MARMALADE BOY EPISODES - SYNOPSES

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(Episodes 61-70)

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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 reasonableness 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. Jinny 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 knob 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 he'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 omits 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 site’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 hold 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 TV. 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 tries 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 knob. 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. Miki 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 in itself is not a usual concept expressed in our industry either but it's not the one I'm referring to. It’s this… 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, se 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 site’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 crushed 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 TV. The parents are amazed that Michael knows the group. Michael tells them he saw them on American TV. 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 goes to her room and 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 cry 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 sits 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 waits. 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 needs to undo what she done. She explains that Bill scolded her 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 him 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 motorcycle. "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 with the package. 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 try 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 sits 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 site’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 admits 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 locker 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’ll 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 couldn’t happen, 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’s 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’s 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 is. 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, he 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’s solemn and slightly hurt look shows she knows what's going on. The Koishikawa/Matsuura family, watch TV. 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 it 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 colors 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 eyes 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 his 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, she tells Arimi, 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 humorously). 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 all right, it's all right!". 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. He 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 gets excitable over things and that this time he went totally haywire. That rather than have Miki be with 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 hoorays, 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 with Tsuchiya 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 tries 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 all right when she sees An with Yuu…but over seeing Bill with Anju kept her from sleeping 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 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 (Japanese connotation of the word, not the intimate American connotation of the word) 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 How? 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 and remarks to Anju that it's been a long time since she's seen her father, hasn't it. He smiles and turns o 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 insists 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 tries 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. Michael 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 mix-up. "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 that he NEEDS 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’re 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 bandanna 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 bandanna 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.

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Episode Synopses

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