Mintna Bokura (We are Mint) #1 Translation by Dimitri Ashling All rights held by the authoress, Wataru Yoshizumi. Special thanks to Taisei, Kaori and Masatomo (for checking my translations), and Karen Duffy (for showing me this story in the first place) Main Characters: Minamino Noel Minamino Maria (Noe1's twin sister, she's older) Mom Dad Asou Kanako (Maria's roommate) Makimura Miyu (Noel's roommate) Sasa Ryouji (basketball player) Hirobe Kazuaki (girls' basketball coach) Page 3 Noel: If it'll bring Maria back.. I'll do anything. Whatever it takes. Page 7 May A new transfer student has come to Morinomiya Junior High Boarding School. I'm Minamino Noel. Pleased to meet you! (Shocked/confused look with the students..) Sensei: Quiet down! You can tell by just looking. Minamino Maria transferred here in April. This is her twin sister. She couldn't come in April due to the situation at home.. (Maria gets up, with loud sound effects) Page 8 Maria: No.. Noel!? Noel: It's been a while, Maria. Maria: WHAT'S THE MEANING OF THIS? (Maria grabs Noel, to very stunned students, and takes him to a park). Page 9 Maria (thinking): This is a good place. Nobody comes here. Maria: So! Explain!! Noel: The explanation.. is what you see. You didn't come, so I pursued. Because you did something selfish, like transferring by yourself.. Maria: That's beside the point! What's with those clothes? Who's my little sister? You're my Page 10 LITTLE BROTHER.. Noel: Lower your voice!..(Covering Maria's mouth) Someone might hear you. Maria: Shush. Take off that stupid wig!! (Takes it off..) It's disgusting. Noel: Ouch..what're you doing? I had that pinned down.. Page 11 This tale starts 2 months ago, at home. Dad: Maria, Noel. This time, I'm going to Hawaii on business. What do you two think about going with me for spring vacation? Mom can't come.. Page 12 Noel: Eh? We can join you!? (Are you serious?) Dad: During the day, I can't take care of you. But since Japanese is OK and there's lots of places to see in Hawaii, you'll be fine, right? Noel: Yeah. Great, lucky!! That's great, Maria! Maria: I can't go.. Noel: Why not? Maria: School's having a sports tourney during spring vacation. Noel: Basketball club? Why don't you skip it? Maria: No, that's irresponsible.. (I didn't think he'd understand..) Noel: Come on, let's go! It would be boring without you. Maria: Yeah. I do want to go, but.. Page 13 Noel, go on ahead. It's a tournament, so if we keep winning , I'll be busy, but if our team loses, it's spring vacation for me. Then, I'll join you as soon as possible. Noel: ...Sure. (Hmmph). Lose as soon as you can. (Maria with a sweatbead on the back of her head..) (Picture of palm trees) Page 14 (Sound of a big fish going underwater) Crowd: OHHHHHH!!!!!... Noel: That was fun. Whale watching! I would have loved to see it a little closer.. Dad: Noel, your dad's a little seasick... Noel (thinking): (Oh yeah. We haven't heard anything from Maria yet. I wonder if her club is still playing. I wonder if her club's that good.) Still, we received no word from Maria. It was disappointing, but we had no choice. When we came back with a bunch of gifts --- Page 15 there was no sign of Maria. Mom: That girl, she entered a boarding school. Maria said that she was wanting to enter Morinomiya Junior High... Noel: Wha..what do you mean, mom? (Why so suddenly..) Mom: This is a letter from Maria. Maria... Noel, I'm sorry I left without saying anything. I was sure you'd disagree, so I didn't tell you. I'll be back for summer vacation. At that time, I'm sure I'll explain the situation. Please wait 'til then. I need to be alone. Maria What could have happened? Dad: First love!? Mom: That's true. She met a guy from Morinomiya during the basketball tournament, and fell for him. By the way, Noel, it's a secret. Page 16 Dad: But, what's this, saying nothing 'til we've lost her transferring schools.. "For some reason, I want to be with him. It's first love, please!" Ah, my cute daughter crying through the request. Some selfishness is OK, but I can't ignore her. It's still early for love! She's just 13. Their cousin Akane got in love and married at 16. She was passionate about the family budget. But, Akane divorced after 3 months... Mom: Ah, what's this? Are you saying covering for my daughter's first love is wrong? Do you have complaints about my reasons? (Dad married a heiress) Dad: Eh.. not really. (Dad & Akane's dad are twin brothers) Noel: Because of first love? Maria loves a guy? It's a lie, isn't it? Page 17 Maria... Since we were born, we've always been together. She's been my other half. We've been the best of friends. When we were young,schooltime was lots of fun. We always planned ahead. We played lots of tricks. "The demonic twins with the angelic faces" we were called. The neighbors and relatives feared us. Though, after entering elementary school, Maria started changing for some reason. She entered clubs by herself. (Maria: Noel, what club are you entering? I'm going for basketball.) She started spending more time with her girl friends... (Maria: In class, we girls are going to go see a movie.) (That game's childish. I'll pass.) Page 18 We're rapidly separating, past the point of no return. (There's a real and mutual agreement.) (That no one will come between the 2 of us.) That's what I thought to be ----- I won't forgive this. She's selfishly loving someone else. That's right. She's betraying me!! I'm still here!! I'll never allow the other guy to come between us!! Page 19 (Dad slams the bathroom door) Dad: ? Noel? (Did I make you wait? Sorry.) Noel: Dad, I'm transferring to Morinomiya Junior High!! Dad: Eh!? Noel: Dad, doesn't Maria loving a guy feel wrong to you? I'm going to Morinomiya to stop her!! Dad:Didn't you hear? The new term's started, so you might be not be able to transfer. (I wonder if he can..) Noel: Do something for me! Use your connections, use grandpa's connections, use anything we've got. Dad: Hmm.. If you're so worried about Maria, then all right. I'll go with your idea. Page 