Marmalade Boy
Volume 8, Chapter 1
pages 2-35
Written and illustrated by Yoshizumi Wataru

Translation & editing by :  Craig Nishida
Additional translation by : Paul Hirose
Additional proofing by :    Jeanne Hedge

Last revision : 97-12-25

Comments?  Corrections?  Suggestions?  Please send them to:

          mboy-trans@soyokaze.biosci.ohio-state.edu

---------------------------------------------------
p 2
[Portraits of the characters accompany the following captions.  The captions
 for Miki and Yuu run along one side of their portraits.]
heading:  Introducing the Cast of Characters
caption:  Koishikawa Miki
          Freshman in college.
          Likes Yuu <heart symbol>
caption:  Matsuura Yuu
          Entered Kyoto University.
          Miki's brother?!
caption:  Akizuki Meiko
          Close friend of Miki.
caption:  Suou Ginta
          Miki's classmate.
captions:  Rumi Jin Youji Chiyako
           Parents
           Miki's and Yuu's parents, who swapped marriage partners.
text:  The Story up thru (7).
     Miki and Yuu come to live in the same house due to their parents
announcing that they're swapping marriage partners.  Miki gradually becomes
attracted to Yuu, who sometimes displays sweetness despite being mean.
     It seems Yuu has a real father, but, in the end, he isn't able to find
him.  Miki revealed her feelings to a grieving Yuu.  The two of them share
the same feelings towards each other!!
     One day, Yuu saw his parents' college album.  Back then, their parents
were going out in the present-day pairings.  Does that mean that Jin is
Yuu's real father?  Then, are Yuu and Miki half-brother and half-sister...?!
     Yuu, who realized that he was related to Miki by blood, told her they
were breaking up, saying his "feelings had cooled," and he entered Kyoto
University.
     Meanwhile, Miki isn't aware of the real reason for the breakup.  She
decides to cut her hair and say farewell to Yuu and to her past self...
---------------------------------------------------
p 3 [TITLE PAGE]
1
[Miki, Meiko and Suzu stand in bathing suits, gazing back at us.]
Title:  MARMALADE BOY [8]
---------------------------------------------------
p 4
[Filler art.  Miki smiles at us.]
---------------------------------------------------
p 5
1
[Exterior night view of a 3-story apartment building.]
2
[Natchan stands at the entryway of an apartment, the front door closed behind
 him.]
door FX:  <slam>
Namura:  I'm home.
3
[His view of a smiling Meiko, who greets him at the door.]
Meiko:  Welcome back.  You're early today...
4
[Filler art.  Miki winks and blows us a kiss.]
Miki FX:  <chu>
<Commentary:  It's the sound FX of a kiss.]
---------------------------------------------------
p 6
1
[View pulls back to show her wearing an apron and holding a coat hanger.
 Natchan is smiling back at her, removing his coat.]
Meiko:  Dinner will be ready soon, so wait just a bit, 'kay?
Namura:  Okay.
2
[He looks at the postcard and letter he holds in one hand.]
Namura:  Oh.  That's right.
3
[He holds the postcard out to her.]
Namura:  A postcard came.  From Koishikawa.
4
[Meiko holds it and smiles wide-eyed.]
Meiko:  From Miki?!
5
[Exterior view of the main building of Toryo University.]
---------------------------------------------------
p 7
1
[The new and improved, short-haired Miki stands in a jacket and matching skirt.
 A slim bookbag is slung from her shoulder under one arm.]
postcard:  Hello, Meiko!
           How are you?
           How's the life of a newlywed in Hiroshima?
           (...full of happiness, I'm sure...)
2
[Miki becomes aware of someone she knows off-panel.]
postcard:  As for me, I've gotten fairly used to the college life.
           I'm lonesome without you around, Meiko, but Ginta and all the
           others are here...
3
[Miki's pov of a beaming Arimi and Ginta.  Ginta waves.]
4
[Overhead view.  The couple approaches Miki, who is smiling and waving.]
---------------------------------------------------
p 8
1
[Portrait of Arimi and Ginta.]
postcard:  Oh!  That's right.  Arimi-san and I both joined the literature
           club.  I heard she entered our university because Ginta's here.
