Kimagure Orange College Episode 2 - New names, new faces [Cut to Yujou-kan. The peace of the morning is interrupted by the sound of a beeping alarm clock coming from one of the open windows on the second floor. A few minutes later, the sound of a ringing telephone adds to the background noise. Kasuga looks misty-eyed at the ringing telephone. He rolls over and knocks the receiver off the hook and places it backwards on his head. When he doesn't hear any answer, he turns it around.] Kasuga: [Half-asleep.] Yes...? Ayukawa: [On the phone.] Kasuga-kun! What are you still doing there? Do you know what time it is? Kasuga: [Looks sleepy-eyed at his clock, then suddenly springs to full awakening.] WHAAAH! [Falls on the floor, pulls on his pants and shirt, and grabs his books, while stuffing a left-over onigiri* into his mouth.] I'm gonna be late! [He then turns and runs out the door, not even bothering hanging up the phone.] Shoot! [Looks at his bike, then shakes his head.] I don't even have time to ride my bike there! I'll have to use my power! [Concentrates and then disappears.] *Riceball with salted salmon, or pickled plum in the middle [Cut to Ayukawa's room. She's fully dressed, has her books ready, and looks at her watch impatiently.] Kasuga: [Teleports in.] Sorry I'm late, Ayukawa! I came as fast as I could! Ayukawa: I can see.... [Look him over and can't suppress a smile.] Your shirt's on backwards.... Kasuga: [Stews silently.] ... Kasuga Narration: It was the first day of class. On this clear day, the college campus was crowded as new students, parents and teachers gathered in main auditoriums and plazas. The college entrance ceremony was underway and classes were preparing for the spring semester. It was a day of great importance; we have been looking forward to that day for all our lives.... [Cut to the main campus plaza. The plaza is packed with parents and new students seated on folding chairs. Even more of them stand in the courtyards ringing the plaza. Kasuga, Takashi and Ayukawa sit together amid the crowd. On the central podium, the master of ceremonies welcomes the new students and their parents to this prestigious occasion.] MC: ...are a testament to the work and study ethic that is so important to Japan! Be proud of your accomplishments, for you are the... Kasuga: [Whispering to Ayukawa.] Say, where are your parents? Ayukawa: [Whispers back.] They couldn't come. They had to go to a performance overseas right after I moved in. Kasuga: [Glancing at her and at Takashi, to himself.] I guess I'm lucky.... [Cut to a few hours later. The crowds are breaking up as students prepare to attend their first classes.] Takashi: [To Ayukawa.] Are you sure you won't join us? We still have a couple hours before your afternoon class start. Ayukawa: [Bows.] Thank you, but no. I have some more supplies to get before the classes start. Kasuga: How about I come with you? Ayukawa: No, I've really got to go. [Turns to leave, then stops.] How about I meet you at the student union this afternoon after class? I should be free by 4pm. Kasuga: Ahh...sure. That'd be great. [Watches her leave.] I wonder if there's anything wrong.... Takashi: [Notices Kasuga's concern and puts his hand on his shoulder.] She'll be OK. If she wants to talk about it, she'll let you know. [Kasuga nods with a concerned look.] [Cut to the campus book store. Ayukawa leaves her bag at the front counter and goes to the Fine Arts book section. She walks down the aisle, scanning the rows of books. When she finds the ones she wants, she grabs them off the shelf and turns around. However, because she had not tucked them into the carry-bag, they are knocked out of her hands as she bumps into another student.] Ayukawa: Oops! Sorry about that! Male Student: Please.... [Bends over to pick up her books.] Allow me. [Hands her the books.] Ayukawa: Ahh...thanks. [The guy has brown hair and is about a foot taller than her. His features are chiseled and his face exudes confidence and charm.] Male Student: [Bows.] Please accept my apologies. I'm