Orange Marmalade - episode eight "Moving On" ^_- Anju's Diary Our parents were formally divorced yesterday. There's still time until the break, but they decided it would be better not to wait. We're going to be moving again this weekend, and from now on, we'll be living together with the Koishikawas. I haven't seen the new house yet, but Meiko-neechan tells me that it's really big. She was kind of depressed about it before, but it seems like she's feeling better now. It's been a long time since I lived in a house. The last few places were all cities, and we stayed in apartments. I guess this means our family is going to stay here for a long time. I wonder if I'll have my own room? ^_- [Scene: Toryo Rooftop] [It is late afternoon. Arimi is sitting near the dome, facing the access stairway door. She smiles as it opens.] Arimi: Hi, Yuu-sempai. [Yuu smiles slightly, walking out onto the rooftop and toward Arimi. He stops about halfway between her and the stairs.] Yuu: Good afternoon. Arimi: Thanks again for taking me to the concert this weekend... Yuu: Hmm? Oh, don't mention it. (pause) Actually, Suzuki-san, I was hoping to find you. I wanted to ask you something... Arimi: (concerned) Is something wrong, sempai? Yuu: I'm not sure, but... do you know where Koishikawa is? Arimi: Miki-san? (blinks) Yuu: (nods) She hasn't been in school for two or three days. I just wondered... whether she felt all right. Arimi: I don't -think- she was sick... (puzzled) Now that you mention it, I haven't heard anything from her for a few days, either. (smiles) I'll go check on her later tonight. [Yuu opens his mouth to say something, but hesitates. Instead, he continues with:] Yuu: Thanks... (producing a thin tablet from his satchel) And could you give this to her? [Arimi takes the tablet from him and examines it.] Arimi: The class notes? Yuu: And the assignments. I didn't know whether anyone else was getting them for her, and I didn't want her to get too far behind, so... [Arimi nods, smiling. She stands and practically runs toward the door.] Arimi: (waving) I'll give this to Miki-san right away, sempai. [Yuu waves in return until Arimi has vanished down the stairs. He then sighs and turns toward the dome, where she had been sitting.] Yuu: {I couldn't say it after all...} ^_- [Scene: Outside the Koishikawas' Home] [A little later than the previous scene. Arimi jogs along the street, then up to Miki's door. She stands for a moment, catching her breath, before reaching out to ring the doorbell. After a brief pause, Rumi opens the door.] Rumi: Oh, Arimi-chan. Come in, come in! Arimi: (stepping through the door) Thanks. Is Miki-san here? Rumi: She should be around somewhere... [From another room, Jin's voice can be heard.] Jin: Rumi, where should I put the box with all the pictures? Rumi: (to Arimi) Just one second. (calling to Jin) Put it on top of the two in the living room for now. [Arimi blinks and begins to say something, but Rumi interrupts too soon.] Rumi: I think Miki-san is in her room. Arimi: Oh... [Rumi turns around and hurries off to pack something else. Before ducking through a door, she calls back over her shoulder to Arimi.] Rumi: Sorry if it's a little cluttered right now... just ignore it, okay? [Arimi shrugs to herself and walks up a flight of stairs, to Miki's room. The door is closed, so she knocks. There are some shuffling sounds, and then the door is opened... by Meiko.] Meiko: Oh, Arimi-chan. Arimi: (blinks) Meiko-chan? Meiko: I didn't know she'd asked you for help... come in. [She steps aside, and Arimi enters the room, taking note of the half-filled boxes that are scattered around. Miki is standing in front of her closet at the moment, carefully folding a blouse. She sets it down in one of the boxes, then looks up.] Arimi: Help...? Miki-san, what's going on? Miki: (smiles) Hello, Arimi. (to Meiko) Actually, I didn't want to cause any trouble for her... or for you. Meiko: It's no trouble, Miki-san. I'm glad to help. Arimi: (horrified) Miki-san, you're... moving? Miki: (nodding) But don't worry; we're not going very far. [Arimi sighs and sits down on the corner of Miki's bed.] Arimi: I thought that you were going to leave, and you were trying to keep it a secret from me. Miki: I wouldn't do that, Arimi. My parents and I are just moving into a new house. Arimi: Oh, is that why you haven't been at school lately? [Miki only hesitates for an instant before nodding.] Miki: Like Meiko-chan said, it's a big job with just the three of us. And with my parents handling other things during the day... (shrugs) It'll be finished soon. Arimi: All right, then; I'll help you, so you finish even faster! (smiles) Miki: (chuckling) I guess I can't stop you... Thanks, Arimi. [Arimi nods and jumps up from the bed. Then she remembers