20 Later Dad: An acquaintance introduced me to the chairman of Morinomiya Junior High. She's a funny person.. She thought our story was interesting, so she gave the OK for you to enter school. But She said "Only if he can live as a girl". There's only one vacancy, and it's in the girls' dorm. So, to go you need to be prepared for that. Putting up with the trouble of living in the same rooms with girls without breaking is a necessity. Noel (thinking): I'll be? Living as a girl..!? Noel: Don't say that kind of garbage. Dad: Well, I think you and Maria can easily pass as twin sisters. For a long time, you've really hated being mistaken for a girl. You were pretty violent sometimes to those who made the mistake. It seems impossible.. (Noel gets up with a start) Page 21 Noel: Wa ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. Whatever it takes, I'll do it. I'll dress up as a girl, I'll do anything! (Arrow pointing to face: Desperate) And then, I'll definitely bring Maria back!! (End of Tale) Noel: That's the reason. (Note:Half-wig extension.The hairband is for hiding the line between the hair and the wig.) Noel: Oh, Maria. (What's wrong?) Maria: That's so foolish... Page 22 What do you, dad, and the chairman think you're doing !! Ah, geez Mom, why didn't you stop him!! Mom: I gave up to Noel's drive.. Noel: By the way, isn't this half-wig cool? I used hair just like yours to gain a resemblance to you. It lends me some grace. I'm wearing supatsu* under my skirt, so if sometimes they see under it, nothing looks wrong.. (supatsu are like spandex) Maria: You're doing fine. (sweatbead) Noel: It wouldn't be complete without small breasts... (sweatbead) I'm wearing a padded bra, too. It feels gloomy, but that's OK... Maria: You bought all that stuff? No way. Noel: I got it from your room. A-26... (Maria gives Noel a good bonk on the head with a slipper) Maria: Fool! Pervert! I don't believe this. Go back to the school you came from! Page 23 Noel: No way! I'm not going back without you. You're precious to me!! (Maria's surprised, and then lets out a breath) Page 24 Maria: Noel... I'm realy sorry I kept quiet about my transfer. Because you're my precious little brother. I love you. I really want you next to me, I want that badly. But.. We're not going to be kids forever. We need to stop being confined to the 2 of us. We need to be more independent! Noel, you can also find a girl to love if you want to. So please try to understand what I'm saying.. Noel (in tanuki mode): Zzzz... Maria: What sort of attitude is that!! (thinking): I was being serious. Page 25 Maria: Oh, just as well. You can't pretend to be a girl for too long. Either way, you'll be discovered or you won't be able to endure it for long. I feel sorry for you, so I'll keep quiet! (Sticks out her tounge at Noel) Noel: W..whew. I'm resigned to this. I'm going to take Maria back from this place. Until I get Maria back, I'll never give up!! Page 26 Girl's dorm (Noel closing a closet) Noel: Whew. There, I'm all moved in! I guess that's it. (Knock knock) Page 27 (Maria steps in, with another girl) Maria: Noel, are you all unpacked? (Noel's a little stunned) Noel: Maria... Maria: As you'd guess, I was worried, so I came to see how you were doing. Noel: Great! Thank you. Noel (thinking): So nice and kind, sure enough, that's my Maria. Maria: Oh, this girl is my roommate, Asou Kanako-chan. Kanako: Pleased to meet you. Noel: Yeah, nice to meet you. Maria: Noel, you have a double room, too. Where's your roommate? Noel: She's out right now. I know her name's Makimura Miyu, but.. Page 28 Maria: Kanako, you and Makimura-san are in the same class. What kind of kid is she? Kanako: She's a really pretty girl. But she really doesn't chat with anyone. She's like a lone wolf.. She's got a little of an adult atmosphere about her. It makes it harder to meet her. There's a rumor she's hanging out with middle aged guys. Maria & Noel: EH!? Kanako: Ah, it's just a rumour, rumour. I really think so. Noel: Dating middle aged guys.. She doesn't seem normal. Kanako: Just a rumour, a rumour. Noel: I wonder if I can get along with her. Page 29 Makimura Miyu hasn't returned yet. Noel (thinking): It's past lockout time, I wonder if she's OK. Maybe she has permission to live off campus for a bit. (Loud noise) A pretty girl enters by the window, taking her shoes off. Girl: Ah.. Page 30 Noel (heart beating rapidly): Do.. don't tell me, Makimura-san? Oh, you shocked me. Miyu: Yes. I'm sorry I surprised you. I forgot that a roommate was coming. (Miyu just walks past Noel) Noel (thinking): I wonder if she's out past lockout time sometimes.. A little delinquent.. Um.. I'm Minamino Noel. I just transferred into Class A. Pleased to meet you. Miyu: Pleased. Noel (thinking): She's not too courteous.. Was that a smile just now? Page 31 But this might be easier than I thought. If I keep my involvements as low as possible, and keep the chances of being discovered low.. (Noel sees Miyu with her shirt off. Suffice it to say she's really pretty, notices Noel..) Page 32 (and Noel turns away with a start). Miyu:? Noel (thinking): I.. i saw. Other than Maria... this is my first... Oh, what'll I do? What to do about this? Nothing I can do, but..but..but what'll I do? I thought about this so lightly, but sharing a room with a girl.. Might be a real trial.. Page 33 Miyu: No-san. Minamino-san! If you don't wake up soon, you're going to be late. (Noel gets up with a start..) Noel (checking the wig & thinking): Good..the wig didn't slip. Noel: M..morning. Miyu: Do you know they serve breakfast at school? Noel: Ah..yeah. Page 34 Miyu: You sleep with your hairband on? You're a little weird. Noel: E..he.. (I can't think of a good excuse) Miyu: See ya. I'm going ahead. Noel: Whew.. At school breakfast.. Maria: Noel! Over here. (Everyone from our class is here.) Page 35 So, how was your first day in the girls' dorm? Noel: I'll manage somehow.. Maria (whispering): How did things go with Makimura-san? Noel (whispering): No good. That's why we