Kimagure Orange College Episode 19 - Unexpected date! The Jester and the Princess [Fade in on one of the Butsumetsu University cafeterias. Students are milling about, and the buzz of general crowd noise and shuffling of dishes can be heard. Cut to Kasuga, paying for his lunch. He walks with his tray into the main dining area, then stops as he recognizes someone. Moving up to the table, he sets his tray down next to Saito's, breaking into the latter's conversation with Kasamatsu.] Kasuga: Hey guys, how's it going? [Kasamatsu hurriedly scoops up some design specs he was reviewing and stuffs them into his backpack.] Kasamatsu: [Smiling to cover his actions.] Kasuga-san! Perhaps our local Ishihara Yujiro could add the voice of experience to today's discussion. [Writer's note: Ishihara Yujiro (1934-87), top male actor in Japan in the 1950s. Approximate Western equivalent: Sean Connery.] Kasuga: Eh? Saito: [Picking at his food irritably as he shuffles the pages of a computer printout.] Teruhiko-kun thinks that there's something weird about me exchanging e-mail with Chun-Li. Kasuga: [Momentarily confused.] Chun...? Oh, right. Did you ever get that confusion at the park straightened out? Saito: That was what I was just checking on. [Offers the printout to Kasuga.] See, she wants to try to meet me again! She's really a sweet girl. Kasamatsu: For a bunch of electrons. [Grabs the paper.] Lemme see! Saito: Oi*! *Hey Kasamatsu: [Reading the sheet.] >From chun-li@ugrad.edu.butsumetsu.ac.jp Wed Sept 21 22:42:34 1988 Date: Wed, 21 Sept 1988 22:42:34 +0900 (GMT) Subject: Re: Thanks To: baka@ugrad.cs.butsumetsu.ac.jp Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT Baka-chan, I'm so sorry I missed you at the club the other night. I ran into these strange guys who started harrassing me, so I couldn't stay there very long. I hope you understand. You know, it's funny; we both want to meet each other but luck doesn't seem to be on our side. In a way I'm glad this is happening, when we finally do meet it will make the moment that much more special. Chun-Li Kasuga: I don't know a whole lot about these things, but isn't "e-mail" just as good a way to meet someone? You really ought to talk with her in person, though. Saito: [Uncertain.] Yeah...I guess so. Kasuga: Ah, Kasamatsu-san, before I forget...didn't you say you had Kurosawa's "Ran" on tape? Kasamatsu: Sure, and a couple of his other films, too. Why do you ask? Saito: Kasuga-san, would you please pass the salt? Kasuga: [Reaching for the shaker.] Nothing special...just a little history project I've been thinking about. I'd like to borrow it sometime. Saito: [Taking the proffered shaker.] San kyuu*. *3-9 or a colloquial for "thank you" Kasamatsu: Sure...anyway, what I've been trying to tell Saito-kun is that he should forget this Chun-Li girl. He's got a perfectly good girlfriend in Yuko-san. Kasuga: True, but-- [Looks at the salt shaker as Saito begins to pour.] Aaah! The lid--! [Saito looks up at Kasuga's yell as the lid pops off the salt shaker, crowning his lunch with a large pile of white crystals. He looks down at the tray, not quite believing his eyes.] Kasamatsu: [Snickering.] Ah, Saito-kun, is it any wonder you're having women problems if you can't--hee hee hee--work a simple salt shaker? If you could only see your face! [Kasamatsu stops as he dissolves into loud laughter. Kasuga looks uncomfortable, remembering past pranks, as Saito begins to tremble. Kasuga appears about to say something, but is interrupted as Saito shoots out of his chair, smacking his palms against the tabletop. An embarrassed, angry expression is on his face.] Saito: [Almost yelling at Kasamatsu.] Look, you, I may not be the world's greatest ladykiller, like Kasuga-san-- Kasuga: Oi! Leave me out of this! Saito: [Not even pausing.] --but at least I HAVE a girlfriend! Prove to me-- Kasuga: [In a loud whisper.] People are staring! [Saito looks around and, seeing that Kasuga is right, sits down.] Saito: [In a slightly calmer tone.] Prove to me that YOU know so much about women. All your big talk, yet I haven't seen you go on a single date since we entered college. [Kasamatsu has long since stopped laughing. He looks at his friend quizzically, then smiles as if nothing were wrong.] Kasamatsu: Is that all this is about? That I can't get a date? Saito: Exactly. [Kasamatsu quietly scans the cafeteria. His eyes abruptly lock on Kimura, sitting by herself at a table across the room. Her nose is buried in a book. His eyes narrow shrewdly.] Kasamatsu: [To himself.] An easy mark if ever I saw one...this'll be child's play. [To Saito.] I'll bet you a tempura dinner that I can get a date for tonight. Saito: [Taken aback.] You sound pretty sure of yourself. You're on! Kasuga: [Not sure where to break into the conversation.] ... Kasamatsu: Okay then, it's a bet. [Standing.] Back in just a minute; there's something I need to do. [He casually saunters around the table, then towards the washrooms. Looking back, he sees that Saito and Kasuga have stopped watching him, then doubles back towards Kimura. Once he has walked out of earshot of the others, he lets out his breath in a sigh and slumps his shoulders.] Kasamatsu: [To himself.] Baka*...now what do I do? *Idiot [Cut to profile of Kimura, a dreamy expression on her face as she finishes the book she is holding.] Kasamatsu: [Nervously.] Er, excuse me... [Kimura looks up. Kasamatsu is standing before her table, looking about as nervous as he possibly can.] Kimura: Kasamatsu-san? Konnichi wa*! *Hello (alternatively, "Good afternoon") [She flashes him a bubbly smile, still lost in her romantic reverie.] Kasamatsu: [Stammering.] Umm, I-I-I was w-wondering... Kimura: [Still starry-eyed.] Hmmm? Kasamatsu: [Taking a deep breath.] ...would you like to go to the movies with me tonight? I know it's-- Kimura: [Smiling.] Un! Kasamatsu: [Continuing, blithely unaware.] --short notice and all, but