KIZUNA by Kazuma Kodaka Book 3 Part 10: Melancholy Love Song unofficial translation by Katherine ------------------------------------------------------------------- Conventions: regular text: name of speaker and spoken lines italics: thoughts (in parentheses): spoken words that are hand-written or not in the talk bubbles bold: descriptions bold and italics: translation note Some high school delinquents are talking to Kai. Sata: What do you think, Sagano? Sata: Not a bad idea, huh? Sata: I've got Ginyuukai behind me. Sata: Come under my umbrella. You want high school to be fun, don't you? Kai: Sounds stupid. Sata: What?! Kai: You use your dad's yakuza to help you rule the school... Kai: I bet you couldn't win a fight without all that backup. (page) Kai: The best you can hope for is to hang out with other weaklings. Fucking losers. Title: Melancholy Love Song (page) (page) (page) Sata: That brat! I'm going to kill him for his lack of respect. In front of the school. Kumi: Hey, Nakajima-kun, are you sure Kai went this way? Nakajima: Some guys called him out so I figured it would be over here somewhere... Kumi: What? You're not too reliable, are you! Kumi: Going around the corner. He said he was going to join the kendo team, but if he starts fighting now he'll screw it up... Nakajima: Uwaah! Sagano-kun! Kumi: Wow, he really went and did it, didn't he? (page) Kai: Huh? Kumi: Looking at the delinquents strewn about on the ground. Aah, we're too late! (page) Kumi: Just what did you mean by "I'm not getting into fights anymore"? You're all talk, aren't you? Nakajima: Sagano-kun, this is really dangerous! Kai: Walking away. I have a right to defend myself. Nakajima: Uwaah! Uwaah! Kumi: Yeah, right. You've been going around looking for trouble. Nakajima: If they wake up, I'm going to be screwed too. Nakajima: You probably don't know, but this guy, Sata, is the son of a Diet member! And the rumors say he's working with the yakuza!! Kai: Aah! Kumi, who the hell is this guy? Kumi: This is our classmate, Nakajima-kun. (Are you clueless?) Kai: He's been in our class all this time? Nakajima: That's pretty harsh, Sagano-kun... Nakajima: But seriously, you're putting yourself in danger! Nakajima: You don't know what he'll do to get back at you! It's the same as fighting the yakuza! (page) Kumi: Oh well, if you're talking about getting in trouble with the yakuza, Kai's family is the real th- Kai: Kumi!! Kumi: Oops! That's supposed to be a secret. Kai: They were the ones looking for a fight. I just took them up on their offer. Kai: They wanna run a gang, but even with daddy's help they don't have the guts to pull it off! Kai: Guys like that piss me off! Kumi: Ah! Kai, wait! I'll go home with you! Nakajima: ..... Nakajima: Wow, he's cool! Nakajima: I guess I'll stick with Sagano-kun. Sata: Beginning to get up. ....! Nakajima: Let's be friends, okay, Sagano-kun? Kai: Huh? Get away from me, don't be creepy. Sata: ...I'm gonna kill you... Sata: Staggering to his feet. Sagano...! Sata: I'm gonna fucking kill you...!! (page) At Kai's home. Kumi: Hello! Kai: What did you come here for?! Kumi: Why not? We're neighbors, aren't we? Kyousuke: Oh, it's Kumi-chan! Come in! Kumi: Kyousuke-san, is Masa onii-chan here? Kyousuke: Ah, the boss is out right now... Kumi: Disappointed. Huh!? Kyousuke: Well, come on in anyway, okay? We have some cake! All right? Kai: You mean he's spending the night somewhere, right Kyousuke? Kumi: To Kyousuke. Is he sulking? Kyousuke: Well... Kai: I am NOT!! (page) Kyousuke: Presenting the cake. Here you go! Kumi: Waah! Thanks! (It looks yummy.) Kumi: Kyousuke-san, Masa onii-chan hasn't been home in a long time, has he? Kyousuke: Hm? No, I guess not. He has to stay at hotels a lot because of his work... Kumi: He's seeing