should go home, Maria. Maria: No chance. Girls (in crowd): Oh, look! Those twins. Exactly the same. Guy (in crowd): Cute.. Noel: Is everybody watching us? Classmate: Why not. Page 36 When Maria moved to this school, she was really cute and made a lot of noise. About a month later, her twin sister comes out of the blue. For some reason, these pretty sisters are really becoming the talk of the school. Noel: For some reason.. (ha ha) Classmate: What club are you entering, Noel? Basketball, same as your sister? Noel: Yeah, that's right, ore*.. (Ore is I/me used mostly by guys/men) (thinking): Ah, I goofed. Even though I practiced proper girls' speech. This is bad! Noel: Ah, ore is a favorite word of mine. I think I should change it, but it's not that easy.. (thinking): Did they find me out? Girl 1: Yah, how boyish! Girl 2: It doesn't suit you. Guy: You have no grace, Noel. (Noel's a bit surprised) Page 37 Noel (thinking): I give up. I'll talk the way I want to talk.. Noel: I'm using guys' speech, but nobody doubts me! Maria: Aren't you glad that was easy? Noel: Yeah, it was.. but somehow I'm not happy. I think they were a bit suspicious of me, though.. Maria: See ya, I'm off to my club.. Noel: Ah, Maria! This is important. I forgot to ask you something. This guy you love, do you already love each other? Page 38 Maria:If that's the case, especially since I'm talking of him as my boyfriend, Noel will be there to take me back.. Noel: Then, that's one-sided love. Who is he? Maria: I won't say. Noel: I'll find out soon anyway. Because I know he's on the basketball team! Maria: Noel, I'm serious. I really love him. Page 39 So please don't interfere. Please...! Page 40 Noel(thinking): Well, time to interfere. That's the reason I came here. There's a lot of good guys in the basketball club. Which one of these guys does Maria love? Grrr.. There's got to be a better way than this. If I enter the girls' basketball club, I can keep an eye on Maria. But that's hard physical exercise and the wig could slip out of place. Guy: Hey.. Page 41 It's dangerous to stand around here. If you want to watch, go to the 2nd floor. Noel(thinking): I've seen this face before. Noel: Aren't you in my class? Guy: Yeah. Noel: Umm.. your name was... Guy: Sasa Ryouji. Noel(thinking): Sasa.. this guy isn't too courteous, either. Page 42 But I'm not worried. Noel: Say, Sasa, tell me. Who's really cool on your team? Sasa: Huh? Noel: Is there a guy so special girls would fall for him at first sight? Sasa: I wouldn't know that... ask your sister. The girls' team is back from their workout. (Maria is looking very happily at a guy, and Noel notices) Page 43 Noel: Sasa! Who's that? The guy talking to Maria.. Sasa: Hirobe-san? He's the coach of the girls' team. He's an alumni from here.. If I remember right, he's 2nd year in K college right now. Noel (thinking): So that's... what happened. Now I see. Maria, you fool. I can see your face right from here. Page 44 (Noel gets a very determined look) Noel: Sasa! I've got a favor to ask. Please listen to it! Sasa: ... (What's with this girl?) (Maria takes a shot, and makes it, with the ball hitting the rim) Hirobe: Minamino, use more snap with your shot. Maria: Sure! (thinking): Hirobe-san... Page 45 I love you.. Since that day, all the time.. Maria (just fallen down on her knees): Ah, geez! What did they have to put a step there for? (thinking): We lost the game... So unlucky.... Young man: Are you OK? Did you sprain your ankle? (Maria blushes and her heart goes "thump") Page 46 Maria: Oh, I'm Ok. Thanks... (crack) Young man: You can't stand up? At the nurse's office, you can get proper medical treatment. (Hirobe picks Maria up) Young man: Um, the nurse's office.. Maria (thinking & blushing heavily): Ya! No way! He picked me up just like a princess!! Maria: S.. sorry... I must be heavy .. Young man: I'm fine, you're not heavy at all. (smiles) Page 47 Maria (thinking, with hearts in her eyes): I'm so lucky... Maria: What's your name? Young man: Hirobe Kazuaki. I'm the coach at Morinomiya Junior High. See ya, take care of yourself. Maria (thinking): To follow him, I came to this school a month ago. Hirobe: Oh, that time! What a coincidence! Maria (thinking):Whenever we met during the week, I was happy. I hadn't thought about confessing to him, though. Then the circumstances changed. (Graphic of a small devil Noel) Page 48 I've got to move quickly, take some action. Maria: Hirobe-san! (Hirobe-san turns and looks) Hirobe-san: What? Maria: Umm.. umm.. (Thump.. thump.. thump) Do you have any plans this Sunday? Hirobe-san: I've got no plans, so? Maria: Then... umm... Page 49 How about going out somwehere!? (I said it!!) Hirobe-san: Ah.. that's fine. Maria (thinking): He said that so easily. No way!? That was so simple. Maybe Hirobe-san really cares about me.... Hirobe-san: Where shall we go? Maria: A.. anywhere's fine. If there's anyplace you want to go. Hirobe-san: OK, then I'll think of somewhere. Page 50 So, who'll be joining us? Maria (thinking): What the? (Background mentions that Hirobe-san's feeling like a guardian) Hirobe-san: Yes, you girls always practice so hard. Going out and having some fun ocassionally is a good idea! Oh, basketball guys can come too. (Maria is stunned and bothered. You'd have to see it to understand) Page 51 (At the school, next day) Maria (thinking): Either, he'll avoid me, or he's being really blunt. Maybe the latter. I guess he doesn't care for me, cause I'm just a jr. high kid. (Takes a breath) Well, at least I get to see him outside of basketball. This is the first step towards mutual love! Maria: Hey. Basketball club members, let's have a little meeting! Page 52 Members: What is it? Maria: Hirobe-san wants to go out somewhere with me on Sunday. Would you like to join us? Noel: Hirobe-san!? I'm going. Maria (thinking): Oh no. This is bad! Why does he know about Hirobe-san. Maria: No.. no way! Noel, you're not in the basketball club! Outsiders are.. Noel: I'm not an outsider. (Maria's really stunned) Noel: I'm now