Kimagure Orange College Episode 38 - Matchmaker, Matchmaker [Cut to the University newspaper building. Inside the office, several desks are laid out in rows in the main room. Students are scattered among the desks, typing on terminals. Oda is seated at one end of the room, looking through letters.] Oda: [To herself as she types.] ...and make sure to tell U-san that you think it's time for some kind of commitment. Yours, Oda-san." Doko: [Reading from behind Oda.] Aren't you leaving off the customary "go for it"? Oda: [Surprised.] Doko-sempai*? *Senior or upperclassman Doko: [Concerned.] Don't you think that some of your advice is a little repetitive? Not every relationship demands immediate action. Sometimes a little introspection is needed. Besides, some of our regular readers have commented that you seem to have a one-track mind on this topic. Oda: [Red-faced.] W-well, I don't. [Takes a breath.] I always give every letter my undivided attention. So please don't worry that I'm not thinking before I give advice. Doko: If you say so. Even so, please keep in mind that some variety would be appreciated. [Leaves.] Oda: [To herself as she watches Doko leave.] I do not have a one- track mind... [Picks up the next letter.] Dear Oda: I'm a second year student who has been dating a guy I met in college, whom I will call "S-san". We have been going out together for about six months, and he seems like a nice enough guy. But whenever he thinks I'm not around, he's always talking about some other girl. When I asked him about her, he denies that she's a factor and says that he'd never even met her. But I'm still worried that he's not taking our relationship seriously. What should I do? Sincerely, "Y-chan" [Takes a moment to think about it.] Well, that's easy enough... [Starts typing.] Dear Y-chan, You should straighten out S-san out as soon as possible. A long-term relationship is too important to be taken for granted. Talk to him and let him know that you would like to know his feelings. There's nothing worse than a guy who can't make up his mind. [Stops typing. To herself as she looks towards Kasuga's empty desk.] Hmm...maybe I'd better go easy on that last bit... [Deletes the last line, then resumes typing.] Sincerely, Oda-san. [Oda files the response away and picks up her next letter.] Dear Oda-san: I am a second year student in college. Recently, I have been corresponding with a guy I call B-chan. B-chan and I have been talking about getting together on several occasions, but something always seems to come up. I'm beginning to wonder if I should pursue a relationship with him or not. He seems like a nice guy, but I have been burned before on relationships. Am I just fooling myself or should I go forward? Sincerely, Y-chan [Takes a moment to think about it.] Hmm... another "Y-chan". Heh, maybe they're twins or something... [Starts typing.] Dear Y-chan, I understand that a bad relationship can cause you to be wary about forming friendships. But you can't let one bad experience dissuade you from making friends. If you do, you'll pass up a chance to meet your future partner. You should meet B-chan as soon as you can. Only then can you be sure if you are compatible. Good luck and go for it! Sincerely, Oda-san [Stops typing, stretches and leans back on her chair.] Well, I guess I'm done for this edition. Doko: [From the editor's desk.] Oda-san, could I have a word with you? Oda: [To herself as she gets up.] What is it now? [Oda walks into a glass-walled room in one corner of the newspaper office.] Doko: How is your column coming? Oda: I've just finished. Doko: Well, good. I need you to cover the Computer Club's summer party for the social section. Shinji's out of town for the summer. Oda: Eh? But I haven't written any social event pieces yet. Doko: Don't worry about it. It's easy. Just mingle with the crowd, take some pictures, and write about the party. Think of it as an opportunity to broaden your experience. Oda: [Hesitates, then relents.] What kind of party is it? Doko: [Hands her a slip of paper.] It's at the Student Union this weekend. It's sort of a masquerade; the club members are dressing up like their handles, or so they tell me. Oda: What's a handle? Doko: An alias; the club president told me that several computer students use aliases when they go out onto bulletin boards and newsgroups. Oda: Do I have to get a costume too? Doko: [Shakes his head.] You