I thought I'd-- [He stops, confused.] Was that a "hai"? Kimura: [Nodding.] Hai! Kasamatsu: [Flustered.] I, well, er, who, what time should I pick you up? Kimura: [Thinking.] Saa*...when's the movie? *I don't know Kasamatsu: Eh? Oh, right, right, the movie, of course, right. It's at 8; should I pick you up at 6:30 for dinner? Kimura: Okay! Kasamatsu: [Bowing as he backs away, bumping into chairs.] See you then! Arigato*! Arigato! Arigato! *Thank you [Kimura giggles, then smiles wistfully as she muses to herself.] Kimura: A date, huh? Kasamatsu: [Who has reappeared in front of Kimura's table.] Err... Kimura: [Back to reality.] Huh? Kasamatsu: [Sheepishly.] Er...I need your address.... [Cut to the other table, where Kasuga and Saito are engaged in deep conversation. Their backs are to the rest of the cafeteria, so they have witnessed none of the previous exchange.] Saito: Honestly, though, I think he pushes things too far! What business is it of his who I go out with, anyway? Kasuga: You have to admit, though, he does have a point. Saito: What? Don't tell me you agree with that fool! Kasuga: Ask yourself this: if you ever do meet this "Chun-Li" in person, what do you intend to do? Saito: [A worried expression on his face.] ... Kasuga: [Kindly.] And what are you going to tell Yuko-san? Saito: [Looking lost.] But... [Pointedly.] What about you, Kasuga-san? How do you manage to juggle all those women? Kasuga: [Flustered.] Hold it! I don't ask them to hang around me...it just kind of happens that way. [Images of Hikaru, Kimura, and others fade in and out briefly over Kasuga's profile, while the last image freezes for a moment before fading away.] Besides, I only have eyes for Ayu-- [He stops as Kasamatsu sits down, a dazed expression on his face.] Kasuga: Hey, where have you been? Kasamatsu: [Distant, slowly.] She said yes... [Focusing slightly on Kasuga.] She said yes! Saito: What? Who? Kasamatsu: [Smiling.] Kimura-san...I'm going on a date with Kimura-san. Kasuga and Saito: [Wide-eyed and slack-jawed with disbelief.] ... Kasuga: [To himself.] Kimura-san, kawaisou ni*... *Poor, unfortunate [Cut to a kissaten, where girls are giggling in the background as colorful commentary streams out of a radio speaker above the table.] Dogman: Well, "Ronin-san", if you want the Dogman's advice, hang in there. If she really hated you, she would've kicked you out of the pad by now. Though with that coach guy hitting on her...well...looks and money aren't everything--but they sure help! Ha ha ha ha! Gambatte, ne*? Owwwwwwww! Meanwhile, for the rest of you cool dogs, some more happening music coming your way! *Good luck [The two girls at the table, who are the Miyasato twins, are now giggling furiously as they listen to the broadcast.] Yoko: I can't believe some of these guys! Where does Dogman dig up these losers? Yuko: Beats me. [She looks momentarily distracted.] I knew I shouldn't have let you talk me into that third coffee! [She hurries away, followed by Yoko's laughter. Outside the window, Kimura stops, having noticed them at the table, then moves away from the window.] [Meanwhile, at an apartment building elsewhere, Kasamatsu steps out of an elevator carrying a small bag of groceries. He juggles the bag as he unlocks the door to Apartment 47 and steps inside.] Kasamatsu: [To no one in particular.] Tadaima*! *I'm home [He turns on the light, illuminating his apartment: one large common room and a small kitchen area. The common room is in a state of squalor: a futon in disarray, manga and technical designs strewn about the floor, empty cup ramen. Two things are seemingly unaffected by the mess: an entertainment center, with TV, VCR, and unending rows of neatly organized tapes; and a desk, atop which sits a personal computer. In the corner opposite the desk is a covered bird cage. Kasamatsu kicks off his shoes in the entryway, then walks into the kitchen and puts some groceries into a little refrigerator. Threading his way through the piles of junk, he boots up his computer, then goes to a corner of the room and removes the cover from a standing birdcage.] Kasamatsu: Hey, did you miss me? Baka: BAKA! Kasamatsu: [Grinning.] Sure, say what you like. YOU don't have a date with a cute young lady tonight! Baka: [Agitated, flapping around the cage.] Bakabakabakabaka... Kasamatsu: Wait a second... [He opens the cage.] There you go. [Baka streaks out of the cage and swoops around t Kasamatsu: Teme*! Careful of the posters! * [The parrot finally perches atop the computer monitor, cocking a curious eye at the screen. Kasamatsu, meanwhile, has started a word processing program.] Kasamatsu: [Typing.] "Red Ninja Journal -- 88.09.23 "Suddenly, I find myself with a Mission. Months of meticulous preparation still cannot describe the nervousness I feel, about to embark on a so-called 'date'. All my training will put itself to the test this very evening. Women are mysterious and dangerous beings, but even though my comrades-in-arms doubt that the Mission will succeed, I feel confident that they will be proven wrong. "Some new tricks in the Red Ninja Arsenal should come in quite handy...." [Kasamatsu sits back, pausing. Baka leans down and appears to consider the words on the screen for a moment, then bobs its head and speaks.] Baka: Hentai*! SQUAWK! *Pervert Kasamatsu: Urusai! Baka no baka*. *Quiet! Baka, you idiot (also, "Idiot of idiots"). Baka: Sukebe*! SQUAWK! *Lech Kasamatsu: That's enough out of you! [He digs a paper sack out of the rubbish near his feet, then pulls out a rice cracker and stuffs it in Baka's mouth. He looks back at the computer screen, then saves the file and quits. In his directory, there is a journal file for nearly every day. He moves aside some more junk, and grabs a pile of papers and books. Setting aside the top item (a paperback book called "Bachelor Japan"), he turns his attention to a computer text printout. The header on the