura. Miki notes to herself that Ginta doesn't have a very good poker face. Ginta thinks about Arimi on the way home. He knows he hasn't been able to get her off his mind. But Arimi knows too how much he was in love with Miki, for him to change his feelings so fast would probably make her look at him with scorn ("scorn" is not my favorite choice of words but you get the picture). Ginta decides it would be best if he didn't see her and just forget about it. At home, Miki is checking the love checker using Suzu's and Yuu's birthday. The affinity is too high! Miki then remembers that the love checker gave a 100% affinity for Yuu and Miwa-san! Miki suddenly hears Yuu return. He's back early. Miki runs up and throws her arms around his neck. He tells her that his boss wanted to close early, and he (Yuu) wanted to come home and spend some time with her. Miki and Yuu are sitting on the couch. Yuu tells her that he has Sunday off and asks if she's like to spend some time with him. Miki suggests they go someplace refreshing. She thinks to herself that she's been a fool to think the things she's been thinking lately. The thought makes her giggle outloud. Yuu asks what's she giggling about. Miki, of course, doesn't want to tell him so she answers "Nothing at all". Yuu teasingly tells her she's lying and reaches over and starts tickling her. It doesn't take long, hearing her joyful giggling , Yuu gets that looks in his eyes. Miki stops cold turkey. They're about to kiss...when the parents come home and walk in on them. Miki is sprawled on the floor and Yuu is pretending innocence. On Sunday, the kids are at a park enjoying themselves. Finally, they relax on the grass to talk. Yuu tells although he went after architecture so that he could become closer to Miwa Yoshimitsu, who he thought was his father, he found that he really does like architecture. So he has no regrets. He's knows what he wants to do with his life and, in addition, he met Satoshi. Miki asks him if his trips and related to this. Yuu confirms it. Suddenly Miki has an idea...why not take her with him the next time he goes out of town. She adds that he can see whatever he needs to and then they can see the sights, have dinner, and if there's a hot springs that would be even better. Yuu seems somewhat shocked at her proposal and asks her if she realizes what a guy and a girl going on a trip together means. Miki realizes what he's trying to say and gets majorly embarrassed. He does too. She tells him that she meant it like a family trip. Yuu asks her again if she really wants to come. When Miki tells him she does, he tells her that he'll work extra to make enough money to bring her along. Miki vetoes that. She tells him she doesn't think that that's fair. Yuu reminds her that she doesn't have any savings and doesn't she want to depend on him? A look of determination spreads across Miki's face and flames surround her....Miki decides she's going to get a part-time job! Miki and Meiko are discussing things as usual on their way home from school. Meiko thought there was a snack shop somewhere near where they are walking, but instead the two come to a ice cream shop. Miki see a sign there saying "Help Wanted". Yuu hears a knock on the door. It's Miki. She has on a new outfit. Yuu asks her what the occasion is. Miki tells him it's her new ice cream server outfit and tells him it's cute isn't it. (Miki does a cute spin for him to see it all). Yuu mentions that the skirt is a bit short. A surprised Miki mentions that it's longer than her tennis skirt...but she wants to know if Yuu thinks it looks strange. Yuu tells her that it's cute and gives her the high sign to come over where he is and sit (between his legs). Miki comes over rather gingerly, not knowing what to expect. She sit's, Yuu grabs her and says "Now, I've gotcha". Miki smiles and tells him he's silly. At her new job, Miki's cheerful attitude impresses the manager of the store. When some of the ice cream runs out, Miki offers to go to the freezer to get more. Miki finds the ice cream she needs up on the top rack and to get there she must use a step ladder. She remembers Yuu telling her that her skirt is awfully short and thinks that it's ok to go up the ladder because no one is around. At the top of the ladder, Miki reaches for the favor they need out front, when someone walks in. It's a guy. Miki screams and falls, the guy breaks her fall. Miki gets off his lap, asks if he's all right and apologies. The manager calls her. Miki runs off to go back to work. The guy sees Miki's medallion on the ground. He keeps it. ______________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #29 (KD) Miki panics when she can't find her locket and she's afraid of what Yuu will say if she tells him. Outside her room, Miki sees Yuu dressed for the studio. She teasingly tells her that she needs to get his autograph before he becomes too famous. He teases her in return and irritates her. Rumi, Youji, and Jin give Chiyako and Yuu quite a send-off as mother and son leave for work...HURRAY! HURRAY! HURRAY! This embarrasses Yuu no end. At work, Miki looks through the floor boards of the freezer, determined that she'll find her locket. Kei and the manager find her in this embarrassing position. Working out front at the store, the manager introduces Miki to Tsuchiya Kei-kun and asks them to please work well together. Miki feels a little uncomfortable being around Kei after what happened when he saw up her skirt. But, considering that the guy is also a part-timer, she decides she'd better pull herself together. Miki trys to make a lot of small talk to which Kei barely answers. Finally Miki has had enough! She grabs Kei by the arm and yells at him that when talking to someone he should directly look at them. Kei stares at her in surprise for a minute then breaks out laughing at her. Through his laughter he tries to tell her that since what happened she's been feeling awkward...he'd been trying to keep a straight face about it! Miki watches him in amazement until in his mirth he accidentally causes him to lay his hand right on top of some ice cream. Now Miki's laughing too. Yuu is at the studio. The director gives Yuu a copy of the script and asks him to read it carefully. Chiyako get nervous. Yuu reads. His eyes get big. Yuu tells his mother he's going home! Chiyako whines that she's never ask him to do anything again. The parents joyfully eat some ice cream that Miki brought home from work. Rumi begs her to bring home more. Miki tells her that it's not like left over bakery goods, she had to buy it. The parents start banging their ice cream cups and saying "Stingy, stingy, stingy, stingy, stingy." Miki gives in. Rumi wonders what's taking Yuu and Chiyako so long to get back from the studio. Jin adds that he thinks the commercials only last 20 seconds. But Youji thinks it probably takes a lot longer to do the filming. When the group hears them return, they all go to greet them. Yuu seems somewhat irritable. Miki misinterprets Yuu behavior. She thinks perhaps she's losing Yuu to the new world of show business...and Suzu-chan. Miki is so worried she can't do anything right at work. The manager gives her the rest of the day off. When Miki gets home, she finds a message from Yuu on her robot memo - asking her if she's planned out the itinerary for their trip. Miki is relieved that he was thinking about her. Yuu and Miki stand out on the balcony to watch the stars together. Miki excitedly talks to Meiko about the trip with Yuu as they sit at one of the school tables. "Miki" rings out as Yuu calls to her as he's walking up. Meiko takes this as a cue to leave the two alone. Meiko is coming up to the library when Miwa comes out. He tells Meiko that the reason that they keep meeting each other is because they're in love. Meiko counters with "Who's in love with who?". Miwa teasingly tells her to tell him how she really feels. Miwa tells her that he saw her article in "Up Daikaron". Meiko wants to know what he thought of it. Miwa admit's that he's never seen anything like it. When Meiko starts to leave, he adds that it was good, it's just that he didn't know how to critique it. He continues by encouraging her to write the story of her experiences. It would help clear her heart. Miwa assures her that she can do it and that he'll want to read it. Miwa leaves a very serious-looking Meiko. Over-looking this scene is Yuu and Miki, who are hiding in the bushes just watching the other two. Yuu tells Miki that Meiko had a very serious look on her face as she says goodbye to Miwa...maybe there's something in their future. Miki disagrees. She tells him the Meiko is only thinking of Na-chan. Yuu asks her if she wants to make a bet on that. Miki feels she can't bet on her best friend's feelings. Yuu tells her that's what her loves about her...how she's cares about her friends. At the video studio, the participants celebrate the end of filming. The director tells everyone that he had a good time working on the project adding that Suzu-chan worked much harder than expected. He asks Yuu if he'd like to continue in this line of business. Yuu almost chokes. He tells the director that this was his first and LAST time. The direct tells him that he regrets to lose his talent. As Chiyako and Yuu are walking away from the studio, Suzu-chan comes up thank Yuu and kisses him on the cheek and adds the word "Later?". Yuu gives her a cute "Bye" and adds to himself "Later...I don't think so". At Bobson's, Miki tells Kei about losing her locket and asks if he's seen it. Kei tells her he hasn't. Miki is very upset. ________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #30 (KD) Sorry....Sorry....Sorry!!!! I'm NOT saying a word about this episode until I release it! Well....except this. It's one of the funniest episodes of the first season and I don't want to spoil it. The other one that I consider among the funniest is MB #20 (the marathon race between Miki and Miwa-san). ___________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #31 (KD) Miki is writing to Meiko about the upcoming school festival. She shares that her club (tennis) will be running the oden stand like they do every year. And since Meiko needs to finish writing for her club (literature) they should both just do their best. Miki is really worried about Yuu and Suzu-chan especially now that Yuu is privately tutoring her. At her job, Miki works hard to try to block thinking of Yuu and Suzu out of her mind. Ginta arrives early at Arimi's school early to invite her to come to the upcoming Toryo school festival. She accepts. Miwa and Suzu are together while Miwa practices on his electric guitar. The band he's in will be having a concert at the Toryo festival. Suzu talks Miwa into having Yuu sing. He's so pretty, he'll draw a larger audience. Yuu gets niftily pulled into singing by Miwa, whose talent for talking anyone into anything is no less over the phone. Yuu leaves his room after this arrangement has been made to find Miki also in the hall. He tells her what has occurred...that he'll be singing for the band during the Toryo festival. Miki hardly responds...which surprises him. This is HARDLY like Miki. But, you see, Miki's mind is on Suzu. She asks Yuu if he thinks Suzu is cute. Yuu smiles and tells her "yes" and smiles. Miki walks towards the stairs. Yuu runs ahead of her, turns and says that Suzu is really cute. Miki tells him not to say anymore. Yuu still grinning says..."like a little sister". In the morning Miki finds the voice memo on her door. Yuu message to her is that he knows she's busy with her part-time job and getting ready for the Fall tennis tournament as well as getting ready for the upcoming school festival...but to take it easy. Miki figures she'll be just fine. After all, she needs to work hard to make money for their trip together. Miki is exhausted as she walks home from work that night. In the distance in front of her she sees Kei standing in front of a building. She calls out his name in recognition but he doesn't hear her. She comes up to the place he just entered and finds that it's a live house called "Lizard". Miki follows. Inside Kei is surprised when Miki talks to him. In fact, he jumps when he hears her voice. Other customers frown on her for speaking a bit too loud when they're listening to the music. So Miki sit's at Kei table so that she doesn't draw anymore attention. Kei can obviously see that Miki is enraptured by the music so he tells her to wait where she is. Miki is surprised by Kei walking over to the pianist. And even more surprised when Kei replaces him. What happens next is stunning. Kei plays the piano with the skill of a profession. Miki is very moved. Later, while walking away from the live house, Kei tells Miki that he wanted to show her his skill...the only thing he's really good at. But tells her sternly that he shouldn't have. He runs off. Miki calls after him...but doesn't get very far before she passes out on the sidewalk. Kei turns from the distance he's gotten to, sees her lying on the ground and runs back to her. Kei helps her up but Miki's head is dim so she doesn't really realize it but Kei also has her in a romantic embrace. Miki doesn't know...but Suzu does. Suzu saw it all from the car she's in nearby. _________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #32 (KD) Miki comes home after passing out...and collapses on her bed. Yuu asks the parents where Miki is and finds out from Chiyako that Miki isn't down watching her favorite t.v. show. A concerned Yuu knocks on the door and calls for Miki several times before the blurry-eyed girl shows up. Yuu asks her if she all right. She admit's that she passed out on the way home. Yuu reminds her that he told her that he would pay her way on their trip. But Miki won't hear of it beside she's enjoying her job. Miki then remembers to give Yuu a ticket to for oden at the stand where she'll be working during the festival. Yuu is taken aback...after all, he already has tickets for hot dogs, crepes, etc. Miki asks him if they're all from other girls. Of course they are. After all, he tells her, it would be weird if they came from other guys. A slightly miffed Miki turns and tells him he won't need hers then. Yuu grabs her arm as she's walking away and tells her that he'll go to her stand first. Miki glows. She walks up to him and hugs him. Yuu tells it that it's bad timing - the parents might come by. She tells him.."just for a minute". Yuu smiles and embraces her in return. Suzu drinks coffee and steams over Miki's behavior. How dare she do that when she has a boyfriend like Yuu. Suzu decides she'll never forgive her! At Bobson's, Kei tell Miki that he's wasting time worrying about her (probably because she's back working as hard as ever). Miki thanks him for helping her and tells him it wasn't a big deal. She explains that she doesn't have time to be anemic (as she called it) because of the tennis tournament and school festival. Kei says "school festival?" Miki invites him to come. In the oden stand area, Ginta and Chigusa are calling out for customers when Arimi shows up. Inside the parents are chit chatting with Kijima and eating oden. All are excited about Yuu's upcoming performance. At the Literary club stand, Meiko is handling out the Literary offering of her club. Ryouko-sensei comes by to tell her that she read Meiko's fantasy and that it was VERY good. She adds that she is looking forward to reading Meiko's future efforts. Yuu shows up at Miki's oden stand. He teases her by telling her that he thought she'd be wearing her tennis skirt. (He didn't say it, but I presume it's because it's a short little skirt). Suzu shows up at the stand too. She glares at Miki. The other workers at the stand notice Suzu and go fan-happy. Miki begins to feel more insecure about the pretty, young model. Kei shows up where they others are. The crowds inside are still excited about the famous Suzu being there. Kei, who is a master of well-directed comments. Says sternly and loud enough for the crowd to hear, that there is so much racket in there, that it can heard clear outside. The crowd instantly shuts up and disperses. Miki pulls Kei forward to introduce him to Yuu and Suzu. Yuu can't help putting in the digs on Miki...to tease her as usual. He tells Kei that she's such a brat, she probably makes his life miserable at work. Miki and Yuu play fight. Miki pounds in on the chest and Yuu laughs. Kei takes the opportunity to take a look at Yuu. Suzu reminds Miki that she should go show her friend, Kei, around the campus. She adds that Yuu'll be ok, she'll be with him. While going around campus with Kei, Kei asks her if she shouldn't be worried about Suzu-chan and adds that she's going to steal her boyfriend away. Miki jumps on it and nervously tells him that Suzu isn't that kind of a girl. Kei shrugs and tells her it up to her. Concert time comes up. Kei and Miki are in the wings waiting. Miki discovers that the keyboard player has an injured finger...he burned it at his stand while cooking. The band doesn't know what to do about the performance because there's a long keyboard solo. When Yuu, looks upset because he's practiced so hard. Miki remembers that Kei plays the piano. She tells them that Kei can do it. Kei is startled and gets a serious, brooding look on his face. The band and especially Miwa gets very excited. Kei tells them that he HASN'T agreed to do it. But when Miki says "please" and looks at him with emotion, he breaks down and agrees. Yuu sings before a packed audience. When the solo comes up the original keyboard players is amazed. He tells Miki, Meiko, Suzu, who are standing in the wings with him that what Kei is playing isn't even on the music. He tells them that Kei is improvising and that that takes real skill. At the end of the performance, Suzu takes flowers out to Yuu on stage. She stuns the audience by kissing him on the lips in front of everyone. ____________________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #33 (KD) Suzu fumes over what she thinks is Miki and Kei hugging and decides that she's got to do something about it. She tells Yuu but he doesn't believe her. Since Miki hasn't planned out an itinerary for their trip together, Yuu decides to meet Miki at her job and proceed with making there plans from there. Suzu comes to Bobson's to talk to Miki but it's Miki's day off. Suzu decides to talk to Kei instead. She asks him what his relationship is with Miki. Kei tosses her out of the store. But...he drops Miki/Yuu's medallion that he's been secretly holding on to. Suzu gets very suspicious. Miki is taking out the trash behind Bobson's when Kei shows up for work late. He tells her that Suzu had come the day before and asked what their relationship was. Miki laughs and says that Suzu is silly because there's nothing between them. Suddenly Kei grabs her up and embraces her. He tells her that he loves her. Miki is too stunned to move, Yuu arrives just in time to see her in another man's arm. He stumbles off. ___________________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #34 (KD) Suzu is fast at work to break up Miki and Yuu. She manages to maneuver all the players during a Halloween party at her house. She makes it look like Yuu was secretly going to her house for the party... without telling Miki. She gets Kei to play the piano by telling him that Miki-san will be disappointed if he's not there. Miki is invited at the last minute by Suzu. The way it all turns out is that an insecure Miki is looking anyone she might know in a room full of ultra famous people. She sees Suzu and is relieved...until she sees who she's dancing with - a smiling Yuu. Miki who is already afraid that she's losing him, is stunned. She notices Kei is playing the piano. This is the same brooding musician who said he'd never play again. She goes over to talk to him. He asks her why she's so nervous. Doesn't she think they all look like a lot of pumpkins? This makes Miki giggle as only Miki can. Suzu points out Miki to Yuu. All he can see is his girlfriend laughing with the guy he saw embracing her. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARMALADE BOY #35 (KD) There's a real set-up from two different sides in this episode. Kei wants Miki because he's lonely and unhappy. Suzu can't understand why gorgeous Yuu would want to have Miki as a girlfriend and works very hard to separate them. Between the two, who aren't even working with each other on this plan, they do end up succeeding in their goal. However to lighten the show, there's a fun section where Miwa takes a head-weary Meiko to an amusement place to take her mind off of writing. It's Meiko first time at a place like this. ________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #36 KD) Yuu leaves to go on "their" vacation without Miki. Miki orders Kei to give back the medallion. She tearfully tells him that she and Yuu had an argument and that they broke up. Kei tells her that he won't apologize. If what Kei said was all it took to shake up her boyfriend's feelings for her then their relationship wouldn't have lasted anyway. He tells her to choose him instead, that he would never make her cry. Miki shoves Kei away from her and takes off from the store, running through the streets. Arimi and Ginta are having a ball on a date. They're discussing Tsutomu and the fact that he "could" be hiding anywhere! Ginta's eye catches Miki as she runs past the restaurant where he and Arimi are. Shortly thereafter, Ginta has caught up and grabbed Miki by the arm. He wants to know what's wrong. She turns and Ginta can see the tears running down her face. She tells him she's sorry, but to leave her alone. Miki runs off. Arimi comes up to Ginta and asks him what the problem is. Ginta tells her that Miki told him to leave her alone. He wonders outloud if Matsuura is responsible. He'd noticed "something" wasn't right with them lately. Could it have anything to do with Suzu-chan? After all she kissed Matsuura at the school festival. At home, Miki is talking with Ginta on the phone. She thanks him for worrying about her. Ginta tells her that Arimi told him to tell her that Yuu doesn't always know how to talk to women but to trust him because Miki is the only one in his heart. Miki begins to realize that the problem was not Yuu but herself. She gets excited, forgets to hang up the phone, and runs to ask the mothers when Yuu is due home. At the train station, Miki and Yuu meet on the stairs. She tells him that she's had time to think and that she's realized that it was her jealousy that caused the problems. She lowers her head and puts out her hands cradling the medallion and begs him to take it back. Yuu smiles at her lovingly and takes the medallion. He tells her that he's sorry too because he left without her and because he realizes he was acting like a kid. A delighted Miki says Yuu's name. But another voice says his name right after she does. It's Kitahara Anju, Yuu childhood friend. Just before he came down the station stairs and met Miki, he bumped Anju and they talked for a bit. Yuu introduces Miki to "An" as the girl he told her about. ________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #37 (KD) Yuu spends more time with An than Miki. Yuu promises to make it up to Miki. This episode shows Yuu and An's childhood relationship. MARMALADE BOY #38 (KD) Another An episode. Will do more on this later. MARMALADE BOY #39 (KD) Anju episode. For these episodes with no description yet, it simply means that they're pending. MARMALADE BOY #40 (KD) This is the first half of the Christmas episode. MARMALADE BOY #41 (KD) The second half of the Christmas episode, begins with a tux clad Kei- kun addressing the audience by saying that the piece that he's about to perform was written for the girl he loves. It's a Christmas present for that girl. Miki, sitting at a front table, wonders where Yuu is. She wanted Yuu there to protect her from Kei's advances. Yuu meanwhile, got a call saying that Anju's in the hospital and he rushes off to be there for her. Kei's beautiful number captures the feelings between Ginta and Arimi who are out in the night together. In front of a fountain, they share a first kiss. It's what she asked for for Christmas. Ryouko-sensei arrives in Hiroshima with a present for Namura. She finally tells him her true feelings. He tells her that he's not fit for her because he hasn't been able to get over his feelings for Meiko yet. Meiko is in her room when she "feels" eyes on her...then a noise on the balcony. Meiko grabs a heavy book to clobber whoever it is. But it's Santa Claus...er...um....Miwa, in a Santa outfit. Needless to say, Meiko is rather stunned and asks him how he got there. On a sleigh, OF COURSE! Miwa explains to her that he got the use of the Santa suit for selling tickets to some place that dancing occurs. Meiko can't BELIEVE that the super wealthy Miwa-kun has a part-time job! Well then, Miwa can't believe it either. And by the way, Miwa brought a gift for her. A red dress. Meiko tells him she can't accept such an expensive gift. But then, Miwa has that covered. He kept two tickets for the two of them to go dancing. At the hospital, Yuu finds out that Anju's chances of survival are not good. Back at the LIZARD live house, Kei-kun discovers Miki calling from a pay phone. She thanks him for the beautiful musical composition that he wrote and performed for her and tells him it was far too beautiful for just her. He strongly points out that her boyfriend didn't show up and he figured that he was that kind of guy. Miki says a sharp goodbye but Kei grabs her wrist and asks her not to go. He embraces her, and tells her that he can face the future if she's with him. He begs her saying that he can't do it without her. Miki can't get lose from him without a bit struggle and she slaps him in the process and tells him not to be a baby. Then, she sweetens her tone and encourages him, telling him he had a rest and that he could do it now. She asks him to play again for her sometime and tells him to go back to school. Miki comes home to find the robot memo hanging from her door with a message from Yuu. Yuu tells her what has occurred with