the tablet in her hands.] Arimi: Oh, I almost forgot. Yuu-sempai asked me to give this to you. [Miki takes the tablet and flips through the first few pages. Meiko finishes taping a full box closed and looks up at Miki.] Meiko: Is that...? Miki: The notes and assignments. These are pretty detailed... Yuu-kun did all this? [Arimi nods. Miki smiles slightly.] Miki: I'll have to thank him when I see him. Meiko-chan, when you see him tonight, could you tell him I appreciate it? Meiko: Sure. (gesturing at the box) Where do you want this? Miki: Just leaving it there would be fine. [Miki closes the tablet and sets it on her desk.] Miki: I didn't expect anyone to do this... Arimi: That's what I like about Yuu-sempai. He cares so much about other people. [There is a crash as Meiko falls to the floor, dropping a number of books. Arimi and Miki turn, expressions showing surprise and concern. Meiko looks up at them and laughs halfheartedly.] Meiko: Sorry... I must have tripped. [She quickly gets to her knees and gathers up the spilled books. Miki and Arimi exchange glances, then continue packing.] ^_- [Scene: ABCB] [The next day, mid-afternoon. Yuu and Arimi are both working, although there are few enough customers that there really isn't much for them to do. When they are not periodically checking on or serving the ABCB's patrons, they stand behind the counter, talking quietly to each other.] Yuu: I'm a little surprised Kijima-san lets you run this place when he's not here... Arimi: It's only for two or three hours while he runs some errands. Yuu: Still... does this happen often? Arimi: Once or twice, since I started working here. It only happens when he has important errands and when there's not much of a crowd. Yuu: Oh...? Then I guess he'll be back before I leave today. Arimi: Are you leaving early? Yuu: (smiles) Well, I'm not staying late like I usually do. I would, but... Arimi: But? Yuu: My family is moving tonight. I need to be home by 5 to help. [Arimi freezes. Yuu sees her expression and smiles reassuringly.] Yuu: We're not going far. My family is just moving into a house nearby. Arimi: (sighs in relief) I'm glad. (thoughtfully) That's the same thing Miki-san said... Yuu: (blinks) Oh, she already told you? I should have guessed she would; you two are close, right? Arimi: Told... me... (pause) It couldn't be... you're moving in -together-? [Yuu nods. Arimi stares blankly, gaping, for a few seconds, causing an uncomfortable silence. Yuu, oddly enough, seems unconcerned, if somewhat puzzled. Finally, the silence is broken as Arimi cries out:] Arimi: That's terrific! [This is apparently not the response Yuu expected. His eyes widen in surprise.] Arimi: (continuing) I'm always a little worried about Miki-san, because she's always been alone except for me and Ginta. Ne, Yuu-sempai, you'll look after Miki-san for me, right? Yuu: (still surprised) Ah, I-- Sure. I'll try to take care of her. Arimi: Thanks, sempai! [Arimi leaves to check on a pair of customers at a nearby table. A bemused Yuu watches as she makes her rounds, finally returning to the counter. She smiles at him, then notices his expression.] Arimi: What is it? Yuu: (shaking his head) You surprise me sometimes, that's all. [Arimi laughs.] ^_- [Scene: Outside of a House] [Late afternoon. The assembled Koishikawa and Matsuura families are standing outside a large, two-story house. There are several boxes around, presumably filled with clothing and personal belongings. The four parents are smiling, while the children, even Yuu, appear extremely surprised -- even Meiko, who's seen it before, is caught up in the excitement.] Chiyako: Well? What do you think? Jin: Isn't it perfect? Youji: (nodding) And it's such a convenient location, too. Yuu: (numb) It's... big. [Anju nods several times, silently.] Rumi: Wait until you see your rooms. Chiyako: (inside the doorway) That's right; come take a look. Anju: (eagerly) Do I get my own room? [The four parents begin to file through the door.] Miki: Wait a minute! What about these boxes? Jin: (over his shoulder) Oh, you can get those for us, can't you? [He smiles and follows the other three inside without waiting to hear the protests. Yuu sighs.] Yuu: Go ahead, An. Anju: Thanks, oniichan! [And Anju is inside the house in a flash, before Yuu can change his mind.] Yuu: Why don't the two of you go, too? It'll keep them happy, and I can handle the boxes. Miki: How could you carry all this by yourself? I can't let you do it alone... Yuu: (glancing at Meiko) Thanks, but actually, I think my sister wanted to talk to you about how to arrange her room. [Puzzled, Miki begins to formulate a protest, but Meiko, understanding her brother's intentions, interrupts. Grasping one of Miki's wrists, Meiko pulls her inside the house.] Meiko: That's right; I wanted to ask your opinion about which color to use for the curtains, and... [Yuu waits until he can no longer hear Meiko's voice or Miki's protests. He picks up one of the boxes and walks into the house. After a quick glance around, he turns back toward the yard. His eyes narrow as he concentrates... and the boxes vanish, reappearing in the (as yet unfurnished) living room. He smiles a little and walks into the room, setting the box he was carrying down among the others. He then crosses to the stairs and starts up.] Miki: Yuu-kun? [Yuu freezes.] Miki: (impressed) You work pretty fast, don't you? I was going to offer to help, but... Yuu: I guess you could say that it runs in the family... Miki: (nodding) Anyway, I wanted to thank you for sending me the notes from class the other day... Yuu: (shrugging) I just thought you might need them. It's no trouble. Miki: You haven't seen the rooms yet, right? [Anju pops her head around the corner, excitedly interrupting.] Anju: Oniichan! Come look! Yuu: (laughs) Looks like I'm outnumbered. [He finishes climbing the stairs. The hallway on the second floor seems to run the entire length of the house, and there are several doors on either side. Yuu allows Anju to drag him all the way down the hall and into the room on their left; Miki follows the siblings. The room they enter is sizable, though almost empty -- the only furniture is a single bed. Meiko, Chiyako, and Jin are in the room, apparently waiting for Miki and Anju to return.] Chiyako: Oh, good, you brought Yuu with you. (to Yuu) So, how do you like our new home? Yuu: (reflective) Our home... (shakes his head) It's... I mean... Meiko: You're not going to tell us all about the architectural style? You -must- be impressed. [Yuu looks somewhat uncomfortable, and quickly changes the subject.] Yuu: I guess you've got your own room now, An. [Anju smiles and nods vigorously.] Meiko: (laughing) That's all she needs to be happy. Miki: I can't believe the number of bedrooms in this house. Jin: (proudly) There are six. It's perfect: Two for us, one for each of you. Chiyako: Meiko's is the room next to this one, and ours are at the other end of the hall. You two can decide between yourselves which room you want. [Miki and Yuu nod.] ^_- Miki's Journal The move went more smoothly than I thought it would. Our parents showed us around the rest of the house, not that there's much to it yet. Downstairs, we have the kitchen, bathroom, toilet, living room, and another room, which I'm planning to set up as a music room. Nobody objected to that; somehow, that surprised me. Upstairs are the bedrooms. They seem a lot bigger than my room at home -- at my old home, I mean -- but that's probably just because there's not much in the way of furniture or decorations here yet. When we got a moment in private, Yuu-kun told me I could pick whichever of the two remaining bedrooms I preferred, and he'd take the other. I didn't really care which one was mine, but it was nice of him to offer. I ended up with the room nearer the stairs, across from Meiko-chan's. Yuu-kun's is next to mine, across from An-chan's. I'd better go help with the furniture. I doubt any of our parents will... ^_- [Scene: ABCB] [A few days later. There are only a few people in the shop. Arimi, behind the counter, is managing to keep up with all of them. The door chimes as the Matsuura twins enter.] Arimi: (turning) Welcome to-- ah! An and Meiko-chan! [Both twins smile at Arimi, and Anju waves.] Meiko: Hi, Arimi-chan. Is Yuu here? Arimi: (shakes her head) He's not working today. Anju: Huh? But then... Meiko: I see. Arimi: (worried) Is something wrong? Meiko: No, but this morning oniichan said that he was busy after school, so... Anju: (grins) We thought we'd come cheer him up! Besides, I wanted to see him at work... Arimi: I see. Come back tomorrow, then, he'll be working in the afternoon. Meiko: I wonder where he is, though, if he's not here... Anju: Maybe he's with Miwa-sempai? Meiko: With him? Anju: Well, they have been spending a lot of time together lately. [While this exchange has been taking place, Kijima has walked out of the back room. He leans against the bar and smiles.] Kijima: Oh, welcome back, you two. Care for a cup of coffee? Meiko: Thanks for the offer, but we'd better go... Anju: (nods) We were just hoping to find our brother here. Since he's not working today, we'll be back tomorrow. Don't tell him, okay? We want it to be a secret. Kijima: (chuckles) I promise. Arimi: (smiles) Me too! Goodbye, An, Meiko-chan! [The twins make their goodbyes and turn to leave. Anju is faster, so it's she who first steps forward... into the opening door.] Meiko & Arimi: An! [The boy who opened the door quickly kneels by her side.] Boy: Are you all right? I'm