printout reads "Handy Dating Tips". Kasamatsu scans a section far down in the document which is heavily underlined. He begins to read aloud.] Kasamatsu: "Women always appreciate men who can make them laugh...." [He glances at his watch, then drops the printout.] Oh no, I almost forgot! [He grabs Baka off the monitor, prompting a spray of cracker crumbs and an outraged squawk, then stuffs the parrot back in the cage.] Baka: [Nips at Kasamatsu's fingers as the cage is closed and covered.] TEME! Kasamatsu: You'd better believe it. [Looking at his watch again.] Kuso*, I'm pressed for time! * [Grabbing a light jacket, he stops to remove a small tissue- wrapped object from his grocery bags, and sprints out the door.] [Back at the kissaten, Yoko is sipping her coffee. She starts a bit as she hears a bubbly voice.] Kimura: Konnichi wa, Yoko-san! Yoko: Hey, don't surprise me like that! [Gesturing.] Go ahead, sit. Kimura: [Sitting down.] Sorry; it's just that I saw you and Yuko-san, and wanted to say hi. Yoko: Yeah, we were just listening to Dogman's show-- [Finally realizing something.] Hey, how can you tell us apart? Most people don't catch on that quick. Kimura: I used to babysit twin boys before we moved here; I think it must be because of them. [She thinks for a second.] Then again, it could be because of the ribbon Yuko-san always wears.... Yoko: ... Yuko: [Returning.] Konnichi wa, Kimura-san! Kimura: [Smiling.] Konnichi wa! Yoko-san and I were just chatting. [The girls talk about classes and guys for a bit, then Yuko and Yoko wave Kimura to silence as Dogman comes back on.] Kimura: Eh? What's going on? Yuko and Yoko: [Together.] Shhh! Dogman: Back to the show, young lovers! Owwwwwww! Now, apologies to all the lovely young ladies who sent fan-mail to the Dogman, but today is Guys' Day on Dogman's show. Once a month, Dogman reads all the mail from the hound dogs out there who want advice from the master. Dogman's address again, in case you forgot, is-- Kimura: What's Dogman? Yuko: He's a DJ who reads letters from people wanting love advice. Yoko: He's so over the top! He's hilarious. Kimura: [Innocently.] Then are you waiting for your letters to be read? [The twins face-fault sideways.] Dogman: "--how can I bear to live with my first love, who is now my brother's wife? Signed, Green With Envy." Whoa, Green, sounds like some heavy stuff. Owwwww! Take the Dogman's advice and get out of the house. Get into a dorm room or something, cause it's uncool to dig another dog's babe. Best to put some distance between you so you can get on with your life. Next letter! Yoko: [As Dogman continues his spiel.] Like WE have something in common with losers like that? Our love lives aren't that bad! Ayukawa: [Walking up to the table.] Wasn't Dogman on at night before? He's been handing out advice since I was in high school. Kimura: Madoka-san! Hi! Yuko: [As Ayukawa sits down.] He's so popular that they re-run his show in the afternoon now. Good thing, too; I can't listen to a midnight show with my study schedule. Kimura: [Barely containing her enthusiasm.] Oh! Madoka-san! I wanted to tell you...I have a date tonight. Yuko and Yoko: [Suddenly very interested.] A date? Ayukawa: That's great! Who asked you out? Kimura: Kasamatsu-san! He asked me at lunch. [The twins face-plant again.] Yoko: Uso*! *It's a lie (alternatively, "You're kidding") Yuko: Masaka*! *No way Kimura: [Genuinely confused.] Madoka-san, what do they mean? Ayukawa: [Glancing warningly at the twins.] Be nice, you two. Yuko: But... Yoko: Kasamatsu-san? Yuko and Yoko: [Together.] That hentai?! Yoko: He's such a sukebe. Yuko: Really. Why would you ever date him? Kimura: [Her face falling rapidly.] He can't be as bad as that... Yoko: Oh no? Remember the dog-- Ayukawa: Chotto*, I think it's nice that Keiko-san's going out on a date. *Wait Kimura: [Almost pleading.] Ne*, Madoka-san, what do you think of Kasamatsu-san? *Say (alternatively, "tell me") Ayukawa: Eh? I think...you should stop worrying about other people and just try to have a good time. Kimura: [Brightening.] Right! This'll be fun! Yuko and Yoko: [Eyes narrowed.] ... [The group breaks up, each going a different direction. Dogman's broadcast continues in the background.] Dogman: "--I've just been watching helplessly as she looks to many others to try to find the right guy, never finding the right time to tell her how I really feel. What should I do? Signed,--" [Quick cut to a small portable radio on a desktop.] Dogman: "--Tongue-Tied." Well, here's what you do-- [Katsu quickly switches the radio off as he hears a knock at his door. He opens it to Kasamatsu's grinning face.] Kasamatsu: Oi! I wasn't sure I was going to make it in time. Hope I didn't interrupt anything. Katsu: Nah, I caught that show last night. [Amused.] Besides, it's not like *I'm* going anywhere. Kasamatsu: Maybe not, but I've got somewhere to be soon. [Glances around furtively.] Do you have the item? Katsu: [Grabs a sealed vial off the desk.] Here. I just finished it a little bit ago. [Stops just short of handing it over.] Do you have the amount we agreed upon? Kasamatsu: [Whispers.] Give me the password! Katsu: [Disbelieving expression.] What? Kasamatsu: The password! How else do I know you're really you? Katsu: [Rolls his eyes, then half-heartedly.] Musume o miru yori, haha o miyo.* *Look at the mother instead of the daughter (Japanese proverb) Kasamatsu: [Whispers.] Nyobo to tatami wa atarashi ho ga yoi.