Anju. Miki arrives at the hospital in time to hear a distraught Yuu say that Anju helped him when he was younger and that it was his turn to help her. This, of course, implied a serious problem in his relationship with Miki. A heart-torn Miki thinks about this on her way home and arrive to flop lifelessly on her bed. Suzu shows up at the live house late, expecting to see Yuu and Miki there. But the place is closed, and the master there tells her she's too young anyway. Kei tells the master that she's a friend of his. Suzu is surprised when Kei plays the piano for her. But he explains it because they're both alone on Christmas eve. Anju comes around with Yuu by her side. She smiles and tells him she's much better. She tells him she's graduated from him and that's she going to get strong so she can find a boyfriend as nice a Miki-san's. Reminding him that Christmas is a night for lovers, she orders him to go home! He's delighted with this. Miki, zonked out fully clothed, on her bed, is startled out of a deep sleep as Yuu rushes into her room and grabs her hand. He wants her to come with him RIGHT NOW! Miki and Yuu run through the dark until they come to a grassy hill. Yuu gives her a present, one that he wanted to make sure was a special one. Miki gives Yuu the hand sewn look alikes of Yuu and herself. Yuu, of course, thinks he's much better than the doll. This makes Miki pout cutely. Miki and Yuu, arms around each other watch the sky change from dark to light. MARMALADE BOY #42 (KD) It's New Years Day. Our favorite characters go to the shrine to have fun and make wishes. Very cute episode. Miwa is up to his usual trying to convince Meiko that he's the one for her. Yuu is teasing Miki like always. He buys her an inexpensive ring and tells her she's easy to please. Ginta imagines Arimi as a wife cooking a meal for him. Suzu is plumb pissed. Everyone is ignoring her. Tsutomu gets fortune that says VERY Bad Luck after praying for a girlfriend 100 times prettier than Arimi...and that Ginta cry in jealousy over it. After that, no matter what he did, it was due to this fortune. He thinks maybe it's not so bad after all, when he accidentally meets a pretty and sweet girl name Yayoi-chan. But then...they parted without him getting her phone number, address, or name of her school! Suzu informs Yuu that her father wants to see him so he leaves the shrine to go talk to him. Suzu's father tells Yuu that if he is serious about architecture, he should go to school in New York and study the buildings there. Yuu is shocked. _________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #43 (KD) The gang (Miki, Yuu, Meiko, Miwa, Ginta, Arimi, Tsutomu, and Suzu) go on a ski trip. Tsutomu, like usual, is making challenges. Suzu is up to her tricks trying to keep Miki and Yuu separated. At the end of this episode Suzu discovers what the charm of Miki is which changes her whole attitude altogether. There's a lovely scene at the end, with the couples sleeping together in their bus seats. ________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #44 (KD) Yuu comes out of the bathroom and ask Miki what "he's" doing. He? Miki can't figure out what Yuu means. He tells her the guy that likes a "curiosity" like her. Miki is upset at being called a "curiosity" and asks him what about himself! He tells her sure that he's one too. Miki tells Yuu she hasn't seen Kei-kun since Christmas, that he quit his job. She remembers telling Kei not to be a baby and that he needed to pull his life around on his own. Miki wonders outloud if she was too hard on him. Yuu is in his worst teasing mood, "Uh-un, you broke the heart of a younger man." "A younger man?" she repeats. (Whoops the parents over- heard that.) Yuu decides to quietly tell them everything with Miki overlooking him doing it...in shock! Miki? A younger man? Played with the heart and body of a younger man? Then threw him away? The parents just love it. The Junior class is all abuzz when a Future Occupation Form is passed out. Each is thinking of their futures. But Miki realizes she's really never thought about it. Ginta wants to continue improving his tennis skills. So he wants to find a college with a good tennis club...or possibly join a private tennis club. After he graduates from college, he wants to be a high school teacher. Yuu wants be an architect. Furutachi-kun wants to go straight from the college broadcasting club into the business. Miki and Meiko are outside at one of the school tables. Miki asks her friend if she's going into writing. Meiko thinks she'd like to write in some form but not books...being an author takes a lot of skill and luck. Meiko doesn't feel she has the talent. Miwa shows up and teases her but also encourages her to write. At Bobson's, Miki is thinking about the fact that everyone else seems to have plans for themselves. In a years time, everyone will be going there own way. Even if they're in the Toryo college, everyone will have their own majors..so the same group won't be together. Someone comes in, it's Kei in uniform. He has gone back to school and is on his way to practice. Miki is surprised that he would have to go so late at night and is sad that it must be hard on him. Kei tells her that he went back into music because of her. He reminds her that on Christmas night she treated him like a child. But that it was very effective. He remembers thinking to be treated equally with her, he would have to work really hard. He tells her that when he becomes the man she would choose, he tell her what he thinks of her (make a confession). A shy Miki says "But..." . Kei finishes her sentence "But...'I already have Yuu' right? Is that what you wanted to say?" He calms her by telling her that he won't ask anything of her, just to let him love her. Kei leaves. Miki is delighted that he chose his direction on his own. Miki yells that she's going to find her own direction too. Two customers walk in and embarrass Miki who wasn't quite through screaming. Yuu is tutoring Suzu-chan. He remembers that Miki sent something for Suzu. It's photos of New Years and the ski trip. Suzu comes across a photo that reminds her of Miki's generosity over what happened during the ski trip. Suzu takes Miki's photo and puts it on her bulletin board. Suzu's father comes in and asks Yuu if he has a minute. Downstairs, Sakuma Riki asks Yuu if he's thought about going to New York. Yuu replies that he has. Riki tells him that to be an architect he doesn't have to limit himself by only studying in Japan. He goes on to tell him that his friends have told him that there's a good line drawing course at St. Andrews Academy. At home, Miki can't figure out what direction she wants to go. Then decides that she's limiting herself by trying to think of an occupation now that she'll just go to the same university as Yuu. But, she wonders, if she'll be able to pass the entrance exams. And, if she has a different major as him...what would going to the same college mean. Ok then, she decides, she'll become an architect. But...what all does an architect do. Well, he designs and builds houses and buildings. She realizes that one day Yuu will want to design his own house. Well one thing leads to another in her mind and Miki starts day-dreaming about she and Yuu being married and that they would live in the house that Yuu built. She's embarrassed over the thought when she hears Yuu come home. Yuu is in his room worrying about the reaction of Miki, Rumi and his mother about him going to America to study. There's a knock at the door. It's Miki. She asks him whether he's filled out Future Occupation Form. She has a very funny look on her face and she isn't acting quite normal either. Yuu wonders why. Meiko is in her room, she thinks about the words of Miwa earlier in the day as he encouraged her to write. She then remembers what happened when she last saw Na-chan, it realizes that since then she hasn't had the courage to write. The telephone rings. Meiko has won the Asahi Writing Competition. ________________________________________________________________ MARMALADE BOY #45 (KD) This episode deals with Meiko's new found fame, her Awards party, and dealing with a congratulatory note sent to the party by Namura Shinichi. Will do a complete synopsis, when the time, energy, and drive is available. MARMALADE BOY #46 (KD) Miki and Meiko, train ride their way to Hiroshima. Meiko confronts Namura on the beach and gets her heart broken. The maid tells Ryouko- sensei that Meiko has left home and asks for her help. Miwa tries to prevent her from going but finds that he must go with her. More on this when I'm able. MARMALADE BOY #47 (KD) Meiko is in a total emotional breakdown with only Miki to support her. Miwa and Ryouko-sensei are in for the shock of their lives when they see Meiko in that condition. Miwa ends up beating the crud out of Na-chan. Meiko accidentally takes a punch. Na-chan won't relent. Meiko's final words breaks him down. More on this later. MARMALADE BOY #48 (KD) Miki returns home from Hiroshima with souvenirs (food) but the family doesn't even know she's returned. They're too busy looking over all the chocolates that girls have given to Yuu for Valentines Day. Miki realizes that she's FORGOTTEN Valentines Day with all the confusion in Hiroshima. She doesn't have anything to give Yuu. She plans to hand make something for him but she goofs it up. The doorbell rings, it's Meiko. Meiko helps her make something for Yuu and then they sit down to talk. Miki learns the Meiko is engaged to be married to Na-chan. More later. MARMALADE BOY #49 (KD) This episode wraps up the feelings of Meiko and Miwa. Miwa is especially kind in this episode. Miki comes home to discover that the family is getting ready to board a foreign exchange student from New York. Miki is in shock...as usual, the family didn't tell her anything about it! More later. MARMALADE BOY #50 (KD) Michael Grant arrives. Miki thinks it's Yuu and runs out and hugs him. Miki trys very hard to speak English with him which Michael goes along with. But actually, Michael is fluent in Japanese because of samurai/ninja movies. Michael talks Miki into showing him around the city. He's wide-eyed and excited about everything. The "odd quad" takes an instant liking to Michael who's friendly and thinks that the group's remarriage and living together is innovative. Yuu remarks that Michael is like a little kid. Michael is surprised by his comment because his brother says that all the time to him. In the evening; Yuu, Michael, and Miki are in the room that Yuu and Michael share. Michael tells them about his school, St Andrews, and the night view of Manhattan. Miki thinks the whole thing is romantic. Michael tells her that she and Yuu should come see it, that he'll show them around. Miki tells him that she'll come, she'll definitely come. Michael makes them promise that they will with crossed finger. Yuu is feeling a little uncomfortable because, of course, he's already planning to go and hasn't told Miki. But he promises anyway. Miki tells the two that she's going to bed, she has to get up for tennis practice in the morning. Michael bids her good night and kisses her on the cheek. Miki stands in stunned disbelief. Yuu is flabbergasted. MARMALADE BOY #51 (KD) Another short comment... This episode is framed around Michael a great deal. He's always around and Miki can't find time alone with Yuu. She's desperate to talk to him. Miki accidentally discovers from Michael that Yuu is going to New York. MARMALADE BOY #52 (KD) Another of my favorite episodes. Miki is furious with Yuu. Miwa talks her into going to the senior prom with him. The mothers dolling Miki up and presenting her to the men is priceless. Miwa has "something" in mind. He maneuvers Miki back into Yuu arms. The night ends up with Yuu and Miki dancing in the moonlight outside of the senior prom . MARMALADE BOY #53 (KD) Miki and Yuu go away together to be alone before he leaves for America. Miki fully realizes to herself that considering their feelings for each other and that they won't see each other for a long time (a year and a half supposedly) that they may make "memories"...in other words, go beyond a kiss. But guess who decides to follow them....Michael! Michael ends up under foot constantly. But still, Miki and Yuu find a moment to share one of the most romantic kisses in anime history. Yuu leaves a tear-ridden Miki screaming out his name at the airport. He's off to New York. He'll be gone a year and a half. MARMALADE BOY #54 (KD) The story centers around Yuu in America. We meet Brian, Jinny Doris, and Bill. It's obvious from the beginning that Brian has a thing for Jinny. Jinny couldn't care less. Bill is Yuu's gentle roommate. Poor Yuu is led to believe, by Jinny, that Bill is gay...this worries Yuu no end. Jinny decides she likes Yuu right off the bat. In Japan, Miki is feeling lost and lonely without Yuu. She sit's in his trying to deal with her feelings of loss. Michael finds her in his/Yuu's room and decides to himself that it's up to him to take her mind off of Yuu. He talks her into going to a book store to pick out a reference book for him. In the bookstore, Miki is trying to pick out a reference book that will be simple enough for Michael to read. Michael, meanwhile, is giggling over something he's reading that's funny. Miki gives him a bad time about playing around. At this point Suzu shows up and shoots a picture of them. After all, Michael is "pretty". Michael wonders if he should thank her...since he's a man. Miki tells him that that would be better than nothing. Miki notes to herself that Suzu has NEVER said THAT about her (Miki). Suzu asks Michael to be her sensei...she explains that as part of her job as a model, she goes to foreign countries a lot. She figures that it would be a lot more fun, if she spoke English. Michael is excited because he planned on getting a part-time job anyway. In the evening, Miki trys the dialer for the first time and gets ahold of Yuu in New York. She's so shook, she can't help crying. Yuu asks her if she's crying. She denies it. He asks her if she's sure. She tells him she's not crying...even though anyone could hear it in her voice. He tells her that he's lonely being separated but that they would make it. Miki realizes that Yuu is lonely too that it's not only her and that he's having to start a new life alone besides. She tells him that she'll try hard, she'll try really hard! After the call, a cheerier Miki goes downstairs to have cake with Michael and the mothers. MARMALADE BOY #55 (KD) Another episode set mostly in New York. Jinny starts making her play for Yuu. Bill and Yuu are sitting at a park with a view of Manhattan. Jinny comes up and ask if she can sit with them. She asks Yuu what he thinks of her. Yuu is avoiding being stimulated by her legs and mini skirt. He tactfully tells her that he thinks she `s very charming. She returns by telling him that she thinks he's great too. She wants him to be her boy- friend. Yuu tells her "no" that he has a steady in Japan. Jinny asks him if it's a guy or a girl. Yuu is surprised and tells her "a girl of course" and that it wouldn't be any other way. Jinny, undaunted, asks him what her name is and how far he'd gone with her. Shock, shock, shock. Bill tells Jinny to stop teasing Yuu. She turns to Bill very seriously and tells him that she's not teasing, she just wants to know the truth. Pumping a stunned Yuu as much as possible, she finds out that they've kissed and that's it. She bluntly tells him that that's not a girlfriend...even children can kiss and she leans over to kiss him.......just as Brian and his friends walk by. Brian is furious! In the school building he and his friends corner Yuu. They tell him that he looks like a girl and other choice comments until Doris comes by and puts them in their place. Later, Jinny grabs ahold of Yuu outside of the school and trys to get him to go see an Arthur Crighton movie with her. The same one that she refused to go to with Brian. Brian overhears this conversation and gets furious with Jinny. He grabs her arm and hurts her. Yuu trys to protect her but this makes Brian all the more angry. He tells Yuu if he wants to talk to him, challenge him. Yuu and Brian end up in a basketball challenge, an unknown boy and Bill end up on Yuu's team. The problem is that Brian is tall and a basketball ace. Yuu teams wins on teamwork as well as Yuu's skill. Remember even from MB #1, Yuu is touted as "good at sports". Yuu is a perfect gentleman when he wins and Brian softens. Suzu is on a shoot but is giving a break for an interview. During the interview, she sees a portfolio on Kei. She finds out from the interviewer that Kei has won another prestigious music award. Miki is heartbroken because she hasn't been able to get ahold of Yuu. She doesn't know where he is and wasn't able to get a message to him. She thinks that maybe Michael could help her get through but then realizes Yuu would be in bed now. As she's thinking about this, the doorbell rings. It's Kei. A very stable Kei. He tells her that now he has the confidence to tell her how he feels about her (make a confession). He wants her to be HIS girlfriend. MARMALADE BOY #56 (KD) This is one that I've enjoyed a lot...um, which is true of almost all Marmalade Boy episodes. But, I'm particularly fond of humorous ones like this one. Kei meets Michael for the first time. It's instant stud conflict! Both are interested in Miki. Miki has only eyes for Yuu but both the guys know that a year and a half separation for two those will cause a jinx to that relationship. Both want to be right there to grab up Miki. Miki gets a new part-time job with Kijima's wife, Rei, and her brother, Akira. They have a import store at a fancy shopping center. Ryouko- sensei, and Kijima set her up for this job hoping that it will help her through her depression. MARMALADE BOY #57 (KD) This is a heavy duty Meiko episode. Her parents won't let her see Na-chan when he comes to see her from Hiroshima. Meiko sneaks out and meets with him. Kei invites Miki to go to his next concert competition. She trys to back out saying that she has to work that day. Rei doesn't want Miki to lose the opportunity of going to a concert and tells her loud enough for Kei to hear that she should go. She's stuck. Michael grabs the ticket out of her hand tells her that he'll go with her to Kei's concert(guess why). Suzu invites herself as well. Meiko starts writing again in this episode. MARMALADE BOY #58 (KD) Miki, Meiko, Michael, Suzu-chan, Ginta, Arimi, Tsutomu, and Yayoi-chan go to Kei-kun's concert competition. When Kei's turn comes to perform it's announced that he will be performing an original piece called "For You". Before Kei starts his performance, some men in the audience are overheard saying that he should be doing a classical number because he'd be more likely to win. One adds that it's too bad because with Tsuchiya Kei's talent he should be the winner. Miki realizes that Kei's choice of pieces is for her. During the performance, Miki is moved and Michael can feel himself hating Kei more and more. Kei receives a standing ovation and wins another competition. As he receives his trophy, he looks into the balcony of the massive audience to stare at Miki with an open heart. Miki realizes he's singled her out of the crowd. Meanwhile Akira and Ryouko have been manning a busy K's coop by themselves. When the rush of customers have been taken care of and left Akira trys to ask Ryouko out for a drive on Sunday...anywhere she'd like to go. Ryouko declines. He asks her if she has someone. She tells him no but that she just parted from someone. After the competition, Miki and her group are walking. Meiko mentions that Kei's confession of love (meaning his performance) was spectacular. She goes on to remark how changed he is. He's an adult and a man now. Miki gets irritated with Meiko for saying that it's not unusual for Miki to be "captivated" under the circumstances. Miki walks away from the group by herself. Miki thinks to herself that she's misses Yuu and she's lonely for him. The kids in the group notice that Miki is suffering a lot. Arimi runs after Miki and asks her how Yuu is. Miki tells her that they can't talk every day but that the last time she talked to him, he was fine. Arimi asked how long it's been since she talked to him. Miki tells her about 5 days. Arimi is stunned that Yuu would make her wait so long. The girls in the group (Arimi, Meiko, Yayoi, Suzu) try to cheer her up by pulling up an incantation on Arimi's jet memo. Miki makes a wish, "I wish... Yuu would call me. I wish Yuu would call me. I wish Yuu would call me." She pushes a button on the jet memo and here's her incantation "Umau Petsu Yuda Popa". Miki repeats it over and over. Meanwhile Ginta and Tsutomu are lying on the lawn nearby wondering what the girls see in all this stuff. Men just don't understand these things. Tsutomu turns to confirm these thoughts with Michael but Michael has left to walk by himself. Michael just can't get Kei's performance and Miki's reaction off his mind. Even after he gets home, he can't help but feel depressed. Miki is in her bedroom staring at the phone...waiting, hoping. Finally, she trys her "personal" incantation "Umau Petsu Yuda Popa" over and over. The phone rings "it's Yuu". Miki is so excited the first thing she tells Yuu is that it WORKED! Shortly, Miki opens the door to her room and startles Michael who is outside in the hall. She tells him that his brother, Brian, is on the phone and wants to talk to him. Miki closes her door and goes back into her room. The phone conversation starts with Michael saying "I'm fine, and you?" "Not too good" Brian tells him. "Jinny..." Miki is at her desk thinking that she's just got to tell Arimi and the others that the incantation worked. Michael throws open her door. He walks over and lifts her out of her chair and kisses her very hard and long. He apologizes and tells that he wants her to think of him as a man and not as a younger brother. He tells her to stop caring for Yuu, he's not worth it. He made a girlfriend right after he got "over there". l Miki stands in her room in complete shock. MARMALADE BOY #59 (KD) Miki vividly remembers Michael's voice of doom after he kissed her in the previous episode. She can't figure out what made him say that so suddenly. She decides it can't be true. Miki trys to call Yuu but gets the answering machine. Yuu and Bill stand looking at the view of the city and Brooklyn bridge. Bill advises him that there's a good view of downtown from the bridge. Does Yuu want to see it? "Of course!" On the way there, Yuu spots someone he recognizes. It's An. He yells her name and runs to catch up to where she is. After some small talk between the two, Bill catches up and introduces himself. "I'm William Matheson, call me `Bill'." Yuu wants to know why she's there. An tells him that after a successful surgery, they're renting a home while she's healing. Every Friday, she and her mother travel from Boston to New York for violin lessons. The round trip is difficult so they spend the night in New York. Bill suggests that out in the crowds isn't really a good place to talk why don't they (all) go to a coffee shop. Yuu agrees but Anju declines telling them that her mother's waiting for her at the hotel and if she doesn't return soon, she'll worry. Yuu feels it's too bad because he wanted to have a chance to talk to her. Bill comes up with an idea. "Yuu...why don't you invite her to tomorrow's trip to Long Island." Yuu tells An that tomorrow, they're going to a friends beach house. Would she like to come? An squirms. She embarrassed about joining them at the last minute. Bill calms her with "It's only one girl more. If you come, I'll have a partner. Ryouko reads from a book to the class "Once upon a time... a daughter of Chunagon... Miki can only think about the appalling things Michael said about Yuu. Miki trusts Yuu but feels if she could hear his voice her uneasiness would go away. Ginta is watching her from the back of the classroom. He sends the jet memo down the line. There's a note around it that says "This incantation should cheer you up." Miki punches the button on the jet memo. "Shikkawa Kami". Miki repeats as though entranced "Shikkawa Kami, Shikkawa Kami, Shikkawa Kami." So the translation of the sentence is...