the guys' team manager. Sasa asked a favor from their captain. Sasa: I didn't do anything... I just introduced you. Page 53 (Maria with a sweatbead, thunder & lightning in the background) Noel: I'm looking forward to Sunday!! Maria(with a real BAD look): You're a real help. Sasa (observing Maria): ? Page 55 Noel: Supatsu OK. Loose socks OK. Half-wig attached! Hairband on! Noel girl version ready for action! Page 56 Noel:..... (Closes a door) What a drag. I'm already getting used to this costume. (I've adjusted too well.) I'll get to school early and try to talk Maria into coming back to her old school. (Enters the school building to deserted hallways.) Strange... Blast it.. my watch stopped. (Noel's watch says 8:20, but the big clock outside said 8:45) (The lecture's already begun.) I really don't want to enter that class late. It's math. If they call on me, I've got no chance. Hmm... Page 57 OK! I'll skip 1st period!! Oh, this feels great. But, I'm starting to fall asleep. (Starting to snore) Teacher: Minamino Noel-kun? Page 58 Noel: Yeah. Teacher: Just like I thought. I saw you taking steps 2 at a time, so I thought you were a boy. Noel: Excuse me..? Teacher: I'm Morinomiya Shizuko. I'm the chairman of this school. Page 59 Noel: Oh! (Flashback to Dad) Dad: She's a funny person. She gave the OK for you to transfer. (End Flashback) Noel: Nice to meet you. So, you're a lady. (Translator Note: It's easy to refer to someone in Japanese without mentioning whether they're male or female, but not in English. Also, chairmen of schools are stereotypically guys.) Teacher: Call me Shizuko. Noel: Sure, Shizuko-san. Shizuko: How are you doing at the dorm? Noel: It's so-so... Shizuko: How's your disguise working out? Noel: No problem. Even though I talk like a guy, nobody doubts me. (It's troublesome to change clothes, though.) Shizuko: It's because of the wig. They think a girl's going to have long hair. And your sister looks similar to you. Page 60 And how's making Maria give up on her first love going, I wonder? Noel: Make her give it up! What's Maria doing dating a coach who's in college, and leaving like she did. She's got no shame around him. I can't stand it. Shizuko: My, my. Say, how's Miyu-chan doing? Your roommate. Noel: Makimura? Shizuko-san, is she a personal acquaintance of yours? Shizuko: Yes.. Page 61 I've been a teacher at this school since I was young. Miyu-chan's parents graduated from this school. I was their teacher. And their matchmaker, too. Noel: Oh! Shizuko: When she was in grade school, she was a very cheerful girl. But lately when I've seen her in school, she never smiles. I'm concerned about that. Noel: Yeah. She doesn't look like she's not feeling well. But she's certainly not friendly and I've never seen her smile. It doesn't look like she has any friends. Shizuko: Really? Page 62 Noel-kun, be good friends with her. Please. Noel: Sure, gotcha. (I don't have confidence, though.) Noel: But, Shizuko-san, why'd you let me be Makimura's roommate? Weren't you worried? (After all, I'm a guy.) Shizuko: Since the time I talked to your father, I thought that I could count on you. Besides.. Miyu-chan used to practice Shorin Jikenbo. If you do something bad, she'll slam you good. (Note: Shorin Jikenbo is like Kung Fu.) Page 63 Noel: Oops.. gotta go! See ya, Shizuko-san. Bye bye. Shizuko: See you again, Noel-kun. Don't skip class too much! Page 64 Miyu: Katchan Land? (Arrow pointing to Noel: Trying to be friendly) Noel: Yeah, the basketball club members are going. If you're free, do you want to come? Miyu: I'm busy this afternnon. Noel: Oh, ok.. Page 65 Miyu: I think I'll be coming back late tonight. Could you leave the window open for me? Noel: Sure, gotcha. (Thinking): Out playing at night again. If I tell Shizuko-san this, will she feel better? Or will she get more worried? (Miyu reading) Page 66 Katchan Land Hirobe: Oh! Minamino, I didn't know you had a twin. Noel: I'm little sister Noel. I just became the manager of the guys' basketball club. Pleased to meet you. Hirobe: Yeah, pleased to meet you. Maria (thinking): I don't want Hirobe to be pleased about Noel being around. Noel: Hey, Maria. I'll let you know. I know you love Hirobe-san. Page 67 Maria: How do you know? Noel: What gave you away was the way you looked at him! Today, you're not getting close to Hirobe-san. 'Cause I'm keeping an eye on you! (Maria looks embarassed and really worried) Hirobe: Umm.. We've got 12 people here, right. Classmate: Yes. Hirobe-san: All of us going together is too big a problem. Why don't we split up into groups and meet back at the exit in 3 hours? Classmates: Gotcha! Girl 1: So, where shall we go first? Girl 2: Hirobe-san, let's go to The Land of Mystery! Guy: Oh, me too. Page 68 Maria: Me too... (Grab!) Noel: Maria, you're coming this way to Katchan Shooting! (The twins are shown on a few rides, with Noel happy and Maria not.) Next, let's do this one. Love-check, Magical Cupid. Page 69 Oh, but Sunset Stragety sounds sounds like fun, too. This place is lots of fun. But, why don't we get some cola before that. I'm getting thirsty. Maria: I'm not thirsty right now. Noel: Then I'll go buy some. Wait here for a bit. Maria: I want to go see the gift shop. Noel: Nope. Stay right there! (Maria's fuming) Page 70 (Noel's got a cola) Kanako: Noel! Noel: Oh, you came too, Kanako. I see, you're also in the basketball club. Kanako: You're a little rude. (I've been in the basketball club since the start.) Kanako: Say, you know Maria loves Hirobe-san, don't you? Noel: Yeah, I know. Kanako: Then you have to help her. You've got to arrange it so that they can talk to each other. Noel: No way, I'm not arranging a thing. I don't want Maria having a boyfriend. (Kanako's a little shocked) Kanako: Oh, I see. You don't want to lose your sister. You've got a sister complex. (Arrow with sound effects: You hit the nail right on the head.) Page 71 Noel (thinking): She looks modest, but she expresses everything directly. (talking): But isn't it bad for a coach to have a