* [Digs in a pocket and pulls out two 1000-yen notes.] Here. Your prices are pretty steep. No need to count it; it's all there. *Wives and tatami are better when new (Japanese proverb) Katsu: [Pocketing the money.] As much as I hate selling out like this, let me point out that you're not just going to be able to order a batch from a catalog. Now, you're not going to be using this stuff in classrooms, are you? I don't want it traced back to me. Kasamatsu: Do I look that stupid? [Pauses.] Never mind. Don't worry, it's strictly for private use. [Looks at the vial suspiciously.] How do I know it's the real thing? Katsu: Go ahead, open it. [Kasamatsu unscrews the top of the vial, then staggers back as the stench reaches him. Katsu, off to one side, discreetly holds his nose as Kasamatsu reseals the vial.] Kasamatsu: Phew! I'm convinced. What did you say it was called again? Katsu: Putrescine. It's a compound secreted by the bacteria that decompose corpses. You should probably dilute it before using it. Kasamatsu: No kidding. That's pretty foul stuff. [Grins.] I have BIG plans for this! Katsu: I DON'T want to know. You be really careful with that, now! [Sighs.] I can't believe what college tuition is forcing me to do. Kasamatsu: Thanks, pal. Ja*! *Later [He leaves, and Katsu stares at the closed door for several moments before moving. He grabs a squeeze bottle labelled "Acetone" from a shelf, then kneels down and wrestles a large jug from under his lab bench. He unstoppers the jug, and uses the acetone to clean his glassware, dumping the waste into the jug.] Katsu: [To himself.] I hope he's not going to do anything stupid. [A burbling noise causes him to raise his head. He stares at the jug, then at the flask in his hand, then back at the jug, on which is a neatly-lettered label: "Inorganic Waste Only". He scoops up the glass stopper and jams it into the mouth of the jug.] Katsu: Shimatta*! *Oh, no! [The stopper pops out explosively, bouncing off the ceiling. A dingy froth overflows the jug, and a greenish-grey cloud of smoke emerges. Cut to outside of boarding house; Katsu's window is thrown open suddenly, allowing a huge cloud of smoke to billow forth.] Katsu: [Coughing; resignedly.] Wonderful... [COMMERCIAL BREAK.] [FADE IN on a mountainside terrace. Several people are seated at outdoor tables, conversing and sipping from cups of coffee.] Announcer: [Voice-over.] Here at the world famous Bashitarlle Coffeehouse and Pancake Restaurant, we've secretly replaced the legendary Shizuma Drive with new Vogler's Crystals. Let's see if anyone can tell the difference. [Cut to a gloved hand removing an Anti-Shizuma Drive from a black attache case, and locking it into a mechanism next to two identical others. External shot: A huge globe of darkness explodes outwards, enveloping the countryside and plunging it into blackness. Maniacal laughter can be heard over the explosion. An Anti- Shizuma Drive fades into the foreground as, in the background, the restaurant slowly sinks into a crater.] Announcer: [Voice-over.] Vogler's Crystals. Now available in new "Beautiful Night" blend! [Writer's note: Standard Disclaimer.] [END COMMERCIAL BREAK.] [Fade in to the Kimura household, where Keiko is bustling about, finishing her preparations for her date. Her mother, Akiko, hovers like a fretful hen, as Keiko puts on earrings and straightens her clothing. Keiko's father, Masaki, watches with equal apprehension from the living room.] Akiko: [Exasperated.] Keiko, you're SURE that this is what you want? Did I make it clear that you could ask for ANYTHING? Kimura: [Sighing.] Okaasan*, all I want is a couple of extra hours on my curfew for my date tonight. That's all. *Mother Akiko: [To Masaki.] Anata*, speak with your daughter! *Dear (used by wives to husbands) Masaki: [Meekly.] But, you were the one who promised her anything she wanted after the dean gave her such high praise for her presentation. Akiko: [Glaring at Masaki.] You are NOT helping matters! [To Keiko.] You didn't tell me WHY you want the extra time. Keiko: Kasamatsu-san is taking me to dinner and a movie, so I thought we could go somewhere and talk after the movie...to find out more about each other. Masaki: [Pulls out his handkerchief and sniffs.] Kawaisou na Keiko...! Akiko: [To Keiko.] I'll find out everything you need to know about him as soon as he-- [She is interrupted by the doorbell ringing.] Keiko: [Clapping her hands together.] Ya-ho! He's here! [Akiko walks over and opens the door. Kasamatsu looks up, and is frozen by her icy glare. He quickly hides his proffered hand and removes the joy buzzer, then sticks it back out, where it is summarily ignored.] Akiko: [Coldly.] You must be Kasamatsu-san. Come in. Kasamatsu: [To himself.] Eep...no sense of humor. Masaki: [Pleadingly.] Promise me you'll take good care of our little-- Akiko: [Interrupting.] Before you leave with my daughter, there are some ground rules. First, have her home by 11:00-- Keiko: [Interrupting; pleadingly.] Okaasan! Akiko: [Grudgingly.] --by 1:00. Don't try anything strange with her--and I WILL know. Now, I have some questions for you: What are you studying? What are your intentions toward my daughter? What do you plan on doing after you graduate? Kasamatsu: [Intimidated, but calm.] 1:00, ma'am, understood. My major is Engineering. I hope to get to know your daughter on this date, so we can both decide if we want to date again. I'm still just a first-year student-- Keiko: [Grabbing Kasamatsu's arm.] Let's go! We don't want to be late! [Whispering.] How can you stay so calm? Kasamatsu: Uhh...hai. [Whispering back.] Years of practice at ducking authority. Please tell me I won't have to do that again. Keiko: [Giggles; then, to her parents.] Bye, okaasan, otoosan*! I'll be back later! [They leave.] *Father Akiko: [After a moment, to Masaki.] Grab your coat. We're going to follow them. Masaki: I-I don't think we should... Akiko: [Glaring at him.] What did you say? Masaki: N-now, okaasan, remember what happened last time we tried following her around? Besides, she's got to grow up sometime. [Sniffs.] My poor baby girl.... Akiko: Hmph. I suppose you're right. [Sighs.] Let's wait up for them instead. [Cut to the interior of Room 4 at the boarding house.] Katsu: [Pounding on the door from outside.] Tanaka-san! [Coughs.] There's been a chemical accident; we need to leave! Tanaka: [Listening.] How...serendipitous. [Turning to his guest.] I trust, then, that you understand your instructions? Ginga: I am to search the room, and provide an analysis of what I discover there. Tanaka: Precisely. But not a single item out of its proper place. Ginga: [Sniffs.] I AM a professional. Tanaka: I did not mean to suggest otherwise. Take careful note of anything you find which is related to the young lady, and you will be suitably compensated. Ginga: [Performing a seated bow.] You honor me. Tanaka: [Handing him a breathing mask.] I believe you will require this. I must now join the others, for...appearance's sake. [He stands and slips out of the room, delicately holding a handkerchief over his nose and mouth. In the hall, he nearly bumps into Kasuga.] Tanaka: [Solicitously.] Ah, Kasuga-san, I trust that the evening finds you well? Kasuga: [Coughing.] Haa...about as well as can be expected. Tanaka: Indeed. Let us make haste; the air grows fouler by the second. [He guides Kasuga down the stairs. A minute or so later, Ginga leaves Room 4 wearing the breathing mask, and slips quietly into Room 5. Outside of the boarding house, Fujimoto finishes hanging her sheets on the drying line and is about to head back inside when she stops and sniffs the air. A moment later, she watches with a knowing expression as she watches Eiji, Yoko, Yuko and Katsu come running out of the house gagging and holding their noses. Kasuga stumbles out a moment later, and Tanaka walks behind, still gingerly holding his handkerchief over his mouth.] Eiji: [Barely manages to speak coherently.] Wh-what the hell is that?!? Katsu: [Embarrassed expression behind a face filter.] Ahh...an exothermic reaction between inorganic waste and putrescin-- Both Miyasatos in unison: [Holding their noses and covering their mouths.] Urusee*! *Shut up! Kasuga: [Holding his nose.] What were you doing with something so smelly? Fujimoto: You're very fortunate Egami-san is away for his real estate trip. If he were here, he'd probably dock you 2000 yen. Katsu: [Nervously, then claps his hands palm-to-palm.] Ah...could we please keep that secret? Yoko: [Extortingly.] Well...if you're going to have to pay anyw- - Fujimoto: [Gently but meaningfully.] Yuko: [Interrupts Yoko.] Ah...sure we can! Eiji: Okaasan, I'm missing TV! Fujimoto: You're supposed to be studying. Eiji: ... Fujimoto: [To everyone else.] I guess the house is...uninhabitable for the time being. I'll try and air it out for tonight. If there is anything you could do until then, I'm sure we'll all come out of this with no problems. Kasuga: [To himself.] Guess I could call Ayukawa and see what she's doing. I still need to talk to her about some things. Yuko: Since this idiot [Glares at Katsu.] has driven us out of the house, I'm gonna go down to the computer lab and see if Saito wants to do anything tonight. Yoko: I'd better come along. [Cracks knuckles.] You don't know if that hentai boyfriend of yours would try anything strange. Besides, [Smiling a little.] I want to check my e-mail. Tanaka: I shall also take my leave. [Bowing.] Pardon me. Fujimoto: [To Katsu.] Well, unless you'd like to help with airing out the house.... Katsu: No, that's okay...I'm going to take a walk to clear my head. Fujimoto: All right. The house should be ready in a few hours. See you later! [Clucking her tongue softly, she gathers her laundry and heads inside. She enters each of the first-floor rooms in turn, opening the windows and leaving the doors propped open to air out the house. She finishes the first floor and starts up the stairs to the second. On the second floor, Ginga is leaving Kasuga's room, and carefully closes the door behind him. He is about to go downstairs and leave, when he hears approaching footsteps. Startled, he looks for a place to hide. Fujimoto appears at the top of the stairs, and gasps in surprise as she sees the prowler.] Ginga: [Muttering.] Kuso! Fujimoto: Stop! What are you doing? [He lunges forward, pushing Fujimoto roughly onto the floor as he races downstairs and escapes. When it becomes clear that the man has left, Fujimoto pulls herself up, brushes off her clothing, and hurries downstairs to use the phone. Meanwhile, inside a nearby pasta restaurant. Kasamatsu and Kimura have just been seated and handed menus by the waiter.] Kasamatsu: I hope this is all right. I tried to find a place close enough to the theater. Kimura: [Smiling.] No, this is perfect. [Kasamatsu nervously returns the smile. The two of them sit in silence for a moment, Kimura beginning to fidget as Kasamatsu desperately thinks of something to break the ice. At a loss, he rummages in his backpack.] Kimura: What's in the pack? I was wondering why you brought it. Kasamatsu: You never know when it'll be useful. One second... [He pulls out something unseen, then squeezes a bulb in his left hand, which causes the attached rubber frog to leap at Kimura from his right. She starts in surprise, then laughs.] Kimura: Kyaa! Kawaii*! Where did you get it? *How cute Kasamatsu: Some guy in the park traded it to me for a takoyaki*.... He said something about not needing it now that the tutoring was over. *breaded octopus on a stick Kimura: [Giggling.] How neat! [She plays with the frog a little.] Kasamatsu: [To himself.] It's working! She's having a good time. [Glances sidelong at Kimura.] She's really cute when she laughs.... [They talk and laugh a while longer. Kimura excuses herself. After she has gone, Kasamatsu pulls a drinking glass from his backpack, dumps Kimura's water into it, wipes the new glass, and hides the original. Kimura returns shortly afterwards.] Kimura: Sorry about that. Kasamatsu: [Smiling.] No problem. So, what were you saying about the Dean's review? Kimura: [Reaches for her glass.] Oh, right! I'm supposed to finish out the current term, then they'll-- Ara*? *Oh my [She stops as she feels a thin trickle of water from her glass into her lap, then