don't have to dress up as anything - it's optional. [Cut to the Student Computer Labs. Saito and Kasamatsu are seated next to one another at workstations.] Kasamatsu: [As he types.] So, Kenichi, whom are you going to take to the party? Saito: Well, I haven't thought of it. [Short pause.] That reminds me; I need to borrow one of your ninja costumes. Kasamatsu: [Surprised.] Eh? You're "baka", not "ninja". Saito: [Embarrassed.] I don't want to go there dressed like a village idiot! Kasamatsu: Well, which one? Red or black? Saito: I guess I'll be the "Black Ninja". [Mostly to himself.] I'd better e-mail "Chun-Li" and ask if she wants to go. Kasamatsu: [Smirks.] And tell her you're the villain of the party. Saito: [Irritated.] Omae wa...*! *You (implied annoyance) [Cut to Seishun-kan. In room #2, Yuko watches Yoko getting dressed in a blue party dress. Yuko sighs with a forlorn expression on her face.] Yuko: [Downcast.] I can't believe Saito-san's not taking me. Yoko: I told you he was a loser! [Softens.] Anyway, "Baka-chan" told me he's going to meet me at the party. Maybe you can go with me so I can introduce you. Yuko: Well, I don't know. Saito-san's going to be there too. What do I say to him? Yoko: Well, for starters, maybe I can ask "Baka-chan" to beat him up? Yuko: [Deadpan expression.] ... Yoko: [Slightly embarrassed.] OK, OK...what about that letter's advice? Ask him if he's serious or not about a relationship! I'm taking my reply's advice. Yuko: [Nods with determination as she puts on an identical blue party dress.] Un! Yoko: [As she watches Yuko dress.] Why don't you take the ribbon out of your hair? It clashes with the dress color. [Cut to the University Student Union. In one of the main event rooms, a crowd of people is gathered. They engage in conversations and socialize. Roughly half of them are wearing costumes ranging from simple to elaborate. On one side, a table is set with a punch bowl and a small tray of snacks.] Oda: [Holding a notepad.] So, Itono-sempai, what else does the computer club do? Itono: Well, several of our more experienced members help run the student computer rooms. But other than that, we're not that different from other clubs. We have our social gatherings and meetings just like any other campus group. Oda: And whose idea was it to have these...costumes? That's not like any other club. Itono: Well, handles for computer hobbyists go back over the last ten to twenty years. Even today, many of our club members choose to use handles instead of their real names when sending messages over the Internet. Oda: [While taking notes.] Well, do you think this is because they're shy about expressing themselves over a public forum? Itono: [Smiles sardonically.] No more than people who call themselves "Ai-chan" when they write letters about their romantic problems. Oda: [Blushes as she tries to continue.] Well...that's different. People who write e-mail don't necessarily show their true selves, do they? Itono: Sometimes they don't. On the other hand, sometimes people who have difficulty expressing themselves in person find it easier to do so behind the anonymity of a computer screen. [Smiles as he quaffs his punch.] But I guess we're getting way off topic. Oda: [Nods.] Sounds like something psychologists talk about, not computer hobbyists. Itono: [Muses.] It would be interesting to see if two people can develop such a relationship over e-mail. [To Oda.] Did you need to know anything else? Oda: No, I guess that's about it. [Puts away her notepad.] Itono: [Nods and smiles.] Please enjoy the party. [Turns his attention to other party guests.] Oda: [Looks around the room at the costumed guests.] Strange people... oh well. [Walks towards the snack table and gets a cup of punch.] [Cut to a different part of the party. Yoko and Yuko are looking around the room. Yoko frowns with annoyance as she sees several different variants of ninjas and other black-motif costumes.] Yoko: These weirdoes have no imagination whatsoever! Just how am I going to find Baka-chan!? Yuko: [Only half-interested.] With people like Kasamatsu, what were you expecting? Huh? [Looks across the room and sees Kasamatsu and Saito.] Hey! [Walks quickly over to them through a crowd of people, leaving Yoko behind.] [Cut to the snack table. Saito and Kasamatsu are helping themselves to some punch. Saito drinks his punch, then looks on with resignation as he watches Kasamatsu