some woman, isn't he? Kyousuke: Kumi-chan!! High school girls shouldn't come out with stuff like that! Kumi: Munching her cake innocently. Masa-san is Masa-san. But it's too bad when there's a perky young girl right here... (I'd be happy to take him on.) Kumi: There's no need to go off and see some woman with saggy breasts, now is there? Kyousuke: Sweatdropping. Saggy... (Kumi-chan...) Kumi: Anyhow, if I'm missing him so much, I can understand why Bon-Bon is being so violent lately. Kyousuke: Bon? Why, did he say something? Kumi: He hasn't said anything, but I can tell from his attitude. (page) Kyousuke: His attitude... Kumi: I'm talking about getting into fights! Kumi: He's started in already, fighting with some bad boy seniors. Kumi: The group's leader is a guy named Sata, and he's the son of a Diet member, Kumi: and this guy in our class, Nakajima, said Sata's father has yakuza ties. Kyousuke: Kumi-chan, you don't happen to know which yakuza group that would be? Kumi: Nope. Kai: Slamming open the sliding door. Mind your own business Kyousuke!! Kyousuke: Oh- Kai: It's about time you let me live my own life!! Kai: Got it?! (page) Kai slams the doors shut. (page) Kyousuke: Sweatdropping......... Kumi: You don't have an easy job, do you? Kyousuke: I'm afraid that's true... Kai: Sitting out on the verandah....... Begin flashback. Masa: When you start high school, you can join the kendo team. Masa: But you can't keep getting into fights and expect to stay on the team. (page) Masa: Bandaging him up. I wouldn't worry so much if you got hurt like this in a kendo match. Kai: If I got serious about doing kendo, is it okay if I end up getting stronger than you? Masa: Ha ha ha, I'm looking forward to that. Kai: Hmph. Go ahead and laugh. End flashback. Kai: Looking out on the garden. ...... Kai: ...Masa, you Kai: idiot. (page) Night falls on an apartment building. Masa is putting his shirt on. Ayako: From the bed. You're going? Masa: Yeah, I can't leave Kyousuke with everything. Ayako: Hmmm. (page) Masa: What? Ayako: I can see through your lies. Ayako: You're worried about your precious Bon, aren't you? Ayako: Be honest. Ayako: I'm not your wife or your mistress. Ayako: All I want is to be the kind of woman that you can be with Ayako: and relax, and not have to pretend. Masa: ...I'm sorry, Ayako. Ayako: Kissing him. Hurry up and go home. Bon's waiting for you, crying... Masa: Smiling. Crying, huh? That would be interesting. Ayako: Dope. He's going through puberty, isn't he? (Be more sensitive.) (page) Masa gets into the car Driver: Home, sir? Masa: Yeah. Masa: Am I lying...? Masa: Maybe I am... Masa: With a hand over his face. I'm running away... Begin flashback. Kai's mom: With infant Kai. Masanori-san! Masanori-san! Kai: (Waaaah! Waaaaah!) Kai's mom: At the door. Masanori-san, what should I do? Kai: (Waah! Waah!) Masa: Ma'am? Kai's mom: Kai won't settle down. He keeps crying. (page) Masa: Oh, do this... Masa: Hold him upright like this... Kai: (Waah! Waah!) Masa: Patting his back. There you go! There you go! Kai: (Sniffle, sniffle.) Kai's mom: You're so good with him, Masanori-san! Masa: I've learned how to do it, Masa: since I've had to take care of kids before, that's all. Kai's mom: To Kai. Funny, Masanori-san's the one Kai's mom: who seems like your real father, don't you think? Masa: Blushing. Masa: She had the smile of an innocent young girl, Masa: and a sweet, gentle scent surrounded her. End flashback. (page) Masa: Kai, with his purity, Masa: resembles her so much that it hurts to look at him. Masa: ...I can't be Masa: a father to him. Underlings welcome Masa inside the front door. Underling: Welcome home, sir. Masa: Handing his coat to Kyousuke. Sorry to be away so long. Kyousuke: Bon has already gone to bed. Masa: All right. (page) Kai appears in bare feet and jammies. Masa: ..... Kyousuke: Ah! You're still awake? Kai looks less than pleased. Masa: ...I've returned home. Kai walks past without speaking. Kyousuke: Huh?! Bon? Kai: With his back to them. You smell like cheap perfume. Kyousuke: Sweatdropping. (page) Kyousuke: As Kai continues down the hall. ...... Kyousuke: Sweatdropping and laughing. Where did that come from? He sounds like he's your wife or something. Kyousuke: Bon's easily embarrassed, so he doesn't know how to show that he's happy you're home. Masa: Smiling. Masa: I didn't think he'd get angry in that way. Kai: Kicking away the underlings. What the hell are you guys looking at? Hurry up and get to bed!! Underlings: S- sorry! Kyousuke: Gulp. Kyousuke: We're in for it now. He's going to be on the rampage. (When Bon gets mad, things get broken...) (page) At school. Kumi: Nakajima-kun, have you seen Kai? Nakajima: No... He's probably gone home already? Kumi: Damn... I thought today was the day I'd finally corner him and force him to join the kendo club! Nakajima: Sweatdropping. You're pretty intense. Kumi: Running off. If you see him, bring him to the club room. (I'm going to get a club application.) Nakajima: Huh??? Why me?? Kumi: From around the corner of the school. Kyaa! Nakajima: What's she screaming for... Nakajima: !! Sata: Oh, this is working out nicely! (page) A bandaged Sata is wielding a sheathed sword while his gang holds Kumi captive. Yakuza type guys lounge against the wall. Sata: Give Sagano a message for me. Sata: If he wants the girl back, meet me at the 3 Chome construction site! Nakajima: But that's... that's pretty cowardly, isn't it? Using the yakuza to help you... Sata punches Nakajima in the face. Kumi: Nakajima-kun!! Nakajima: Uhh... Sata: Which one of us is yakuza? Sagano's the son of a yakuza boss, isn't he?! (page) Nakajima: Huh...?! Sata: His old man's yakuza, so we can do as we please with him. Kumi: Being dragged away. Nakajima-kun! Sata's pal: Hey, Sata! Let's go! Kumi: Nakajima-kun! Call Kai's house! Talk to Masanori onii-chan and let him know what's happening!! Sata: Yeah, call as many people as you like! Kumi: Nakajima-kun! Sata: Bring on all the little punks you want, they can't do a thing against Ginyuukai!! Nakajima: It's not true, is it...? Sagano-kun... Kai is putting his school shoes away, about to go home. (page) Nakajima: Sagano-kun... Nakajima: You're the son of a yakuza boss...? Nakajima: Is that true...? Kai: ...What if it is...? Nakajima: ...Well then... Kai: What are you trying to say?! Nakajima: I'm trying to say the yakuza can fight each other, but don't involve other people in it!! Nakajima: Because of you, Kumi-chan... Kai: Kumi...? (page) Kai: What happened to Kumi?! Nakajima: Sata and his gang dragged her off! They said to meet them at the 3 Chome construction... Kai: Throwing his satchel at Nakajima. Idiot!! Kai: You just stood there and watched?! Nakajima: As Kai runs out. ...... Nakajima: ...I... Kumi: Talk to Masanori onii-chan and let him know what's happening!! Nakajima: ...I was too scared...!! (page) The phone rings at Kai's house. Kyousuke: Hello? The Sagano resi- Kyousuke: What? Nakajima? Kyousuke: Oh, Bon's classmate... Kyousuke: Masanori-san? Why, what's the matter? Kyousuke: As Masa gestures for the phone. Hang on a second. Masa: Hello? Masa: Listening. ..... Masa: Ginyuukai? ...I see. Masa: Thank you for letting us know. (page) At the construction site. Kumi: You cowards! Let us go! Sata: As his friends beat up Kai. Doesn't this bitch ever shut up? Yakuza guy: Sata Botchan, Yakuza guy: high school girls don't come our way too often. Yakuza guy: We can take her now, can't we? Sata: Yeah, make sure you give her plenty of attention. Kai: Stop