relationship with one of his players? Kanako: It's OK, isn't it? As long as they keep the game and their private life separate. Noel (sweatbead): But some other girls may love Hirobe-san too. Surely, that'd be a problem. Kanako: I don't think so. I haven't heard anything like that. Hirobe-san's handsome and a good player. We respect him. He's a college student too old to have a serious relationship. Maria has a thing for older guys. If I had a relationship, I'd like someone my age or a year older than me. Someone like Sasa-kun in basketball. Noel: Sasa? Is he popular? Kanako: He's the most popular sophmore on the team. (Note by Sasa's picture: His only appearance this chapter.) Page 72 Noel: Oh, he didn't come today... Kanako: He had plans, that's too bad! But I don't think he's dating anyone. It's well known Sasa-kun doesn't like girls. But I like that about him. (Yah!) Noel: Eh.. Kanako: Anyway, you've got to support Maria! Noel: No way. Kanako: You're stubborn. Noel: Oh, (Notices the empty bench) that Maria! I told her to wait for me! Page 73 The gift shop (Maria looking at Katchan cups) (Katchan cups. 1,000 yen.) Maria: Though I came to date Hirobe-san, I can't talk to him at all... Today may be impossible, because Noel's here. From now on, I'll have to put up with this. (Maria feeling really bad, but then sees something) (Good luck cat wind bells 400 yen.) Little sign at right: Pretty small cat wind bells make your wish come true! *Study *Love *Family Safety *Good Luck Coming The bells themselves, left to right: Love, Love, Good Luck Coming, Study. Maria: Oh, how cute! Page 74 (thinking): Great, I'll buy one of these. Which one should I buy? Hirobe: Are you buying one of those? (Big blush by Maria) Maria: Ye.. yes! Hirobe: Making a wish with a little wind bell sounds interesting. I might buy one too. (Maria's eyes are aglaze) Maria (thinking): No way! I can't have the same one as Hirobe-san!! (Graphic of HAPPY with lots of hearts and a cute little Maria angel) Page 75 Hirobe: I'm getting this one for Good Luck Coming. It's all mighty. How about you, Minamino? Maria: .... Love. Hirobe: So, you have someone you love. Maria (thinking): He's not noticing me. The one I love is you. The one I love... Page 76 Bump. Splash!! Maria: Yah! Maria: Noel!? Noel: Sorry I bumped you. It didn't splash on what you're buying, did it? Hirobe: Minamino, here. Maria: I'm OK. I'll go the restroom and clean up. I'm fine... Page 77 (Sign saying toilet in English & Japanese) Noel: How's it going? Could you get it all off? Sorry, Maria. But I really don't like how you're acting around Hirobe-san. When a girl's in love, her face gives her away. I don't want you looking like that. That's because.. (Noel looks at Maria and she's crying) Page 78 (Noel's really surprised) (Under the picture: These two frames got messed up by mistake. Sorry!) Maria (crying): Finally, I got to talk to him. We almost bought the same wind bell. Noel: Wah..I'm sorry. So sorry! Maria! Don't cry!! Maria! Page 79 Kanako: Maria, are you OK? You got cola on your dress? Maria: Oh... you waited for me? Hirobe: What happened? Your face looks like you were crying. If you take it to the cleaners, it'll be fine. Don't worry! Kanako: It's almost all gone, it'll be fine. Maria: Yea.. yeah. Hirobe: Look here. The windbell. (Gives Maria a small bag) Page 80 Maria: Oh... (Blushing): Did you buy this for me? Sorry! Ummm.. how much.. Hirobe: It's OK. It's yours, it didn't cost much. I was going to buy mine anyway. Maria (thinking): No way. We really did get the same one. Kanako: Aren't you happy, Maria? Hirobe: So, shall we go? There's more attractions to see this way. Page 81 (Maria smiling & happy) Maria: Sure! Kanako: Hmm..? Noel's not around. Page 82 (Noel's walking and thinking about it.) Noel: I haven't seen Maria crying like that, not since her bird died... (Picture of a parakeet going "Kippu". That was its name.) Though she liked fighting with the bad guys in the neighborhood, and she was scolded for playing tricks by our parents, she never cried. Only because of that bird... Page 83 Oh, DAMN IT!! Damn it! (thinking): I really don't want Maria to have a boyfriend. But even worse, I don't want her to cry. You fool, Maria. Crying is against the rules. It's illegal! Be.. because I can't interfere any more when you cry!! Page 84 (Noel sees something) Eh!? Makimura-san and a middle-aged guy. He's red in the face. Page 85 (Flashback) Kanako: There's a rumour that Makimura-san is dating middle-aged guys.. (End of Flashback) Noel (thinking): What the... Could that rumour be serious!? Page 87 (Noel watching Miyu, and then when she notices.. Noel turns away with a start) Miyu (thinking): I thought someone was watching me, but.. Noel's heart: Thump, thump, thump. Page 89 Noel (thinking): Yesterday, Makimura-san didn't get in 'til after midnight. I wonder if she was with that middle-aged guy the whole time. Who in the world is he? Her father? A relative? I didn't feel a connection between those two. The feelings didn't seem right for a relative. He was strangely happy and somehow shining. Anyway, if he was her father, he wouldn't make her break curfew. Rule-breakers should die. Just like I thought, she's hanging out with an older guy.. Page 90 Oh, I'll let it be. I'm concerning myself with Makimura's private life. I'm not minding my own business, am I? I'm still a little worried about her after all. Knock. Knock. Maria: Noel, are you there? Come out for a moment. Noel (thinking): Maria..! Maria: You've been avoiding me all day today. Do you intend to avoid me for the rest of your life? Page 91 Noel: No, but.. Maria: What were you trying to pull yesterday? I was sad when you purposely spilled cola on me. But worse than that, you disappeared without telling us. If you're going home early, tell someone! Don't you know we were all worried about you? Noel: So.. sorry.. Maria: But oh, I was so happy. Hirobe-san bought the wind bells together for me. This time was special. I've forgiven you. Let's make up. Noel: Really!? Maria: But Page 92 This is the last time! If you pull something like that again, I'm really going to hate you!! Stop being so childishly possesive of me. Grow up somehow!! Page 93 Noel (thinking): Oh, the bonds of siblings... I didn't know close ties were so fragile.. Girls: There's a new lipstick on sale. I want to get a halter one-piece. There's a cool freshman on the volleyball team. Who do you like best in Janis Jr.?