H       A       R       D
				    |<      O       R

				interlude Edition

		     K i m a g u r e    O r a n g e     R o a d 
				   F a n f i c t i o n

				   by Robert Kwong
				      ver 1.0
				   Finished 10-21-98

Based on characters from the Kimagure Orange Road Series created by
the venerable Matsumoto Izumi.

As you can see, this is fanfiction harkening back to the old Kimagure Orange
Orange Road Series. In the Prelude edition, it outlines the events following
the breakup of Hikaru and Kyousuke which sets the stage for Shin Kor and
HARD Kor series.  These stories were written in the attempt to clarify
certain details assumed and to provide clues for future Hard Kor episodes.
Book A and Book B chapters provides the events after Shin Kor I. This Book C
will bridge the gap between Shin Kor II and Shin Kor III.


HardKor Web Site (With Disclaimer and back-stories:
Book A and Book B chapters)
http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/HardKor.html

My SuperPage for the General Kimagure Orange Road enthusiast
http://www.animeyahoo.com

My contact email address for comments or further correspondence:
rk@soda.berkeley.edu

Feel free to email me your impressions and suggestions for the series. Beta
readers always welcome. If you want new stories emailed to you, please e-mail
me at the above address.

Thanks for reading my stories and making it one the most popular KOR fanfic
on the web! (31000 can't be wrong!)I hope you enjoy reading it as I did
writing it. Thanks again.
Robert Kwong
Ark Productions -98-


Legend:
Akane     =  Akane  Kasuga
Kurumi    =  Kurumi Kasuga
Manami    =  Manami Kasuga
Muroke    =  Koji Muroke
Shijama   =  Shijama Zumi
Taku      =  Taku Morisaki
Shinohara =  Shinohara Asuma
Shun      =  Shun Kisaragi
Hasegawa  =  Hasegawa Kazuya


[]      - denotes scene changes
()      - indicates person thinking to himself
(**)    - indicates action or special effects.


Interlude: Chapter 6: October Surprise

[Evening at the shin ABCB]

Manami: Looks like him, but I can't be sure. Perhaps it's just a passing
resemblance.

Kurumi: If you say so. Must be my eyes. That #2 guy always hangs out with
'Lone Wolf', but that ain't him.

(right across)

Taku: Looks like an interesting place. How'd you find out about it?

Muroke: Oh, I had had a hand in putting this place together.
//see book A story for details

Master: Ah, a familiar acquaintance comes back again. How are you doing son?

#2/Muroke: You still remember who I am?

Master: Well, I do know you were one of the fellows that Manami and
Kurumi-chan brought along to help out. And part of the job is never forgetting
a face, especially a helpful one at that. So what can I can get you and your
friend here?

Muroke: Umm,...nothing too heavy. We're college students now y'know. Probably
a light concotion to help lift our early semester blues and lonesomeness and
yet allow us to wake up for early morning classes tomorrow.

Master: (nods) I have just the thing for you two. The "Swirly Derly", my
latest creation. (heads for the back room)

Taku: Nice atmosphere except for the sad music from that singer.

Muroke: Yep. Good, yet depressing.

Master: (brings a tray with 2 brownish drinks to them) Your drinks sirs!

Muroke: Thanks! (picks one up) Drink up!

Taku: I second that. Kumpai!

(Yet in another corner of the bar)

Hayakawa: I see your old chums performing, Madoka-san. Stroke of genius to
start them out slow in this club venue. Dare I say you also have a flair for
managing musical talent?

Madoka: Thank you Mitsuru, I think. I know you are not one to throw
compliments around. Unless of course it is to impress a girl.

Hayakawa: Well I do aim to please. Speaking of which, my offer still stands.
Join my group. It would be a perfect match. If not singing and song writing,
then why not managing instead?

Madoka: Still persistent, aren't you?

(from behind Hayakawa) "You have to mind Kazuto Madoka-san. He misbehaves
terribly around the womanly folk of our species. Quite a nasty habit he still
haves."

Hayakawa: Now Shiori baby. You know I've mended my ways quite a bit. Any more
and I'll lose my style.

Shiori: Tell me that after our wedding. I make you an honest man yet.