spill punch over his mask.] Saito: Take the mask off *before* you drink. Kasamatsu: [Reluctantly removes his mask.] Thus the Red Ninja must compromise his anonymity to sustain base sustenance. Yuko: [Upset.] Saito! Saito: Waah...! Ahh...Yoko-san! Yuko: I'm Yuko! Saito: Eh? But you're not wearing your hair ribbon. Yuko: Don't change the subject! [Calms down, then speaks with deliberation.] Just what's going on with you and me? Are we going steady or not? Saito: W-well, of course we are. Didn't we go to the school archery competition just last week? Yuko: True, but then why didn't you invite me here? Saito: Well, you said you weren't that interested in computers. I thought you'd be bored here. [To himself.] Better not mention "Chun- Li". She probably doesn't want to hear about other girls right now... Yuko: Baka! You go off to a party without me and what am I supposed to think? Maybe you're more interested in some computer girl. [Walks off in a huff.] [Saito watches her leave and is about to follow her, but gets stopped by Kasamatsu.] Kasamatsu: [Sagely.] Don't be so worked up about it. It's my experience with girls that it's best to not confront them when they're in that kind of mood. Saito: [Deadpan.] You have no experience with girls. Kasamatsu: N-not true! As you recall, I went out on a college date before you did. Saito: As I recall, it was a total disaster. [Sighs and pulls his mask over his face.] Maybe you're right. She might not be willing to listen in such a bad mood. [Cut back to the main entrance. Yoko is looking around the room at the various costumed and non-costumed patrons.] Yoko: Well, if I don't start asking around, I guess I'll never find him. [To herself with resolution.] Yoko-chan, gambare*! *Do your best [Yoko goes to the first ninja-garbed student and gets his attention.] Yoko: [With trepidation.] B-baka-chan, is that you? Kasamatsu: [Amused tone as he takes off his mask.] It is if you give me a kiss! Yoko: [Stunned.] Kya...! [Slaps Kasamatsu and shoves him away.] Hentai*! [Walks back to the snack table and shudders.] That guy is so weird...! [Looks around and sees another ninja-garbed student.] Maybe he's the one... [Walks up to the other student.] Umm...would you happen to be looking for an e-mail penpal? *Pervert Ninja 2: Ah...sure! [Offers to lead Yoko to the dance floor.] How about we...? Girl 1: [Upset.] Hiroshi-kun! Ninja 2: Wah...! Ah...! [Looks at Yoko, then at Girl 1.] It isn't what it looks like...! Yoko: [Stunned embarrassed expression as she watches Girl 1 drag Ninja 2 off.] Th-this isn't working out at all...! [Yoko starts looks around for other possible candidates, when someone taps her on her shoulder.] Saito: Are you looking for me? Yoko: [Gasps.] Ahh! Um... this is going to sound silly, but I've been waiting for this moment for a long time! Saito: [To himself, with surprise.] Eh? Why is Yuko-san so happy? [Out loud.] Ah...yeah. So have I. Yoko: [Eyes glitter.] Yokatta*! At last! [To herself as she hugs Saito.] That mask is making his voice sound really weird. I can't wait to see his face. *Thank goodness Saito: [To himself.] Wh-what's going on with her? She was so upset earlier. Yoko: W-would you like to dance? Saito: [Still surprised, but nods.] U-un. [Saito leads Yoko out to the dance floor as soon as the music fades to the next title. To their delight, the disc jockey puts on a slow romantic track.] Yoko: [Softly as she follows Saito's lead.] I've been looking forward to this so much. The first time is always special... Saito: [Surprised as he dances.] Eh? But we've known each other for a while. Yoko: But this is the first time it's real... Saito: [To himself.] Eh? Does she mean all those other dates were just tests? [Cut to the snack table. Kasamatsu is helping himself to another plate of food when he is interrupted by Yuko.] Yuko: A-ano*... *Excuse me Kasamatsu: [Drops his food plate with surprise.] Mi-miyasato-san. [Regains composure.] But which one...