sorry! [There is a stunned pause as Anju looks up at the boy. Then he falls backwards, and she scrambles back as well.] Anju & Boy: You?! [Yes, it's the same green-haired boy who Anju ran into before. (1) He recovers first and quickly gets to his feet, extending a hand to Anju to help her up.] Boy: (smiling) We really must stop meeting this way. (serious) I'm really sorry about that. I can't believe it happened twice. Meiko: (weakly) I can't believe it, either... [Arimi and Kijima glance at each other, puzzled.] Anju: Don't worry about it... I'm okay. Boy: But this time it was definitely my fault. Can I get you a snack or something to apologize? Meiko: Actually, we were just-- Anju: Sure! That's nice of you. Meiko: (softly) That girl always thinks with her stomach... (sighs) [Neither Anju nor the boy seems to have heard her, fortunately.] Boy: Not at all; it's the least I could do. (smiles slightly) I'm Tsuchiya Kei. Anju: Matsuura Anju. Nice to meet you. Kei: Well, I could have wished we'd met a different way, but... likewise. Meiko: Tsuchiya Kei? {I'm sure I've heard that name before... but where?} Anju: This is my sister, Meiko. [Meiko bows.] Kei: Nice to meet you. (to Anju) Order whatever you like, then... your sister, too. [Anju beams and turns to peruse a menu. Meiko frowns slightly.] Meiko: Are you sure it's okay to-- Kei: (nodding) I insist! [Meiko shrugs as Anju starts giving her order to Kijima.] (1 - Their previous encounter was in episode 6.) ^_- [Scene: Namura's Classroom] [Early morning. Many of the students are in groups, talking to each other, as usual. A few of the later stragglers are just entering the classroom. Yuu and Miwa are together near one of the walls, deep in conversation. Yuu laughs at something Miwa has said. Across the room, Miki watches from her seat near the window.] Miki: {Those two seem to have become good friends. I wouldn't have expected that. Someone as serious as Yuu-kun, and someone as flippant as Miwa... but then, he can be serious at times, too.} [She frowns slightly as she continues to observe Yuu.] Miki: {Yuu-kun is almost like two different people. At school, he usually seems reserved, like he was only watching everything that happens from far away. But when he's at home or with his sisters, he's more open about his emotions. It looks like that's starting to happen with Miwa, too. Since we're living in the same house, will he start to open up to me?} [She turns toward Tsutomu, who is also sitting alone at his desk. He is resting his elbows on the desk and his chin on his elbows, and trying to pointedly ignore Yuu and Miwa. The effect is ruined by the glares he keeps shooting in their direction -- not that either of them notice.] Miki: {Rokutanda is sure to cause more trouble for Yuu-kun. Even if he gave up on Arimi, it might not help; he doesn't like Yuu-kun in the first place.} [Miki turns away from Tsutomu to look out the window.] Miki: {Arimi... I still have to tell her that I'm living with Yuu-kun's family now. It's not like I could hide it...} (sighing) {I hope she doesn't take it too badly.} [Namura arrives. The students scramble to their desks as he walks to the front of the room. They then stand and bow to him, and he begins the lesson.] ^_- [Scene: Terrace] [Lunchtime. Yuu, Miwa, and Anju are sitting at one of the tables as Miki walks by.] Miwa: Eh? She's not eating here? Anju: She said she had to do something during lunch, so... (sees Miki) Hi, Miki-sempai! Miwa: Oh? That's too bad... Yuu: Oh, Ko-- Miki-san. Hi. [Miki waves. Miwa glances speculatively at Yuu, and continues eating.] Miki: Hi everyone. Yuu-kun, have you seen Arimi today? Yuu: No, sorry. Isn't she usually on the roof at lunch, if she's not here? Miki: (shrugging) She isn't today. If she comes by, can you ask her to wait for me after school? Yuu: Sure... Anju: If she doesn't, I'll tell her when I see her in class. Miki: Thank you, An-chan. (waves) Bye. [The three seated at the table wave; Miki walks off around the corner of the school building.] Miwa: My, my. I wonder what that was all about. Yuu: I don't know. (pause) Arimi's not working today; maybe they were planning to go somewhere. [Miwa shrugs.] ^_- [Scene: Fountain] [This is a large decorative fountain some distance away from the terrace. Arimi is sitting nearby, hugging her knees to her chest; her eyes are distant. She blinks and looks up as a shadow falls over her.] Arimi: (smiling) Miki-san! [Miki laughs.] Miki: Found you. Arimi: How did the move go? I'm sorry I haven't had time to visit yet. Miki: Don't worry about that. (pause) Actually, Arimi, I wanted to talk to you about that... [She sits down next to Arimi. Arimi looks at her with wide eyes, prompting her to continue.] Miki: The truth is... The house we moved into is... (sighing) My