(Ryouko) Koishikawa-san? Miki stands up "Yes ma'am! It's Shikkawa Kami!" Miki turns white with embarrassment, the class roars, and Ginta can only put his hand to his face and moan "Such a dummy". Ginta sit's on a bench watching Miki as she plays tennis. Miki's eyes are shining and her smile is beautiful. Ginta thinks to herself that Miki is already more cheerful. Meiko comes up to Ginta from behind the fence and asks Ginta what kind of incantation he gave her this time. Ginta tells her that it's a secret. "By the way", he adds, "what's bugging her? Is it about Matsuura?" Meiko tell him that their long distance love is very difficult. ..lots of problems. Miki tries again. Only the machine answers. At K.'s coop, Miki repeats "Shikkawa Kami, shikkawa Kami." But she realizes it isn't working, that she wants to hear Yuu's voice. That's the only thing that'll cheer her up. Rei notices Miki's behavior and trys to get Miki to talk to her about it. Miki, being MIki, trys to hide that anything's wrong. Rei insists until Miki finally breaks down and tells her what Michael said. Rei talks her through it and encourages her. Miki feels much better. The gang wait's near a four-wheel drive getting ready to go on their trip to the Long Island beach house. Bill tells Anju that the air's much cleaner where they're going than in New York. You can relax there." Anju thinks to herself that going to spend a weekend with Yuu makes her feel sorry for Miki-san. On the other side of the van Jinny and Doris stand talking privately. Jinny wonders who that girl is. Is she Yuu's friend or what? Doris thinks she looks nice but she's too quiet. Jinny tells Doris she's just a kid and no competition for her. She clues Doris that during the trip, she'll arrange to become Yuu's steady. Brian warns the group that if they don't get in the car, he's going to leave without them (he's driving). Yuu gets in and puts out his hand to help her in. Jinny makes her move and shoves An out of the way so that she can sit with Yuu in the very back alone. This scene disgusts Bill but he says nothing. He turns to An and gallantly asks "An, would you sit with me?". He makes like the perfect gentleman "After you, Miss Kitahara". After they arrive and several talk about how wonderful it is. (K: it's surprising how similar this beach house looks to the one in the first closing song of the first season) Stuff needs to be taken in from the car. Brian offers to take Jinny's load, which she accepts. PLUS she grabs all of Yuu's load and sticks it with Brian too. She then pulls Yuu off towards the beach. Yuu watches and smiles Jinny as she plays in the water. Jinny calls to Yuu. Suddenly Yuu sees Miki calling to him and running to jump to embrace him. It's Jinny instead and just as she reaches Yuu, Doris calls her to help fix lunch. Jinny picks up her shoes and leaves. Yuu stays and stares out to sea. At the table, Brian suggest they play beach volleyball to help their digestions. Jinny agrees. "Let's do it, let's do it. I'll be Yuu's partner!" This doesn't set well with Brian but Yuu declines anyway. But when An tells him not to worry about her, she just wants to look at the view anyway, Jinny takes this as a sign that he will play "It's decided!". Now Brian needs a partner. Bill tells him he's stuffed and doesn't feel like moving. Brian decides there's no other choice and asks Doris. "No other choice?" Doris repeats. "Sorry Doris, cancel that PLEASE, be my partner?" Brian grovels. Doris relents "Since you begged no nicely, guess I've gotta be your partner." As the others play volleyball below, Bill and Anju talk on the deck of the beach house. Anju mentions that Jinny is somewhat aggressive, isn't she. Bill tells her that that's an understatement. "But Yuu's feelings for Miki-san won't be changed that easily. I know that more than anyone." Bill asks her if she's in love with Yuu. She reminds him that Yuu already has a girlfriend, Miki-san. "So you gave up?' he queries. Anju explains that though Yuu looks open to everything, he's really single-minded. So when he loves someone, his mind can't be swayed easily. She retells the story of how she thought she could be second to Miki in Yuu's life but then she thought she thought she was going to die. She couldn't bear it so, she told Yuu she loved him. But then, she saw that Yuu's mind was focused on Miki-san Anyway....Yuu and Miki-san gave her courage...the courage to stay alive. Bill can only smile and comment that she is very kind. MARMALADE BOY #60 (KD) Miki lies in bed on Sunday. The alarm goes off. Miki reaches for it realizing that it doesn't need to ring on Sunday. Then she remembers "PHONE!" "Hello. Yuu and Bill are out at present. Please leave a message." is the only response from the other end. Miki leaves a message" This's Miki, please call me when you get home. I want to hear your voice so badly!" Miki can't help thinking that she's unlucky but that she won't give up. The parents leave for a movie. Miki's in the kitchen eating. Michael comes in and invites her to come to Suzu's with him. Miki declines. She quietly tells him that she's got to hurry because she's on the early shift. Michael wonders if she's mad at him for kissing her. He decides he won't give up though. The telephone ring... Miki rushes to grab it hoping that it's Yuu. She literally yells in the phone when she finds out someone accidentally called the house looking for Seafood Pizza "L". Michael watches her. She tries again. "Hello. Yuu and Bill are out at present. Please leave a message." Miki decides it's not too late, only 8 PM, so she try the main part of the dorm. A young man answers. "Oh...Yuu? He went to Brian's beach house." "Brian's beach house?" she repeats. "It's on Long Island. They should have `fun' with Jinny there." Miki remembers what Michael said. And wonders who she is. At the beach house Brian kicks butt at a board game. Doris offers everyone cookies that she made at home. An offers to get coffee, Jinny says she'll help. Yuu tells the others he's going upstairs for a while. Yuu grabs the phone and takes it upstairs and dials. "Damn, she should've left a message on the answering machine." When she gets to the kitchen Jinny winks at Doris and leaves to catch Yuu upstairs alone. "Trying to call your girlfriend in Tokyo? I thought so. You care a lot about her, don't you. But, we came here to play, so why don't you forget about her." Yuu tells her that it's none of her business. She tells him it is her business because his girlfriend is far away but that she is right in front of him. She claims to Yuu that he doesn't know what real love is, to forget about his girlfriend, and that she loves him. She makes a pass at him but Yuu turns his head away from her. "Why? Why don't you return my feelings!" she yells. "Your girlfriend will find another guy. You have no obligation to her. You're a fool! Yuu has heard about enough. "Miki's not that kind of girl! If you insult her more, I'll really hate you." Yuu's words shock Jinny. She runs out of the room and down the stairs past Brian. Brian notices how Jinny looks. He marches up the stairs to have it out with Yuu. Yuu is lying on the bed in the dark. Brian literally lifts Yuu by the shirt and demands to know what he did to Jinny. Yuu answers "Nothing." Brian tells him he's lying, she looks terrible. Yuu explains "Because I didn't do anything, she isn't satisfied." This brings Brian back to his senses. Though Brian is back to his senses, Jinny is not. Outside on the deck, rock music blasts. Jinny dances as though crazed. The others watch in disbelief. Brian trys to get her to stop but she only gets irritated. Bill unplugs the cord. Jinny runs off to be by herself on the beach. On the beach, Jinny talks softly to a pair of golden retrievers who come to see her. She tells them that they're lucky to be such good friends. They're called away by their owner. Doris arrives and asks her how long she's going to sulk and reminds her that she'll catch a cold. "If you don't come back, your coffee will get cold again. The guys are threatening to eat your cookies." Jinny smiles and tells her she understands. Doris gives her a hand to help her up. From the beach house everyone sit's waiting for her. Miki, at work, remembers Michael's words "He made a girlfriend right after he got over there." and the words from the dorm "They should have `fun' with Jinny there". Jinny?! No, Miki decides, she'd better act cheerful or Rei-san will worry about her. But Miki finds that it's tiring. Customers arrive. Miki turns to greet them and it's Arimi and Ginta. Rei asks them if they're out on a date. Ginta embarrassedly tells her that no, it's just that she wants a birthday present of her friend. Miki puts her hands on her hips and tells him "Don't look now but that's called `dating'. While Arimi and Ginta look at antique broaches, Miki can't help be envious that they get to always be together. Michael is getting ready to leave Suzu's after his job. Suzu suggests he stay for dinner. Michael thanks her but says he wants to pick Miki up. Suzu talks him into letting him go with her. On the way to the store where Miki works, Suzu asks what's up with Miki. Michael wonders what she means. Suzu explains that if he takes Miki, Yuu'll still have Suzu. Michael grimaces. But, Suzu adds that someone might beat him to Miki. Kei-kun is a strong candidate. "Kei! Kei's no match for me!" Michael sternly states. A voice rings out with determination "WHO'S no match for you?" It's Kei. Miki is putting things on a shelf at K.'s coop. Rei tells her it's about time for her to quit. Miki wants to finish up what's she's doing. Suzu races in. "MIKI-SAN! Miki-san, it's terrible! Michael and Kei-kun are fighting!: Miki runs up to where the young men are and trys to stop them before any blows are thrown. Suzu is SO impressed "Two beautiful guys are fighting over a girl. This's wonderful!" Miki stands nearly between them and begging them over and over to stop. Finally, she screams "STOOOOOOP!!!. By now, she's completely emotionally broken down. She slumps with her body shaken uncontrollably. "I love.... I love...." then screams ....ONLY YUU!!!! She runs away from the two who stare after her. The memories flow in on her as she runs - of she and Yuu together and in love. She calls his name in pain as each memory passes by her. Miki ends up at Meiko's gate. Meiko holds a miserable, shaking Miki. Miki can only say "I want to see Yuu." Meiko recalls that because of Miki she and Namura-sensei recognized they're feelings in Hiroshima. Meiko suggests that they go to New York togther...to see Yuu. MARMALADE BOY #61 (KD) The art in this one is very good. Otherwise, this episode and it's second part (#62) was very difficult to work on. It is a subject looked at directly with no holds barred. It is so difficult to face all my family members separately and without knowing that the others had done the same thing, decided to not watch these episodes until I was finished translating with Masatomo AND until things turned around. This I must say, I AM glad I survived going through these two episodes in slow motion over and over and over again. When I got through, I realized I looked at something I'd never seen before, felt emotions I never knew existed...maybe ones that have no name, I felt compassion for things I would never had understood before. My hats off to the writer(s) of the show. In retrospect, looking from the future episodes that I've seen, I see NOW WHY they wrote it so strongly. Without having done so, viewers might have lacked understanding of Miki's no choice situation, and it gives reasonable ness to her future actions. Difficult to see gentle, loving people go through so much trauma and see the end results. But...in the long run having watched these episodes, I personally found a great deal of growth. Just so that viewers don't panic, the humor isn't gone forever: Meiko is waiting at the airport. Miki's late. When Miki shows up with her load of parents she's loaded with suitcases. The parents explain that if Miki had too many suitcases that would be too hard, so they cut them down. Meiko is stunned that this is what "they" call reduced. Anyway, the luggage is for Yuu. The parents want to send umebochi, ochazuke, shoyu sauce, a hand-made cushion and a family photo...etc. The parents say that of course Yuu will be picking them up at the airport, right? Miki tells them sure...rather badly. Meiko points this out to her later on the plane. Miki can't lie worth a darn. Yuu doesn't know she's coming. As Miki and Meiko leave the parents remind them to bring back gifts! On the plane and in the air, Miki remembers Michael countering her about going to New York. When she confirms that she is going to New York. Michael asks "Even though he has another girlfriend? Why do you have to see him?" Miki non-committedly says "I want to make sure by seeing Yuu directly. I'm so far away from him and just thinking of him isn't working." Michael worries "But, you've been having a hard time. It'll only hurt more to see him, won't it? Miki is adamant "That's not true! Yuu'd be the last person to hurt me!" Michael is doubtful but decides she'll need to see for herself. Finished with her musing, Miki pulls out her memo recorder and records "Yuu I love you. I want to see you right away" with a lot of passion. Brian, Bill and Yuu arrive at Brian's beach house. Brian complains that the weather's good and yet he has to study. But Bill reminds him that he was the one that said they'd study better if there was no distraction like the night lights of Manhattan. Brian thinks though it was a lot of fun with the girls there last time. Bill is quick to point out the they wouldn't get any studying done if they were there. Later Bill and Yuu are putting groceries away in the refrigerator when Bill remembers to his horror that he forgot to leave his notebook on Oriental History to Jinny. He promised it to her so that she could use them for her report. Brian walks in and tells him not to worry, Jinny will figure out something. Miki and Meiko are at the New York airport. Miki stops dead in her tracks. Meiko asks her what's wrong. Miki tells her that now that she's in the New York air, she feels that Yuu must be nearby. Knowing that, she felt she needed to go see him right away. Miki suggests Meiko take the luggage and get some rest at the hotel. Meiko wonders if Miki will be ok by herself and what Miki will do if Matsuura isn't there. Miki assures her that she's already looked up the directions to St. Andrews and that if Yuu isn't there, it's ok because she wanted to see the kind of place that Yuu's lives. Jinny in her room studying with Doris, remembers that she forgot the notebook from Bill. She realizes that Bill is gone and that she's going to have to do something about it. Without telling Doris, Jinny slips into Mr. Reinie's room and filches the key to Bill and Yuu's room. Meiko is checking in at the hotel when she hears someone call her name. At first she doesn't know who the girl is, then she realizes this must be Anju-san. Meiko tells Anju that she and Miki came so that Miki and Yuu can see each other. Miki is on the ferry to her destination. The skyscrapers glow against the night sky. Miki can only think that Yuu has seen this too. The key works in the lock. Jinny carefully enters Bill and Yuu's room. Inside she discovered a photo on Yuu's desk of himself and Miki. Jinny is stunned...the girl is a kid. She doesn't understand what he sees in this child. She remembers him shunning her own advances towards him. She wonders why she has to be beaten by a kid. After all, is she inferior to her as a woman? Miki arrives at St. Andrews. She remembers being told that his room is on the second floor. Jinny is getting Bill's notebook when she hears a knock at the door. She doesn't want to get caught in the room but relents and opens the door. It takes a minute but then Jinny recognizes Miki face from the photo on Yuu's desk. Miki gets uncomfortable upon seeing the striking Jinny and shyly asks if this is Matsuura Yuu's room. Jinny asks "Are you Yuu's..." Miki starts to say "Yes, I'm Yuu's..." then decides saying that she's his girlfriend would be too bold. Jinny slyly says "I'm Jinny. Nice to meet you." Miki realizes that this is the same "Jinny" as the guy from the dorm talked about being at the beach house with Brian and Yuu. She finds herself at a loss for words. Jinny heartless tells her that she must be Yuu's ex-girlfriend, Miki. "Ex-girlfriend?" Miki repeats. Jinny gives her history. "When Yuu was in Japan you went with him, right? Yuu told me. Your relationship was that you kissed, right? Miki wonders to herself how she could know that. Could she be Yuu's new girlfriend that Michael told her about. Miki hurt look shows in her eyes and coloring. Jinny asks her "What's the matter? You didn't think you could keep a guy forever by just kissing him, did you? And drives the message home with a "You're not a kindergarten kid." Miki asks herself why she came there but decided that no matter what, she meet with Yuu. She begs Jinny to tell her where Yuu is. Jinny slips out of the room and shuts the door behind her. This alone shocks Miki. Jeannie then tells Miki "He was awake a minute ago. We were in bed together. "In bed?" In bed?" Miki repeats in her head. "He just fell asleep." Jinny presses onward. "But, since you've come all the way from Japan to see him, I'll wake him up." She turns to go into Yuu's room, then turns to Miki and adds "I think he's still naked." Jinny slips back into the room and starts counting down 10....9....8... Miki takes the memo recorder and hangs it from the door nob and leaves. Jinny finishes her countdown, opens the door and finds Yuu's girlfriend has left. Outside the dorm, Miki looks back at the building " Yuu, I believed in you. Was I stupid? Yuu's heart has separated from me. Couldn't I tell that? Yuu if you were there, would you've let me leave? If I leave here now, my feelings will go away from you too. PLEASE give me a last chance. "YUUUUUUUUUU........!!!!!" At the beach house, Yuu's head bolts up from his studying. He asks the other guys if they heard something. "No" they reply. Miki walks away from the dorm...and away from the past. MARMALADE BOY #62 (KD AND CHRIS SWETT) Aired May 28, 1995 Because Chris S. has been keeping me up to date from Japan, I've been able lately to keep abreast of what has been happening in MB on a week to week basis. About Episode 62 he writes: Chris Swett: The episode opens with a flashback to episode 61. Jeannie stands outside Yuu's dormitory room door, acting like it's her room. Miki is in the dorm looking for Yuu but he's out at a beach house studying with Brian and the purple haired guy. (Karen: the purple haired guy would be Yuu's roommate, Bill). Jeannie (Jinny) tells Miki that men will be men and that she lives in Yuu's room with him (she doesn't tell Miki where Yuu is). In episode 61 she expects Miki to scream at her that she's lying or something to refute the claim, so she goes in Yuu's room and closes the door. She counts backward from ten, expecting Miki to beat the door down when she gets to zero. Miki instead hangs the message recorder on the doorknob and walks away with tear filled eyes, not knowing where Yuu is and half not caring. Episode 62 omit's this part from the flashback. In this episode Miki takes the ferry back to Manhattan, her eyes still filled with tears. She wanders around Manhattan for a while before going back to the hotel where she and Meiko are staying. She tells Meiko what happened and that she couldn't find Yuu. She says she wants to go home to Japan. Jeannie sit's in front of her school notes, twirling her pencil. She feels guilty as hell, but is balancing that precariously against hope that Yuu's girlfriend from Japan will never come back. Her roommate comes in but she doesn't confide what she's done. Out at the beach house the boys are studying hard, but Yuu can't keep his mind on his studying. He wanders out to the beach to stare at the stars. The purple haired guy comes out as well and asks Yuu what he's thinking about. Yuu doesn't answer. Back at the hotel, Meiko is unable to get Yuu on the phone, so she repeatedly leaves messages on his answering machine. Miki, fed up and desolate, insists that they go home. Meiko calls the airline and makes reservations. The next day the purple haired guy calls Ann (Karen: This is the same Kitahara Anju from volume 9 - MB #37-40 that Yuu calls "An" for short.) After some wrangling he gets a date, then Ann asks if Yuu and Miki have gotten together yet. Thusly, Yuu gets the word that Miki is in town. They all jump in the jeep and head for the dorm. When they get there, Yuu finds the memo machine on the door and the messages in the recorder. In a panic, he heads for the airport. At the airport Miki wait's by the luggage while Meiko goes to the counter to pick up the tickets. She hesitates, wanting desperately for Miki to change her mind, then tells the attendant she doesn't need anything after all. She goes back and tells Miki that the plane was overbooked and that their reservations were canceled. They'll have to wait for a standby. They sit. Yuu busts into the airport, yelling Miki's name. He finally finds her and grabs her in his arms. He tells her that Jeannie lied to her. She doesn't hug him back. She simply says she can't live at the end of a phone line anymore, it won't work. He needs to come back to Japan with her. He thinks for a long moment, then says that he's sorry but he can't Miki says that then it's "sayonara". Next week Yuu and Miki try not to think about one another, and fail. Michael and Kei both begin to draw Miki out of her depression. Michael performs funny antics and Kei exudes a peace of mind. Karen's note to readers... Fortunately, I have seen all the episodes up to #60 and I feel the humor and style is still there on these. But the #61, 62 episodes had me worried so I wrote Chris the following questions: Karen: ....Is there any humor? (to soften it) Chris: I don't recall any humor in this episode at all. The next episode promises humor as Michael tries to cheer up and win Miki. Karen: I'm really serious about this...just between you and me, do you think the show is still holding it's quality through all this HEAVY stuff between Yuu and Miki? Chris: The whole character of the show suddenly changed when Miki, completely unexpectedly, told Yuu that their relationship would not survive at the end of a phone line. You could guess that this would be the case, but the last thing you expect is that Miki will realize it and tell Yuu. lt's like Miki matured about 10 years in a couple of days. It's still a high quality show, and much less predictable now. (Karen: The show has never been predictable but certainly Miki's reactions HAVE BEEN! This is totally different for her and it should be interesting to see how's it's handled by the writers. Chris is right, Miki's new attitude could cause us not to know what she'll will do in the future. Frankly, with Yuu planning to be away for a year and a half and with two young studs after her (driving a lonely, depressed Miki out of her mind), Jinny after Yuu in New York, and them not being able to contact each other, it's no wonder Miki said it couldn't work. But we do know from the eye catches that they will remain in love with each other. I wonder how they're going to pull the story back around. I've mentally written from very good conclusions to this...but, unfortunately, I've found from past attempts at this, that I'm more of a romantic than even the MB writers! 6/24/95 Masatomo and I have completed the translation on #62. We're lucky as Americans that we can understand enough Japanese to sort of understand what's going on in the anime, but when you get a native Japanese to explain, a whole new light can be shed on things: Jinny remembers the conversation with "Yuu's girlfriend" and, as Chris put it, feels guilty as hell. When Doris asks her what's bothering her, she can't quite bring herself to tell her. Meiko repeatedly tries to get ahold of Yuu but can't. She leaves a message "Matsuura-kun, this is Meiko. Miki says no matter what, she's leaving for Japan tomorrow." Meiko returns to Miki, who is watching an old movie that has a couple dancing slow and close. She remembers dancing with Yuu just like that. Meiko turns off the t.v. and asks Miki if she's sure she wants to go back the next day. Miki can only weakly say "Mm-hm. Meiko is stunned "You do? Without meeting him at all? Why didn't you make sure? If I were..." Miki stops Meiko mid-sentence, "We've separated (I believe this means that their feelings are not the same for each other). When I heard about Yuu from Jinny...I heard something break. It was the sound of breaking glass." Meiko understands what Miki's words mean. All she can say is "Miki". An emotionally weary Miki explains "If I entered the room....and Yuu was sleeping in the bed like she said....my feelings would be shattered. I wouldn't be able to pick the pieces. So, I couldn't do it. I couldn't do it." Meiko suggests that it's getting late and that they should go to bed. Out at the beach house, Bill is looking for Yuu. He finds him outdoors and asks his what he's thinking about. Yuu smiles and tells him he's not telling. Bill figures this is a good time to ask him something. "Yuu do you have feelings for An? Yuu tells him that he doesn't. Bill asks if he's sure. Yuu doesn't hesitate to say "Yes". Bill tells him he's decided to ask An if she'll date him and adds "Don't be so surprised. Yuu remarks uncomfortably that he's never seen him ask a girl out. Bill puts his arm around Yuu's shoulder and cutely says "Surely, you didn't believe that rumor." Yuu embarrassed returns "Uh, noooo. Not at all!" Miki lies hidden by the blanket(s) on her bed. Her eyes stare blankly into nothingness. Meiko trys to call Yuu again. The answering machine repeats the usual message "Bill and Yuu are out at present. Please leave a message" Meiko does. "Matsuura-kun, you IDIOT! PLEASE get in touch with us! An practices her violin as she remembers Meiko telling her that Miki was in New York to visit Yuu. The telephone rings. It's Bill. He suggests to her that they could go to a movie after her violin lessons on the coming weekend. An again remembers that Miki and Yuu are together, so she's decides to go with Bill. Upon a thumbs up to Yuu from Bill, Yuu comes up and gives Bill and congratulatory slap on the back. Bill makes a noise and Anju asks what the matter is. Bill tells her that Yuu knocked him over. An comments that Yuu must be happy because he's with Miki. A mad dash occurs as Bill at the wheel peels rubber trying to get Yuu back to the city and Miki. Meiko goes up the ticket counter. Then changes her mind. She comes back to Miki and tells her that they're booked up. Without reservations, they have to wait for a cancellation. Yuu races into the dorm and nearly runs Doris down. He hurriedly asks if Miki had come there to see him. Doris is confused and asks Jinny if she has. Jinny only says that she "may" have come there the previous night but that she soon left. This comment confuses Doris who starts to say something. Yuu is in too much of a hurry. He races up to his room. He finds the memo recorder on the door nob. He plays it "Yuu I love you. I want to see you right away." He says her name with love. Bill catches up to Yuu and suggests that they get into the room first. Inside Bill sees that there are messages waiting on the answering machine. "Matsuura-kun, this is Meiko. Miki says no matter what, she's going back to Japan tomorrow." "Matsuura-kun, you IDIOT! PLEASE get in touch with us!" "Miki's leaving now... ....she'll remain believing that you and Jinny have been making love!" Yuu stands staring in shock. Miki seems in a stupor as she asks Meiko "There hasn't been a cancellation yet? Meiko gently replies "That's right". Right in front of Miki can't help see a couple kiss goodbye. The man walks away from his girl or wife and waves his arm in just the way Yuu did when he left. Suddenly the man is Yuu as he turned and smiled at her. But, then Jinny runs up to the imaginary Yuu and they kiss. Miss loses it. And begs Meiko. "I just want to go home...! I want to forget everything that's happened here. Meiko can't stand to see Miki suffer anymore. She sets her back down on the seat and go to the ticket counter with new determination. Just as she's ordering tickets to the Narita airport, Miki's name rings through the building. Meiko stops. Yuu yells for Miki over and over and he races to find her. Finally Miki stands blankly and numb. Meiko waves her arm to get Yuu's attention. Yuu rushes to embrace her. He quickly tells her he's sorry. That he's been at Brian's beach house and that he didn't know she was there until An told him. Of course nothing happened with Jinny. Not at all. He again repeats that he's sorry and that he wants to apologize. A weak voice says "No". "No?" Yuu is bewildered. "I can't be your girlfriend anymore." Miki. "I'm Tired. Having a romance at the end of a phone line and not catching each other... I was worried that you had a new girlfriend... I'm worn out. I thought I could wait for you, that distance doesn't matter...but I'm not ok. I won't be ok unless you're close to me. If you go back to Japan with me now.. " She sadly adds "But you can't do that, can you. "I'm sorry. You're in pain. I didn't know...obviously. As for me, all I can say is `wait for me'. Is that so bad? If you still feel pain........