[Begins pondering out loud without regard to Yuko.] Only the keen, uncanny mind of the Red Ninja can ponder such a mystery... Yuko: [Harshly.] You are such a weirdo! Kasamatsu: [Nods firmly.] It must be Yuko! Yoko would have tried a futile assault against the powerful Red N--! Yuko: [Annoyed.] Ano ne*...! *You (implied annoyance) Kasamatsu: [Smiles.] No sense of humor tonight, eh? Yuko: [Forces herself to calm down.] Have you seen Saito-san? I...I wanted to talk... Kasamatsu: [Amused as he briefly looks around.] Well, "Ladykiller Kenichi" is probably with another girl by now. Yuko: N-no way...! [Dubiously.] You're just making that up! Kasamatsu: [Reverts to play-acting.] But the Red Ninja will rescue the lonely damsel in dis-- Yuko: [Slaps Kasamatsu.] You're an even bigger jerk than before! [Walks off.] Oda: [Stops Yuko as she walks by.] Hey, what's wrong? Yuko: [Blinks, then looks downcast.] This night isn't turning out well at all. Your column advice isn't working out at all. Oda: Column? You wrote to my column? Yuko: Sure, I was "Y-chan". Oda: I had a couple of "Y-chans" this week. Yuko: Mine was the one that said to confront my date about commitment. He just made some cheap excuse and went partying with his idiot friend. [Dejectedly turns to leave.] For all I know, he's off playing with his computer penpal girl. He probably find her more interesting than me. Oda: [To herself.] Miyasato-san...? [Face turns regretful.] M- mazui*... *This is bad [COMMERCIAL BREAK.] [Cut to a city street alley. Terry Bogard is facing off against Wolfgang Krauser. Krauser tries to throw several objects at Bogard, but Bogard easily catches and deflects all of them as various bystanders are awed by his display of skill.] Fan 1: S-sugoi...! [Cut to a movie theater. With the premiere of "Fatal Fury IV", the outer lobby is crowded with fans wearing various paraphernalia. Their patience is rewarded as a limousine pulls up and Terry Bogard disembarks.] Fan 1: I-it's him! Fan 2: Terry, you're cool! [Terry Bogard flashes the fans an appreciative smile and does some quick kata-like hand motions as the crowd swoons.] Fan 3: Here, have some! [Gently tosses a bottle of soda.] [Bogard stands ready, but much to everyone's surprise, the bottle smacks him right in the forehead and knocks him unconscious. The now- deflated crowd watches as theater management comes to tend to the unconscious Bogard.] Voiceover: Image is nothing. Thirst is everything. Obey your thirst! [Writer's Note: Standard Disclaimer.] [END COMMERCIAL BREAK.] [Cut to the dance floor. Saito and Yoko are slow-dancing to the music. As the song comes to an end, people begin leaving the dance floor as other couples get ready for the next track.] Saito: [To himself.] I-I guess I got lucky after all. Yuko-san must have cooled off and decided to forgive me. I should do something for her. [Out loud.] How about I get us some punch? Yoko: [Nods.] Sure. I'll come too. Saito: Ah, no. Let me get some for you. Just meet me at the snack tables. It'll just take a minute. Yoko: [To herself as she smiles.] Oh, of course. He's trying to be gallant. That's so sweet. [Out loud.] Well, OK. I'll wait for you. [Saito walks across the room through the crowd of partygoers. When he gets to the snack tables, he picks up and fills two glasses with punch. He then takes off his mask and drinks from the first glass.] Yuko: Tell me it's not true, Saito! Saito: [Spit some punch with surprise.] Eh? Yuko-san? [To himself.] What's wrong with her? She was so happy just a second ago. Yuko: [Sadly.] Kasamatsu tells me you're seeing other girls! Saito: Wh-what are you talking about? The only person I've seen tonight is you! [Softens.] I know I wasn't being considerate for not asking you about the party, but I thought we were past that. Yuko: [Relents.] Well...how about we have a dance then? Saito: Well, OK. I guess we can get punch later. [Saito and Yuko go back to the dance floor as the next song begins. As they do so, Yoko makes her way to the snack table, looking through the crowd of people.] Yoko: Where could "Baka-chan" have gone? He said he was going to get some punch. Oda: [Walking up from the dance floor.] Miyasato-san, what's wrong? Who are you looking for? Yoko: Well, he's dressed like a ninja. Oda: [With slight amusement.] You're going to have to be more specific. Yoko: He calls himself "Baka-chan". He's my date tonight. Oda: Date? Didn't you say he walked out on you? Yoko: Eh? No, not at all. I had some trouble finding him, but that's because of that silly handle he uses. It won't be a problem after tonight, so I'm not worried about it. Oda: Well, I can't say that I've met anyone calling himself "Baka- chan". Yoko: [Sighs.] Well, I'm going to go to the ladies room. If you see him, could you mention I'm looking for him? Oda: [Nods as Yoko leaves. To herself.] Hmm...she called her date "Baka-chan". Then