Hayashibara Akira. Ayukawa: [Almost to herself.] The baseball player? Hayashibara: [Nods.] Un...and you are...? Ayukawa: I'm Ayukawa Madoka. Hayashibara: Pleased to meet you. [Reaches into his pocket.] Say, would you like to come see the opening spring game? [Produces an athletic pass to the baseball stadium.] Ayukawa: [Unsure.] Well, I did have plans with someone else.... Hayashibara: [Produces another pass.] Bring him along then. [Teeth gleam as he smiles.] I hope to see you again. Maybe after the game? Ayukawa: Sure.... [To herself after Hayashibara leaves.] Handsome guy.... [Cut to the mathematics building. Inside, the central hallway is crowded with students filing into the main lecture hall.] Kimura: [Waves.] Kasuga-san! Kasuga-san! [Runs over and latches herself on Kasuga's left arm.] Kasuga: [Embarrassed.] Ha-ha...Kimura-san! Nice to see you again! [Both enter the large lecture hall. The hall is built on a two-story sloped auditorium, with seats along a steep stairway. At the lowest level of the room in the front there is a sliding three-panel blackboard. Students of all descriptions file in, taking available seats. As they walk in, Kimura suddenly spots someone and starts waving and jumping up and down.] Kimura: Ahh! Saito-san! Saito-san! [At the mention of his name, one of the male students turns around and his face flashes recognition. The tall, skinny young man has reddish- blond hair and thin wire-rimmed glasses.] Saito: Ahh...Kimura-san! I didn't know you were in Oinuma-sensei's class. Kasuga: Ehh? You know each other? Kimura: [Nods sharply.] Un! We met at a juku* class! [To Saito.] This is Kasuga Kyosuke! He's gonna be my study partner! *Cram school that helps students pass the college entrance exams. Saito: Ehh? [Smiles.] Heh, heh...! You lucky guy! Kasuga: Hey, hey! [Holds up hands defensively.] We're just going to be studying together! Saito: [Unconvinced but friendly tone.] Of course you are...! [Continues smiling, then turns to his side.] Say, I want you to meet my friend Kasamatsu Teruhiko! [Sitting next to Saito is another young man. He has brown hair, thick glasses and is overweight. He smiles, but something about his smile suggests a deviousness that makes Kasuga a little nervous. He leans over and extends his hand.] Kasamatsu: Pleased to meet you, Kasuga-san! Kasuga: [Takes the offered hand.] Nice to meet yo--Gyaa...! [Yanks hand back with surprise as a jolt runs up his arm.] Wh-what the...? Kasamatsu: [Proudly revealing a hand buzzer.] Gotcha! Saito: [Whispers to Kasamatsu while covering part of his face.] Teruhiko, you're embarrassing me...! [Just then, Hayashibara walks in the room. He looks around and sits in a chair about two rows behind Kasuga, Saito and Kasamatsu.] Saito: Hey! [To Kasamatsu.] Look who's also in our class! Kasamatsu: Is that Hayashibara Akira? Kimura: [Eyes turn into heart-shapes.] Ohhh...he's so handsome...! Kasuga: [Overhearing.] Who? [As Hayashibara sits down, a group of girl students cluster around him and swoon.] Kasuga: [Noting all the girls reactions.] Hmmm... I wonder what's so special about him? Saito: [Incredulously.] You don't know him? He was the starting shortstop for the finals of the All-Japan Senior High School Baseball Tournament! What's more, his father's rich! Kasuga: Rich? Kasamatsu: Yup... his father's the president of one of the largest shipping companies in Tokyo! Saito: Yeah... and he's got some influence with the Yomiuri Giants, too! [Looks a little envious.] I mean, this guy's got it made! Kasuga: [To himself.] Just because he's rich doesn't make him special. [Looks at Hayashibara again and thinks about the girls' reactions.] Then again, I'm glad I don't have to compete with him.... [Cut to an hour later. As the class dismisses, Kasuga stands up to leave.] Kasamatsu: Say, Kasuga-san! [Puts his hand on Kasuga's back with an affectionate pat.] Tell me something: do you have a lot of experience with girls? Kasuga: [Embarrassed.] Well... err.... Kasamatsu: Let me tell you something! [Rubs his back with