Hayakawa: GOD FORBID!

(Giggles from both females)

Madoka: I wonder what's holding up Kasuga-kun...

(Back to the bar)

Muroke: Man, this is good stuff! Master, what in this stuff?

Master: It's my own special blend of ice capucchino sweetened by the sake
spirits and topped off with a white swirl of cream at the top.

Muroke: Well, whatever it is, bring me another! I'm feeling happy already.

(Guy pats him on the back from behind)

Muroke: (turns his head) Hey....

"Lookee here. Our little friend is back again!"

"That's right Hatta-man. Hey short stuff, what's up with you?"

"Yeah, what are you doing here at this time. It's way past your bedtime."

Taku: Are these friends of yours?

Muroke: You mean these two? (points at them with both hands)

Komatsu: Of course he knows us! We're his cool friends. I'm Komatsu Seiji.
Perhaps you know my colleague from his works. The reknowned H-manga artist,
Hatta Kazuya. (leads his hands towards Hatta)

(Hatta does a bow)

Taku: Can't say I know either of you. I don't read H. H is for perverts.

(Both Hatta and Komatsu do a pratfall!)

Muroke: (laughs) Actually, I met these guys through another person.

Hatta: You mean Manami-san, don't you?

Komatsu: Or was it Kurumi-san?

Hatta or Komatsu: (in unision) Or maybe it was both of the twins!

Muroke: As you can see, they can be goofy at times.

Taku: I can see that, Koji-san.

Komatsu: Ah, so the number boy has a name after all.

Muroke: Oh, I forgot you know me by my old designation. Since I'm not working
for Haroken-san anymore, I guess I can finally reveal my name to you guys.
It's Koji Muroke.

Komatsu: Boy, wait till we tell the twins! They'll get a kick out of that!

"What are you filthy males babbling about now?"

Hatta: Oh, no. It's Akane-san going on again with her rant.

Akane: That's right! And I'm pissed off as hell today. My day is ruined!

Komatsu: Tough break girl.

Akane: DON'T CALL ME GIRL!


[At the subway station]

Kasuga: Madoka is going to kill me for being late again! Better use the Power!
to make up time.

(Ducks into restroom stall and flashes)

(flashes at a lonely street junction)

Kyosuke: 

(Crap!)

(Kyosuke collides with a bicycle!)

(The bicycle, the rider, Kyosuke, a few vegetables lay scattered all around)

Kyosuke: (a bit dazed) (looks to his side) Daijoubu? (Are you alright?)

"BAKA! Why don't you watch where you're going!!)

(Kyosuke sees a smartly dressed woman with a short haircut)

Kyosuke: Gomen, maam. I didn't see you coming. Here. Let me help you up. And
let me pick up these items for you. (starts gathering the fallen items)

Kyosuke: (places the items back into the sack) Here you are. Are you ok? Are
you hurt?

"Still in one piece guy. Gomen for cursing you out."

Kyosuke: No, the fault was totally mine. I came out of nowhere and you didn't
have time to react. I am trully sorry. Is there something I can do for you?

"No, no. You've done enough.  You're lucky I wasn't carrying
the video camera along or else it would have really cost you. There's
something odd about you.


Kyosuke: (scratches the back of his head) No, I don't think so.

"I think so. My instincts never fail me."

Kyosuke: 

"Wait...I got it! You're the photographer who had his picture plastered
throughout the papers during the summer. "

Kyosuke: (trying to shield his face with his hand) Nah...it must the darkness
setting in...

"No, I'm sure you're are. (pushes down Kyosuke's hand and nods her head)
Yes,...you are that person. A reporter never forgets an important face. "

Kyosuke: Reporter?

"That's my job. Aso Tamaki,  reporter for Channel 20 news."

Kyosuke: Channel 20?

"It's a small station on cable. Mostly cover the local area events."

Kyosuke: Well, I guess my secret is out, so no use trying to hide it from you.

"Amazing chance to meet you. All of Japan was intrigued by your story.

Kyosuke: I honored at your compliment and I'm sorry for the accident just now,
but I'm in a bit of a hurry and I really must get going now.