who is the "S-san" from her letter? Or was it her letter? Ahh, I'm so confused. Who did I talk to right now, anyway? [Cut back to the middle of the dance floor. Yuko and Saito dance as they talk.] Yuko: I know I was sort of a fool earlier. It's just that sometimes I'm worried that you're not taking me seriously in a relationship. Saito: Don't be silly. [More assured.] You know I didn't have much of a social life in high school. The truth is that I've been looking for a girl just like you for a long time. I'm not going to do anything to ruin what we have. Yuko: [Nods.] Well, that's good to hear. [As the music comes to a close, Saito begins to walk to one side of the room.] Saito: Listen, I've got to go to the men's room. How about we have something to eat this time? I'll meet you by the snack table. Yuko: OK. [Cut to inside the men's room. Saito takes a moment to wipe his face with water as Kasamatsu looks on.] Kasamatsu: I just don't get it. Every girl I've asked has turned me down. [Waxes dramatically.] A handsome guy like me... Saito: [Deadpan.] ...who makes crude jokes at people's expense. Kasamatsu: N-not always. [Amused expression.] Besides, I'm not the only guy who's having girl problems. Saito: [Annoyed, but concedes.] I just don't know what's going on with Yuko tonight. One minute she's sweet and romantic, the next, she's acting upset and skeptical of everything I say. Even when we were dancing just now, she seemed so much more tense than she was when we were dancing earlier. Kasamatsu: Well, that's girls for you. Saito: You'll never get a girl if you keep thinking that. Kasamatsu: Hrumph...! [Looks at himself in the mirror and makes minor adjustment to his costume.] How's your costume holding up? Saito: Well, the pants and jacket are little baggy. [Puts mask back on.] And this thing makes it tough to talk. It's getting in the way of my jaw. Kasamatsu: Well, we're different sizes. Next year, buy your own costume. [Both of them leave the men's room and see Yoko coming out of the ladies' room.] Yoko: There you are! I've been looking for you! [Give him a hug.] Saito: [Surprised.] Ah, well, I've been here. Kasamatsu: [Dubiously to himself.] Miyasato-san doesn't seem that tense to me... Yoko: Well, how about another dance? Saito: But I thought you wanted a drink first. Yoko: I'm OK for now. [Drags Saito back onto the dance floor.] [As they leave, Kasamatsu wanders back to the snack table where he sees Oda.] Oda: Oh, there you are. Have you seen Saito-san? Kasamatsu: Well, Miyasato-san just dragged him back onto the dance floor. [Conspiratorially.] Looks like he's going to score tonight! Oda: Can you be more specific? Miyasato Yuko's waiting for him at the snack table. Kasamatsu: Really? I thought she was dancing with Kenichi. Oh well, I can't tell Miyasato-tachi* apart either, but Saito was definitely dancing with one of them. *The Miyasatos Oda: [To herself.] Strange guy... [Goes to the snack table where Yuko is sitting alone.] Yuko: [Sees Oda.] Did you find out where Saito wandered off? Oda: Kasamatsu says the two of you were dancing together. Yuko: Well, sure we were, but that was a while ago. I don't know why he ran away on me. [Sighs with sad resignation.] This has been a lousy night. Maybe Saito was right; coming here was a mistake. I'm going home. [Stands up and leaves.] Oda: [To herself.] Hmm...this isn't good. I think I'd better find out what's really going on. [Cut back to the dance floor. The music comes to a halt and Yoko and Saito pull apart from each other.] Yoko: Say, do you want something to eat? Saito: Are you sure this time? Yoko: [Smiles.] Very sure. [To herself.] He'll have to take off his mask when we eat. [As they make their way to the edge of the dance floor, they see Oda, who flags their attention.] Oda: Just a minute. [To Yoko.] Could I talk to you alone for just a moment? It's kind of important. Yoko: Eh? Well, I guess. Saito: I'll wait for you by the snack tables. [Leaves.] Yoko: What is it, Oda-san? Oda: I just wanted to catch you before you left. I think there's been some kind of mix-up with-- Yoko: [Surprised.] Left? I'm not going anywhere. Oda: Eh? Didn't you just say you were very upset with Saito-san and were going home? Yoko: Saito? You must be referring to Yuko. I'm Yoko. Oda: Uh-oh...I think I see what's going on. Yuko just left a moment ago. She was very upset with Saito for some reason. Yoko: [Angrily.] Wh-why