quickly sets the glass on the table.] Kimura: [Mops at the spill with her napkin.] Can you call the waiter? I think this glass is leaking. Kasamatsu: [Chuckling.] No, that's one of mine. Kimura: [Confused.] One of yours? What do you mean? Kasamatsu: It's a dribble glass. I thought you might get a laugh out of it. Kimura: ... [The awkward pause is broken as the waiter brings their meals, and their conversation slowly, tentatively resumes.] [Cut to the living room of Ayukawa's apartment. Ayukawa is leafing through a textbook as the doorbell rings. She gets up to answer it.] Ayukawa: Kasuga-kun! Come in. Kasuga: [Looking around nervously.] Your roommate's not here, is she? Ayukawa: No, she's working late. [Concerned.] Again. Kasuga: [Relieved.] That's great; I didn't want to have her yelling at me again. Ayukawa: [Slapping Kasuga's shoulder playfully.] Come on, she's not going to hold a grudge this long! Besides, it all turned out all right. Kasuga: [Rubbing the back of his head.] I guess so. [They sit down and start talking about classes and schoolwork. Ayukawa pours them both some juice, then digs out a bottle of brandy.] Kasuga: [Worried.] Do you really think we should drink? Ayukawa: I'll keep an eye on how much we drink. [Smiles.] Don't worry. Besides, it's been a while since we could talk like this. Kasuga: [Reassured.] True. All right then, go for it! [Ayukawa pours a little of the alcohol into their cups. The main window of the apartment reflects them as they continue to talk.] [Cut to a glass-enclosed movie poster. On it are heroes in dramatic poses, armored battle suits, spacecraft, etc. The movie's name, which is in very tiny type near the top of the poster, is "Remember the Superdimensional City Fortress Hunters of Love". In front of the movie theater where this poster is displayed, Kasamatsu and Kimura are waiting in line to enter.] Kimura: Are you sure this is the right movie? Kasamatsu: Oh, don't worry, it'll be great! I've seen it seven times already. Kimura: [Uncomfortable, trying not to offend.] I was thinking of something a little more...romantic. Kasamatsu: [Oblivious.] This's got something for everybody-- action, adventure, romance, mecha... Kimura: [Not reassured.] ... [Later, inside the theater, Kasamatsu and Kimura have just found their seats.] Kasamatsu: I'm going to grab some popcorn. Do you want anything? Kimura: [Tentatively.] Could you get me a small cola? Kasamatsu: No problem. One thing first... [He opens his backpack and pulls out a plastic prop: an overturned drink cup, with popcorn embedded in the soda spill.] Kimura: [Bemused.] What's that for? Kasamatsu: I use it as a seat saver. Be right back! [He places the prop on his seat, where it rests perfectly. Kimura breaks into giggles as he leaves.] Kimura: [Smiling to herself.] This doesn't seem so bad after all... [Cut to Katsu wandering through a downtown park district, looking rather downtrodden. All around him, "discreet" young lovers embrace under trees and on benches. Trying hard not to look around him, he pulls up the collar of his jacket and lets out a heavy sigh.] [Cut to the movie theater, where the film has already begun. On screen, a group of heroes fights valiantly as they are menaced by an enormous insectoid robot. Kasamatsu digs in his pack, pulling out a large rubber spider on a string, which he dangles in the face of the young woman in front of him.] Woman: Kyaaaaaa! Woman's date: [Standing to his full six-foot height.] Kono yaro*--! * Kasamatsu: Ah, sorry, sorry! I'm putting it away now, see? Woman's date: [Mutters as he sits back down.] Teme... [The woman glares back at Kasamatsu, and Kimura gives her an apologetic look, staring at Kasamatsu strangely. He turns to her and gives her an ingratiating smile.] Kasamatsu: Guess some people can't take a joke, huh? [Suddenly gesturing at the screen.] Here, here, this is one of my favorite parts! [Kimura looks at the screen. The heroes are lined up on the deck of their space cruiser, ready to take flight in their fighter ships and engage the enemy. Their friends and crewmates are seeing them off in a rather emotional scene. The camera focuses on a curly-haired man in his twenties, pleading with a departing female pilot.] Man: Jadzia, please! You don't have to do this! Let me go instead. Jadzia: Julian, that's very sweet, but you don't have the fighter training I do. Julian: [Desperately.] But I love you! Jadzia: [Smiling.] I know. [Jadzia climbs into her ship. All the fighters launch, and the gathered throng disperses...except for a beautiful young woman with short, dark hair, tears streaming down her face as she watches the receding lights of the ships.] Ushiko: Umao-san...please come back to me safely! [Back in the theater, few are unaffected by the scene's emotional manipulation. Kimura also has tears streaming down her face.] Kimura: Ohhh...that's so beautiful. Don't you think so, Kasamatsu-san? Ara...? [She leans over as if to rest her head on his shoulder, then realizes he isn't there. She looks around the theater for him, then spots him coming down the aisle and plopping into his seat.] Kasamatsu: [Grinning apologetically.] Sorry, I had to use the washroom. Kimura: [Brow furrowing.] ... [Cut to Ayukawa's apartment, where Kasuga and Ayukawa are still laughing and talking.] Kasuga: Oh, you heard about it too? Ayukawa: I ran into Keiko-san and the twins this afternoon. She sounded really excited about the date. Kasuga: Sure, but I hope she knows what she's getting herself into. Ayukawa: [Mock-exasperated.] Not you, too! Kasuga: Huh? What'd I say? Ayukawa: The twins were coming down pretty hard on Keiko-san earlier. I don't think they were being very fair. Kasuga: Even so... Ayukawa: Even so, don't you think Kasamatsu-san deserves the benefit of the doubt? Kasuga: I guess so. Looks like we'll have to pry the details out of them tomorrow, eh? [Ayukawa looks at him curiously, then