"Oh, I am sorry to be holding you up. But does the offer still hold?

Kyosuke: Offer?

"You asked if there was anything you could do for me? If it is ok with you, I
would like to arrange an informal interview with you."

Kyosuke: Well I...

"You don't have to decide now. Take some time to think about it. Here's my
card. I'm always on the lookout for interesting personalities in our local
community to interview for our small news station and yours would make a great
story to tell. "

Kyosuke: I guess that would be ok. It's the least I can do.

"Great then. Sayonara. And next time, watch where you're going!"

Kyosuke: (smiles and waves) Will do.


[Back to the bar]

(as Akane walks near the drinks serving area)

Komatsu: Yo Akane babe!

Akane: Just shut ya yap, you brute! I'm not in a good mood today!


Hatta: It's not for you. It's for those adorable twins. Tell 'em the shades
boy has come back with a chum.

Akane: 'cuse me?

Hatta: (to Muroke) Here. Put these on. (hands him a pair of sunglasses)

Muroke: What for?

Komatsu: Come on. Just humor us with your old look just once.

Muroke: Man, you people. (puts it on)

Taku: (slight mirth from his lips) He-he. Looking spiffy Koji-san.

Akane: (sarcastic) Ah great. Another pipsqueak male I remember
to add to my ruined day.


(from across the bar)

Manami: Hey, that must be #2.

Kurumi: Guess so now. Back with his old trademark.

Manami: Let's go over and talk to him.

Kurumi; Gawd, look who just walked in.

Manami: Where?

(Nagasi walks in with another fellow dressed very cool)

Hayakawa: What's up my friend? Are you thinking of snatching Nagasi to your
team?

"Never dream of it pal. Doin' a fav for 'Nags'"

Nagasi: (cocky air) For your information, he's my boy toy for this evening.

Hayakawa: (raises glass) Don't you wish. Taboids would
never hear the end of this. (looks out the window)
Though I'm surprised I don't see any of them around here now.

"My body double did a good job of leading them away."

Hayakawa: Good idea. Gotta try that sometime.

"Who're the pretty ladies with ya?"

Hayakawa: Nice pair, aren't they? Shiori on my left is my fiance.

(Shiori nods and gives Hayakawa a slight kick in the back for the coy remark)

Hayakawa: And on my right is Madoka Ayukawa-san, my future associate

Madoka: (grits her teeth) (beneath her breah) Mitsuru....

"Charmed."

Madoka: Pleasure to meet you too.

Hayakawa: Ladies, this is TK, my old pal, and now my major rival in the music
talent biz.

"We friendly competitors."

Hayakawa: Sure we are. (gives a sly wink)

"So this is where you've been hiding your hotspots of unrealized talent?
(looks towards the stage where Yukari is performing)"

Hayakawa: You can say that. Still talking to her about joining our agency.

"Well you better get her quick before I snatch her away from you!"

Hayakawa: In your dreams, you pirate!

(switching back)

(Manami and Kurumi at the serving area)

Manami: Hey? Where'd they go?

Hatta: Woo hoo. You just missed him.

Manami: Was that #2?

Komatsu: Yeah. But he split. Too bad girl.

Hatta: And he took my sunglasses with him! Rats!

Komatsu: It wasn't a total loss. We found out the little bugger's name.

Manami: You know his name?

Hatta: Uh huh. He told us.

Manami: Well what is it?

Komatsu: (devilish smile) What's it worth to you?

"How about your arm once I'm done with it?"

(Kurumi is behind Komatsu and has his arm wring up in back)

Komatsu: Oh! OW! Ouch! OK! i'LL TALK! KOJI....KOJI MUROKE is his name. Happy
now? Arghh!!!!

(Kurumi lets go)

Kurumi: Yes, quite. That'll teach you to try to blackmail the Kasuga twins.

Manami: 

(on the road)

Taku: Why'd you rush out like that? And why through the back door?

Muroke: I didn't want my old employer to see me.

Taku: You mean the guy?

Muroke: No, the woman he was with. Her name is Nagasi. She was the assistant
to the guy I was working this summer.

Taku: But why?