affection as he talks.] Girls are sometimes like children! They just want you to pay attention to them. [Grins, while glancing suggestively towards Kimura's direction.] Know what I mean? Kasuga: Ahh...sure. [Turns to leave.] I gotta go meet someone! I'll see you guys next time! [Leaves.] Kimura: [Sees Kasuga's back as he leaves.] Ohh...! [To Kasamatsu.] That's mean! [Starts to walk towards Kasuga.] Kasamatsu: [Gently holds her back.] Don't worry.... Kimura: But... Kasamatsu: [Chuckles.] It'll make him laugh! You'll see! [Cut to the fine arts building. Inside, several students are carrying their instruments and placing them into lockers. Ayukawa walks in, carrying an instrument case along with her books, and enters the main rehearsal hall. Although the building is old, there's a palpable feeling of tradition. As the students settle down, a stout middle-aged man with reddish hair walks forward to the center of the hall and taps his baton on the podium to get everyone's attention.] Professor 1: [Standing on podium.] Greetings, students, and welcome to the first band rehearsal. I am Ono Ryusuke, the director of the symphonic band. [Gestures to a female professor standing to the side.] Shiratori Kinuko will be the director of the concert band, as well as handle rehearsals during class. During the next term, first chair students will be required to give recitals as part of their class curriculum. After tryouts, those who qualify should see me regarding the time arrangements. [The initial class meeting breaks up as students go to respective instrument groups. Ayukawa walks towards the woodwinds, sits down and unpacks her saxophone. As she warms up, another older man approaches her.] Professor 2: That's a nice sound you've got. Very good, especially for a freshman. Ayukawa: [Stops momentarily.] Thank you.... [She glances up and looks the man over. He's tall, and sporting a carefully groomed brown goatee. Unlike Ono's strict demeanor, he has the casual look of a jazz musician.] Professor 2: I'm Handa Shun. I direct the stage band here, but I also scout for talent for some of the local jazz and dance clubs. Ayukawa: [Interested.] Jazz clubs? Handa: Live bands for nightclubs. The pay's a good bit better than the usual part-time jobs students look for, and, in your case, it would be a good way for you to develop yourself as a musician, while making some good money. Ayukawa: Sounds pretty good. Handa: [Hands her a couple of cards from some clubs.] If you're interested, I'm assembling the rosters for bands for some of these clubs. We'll be conducting tryouts in the next couple of days. I hope to see you there! [Bows briefly and then leaves.] Ayukawa: [Leafing through some of the club cards. One in particular catches her eye.] Club Noir, huh? Maybe a visit is in order... [COMMERCIAL BREAK.] [Cut to the edge of Seyruun. Amelia, Gourry and Lina Inverse have just finished fighting a number of bounty-hunters.] Lina: [Frustrated.] This is the fifth group today! When are all these guys going to get it through their heads that we're innocent? [Grumpy.] What we need is some kind of advertising. Amelia: [Excited.] You know what would be really cool? Tie everything about us onto a single WWW site that would enable all the Warriors of Justice to get real-time updates on the eternal battle for Truth and Justice! [Eyes glitter.] Gourry: [Confused.] But Amelia...we don't know anyone who can do that? [Cue music.] Logo: IBM World Wide Web Design. Business solutions for a small world. [Writer's Note: Standard Disclaimer.] [END COMMERCIAL BREAK.] [Cut to the main walkway on one side of the campus. Bookstores and small cafes are visible in the background. Kasuga is standing by one of the buildings. As he waits, several people glance in his direction, whisper among themselves, sometimes even laughing and pointing in his general direction. His curiosity is interrupted as he sees Ayukawa walking around the corner.] Kasuga: Ayukawa! [Waves to get her attention.] Ayukawa: Kasuga-kun! [Notices something on Kasuga's