* (Janis Jr. is a music band) Yesterday on TV.. Noel (thinking): The girls are only talking about fashion, TV, the guys they like.. really boring things.. I'd rather talk about games or sports.. But, Maria..she talks clearly about those things. It's lots of fun for her. She used to say she can talk better with girls than me, 'cause they enjoy each other's company. Page 94 Yes, she's quickly becoming an ordinary girl.. Teacher: First, you have to do the applications for the basketball tournament, attend meetings of the basketball conference, do the setting for practice games, preparing uniforms, taking care of stuff. During practice, you have to keep the time, fill the drinks, keep score.. Oh, yes, what else. Oh, that's right, meet with the alumni! And do the club magazine. Noel: All that work!? Are all those things part of my job.. Teacher: You'll be fine. Let's cooperate & make the most of it! After all, I'm retiring in autumn 3 years from now. Noel: Yeah.. Maria (passing by): Kya ha ha. No way, Hirobe-san. Noel's look: Grrr.. Page 95 Sign: Guys' basketball club Noel: Oh, I shouldn't have taken this job! There's lots of work. Doing this all by myself, I can't move a muscle. I can't intefere with Maria and Hirobe-san, and I just spotted them! (thinking): Maybe I shouldn't have come to this school after all.. Should I return to my old school. But, I really don't want to move away from Maria. Maybe I am being childishly possessive. Maybe this is wrong.. (Something hits Noel's shoe) What's this? A fish.. But, it doesn't have a tail... It's got several unnecessary rings on it, too. What a strange key holder.. Page 96 Sasa: That's the key to my locker! Noel: Sasa. Sasa: I thought I might have left it here.. Glad you found it. Noel: That's a strange key holder. Sasa: This? It's a lure. Noel: A lure? What's that. Sasa: Fake bait. It's a bait substitute you use for catching fish. Instead of real bait, we use things like these to catch fish. This is a minnow, made like a small fish. I like the design, but it won't catch a thing. So I took the hooks off and turned it into a key holder. Page 97 Noel: Fishing!? Sasa, do you fish? Sasa: Yeah. I like it better than basketball, but there's no fishing club. Noel: Oh, could it be that you didn't come to Katchan Land because you were fishing? Sasa: That's right. Noel: Oh, so that's what you were doing.. But, why are you intentionally fishing with fake bait. Because you don't want to waste real bait? Sasa: No, you fool! If you put a lure on a fishing line and wait, it'll look real to the fish. If you move it around, it'll entice them. Lure fishing's a lot of fun. Noel: Oh, it does sound like fun. Say, when are you going next? I want to go too!! Sasa: Huh? Page 98 Sasa: Are you serious? Noel: Yeah. Sasa: You're unique.. I thought junior high girls usually aren't interested in fishing. Noel: Really? (thinking): I'm not a girl. It's OK, isn't it? Take me.. Sasa: It's fine with me, but.. We're leaving at 4 AM. It's a bit late. Are you coming? Noel: (I'm not scared.) Sure. Gotcha, 4 AM!! Sasa (thinking): She's serious.. Page 99 Noel (thinking): So, on Sunday we went to Lake Ashino. We came by car with Sasa's fishing master. Yabuseki-san and his student, Fukaki-san. Yabuseki-san lives in Sasa's neighborhood. Sasa learned to fish under Yabuseki-san's guidance. Sasa: Today, I'm going to catch a big fish. I can feel it! Page 100 Sasa: Face the shore when you're casting. Noel: Sure. Sasa: If you get a bite, don't panic. Let me know immediately. If there's anything you don't understand, ask me. Noel: Sure, thank you. (Sasa casts, and he's good at this..) (thinking & letting out a whistle): That's a smooth motion! That's cool. Now, I'll try. Page 101 (Noel tries casting twice, and isn't so good at this..) Am I doing this right? I wonder if my lure will really pass for a small fish, and entice them.. Sasa: AAAA!! Page 102 Noel: What happened!? Sasa: Damn, the hook missed!! I almost had him.. Oh, damn it!! (Noel's a little stunned) Noel: Say, Sasa.What do you mean by missed? Sasa: I had it, but the hook missed, and the fish ran away.. Noel: It made you mad, you're so serious. Sasa: Of course I'm mad!! Page 103 Sasa: I'm certain there's a big fish around here. Damn, I'll catch this one for sure!! Noel: Here we go, I'll be serious too!! Sasa: Yeah!! Page 104 Sasa: I got a bite!! Noel: Wow, it's pulling hard. It's big, isn't it!? Sasa: Great, this is fun. Don't miss this time. Page 105 (Lots of fishing sounds) Sasa: Gotcha! This one's a really good size!! Fishie: Hey. Page 106 Noel: Cool, Sasa. Is this a black bass!? Sasa: Yep. Fishie: Let me go. Noel: That's so cool. You really did fish with a lure. Somehow, that made me more excited.. I want to catch a fish, too!! Go for it!! Page 107 Some hours have passed.... Noel: I can't fish. I can't hit a thing. (Note: He means he can't get a bite.) Or, maybe if I got a bite, I still wouldn't notice.. After all, lure fishing is difficult.. Sasa: You've got a good casting stroke, but.. To come all this way and not catch any fish must be pretty boring. (Note: After the first one, Sasa caught 2 more fish.) Noel: Oh, but Sasa, I've watched you catch fish. I've had a great time, and the scenery is so pretty! I want to come again, for sure! Sasa: Is that so. I'm glad to hear that. Page 108 Sasa: OK, next time let's go to Kanri fishing place. They restock the fish every day, so you can really fish. You don't have to catch & release. And they cook at Kanri, too. We can eat fish there. Noel: Oh...