Muroke: Long story. But I bet it has something to do with those database of
addresses book info I compiled. She has been pestering me in getting access to
it. With Haroken-san around, it was no problem to get her off my back, but
now with him gone abroad, I have to watch out for her myself.

Taku: Strange summer job to have.

Muroke: Tell me about it.

(back to the bar)

Nagasi: Ok TK. Let's dance on the floor again.

"Give me a breather spot."

Hayakawa: 5 dances got you beat?

"Gonna catch my third wind."

Nagasi: Wearing down so soon T-san? Wait here. I gotta tell pretty boy
something.

(Nagasi whistles and motions Hayakawa to come her way.)

Hayakawa: (with Shiori in hand)
What do you want from me know? I'm not your waiting boy.


Nagasi: Though you might want to know that the play is finished!
To fit the creature theme of the show, I'm setting opening day on
Halloween Eve!

Hayakawa: What? Wait a minute! How come I don't know anything about it?

Nagasi: That's because I'm the director and Ryusei left me in charge. I decide
when the play starts. You're just the money guy.

Hayakawa: Hey, your play. Talk to Ryu-man yourself.

Shiori: I'm sure everyone is just as surprised as you.

Hayakawa: Just show me the dough. That's what counts in the end.

(inside Ryokurin Ryo dorm)


Muroke: We're not too late for the curfew. Hope I didn't keep you from your
work.

Taku: No need to worry. I've finished what I need. I had extra time to kill,
so I just moped about the footbridge.

(*Scream*)

Taku: What was that?

Muroke: Sounded like it came from the upper floors.

(as they run up, they see Shijama in the hallway, with a towel around his
waist, still dripping wet from the shower, but noticeably shaking)

Muroke: What's wrong Shijama-chan?

Shijama: A G-g-g....A g-g-g....

Taku: You mean a ghost?

Shijama; YES! A g-g-g-ghost!

(Shun Kisaragi, the RA, approaches them)

Shun: What's going on here?

Taku: Shijama-san had another ghost sighting.

Shun: You did?

Shijama: Y-y-y-yes...in the s-s-sauna. I heard a strange windy sounds and then a
apparition quickly passed me by.

Shun: Are you sure it's not your eyes playing tricks on you? It could be heard
to see when it gets so steamy.

Shijama: I-I-I'm p-p-postive.

Shun: Well, since this is the second time, I'm gonna have to file a report on
this. 

[At a nearby apartment in Tokyo]

(Two girls at the kitchen sink; one is washing the dishes while the other is
drying)

Yumi Kohama: They's going be another one of those girl meetings next week.
I might not want to go this week.

"That's too bad."

Yumi: Why do you say that? You were't even interested in going at all.

"True, but that was my snobbish Tokyo pride speaking out. The lady speaking
at the podium sounded really sincere in making the club into an open forum
where we can discuss the nature of problems in  relationships."

Yumi: I'm quite surprised to hear you say that. So how are your parents?

"Daddy is his typical self-centered nature. Okaasan's nerves grate on pins and
needles on my decison to transfr here to Tokyo. They had a falling out in
their failed marriage. Maybe that's why I act rather poorly in relationships."

Yumi: Tell me about it. You still gotta develop your people skills. But you so
far had rotten role-models to draw from.

"It only going to get more complex with the clash of taboos of the past with
the new world values of the 90's. Now nothing is off limits now."

Yumi: You're getting too deep for me. Wanna come with me to the next meeting?

"Maybe. But it will be harder for me to travel back and forth as the semeseter
wears on and the pressure builds up. Maybe you can ask my questions for me at
the meeting?"

Yumi: Sure. Make me more confident talking about other people's questions and
problems than to share my own.

[Back to Ryokurin Ryo]

(in the video arcade room)

Shun Kisaragi: (enters to see a sleeping Hasukawa lying on his side, as the
game on the SNES plays out) SSSUUKKAAAAAAAAAAA!

Hasukawa: Gawd Shun-chan! I hate it when you do that!

Shun: (smiles) Good. You shouldn't be having all these all-nighters over this
game. First you gotta get fixed up and eat something. Then, we're going to the
library to review the notes I took for you so you can do some major catching
up. Midterms are coming up.