(Yuu is obviously having difficulty saying the rest)....then there's nothing I can do to stop you from breaking up with me." Miki seems startled briefly by his last words. Through gently falling tears, Miki smiles softly at Yuu and thanks him for understanding her. She goes to her purse and pulls out the auto dialer and tells him she won't need it anymore. He lifts his hand and she drops it into his palm. She says "Sayonara" and walks past him. Yuu's eyes show that he is as stricken as she is. Commentary: I noticed something VERY unusual in this story. It's a concept that I doubt has even been commented on or expressed in the American film industry. Of course, this story shows a no win situation between two nice people who are madly in love. No bad guys. That's not a usual concept expressed in our industry either but it's not the one I'm referring to. I personally tried to figure out when Miki decided to break off with Yuu. But I noticed something interesting. Even to the point where she's outside of the dorm begging Yuu to come to her to give her a last chance to save they're feelings for each other. She hasn't decided to break off with him. Instead she says that if she leaves that area, her feelings were going to come away from him too. It didn't sound like a conscious decision but that something would happen to her feelings whether she wanted it to happen or not. (Of course, she has to leave because he's not there.) Miki later describes it as the sound of break glass. I don't know if readers will agree, but I get the distinct feeling that the author(s) were not talking about a decision at all, but that there was a physical break between them...very reminiscent of the description given of the aura that supposedly connects two people in love and how it can break when there's a separation between lovers. Emotionally exhausted and as she put it to Meiko "separated from each other", (again it sounds like a tangible thing) it was how she was able to break off from Yuu. This is something she wouldn't never done in the past. MARMALADE BOY #63 & 64 (Comments out of Japan by Chris Swett...prior to our obtaining them here in the states) Chris: In the process of watching the newer episodes, I get to see flashbacks and finally heard what Jinny told Miki in front of Yuu's door at the dormitory. She told Miki that Yuu was GREAT IN BED! I can see why she was a little miffed. When Yuu's roommate (Karen: Bill) finds out what Jeannie said, he slaps her hard enough to leave a big red mark and send her crying to her room. Miki gets chased by both Kei and Michael. Kei is pretty laid back but Michael puts on a tux and presents Miki with a dozen red roses, then hugs her. She pushes him away, scattering roses everywhere. She runs away, right into Kei. She tells him to unhand her and continues running. She really wants Yuu back. And the story goes on...If Jeannie wasn't such a little bitch, I'd probably fall in love. There should be a law against character designs where the eyes take up half the face. The saga goes on... (Karen: I presume the preview is about #63 and the following #64) Jeannie officially gives up on Yuu and apologizes to him. Yuu decides to try to make up with Miki, so he apologizes into one of the chip recorders and mails it to her. He gets impatient, though, so finally gets up the courage to call. In the meantime, Miki has gone to Kei's to listen to him play the piano. Michael answers the phone and tells Yuu that Miki has gone on a date.... Chris July 25th, 1995 Masatomo and I have finished the complete translation of #63 now. But before I go into a synopsis of that, I want to give another special thanks: I am ALWAYS grateful to Chris Swett (an American living in Japan) for his effort to keep me informed and up to date from Japan. Although, Jinny actually said worse things than what Chris said she said, she didn't actually say what his performance was like. (blush) It was close though. To refresh your memory on what she actually DID say, see the translation on #51. Uh-hmmm, while I'm at it, let me say that translating that particular section was not an exactly comfortable situation - an American woman translating with a Japanese man! He was a good egg about it though. Me? Well, what can I say? Argh! Synopsis of #63: (KD) Miki sit's at her desk writing Meiko. She thanks her for worrying about her but tells her that she'll be all right. She remembers returning the auto dialer to Yuu just before telling him sayonara. She apologizes..."We cheered each other on during our long distant loves...but now I retire. The telephone rings. Michael answers. It's Yuu. He wants to talk to Miki but Michael won't connect him to her phone. He reminds Yuu that he's Japanese, he's supposed to give her up without a fuss...after being dumped. Michael hangs up on Yuu. Michael then picks up the phone and dials Kei. Kei is shocked to hear the news. Michael tells Kei that he'll compete with him for Miki, but there's to be no cheating. A far more mature Kei is simply stunned about the news about Miki and Yuu. At school, Miki is very over-cheerful and loud. Mari, Chigusa, and Keiko talk about tickets to a Traffic Jam concert and forgetting an assignment. Mari and the gang are shocked that Miki, of all people got the assignment done when they didn't. Miki tells them that they are over-reacting...it's just that she couldn't sleep. Meiko over-hears this. She knows that Miki isn't sleeping because of Matsuura-kun. But Meiko isn't the only one to notice Miki's behavior change. Ginta's watching. At tennis club, Miki covers the court almost like in a vengeance. Ryouko even comments on how spirited she is. Ginta from a distance keeps an eagle eye on her. After practice, Miki holds her face under the faucet water. One might think she was trying to cool off, but to this observer, it almost looked like she was numbly trying to drown out her memories as well. Ginta walks up. He tells her to come with him. Under the gazebo, Miki is heard telling Ginta "Nothing at all". He keeps after her over and over to tell him what's wrong. Finally he reminds her that they're friends. Miki remembers the things Ginta told her right after she and Yuu became a couple. "Miki, if he ever makes you cry, let me know. I'LL KICK HIS ASS!" "I'll keep this anger until then. Having decided this...I feel much better." Miki remembers asking him if he would always be her friend and his reply of "You idiot. Of course!" Miki turns to Ginta and thanks him. "Yuu and I just broke up". Ginta is so stunned that he yells that Matsuura is a bastard. Ginta, in a rage, asks "Where is he? America? I'll fly over!" Ginta starts to stomp off but Miki grabs him by the back of the shirt and tells him he doesn't have to. She tells him Yuu didn't do anything. He wonders if "she's sure". Miki says that if anything it's her selfishness that's the reason she broke up with him. "Tired?" Arimi repeats to Ginta as they walk together. Ginta confirms that this is what Miki said. Ginta tells her that now he's screwed up. Whenever he saw them, he was envious of how natural they were, and they were so happy. "You were envious?" Arimi repeats. Ginta goes on to tell her that Miki is tired FROM being apart. (Not tired OF being apart, but that being apart CAUSED her to be exhausted - the worries, the fears, the sadness, the loneliness. This is a concept not looked at this way in the U.S. but definitely an accurate concept) Ginta worries about Miki being ok. Yuu sit in the loft above his room looking out at the stars. He lifts the memo recorder and pushes the record button "Miki, I'm sorry. I can't be close to you..... ......I LOVE you." He listens to it. "Miki, I'm sorry, I can't be close to you......I LOVE you." At K's coop, Rei, Kijima, Akira, and Ryouko are stunned to hear the news from Miki. She tells them in a cheerful sounding voice not to be so serious. She tells them that she's surprised herself but that she's composed. Before they broke up, she was almost crush by thinking of Yuu all the time. "if he's my boyfriend, why couldn't he have stayed with me?" "What's Yuu doing now?" "Yuu are you ok without me?" When she finished telling them the story, she brightly says "Let's work!" The adults though are obviously concerned but say nothing. Miki takes a new teddy and asks if it goes to Bear-chan's place. She carries it over to another teddy bear and innocently pretends they're talking to each other. "Are you all right?" "I'm fine, I'm fine." "Were you lonely?" "Let's play together." At home, the "Odd Quad" and Michael are watching Traffic Jam on t.v. The parents are amazed that Michael knows the group. Michael tells them he saw them on American t.v. as the opening act for the Reds. Miki mentions that Mari and her other friends are going to the concert. Michael then says he thinks they should all go too. The parents get excited but Miki informs them that they are being over-optimistic. The band's popular and the tickets are sold out. The parents are disappointed...especially Jin and Youji. After all, Shinobu-chan is so cool...and sexy too. Rumi isn't thrill to hear that. Loads of teasing goes on among the parents. Miki realizes that though she and Yuu broke up nothing is changed at home. She realizes it's a good thing that they kept their relationship a secret...or it could've cause problems now. Michael says next time we'll reserve tickets. The parents agree. Michael adds "for Miki too". He turns to see her walking out of the room "saying she just remembered she has homework". He looks like he knows something's wrong. Miki leans against her door "Don't cry Miki" she tells herself as though she's trying to boost her own moral. "It was my decision. Don't cry." There's a knock at the door. Michael asks if he can come in. Miki tells him she's sorry but not now. Miki continues to try to keep herself from crying. Suddenly her name is called over and over. She finally looks up from the floor where she had slumped to. Michael is on her balcony leaning over to look under her window shade. "Open the window" he pleads. Miki lets him in but treats him like a mother or an older sister would. "Oh Michael!" What would you've done if you'd fallen?! Michael tells her "It's because..." Miki won't have any part of his excuses "Don't "It's because..." me. Michael tells her that he felt she was crying and I couldn't have her cry. He couldn't stand it because he wants her to always smile. Miki smiles and tells him gently that he's kind and thanks him. Michael angles himself to embrace her (without her noticing) just about the time that Miki innocently says "Yuu did that. Yuu did the same thing" . This stops Michael in his tracks. Miki relays the story about when their parents decided to test her by "bad acting". How that when she found out she shut herself in her room and Yuu jumped balconies. Michael thinks "Damn Yuu, damn Yuu." Michael stands behind a pillar dressed in a tux. His arms are filled with red roses. Women passing by can't help but be impressed by the sight the young blond hair, blue eyed American makes dressed up this way. Michael finally sees Miki leaving K.'s coop. He's on! He says her name. Miki looks up with surprise. "What's up? You're all dressed up?" Miki is delighted at the sight of the beautiful flowers. "Red Roses" he explains, In America, they're the symbol of "love". "I love you. I want you to receive these flowers and be my girlfriend." Miki is so taken by surprise, she can only say his name. Michael continues "It might not be acceptable that I ask right after you became free...but you haven't smiled recently and...I can make you laugh, and forget all that's hurt you...I'll make you laugh so hard. So, believe me and be my girl." Michael gathers Miki into his arms and holds her. Miki is very gentle about this. When Michael lets go, she tells him she's sorry. Miki runs away and the flowers fall to the ground. Michael with a hurt expression yells for her to wait. Miki runs away with her thoughts running with her "Michael, leave me alone for now. Until I forget Yuu, I want to be left alone." Not watching where she's going she runs into someone. She looks up. It's Kei. He has her by the shoulders and he gently asks her if she's ok. When she realizes he has her by the shoulders, she struggles and orders him to let go of her. Kei, who was only trying to help, has a worried and hurt expression on his face. When she realizes she was mistaken. She tells him "Thank God, I thought you were going to say the same thing as Michael. She apologizes, cutely and says that she's just a bit too self-conscious. She giggles and grins shyly. Kei smiles lovingly at her and softly tells her "Cry". Miki jerks her head up startled. Kei stares at her open-hearted and gently coaxes by saying that he can tell that she's forcing herself to be cheerful. Miki stares back at him for a long time, then falls against his chest and crys from the depth of her soul. MARMALADE BOY #64 (KD) MIki is in her room remembering how she cried on Kei-kun's chest. She wonders how she could cry so HARD. But, then, she realized since Yuu left she hadn't really cried from down deep and that something inside of her was "all tied up". She can't figure though why she was able to show Kei-kun all of her emotions. Yuu sit's at his desk in his dorm room stroking Miki's picture with his thumb. Bill notices and starts to say something but stops himself. Bill isn't exactly aware of the current situation between Yuu and his girlfriend. I wonders if they're breaking up; and the fact that Yuu hasn't said anything about it makes him think "I thought we trusted each other." Then Bill suddenly remembers Jinny attitude when Miki was in New York. Jinny: "Well, she may have been here last night..." Bill wait's. Jinny comes out of the dorm building. Jinny acknowledges him and thanks him for lending her his notebook, that it really helped. Bill tell her "How could you steal a key and sneak into our room. Brian told us you'd do something...but I couldn't believe you'd do that." Jinny nonchalantly replies "Well, if I didn't hand in the report, I'd fail." Bill continues by telling Jinny he wants ask her something and that he waited so he could. "For sure, did Yuu's girlfriend visit that day?" "Yes, yes, yes...so what." Jinny appears to care less. "Jinny, you know something, don't you." "I sort of know". "Did you see her?" "Yes, I did." "Did you meet and talk?" "On that day..." Jinny repeats the worst of everything she said to Miki (see the end of #51) "That's about it. I didn't think she was going to believe it." Jinny still could care less. "I was so bad." "Do you understand what you've done!" Bill now showing an unusual temper for his character. "What's that? I was just joking. I just wanted to tease her. It's the truth." "I'm amazed. You really don't understand what you've done!" Bill steams. "Don't get so pissed. You needn't be so serious." Jinny is getting fed up with the criticism. Bill slaps Jinny across the face hard. Jinny yells at him. Bills angrily tells her that Yuu's girlfriend came a long way and took a lot of trouble to come see Yuu. Did Jinny think that kind of joke was acceptable?! Miki and Yuu could break up because of it! Did she have to do THAT to get Yuu?! Jinny runs away and up to her dorm room. Doris pumps her to find out what's wrong. When she finds out, she tells Jinny that she's mad too and that of course Bill got angry. Doris tells her she has to apologize to Yuu. But, she warns her, not expect to be forgiven because she's done too much damage. MIki is in her room when the phone rings. She's startled at first but then realizes she doesn't take phone calls from Yuu anymore. Her heart used to pound whenever she heard the phone ring, but now she doesn't have to care about it anymore. Rumi pages her over her phone and tells her Kei-kun's on the phone and connects the caller. Kei advises that there no use being gloomy and depressed, why not come listen to him play the piano next Sunday. He tells her that his parents want to see her too. Miki cheerfully tells him that she'd be happy to and that she'll definitely come! She thanks him for inviting her. In the classroom, Ginta watches her worriedly. He passes down the jet memo with a message for her "Miki, think over Matsuura again." Ginta opens his locker. The jet memo is there. "I've already decided. It's over between us." Ginta is still upset. "Are you sure, Miki?", he thinks to himself. Jinny paces outside of Yuu and Bill's room. She decides. She looks for Yuu and finally finds him lying on the roof of the dormitory staring at the star filled sky. Jinny asks if she can come over (to where he is). He tells her "Yeah, come on out." After some small talk, Jinny tells him that she's got to apologize to him. Yuu stops her and tells her it's ok. Jinny asks him if he knows what she did. Yuu replies that part of it he knows from what Miki's friend (Meiko) said. Jinny finds herself shocked that Yuu isn't angry. He tells her it's the past. Jinny says it's not over yet and she wants to apologize SERIOUSLY to Yuu, that she thinks she need to undo what she done. She explains that Bill scolded his saying that she didn't understand what she had done and she tells Yuu that it's true she didn't understand his and Miki's feelings. She messed up the feeling between them and that she's SO sorry. Things won't be solved by apologized but...that she feels guilty. Please forgive her. Yuu feels differently. He tells her that breaking up with Miki is between he and Miki. Jinny is surprised. "Don't you blame me?" Yuu solemnly tells her "It's not your fault. I would say it's because I couldn't understand Miki's feelings. I'm much more to blame." Jinny asks him if he'll listen to her. She tells him that she knows it's strange for her to say it when his mind is still on her (Miki) but that she loves him. It's the first time she's felt like this. Every day he filled her heart and it hurts. Yuu tells her that he's happy to know she cares about him but to leave him alone for now. Jinny realizes if he COULD change to another girlfriend, she wouldn't love him the way she does. She thanks him and remarks that because of him, she'd be a nicer person. Jinny leaves. Yuu looks up at the stars "Miki, I want to hear your voice." Miki chants out the usual "I'm leaving!" Michael tears out to the front hall wanting to know WHERE she's going! "Well actually," she tells him "I've been invited to Kei-kun's." No sooner has she said it then she realizes it wasn't a good idea to tell Michael. "Miki, did you choose him?!" "Uh no, it's not like that." "Then why are you going to his home?" "I was asked to come listen to the piano. "If he says come, would you go anywhere with him? If I ask you, will you come?" "I give up. I get it. I get it. Next time I'll play with you. For now, (she's cute begging like a mother to a child to behave ) let me go. I'll be late." Miki escapes and says to herself "God, Michael's so jealous!" Michael lies across a couch kicking his foot irritably into the air. "What! She handles me like a kid." Yuu takes the voice memo with it's message "Miki, I sorry. I can't be with you. I LOVE you." and the auto dialer and packages them. He takes them to the post office and sends them by air. As he's leaving the post office he thinks "We can start over, Miki." Kei thanks Miki for coming as Miki stands stunned at the magnificence of Kei's home. His mother comes out and greets her warmly. She attends to Miki's every need "Do you want coffee or tea?" Kei offers her some of the cookies before her. Miki comments that they're so beautiful - a big difference from how she cooks. Kei tells her that his mother made them for Miki. Miki is delighted. Kei tells her he doesn't know whether they're any good or not, but to try them. Kei father says that he can't eat sweets. Kei's mother returns and says that that's right, he can't eat them at all. But if we had had a daughter, like Miki-san we could've made confectioneries and kilts (this may be quilts). It would've been enjoyable. Miki asks her "if she makes kilts". Kei's mother confirms that but says she's not good at it. But she enjoys doing it. She asks Miki if she would like to try it. Kei's father pipes up and tell her that that would be dangerous for Miki. (implying that Kei's mother would want to keep her permanently). Miki tells her that she wanted to try it. Would she teach her? At the Koishikawa/Matsuura household. Michael's stilled burn up. "That son- of-a- bitch (Masatomo's wording, not mine) got ahead of me! Why'd Miki visit his home! The telephone rings... "Hello.........Yuu?" "Michael, I want to talk to Miki badly! Can I talk to her?" "That's impossible. Miki's on a date with Tsuchiya Kei." Yuu stares into nothingness in total shock. "Tsuchiya...." "Kei?" a voice finishes Yuu's words, but it's Kei's mother. "Would you play the piano for Miki-san? Kei chooses Miki's song, the one he wrote for her. Kei's mother points out that Kei looks very happy at the piano and that it must be because Miki is there to listen. She thanks her for coming. MIki is impressed about the power of Kei's piano to make her feel relaxed. She mentally thanks him from the bottom of her heart. In the preview for the next episode Kei says. "She pretends to be cheerful in front of other people, but her mind is completely tired. Don't you understand that? Why don't you support her! The reason I put in the preview this time when I usually don't is that these words are not spoken or expressed in the next episode. They're apparently his UNSPOKEN thoughts, his REASONS for what he says instead. These thoughts are important for understanding him. MARMALADE BOY #65 Miki is in her room writing Meiko. She tells her that she visited Kei-kun's house, how beautiful the music was and now nice his parents were. But... At school, Meiko comes up from behind Miki and calls her name. Miki doesn't answer. She has headphones on listening to Kei's music. Once she finally realizes that Meiko's there she explains that Kei-kun recorded his music and that it's not only classical but jazz and pop too. Meiko can't help but notice that Miki is MUCH HAPPIER. Could it be because of Kei-kun? Miki is startled out of her wit's. "Oh NOOOOO!" Meiko suggests that Miki start dating Kei-kun. Miki starts acting very strange which doesn't get by Meiko unnoticed. In fact, Meiko looks quite worried. The telephone rings. Yuu races to the phone, hoping. It's Bill's mother. As Bill talks on the phone. Yuu stares off into nothingness. Bill, Brian, Yuu, Doris and Jinny sit together out in the park. Brian wants to know if they'll all go to a Robert Zemik (sp?) movie. Bill thinks it sounds good. Jinny surprised about them wanting to see another science fiction. Jinny asks Yuu if he's going. He tells them that he doesn't really want to. He has a report to complete. He walks away from the group. Brian complains "What's with him? He hasn't been hanging around with us lately." Jinny leans over to Bill to find out what the situation is between Yuu and his girlfriend. Bill tells her it isn't going well. When Jinny sadly hangs her head, Bill tells her that nothing can be done about the past. Jinny agrees and perks up and asks the group if they want to go for pizza after the movie. Yuu stands on a small bridge staring at an airliner passing over head and thinks about things solemnly. Miki is just returning from school, when the postman pulls up on his motor- cycle. "Are you Miss Koishikawa? Here's a package. Would you stamp it?" Miki takes care of the formalities. When she looks at it, she's paralyzed when she realizes who it's from. She races into the house. She takes the tape off and finds the memo recorder and the auto dialer. She's numb. The doorbell rings and scares her for a second. She nervously answers the door. It's Kei. Kei looks inquiringly at the box in her hand. She nervously laughs and puts the box behind her back. Kei tells her that he's going to New York for a piano competition being held there. Miki is impressed that he's competing in a foreign country and wishes him luck. Kei asks if she has any messages for her boyfriend. Miki gravely answer "No, not really." She then acts perky and encourages Kei. The box slips out of her hand and onto the floor.... Miki rushes to pick up the contents. Kei observes, "From your boyfriend?" Miki trys to hide the information "It's nothing important". She tosses it onto a nearby counter. Kei tells her "bye" and turns to leave. Miki tells him to do his best. Miki sit's at her desk looking at the two robots with trepidation. She forces herself to pick up the memo recorder. She cringes and pushes the button. "Miki, I'm sorry. I