it! Get the fuck away from Kumi! Kumi: Kyaaa! What are you doing, you pervert?! Sata: Oh, aren't you the dashing hero. (page) Sata: Kicking Kai in the stomach. Sata: You're so "cool", Sata: Pulling the sword out of its sheath. it fucking pisses me off. Kumi: Get away from me you thug! You wouldn't deserve a virgin in a million years! Yakuza guy: You really don't shut up, do you? Want me to tape your mouth? Kumi: I'm the Sagano-gumi boss Masanori Araki's girl!! Kumi: Touch me, and you'll end up encased in concrete and thrown in the ocean! Kyousuke: Suddenly landing almost on top of her. Guh... Kumi: ! (page) Kyousuke: Smiling. Don't tell lies, Kumi-chan. Kumi: Kyousuke-san! Yakuza guy: As Kyousuke grips his face. Guhh! Kyousuke: Hey! Kyousuke: Since when has Ginyuukai Kyousuke: become the kind of organization that puts itself in the middle of a kids' fight? Huh? Yakuza guy: Seeing the pin on Kyousuke's lapel. A badge...?! He's a boss?! Yakuza guy: Which organization are you from...? Kyousuke: Sagano-gumi, the head of Kansai Shouryuukai. Kyousuke: You've caused trouble for our beloved Bon and his girlfriend. You're prepared to accept the consequences? (page) Yakuza guy: Sh- Shouryuukai?! The don of Kansai... Kyousuke: Kicking him. That's right! Yakuza guy: Hey! Stop it, you guys! Yakuza guy: You can't mess with him! Sata: Wh- what are you talking about? Sata's pal: Uwa!! Sata: ! Masa: Twisting his arm behind him. That's enough, don't you think? Sata's pal: Ow! Let go! You're gonna break my arm! (page) Masa: Helping Kai to his feet. When you pull out a sword, Masa: you can't call it a kids' fight anymore. Kai: Masa... Sata's pal: S- Sata, we're in over our heads. Sata's pal: He's a real yakuza, with a gold badge! Sata's pal: I'm telling you it's too dangerous! Let's go! Sata! Sata: Shut up!! Who gives a shit about a badge?! (page) Sata: Sagano... I'm not letting you get away, you son of a bitch... Sata: You've embarrassed me... Sata: Raising the sword. I'm gonna kill you!! Kai stares at the sword. Kai: As Masa moves in front of him. ! (page) Sata slashes Masa across the face. Kai: Ma... sa... (page) Masa: Go ahead and cut me all you like. Sata: Shaking. ...Ah... ...Ah... Masa: But if you do anything to hurt this person, Masa: be sure that very soon, Masa: I will come to take your life. Sata: Fleeing. Hiii-! Sata's pal: Let's get the hell out of here! (page) Kyousuke: Boss! Kai: I'll look after Masa! Kai: Hurry and call an ambulance! Kyousuke: Right! Kai rips his T-shirt to make a bandage. Masa: Bon, are you badly hurt...? Kai: Idiot! Don't worry about me! Kai: Don't move! Lie down! Kai: I gotta calm down! I mustn't panic!! Kai: The ambulance'll be here soon, okay?! Kai: I can think about it later. The first thing to do is stop the bleeding!! (page) Kai: The blood... keeps coming and coming... Kai: I gotta stay in control... But... Kai: Shaking as he presses the cloth over Masa's cut. What should I do? Masa: Bon... Are you crying? Kai: Masa's eye... It might be injured. (page) Masa: I'm all right. It's just a shallow cut. Hey, you don't have to cry. Kai: Sobbing. Someone important to me's been hurt, because of me... Kai: Please, mom, help him! Kai: Please help Masa! At school. Kai, his face bandaged, is sitting at his desk looking worried. Kai: ....! Flashback. Kyousuke: The testing and such is going to take quite awhile, so please go back to school. Kai: No, I don't wanna! Kyousuke: We just need one person here to keep everyone else informed... Kai: But what if something happens to Masa!! (page) Kyousuke: I understand how you feel. But your presence here right now isn't going to help anything. Kyousuke: As Kai in frustration thumps his fists against Kyousuke's chest. The boss would like you to go back to school, too. Kai: ...Please... Let me know as soon as you know anything... End flashback. Kai sits worrying at his desk, hands clasped and eyes closed. Kumi watches him, concerned. (page) At the hospital. Kai: Running. Toshi! Kai: How's Masa? Toshi: He's sleeping right now. Kai: That idiot Kyousuke! Where the hell is he?! He was supposed to let me know what's happening!! (page) Toshi: But the test results aren't in, so we don't know anything yet... Kai: Going into Masa's hospital room. Well then why can't he tell me that?! What's the matter with him?! Masa lies in bed, part of his head swaddled in bandages. Kai: ...Masa... (page) Toshi: It isn't as bad as it looks. Toshi: They did have to... give him some stitches. Kai: Clutching at his own T-shirt. ...His eye... Kai: His eye isn't hurt... is it...? Toshi: The doctor said the blade missed his eyeball, so... Toshi: He needs a lot of rest and then they have to do some tests, but if the results are okay, he can do the rest of his treatment as an outpatient, they said. Kai: He can... go home? Toshi: Not right away, though. (page) Kai looks down at Masa. Kai: Kneeling and putting his hand on Masa's shoulder. ...Masa... Kai: As tears form in his eyes. You're okay, aren't you? Let's get out of here as soon as we can, okay... Evening, at the Sata residence. Maid: Knocking on the bedroom door. Botchama, dinner is ready... Sata: I don't want it! (page) Mr. Sata: What's the matter? Maid: Botchama is... Mr. Sata: Hey! Ueda-han from Ginyuukai is here! Can't you show your face?! Note: Mr. Sata calls him -han instead of -san due to his Kansai accent. Sata: I... I don't wanna!! Housekeeper: Sir. Housekeeper: There's a gentleman called Imagawa-san here to see you. Mr. Sata: Imagawa? In his room, hiding in the blankets, Sata evinces alarm. Sata: It's him!! That guy's here for revenge!! Sata: Disappearing under the blankets. Hiii-! Mr. Sata: Get rid of him! I have important matters to discuss with Ueda-han. (page) Kyousuke: I'll just let myself in. Housekeeper: Ah! You... you mustn't! Mr. Sata and Ueda are seated for dinner. They look up as the door slams open. Ueda: ! Kyousuke: Well, well. Kyousuke: Ginyuukai-san is here too. Mr. Sata: You're pretty rude, barging in here uninvited. Who are you?! Kyousuke: Kyousuke Imagawa, assistant to the second in command of the Sagano branch of Kansai Shouryuukai. (page) Ueda: Shouryuukai?! Kyousuke: I have a little matter to discuss with both of you, so I let myself in. Mr. Sata: I don't care where you're from, this is unlawful entry! Get the hell out! Ueda: Sata-sensei. Ueda: Shouryuukai's Sagano is the don of Kansai. Mr. Sata: That means nothing to me! I know nothing about it! Kyousuke: Seating himself. Your Bon has caused some serious problems for our Bon, you see. Mr. Sata: Fool, you came here over a child's fight? Kyousuke: I wouldn't bother to come here if it was just a fist fight. Kyousuke: They'd have only themselves to blame if they got hurt. ...However, Kyousuke: Sata-san, your Bon did something serious. (page) Kyousuke: In trying to cut down our Bon, he slashed open the face of Kyousuke: our second in command, Araki. Kyousuke: But there's more. The sword was provided to him by Ginyuukai-san. Mr. Sata: Y-you better stop right there with your false accusations!! Kyousuke: No matter what a worthless brat he is, I'm sure your son is important to you, so I've gone to all the trouble to come discuss matters with you. Kyousuke: Killing one brat or crushing Ginyuukai are things we can take care of before breakfast, as I'm sure you know, Ueda-san. Ueda: ...It's as you say, sir. Mr. Sata: Ueda-han?! Ueda: With his head bowed, sweating. With the assistance of Shouryuukai, Ginyuukai has finally managed to make a name for itself. Ueda: This Araki, from Sagano-gumi, is