back.] Hey! What's this? [Reaches around him and pulls off a strip of paper. Written on the paper is "Struck out at A*!". She looks at the strip and can't hold back a giggle.] You've got to be kidding! *"A" = kissing, "B" = petting or touching, "C" = going all the way, "D" = pregnant Kasuga: What the-? Who could have... Kasamatsu! [Cut to the student union cafe. Kasuga and Ayukawa have completed their afternoon classes. Two glasses of hot tea sit on the table as they have a quick drink before dinner.] Kasuga: ...so Egami-san threatened to move all the furniture on the lawn. I don't really know if he'd be able to move all of it by himself... maybe he'll recruit someone to help. Ayukawa: [Distractedly.] Um. Kasuga: On the other hand, he seems to be doing his job. The house is in pretty good condition, especially for its age. There're no leaks in the roof, and the plumbing works fine. Although I *do* mind that all of us on the top floor have to share a bathroom, and that I have to brush my teeth by the sink in the corridor. [Laughs.] I would gladly switch with you, if I could. Ayukawa: [Quietly.] So would I. Kasuga: Anyway, it's... ehh? What did you just say? Ayukawa: [Sighs.] I would really love to live somewhere else. Kasuga: But why?! You have a wonderful place! Ayukawa: It *is* a nice room... but I have a less-than-wonderful roommate. Kasuga: Ohh... I see. Is it... that bad? Ayukawa: [Nods.] As it stands, I think I'll be moving to another place between semesters. Kasuga: Moving? Where? Ayukawa: I don't know. Your place doesn't have any extra rooms.... [Playfully.] Maybe I'll just move right into your room. Kasuga: Ayukawa! Ayukawa: [Laughs.] I'm kidding! [Turns serious.] But as the things are right now, I'm glad that she's hardly ever home. If it weren't for that, I probably would have moved out by now. Kasuga: Huh... where does she go? Ayukawa: She leaves early for work, and doesn't come back until late at night. Some finance company, I think. I really haven't asked.... [Brightens up.] Say, I've got two tickets to the opening baseball game. [Pulls out the athletic passes.] Would you like to go? Kasuga: Yeah, sure! [Notices that they are athletic passes, rather than normal admission tickets.] Say, where did you get these? Ayukawa: I met someone who gave them to me. Kasuga: Who? Ayukawa: Hayashibara Akira. I bumped into him at the book store this afternoon. Kasuga: [Eyes widen.] You mean... the ball player? Ayukawa: [Nonchalantly.] Yeah, that's him. Kasuga: [Turning pale.] The rich... handsome... baseball player? Ayukawa: [Playfully.] Why, Kasuga-kun... are you jealous? Kasuga: [Stands up.] Of course not! Ayukawa: [Turns serious.] Kasuga-kun, we just talked! You don't have anything to worry about! Kasuga: [Sits back down.] I guess I'm still a little.... Ayukawa: Say, what are your plans tonight? Kasuga: Well... I'm suppose to be studying with some classmates, but.... Ayukawa: That's alright. It's good that you're trying to get started early for a change. Better than when you were in high school, putting everything off until the last moment. Kasuga: [Nods uncomfortably.] Ahh...hai. [To himself as he starts to sweat.] Oh boy! I hope I don't have to compete with him.... [Cut to the boarding house. It's early in the evening. Kasuga and Katsu are coming up the hill and stop to look at the walkway. They notice a pile of new boxes sitting on the sidewalk. A short girl with long brown hair walks out of the main entrance and starts to pick up a box then notices the two guys coming up the walk.] Girl 1: Do you guys live here? Katsu: Yeah... are you moving in? Girl 1: [Nods.] How about giving me a hand? Kasuga: Sure, we've got some time...