(mouth watering & pastels) Sasa: Minamino, who are you? (Tug) Noel: Huh? Sasa: Did you get a bite!? Noel: Looks that way.. What to do.. Sasa: Start reeling it in! Don't panic. Slowly... slowly.. Page 109 Great, go for it. Don't try too hard. That's it, slowly... Hold on, I'll get it with the net!! It's a brown trout! These are hard to catch. That's great, Minamino! Noel (thinking): I did it.. Page 110 I really did it. I really caught a fish!! (talking): Banzai. Sasa: OK, say cheese! (Click) (Really pretty picture of Noel with a fish in the net) Page 111 (School clock shows noon) Noel: Sasa, let's go to the cafeteria. Lunch-time.. Sasa: Sure. Crowd at lunch: EH!? Page 112 Classmates: Have those two started dating? What a shock.. Girl-hating Sasa finally got a girlfriend.. Kanako: How did Noel get him so fast! Noel: But, Sasa, when we were fishing, you were a completely different character. Sasa: Is that so? Noel: Yes, it's so! But, at school you're quiet and not too friendly. People feel you're cool. Page 113 Then I found you had a hot & passionate side. The time you missed the fish & caught the fish. Sasa: Sorry about that. Noel: No need to be sorry. Sasa, I like that side of you better than trout! (Sasa's hit by pastels, then flowers) Sasa: Thanks... Noel (thinking): A-lunch is delicious! (sound effects): Yum.. yum.. Kanako: That's nice, they're having fun.. I'm jealous.. (Maria with a sweatbead) Page 114 Maria: Somehow, rumours are going around that a new couple has started. Noel: Sasa and I? Really. I wouldn't think so. That's strange, we're just best buddies. Maria: But Noel, I think this is a little bad... Noel: Sasa's a great guy. Finally, in this costume I found a friend with common interests. I'm so happy! But waiting for Hirobe-san to dump you has been a pain. I don't share any interests with the girls. It's been a real torture. Page 115 So, 'til you get dumped by Hirobe-san, I'll be best buddies with Sasa. I'll make this friendship work! Maria: That's not good, 'cause you're the only one who thinks you're best buddies.. (Noel's walking away singing) Listen when someone's talking to you! Page 116 Girl: What a nasty way, Minamino Noel!! (Noel sees 3 girls) You became manager aiming to get Sasa-kun. You pretended to be interested in fishing & forced him to take you. You say you're not dating, just friends. Page 117 Because you don't confess to him, he can't refuse you. Stop pretending you're friends, confess your love to him clearly! Noel: Whew.. Girl: Did you tell him clearly and did he refuse you clearly? Noel: If you're angry, don't take it out on me. What you're saying is mistaken. Don't get angry just because you guessed wrong. Girls: What..? She makes me mad. What's with that attitude? You're really buffed up... Sasa: Hey. Page 118 If you have something to say to our manager, I'm listening. Noel: Sasa. Sasa: Say it. What is it? Girls: Oh, nothing.. Page 119 Sasa: Hopeless girls... Are you OK? Noel: Yeah, I'm OK. Sasa: That must be heavy. I'll carry it. Noel: Oh, thank you. I'll carry one. Why the pastels? Maria: That's why I said this is bad, Noel. Page 121 (Pretty picture of Sasa and Noel together) Noel: Sasa. Sasa: Noel. Kanako: They've started calling each other by their first names, looks like they're really in love. Couples rarely stay together all the time. At school, everyone usually hangs out with their own gender. Maria: Who cares.. Page 123 (Girl's dorm, Noel smiling) Noel: Whether I have a friend or not makes all the difference in the world to my feelings. I even feel ready to do this disgusting homework. Page 124 At my last school, I naturally had lots of friends, but... this time, I realized having a friend is important. So.. Let's do math homework! That's odd, where'd my pencil go? (I wonder if it fell under the desk) Yep, there it is. (Sees something in the light) A cockroach!! Page 125 Oh, it's dead.. it's just that it was under the light. Oh, that scared me. Maybe I should clean more often.. (Noel looking around, sees Miyu sitting) (And gets an idea) Page 126 Sneak, sneak, sneak. Put. (Muffled laughing) This'll surprise Makimura-san, even though she's usually pretty cold. I'll see when she gets upset. (Talking): Say, Makimura-san, what's that on your right shoulder? (Thinking): Just kidding. Miyu: Yeah.. (sees the bug) Page 127 EEEK!! Girl 1: What was that!? Girl 2: Who screamed!? (Arrow pointing to Noel: Really shocked) Miyu: EEEK! Get it off me! Get it off me!! Page 128 Noel: (Actions w/sound FX): Grab. Open window. Throw it out the window. (Talking): It's off. I took it off and threw it out the window. Calm down! (Knock Knock) Sensei: Makimura-san, Minamino-san!! What's wrong!? Noel(thinking): Oh no. It's a teacher from the dorm's staff. (talking): Sorry, we just had a cockroach in here. Sensei: I see.. Noel: We're OK now. I got rid of it. Sorry for the racket. (Shuts the door) Page 129 (Miyu's crying with pastels in the background) Noel(thinking): Oh no, she's crying! U.. um, Makimura-san, I... Miyu (w/pastels): Thank you.. (2 daggers & an arrow pierce Noel's poor little heart) Page 130 I know, we'll feel better if we have something to drink. I bought some sodas at the store and put them in the fridge. I'll be back in a sec! (Everyone shares the refigerator in the floor's lounge.) Looks like it was a little too much for her. I just meant to frighten her a little. I didn't think a cockroach would make her cry. Page 131 Girls get scared so easily.. Miyu: I can't stand bugs. Even saying their name's disgusting! Oh, I wish they'd all just disappear. Noel(thinking): I'm sorry, Makimura-san!! I'll surely make it up to you someday!! Somehow!! Miyu: Minamino-san, you're fine with bugs? That's great. Page 132 Noel: I've got no problem with bugs, but I can't stand snakes!! Miyu: Snakes? I've never seen wild snakes, so it doesn't ring a bell.. Noel: Back in 3rd grade in elementary, my class went on a field trip and I saw a big one curled up. Since then, it doesn't matter if it's real, in a photo, or on TV. They're disgusting! Miyu: Is that so. Noel: Oh, she smiled... Page 133 (talking): This