can't be with you......I LOVE you. Miki remembers some of the romantic times between her and Yuu as Yuu's "I LOVE you" resounds in her mind and each time Yuu "I LOVE you" sounds more desperate. Miki's hand shakes as she holds the auto dialer and reaches for the phone. The phone rings in Yuu's and Bill's room. Yuu races for the phone believing it's Miki, but it's Anju calling for Bill. Bill takes the phone and Yuu walks to the window. He stares out the window "Miki, have we really broken up?". Miki shaking, puts the memo recorder and auto dialer into her desk drawer, turn her back on them and shoves the drawer shut with her backside. "I decided it's over. I decided! The family and Michael are sitting down at home to an expensive meal of sukiyaki. The "odd quad" is being cute as usual. Chiyako mentions that it's been a long time since they were all together...if only Yuu-kun was there. She wonders what he's doing now. Miki stops eating and lowers her chop sticks. When her mother asks if she's eating OK, Miki makes a big show of pretending to be eating well. In her room, she shakingly starts to go for the drawer with the auto dialer. She grabs her own hand and pulls it away. "No! No! I'll go into a depression again!" Yuu sit's against a tree in the park when An shows up. She's there to see Bill and is supposed to meet him in front of the dorm. Yuu offers to take her there. While walking, An asks if he's heard from Miki. Yuu's expression changes drastically "No, she may be busy". An is stunned and tries to find out more but Bill shows up. Yuu excuses himself and leaves. Bill and An discuss the situation between Yuu and Miki. Miki and Michael are alone at the kitchen table eating before going to school when the phone rings. Miki gets nervous and lowers her head. Michael understanding why, answers the phone. It's Anju. Miki tells Michael she'll take it upstairs. Anju tells Miki that Yuu's roommate told her about Miki and Yuu. Why did Miki break up with Yuu when they got along so well and were so happy together? Miki tells her that she realized that if they stayed together we'd hurt each other. There'd be more bad times than happy ones. Anju tells her that she herself gave up on Yuu because she realized that no one could come between the two of them. Miki responds in great pain "I'm very sorry. But I don't want to be alone ...and I don't want to hurt Yuu again. Anju and Bill talk. Bill feels it's too bad but that it looks like they are really through. He turns to An and reminds her that this is her chance but then realizes that An is not the kind of girl who could take advantage of a situation like that. He remarks that he and she are a lot alike. "If there was a chance... but I don't have any courage to begin." Anju asks he loves somebody. He answers "I'm in the same boat as you...she loves someone else. I'm not good at showing my emotions, so I don't have chance with her." He apologizes to Anju because he feels that he should have told her but he admit's he feels comfortable when he's with her (Anju). It's the truth. Anju agrees that they are just alike. Bill and Anju cement a very close friendship. Yuu is at his locket at school. One of the dorm guys tells him that there's someone waiting outside for him. Yuu exit's the building and scans the grounds until he sees a young man leaning against a pole...it's Kei. Kei greets him with a solemn "It's been a while". Yuu and Kei sit on a hill talking. "I'm surprised to see you in New York. I doubt you came to New York to see me." Yuu remarks pleasantly. "I'm here for a piano competition. But I wanted to talk to you anyway." Kei returns politely. "To me?" Kei voice changes and he becomes his usual direct self. He tells Yuu he wants to put it to him clearly. "Miki...I take her." He remarks to Yuu that Yuu sent her a package didn't he. He informs Yuu that she wasn't happy to get it. Yuu looks startled and pained. Kei sharply tells him "Tell me clearly...that's it's over between you and Miki. Yuu tells him that depends on Miki's feelings. "She's tired and needs support. But I can't be there for her." Kei is quick "I can support her." Yuu turns to him and asks if he's confident that he can. Kei answers "sort of". Yuu tells him that he'll leave her in his care. Kei asks him if he's sure. Yuu decides "Yes, if that's what she wants". Kei is miffed "You!" Yuu asks him to "Please take care of Miki". In her bed, MIki lays with her eyes wide open looking angry as though betrayed, as though she knew what had transpired between the two men. Which can't be but.. MARMALADE BOY #66 (KD) At her desk, Miki writes Meiko that she's going to leave what happened with Yuu in the past and from now on, she only look forward and be alive. She reaches into her drawer for an eraser and see the two items Yuu sent to her and his words "I'm sorry Miki. I can't be with you. I LOVE you. She's uncomfortable but realizes it's really over. Yuu is haunted by the conversation with Kei as he sits on top of the dorm building. Miki dusts in K.'s coop. She see something that attracts her attention. It's a music box. She opens it. It's plays "Moment", the same tune as in the music box that Yuu gave her. Suddenly, she's transported in time. Yuu is telling her he'll buy it for her. A grateful Miki says "Yuu". Miki is confused because Yuu is disappearing and the tune from the music box is sounding funny. She asks Yuu "What's happening?". Miki starts screaming "NOOOOOOOO!" The music box drops to the floor and breaks. Rei runs up to find out if Miki's OK. Miki is very depressed and sorry about breaking the merchandise. The ever-understanding Rei suggests that they leave the store in Akira hands and go to the wholesalers to get stock. Miki is very awe struck at the wholesalers. Rei is impressed with Miki's ability to understand what the customers want. Miki realizes, while she's there, that she used to dream of being Yuu's wife but that it was only her dream. Now, she needed a dream for just herself. She finally realizes that she'd like a dream ...like Rei-san store (is to Rei-san). At home, the odd quad are watching a soap opera, Michael asks where Miki is. The quad tell him that she's probably got held up at work for a while. Michael hopes to himself that she isn't over at Kei-kun's house. The parents get really worked up about what's going on in their show. It's a triangle. "Triangle?" ....that catches Michael's attention. Jin remarks that they (meaning the odd quad) were smart because they solved their problems from the beginning. Michael wants to know if they think that "a clear decision is best". They tells him that it it. Michael and Kei talk in an abandoned playground at night. Kei tells Michael "No". He feels that Miki needs time right now. A suffering Michael complains that leaving things unclear is like hell for him. Kei sharply retorts "Miki just broke up with the guy!" Michael is unconvinced "No matter how recent it is, they've broken up for good. They won't recover. Kei finds himself remembering the conversation between himself and Matsuura. Kei comes to and says he understands but to let HER CHOOSE if she wants to. In New York, Bill, Brian, and Yuu sit at a picnic bench. Brian asks Yuu what's going on with his girlfriend. Yuu sadly tells them that there's someone close to Miki that can support her. Brian asks if it's the guy that visited Yuu... wasn't his name "Kei"? Yuu continues "I asked him to take care of Miki. I thought it was the right thing for her." The Americans are surprised by what Yuu said. Brian though is full of advice about women. Bill wants to know if he's drinking coke or beer. Miki ends up going on a date with both Kei and Michael. (Meiko advised Miki to just go with the flow on this until she discovers what her feelings really are). Miki asks the guys where they're going. Kei tells her that only Michael knows. Michael doesn't tell but he's very excited because he's wanted to go there for a long time....it turns out to be Wonder Dog. Kei sighs about what a kid Michael is. Michael gets pissed and says that there's more adults there than kids. Just then, a bunch of yelling children run by. Michael gives a sound of surprise and Kei humphs. Miki realizes that the boys don't realize that this is where she and Yuu had their first date. In the park, vivid memories flood in on MIki as she walks around. (Some of these scenes we never saw in the original date in episode #3. It's meant to show us that more happened than we knew). The guys take her on the roller coaster, once with Kei riding beside her and once with Michael. Roller coasters don't agree with Miki real well. The guys decide to try to win Miki a stuffed toy and that they'll compete to see who gets it first. What would she like? Miki notices to herself that the Kappa-chan family is gone. She asks for a penguin. While the guys are angling themselves for a win, Miki has time to think about her memories of Yuu. "My memories of Yuu feel very old." The pain in her chest is getting smaller now. Like this, if she forgets little by little, then she'll mature. Then she concludes that she doesn't want to forget everything, it would be sad to forget the good things. But then, if she doesn't forget, I'd be hard on her. Michael sees her deep in thought and barely paying attention to what the guys are doing and he demands to know which she chooses, Kei or himself. He wants a clear decision. Miki is taken by surprise. "Now? Just like that?" Miki thinks to herself that she isn't ready to call anybody "my boyfriend" yet. Kei feels a bit hurt "You don't like me?" Michael follows "How `bout me?" Miki tells them that she doesn't dislike either one of them but... Her thoughts are spinning "I can't completely forget Yuu." Though he can't hear her thoughts, Michael says "I'll make you forget Yuu" in a demanding tone. Kei is soft. "Miki, you can't forget the guy...I love you, knowing that you can't. He walks up to her with great dignity "I'll be with you always...to protect you". Miki's defenses are completely shook. Slowly she moves towards him until she's in his arms. MARMALADE BOY #67 (KD) Miki sits at her desk writing Meiko that she's fallen for Kei-kun. She remembers his words "I'll be with you always...to protect you" but she can't help being concerned that perhaps she's substituting Kei for Yuu. At the breakfast table, Miki wonders if the food's bad. Michael's not eating too well. Michael's pouting, "After you refused me, I have no appetite". Miki assure him that he's be ok, he'll find a great girlfriend. Michael doesn't think so and tells her that he can't think of anybody except her...now or ever. He just wants to go back to America. Miki puts him back in his place by telling him that IF he doesn't behave, she's going to hate him! Michael is taken aback "Don't do that". Miki orders him to never say that again and that she wants to get along with him like brother and sister. Miki and Meiko sit at one of the outdoor tables at school discussing the fact that Miki's going to a piano concert with Kei on Sunday. Miki tells Meiko that she's not sure it's OK because she may be unconsciously substituting Yuu with Kei. Meiko reassures her by telling her that when she starting dating Miwa-san that she felt the same way as Miki....that Miwa-san was a substitute for Namura-sensei. It made her uneasy. She adds "But my feelings for Miwa-san weren't a lie. I realize that now. True, when I returned to Sensei, it hurt Miwa-san, but, if I'd never seen Sensei again, I would've remained with Miwa-san and found a different happiness." Meiko advises her that if she feels she needs Kei-kun to be obedient to her gut feelings. Kei and Miki sit listening to the piano concert. Miki turns to look at Kei. She remembers "If you think you need Kei-kun..." and realizes she really does. Kei turns to look back at her with soft, loving eyes. Miki returns the feeling. Ginta and Arimi are on a double date with Tsutomu and Yayoi. Tsutomu says in his unusually loud voice that the movie was good and that he was impressed. Yayoi agrees that although she didn't expect it to be, it was rather interesting. Arimi suggests that since they have time, they should go to a coffee shop. Tsutomu looks around across the street for a suitable one, when he sees Miki and Kei walking together. In shock, lets the others know about it and how shocked he is that Koishikawa would be dating again after just breaking up with Matsuura. Arimi notices the news makes Ginta quietly livid. At the school gazebo, Meiko tells Ginta that it's true about Miki and Kei. Ginta can't figure it. Meiko tells him that Miki was being pestered, so to just leave her alone. Ginta remembers Yuu leaving from the airport. "Matsuura...it's your fault...that it's come to this! Yuu and his friends; Bill, Brian, Doris, and Jinny, are walking downtown after watching a concert and discussing the band. Jinny's thirsty so Brian recommends that they go to "Nick's". Doris agrees that that sounds good. Yuu adds that, of course, Brian's going to treat them. Brian's a good egg about it and they all head for "Nick's". But as they're walking Yuu's mind is on Miki. Ginta watches Miki playing tennis. After, he finds her on a bench toweling off. He asks if he can talk to her a minute. He takes her by the arm and lifts her off the bench because he feels this isn't a good place to talk. Whatever, is on his mind is not discovered because Ryouko-sensei calls Miki over to her. Ginta is visibly upset at not being able to talk to her. Arimi and Ginta sit at a coffee shop table. Arimi suggests that Yayoi is good but that Rokutanda is loud, so why don't just the two of them (Arimi and Ginta) go on the next date. Suddenly Arimi yells "Are you listening to me!" Ginta asks her what she said. An irritable Arimi tells him that they're there to discuss their next date...but that he's preoccupied. "You're thinking about Miki-san, aren't you" she adds. Ginta honestly tells her that he is a little bit but that their date is more important. Ginta picks up a brochure and works very hard to convince Arimi that he's interested. Arimi solemn and slightly hurt look shows she knows what's going on. The Koishikawa/Matsuura family, watch t.v. Michael's at the table nearby scarfing down (what looks like to me) ice cream right from the container. (Yes! The way I eat it! Ok, Ok...back to serious) Miki wonders what was on Ginta's mind. The telephone rings. Miki answers. It's Kei. Miki lets him know that on the next day she has tennis club so after that she'll be free. After practice, Ginta gets Miki alone to talk. "Why didn't you tell me...about Matsuura...and about this. Do you really think of me as your friend!" Miki seriously tells him "Because if I told you that I'm Kei-kun's girlfriend, you'd think I was irresponsible. I didn't want an important friend to think of me that way. But, I want you to understand. I need Kei-kun now...a peaceful time with Kei-kun. Miki and Meiko are walking towards the school's entrance gate as Miki tells a funny story to Meiko. Ginta walks from a distance behind. Meiko excuses herself as Kei meets Miki at the entrance. Ginta is totally incensed. He wonders WHY is has to be Tsuchiya. He spouts off that he can't let that bastard have her, that he'll take her himself. No sooner has he thought it than he wonders what he's saying! Miki puts on her shoes in the entry and yells "I'm leaving" to the family. The odd quad talk about how much Miki and Kei-kun talk on the phone. They surmise that the two must be dating. Arimi waits for Ginta. He's obviously very late. Arimi remembers his behavior at the coffee shop. Her name's called. It's Ginta racing down the stairs. She's relieved to see him. When he reaches her he bows to her and tells her "He's sorry". Arimi is stunned, this is very extreme. Ginta tells her that he can't leave Miki alone. Until he knows if Tsuchiya Kei is qualified to date Miki, he can't let him have her. Arimi strongly points out that that's between Miki-san and Kei-kun. What does it have to do with Ginta?! Ginta tells her as Miki's friend, he can't leave it alone. Arimi has had it "My friend, my friend! Which is more important, Miki-san or me!" Ginta doesn't answer. He's terribly uncomfortable. Finally he turns his head away from her and tells her he's sorry and runs off leaving her behind. Kei and Miki walk around downtown. Suddenly, Miki starts as she realizes that Kei is holding her hand. She remembers the first time Yuu held her hand. (for romantic purposes, that is). But, Kei smiles gently at her and she smiles back full of love and joy. They walk past a shop with memories. Miki recalls the day Yuu took her there to help get her mind off the upcoming tennis match. Miki wonders to herself why she keeps thinking about Yuu and feels sorry for Kei. Kei notices her expression as she remembers. But he only asks "Do you want a crepe?" She tells him she'd love one. Kei takes her hand and they run. Finally, Kei and Miki start to pass by a bench. It's the one that Miki and Yuu exchanged their medallions. This really brings up the past for Miki. Kei softly puts his arm around her shoulder and asks if she'd like to sit down. They sit on the bench, Kei reminds her that he told her "'I know you can't forget the guy...I love you knowing that.' So, don't push yourself. If you feel sad, cry." She cries quietly. He turns away and tells her "Let's make better memories of our own." MARMALADE BOY #68 (KD) This episode opens repeating the scene of Miki and Kei at the park. Miki is sitting on the bench where she and Yuu exchanged medallions. Kei tells her that he knows she can't forget the guy, he loves her knowing that. He softly tells her not to push herself, if she's sad, cry. The tears falls quietly, Kei turns his back to give her some privacy and says "Let's make better memories of our own". Later, Miki and Kei are sitting quietly on the bench together. Miki's tears are gone, and the sky is turning colored beautifully. They seems to be just taking things in. Kei stands, leans over and takes Miki's hand, and asks "Shall we go?" Flowers, flowers everywhere. Miki is captivated by the beauty of so many flowers in bloom. Kei tells her that the greenhouse that he's taken her to has a good air conditioning system so there's a variety of flowers in bloom year around. Miki becomes excited by the beauty and fragrances of the flowers. Kei agrees that the flowers are wonderful. Just being around them can cheer anyone up. Miki smiles because she realizes that that was Kei's intention - to cheer her up. Kei tells her that anytime she wants to come, he'll bring her. (KD: It's his uncle's greenhouse) Miki seems pleased that she's making new memories with Kei-kun. Outside the fence of Koishikawa/Matsuura house, Miki and Kei stand face to face. Kei cups Miki hands inside his. Miki thanks him for a wonderful day. He says "no need to". His eye intensify and his grip becomes more emotional as he brings his hands and hers more upward. It looks very much like he wants to kiss her. Suddenly MIki feels very nervous. She smiles nervously and quickly pulls her hands away "See ya later, right?". Kei doesn't even make a face showing disappointment. He just says "Right. Bye. " He turns and walks away. Miki doesn't even get through the gate before Ginta's in her path. "Ginta!" Ginta sharply tells her that he doesn't get it! Sitting on the front steps of the house, Ginta tells her that he KNOWS she's tired (emotionally exhausted) but that he didn't think he could do anything for her...but WHY Tsuchiya Kei, WHY?! Ginta tells her that no matter how many times he goes over it in his mind, he can't understand it. He tells her to think it over again because Matsuura is best for her. BUT if Matsuura and she don't get back together, that he... He doesn't finish the sentence. He can't say it. Ginta runs away saying that until he knows whether Tsuchiya is good for her, he doesn't want her to date him. Ginta is walking in the city. He thinks about what happened and wonders why he went to her house. He remembers the things that happened with Arimi. He finds a pay phone and calls her. Ginta tells her that he's sorry about today, that something went wrong with him. Is it all right if he see her right away? She agrees. He tells her to meet him at the fountain and that he'll leave right away. At the fountain, Arimi arrives first. She has the jet memo. When Ginta arrives, Arimi isn't there but the jet memo is. Ginta picks it up and reads "Sayonara". Ginta becomes frantic. He yells her name. No Arimi. Behind a tree, Arimi sadly says "Goodbye....Ginta." and leaves. Ginta runs to look for Arimi. In front of Sagaki Academy, Ginta hopes to catch Arimi but Arimi left before he got there. A voice rings out "Yo...Ginta!" It's Tsutomu. Tsutomu is in a great mood and excitedly suggests that he and Ginta should double date Yayoi and Arimi again. Ginta looks at Tsutomu with eyes barely holding back the tears. Tsutomu gets serious and compassionate and wants to know what's happened. Miki, in her school uniform, barely gets back to the gate in front of the house before her name rings out "KOISHIKAWA!" Miki is stunned to see Rokutanda-kun (Tsutomu) at her house. He yells "WHAT DID YOU DO?!" Miki asks him what's wrong. He tells her that because Ginta was worried about Miki dating Kei, he canceled a date with Arimi and then Arimi broke up with Ginta. He tells Miki that it's all her fault. Tsutomu tells her that he personally doesn't give a damn who she breaks up with and who she dates, just don't involved Ginta and Arimi. He leaves her after pointing his finger at her and telling her that he'll never forgive her. In a coffee shop, Miki tells Arimi that she was amazed and asks if it's true. Arimi tells her that when Miki and Yuu broke up, she wasn't interested in Yuu because her mind was filled with Ginta. But Ginta was different. As soon as he realized that Miki and Kei were dating, he began to change and care only about Miki. He's say "Miki is my friend" but the truth is that he doesn't want to give MIki to another guy. Miki remembers Ginta's words on the steps at home "If you guys don't get back together, I... `"Miki-san may still be in her heart", I've worried about that possibility for some time. But now I know for sure.' Arimi tells Miki. Arimi feels that she doesn't have the confidence to date Ginta anymore. Arimi explains that when Miki and Yuu broke up it had upset her because she could understand why. But now, she feels she does. Every girl wants a guy that looks only to her and if it's not right for her to feel that way, then she can't believe in anything. Miki agrees but tells Arimi that the situation between she and Yuu and the one between Ginta and Arimi, is different. Miki explains that she and Yuu were too far away to make sure of their feelings. Every time she called Yuu she missed him. She couldn't stand it anymore. But with Arimi and Ginta, they've always been near each other. They can show each other how they feel and be certain of their feelings. Miki and Meiko sit at one of the outdoor tables at school discussing the Arimi\Ginta problem. Miki tells Meiko that she feels badly because her problem is affecting others. Meiko assures Miki that she's not to blame, that's it normal for couples to have problems, off and on, that Miki's problems merely triggered theirs causing them to sprout up. Ginta was upset by Miki's situation and Arimi-san sensed it but does Miki really think that that's the end of it? By now, she reminds Miki, Arimi should've caught on to what Miki told her about showing each other how they feel. Those two ought to be regretting things by now but just can't figure out a way to get back together. Miki thinks "a way"? Miki slips behind a tree as Arimi-san passes by outside Sagaki Academy. A loud voice is heard fending off some other guys that want to meet Yayoi. Miki runs up to Rokutanda-kun yelling his name. She grabs an uncooperative Tsutomu and hauls him away. He yells that he doesn't want to talk to her. But she mischievously grins and tells him "That's ok". She whispers in his ear about Yayoi. Yayoi and Arimi are at an amusement park. Yayoi thanks Arimi for coming with her. Rokutanda-kun suddenly came down with a fever and the discount tickets are only good for this day. Arimi tells her that she's glad because she really WANTED to play hard. Yayoi gets excited and tells her that that's wonderful. In the background, Miki slips from tree to tree, watching. (This is drawn very humously) Arimi asks which ride they should go on first. Yayoi becomes startled and nervously looks quickly at her watch. Yayoi points to a ferris wheel with compartments that are fully enclosed and are heart shaped. Arimi seems surprised but Yayoi assures her that she loves this ride. On the platform for the ride, Yayoi coaxes Arimi along. From the other direction we heard a irritated voice complaining "Why do I have to come to an amusement park with a guy?!" Tsutomu is literally pushing Ginta saying "It's alright, it's alright!". Shoved close enough to see each other Ginta and Arimi can only say each other's names. When the ride is in position, Tsutomu motions to Yayoi and the two of them shove Ginta and Arimi in before the door shuts and takes them away. Ginta can be seen yelling something at Tsutomu...but he can't be heard. Tsutomu yells "Goooooooood luuuuuuuuuck! "Pleeeeeeeease be haaaaaaaaapy!" Below Miki smiles. Inside Arimi and Ginta are embarrassed and don't know how to start. Finally Ginta blurts out strongly "Everything was my fault!" He reminds her that she asked him who is more important, she or Miki. It tells her that it was decided from the beginning (KD: I believe this is close to our "there's no question about it.") Arimi seems moved by this comment. He tells her that he get excitable over things and that this time he went totally haywire. He felt rather than give Miki to Tsuchiya Kei, that it would be better if he got her himself. But when he realized he's lost Arimi, all those feelings were completely gone. Ginta tells her with a lot of emotion, that to him, she's more important than ANYONE ELSE! "ONLY you!" Arimi becomes very happy and emotional. Arimi tells him sadly that she's sorry she was