a candidate for the position of the next boss of Shouryuukai... (page) Ueda: We won't get off lightly with this!! Ueda: As Mr. Sata looks horrified. No matter how far we run, Shouryuukai allies are scattered all over the country, Ueda: and they will certainly come to settle the score. Mr. Sata: I-if it's money you want, you can have it! How much do you want? Mr. Sata: I- I mean, how much will be sufficient, sir? Kyousuke: Pulling a knife out of its sheath. Mr. Sata: As Kyousuke slams the knife point into the table. Hii-! (page) Kyousuke: Ueda-han. Kyousuke: This really calls for war, Kyousuke: but the boss says we shouldn't fight amongst ourselves. Kyousuke: You'll accept the dissolution of Ginyuukai, right? Ueda: ..... Kyousuke: I'll have you write up the retirement document and sign it in blood right here and now. Ueda: Still with his head bowed. Understood, sir... Kyousuke: Turning to Mr. Sata. You're next. Mr. Sata: Y-yes?! Kyousuke: I suppose I'll let you pay up in exchange for the life of your worthless son. Mr. Sata: Bowing. I... I'll pay! I'll payyyy!! (page) Narration: Two weeks later... At the hospital. Nurse: No running please! Kai: Still running. Sorry! Kai: Kyousuke! Kyousuke: Opening the door to Masa's room. He's about to open his eyes and have his vision checked. Kyousuke: He said he really wanted you to be there. Kai: Huh...? Kyousuke: As Kai hangs back, looking stressed at the prospect. Well, come in. (page) The doctor is removing Masa's bandages. Masa: Bon... You've come, haven't you? Masa: Come here please. Shaking, Kai clings to Kyousuke's arm. Kyousuke: Gently prying him off. Bon... Kyousuke: He wants your face to be the first thing he sees. (page) Masa: Please come here. Kai sits in a chair opposite Masa, who is sitting up on his bed. Kai sneaks a peek up as the doctor removes the final bandage. Kai: I... I think I'd better... Masa: Grabbing Kai's hands so he can't escape. (page) Doctor: It'll feel a little tight because of the injury. Doctor: Don't force it open; do it slowly. Masa: Okay. Kai: --!! Kai: Seeing the huge stitched gash between Masa's eyes. It's that bad...!! Kai's tearful face slowly comes into focus for Masa. (page) Masa: Taking Kai's face in his hands. Masa: What's this? It's your smiling face I wanted to see. Kai: You can... see... okay...? Masa: Yes, I can see just fine. Kai: Jumping into Masa's embrace. (page) Kai: Crying on Masa's shoulder. Masa! Masaaa!! Masa: I'm sorry to have caused you worry. Doctor: As even Kyousuke gets a little choked up. Even after you go home, you still have to rest, understand? Masa: Right. Kyousuke: Happily. I'll go inform everyone! Doctor: Yeah, I'll bet Mr. Sagano's been pretty concerned too. Doctor: I guess I have to let you leave the hospital, or else Kai-bon will be sneaking in here to watch over you all night long. (Ha ha ha.) Masa: Holding Kai close and speaking to the doctor. Thank you for everything. (page) Narration: The next evening. Masa has returned home. Yakuza guy: Boss! Other guy: Boss! Kai: Hey, back off! You're stirring up dust! Kai: Toshi! Is Masa's futon ready? Toshi: It's been put out, sir! Masa: Really, I'm not sick, you know! Kai: No, you're wounded, idiot. Masa: First I've got to report to the boss. Kai: Clinging fiercely to Masa's arm. Don't you realize you're hurt?! Get a clue! The doctor just got through telling you you need complete rest! (page) Kai: That old jerk decided to go out, even though you were coming home! Masa: Being pushed along the hallway by Kai. Well then, I'll just give him a call... Kai: Kyousuke can do that! Leave it to him! Kyousuke: I just now phoned him. Kyousuke: Taking off Masa's jacket. You just relax and recuperate; don't worry about anything. Masa: But... Kai: Loosening Masa's tie. Stop