           (They get along so well, I'm envious.)
2
[Portrait of a beaming Miki.]
postcard:  Well, I'll write you a card again later.  And for your stories,
           too--give it your best!  ----Miki----
3
[Exterior view of the university cafeteria.]
4
[Ginta looks off-panel, holding a juice carton of "Banana Ole" in one hand.]
Ginta:  So Meiko is formally married to Natchan now?
---------------------------------------------------
p 9
1
[Overhead view.  Arimi, Ginta and Miki sit at a square table, Arimi facing
 Miki.]
Miki:  That's right.  They didn't have a ceremony, but they entered their
       names in the family registry, and the two of them live in an apartment
       near the home of Natchan's parents.
Ginta:  Hmm.  I see.
2
[Ginta's eyes travel to the ceiling and his face turns red.  Arimi stares at
 him, sweating.  Miki's eyes contract to dots, and she sweats as well.]
Ginta:  Newlyweds...  A married woman...  Hmm...  Nice ring to it.
Arimi:  What are you muttering?!
3
Miki:  [smiling] Ginta and Arimi-san, you're doing well, too...being in the
       same university and together all the time...  You take part in the
       same circles, too, don't you?
===Sidebar===
FREE TALK (1):
     And so, this is the final volume.  Now, as I'm writing in this space,
I've already started the next series, so "Marmalade" sorta feels like the
fondly-remembered past...  Many of the memories have already half-faded away,
but somehow, I recall them (such as things about the anime) and I'm going to
try and write them down.
     Animating it for TV was really fun.  The character goods made their
appearance (It looks like they sold quite well.  To all who kindly bought
them, thank you <heart symbol>), and I was able to meet and know many people,
and see the sound recording and production sites.  I was even able to make my
family happy, too...  And, more than anything, that I could have them make
the TV anime was something that was quite delightful and fun.
     (Continued in (2).)
---------------------------------------------------
p 10
1
[Ginta rests his chin in his hand, closes his eyes and lets out a sigh.  Arimi,
 beside him, is indignant at what she hears.]
Ginta:  Uhh, well...  I want to join the athletic meet tennis team, but Arimi
        says she doesn't want to...
Arimi:  Of course not!  I don't want something hard like that!  I'm just a
        beginner!  There's no way I could keep up.
2
[The two chatter on, off-panel.  What we see is Miki, who sweats and has hairs
 sproing loose.]
Arimi:  [off] If it were a normal tennis circle, maybe it'd be okay, but an
        athletic meet one...
Ginta:  [off] I said you'll be all right!  You've got quick feet and you're a
        good athlete, Arimi...  If you practice a little, in no time you'll
        reach the point where you can beat someone as good as Miki.
Arimi:  [off] Huh?  Really...?  <heart symbol>
Ginta:  [off] That's right.  For you, Arimi, it'll be easy.
Arimi:  [off] Really?
Ginta:  [off] It's true.
3
[Tired of the mushy stuff, Miki clears her throat loudly.  Ginta and Arimi
 turn to look at her.]
Miki:  AHEM!
Ginta/Arimi:  Ah!  <sweat bead>
4
[Ginta sweats and smiles in embarrassment.]
Ginta:  Ahh...  <sweat bead>  Come to think of it...  How's Matsuura?
Ginta:  It's a long-distance love, huh...  That's so hard...
5
[Miki's eyes grow large.]
---------------------------------------------------
p 11
1
Ginta:  You must be lonesome, not being able to meet...
Arimi:  But, if it's Kyoto, then it's quick by bullet train...  You're at
        least talking on the phone all the time, aren't you?
2
[Their pov of the nervously-smiling Miki.]
Miki:  Ahh...  No.  Uhh.  To tell you the truth...
Miki:  ...we broke up.
3
[The bombshell causes both Ginta and Arimi to stare at her and shout.  Everyone
 in the cafeteria turns to look.  Miki sweats and smiles nervously, raising
 both palms towards the two, to calm them.]
Ginta/Arimi:  EHHHHHH!?!
Miki:  N-not so loud...  <sweat bead>
4
[A blank panel.]
Arimi:  [off] WHY?!  WHEN?!
Miki:  [off] Last Christmas...  The reason was...  Well, there were several...