Hasukawa: Ah, to hell with education. What's the point anyway? I'll just end
up being miserable like I always do.

Shun: Suka-chan! You gotta learn to get over the losses in your life. You know
as well as I how much we miss Shinobu-Semapi so much. But he's gone now and
there's nothing we can do about it. And despite Igarashi-san being takened
away by her tyrant mother, I'm sure that there's a chance that you two can get
together again. You have to be strong for her.

Hasukawa: Thanks for trying to cheer me up, but it's not working. Cruel fate
is against me. It got in the way with my first love and now this. I should
have known that I would never be happy again.

Shun: Don't be such a defeatist Suka, I've left you alone for the summer to
let you have time to mend your wounds, but instead, you chose to rub salt in
it. Punishing yourself isn't going to get you anywhere.

Hasukawa: It's not gonna help now. I'm past saving.

Shun: Stop saying that! There's people in this house who needs you, especially
the new tenants under this new system here. You're the head resident
coordinator here. Why don't you act like it?

Hasukawa: I wish I can, but first thing's first. I've gotta finish this game.
I'm in the 'World of Ruin' scenario now. Only fitting it should fit my life
now.

Shun: I just wish you finish this sooner. By the way, one of the residents was
scared out of his socks again, claiming he saw a ghost on the premises for the
second time. This seem spretty serious, so I'm filing a report, just in case.
Do you think it's a  real story?

Hasukawa: (not paying attention) I leave you in charge to investigate the
matter, and do the follow up.

Shun: But...

"Kisaragi-san; we're done with the house cleaning for this week. "

Shun: Thank you for letting me know Koji-san.

Muroke: (peers over at TV screen to see Hasukawa playing the game.) Ah, so
you're a video game afficiando. And a role-playing one at that.

Hasukawa: You play video games?

Muroke: Of course! Who doesn't? In fact, I'm working on creating my own video
game.

Shun: I'll be back with some drinks.

Hasukawa: Here. Have a seat.

Muroke: Thanks.

Hasukawa: So have you play this game before?

Muroke: Final Fantasy 6? Yeah, I remembered playing it. With Ceres, Locke,
King Edward and his brother Sabin and countless others.  Excellent RPG game.
The best I played this year. So who's your favorite  character so far?

Hasukawa: It's a toss-up between Setzer and Locke. How about for you?


Muroke: For me, it's Mog with his kawaii little jigs.


Hasukawa: Mog? Who is he?

Muroke: You don't know? He's the cute little creature in the beginning of the
game in the caves.

Hasukawa: The one with wings?

Muroke: Yes, kind of.

Hasukawa: I didn't know you can have him as a party member.

Muroke: Yeah, you can, but it depends on what you do for a certain mission.
Once you get him, he will do all kinds of dance attacks.

Hasukawa: Dances are not my thing, so I don't care for such a character. So
what level are you on now?

Muroke: I finished the game already.

Hasukawa: You have? Impossible!

Muroke: Hard to believe, I know, but I'm an expert gamer. So how long have you
played it so far?

Hasukawa: 4 months straight.

Muroke: Wahhh, that long. You must be a real dedicated vid game junkie.

Hasukawa: No. Actually, I hate video games.

Muroke: What? Then why are you playing it?

Hasukawa: In deference for my late friend who gave this to me as a gift. He
always did the things that would annoy me the most. I did what I thought most
would honor his memory; finish the game he gave me.

(Shun comes in)

Shun: Here you go Suka. Thick black coffee.

Hasukawa: Thanks Shun-chan. This should keep me up for the next 6 hours.

Muroke: Goodbye now. Hope to see you around the grounds soon.

Hasukawa: (nods, with his eyes still fixated on the video screen) Ja.

(outside)

Muroke: He seems addicted to the game Shun-sempai.

Shun: He is; so much so that he's neglecting his duties. I gonna have to take
matters in my hands about this pesky spirit problem we're having and have a
trained priest to perform an evaluation of the place.

[At the Ayukawa Mansion]

(Madoka, Kyosuke, Yukari, and Shuu are at the table eating lunch)

Shuu: Hey, cousin, excellent meal as always.