talking back! Kai: Noticing some underlings peeking into Masa's bedroom. Hey! You guys! Underlings: Sweatdropping at being caught. Huh?! Kai: If you got nothing better to do than spy on Masa, then why don't you bring some water so he can take his medicine, idiots? Underlings: Being chased off by Kai. Excuse us--!! Kyousuke: Smiling. In his own Bon-like way, he's doing his best. (page) Kyousuke: While you were in the hospital, Kyousuke: he threw a tantrum threatening to sneak in there and spend the night. Masa: Amused. He threw a tantrum, did he? Kai: The sound of Kai's running feet is heard. Kyousuke! Kyousuke! Kai: Put out a futon for me too! Kai: I have to look after Masa! Kyousuke: Sweatdropping as Kai runs off again. Look after you... Kyousuke: Make him go right to sleep, okay? No pillow fights or anything please. (You know he needs a lot of sleep.) Masa: You've got to be kidding. (page) Kai: In a bathrobe and with a towel on his head, reading the instructions on Masa's medicine. One of each before bed... Kai: Masa, did someone help you wash? Masa: Yes. Kai: It feels gross not to take a bath, doesn't it? Masa: I'm fine. Kai: But healing your injury comes first, so you have to listen to the doctor. Kai: Examining the medicine. The instructions are right on here. This one's for pain... Masa: Oh, I can do that much myself... Kai: I'm doing it!! Hold out your hand, damn it!! Masa: Sweatdropping. All right... (page) Kai: Watching as Masa takes his pills. ...... Kai: I wonder, couldn't they do some plastic surgery...? Masa: I'm not a woman, so Masa: it's not necessary. ...Besides Masa: this'll add to my reputation and make me cool. Kai: Laughing. Don't talk like an idiot. Masa: Putting his hand on the side of Kai's face.There, I need to see you smiling like that, or else I feel exhausted. (page) Masa: If every time you see my scar, you look troubled, then I won't be able to look you straight in the face anymore. Masa: You're a kind child, so even if I tell you not to worry, you will, Masa: but to me, this is a badge of honor, you know? Masa: I think of it as proof that I was able to protect you. Kai: Masa always wraps me up with his whole body... Masa: Okay, let's go to sleep. Kyousuke will have a fit if we don't. Kai: Looking over at Masa lying in his futon. ...so that I don't worry... so that I don't hurt... (page) Kai: Sitting up. Masa? Masa: Yes? Kai: Kissing a startled Masa gently on the mouth. Kai: When I was in grade school Kai: I kissed you once, remember? Even though I didn't understand what it meant too well. Kai: But I didn't have the meaning wrong even then. Kai: A kiss is something you do to someone you like. (page) Kai: You'll never tell me anything you want me to do, will you? Kai: You always spoil me... Kai: I've never done anything for you. Masa: Apparently having his inhibitions lowered by the drugs. No... I can't let him be dirtied like that. Masa: Not him... Kai: Kneeling over Masa. Isn't there something I can do for you? ...Anything? Kai: Isn't there anything you'd like me to do...? Kai: Looking surprised as Masa reaches up for him. (page) Kai: Looking even more surprised as Masa sits up and kisses him. Kai: Pulling back a little, sweatdropping. Ma...! Kai: Giving up being surprised as Masa embraces him and continues the kiss. N-! Masa cups Kai's head with one hand. (page) Kai: Bringing his hands up to Masa's shoulders. There's nothing I can do for him. Kai: Putting his arms around Masa's neck. Kai: Being laid down on the futon. If I could comfort him like a woman could... Kai: But I'm not a woman... Masa: Kissing Kai's open mouth. Kai: Holding Masa's head as Masa kisses his shoulder. I don't have the courage or the confidence to do that. (page) Kai: Every time Masa goes off to see some woman, I