that...! [Cracks knuckles and starts looking around.] I'll punish Saito for hurting Yuko! [Cut to the end of the snack table. Saito is sitting with two plates of food and begins eating from one of them. As he does so, he sees Yoko coming up to him.] Saito: Oh, you're here. Have some food. Yoko: [Angrily.] Don't you "food" me, you playboy! Saito: [Confused.] Hah...? Yoko: You're the worst kind of guy! How could you toy with a girl's feelings?! [Slaps Saito and storms off.] Saito: [Shocked.] ...! [As Saito picks himself up off the floor, Oda walks up to him.] Saito: [Surprised.] I-I can't believe this. What's going on? Why was Yuko so upset? She seemed so nice just a moment ago. Oda: [Matter-of-factly.] That was Yoko-san. Saito: Eh?! [Stunned.] I-I didn't know.... So I must have spent some time with Yoko.... No wonder Yuko was upset. Oda: [Sighs.] I'll try talking to them. Maybe after they've cooled off, you can explain what happened. Saito: [Regretfully to himself.] With all the confusion, I didn't even get to meet "Chun-Li". I'll bet she's upset at me, too. [Cut to the University newspaper building. It is late at night and Oda is the only person in the main room. The room is only half-lit, and the glare of the monitor shines on her face as she types. After saving an article marked "Computer Club Party", she notices a single letter sitting in her inbox. After looking at it for a few moments, she picks it up and reads.] Oda: [Reads the letter.] Dear Oda-san, I am a second year student in the college. A friend of mine who I call K-san is dating a guy I call S-san. K-san is a little naive about dating and she's already had two dates go bad for different reasons. K-san is a very sweet person and I don't want to see her hurt again, but I don't know much about S-san. Would I be intruding to try and find out more about S-san or should I just let K-san have a chance to learn about S-san herself? Sincerely, Girl with the red straw hat [Cut to Saito's apartment. Saito is sitting in front of his computer with his ninja mask hanging around his neck as he reads an electronic letter on the screen.] Saito: [Reads the letter.] Baka-chan, I'm sorry I missed you at the Computer Club party. I looked around for you, but with all the confusion and problems, I missed my chance. I know you're probably nervous about meeting for the first time. I know I feel the same way. However, after so many missed chances, and then this party not working out for us, I can't help but think that maybe things weren't meant to be. Please tell me I'm wrong. I don't want to believe that you are anything but a nice guy with the kind words we have exchanged these past few months. A person like you could do nothing less and I'll trust that you'll do what you feel is best for us both. Please let me know what is in your heart. Chun-Li [Cut to the University newspaper building. Oda starts to type a reply, then stops. She thinks about it carefully and frowns. After thinking it over, she sighs and begins to compose her reply.] Oda: [Types.] Dear Red Hat Girl, It's natural for you to feel the need to protect your friend K-san. However, everyone has to make their own choices in their relationships, if they are to mean anything. Just as K-san can trust you when she confides in you, trust her to choose what is best for her. Sometimes it is tempting to act as quickly as possible. But not every relationship demands immediate action. Sometimes a little introspection is needed. I hope things turn out for the best. Sincerely, Oda-san [Cut to Saito's apartment. He looks at his e-mail. He takes the mask off and looks at it for a long time before setting it on the table.] Saito: [Types.] Dear Chun-Li, Believe me when I say that I never meant to hurt or mislead you. Although things didn't go well for either of us at the party, I want to reassure you that my feelings for you are real. Please keep the faith. Our time will come when you least expect it. Sincerely, Baka-chan [Saito pauses as he looks over the letter. After a few moments of thought, he deletes "Baka-chan" and replaces it with "Saito Kenichi". After he finishes, he presses a key and sends the letter.] TO BE CONTINUED... END CREDITS New Character Designer / Writer Stephen Tsai Pre-readers Robert Carragher Tony Chen Vladimir Zelevinsky Very special thanks to Hitoshi Doi A tip of the hat and a deep bow to Matsumoto Izumi for starting the whole thing.