Ginta:  [off] "CHRISTMAS...?"  OVER 4 MONTHS AGO?  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!
5
[Arimi gazes fixedly at Ginta, who looks back at her wide-eyed.  Both sweat.]
Arimi:  Ginta, didn't you notice at all?  You were in the same class!
Ginta:  Come to think of it, I was thinking that they weren't together that
        much...  But I thought it was because of Matsuura studying for his
        exams.
---------------------------------------------------
p 12
1
Miki:  [smiling nervously] I'm sorry for keeping quiet about it.  Y'see,
       Ginta told me before that if he made me cry then he'd kick his butt,
       right?
Miki:  And so I found it a little painful to tell.
2
Ginta:  [angrily] Did he make you cry?!
Miki:  [off] <sweat bead>  Ah...
3
[Miki in profile.  Her gaze becomes unfocused as she smiles very softly.]
Miki:  But that's something that's already been settled.  In the beginning,
       I got depressed, sure...  But, somehow, I recovered...  And now, it's
       already turning into a nice memory.
4
[Ginta and Arimi stare at Miki with stricken looks.  Miki raises both open
 palms again to dissuade them.]
Miki:  Ah!  Oh no-o-o.  Don't make grave faces like that.  Even without your
       worrying I really am all right!
---------------------------------------------------
p 13
1
[Miki glances at her wristwatch.]
Miki:  Oops...  I have to go now.  My 4th period is French class.
2
[Miki pauses at the door, to beam back at her friends.]
Miki:  See you later!
3
[Ginta and Arimi can only look back in silence and some anguish.]
4
[View of trees and sky.]
5
[Arimi and Ginta sit at a bench.  From their postures it is clear they are
 both sadly thinking about Miki.]
---------------------------------------------------
p 14
1
[Ginta looks a bit downcast.]
Ginta:  I can't believe it.
Ginta:  That those guys...  ...broke up.
2
[Likewise, Arimi.]
3
[She closes her eyes and drops her head.]
narration:  Yuu...
narration:  Was even Miki-san no good?
narration:  Why-y-y?
4
[She's startled out of her thoughts by Ginta, who has put his arm around her
 shoulder and pulled her against his side.  Ginta looks resolute.]
Ginta FX:  <pull>
---------------------------------------------------
p 15
1
[He envelops her in both arms.  Arimi is still surprised.]
Arimi:  Ginta?  Why...?
Ginta:  We'll...  ...always be together!
2
[Closeup of Ginta's face, as he looks off to the side over the top of Arimi's
 head.]
Ginta:  Let's always...  ...be together...
3
[Closeup of Arimi, whose expression has melted in his embrace.]
---------------------------------------------------
p 16
1
[A dreamy view of the two, hugging with eyes closed.]
Arimi:  Yes...
2
[View of the Bobson's sign.]
3
[Kei stands in a school uniform, staring back at us.]
Kei:  Ohh.  You cut your hair!
4
[View pulls around to show that he's talking to Miki, who stands smiling behind
 the counter in her work uniform.]
Miki:  Uh-huh.  I'm a college student...  I'll change into a new me, and so
       I'm beginning with my appearance.
Miki:  Heh heh!
Kei:  Ohh?  It's nice.  You look good.
Miki:  Thank you <heart symbol>.
---------------------------------------------------
p 17
1
Miki:  [off] What'll you have?  How about Chocolate Mint?  It's your favorite,
       Kei-kun.
Kei:  [glancing at his watch] Ah, that's okay.  I'm meeting someone today.
Kei:  Jeez.  That person...  So late.
2
[Miki looks wide-eyed and perplexed.]
Miki:  (Meeting someone?  You mean, here?)
sliding door FX:  [off] <scrape!>
3
[It's our favorite child idol...in a school uniform.]
Suzu:  So-o-orry!  I'm la-a-ate.
===Sidebar===
FREE TALK (2):
     The TV animation is done, and there was a lot of fun stuff.  But.  Where
there's fun, there are also difficulties...  It's because, as it was, there
were hardships, too.
     With regards to the contents of the anime, as you saw me write before,
too, I didn't interfere with anything, and had the staff do things with
freedom.  The anime is the anime; the original is the original.  In exchange
for not meddling with the anime I wanted to continue without influence and
interference from the anime side, too.  But it didn't turn out that way
either...  That means the length of the serial had to be connected to the
circumstances of the anime.