starts laughing. Kasuga joins her, until Ayukawa trails off, noticing that their glasses are empty. She picks up the pitcher of juice.] Ayukawa: Can I refill your-- ah! [Kasuga's hand, reaching for the glass, jostles the bottle, causing juice to spill on the table, and all over Kasuga's arm and leg.] Ayukawa: Sorry! Let me get you a towel. Kasuga: Don't worry about it, it was all my fault. [He pulls a white handkerchief out of his shirt pocket. A red handkerchief is also tugged out, and falls unnoticed to the ground. He wipes his arm off as Ayukawa notices the red handkerchief and picks it up. She examines it thoroughly, fascinated by its design.] Ayukawa: What a beautiful handkerchief! Where did you get it? Kasuga: [Looks surprised as he realizes what Ayukawa is holding, then gently takes the handkerchief from Ayukawa. He almost reverently fingers the delicate silk as he recalls.] This was a gift...from a very special woman I met... [He stops, entranced by the intricate embroidered crane pattern] a long...time...ago. [Ayukawa, whose face briefly registered jealousy when Kasuga mentioned "a very special woman", looks over at Kasuga with concern, noting his haunted expression.] Ayukawa: Kasuga-kun...daijobu*? *Are you all right? [As she watches him, tears pool near the corners of his eyes. A lone tear trickles down his cheek. More concerned, she lightly touches his shoulder.] Ayukawa: Kasuga-kun? Kasuga Narration: It was as if I was reliving the entire experience. I could clearly picture Lady Fujiwara in my mind, and the desperate battle with Akumu...the carnage I had witnessed, and the knowledge that all those I had met on my journey were long ago turned to dust. All of it still weighed heavy on my mind, and I had been unable to tell anyone about it. Until now.... Kasuga: Ayukawa? Ayukawa: H-hai? Kasuga: [Speaking slowly, in a daze.] How much...do you remember... about the time Grandpa sent you back in time to find me? Kasuga Narration: All of it poured out of me in one long stream...explaining the timeslips, describing the past I had fallen into, and--and my part in causing a man's death. Through it all, Ayukawa listened to me, and her soft words of comfort and cradling arms did much to ease my troubled mind. She understood; if not all I had experienced, then its effect on me...her soothing manner and reasoning arguments helped me cope with the experience. After all of that...and the small amount of alcohol I had drunk...I was exhausted. [Some time later, Ayukawa sits in a chair, thinking, and watching Kasuga's sleeping form on the couch. She rises, walks over to him, and pulls a blanket over his shoulders. Looking down at his face, she caresses his hair softly.] Ayukawa: [To herself.] Kawaisou na Kasuga-kun... [She picks up her glass and finishes it.] I never got a chance to talk with you about Hayashibara-san. [Whispering.] Kasuga-kun...I love you. [She switches off the light, sitting back down, as if standing guard over Kasuga. After a while, she too falls asleep.] [Cut to the movie theater. Kimura and Kasamatsu are still watching the film, which is nearing its end. Things are a bit more peaceable than before, and Kimura actually watches the movie with mild interest. She occasionally glances over at Kasamatsu, smiling in wonderment as she sees the intense emotions play across his face, evoked by the movie's powerful scenes. Kasamatsu suddenly remembers something, and once again goes digging in his backpack. He finds what he was searching for, but as he pulls out the tissue-wrapped object, a familiar-looking glass vial slips out of the opening and smashes open on the floor of the theater.] Kasamatsu: Aah--! [Kimura looks at him, surprised by his outburst, then notices, as do many of the other patrons, the pervasive, cloying stench spreading through the theater. Many people cough and wheeze as they struggle from their seats and dash to the exits. Tears well up in Kimura's eyes, and a crushed look of disappointment falls across her face. She stands, grabbing her coat.] Kimura: [Not quite crying.] Hidoi*! I can't believe you'd-- you'd-- *How awful [She turns and runs out of the theater, swallowed by the rest of the mob.] Kasamatsu: Kimura-san! Wait! It was an accident. An accident... [He looks forlornly at the object in his hand. The tissue paper has fallen away from the single red rose he purchased earlier. On the movie screen, the commander of the heroes gives one of his crew a severe dressing-down.] Commander: One of these days, your childish pranks are going to really hurt someone! [Kasamatsu turns and shuffles out of the theater.] [Cut to Kimura walking along a quiet street, not far from the theater. Her head is bowed, and her eyes still seem sad. Despite the coat she wears, she shivers from the cold breeze. A couple blocks away, at the top of a short hill, Katsu approaches from the other direction, affecting a depressed demeanor similar to Kimura's. He stops short as he looks down the hill, noticing the young woman as she passes under a street lamp.] Katsu: Huh? Kimura-san...? [Louder, waving as he walks swiftly down the hill.] Kimura-san! Kimura: [Looking up in surprise.] Katsu-san? What are you doing here? Katsu: [Embarrassed.] It's a long story.... What about you? [Noticing that Kimura is dressed up.] Were you on a date? Kimura: [Sadly.] Haa... Katsu: [Sees the expression on Kimura's face.] Listen, do you want to talk about it? [He fingers the two 1000-yen notes in his pocket.] There's a kissaten near here, I'll buy us some coffee. Kimura: [Shaking herself to dispel the gloom.] That sounds nice. [The two of them walk back up the hill in silence. Later, at an all-night kissaten, Kimura and Katsu sip at cups of coffee as they talk.] Katsu: Kasamatsu-san, huh? He didn't try anything crude, did he? Kimura: [Slowly.] No...in fact, he was a perfect gentleman...except...no, maybe I'm overreacting. Katsu: About what? Kimura: Lots