[Picks up a box.] Girl 1: Thanks! I'm Miyasato Yuko! We're moving into Rm No. 2. [Katsu and Miyasato pick up new boxes as Kasuga walks into the boarding house. As he pushes the door to No. 2 open, he suddenly sees Miyasato again.] Kasuga: Miyasato-san! How'd you get past me? Miyasato: Hey, creep! [Menacingly.] What are you doing with my stuff? Kasuga: What do you mean? You just told me to...! Miyasato: [Clenches fist and grabs Kasuga's shirt.] The only thing I'm going to tell you is...! Miyasato Yuko: [Coming in behind Katsu.] Yoko! These guys are here to help! Katsu: Ehh...? [Looks at Yoko and Yuko carefully.] Twins...? Miyasato Yoko: Eh? [Looks at Kasuga, then blushes.] S-sorry about that! Egami: WHAT'S ALL THIS RACKET!?! [Comes storming into No. 2, then turns his attention to Kasuga.] I should have known you'd be involved! Kasuga: Err... Ooya-san! Egami: [Turns his attention to his new tenants.] And where were you two? You were supposed to move in last week! I don't run a charity shelter here! Miyasato Yuko: [Fearfully.] Well, we were held up by... Egami: [Cuts her off.] I don't want to hear it! Rent is due on the first. No exceptions unless you like moving your furniture back and forth! Miyasato-tachi: [Both snap to fearful attention.] HAI! [After a few more boxes, Kasuga and Katsu both walk upstairs and go into Rm No. 5. They both sit down around a square folding table and open their books as they prepare to look over their first homework assignments.] Kasuga: [Scans the textbook page.] Hmm... Oinuma-sensei doesn't make it easy. Katsu: [Fingering a test tube between his knuckles.] I can see. And they told me that college was all parties and travel. Kasuga: Kimura-san is supposed to be here soon. Maybe she knows a little about math. Katsu: But maybe she's going to need our help with math. Anyway, we may be here for a while doing this many problems. [Knock on the door interrupts Katsu.] Kasuga: [Gets up and opens the door and sees Kimura standing by the doorway.] Come in! Sit down! Kimura: Hi! Sorry I'm late! Katsu: Hey, no problem! Kasuga and I just got started! Kasuga: Sure, have a seat! We're just going over how we each did the first problem. Kimura: [Sits down.] I feel so lucky! Both of you here to help me and all! Kasuga: [Shows his notebook to Kimura.] Here's how I did it. What do you think? Kimura: Wow... that's... interesting! I never thought about using this approach! Kasuga: [Looks confused.] Ehh...? What about it? Kimura: [Pulls out a blank sheet of paper and grabs a pencil.] Well... let me see. First, if the ellipse is described by the equation x^2 / a^2 + y^2 / b^2 = 1, we need to solve it for y to obtain y = (b / a) * sqrt(a^2 - x^2) for the top half. The area is A = 4 * (integral from 0 to a of (b / a) * sqrt(a^2 - x^2) dx), which gives the obvious answer of pi * a * b. Right? Kasuga: Err.... Katsu: Umm.... Kimura: [Eyes flashing, pencil flying.] To find the circumference, the easiest thing is to use the parametric description of the ellipse, which is x = a cos(t), y = b sin(t). The formula for the length is L = 4 * (integral from 0 to pi / 2 of sqrt(a^2 sin^2 t + b^2 cos^2 t) dt). This is an elliptic integral, and you should look in the integral tables to get the answer. Kasuga: [Stunned expression.] Ahh... right.... Kimura: Oh yes, and the fun thing is that the ellipse belongs to the class of conical projections, and thus can be thought of as a circle viewed from the side. If one axis remains the same, a = r, and another is changed by the factor of b = r * (b / r), then the area is simply A = pi r^2 = pi * a * b, which is the same answer we got before! Katsu: [Pencil drops out of limp hand.] Ahh... right.... [To himself.] So much for that theory.... [Both of them copy Kimura's solutions to their respective notebooks.] Kasuga: [To Kimura.] Th-that's very impressive.... So you're really good at math? Kimura: [Blushes.] Well, sort of.... It's just because my parents always encouraged me to practice. Katsu: Well, then when we get done, maybe you'd like to come with us to Club Noir? They've got yakitori*, good sake, and a dance floor. What do you say? *small shish-kabob-like servings of Japanese-styled barbecued chicken and vegetables served on metal or bamboo skewers Kimura: [Eyes light up.] Really? Katsu: Yeah... just as soon as we finish these problems. Kimura: [Enthusiastically.] Then can we go now? [Shows her notebook to