have the feeling he'll never come back. Masa has opened the front of Kai's robe and has his mouth on Kai's chest. He pushes the robe away and reaches down between Kai's legs. Kai: --! Kai: Looking flushed and gripping the pillow as Masa starts to look alarmed. Nn.. Uh... (page) Masa: As Kai slowly opens his eyes. What on earth... Masa: Looking rather horrified. Am I doing to him... Kai: Ma...sa...? Masa: Sitting up and turning away. Forgive me. Kai: Looking embarrassed and pulling his robe back on his shoulder. Um... I uh... sorry... Kai: I guess I'm not... very satisfying...? Kai: Um. You know, Masa, I was thinking... Masa: With his head in his hand and probably not listening to a word Kai is saying. --! (page) Kai: I don't have any experience, and I don't really know what to do, so Kai: I think it would be better if you'd just go ahead and take me as your boy lover... Masa: Paying attention. Boy...? Kai: Looking very embarrassed and sincere. Everything gets better with practice, right? Kai: Okay, let's do it! Masa: Staring at Kai and attempting not to laugh. Masa: Turning away and shaking with laughter. Kai: Aaaahhhh!! Kai: What are you laughing for? I... I'm being serious... Masa! (page) Masa: I'm sorry. I guess that joke was a little harsh. Kai: Joke?! Masa: Yeah, I got carried away. Masa: Your feelings alone are enough for me. I'll accept them gratefully. Kai: Kneeling behind Masa with his hands on his shoulders. I can't do anything for you... Masa: You've given me more than enough. Masa: You've grown up strong and gentle. Masa: With his hand on the side of Kai's head. Please allow me to stay by your side forever. Masa: Because I want nothing more and nothing less than that. (page) Kai: Hugging Masa. Kai: But that's what I want from you. Masa: Let's go to sleep, shall we? You'll be tired in the morning. Kai: Is it okay if sleep over there with you? Masa: Chuckling. Yes, that's okay. Kai: In Masa's futon. Hey, Masa. Masa: What? Kai: You kiss... really good. Kai: I was surprised it felt so nice. (page) Masa: As Kai kisses him. Bon-! Kai: Goodnight! Kai: Closing his eyes. Masa... I love you. Masa: ...... Masa: The one word I can never say, he says so easily and honestly. Masa: Gazing at Kai's sleeping face. What was I running from? Masa: When I've got something so precious. (page) The next morning. Masa and Kai are out in the garden, still in their robes. Masa: He would probably accept anything I asked of him. Kai: Balancing on a stone. Masaa!! Masa: To keep me from being hurt, he would let me do anything with him. Masa: But I would never sacrifice him in order to attain him. Kai: I've decided to try kendo after all! (page) Masa: Watching him. This person is my treasure. Masa: Smiling. Really? Masa: A precious treasure that must never be damaged. Masa: Picking him up. Let's see... Masa: Ah, you've gotten heavier. Masa: I will continue to protect him. Kai: Happily. Of course I have! I can't stay a kid forever! Masa: Time sure flies. It seems like only yesterday I was carrying you on my shoulders. Masa: Like a big brother. Like a father. (page) Kai: Am I starting to look more like my mom? Masa: Smiling up at him. Hm? Yes, you are. Kyousuke: Waving a soup ladle. Aaaahhh!! What are you doing?! The two of you, out here in those outfits, you're going to catch a cold! Masa: I will continue to guard her treasure. Kyousuke: Boss, you're injured, remember! You have to take better care of yourself! Masa: Still holding Kai. Okay, okay. Kai: Man, Kyousuke's lecturing all the time these days. Kyousuke: That's because you two are always doing crazy stuff!! Kai: Hey, kiss me again, okay? Masa: Sweatdropping as Kai happily kisses him. Stop that. Kyousuke: Shaking his fist as they ignore him. Your breakfast's getting cold--!!