     If it were a magical person anime, like "Akazukin Cha-cha," where each
episode has a conclusion, then the serial can continue even after the anime
concludes, but "Marmalade" is a series, and there was a puzzle that was
revealed in the last episode; namely, the question of Yuu's father.
     (Continued in (3))
---------------------------------------------------
p 18
1
[View over Miki's shoulder shows a smiling Suzu at the side of Kei.  Kei stares
 down at her, perhaps looking a bit annoyed.]
Miki:  [sweating] SUZU-CHAN?!
Suzu:  Did you wait long, Kei?
Kei:  Yes.
Suzu:  I'm sorry.  I was on cleanup duty.
2
Miki:  What a surpri-i-ise.  When'd you get to be such good friends?
3
[Suzu smiles at Miki off-panel.  Kei glares angrily at Miki, pointing at
 Suzu.]
Suzu:  Oh, Miki-san.  You cut your hair <heart symbol>.
Kei:  We're not really good friends!
Kei:  She's just following me around on her own.
4
[A white panel.]
Miki:  [off] Huh?  Why?  Since when?
5
[Looking a bit vexed, Kei drops his gaze, sweating.]
Kei:  .........  For about a month.
Kei:  When I went to buy sheet music...
---------------------------------------------------
p 19
1
[The flashback begins.  Exterior view of a couple of tall buildings.]
sign:  Kawano Musical Instruments
voice:  [off] I'm going to look for something, so please wait for just a
        minute.
2
[Kei stands in casual clothes.]
Kei:  I've got free time...
3
[He glances over at a grand piano.]
4
[A closer view of the "Yanaha" piano.  It sports a Y7,000,000 pricetag.]
narration:  This is the same as the one at home.
narration:  I'll play it for a bit and see.
5
[He sits at the piano.]
6
[Tight view of his hands.]
---------------------------------------------------
p 20
1
[Another view of Kei, playing at the piano.]
2
[A long-haired girl stands on the sidewalk, watching Kei through the store
 window.]
3
[Another view shows that it's Suzu-chan.]
---------------------------------------------------
p 21
1
[He's wrapped in his own thoughts.]
Kei:  (Maybe this key is a little heavy...)
Kei:  (Hm?  I feel like I'm being watched...)
2
[He looks to his left and his eyes goggle.  Suzu is standing smack right
 beside him.]
Kei FX:  <URKKKK>
caption with arrows pointing at both Kei and Suzu:  Extremely close range.
3
Kei:  [off] Wha...?  What's with you?!  <sweat bead>
Kei:  [off] Ahhhh, I was so surprised.
Suzu:  The piano.  You're good at it, hm.  The sound is really beautiful!
4
[Filler art.  Katchan smiles and radiates light.]
---------------------------------------------------
p 22
1
[Kei rises and turns away.  Suzu is surprised.]
Kei:  Right.  Thanks.
chair FX:  <clatter>
Suzu:  You've stopped?  Play some more!
2
Suzu:  [beaming] I've taken a fancy to you playing the piano.  Because it's
       very beautiful!
3
[Her view of Kei, who has turned to look back at her, sickly.]
4
[A white panel.]
Suzu:  [off] Say, what's your name?
Kei:  [off] Tsuchiya Kei.
Suzu:  [off] Kei?  Which (kanji) character is that?
Kei:  [off] It's the character for "firefly"...
5
[In her exuberance she approaches him closely, smiling up at him.]
Suzu:  Firefly?!  A very beautiful name!  Say, is it all right if I call you
       Kei?
Kei:  [irked] Eh...?!  C'mon.  Don't be disrespectful!
---------------------------------------------------
p 23
1
[Kei glares at Suzu.  Meanwhile, a saleswoman approaches them, holding a book.]
Suzu:  Oh, it's all right, Kei, you scrooge.
Kei:  I said, "don't be disrespectful!"  So when you ask someone their name,
      you should first give your own name...!
Suzu:  Sakuma Suzu.  You can call me "Suzu."
Kei:  No, I won't!
saleswoman:  Umm, Sir.  The sheet music...