so jealous that she said goodbye one-side and asks if he loves her even so. Ginta smiles and lovingly calls her an idiot. He looks at her with melting eyes. They kiss. Tsutomu hurrays, Miki gives a victory sign. Arimi and Ginta thank Miki. The group ask Miki to come with them at the amusement park but Miki doesn't want to be a tag along. Ginta asks her once again to think over Matsuura. Miki thinks about Yuu. She and Yuu are running hand and hand. Their smiles are for each other. The scene changes. They're kissing. The scene changes again to seeing Yuu running and smiling. MARMALADE BOY #69 Miki sits in her room reading a message from Meiko. Meiko tells her that since summer vacation is near at hand, she's determined that Namura-sensei and her parents will meet. She asks Miki to support her. Miki writes in return that, or course, she's stand by her. She hopes that Meiko's parents will accept the engagement. Kei stares with eyes full of love at Miki from across an outdoor coffee shop table. Miki is chattering about the people that are important in her life....about Ginta and Arimi getting back together and about Meiko's attempt to get her parents to accept her engagement. Miki suddenly realizes that she's been doing all the talking. She apologizes to Kei and asks him if he's bored. He smiles and tells her "just of the opposite". He tells her that he was enjoying listening to her and that he'd been thinking about the fact that she has a lot of close, long-time friends. With a slight bit of regret Kei squeezes his glass and continues "If we compare how long I've associated with you, I'd lose." He smiles and tells her that they have lots of time ahead of them, so he doesn't have to rush it. Miki looks at his smile and notices how sincere and warm it is. His smile she decides makes her feel that her decision to date him was the right one. Yuu sits in a library with his American cronies - Bill, Jinny, Brian, and Doris - and reads a letter he's received from Miwa: "Yo! How are you? I'm the same as usual. Are you coming home during the break? I heard about Koishikawa from Suzu. Koishikawa is getting along well withTsuchiya Kei. Well, things happen in life. I thought you'd worry about it and not come back. That's why I'm writing. So come back absolutely...ok?" With summer vacation coming up Jinny can't wait to go home to see her parents. Doris mentions that Jinny's already packing. Bill asks Yuu if he's going back to Japan. Yuu tells him that he hasn't decided. The others look at him in amazement...but they all know why. The New York group with Anju included arrive at the beach near Brian's beach house. Brian calls to Jinny and asks her to go swimming with him...but she's not interested. Yuu tells Bill that he appreciates the fact that everyone changes their plans for him (meaning going to the beach together) because he was hesitating going back to Japan. Brian calls out to Bill and Yuu to go surfing with him. Bill asks Yuu if he wants to. Yuu's not sure but Bill tells him that he'll teach him how. The next scenes are very artsy with everyone enjoying the ocean. Yuu takes a plunge off his surfboard with the others getting a big laugh out of it. Later the group is sitting on the beach, when Doris notices some parasailers above them. Brian and the others get excited and decide to try it. Yuu decides that he's worried about Anju with her having recently had major surgery and decides to stay behind with her. She insists that he go. She wants the others to wave to her from up there. Yuu leaves with the others but Bill notices how sad she looks and decides to return and stay with her. From above Jinny looks for An to wave to her but what she sees stuns her. Bill is with An having a wonderful time. Later during the day, Jinny can't get her mind off what she saw. Doris finds Jinny combing her hair after a shower and tells her that Brian's been looking for her. Jinny asks Doris that if Brian asks where she is to not tell him. Doris asks Jinny if some happened with Brian, but Jinny tells her no. Shortly thereafter, Jinny leaves the beach house while carefully avoiding Brian. While outside she sees Bill and An strolling in the dark. Bill suggests to An that she tell Yuu how she feels. He adds that it's kind of her to consider Yuu and Miki but that she must be hurting. Anju tells him she's not being kind she's just a coward. It's the same reason as why she's didn't go up parasailing. She explains that she has a habit of protecting her heart more than she needs to. Bill gets direct and tells her to be brave and tell him how she feels. Anju turns to him and bluntly says "What about you, Bill? Can you get the courage to tell Jinny?" In the kitchen, Doris trys to get straight what Yuu's just told her "You don't want to ruin the relationship between Miki and her new boyfriend? That's why you're uncertain about going back to Japan?" Yuu confirms. Doris tells him he should go back because if their relationship is true, it won't be destroyed by Yuu's return. On the other hand, if his return does break them up, their relationship would've broken up sooner or later anyway. That's the way it is. She adds that Yuu will get hurt but if he's afraid of that, he'll never know the truth. Not going home is just avoiding the problem. Yuu decides to go home. A grateful Yuu tells Doris that she's a great counselor and friend. Doris repeats the work "friend" sadly. Brian irritably walks through the room "Where the hell did Jinny go? Damn, I really love her but..." When he's gone, Doris says "Making men think I'm their friend, is my weak point. She starts to leave her- self but Yuu wants to assure her. He tells her that she's attractive and that one day the one she cares about will notice. Doris is frankly doubtful. "He's a blunderer, stupid, and a blockhead, so if I wait 10,000 years, he'll notice." Bill is in a bedroom looking in a mirror and remembering An's challenge to get him to tell Jinny his feelings. He decides. OK An, I'll do my best. The door knocks. It's Jinny, who says she wants to talk to him. Jinny demands to know if he's confessed him feelings to An? She wants to know if he's planning to? Does he like her? She lets him know that she very surprised at him. It's not right! After all, he's not interested in girls. Bill can't get over her behavior and asks her why she's like this all of the sudden. Jinny realizes that maybe none of it is her business but explains that ever since seeing him with An the day before, she's been acting weird. She's alright when she sees An with Yuu but over seeing Bill with her she couldn't sleep the night before. She asks Bill again if he'd confessed his feelings to An. Bill tells her no. Jinny asks him why. Bill explains that he's fond of another girl. "Jinny...I'm in love with you. I've loved you for a long time." Jinny is stunned. Bill asks her if she knows why he talked to Brian the first time. He goes on to tell her that the reason was because Brian was was close to Jinny but that's how Jinny came to misunderstand that Bill was gay. Jinny can't believe that it was a misunderstanding because Bill led her to believe it was true. Bill apologizes for letting her believe that but that the reason was that there were so many guys swarming around her that he didn't figure he had a chance to be her boyfriend. But, if he let her believe that he was gay, he could be near her as her friend. In the kitchen Doris asks Yuu if he's seen Anju on the beach. Doris explains that her swimming suit's gone. A man demands to know from Anju if she's going up (parasailing) or not. He reminds her that others are waiting. Anju tries to pluck up her courage. She thinks to herself "If I go by myself, I've decided I'll tell Yuu how I feel." She starts to go but a voice rings out her name. It's Yuu. He tells her in a demanding voice that she can't go. She pleads with him to let her go. He refuses. Finally the man tells them that he has the answer. Yuu and An parasail together in a double. Anju decides she can't tell him because she didn't go up alone. At a booze stand on the beach, Brian is trying to get stone drunk. Doris finds him there making trouble. Brian complains to Doris "Why Bill, why?!" He explains that he can understand her being interested in Yuu but why Bill? Doris tells him that Jinny isn't the only woman around that there's a lot of nice women out there. Brian is irritable and tells her that he doesn't need her sympathy. Doris assures him that's not what she's doing. Brian sarcastically says "Oh yeah, where's...that...nice lady" as he dramatically looks around himself. Doris calmly says "right here". Brian looks at her and is completely shocked. The mothers meet Miki at the front door. They note that she's late getting home. Miki explains that she had to work late. The mothers tell Miki that Yuu's coming home next week. Miki feels uncomfortable as she remembers their past. MARMALADE BOY #70 (KD) Miki writes "Meiko, Yuu's coming back. Of course, it's because it's summer break." She remembers telling him that she couldn't be his girlfriend at the NY airport and realizes that she hasn't seen him since then. And she knows she's going to need to tell him about Kei-kun. She thinks to herself that she doesn't know what kind of face to put on to greet him. Outside of K's coop, Kei tells Miki that he's heard that Matsuura is coming home for summer break. Then, he wonders why Miki is looking at him so oddly. Miki can't get over how mature and composed he is about it. Kei asks her "Miki, aren't you?" Miki tells him that she's not because she hasn't told Yuu that's she's dating him (Kei). Of course, she adds uncomfortably that she doesn't have to report everything to Yuu. But Yuu is part of her family. It's a bit troublesome because although they're family members they were dating. Kei-kun turns away from her thinking to himself. Kei tells her that if it's hard on her, he'll talk to Matsuura himself. "It's true, you don't have to report to him, if I do it, it'll make that distinction, and you won't have to feel so bad." Miki thanks him but tells him she feels she should be the one to tell him. It's evening. The family is outside eating, Michael included. Miki suggests to him that they do the fireworks. Michael gets as excited as a child at the idea. Chiyako and Rumi talk to Jin and Youji about the idea of everyone going to the airport to get Yuu and taking him out to dinner. Michael, excited by the sparkler he just lit, calls to the parents to look at it. Jin asks Michael if it's okay with him. Michael asks "What's that?" Jin explains that they want to go out to dinner after picking up Yuu. Michael tells him that of course, it's okay. Youji asks Miki the same question. Miki carefully says "S-sure, I think so." Jin gets very excited and starts looking through a telephone book to find a restaurant. Rumi wants Italian. Jin reminds her that they should think of what Yuu-kun likes. Rumi says it's OK because Yuu-kun LIKES Italian. Miki isn't listening. "All the family together...I'm able to escape, less and less." Michael notices that Miki is preoccupied and looking disturbed. Kei sadly sits at his grand piano playing the piece he wrote for her. He remembers her saying that he was more mature and composed than she is about Yuu coming back. Her words "Though we're family member, we were a couple causes him to wonder "Miki and Matsuura...what then? His image is still in her mind." The doorbell rings... It's Michael. He tells Kei they need to talk. At a park, Michael tells him to hold onto Miki and not to let go. Kei smiles and says "Idiot, you didn't need to tell me that". But Michael demands to know that if that's the case why is Miki so upset. "I don't want to interfere but... what does she call you? Have you kissed Miki? Kei is a bit irritated at the question and tells Michael he doesn't have to answer that question...it's private. "Sorry", Michael continues, "but lovers DO kiss each other". So, if you are, wouldn't she call you Kei instead of Kei-kun?" He adds that it's the same in America. (KD Why? You got me.) Michael tells Kei to do his best. If he loses Miki to Yuu, he'll (Kei) will know how he (Michael) feels. The family and Michael wait at the airport. When Yuu finally arrives, the first thing Miki notices is that Anju is with him. The mothers are so excited they run up and pull him from both sides like a wishbone. Yuu struggles with their over-exuberance. Miki turns to Anju and affectionately welcomes her back and says it's good to see her so healthy. Yuu walks up to where the two girls are with his head turned away from Miki remarks to Anju that it's been a long time since she's seen her father, hasn't it. He smiles and turns to Miki with his eyes closed and says "I'm home". Miki soft trembling little voice returns "Welcome back". The parents inform Yuu that they have reservations at a restaurant and insist that Anju come too. Youji pushes the heavy load of luggage on a cart with Michael sitting on top of it for the ride. Youji yells for Michael to get off. Michael's thinking over the name "Anju". When he remembers where he heard it before, he jumps down and Youji goes flying cart in all. Michael asks if she's the one that Bill talks about. Anju tells him that Bill is dating Jinny. Michael is stunned! Miki watches the goings-on from a distance. She tells herself that she needs to tell Yuu about Kei as soon as possible. At dinner, Rumi remarks that the restaurant has a excellent view and has a nice atmosphere. Jin agrees and feels she should appreciate him. Michael comments that his brother, Brian, should've been depressed (about losing Jinny). Anju tells him "At first". Yuu adds that he may have noticed another girl's charm. Michael puts two and two together "Would that be Doris?". Anju is surprised "You knew that, Michael?" Miki listen while the others talk to each other and thinks about Anju being close to Yuu while she has Kei-kun. She talks to Yuu in her mind "Yuu...are you dating Anju-san?" The parents notice her serious face and the fact that she's not eating. Jin calls her name twice before she notices. Jin is concerned that she's very quiet. Chiyako seems worried too. Miki immediately puts on a big show of enjoying the food while telling them "it's not true". Yuu watches her with a serious face. Later in the lobby, a small wedding party walk past Miki who is ahead of the rest of her group. She bends over as though somewhat affected by the sight and turns toward the door she just came out of just as Yuu comes through the door. She pulls herself up and nervously asks where the others are. He tells her they're still inside. Miki decides it's time. "Um Yuu...", she begins in a small voice, "I need to tell you something". She hardly gets started when Anju comes through door. Anju stops cold when she sees the look on Miki and Yuu's faces. She apologizes and trys to leave but Miki stops her and tells her that she wants her to please listen. "Um... I... I'm dating Kei-kun". Anju can't help but see Yuu's shoulders drop when he gets the news. Miki is looking downward. "I wanted to tell you myself." Yuu calmly returns "I see". He remembers the conversation he had with Kei in New York where Kei told Yuu that he would take Miki because he (Kei) could support Miki and Yuu couldn't. Back to the here and now Yuu tells Miki that "He's a nice guy" and asks her if she's happy. Miki smiles and says "yes". "I see. Good." , he says kindly. Miki is delighted and thinks to herself that she wasn't expecting them to be able to smile at each other this way or to be so calm. Out on the streets somewhere, Yuu tells the family that he's going to take Anju home. Anju thanks the family and Miki tells her to "take care". Anju thanks Miki; and Yuu and Anju leave. Michael is taking Yuu's luggage but stops. He rolls the suitcase hard to Miki and asks her to take it. Miki has no time to gather herself before the thing hits her and carries her off. He runs up to Yuu. Yuu asks "What is it, Michael?" Michael in an honest voice tells Yuu that he misjudged him. He thought that Yuu was dating Jinny. So he told Miki about Jinny and wouldn't put her on the phone when Yuu called. But after talking to Yuu he realized it was a mixup. "It's my fault you two.." Yuu stops him and assures him that it wasn't HIS fault. He DIDN'T cause it. Miki and his separation was their own fault especially his own. Michael tells him "thank you" but to tell him say "I'm sorry". Michael runs off to catch up with the others. Anju remarks that Michael is like his brother, gentle and honest. Yuu doesn't answer. "You were forcing yourself, weren't you?" Anju asks him. "You pretended to be an understanding ex-boyfriend. You said that her boyfriend is a nice guy, but you don't really think so do you." Yuu sadly says "There was nothing else I could do." Anju ask him if it's really OK. Won't he regret it later. Yuu: "She's happy. When she said that, what could I say? I forced Miki to be unhappy. What can I say?" Anju is so moved by Yuu's pain that she runs up to him and leans against him and tells him not to say anything, to just let her be like this. The phone rings in Miki's room. Kei-kun tells her that he wants to see her the next day. She tells him she works but that after 3 o'clock is OK. She adds she'd be delighted if he'd come to K's coop. He tells her he'll be there and adds "Uh Miki...it's about time to take the "kun" off". "You want me to call you `Kei'? I'm a little embarrassed to." Kei assures her that it's okay to change little by little. Rei, Akira, Kijima, Miki and Yuu are at Kei's coop. Kijima makes a big deal out of putting a bandana on his head. Yuu tells him that he's sorry about the inexpensive gift. It's a St. Andrews original. Miki teasingly tell them that Yuu gave every member of his family the same thing. Yuu teases back that what else could he do, he totally forgot to get presents. Rei assures him that he didn't have to worry about getting presents since he went abroad to study. Yuu pointedly says that Rei is understanding...not like Miki. Miki sticks her tongue out at him and makes silly noises. Yuu does the same back at her. Everyone laughs at the two. Kijima tells them that wearing the bandana reminds him of when he was traveling around the world with a backpack. Akira interjects that his brother- in-law is bragging again. Kijima gets after him for it...then out of the blue gets excited and asks Yuu if he'd like to go camping. Since it's summer break, why not invite a lot of friends. Miki is thrilled and wants to go. Kijima is delighted. Then Kei-kun arrives and greets everyone, turns to Yuu and says "Hello". Yuu doesn't answer. Miki comes up to him "Hey Kei-kun...I mean Kei (Yuu is taken down a notch by hearing her call him Kei without the "kun".), Kijima-san is taking us camping, wanna come?" Kei answers that it's all right. Miki starts adding to the list. "Let's invite Ginta and Arimi-san. Then Rokutanda-kun and Yayoi-san will come. Kijima realizes there'll be a bunch of couples coming. Akira adds that he'd like Ryouko to come. Miki figures that should be it then but Yuu asks if he can invite An. Kijima tells him everyone is welcome. With Yuu having decided An should come, Miki wonders if he's going to start dating An. She wonders why her chest hurts. "It's none of my business anymore but... She doesn't finish the thought. Kei watches her thinking. MARMALADE BOY #71 (KD) Meiko sits at her desk "Kei-kun asked you to call him Kei? I think it's fine but...usually that sort of thing isn't changed deliberately. It changes naturally." She thinks to herself "In Namura-sensei's case...Shinichi." Back to the letter, she writes that it's too bad she can't go camping and asks Miki to enjoy it for her too. Two vans travel along some back woods roads. Kijima is driving the first load of friends and Akira follows behind. They pull up in an area with a lake. Miki gets out and stretches and takes in the forest air. Suzu run up to the water and puts her hand in. The rest of the girls follow - Miki, Arimi, Yayoi, and Anju. Suzu, feeling her oats, splashes the cold mountain water on Arimi and Miki. The girls start razzing each other. Kijima who is unloading the vans starts bitching, "Wouldn't you know the women would..." He doesn't finish the sentence before Rei and Ryouko peak out from the end of the van and say "What's that about women?!" Kijima feigns innocence "They're cute aren't they?" The ladies simultaneously say "That's better." Meanwhile Miki's backing up to where the vans are because she's already been drenched by the others but she's not looking where she's going and backs right into Yuu. She lowers her head and apologizes. Yuu returns a proper reply. They're feeling a little uncomfortable about it. Miki's name is called out by Kei. A towel flys through the air and lands on Miki's head. Kei teasingly yells "STRIKE!" Miki makes a silly face "Ah, you're a brat! She stomps towards him cutely. He tries to cheerfully weasel out of it "But Miki, your face made a nice catch!" She answers "No way... Hey Kei!" At hearing the familiarity of Miki calling him, Kei (without the "kun"), Yuu's shoulders sink and he looks back at the other two over his shoulder as continue their playful banter. Ginta watches the three from a distance away. At seeing Ginta's serious face, Arimi asks him what wrong. When he sees the direction of his gaze, she understands. "There's still reason to be concerned about them." Ginta agrees. Ginta isn't the only one to notice. Anju's watching. Kijima, Rei, Akira, and Ryouko are in a group by themselves working on things. Ryouko comments that the area is private and secluded and wonders how they found this spot. Akira explains that he travels around trying to find things to draw and that's how he ran into this place...it's his favorite spot. Michael suddenly yells "HEY EVERYONE! LET'S HURRY AND GET THESE PITCHED!" Kijima gets juiced up and ready and the guys get to work setting up the tents. Michael informs the rest that if they have any questions, they can ask him because he's been trained at summer camp since he was a little boy. Tsutomu wonders what the big deal is about going to summer camp...no sooner said, than he clobbers himself with the mallet he was using to put in stakes. Later Ryouko admires the rock stove that Kijima is putting together. Rei teases "He always works hard at THESE kinds of chores." Kijima in a cute tone say "Hey, hey...I work hard at my job too!" Rei feigns politeness "I'm sorry, excuse me." and bows to him even though she's a distance away. He returns the tone "Not at all". They laugh. The younger set of ladies decide they've gathered enough wood and start heading back from the woods. Miki is delighted when she gets close enough to see that the camp is all set up. Suddenly, she hears Yuu tell Anju he'll help her with her load of wood. She can't help staring. Suzu sidles up and accuses her. "Do you still care about Yuu and Anju-san?" Miki a little too quickly denies it. Suzu adds in a smart alecky voice "Do you feel like a step sister now?" (Actually she said sister-in-law.) The guys are all out fishing. The first to make a catch is Yuu. Akira comments that he has a lot of talent for a first time fisherman. Ginta follow suit. When Tsutomu sees that Ginta has made a catch, he gets determined that he'll get something too. He tosses his line in and it get's wrapped around Michael's line (Michael's on the other side of the stream). The two start to wrangle. Akira yells to them that there's a fish on the end of the line. They argue about who's fish it is and try from both sides of the stream to pull it out. It's lost. Yuu is packing the fish into an ice chest when a shadow falls across his back. It's Ginta. Yuu is in a sullen mood. He asks Ginta "What's with the scary face." Ginta in almost an accusing sound voice asks Yuu if he's alright. Then he goes on to get something off his mind. "I thought you and Miki had something special...but you've given it up to study abroad." Yuu answers him "I'm not alright." Before Ginta can argue, Yuu sets him in his place with a very stern "But..." "But...it's for Miki's sake. Miki's able to smile if she's with him." Yuu tells him that Tsuchiya is not as bad as Ginta thinks and that he has no place in Miki's life anymore. Ginta is stunned "Matsuura, you really think that's okay?!" Rei explains some of the finer points of cooking rice (for camping trips)to Suzu while the other girls prepare things for dinner. Miki trys to gingerly cut tofu for the tonjiru. She's trying so hard she accidentally dumps it into the pot. She feels just awful about it, but Ryouko assures her that sometimes for tonjiru the tofu is broken on purpose. Miki is sad. All the other girls can cook well and she herself is a disaster. The men arrive back at camp proud of their big catch. Ginta can be seen telling Arimi about what happened when he talked to Matsuura; while Tsutomu loudly makes a big deal out of the fact that this will be the first time he'll have had Yayoi's cooking. "The first time I cooked for someone..." Miki remembers the first time she cooked for Yuu after they became a couple. It was scrambled eggs and tuna. Kei interrupts "Oh, tonjiru". Miki behaves cute and embarrassed and tells him she broke the tofu. Kei teasingly tells her she's a klutz. Anju asks Yuu to taste what she's cooking for her but he doesn't hear her right away. He's staring at Kei and Miki. He finally recognizes that he was being talked to and tastes it. He warmly tells her it's good. Miki is drawn to the situation. She wonders why she cares about Yuu so much. He's got to remain in her past. Kei watches Miki like he knows what she's thinking about. The group eat dinner under canopies. Suzu exclaims that she's never had such tasty fish. Akira adds that the tonjiru is good too. Rokutanda wants Yayoi to eat the fish he caught for her. Michael gets upset "I got THAT ONE!" And the argument is on again. A slightly pissed off Ginta stands up and tries to stop it "It doesn't matter!" Arimi adds irritably "Who can tell who caught the fish?!" Yuu cheerfully agrees, grabs the fish and wolfs it down. Everyone laughs. Miki grins bright eyed and thinks "Yuu, you nut. You're clowning around." Again Kei watches her with a serious look. Anju notices too but her thoughts are interrupted by Rei's question, "Are you going back to Boston, Anju-san". Anju tells her that she'll be staying there awhile because of violin lessons. Michael suddenly remembers that his brother told him that he took Anju to the beach house. Yuu adds that it's a nice place... Miki listens to the others talk about New York and can't help thinking that even though she and Yuu are near each other they have different worlds. She can't understand why she feels a kind of loneliness even though she has Kei-kun. Again Kei's watching her. Kei and Miki come out of a tent. Miki expresses sheer joy at seeing the all the stars. Kei asks her if she'll go for a walk with him. Ginta, Arimi, Tsutomu, and Yayoi sit around a light in another tent. Tsutomu has the cards and asks what they should play next. Yayoi suggests shichinarabe. Kijima, Rei, Akira, and Ryouko are in another tent. Ryouko remarks that she can't remember the last time she was in a tent. Kijima thinks she ought to appreciate him for this great idea. In another tent, Suzu squeals with delight over having won the game. Michael whines over having lost while Anju comments on the fact that Yuu's so late. Suzu reminds her that he said he wanted to cool off. Michael doesn't care though. He suggests they continue the game. This time he's not going to lose. Miki cheerfully chatters about the stars and the wind as she walks some- what behind Kei. When she comments that they should've brought Meiko and adds a "Right Kei-kun?" (with the "kun") Miki immediately corrects herself and calls him "Kei". Kei stops walking. His back is towards her. "Miki....do you love me." Miki is startled by the question "Why are you asking me suddenly?" Kei gets serious 'I'm asking "Do you love me?"'