both of them.] I've already done them all! Can you guys look them over and see if they are OK? Kasuga: Well.... [Leafs through the notebook.] I guess they look about right. Katsu: They... ahh... look OK to me too.... Kimura: Let's go! [Springs out of the chair and dashes off to wait for Kasuga and Katsu downstairs in the boarding house .] Kasuga: [After Kimura leaves.] *She* needs help in math? Katsu: [Groans and covers his face to hide his embarrassment.] How was I supposed to know...? [Cut to the Club Noir. As Kasuga, Kimura, and Katsu enter, the incessant beat of the club takes over, as the sounds of dancing music comes flooding out of the door. After paying a modest cover, they find a table located near the bar. Smoke rises from behind the open grill pits as marinated chicken sizzles on open gas flames. After ordering a plate of yakitori and a bottle of sake, the three of them sit down and watch as the people around them dance the night away.] Kasuga: Ever had sake? [Fills Katsu's cup.] Kimura: [Shakes her head.] Um! What's it like? Katsu: Only one way to find out! [Fills Kimura's cup.] Kimura: [Picks up the cup dubiously, and then carefully sips half the drink.] Wow! [Gulps the rest of the drink.] Makes me feel all warm and tingly inside! [Kasuga and Katsu both look at each other with a little concern.] Katsu: [Whispers to Kasuga, as he picks up a yakatori stick.] A little early for tingle, isn't it? Kasuga: [Whispers back.] Maybe it's just because she never drank before.... [Looks around the club. By this time, the dance floor is packed with students and other young people. He reaches for a yakitori stick and suddenly drops it in his plate of soy sauce. He rubs his eyes as he looks at the dance floor just to be sure of what he is seeing.] It can't be.... [Gets up and walks towards the dance floor, leaving Katsu and Kimura alone at the table.] Katsu: Hey, Kasuga! Where are you going? [Sees that Kasuga isn't listening.] I wonder what's wrong with him. [Cut to the dance floor. The artificially-generated steam mixes with the pulsing colored dance floor lights to create an atmosphere of unreality. Turning slowly on the ceiling, a mirrored ball's reflections are reminiscent of fireflies. In this sea of lights and sounds, Kasuga slowly wanders towards the edge of the floor, where couples come on and off. Kasuga approaches one couple that he noticed.] Kasuga: That's Ayukawa... and with her it's... [Recognition coming suddenly.] Hayashibara! [As he watches, the music seems to soften and the lights seem to dim as the mild fog gives the room a dream-like appearance. Hayashibara gently pulls Ayukawa closer as the music enters its final coda. She resists at first, then smiles. Slowly, as the music fades, their lips come closer.] Kasuga: It can't be...! [Kasuga blinks, then looks again. Back in the real world, Ayukawa and Hayashibara walk off the dance floor.] Ayukawa: Thanks a lot for the dance. Hayashibara: Not at all. I enjoyed being with you tonight. [As they head off the floor, Kasuga approaches them.] [Cut back to Kimura and Katsu's table. By now, Kimura's nose has begun to turn red and her eyes are beginning to glaze. Katsu, feeling a little concerned, reaches over to rouse Kimura.] Katsu: Say... [Shakes Kimura.] are you OK? Kimura: Wheeee...! [She looks around.] Where's Kyo-chan? Katsu: Kyo-chan? Kimura: [Nods.] Kyo-chan . Doesn't he look like a Kyo-chan to you? Katsu: [Sigh.] Jeez. You *are* drunk! But you've only had two cups of sake! Kimura: I'mmmm not drunk! [Shakes her head and smiles.] Katsu: Oh yeah? [Holds up his hands. He has his index finger pointed on his right hand and his index and middle fingers pointed on his left.] How many fingers am I holding up? Kimura: [Head nods over and stares blankly at Katsu's fingers.] One, two, three......five, eight, thirteen......twenty-one, thirty-four, fifty-five...wheeee...! [Continues reciting the Fibonacci sequence as Katsu slowly puts his hands back down in futility.] Katsu: [To himself.] Oh, brother! We've got to get her home. If