2
[End flashback.  Back in Bobson's, we see Suzu clinging to the arm of Kei,
 who is staring at her from the corner of his eye.  He still looks irked.]
Kei:  ...and that's how it is.  Ever since then, she comes to my school now
      and then, getting in the way of my practicing.
Kei:  Don't cling to me!
Suzu:  I don't get in the way.  I only go to listen to Kei play the piano!
3
Miki:  I see, Suzu-chan.  You like Kei-kun.
Suzu:  [beaming] Yup!  When he's playing the piano, his serious expression is
       so-o-o beautiful.  Although normally, he isn't much to look at, hm!
Kei:  [vein popping] Why you...
---------------------------------------------------
p 24
1
[A panel filled with flowers.]
Miki:  [off] How great, Kei-kun.  You've got a cute girlfriend.
Kei:  [off] That's not it!  <sweat bead> Don't misunderstand.  I have nothing
      to do with her.  Someone like this!
Miki:  [off] Huh?  But you're on a date now, aren't you?
2
[Miki smiles merrily as a flustered and sweating Kei explains...  Suzu glances
 at her watch in surprise.]
Kei:  I said it isn't like that.  It's just that she got an acquaintance of
      hers to get me a ticket to a recital that I failed to buy for myself...
Suzu:  Oh, that's right.  The recital!  It started.
3
[Kei rushes for the door.  Suzu turns, too, but pauses to smile and wave back.
 This is Miki's pov.]
Kei:  Oo-wah!  Oh no!  Hurry up!!
Suzu:  'Kay.  Then, Miki-san, bye-bye!
4
[Suzu runs ahead of Kei, but looks back at him.]
Suzu:  Hurry-y-y.
Kei:  [sweating] Don't run while looking back!  You'll trip!!
5
[Miki smiles.]
---------------------------------------------------
p 25
1
[Her bubbly view of Kei and Suzu.]
narration:  Kei-kun, somehow, despite what you say, you look rather pleased.
narration:  I wonder if the birth of a relationship is near at hand?
2
[Miki smiles up at the ceiling and sighs.]
Miki:  Ahh-ah.
Miki:  How nice.  Everyone's in love...
3
[Night falls over the Koishikawa-Matsuura residence.]
doorbell:  [off] <ding dong...>
4
[Rumi peers out the front door.]
door FX:  <clack>
Rumi:  Yes.  Oh!
---------------------------------------------------
p 26
1
[A white panel.]
door FX:  [off] <knock knock>
Rumi:  [off] Miki!  You have a visitor!
2
[Miki looks towards the door off-panel, away from what she's writing at her
 desk.]
Miki:  Huh?  Ah, okay!
3
[She opens her bedroom door.]
door FX:  <clack>
Miki:  (What the...?  A visitor at this hour...)
4
[Miki's view out her door.  It's Meiko, with Rumi smiling beside her.]
5
[Miki is ecstatic.]
Miki:  Ahhhh!  MEI-I-I-KO!
Miki:  KYAAAA!
Meiko:  [smiling] It's been a while, Miki!
---------------------------------------------------
p 27
1
[Tight view of a tray with 2 cups of coffee on saucers.]
2
Miki:  So, you came along here on Natchan's business trip?
3
[View pulls back.  Meiko and Miki sit facing each other on the floor, with the
 tray of coffee cups set down between them.]
Meiko:  Uh-huh.  At the same time I also have an appointment with someone at
        a publishing firm...  It was decided suddenly, so I didn't get in
        touch with you, and I came without warning...  I'm sorry.
Miki:  I was so surprised.  Grr...  Ahh, I'm glad I wasn't out!
4
Miki:  Meiko...  Have you gone to your parents' place?
5
Meiko:  [off] Uh-uh.  It's like I was disowned.  It's okay already.
Miki:  [off] I see...
---------------------------------------------------
p 28
1
Miki:  Say!  Why don't you stay over tonight?  It's been a while, so I want
       to relax and talk.
Meiko:  Is that all right?  Hm, then maybe I'll do just that.
2
Meiko:  [off] Then is it all right if I use your phone?  I have to tell
        sensei.  Let's see.  The phone number of the hotel...
[Miki's eyes contract to dots.]