. Miki stumbles over "Of course I do". A worried Kei demands "Then tell me". Miki lowers her head "I-I love you." Yuu walks sadly along a woodland path in the dark remembering things: when he asked her if she was happy and her answer of "Yes", Miki calling Tsuchiya by "Kei" after they arrived on the camping trip, Ginta saying "Matsuura, you really think it's okay?!", and Miki at the New York airport "If you go back to Japan with me now... Her final words ring in his head "Sayonara.... Sayonara.... Sayonara.... Yuu reels from the emotions he's feeling and lands up against a tree. Meanwhile, Miki can clearly see that Kei is planning to kiss her. She closes her eyes and waits. Without planning it, memories of Yuu return to her - His words to her in Hakone "Can you wait for me? I have only you, Miki" and the kiss that followed. She remembers his words at the New York airport "You're in pain...I didn't know...obviously. As for me, all I can say is wait for me. Is that so bad? If you still feel pain.........I can't do anything about you breaking up with me." Kei is leaning in to kiss her when he stops cold. When Miki opens her eyes and asks "What's wrong", she notices there are tears streaming down her face. She seems somewhat surprised by them. She doesn't know what to say but Kei appears to know he's lost her. She struggles with her emotions for a minute then cries out that she's sorry and runs off through the woods. As she runs she mentally apologizes to Kei and says that she needs Yuu. She mentally calls out Yuu's name over and over. Suddenly, she hears the roar of a waterfall. She stops and sees Yuu in the distance. She barely whispers his name but his head comes up as though he could hear her voice mentally. His head turns towards her as he murmurs her name. Miki yells out his name as she runs into his arms. Yuu seems a bit confused and after a few minutes, he holds her a arms length so he can listen to her. "It won't work", she tells him. "I can't accept anyone but you. Yuu, I need only you." Yuu grabs her up and embraces her very soundly. Kei in the distance sees what's happened, turns and walks away. He comes across Anju and sadly notes that he could've guessed it was going to be like this. Anju seemed to think so too. Kei seems to be at a loss to know how to give up someone he loves. At the waterfall, Yuu again stands at arms length from Miki looking at the tears rolling down her face lovingly. He cups his hand around her face and wipes the tears away with his thumbs. He tells her with a great deal of passion that he won't let go. They kiss deeply. MARMALADE BOY #72 (KD) 7/30/95 Also in the newest Animate, it has information about this episode. It looks like they're going to adapt the current running MB story running in Ribon magazine. It's the story that has had my WHOLE family in a tail spin for several months! How they are going to wrap it up in 4 episodes, I haven't a clue! More later when I have more information. 8/29/95: Miki is in her room feeling wonderful. She walks over to her desk, opens the drawer and pulls out the two robots. She listens to the Voice Memo "Miki, I'm sorry. I can't be with you. I LOVE you." She then remembers being at the waterfall with Yuu and his words "I won't let go". She tells the robots that she's sorry she left them by themselves and let's them know that she and Yuu have made up. She giggles lovingly. Meiko and Miki are at a table downtown. Meiko figured something like this might happen. Miki looks sad and Meiko wonders why. Miki relates what happened with Kei in the forest and that she realized only then that she needed Yuu. But Kei-kun and Anju-san got involved. "I think I hurt them." Meiko agrees that that may be so and adds that she herself hurt others for sure. She remembers Miwa and Ryouko then continues "But, if I'd lied to my true feelings, they'd have gotten hurt far more in the end. After all this, you're required to be happy. That's the best way to atone for it. That's the way I try to look at it." Miki agrees that that seems sensible. Meiko suggests that Miki not get herself down over it, cheer up and not to let Matsuura get away. At the airport, Anju apologizes to her father for suddenly deciding to go back to New York. He asks if anything happened. She tells him "not really" but that she suddenly felt like seeing the Hudson river. As she's walk on the ramp to the plane she decides that this is the final farewell (to Yuu) until she can smile again. Kei paces in front of K's Coop trying to look through the window. He realizes she's not there and wonders what he's doing there. He knows there's nothing he can do about his relationship with Miki. He remembers the scene of Yuu and Miki at the waterfall. (He must've seen all of it... from the moment she first ran to Yuu. He decides he lost but that he can't regret it since he did everything he could. Suzu suddenly interrupts his thoughts as she comes out of K's coop and accused him of still being after Miki-san. She tells reminds him that Miki is back with Yuu and that he should give up. Her insensitively causes Kei to lose his temper "What right do you have to say that! What business is it of yours! Mind you own business!" He runs off steamed. Suzu wonders what his problem is, she was just being kind. She decides he's no gentleman. Kei stops himself as he gets part-way up the steps and laughs sadly "She's such an odd girl". Miki and Yuu are on the bottom bunk of the bunk bed he shares with Michael. "Now I'm required to be happy. I was relieved when Meiko said that", Miki tells Yuu solemnly. Yuu feels it's true that they've caused problems for others, "But you know what...I don't regret it because we can be together again. I'm really happy about it." Miki smiles "Is that so? That's true, isn't it." Miki glows and gets very cute "Yuu, I have something I'd like to ask you. Why don't we finally go on our trip?" Yuu reciprocates lovingly "That's right we've never gotten to be alone". Miki is still being very cute "I want to go to the sea". Yuu puts his hand over hers and tells her anywhere is OK as long as he can be with her. He picks up her hand in his, and with his eyes showing a great deal of intense love, he tells her he wants to go as soon as possible. Yuu throws his leg over Miki's head, she ducks with perfect timing. (Yuu did this so he could change positions on the bed so he can sit beside her.) "Come to think of it, we missed each other's birthdays", Yuu recalls. Miki adds that that's because they've been separated since Spring but that's it's not too late to exchange presents. Yuu agrees and asks her want she wants. Miki is very cute and drawls out her words, "Me? Let's see." Yuu interrupts her seriously "I'll get you a ring". "A ring?", she repeats, "You don't have to. You gave me one at New Years". Yuu reminds her that that was only a toy. Miki grins charmingly "You have a point". Yuu assures her that he wants to gets her a real one. Miki gets very excited "A ring from Yuu..." She pulls up her left hand and points to her ring finger and tells him "I'll put it on here and never take if off. Miki asks Yuu what he wants but he tells her that it doesn't matter, anything she gives him will be fine. Miki teasingly tells him his answer is troublesome. Yuu then realizes that he didn't give her anything for her birthday in March the year before even though she helped celebrate his in June. He asks her to pick out something else she'd like. Miki tells him that it's okay because at the time, they were busy moving and other things. (KD: This is when the families first moving in together). She assures him that the ring is enough. "Is that so? Okay then, pick out anything you want from my room." Miki is hesitant "But.." Yuu insists. "Choose something. Anything is fine." "Okay. I'll find something." Miki says in a childlike tone. Yuu watches her childlike enthusiasm with pure pleasure as Miki looks around his room. She looks at his books, his alarm clock, a ball point pen, and his watch. Yuu warns her that the watch is broken. A cheerful Miki opens the closet doors and see Yuu's favorite shirt. He wears it a lot. She asks Yuu if she can take it. Yuu smiling agrees. While Miki holds it up to her- self deciding that the best way to wear it is as pajamas, Yuu comes up behind her and shoves her into the closet and closes the door behind both of them. "H-hold it, Yuu." Yuu is pleased with himself "There's just enough room for us in the closet." Miki tells him to quit teasing her. He assures her that their parents won't find them there no matter what. Miki nervously reminds him "Idiot, if Michael comes in, he'll see us come out of the closet". Yuu stops her complaints by kissing her. The shirt drops out of her hand. In the dark, we can see him kiss her twice but her overlay comment is "In a narrow closet...we kissed each other MANY times and held each other tight. I was happy. In a few days, the happiness would be destroyed. I never would've guess that." Yuu gets up on Sunday morning to find the house empty. He remembers that his dad is on a business trip, Jin-san is golfing, and his finds a note from the mothers saying that they've gone to the beauty parlor and shopping. A note next to their's is from Miki. It's says, "Sleepyhead Yuu, I'm going to work. Let's exchange presents after that. I'll be back by 4 o'clock. Be sure to stay at home. Be sure to." Yuu smiles to himself and thinks about Miki saying she wanted to go to the sea and decides he'd better go find his snorkel. Miki leaves work early to go buy a present for Yuu. She wonders what she should get for him and definitely decides a teddy bear wouldn't be right. She goes into a jewelry store and looks at a watch....$270! Her eyes bug out! Expensive! She decides it's WAY OVER her budget. She leaves but somehow she can't get it out of her head that his watch is broken and that it's a gift that will stay on him all the time. She runs back in the store and yells that she'll take it. She has a very cute expression of pride on her face. Yuu can't find his snorkel in the attic and wonders if he threw it away. In a box up there, he discovers his dad's senior yearbook. (I'm told that only seniors have these books.) He decides to take a look at it. An envelop falls out. A picture of Youji in his tennis outfit can be see with other photos behind it. Yuu picks it up and giggles because Youji looks SO young. He decides Miki ought to see it. He's reminded that his mom and dad got to know each other in tennis circle so he wonders if there's a picture of her too. He starts to look at the pictures behind the top one...and sees Jin-san in a tennis outfit. Yuu is stunned. "It can't be! He looks further to find something that's enough to jar him to the core - a photo of the parents paired up the way they are now. Youji is with Rumi and Jin-san has his arms around Chiyako's waist. "Our parents said they met in Hawaii! I've never heard that they were friends in college!" Yuu remembers his experiences from the past. First the letter he read from his grandmother to his dad "Are you OK with a woman who has a baby by her ex-boyfriend. Can you continue to love that wife and child." Then he remembers the words of Miwa Yoshimitsu "I'm sorry. I'm not you father. It's someone else." Yuu remember Yoshimitsu telling him that his mother had had a boyfriend since college and that man was probably Yuu's father. Yuu then realizes with pain that if Jin-san is his father, Miki is his sister. A vision of her smiling face comes into his mind. Miki excitedly comes home. In her enthusiasm, she yells for Yuu but finds the house empty. She sees the note she left him telling him not to leave. The telephone rings. It's Miwa. He asks her if she's doing well. Miki cheerfully tells him "yes" and lets him know that Yuu isn't in right now. Miwa tells her yeah, that Yuu's been at his house because he's wanted to talk to him for some time. He informs her that Yuu will be spending the night and that right now Yuu was at a convenience store so Miwa was calling her to let her know that Yuu would be back the next day. When he's off the phone, he turns to Yuu and asks if that was all right. Yuu, who sitting on the floor with his head between his arms, doesn't answer. Miki is sad but feels it's okay if they exchange presents the next day. She looks at the wrapped present and mentally asks Yuu if he'll like it. She mentally gets a picture of a thrilled Yuu thanking her. Miki becomes excited. Miwa comes over and sit on the floor near Yuu. "You arrived looking pale. So what's the matter? Has something happened" Yuu doesn't say a word. Miwa comandingly tell him "Yuu, if you don't say something, I can't know.... Yuu pulls his head up. Tears are overflowing and running down his face. A stunned Miwa can only say "Yuu". The next day, Miki is dressed and ready but Yuu is late. Miwa had told her that Yuu had already left. The telephone rings. It's Yuu. Miki told him she'd been waiting for him and could he come home as soon as possible. Yuu can barely say her name. Miki excitedly tells him that she wants him to see his present. Yuu tells her they need to talk but that he can't do it over the phone and asks her to meet him at a park. Miki agrees. She talks to Yuu in her mind "Yuu, what's the matter? You sound upset." Yuu sit on a park bench, looking downward. Even the sound of Miki's voice calling to him can hardly get his attention. As she gets closer, he stands. She joyfully runs up to him and leans against him to be embraced. He doesn't. She's panting from running. It's a cheerful sound because she's so happy to be with him again. Yuu's face shows his struggling emotions. Miki begins to realize something's amiss. She asks him "What's wrong? You don't seem right. I noticed it when you called too." She lovingly puts her hand up to his cheek and asks him if he has a fever. She takes his arm and suggests that they get him something cold to drink and that he can tell her about whatever he wanted to talk to her about. Yuu sharply pulls his arm away from her. Yuu says her name very seriously. Miki asks very seriously in return "What is it?" Yuu's final words are "I want to break up." MARMALADE BOY #73 (KD) This episode opens with a repeat of the last scene from the previous episode, "I want to break up.", and continues it. A stunned Miki stammers "W-why? Is it me? Do you hate me?" Yuu tells her it's not that and also to her next query if it someone else, he tells her "no". He tells her that he thought they could start over again but that they can't. He can't think of her as a girlfriend anymore. He's lost that special feeling for her. In shock, Miki softly says "You don't hate me, but you don't love me ...is that right?" Yuu confirms. Miki still can't over the sudden change, "Just like that...all of the sudden. I don't get it. Oh God....NOOOOO! Why? How come? If I have problems. I'll FIX them. ANYTHING you say, I'll do." (KD: Anyone not really moved by this, has a heart of stone.) Yuu yells at her "You don't have ANY problems! There's NOTHING wrong with you." He tells her it's HIS selfishness, his feelings have cooled down. Miki tells him that if he doesn't hate her, not to break up with her because she loves him very deeply. He tells her "no", he can't go with her anymore. Yuu turns away from her. Miki cries from the depth of her heart. Yuu's thoughts can be heard. "Don't cry. I can't do ANYTHING about it. I just CAN'T. We're...we're....SIBLINGS!" But, of course, can't hear those thoughts. Yuu remembers that he bought her the birthday gift he'd promised her he holds out the box to her and tells her he kept the promise to buy her a ring, that that he can't take the trip with her. Miki tells him she doesn't want it. He doesn't love her. He tells her it's not from your boyfriend...consider it from you family member. He can't do anything with it if he keeps it, If she still doesn't want it, throw it away. (KD: Ouch!) Yuu turns and leaves with Miki yelling his name. Meiko is writing at her bedroom desk. The maid knocks at the door and tells Meiko that Koishikawa-san is there to see her. Meiko finds Miki in the entrance. One look tells Meiko something's up even at this late hour. Meiko asks Miki but Miki doesn't answer. Finally Miki runs to Meiko and leans against her and crys. Yuu is at Miwa's. In shock, Miwa yells "You said THAT to Koishikawa? You don't know that you're siblings for sure without asking your parents! Why?! Yuu tells him it wouldn't solve anything, it wouldn't change the facts. Every- thing makes sense now. The parents said they met for the first time, fell in love with the other's partner, exchanged and remarried. That's is not a pretty story but if they were old lovers, it would finally make sense. Yuu adds that a long time before he had overheard Rumi-san telling Miki not to fall in love with Yuu. He told Miwa that at the time, he couldn't understand why. And then, there's the pictures of the two happy couples paired just the way they are now. Miwa can hardly stand to see what Yuu is going through and becomes furious with Yuu's parents for having a baby then exchanging partners then exchanging again more than 10 years later. They lied about when they first met and because of that their kids are in a mess. Miwa yells that Yuu needs to make them understand that. And he adds that Koishikawa has a right to know. Yuu yells "No!" Yuu sadly explains if he does that it won't change anything. The family would separate. No matter what, he and Miki have to separate. Rather than dump everything out in the open, it would be better to keep it to himself. That way Miki, at least, can keep the same relationship with their parents. He adds that because they're siblings in love, he selfishly broke up with her one-sided so that she would give up on him. He thought about it and it was the best thing he could come up with. Miwa is affected by the unfairness of the situation. "WHY ARE ONLY YOU HAVING A HARD TIME? WHY DO YOU HAVE TO SUFFER BY YOURSELF!" Yuu sadly replies "There's nothing else I can do". Miki and Meiko exit the Akizuki grounds to outside the entrance gates. Meiko asks Miki if she wants her to see her off at the station. Miki tells her that she'll be all right and that she's sorry she dropped in suddenly and stayed. But she cried all night and she feels better now. Meiko becomes furious, "I can't FORGIVE Matsuura-kun for this because be broke up one-sided. I NEVER thought he'd be that kind of guy! Miki yells at her "You're WRONG Meiko! It's not Yuu's fault! When he said goodbye he looked like he was in pain. Yuu has some reason for it. Changing ones mind, isn't something that you can control." She asks Meiko not to blame Yuu. Miki sits huddled on the couch as Yuu voice rings out "I'm hooooome". The parents, who are sitting at the table somewhat across the room from Miki, greet him. Miki doesn't turn around. She doesn't have the courage to look at him. The parents offer him a snack that Youji brought back from his business trip. And Youji calls Michael down from upstairs as well. When everyone is together Yuu takes the opportunity to let everyone know that he thinking of going back to New York next week. Miki cringes even though she hasn't turned to look at Yuu. The family wants to know why. Yuu tells them that he can't use his English so he's forgetting it. His English had been his handicap with his studies over there so he feels he should go back sooner. Michael tells him that he can talk to him. But Yuu compliments him by telling him that HE speaks Japanese very well so Yuu doesn't want him to talk in English. The kind words make Michael blush with delight. The parents are disappointed but they feel that Yuu should take full advantage of this rare opportunity to study abroad. Miki stops Yuu in the hall outside of his bedroom and asks if he's really serious about going back to New York. Yuu tells her that he thinks it would be better. Because he and she are family members, things are very awkward right now . So if they separate for a while they can refresh themselves and return to a normal relationship. Yuu adds though that it's true that he's forgetting his English and plans to study hard when he gets back to America. In her room, Miki sits quietly at her desk. One of the Kappa-chan family starts to fall off the desk. Miki grabs for it with one hand but her other hand accidentally hits the button on the voice memo. "Miki, I'm sorry. I can't be with you. I LOVE you." It's the message from before they got back together. Miki can't believe it....that it's really over between them. A week passes. Chiyako fidgets downstairs wondering if Yuu is going to eat before he leaves for the airport. Rumi mentions that if he does, he won't make it to the airport in time. Miki sits at her desk thinking about the birthday present she bought for Yuu realizing full well if she doesn't give it to him now, she never will. It's her last chance to do so. Miki meets him out in the hall and tells him that it was his birthday present but that she wasn't able to give it to him before. Though it's wrapped she tells him it's a watch and to please use it. He tells her he will. Jin calls to Yuu to tell him Miwa has arrived. Miki tells Yuu to study hard. Youji tells them that if they leave now, he'll have plenty of time to get to the airport. Miwa assures them that he get him there. Chiyako still fusses about Yuu not having eaten. Yuu tells her he'll get something at the airport. Michael, standing among the parents seeing Yuu off, asks where Miki is. Rumi tells him she's probably in the bathroom. Miki sits on the floor leaning against her bed. The sound of Miwa's car leaving can be heard. "He just left", she thinks to herself. "He doesn't love me and I can't look him in the face...but I still what him to be near. I want to be with Yuu. I LOVE him so much! Yuuuu! At the airport, Miwa tells Yuu they've got time so would he like to eat? Yuu agrees. Miwa begins to find out whether Yuu wants Japanese or some other cuisine, when his eye catches and unexpected sight....Akizuki. It's a VERY ANGRY Akizuki. Her first stern sounding words are "Matsuura-kun..." Miwa literally jumps between Meiko and Yuu. "Are you here for a publisher's interview? That's good. Let's go drink tea at the cafeteria." Though Miwa is acting very cute through this, Meiko isn't happy. She tries to outmaneuver Miwa but he's quick and jumps between her and her victim again. "I'm thirsty. Can you come with me." Miwa literally puts his arm around her and hauls her out. But before getting far, he doubles back and cheerfully tells Yuu "Eat Alone". In the airport cafeteria, Miwa apologizes to Meiko. He assures her that he hasn't forgotten that she refused him but he did it because she looked like she wanted to slap Yuu. Meiko irritable tells him that she wouldn't have because Miki asked her not to blame Matsuura-kun. But...she tells him that she absolutely CAN'T forgive him for hurting Miki and making her cry. Miwa, who is already upset by Yuu situation yells that Yuu's hurt too. Meiko reminds him that it was Matsuura that wanted to separate and now he's getting his wish. Miwa agrees, but defends Yuu saying that Yuu's not happy about it. Meiko isn't convinced. Miwa tells her that Koishikawa was VERY IMPORTANT to Yuu. He lost that and he's suffering. All in all, he may be suffering MORE than Koishikawa. He tells her it's the truth and begs her to leave Yuu alone. Yuu stands in the lobby of the airport remembering Akizuki's face. "Akizuki was going to kick my ass. Of course, I said awful things. Miki cried." He remembers Miki begging him not to break them up because she loves him. Yuu tells himself that he had to do it. I may have hurt her but that that's better than hurting her with the truth. MARMALADE BOY #74 (KD) I JUST got the last three episodes and don't have time to put up complete synopsis before uploading time. Just some quick comments are included here: Miki tries to put her life back together. She puts the gifts from Yuu into a box and puts them away. She goes out for the day and gets her hair cut off very short (but not as short as when she was in Jr. High. The family is very excited when they see her. They and Michael think she looks very cute. Miki can be seen training underclassmen in tennis. She sees Meiko heading for the library and goes to meet her there. At one point in this episode