of little things. Like the dribble glass at dinner.... Katsu: Uso! He used a dribble glass during a dinner date?! Then again, that does kind of sound like his style. Kimura: Once in a while, I thought I was having a wonderful night...then something else would happen, and I didn't know why I was there in the first place. Katsu: Maybe he just has a hard time relating to people. His pranks aren't meant to be taken seriously, but they're probably one of the few ways he knows how to express himself. Kimura: I never thought of it like that. Katsu: [Smiles ruefully.] Let's just say I know what shyness is like. Kimura: You never did tell me what you were doing out so late. Katsu: [Sheepishly.] Well, er...I had a bit of an accident in the lab...no one was hurt, but we had to evacuate the house for a while. Everything's probably back to normal by now. Kimura: That's good. I'm glad you're okay. Katsu: [Startled by her words.] Umm...thanks. Kimura: [Wrinkles her nose.] What's that smell? [Sniffs her coat; dismayed.] Oh no, it must be in my clothes! Katsu: [Over Kimura's words.] It's probably from the lab accident. It must be in my clothes. Kimura and Katsu: [Simultaneously.] What do you mean, in YOUR clothes? Kimura: Kasamatsu-san set off a stink bomb in the theater...that's why I left. Katsu: [To himself, aloud.] Stink bomb? He couldn't have been that stupid! [To Kimura.] Did you see him playing with a little glass vial? Kimura: I thought I heard some glass breaking.... Katsu: [Musing.] Then he probably didn't do it intentionally. That could've brought him real trouble. See, this is all very embarrassing...Kasamatsu-san asked for my help with a prank, which involved a particularly odious chemical compound.... Kimura: Hidoi! What did you help him with such a thing for? Katsu: [Surveys their table.] Apparently, for four cups of coffee, and... [Smiles tentatively at Kimura.] and some very good company. [Kimura stares at him uncomprehendingly for a moment, then breaks out in a giggling fit. Katsu laughs along with her. The tension of the moment is dissolved, and they order two more cups of coffee as they continue talking.] [Cut to Kasamatsu's apartment. Kasamatsu arrives home, switching on the lights.] Kasamatsu: [Despondent, to no one in particular.] Tadaima... [He lifts the cover from the parrot cage, then slumps onto his futon.] Baka: Kono BAKAYARO*! * Kasamatsu: [Sighing heavily.] Tell me about it. [He sits on the futon for several minutes, then lets Baka out of the cage and boots up his computer. He enters the word processing program again.] Kasamatsu: [Typing.] "Red Ninja Journal--88.09.23" [He stares at the first line for a long moment, then slowly deletes the entire line and starts over.] Kasamatsu: [Typing.] "Journal of Kasamatsu Teruhiko--88.09.23 "Tonight I really screwed things up. I thought I was doing the right things to make Kimura laugh, but everything I did seemed to fall apart. She must despise me. I have to explain to her that it was an accident...well, that last part was, anyway...do my pranks really come across that way to others?" [Fade to black as he continues typing away.] [Fade in to a Mathematics lecture hall the next morning at B.U. Kasamatsu walks in and sees Kimura sitting near the middle of the hall. He sits down next to her as the lecture begins.] Kasamatsu: Uh...Kimura-san? Another student: Shh! Pay attention to the lecture! Kasamatsu: [Sheepishly.] Haa... [He looks over at Kimura, but she is doodling idly in her notebook. He writes and hands a quick message to her.] Kasamatsu's note: I'm sorry about what happened last night. I realize I wasn't on my best behavior, and I'd understand it if you hated me. [Kimura reads the note and composes a reply, then passes it back.] Kimura's note: [Accompanied by a doodle of a dancing panda.] Really, I'm not mad! I'm sorry I ran out on you so suddenly. You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. Kasamatsu's note: Would you let me make it up to you with another date? Kimura's note: [With a smiling group of flowers.] That's probably not a good idea...we can still be friends, though, ne? Kasamatsu: [Whispering as he reads the note.] Hai... [To himself, sorrowfully.] I could have understood it if she were angry...but I don't know how to handle this boundless cheer.... [After class, Saito grabs Kasamatsu's arm as he leaves the lecture hall.] Saito: Looks like I owe you a tempura dinner! Kasamatsu: [Distracted.] Huh? Saito: Come on, I saw you writing notes to Kimura-san during class! [Winks at him.] Lucky guy, you must've been a real charmer last night! Kasamatsu: [Sadly.] You just don't understand it at all.... Saito: [Confused as he watches his friend's retreating back.] ... [Kasamatsu walks along the University commons, stopping as he notices the sun shining down, and the pleasantly cool breeze. He takes a deep breath, exhales, and a faint smile plays across his lips.] Kasamatsu: [Musing wistfully.] Friends, huh? END CREDITS Writer Jeff Williamson New Characters Designer Stephen Tsai Pre-readers Bob Carragher Robert DeLoura Doug Eckhart Brian Edmonds James Holman Quincy S. Huoh Lisa Richardson 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 hesitate to email me and I will send you either a note or a copy of the episode where it is introduced. Focus on Dogman [First introduced in the audio CD drama "Cassette Tape Message"]: Dogman hosts a nighttime radio program popular with teens and young adults. His listeners send in letters seeking advice on matters of the heart, hoping that they'll be read on-air. With an irreverent DJ style similar to Wolfman Jack's, Dogman plays the latest pop hits while reading letters and dispensing advice. A great non-continuity original episode, "Cassette Tape Message" can be found on the Orange Road CD "Cassette Tape no Dengon" as well as disc #5 of Singing Heart^2. A translation is available on your neighborhood anime website.