only I could get Kasuga to help... but I can't just leave her here like this. I guess I just have to wait for him.... [Puts his elbows on the table and settles in for a long wait, but his vigil is interrupted as Kimura starts bumping her cup into his side.] What th-? Kimura: Come on! Gimme another! [Reaches for the sake bottle.] Katsu: No! [Grabs the sake bottle and holds it out of her reach.] I think you've had enough! As soon as Kasuga-san returns, we'll take you home. [Cut back to Kasuga. He is standing at the edge of the dance floor. Coming towards him are Ayukawa and Hayashibara.] Kasuga: [Stepping forward, trying to look as confident as he can.] Ayukawa.... Hayashibara: Ah, Kasuga-san! [Smiles warmly.] Ayukawa-san has told me a great deal about you. Interesting that we have the same mathematics professor. Pleased to meet you! [Extends his hand.] Kasuga: Ahh...hai.... [Weakly takes Hayashibara's offered hand as the determination drains from his face.] Ayukawa: Kasuga-kun, I thought you were going to be studying. Kasuga: We were, but we got done early. Hayashibara: So, where are you seated? Let's... Kasuga: [Points.] Over there. Uhh.... [Takes a deep breath. To Ayukawa.] Ayukawa, would you have this dance with me? Ayukawa: [A little surprised by his directness, but smiles] Sure.... [As they reenter the dance floor, the background noise begins to grow quiet as the rhythm of the lights slow to a gentle pulse.] DJ: OK! This is for all you lovers out there.... [Puts on a slow, gentle melody. As the music starts its first verse, the dancers on the floor hold their partners closer.] Kasuga Narration: It was times like this that I wondered just how truly fortunate I was. Here I was dancing cheek with Ayukawa, and holding her this close to me made me tremble so much I almost lost my step. I could smell the scent of her hair, and the world seemed to disappear around us. [Cut to later that night. Now back in his own room, Kasuga is lying on his futon, trying to get some sleep.] Kasuga Narration: On this very important day, I truly began to realize the possible consequences of my actions. Among the new friends I had met that day, perhaps for the first time, I met someone who might become a rival. What's more, I wasn't making the things easier by repeating old mistakes. [Turns over and sighs. He closes his eyes to try and get some sleep, but then opens them again with firm resolve.] It's not going to happen again! One way or another, I've got to do something about it! END CREDITS New Characters Designer/Writer Stephen Tsai Co-writer/plotter Andy Combs Vladimir Zelevinsky Pre-readers Ravi Konchigeri Derek Work Christian Gadeken Chung-Mau Cheng Robert Carragher Paolo Valladolid Very special thanks to Hitoshi Doi A tip of the hat and a deep bow to Matsumoto Izumi for starting the whole thing. For the new readers: I'll be doing character profiles, major location descriptions, and situation updates on a rotating basis for each episode. If there is a particular character, place or event that you would like to know more about, and it is not being covered, don't hesistate to email me and I will send you either a note or a copy of the episode it is introduced. Focus on Katsu Ritsu [Introduced in Episode 1]: Kasuga's next door neighbor, he lives in Room 6 in the boarding house. Katsu is a freshman chemistry major who keeps a ready stock of chemical supplies and equipment in his room. He and Kasuga have become quick friends and now socialize together along with Ayukawa, Kimura, and the others. A gifted chemist, he nevertheless finds time to play tennis and socialize. His level-headed personality helps keep the sanity to a tolerable level. He does get occasionally absent-minded, especially when he becomes engrossed in his work. Once in a while, explosions, strange odors, and concoctions conspire to keep Kasuga's life interesting. Visual Description: A blond hair guy with average build and height. Close anime comparisons include (but are not limited to) Al from Dominion, and Bernie from Gundum 0080.