Madoka: Glad you like it.

Yukari: Weren't you very late for our opening debut Kasuga-san?

Kyousuke: Yes I was. I'm so sorry about that, but I have a very good reason!
Just give me some time to explain it...

Yukari: (giggles to Madoka) Grovels like he always does, doesn't he?

Madoka: I say more so now than before.

Kyousuke: Madoka!

Yukari: So what do you think of Madoka being our professional consultant?


Kyousuke: Honto? Madoka-san never told me anything about it. I mean I was just
getting used to the idea that you and your group was back in town.

Madoka: Gomen; now you know.

Kyosuke: Sure. It sounds like a swell idea.

Shuu: So how did we do?

Madoka: Not too bad. TK was there. He liked the sound he was hearing.

Yukari: How'd you manage to get him to come to the club?

Madoka: Mitsuru owed me a few favors, so he was strongly against it, since
he's interested in signing you guys up.

Yukari: I know. We mysteriously bumped into each other during a tryout. He
also did his best sell job on us. Was his typical slick, slipperly
smooth-talkin' self. But I decided to hold off and first evaluate
our options first.

Shuu: So Kyo-san. What keeps you busy nowadays?

Kyousuke: Mostly photo shoots and special events photography sessions. But I'm
not too busy right now.

Yukari: In that caes, do you have time to do a photo spread of the group while
we're performing?

Kyosuke: That would be great! I would be honored if I could do that. Besides,
I owe you one.

Yukari: Sure you do. Whatcha do?

Kyousuke: Let say you got the ball rolling for me.

[Back in New York]

(Hikaru is sitting back against the futon, her fingers stained with paint and
some drops smeared on her face like warpaint. He gazes upon the portrait with
appreciation)

(Shuri bursts in)

Shuri: Sorry to barge in Hik but I...(stops in her tracks as she sees the
painting) Wow Hik, you drew that?

Hikaru: Uh huh.

Shuri: Sugoi! Is that the guy you were telling me about? That brave and
handsome daredevil Kyousuke Kasuga?

Hikaru: Yes, the very same guy.


Shuri: Boy, you gotta spill the beans on this guy. I want to know everything
about him. Wanna go out and get wasted to cemmemorate your great art creation?

Hikaru: Nah. Not tonight. I feel like staying in. Besides, "Friends" is on in
10 minutes,

Shuri: I'll join you then. Can't be alone without friends to watch "Friends."

[Back at Ryokurin Ryo]

(Muroke enters the dimly lit room)

Taku: Konbawa Koji-san.

Muroke: Hi Taku-san. Staring at the stars again?

Taku: Mmm. I've also been tossing this around. I believe it's yours.
Catch.

(tosses him the baseball from overhead)

Taku: Gomen for playing with the ball without asking you first.

Muroke: That's ok. I get to use your telescope sometime, right?

Taku: (smiles) Sure. Anytime.

Muroke: (places baseball back into the center of his desk)
I didn't know you were into baseball.

Taku: A little. My friend from back home love to talk about baseball during
the season. A little of his enthusiasm has rubbed off on me.

Muroke: That's good to hear. Too bad the Giants lost today.

Taku: That is too bad.

Muroke: So what are you looking at now? A planet or some constellation?

Taku: Nothing too deep. I'm merely watching the stars pass by. Kind of like
baseball.

Muroke: Honto? How so?

Taku: Watching baseball or watching the stars; those 2 endeavors are trully
timeless. Proceeding at their own pace without undue pressure from father time.

Muroke: Yeah, baseball is a timeless classic. On the baseball field, you find
stars, while the bright spots in the sky sparkle like diamonds.

Taku: They do sparkle brightly. (*sigh*) Makes you forget your worldly worries
for that brief instant.

Muroke: You sound very sentimental. Still feeling depressed from last time?

Taku: Mmm.

Muroke: Is it over that woman you wanted me to look up?

Taku: Mmm.

Muroke: Sounds like you're in the same boat as Hasukawa-san. You watch stars,
he plays video games. 

[Back at the Shin ABCB bar]

Akane: Alright ladies! We have to plan our agenda for next week's meeting.