Miki:  Sure, but...  Are you still calling him "sensei," Meiko?
3
[Meiko turns red, sweats, and looks at Miki askance.]
Meiko:  It's different at home, but for some reason, in front of you, Miki...
        It's an old habit...
4
[Gleefully, Miki leaps at her friend.  Meiko blushes and grimaces under the
 interrogation.]
Miki:  Huhhh?  Then what do you say at home?  Shin'ichi-san?  Or Shin-chan?
       Ah!  Maybe, it's "Dear"...
Meiko:  Shut up.  Grr!
5
[Meiko turns her back to talk on the phone.]
Meiko:  Oh, hello.  It's Meiko.  Y'know, tonight I'll be at Miki's place...
6
[Miki smiles merrily.]
7
[Miki searches through a chest drawer.]
Miki:  Let's see.  I ought to have bought new pajamas...
Miki:  Ohh?
---------------------------------------------------
p 29
1
Miki:  Not here, hmm...
drawer FX:  [off] <clatter>
Miki:  Where did I put it?
2
[Her eyes suddenly grow large.]
3
[View of what she sees.  Among her belongings, is the box she put away a few
 months back.  The one containing the things she got from Yuu.]
4
[Done with the call, Meiko turns to look at her friend.]
Meiko:  Thanks for letting me use the phone, Miki.
Meiko:  Mi...
5
[View over Meiko's shoulder.  We see what has stopped Meiko short.  Miki's
 eyes are glassy and brimming with tears.]
---------------------------------------------------
p 30
1
[Miki wipes at her eyes.]
Meiko:  MIKI?!
Miki:  Ah, I'm sorry.  It's nothing.  When I saw the box of Yuu's presents
       that I put away, by some sort of reflex, tears started...
2
[Meiko looks surprised and stricken.]
3
[Miki forces a smile.]
Miki:  I have to hide it in a place that won't catch my eye more...  Ah ha...
Miki:  ...ha...
4
[Her eyes fill with tears once more.]
5
[Miki stops pretending to smile and just lets the tears flow.]
---------------------------------------------------
p 31
1
[Clenching her eyes shut, with tears streaming, she falls into Meiko's arms.]
2
Miki:  [off] It hurts, Meiko...
Miki:  [off] I want to forget, but...  ...it's no good.  I can't.
3
[She shouts through the tears.]
Miki:  No matter what, I can't get Yuu out of my head.
Miki:  I can't turn him into a memory.
4
[Meiko can only stare.]
Miki:  [off] I don't know what to do.
Miki:  It hurts...
---------------------------------------------------
p 32
1
Meiko:  [off] Go see him...
2
[Miki looks up at Meiko.]
3
[Meiko smiles softly.]
4
Meiko:  See him, and with complete honesty, fling out the feelings you have
        now...  ...at Matsuura-kun.
5
[A white panel.]
Miki:  [off] B-but...  I'm sure that's no good.  I'll only be a bother...
Meiko:  [off] You won't know that unless you try and see him!
---------------------------------------------------
p 33
1
Meiko:  Do your best...  ...and be brave!
Meiko:  You want to see him, don't you?
2
[Miki stares back at Meiko through tear-filled eyes.]
Miki:  .........  I want to see him...
3
[View of a temple.  This is Kyoto.]
---------------------------------------------------
p 34
1
[Yuu turns at the sound of a voice.]
Saho:  [off] Matsuura-kun!
2
[It's a girl.  Cute brunette, long hair.]
3
[Yuu turns to face her.]
---------------------------------------------------
p 35
1
[Miki's speech bubble overlays this panel of Yuu and the girl, chatting
 amiably.]
Miki:  [off] I'm going to Kyoto...  I'm going to see Yuu!
2
[Miki in profile, eyes still overflowing with tears.]
---------------------------------------------------
-------------------End of Chapter------------------
---------------------------------------------------

Scorecard:

      Miki    --->   Yuu   <-?->   Saho


      Kei    <--->  Suzu           Meiko  <--->  Natchan


      Ginta  <--->  Arimi           Rumi  <--->  Youji
                                     ^             ^
                                     |             |
                                     v             v
                                    Jin   <---> Chiyako

---------------------------------------------------