Miki carries out two bags of groceries from a store that are very heavy. A pair of hands reach out to grab one of the bags. It's Kei. He helps her home with the groceries. On the way home, Kei lets Miki know that he'll still be her friend. Meiko spends the day and night at Miki's house. The fathers are really silly as they play twister. In the evening, Miki and Meiko are in her bedroom talking. Miki goes to her drawers to get something and sees the box of gifts from Yuu. It stops her. When Meiko inquires, Miki says it's nothing but then breaks down and tells her how much it hurts. Meiko talks Miki into going to New York. 10/19/95: MB #74 Synopsis after translation session with Masatomo: Meiko sits at her desk trying to think of what she can possibly say to Miki. She tells her to "cheer up" but that she knows there's really nothing she can say to lift her spirits. Meiko thinks back on her conversation with Miwa and wonders what's going on with Matsuura. Miki has all the gifts that Yuu gave her lying together...the medallion, the music box, the kappa-chans, the Christmas tree, his shirt, the toy ring, the dialer, and the real ring (still unopened and wrapped). She feels that Yuu gave her all these wonderful memories and that that's enough for her. She's decided the she has to say goodbye to herself as she is and go beyond where she is now. Miki places all the gifts into a box and closes the lid on them. As she says "Bye bye, Yuu" tears come to her eyes but she gives herself a bad time about it "Hey, what's the matter Miki? Didn't I say I need to progress? Smile, smile! She congratulates herself on smiling and decides she's going out on the town. As Miki is walking around downtown, Ginta is nearby trying to keep Arimi on track. Arimi wants to look in a store window but they have someplace they need to go. Miki pulls up her nerve and calls to them as though nothing is wrong. Miki grins and asks them if they're on a date and mentions what a hot couple they are. Ginta tells her it's not like that, that actually they're going to a seminar. Arimi tells Miki that Ginta's been pestering her to get going but that she'd rather be dating. Miki's has it figured! "Arimi-san, you're going to take the entrance exam to OUR school." Arimi confirms that that is what's it's all about and asked Miki to say "hello" to her at Toryo if she passes the exam. Never able to pass a good chance to razz Ginta, Miki tells him that now she gets the picture "Arimi's the reason the Ginta would go to a seminar". Ginta gets embarrassed and changes the subject by telling her that Michael told him that Matsuura had already gone back to America. Miki stammers a "that's right". Ginta tells her the Matsuura should've stayed longer. "In spite of his good looks, he's clumsy". Arimi agrees and tells Miki that if he doesn't start understanding women's feelings more, she ought to give him what for. Ginta suddenly realizes that they only have 5 minutes to get to their lecture so the two race each other determined that one isn't going to beat the other as they race. (Keep in mind that although Ginta is in tennis club, Arimi is into track and field). (^_^) Miki standing on the sidewalk, sadly thinks to herself that she couldn't tell them about Yuu. Miki concentrates then on moving her feet one at a time until she can move more normally. She walks down the sidewalk as the shadows from the trees falls across her. She looks up at the cicadas as one flys away and asks it if it were dismissed and tells it "Me too." Nearby she sees a beauty shop. Miki calls out the usually Japanese "I'm Home!" The family come to greet her and are delighted by her new short haircut (not as short as Jr. High) and he pierced ears. Miki feels she's going to be a new person - "Goodbye to the old Miki." On the school courts, Miki trains the ins and outs of tennis while appreciative underclassmen call her Miki-senpai. Miki sees Meiko walk past. Later Miki meets Meiko in the library. Meiko asked her if she was playing hooky from practice. Miki grins and says a little bit and admits that she told her students that they were going to have a 10 minute break. Meiko teases her and calls her a "bad coach". Miki tells her that she's only coaching while Ryouko-sensei is away. Miki tells Meiko that Ryouko-sensei send her a postcard from Lichenstein. Though sensei is alone she's keeping very busy and says the wine is very good. Meiko asks when Ryouko-sensei is returning. Miki tells her the day after tomorrow because school's starting. Meiko brings up that the last summer break of High School life is almost over. Miki mentions that it's sort of sad. Meiko asks Miki if she has to work. Miki confirms and says she can't wait to show Akira-san Ryouko-sensei letter to make him jealous. Ever since Ryouko-sensei has been traveling, Akira-san has been down in the dumps. Meiko says she hopes that things work out for them and then catches herself and realizes that she has no right to say that. Miki tells her that it's no problem. Rei-san, she and everyone else feels the same. If it happens, everyone will be happy about it. Meiko notices that Miki seems really up and asks her seriously if she's okay. Miki matching Meiko's tone says "Almost.....I gotten over my foolish attachments." Meiko tell her that somehow she's become an adult in only a month. Miki becomes delighted at the thought but then says "If that were true, I'd be happy but...isn't it just that I LOOK older? Somehow, I feel summer break has been too long. It feels like it's last a year." Miki catches herself and claims it was just a joke and reminds Meiko that she's got to get back. But before leaving she asks Meiko if she'll spend the night at her house home Sunday night. She explains that her parents are bored because Michael went back to his country. The parents won't quit saying "Meiko- chan hasn't visited lately. Miki tells her they won't shut-up about it. Meiko says "okay". In a grocery store, Miki looks for things to cook for Meiko and decides on lasagna but buys a huge amount of food that takes up two big shopping bags. She can hardly hold them both up let alone get home with them. Suddenly two arms reach out and take one. It's Kei-kun. "Damn", he tells her, "How come you bought this much?'. She explains that she dished out the Meiko because Meiko's coming to spend the night. He understands. When Miki sees his bag that he carries his lesson in, she asks if he was on his way to piano lessons. He tells her "yeah". "Yeah?" she answers "You have no time to help me. You need to hurry to your lessons." Kei assures her that it's not a problem, that he has time to go all the way to her house and adds teasingly "And...if YOU take both bags, you'll stagger around making yourself an obstacle for other pedestrians". Miki groans and makes a silly puckered face at him. They both laugh. Kei solemnly tells her that he's doing better with this than he thought he would. He had planned on talking to her the next time he saw her, but wasn't certain he'd be able to. Miki admits that she'd been thinking the same thing. Kei continues "But when I saw you come out of the store, my body and mouth moved without a second thought". He adds that it's a good thing - just being friends. The fathers are at it. They're playing "twister" while Meiko mans the dial that give the next directions. As Miki watches in thorough exasperation with how stubborn her fathers are, Chiyako interrupts to say that Michael's on the phone for her. Over the phone, Michael tells her that he wanted to tell her about Yuu. He had invited him to his home but that Yuu refused. Michael tells her that he could tell that Yuu was depressed and so Michael was worried. Miki goes dead silent. Michael asks if she's listening. Miki musters a cheerful sounding "Sure, sure". Up in her bedroom, Miki and Meiko are getting ready for bed. Miki cutely complains that her parents are silly. When she asked them what game they wanted to play, they ALL said "Twister!". "I feel the generation gap." Meiko returns that she thought it was fun. Miki tells Meiko not to spoil her parents. They get carried away so easily. Miki notices that Meiko needs a towel and tells her that she'll get her a cute one. She looks in her top drawer for one....and sees "the box". She stops cold. Meiko notices. Miki tells her she's sorry, that it's nothing. She just saw the box of Yuu's presents and feels like crying. She explains that it's a conditioned response and that she'll have to conceal it where she can't see it. Then Miki falls apart completely. As she holds unto Meiko, Meiko remembers her conversation with Miwa and his words about how Yuu is suffering too. She tells Miki to go to New York and tell Yuu how she feels. MARMALADE BOY #75 (KD) Miki can be seen on a plane to New York reading the latest message from Meiko. Miki remembers falling apart and crying after accidentally seeing the box of Yuu's gifts and how Meiko encouraged her to see Yuu. Meiko's message tells her to do her very best because if she doesn't she'll regret it later. Miki mentally thanks Meiko because if it hadn't been for her she wouldn't have had the courage to do this. Meanwhile Yuu is at his desk writing things in English longhand. Outside his window some other residents of the dorm are in a convertible that's having some trouble with backfiring. Yuu looks out the window briefly but finds the memories of Miki's broken hearted face. He remembers the scenes from when he broke up with her one-sided. He can't do his work so he gets up and decides to go outside. As he opens the door of the dorm building to retreat outdoors, a familiar face greets him. It's Miki. She tells him she came to talk to him. Yuu panics and runs for the phone. Miki tails him and pushes down the receiver and asks what he's doing. Yuu was trying to call a taxi to send her back. Miki will have none of it. She tells him that until she talks to him, she WON'T GO HOME! He tells her that he has NOTHING to say! She quickly tells him that even if he doesn't , she has something to say to him and that she's not going back until she finishes talking. Yuu has had his face turned from her because he can barely stand the situation. He finally looks at her and can see the determined look on her face. He knows he's lost. Miki and Yuu are in a park alone. Yuu's back is turned away as Miki tells Yuu her feelings. Yuu in his head is screaming for her to stop. Finally, his heart is so broken, he turns around and screams into the sky "NO!" There's tears in his eyes and he tells her that they're brother and sister. The shock of this news makes Miki's knees buckle. Yuu's in so much pain he finishes the story to Miki who's kneeling on the ground in a daze. When Yuu gets past his own feelings, he comes over and swats down to were she is and smiles kindly in understanding. He gently tells her that he'll take her back to the airport. Miki and Yuu are on the sidewalk in front of the airport terminal. Miki is still repeating "siblings" in her head. Yuu touches her. Miki pulls away in panic. Yuu apologizes. Miki walks fast to get ahead of him, then faster, then runs. Yuu runs after her. But Miki can't deal with the problem or Yuu yet. In her need to escape she jumps into a taxi. The taxi driver wants to know where to take her, but she doesn't know. Yuu can be seen trying to catch up to the taxi before it takes off. Miki not able to think of anything else but not wanting to deal with Yuu, tells the driver "Manhattan". The taxi takes off leaving Yuu behind worried about Miki. Miki walks around the city. A police car is roaming the streets looking for her. Yuu and his St. Andrews buddies case the streets in Brian's car. They look all day and check periodically with the police department. Bill is confused and asks Yuu what's going on because the last time that Yuu called him, Miki and he were going together again. Doris and Jinny are appalled that he would ask such a personal question and tell Bill that Yuu may want to keep that private. But Yuu answers slowly. We're siblings... Miki and I. (By the way, the writers and artists did a very good job of portraying a full day AND night of searching for her). Meanwhile Miki has been walking around the city not really seeing anything. Just over and over and over repeating brother and sister. She wasn't even able to notice that she had roamed into a bad area. At one point she passed 3 street thugs who looked at each other and gave each other the go ahead. One opened his knife. They began to stroll up behind her. Just about that time a young African American boy, grabbed her by the hand and made her run with him. Miki had no idea why since she never saw the thugs. She finally looked around and became very scared. The boy took her through the back alleys. A heavy set woman in an upper apartment saw the danger and tossed a sheet into the alley and covered the thugs long enough for the boy to escape with Miki. Finally, a report comes in that a girl fitting the description of Miki has been found by the police. Well, the girl fit the description but turns out to be Chinese. The police can't seem to tell the difference. One of the police suggests that they check the city morgue. Yuu goes out of his head "A-are you saying that Miki is... Miki is..." The second officer holds him back and tells apologizes and tells him they didn't say that on purpose but the Manhattan is the most dangerous city in the world. He adds solemnly that he hopes she didn't stray into the Harlem area. Yuu hardly finished hearing that before he takes off in a dead run. Jinny yells to Brian to follow him. The boy took Miki to an decrepit abandoned building where he plays with a little girl. As he calls it, it's their secret play place. She thanks them for saving her life. The boy mentions that she's a tourist and that she needs to be careful because tourists are always targeted. The little girl asks Miki what her name is and the young boy in return tells her that his name is Eddie and the little girl's name is Chris. Miki notices that the two are very caring of each other and smilingly mentions that they seem very close. Eddie happily remarks "That's right. That's because we're brother and sister. This area's dangerous. So I've got to protect Chris." Chris proudly says "My brother is very strong". Miki is moved by the reminder of her own situation with Yuu... Miki repeats "brother and sister" and lowers her head and shakes as she silently cries. The kids are concerned. Back in the 4x4 with the rest of the gang, Yuu remembers Miki and what she means to him. Pictures floats through his mind that remind him of her personality. "Please...be safe", he pleads. Back at the shambled building, Miki apologizes for crying. Eddie seems surprised because she didn't cry when things were dangerous. Miki notices that the two are holding hands tightly. She smiles and sweetly tells them that they get along really well. The little girls get excited and say that she LOVES her brother SO MUCH! Miki says "Really". Chris gets up and embraces her brother from behind and joyfully tells Miki that when she grows up, she's going to be his wife. Miki becomes solemn and sadly thinks to herself "That there's no way you can be his wife, Chris". But Miki covers that and turns to Eddie and ask if he'll marry Chris. With full self-assurance, Eddie replies "Of course!". Miki is started by his answer. Of course? Eddie determinedly tells her that because he loves Chris, they'll always, always be together. Chris and Eddie both say "Right" in unison. Miki begins to remember her own fond memories of Yuu and repeats "Because you love each other you'll always be together. The heaviness leaves her. Suddenly the door slams open. The thugs have found them. The kids and Miki race for the window and jump out. Miki is just as agile as the kids. They run but are caught. One of the thugs is about to lay a punch on the Eddie. Chris screams for the man to let loose of her brother repeatedly. Miki screams for the thug to stop. A fist comes out from the side of the screen and lays one on the thug to save the boy. It's Yuu. The Yuu takes and hard one to the gut that doubles him over. Just as Yuu is about to take a punch one to the back. The St. Andrews kids show up and yell "Police". The thugs take off. Miki smiles at Yuu and he smiles at her. They go to each other and embrace. Yuu emotionally tells Miki he can't let her go again. NEVER again. "If something had happened to you...when I thought about it...I just went out of my mind! I've realized...I can't be apart from you. Let's live together." Miki smiles lovingly and says his name. Yuu continues "I can't fool myself". Miki tells him that she feels the same way and has been thinking the same thing. The two simultaneously say "Even though we're siblings...we'll...live together." MARMALADE BOY #76 (KD) The episode opens with a repeat of the last scene of the previous episode where Miki and Yuu decide that in spite of being siblings they will live together. Miki and Yuu walk around the park that's near St. Andrews. They hold hands and talk. Miki sits on a park bench with Yuu behind her. He asks her gently if she's feels uneasy about their future. She smiles and tells him that it would be a lie if she said yes. But she adds that the two of them found out they need each other so no matter what happens, she be with him. She puts her hand on his, he takes it and walks around the bench to be nearer. He asks "Even though we can't get married? And even though we can't have children? Miki smiles softly and walks over to a nearby tree "Mm-hm......there are many happy couples without children." She adds "Always Together. If we can live together, it'll be enough." Yuu makes a cute face and changes his voice "Till we're an old man and old lady?" Miki responds "Yes". Yuu takes Miki and brings her close to him for an embrace. The St. Andrews kids (including Michael) yell to the two to get their notice. Everyone sits on the grass with Miki and Yuu and take in the news that in spite of being brother and sister, Miki and Yuu intend to stay together forever. They're shocked but all eventually come over and hug and congratulate them warmly. Jinny puts her arms around Miki as though they've been buddies for ages. Yuu is with Miki to see her off at the airport. Yuu tells Miki that because he has a lot of take care of, he can't go back with her. Miki tells him that she'll be fine. Suddenly a voice rings out for Miki. It's Meiko. She, Miwa and the parents are in New York! They were all worried because they'd heard she was lost and thought she was in trouble. Miki tells them she's sorry but how did they know. Yuu is stunned to see his parents there and mentions that he called Miwa but he wasn't expecting this. Everyone came. Miwa tells him "Of course. Damn I was worried." Everyone is so relieved that Miki is OK, especially Meiko. While everyone is expressing their relief, Yuu taps Satoshi-san on the shoulder to get him aside to talk. He asks if Miwa told the parents anything. Miwa tells him that if he means did he tell them that he didn't say "you're siblings and that's why this happened". Yuu responds "I see". Since they just got to New York and don't want to turn around and just go back. Chiyako mentions she got off work because of her missing daughter. Miki complains "Damn, she's using my misfortune as an excuse." Meiko quietly asks Miki what's going on with Matsuura. Miki doesn't quite know how to tell her. Yuu comes up puts his hand on Miki's shoulder and tells her and Miwa that he and Miki want to talk to all them. Rumi says she wants to see Yuu-kun's school first. Yuu starts acting cute. "Don't get lost. Form a line, form a line." At the dorm, one of the mothers mentions that the school and dorm atmosphere is better than they thought. Michael runs out to embrace the mothers, who he's obviously missed very much. The parents are happy to see them. Yuu introduces Brian, Doris, Jinny, and Bill as his friends to his parents. Youji thanks them for taking care of Yuu. Michael merrily tell the gang that these are Yuu and Miki's parents. In the rec. room (the one that has the pool table), Yuu and Miki sit on a couch facing the one that the parents are sitting on. Meiko and Miwa sit in arm chairs to the side. The St. Andrews kids (including Michael) wait outside the door. Doris tries to keep Brian from listening at the door. But all of them are DYING to know what's going to happened with THIS story. The parents sit there wondering what's coming up and why Yuu isn't saying anything. Yuu finally starts by telling them that because this is so important he wanted Satoshi-san and Akizuki to hear it. A stern Yuu tells them that they know about Jin-san and his mother and his dad and Rumi-san dating in college. At first the parents look shocked. Youji kinda laughs and says "You KNEW that". Rumi adds that she didn't mean to hide it. Jin tells them that it's in the past so it was no big deal, not letting them know. Yuu blows a gasket `NO BIG DEAL!". He informs them seriously that because of that the whole thing has hurt Miki and himself. If it was just a case of exchanging partners and returning to the ex-couples, they could've kept it secret. Yuu isn't pulling any punches he demands to know why they didn't tell him that they were siblings! Why didn't they tell them from the beginning. The parents are stunned. Yuu continues by telling them if they'd known, Miki and he wouldn't have fallen in love but that it's too late now, they need each other. No matter what, he tells them, they won't separate. The parents try to gather themselves. "Who and who are siblings?" Yuu sternly replies "Miki and me". Youji asks "Hey, hey...who told you that?" Chiyako asks where they got that idea. Yuu brings up that his mother had had Jin-san's baby. Miki adds that that was Yuu, wasn't it? The parents completely loose it, they can't stop laughing. Miki and Yuu are completely stunned. Rumi comes over to Yuu and says "You two thought that?" . She playfully taps him on the nose "Foolish boy". Jin is behind their couch "If Yuu-kun were my son, I'd be delighted." Youji is sprawled across the opposite couch say "No, no, Yuu is definitely Chiyako's and mine". Yuu can barely squeak out a "Really?" "Really" Chiyako assure him. Miki asks about the baby that she and her father had. Chiyako tells them that that baby was lost (died). Jin leans over and gleefully add "So feel free to date, or whatever". In addition, they're informed that the parents knew about Yuu and Miki's relationship all along. At first the parents were worried that if a relationship developed between Miki and Yuu would complicate their already unconventional family. But day by day, it was nice to see the two of them becoming a couple. Youji playfully pounds Yuu for thinking he's not his real father. Miki slides off the couch and passes out for a few minutes. Yuu pulls her up worried and shakes her. Miki comes to and puts her head against his chest and rubs it against his telling him how much she loves him. The parents cheer and make silly sounds, the St. Andrews kids rush in. (Obviously they couldn't stand being good anymore.) Brian and Bill do a high 5 with Yuu while Michael goes by making old movie still American Indian sounds. In the confusion behind them Miki comes up and puts her hand on Yuu's cheek and looks into his eyes lovingly. Mentally she tells him "Let be happy from now on". Time passes. The kids are decorating and getting the food placed for Meiko's reception on the Toryo school grounds. The gazebo that Miki and Meiko had so many conversations is decorated with flowers. Tsutomu is on a ladder putting decorations on the gazebo, Ginta bends over next to it, and the ladder falls out from under Tsutomu leaving him hanging from the top. He falls. Kei, who is at a piano, plays a silly little tune we all recognize in humor over that. Yayoi, Anju, and Arimi work on the food. (And yes, Hitoshi, your girl, Anju, did say one word (^_^). At the reception, everyone congratulates Na-chan and Meiko. Meiko's parents haven't accepted Meiko's marriage but Na-chan's parents are delighted. Miki thinks about her friends and the directions they're going with their lives. She feels with time, Meiko's parents will accept Na-chan's sincerity. In the back ground, Miwa teases Ginta and Arimi and tells them not to carry on, on campus. Miki thoughts move to them. "Ginta and Arimi are happy that they're going to Toryo U. together." She sees Michael talking to Anju "Michael will live at our house one more year. He's more of an adult than he used to be." Her thoughts turn to Anju. "Anju will be behind 1 year...but will try to get into Music School." (I assume she'll be behind because of the surgeries). Suzu starts flirting with Kei, who seems uninterested in the extreme. Miki wonders if anything will develop between them. Miki's thoughts turn toward Yuu and herself. "Yuu'll go to a University in America this September. But...we're different than we used to be. I don't have any uneasiness." Yuu brings Miki some punch and teases her. Miki continues her thoughts. "And I'm going to study Interior Design. I'm thinking of studying abroad temporarily." Akira and Ryouko-sensei are talking with Kijima and Rei. All seem to thing Akira can't do something (not specified) but Ryouko disagrees. Miki thinks that Akira and Ryouko make a good couple and if they continue... she doesn't finish the thought before their mothers run Yuu and Miki down figuratively speaking. The mothers announce that they're pregnant. Miki is very excited about possibly having little brother or sisters and grabs Yuu around the neck in glee. Yuu wonders if they're all right...after all, it's a little late to be childbearing. The mothers gleefully tell them to leave it to them! Kijima announces that today they've had "triple happiness". Meiko tosses her bouquet into the air. The scene changes and we see most of the kisses from the show. (I can think of a couple more) Not just Miki and Yuu...all of them. Then, we see the bouquet again. Miki and Yuu face each other in their wedding clothes and kiss. It's obviously been a few years because Miki's hair is longer than we've seen it previously.