Kurumi: Why do you need us here?

Akane: To plan for better security, that's what!

Kurumi: Oh yeah.

Akane: I'm expecting you to do a better job than last time.

Kurumi: But that was a few sessions ago. Nothing happened since the first
meeting. And I don't wanna be a watchdog. I want to pound some flesh!

Akane: Manami-chan! Please talk some sense into your sister!

Manami: Kurumi. If you really want to be the "enforcer" for the club, you have
to find them first. Besides, you should have an edge with the Power!.

Akane: That's right! We can't let a bunch of males conspire to bring down our
club! We're ESPer woman! We gotta shown 'em who's got the Power!

Manami: Keep it down Akane-chan! People can hear us!

Komatsu: (cupping his hand over his cell phone which he was speaking into
to block thenoise) Yo twinsy and red menance! Some people are tryin' to work
here!

Akane: 

(A drink "mysteriously" tips over and spills onto Komatsu's pants.)

Komatsu: Man what the hell!

(all 3 girls giggle over his predicament)

Komatsu: (wiping himself off) Man, I swear that those girls must be into some
hocus-pocus or something.

Hatta: (eyes fixated on the drawing board and as he scribbes a drawing)
You think they put a curse on you like witches?

Komatsu: This is the Hallows Eve month. I wouldn't put it past them to
research the occult. How ya doing on the chapter?

Hatta: Almost finished. Still kind of stuck on how to finish it off.

(A lady in black enters)

Komatsu: Woah!

Hatta: (not looking up) What? A witch came in?

Komatsu: You can say that. Look.

(Nagasi haughtily walks towards the bar towards Manami)

Nagasi: I thought I might find you here.

Manami; What do you need from me?

Nagasi: Don't get defensive child. Just doing my charitable deed of the month.
Besides, Ryusei said it would be a good gesture for the former employees to
get a glimpse at the play starring me as the star!

Akane: Modest, isn't she?

Nagasi: So here are. 10 tickets for you and your little friends.

Manami: These are for me...I guess duomo to you and Haroken-san.

"Ah, so my play finally produced? Do I get a peek? Do I? Do I?"

(Izzy, the "venerable" drunk staggers around Nagasi and he breathes his
alcoholic breath onto her)

Nagasi: Get away! Whoever you are.

"Don't cha 'member me?"

Nagasi: You? The drunkard! I should have expected you to be in a place like this.
Your stench disgusts me!

"Thank you. Do I get a ticket?"

Nagasi: Ha! Forget it bum. I had my hands on the storyline. Very little
remains of your original work.

"It was a good little story till you got ya dirty little cat  paws on it."

Nagasi: I'm leaving!

"Bye bitch!" (slumps on the bar counter)

Kurumi: What nerve! I was so tempted to smack her face!

Akane: Feeling is mutual. You're not actually going to go, are you?

Manami: I don't know.

"Please gimme a ticket?"

Manami: I thought you were asleep!

"That's what they all think. Sometimes, I don't know myself."

Akane: You're talking crazy!

"PLEASE!"

Manami: I guess it wouldn't hurt. But what was that before about writing the
play?

"That's right! I'm Izzy, world famous drama writer and playwright. I wrote it
in a fit of drunken stupor."

Komatsu: (sarcastic) Yeah, and I'm the ecchi king! By the way Manami-chan,
give me 2 tickets?

Kurumi: You want to go too?

Komatsu: Of course! Never pass up a chance to see girls in fur.

Akane: Typical male! That settles it! We're all going!

Everyone: WHAT?!?


Akane: You heard me! No use making predispositions on it without seeing it
first.

Hatta: Pre what?


[As Nagasi enters the limo]

Nagasi: I did as you instructed. I hope you're happy with yourself. You sure
been acting strangely since you come back.


"Things are going to operate a lot differently now given my new ties
with Yamazumi Kensetsu Constructions. They have agreed to sponser my
developement plans in several prospective districts. My tolerance level will
have to be razor-thin to meet the aggressive schedule I have planned. Starting
with that play. It better not disappoint.:

Nagasi: We'll see who disappoints who.


[End of Chapter]