parents and I aren't the only ones living there. There's also-- Arimi: (interrupting) Yuu-sempai and his family, right? Miki: (gaping) You... you knew? Arimi: (smiling) Uh-huh! Sempai told me last week. Didn't he mention it to you? Miki: (weakly) It... must have slipped his mind. Arimi: (shrugging) I thought you knew. (pause) Ne, Miki-san, what do you think of Yuu-sempai? [As if Miki wasn't taken aback before... now, she sits silent for a short time, trying to gather her thoughts. Meanwhile, Arimi stares curiously at her, waiting for a reply.] Miki: (cautiously) Well, he seems like a nice person, once he lets you get close to him. I can tell that he really cares about his sisters, especially An-chan, even if it seems like they're usually arguing. And he can be really thoughtful when he wants to be. When he's not distracted by other thoughts, that is... Arimi: You think so? (smiling) I'm glad. [Miki blinks.] Arimi: (explaining) I was afraid you wouldn't get along with him if you had to live together. It looks like I don't have to worry about that. Miki: No, I don't think you need to worry... [Arimi nods cheerfully. Then her expression fades to one of apprehension.] Arimi: There was something else I wanted to ask you, Miki-san. Miki: (worried) What is it? Arimi: Well, it's... Could you help me study for the test next week? I haven't been doing so well in math, and I'm a little worried... [Miki sighs in relief.] Miki: Of course I can, Arimi. (smiling) Since you were planning to come visit anyway, why don't we study at my new house? You don't work today, right? Arimi: Right. Thanks, Miki-san! ^_- [Scene: Street] [Late afternoon. The street in front of Toryo High School. A number of students are walking out of the school grounds; one of the groups that passes includes Ginta and Sumire. A little later, the Matsuura siblings, Arimi, and Miki emerge.] Yuu: You two are coming just to see me work? [Anju nods cheerfully, and he sighs, adopting a put-upon expression. The girls laugh.] Yuu: (to Miki) Arimi's going home with you to study? Miki: (nodding) She's worried about the exams before the break. Yuu: I'll see you tonight, then. (thoughtfully) It probably would be a good idea to start studying now... Meiko: (aghast) You haven't even started yet, oniichan?! [As the conversation continues, rather more heatedly, the camera shifts backwards to the gates, where we can see Tsuchiya Kei leaning against the wall, watching the group.] Kei: (softly) I thought I recognized the uniforms those girls were wearing as Toryo's, but I didn't expect to find -her- here... [He is interrupted as a fist slams into the wall, not too far away from him. The owner of the fist, however, doesn't seem to have noticed Kei; his stare is fixed on the three Matsuuras, who have separated from Arimi and Miki and are waving.] Tsutomu: What does she see in that... that... [Kei's eyes narrow slightly.] Kei: {How interesting.} (faintly amused) I can't help but notice your distress. Tsutomu: That's none of your business! (pause) Who are you, anyway? Kei: Now, that's no way to treat a friend, is it? I'm on your side. My name is Tsuchiya Kei. Tsutomu: Rokutanda Tsutomu. (suspicious) What are you talking about? Do I know you? Kei: (shrugging) You do now, don't you? [Tsutomu doesn't know how to respond to that. Kei continues:] Kei: Let's just say that I don't want to see anyone together with my old rival. Since you think that he's not good enough for her, that puts us on the same side for now. Right? Tsutomu: (hesitantly) I guess so, but... Kei: We can worry about the future when it comes. For now, why don't we help each other out? Tsutomu: I... (decisive) Okay, I will. But what do you want? [A smile spreads slowly across Kei's face.] Kei: I have a plan... ^_- Notes: Because of Thanksgiving break, the revision of this part took longer than usual. Still, I've already started on the draft for the next part, so there should be little impact on the schedule (or what passes for one). I expect the draft to be complete in mid-December; the story will deal with the exam, and Ginta will probably play a much larger part in it than he has to date. Thanks again to Emily Siazon and James Nutley for their constant commenting. Usually at just the right time. ^_^ Orange Marmalade is a Marmalade Boy/Kimagure Orange Road fusion. As a result, some... okay, most... of the MB characters are significantly changed, and not always in the obvious ways. Consider yourselves warned. ^_^ Marmalade Boy, Kimagure Orange Road, and their respective characters and such were created by Yoshizumi Wataru and Matsumoto Izumi, and are used without permission. Text placed inside {braces} denotes voiced-over thoughts. Comments, criticism, and flames welcomed at schimmel@seas.upenn.edu. * * * * *