is the first time I've seen you smile! Miyu: Really? Noel: Yeah! It's the first time we've chatted more than necessary since we met, too. Miyu: Sorry.. I'm a little shy. I need time to get to know people.. So, at this school I don't have any friends. I like being alone, so that's been all right, but... Noel: Do you like being alone? Miyu: Yes, kind of. Noel: But friends are precious! I just realized that recently. Page 134 We're roommates, so we're getting used to each other. From now on, let's get along better. Maria's called Minamino-san, too. Since that's confusing, call me Noel. And I'll call you Miyu. Miyu: Sure! Noel: Ah. She smiled again. So that's it. She was just feeling a little shy. After talking to her, she seems like an ordinary girl. What a relief.. Page 135 (Noel talking to Sasa) Since then, I've been talking more with Miyu, little by little. She still doesn't smile much, but... Oh! A game center. Sasa, let's go get a Printclub photo! (Printclub is popular with girls in Japan, it takes a picture w/a choice of different frames (or backgrounds), and gives you a set of photo stickers) Sasa: I've never done this before.. Noel: Oh, really? Maria and I have done this lots of times. It's lots of fun. Say, which frame should we use? Sasa: I don't know. Anything's OK with me. Page 136 Noel: Sasa, bend in a little. If you don't get a little closer, your face'll be cut! Don't look at my face, look at the middle of the screen. Hey, Sasa, hurry up! Look at the middle of the screen.. (The Kiss) Page 137 What the hell are you doing? (Noel on the floor, with a VERY shocked look on his face) Sasa: No.. Noel (What a figure!) Sorry for being so sudden. I didn't mean to, but your face was so close.. Noel: Huh? Page 138 Sasa: Don't be surprised. You must know that I love you. Noel (thinking): Love... love... That's OK, I love you too, but that's... That's...!! Page 139 Maria: What!? Then you ran home!? That's why I told you this was a bad idea... Noel: What I didn't hear anything like that!! In here, I've always been a guy. I've been wearing a girl's costume, but it took a guy to tell me what that means. I never thought someone would fall in love with me. Page 140 Oh, what I am going to do!! Maria: Noel... (Heh.) Noel: You laughed!! Just now, you were laughing!! Maria: Sorry, didn't mean it. I'm sorry for what Sasa did to you. Up 'til now, from your attitude, I think he thought you wanted the same thing. I wonder if you hurt his feelings. Page 141 Noel: Oh, what the hell should I do!! Maria: Not a thing you can do. (Arrow: Hey) Anyway, you've got to apologize to Sasa. You've never ran away from him before. You shouldn't just go away, because now you're a girl. You have to realize that. Noel: Yeah... Maria: So why don't ask him to keep seeing each other as friends? Noel: Yeah... Sasa. I wonder if we'll still be friends.. Page 142 (Noel and Sasa looking at each other outside) Noel: I ran because I can't see being your girlfriend. >From now on, let's be friends again... Page 143 Sasa: You say I'm just a friend, but I wonder if I'm not good enough to be your boyfriend.. Noel: NO! I like you a lot! It's just I don't want a guy as more than a friend.. Sasa: You mean you're not interested in guys? Until meeting you, I was that way too, but.. It seems like you're the only girl who can talk with me. My weakness is the way girls are. You're not like that at all.. Noel(thinking): THAT"S BECAUSE I'M A GUY! ...but that might be a shock. Page 144 Sasa: Because of that, I'd like to date you. Noel: I want to do things with you, too! As friends.. Sasa: If you love me, why do we have to stay friends? Noel: Tha..that's.. Sasa: I really don't understand you. Page 145 (Noel looking very sad) (Sasa and Noel eating) Classmate 1: Noel and Sasa aren't eating together! Classmate 2: Did they fight? I wonder if they've broken up. Kanako: Oh dear... Page 146 Maria (thinking): I guess it didn't go well. I can't help them much. Since talking with Sasa, Noel has looked like he's feeling fine, but.. I can't do anything. (Noel sitting and reading a book in his room) Page 147 (Noel daydreaming) Sasa: Anyway, if that's what you say. >From now on, we're just going to be ordinary classmates. Noel: Ordinary... Can't we still be friends? Weren't we always friends together? Page 148 Sasa: You refused me, that's too much. See ya. (Noel throws his book against the wall) Noel: NO WAY. I don't want it to all to be for nothing. He's a friend. To just go our separate ways.. Page 149 NO WAY IN HELL!! Noel: Sasa. I need to talk to you. Give me a little time after school. Sasa: But... Noel: I beg you!! Page 150 Sasa: ..We'll be in trouble. When a guy goes into the girls' dorm, he needs to get permission first. For now.. !? (Sees Noel undressing) Page 151 Wait, Noel. Why so suddenly.. Sto..stop. STOP. I'd rather wait to see that. (Looks on the ground and sees the wig) ..? (A wig..?) Noel: Sasa. Page 152 Sorry for deceiving you. I'm a guy. (Sasa with the blankest stare I've ever seen) Page 153 Noel: So, that's it. Your stare's saying "No way". Just kidding.... (Sasa faints) Oh, Sasa!! Pull yourself together! Wake up..!! Page 155 Sensei: Sasa Ryuji. Sasa. Is he absent? I haven't heard anything.. Boy: That's unusual. Girl: Maybe he caught a cold or something. (Small stone hits Noel right on the hairband) Page 156 Maria: So that's why. He took a day off 'cause the shock was too much for him.. Noel: Maria.. you're smiling about something. Maria: No, nothing like that! I'm just nervous because I'm worried about you two. When you took Sasa-kun up to your room, how did he respond? Noel: ...then his eyes turned white. He passed out. He regained conciousness soon afterwards, but I hadn't meant to make him frantic. I was just trying to give him an explanation, but he was so stunned it seemed like he didn't hear a thing. Page 157 (Sasa in picture) Sasa: My head hurts. Give me a little time to think about it. Noel: Then love-love went home... Maria: Then, maybe he's not coming back to school after all. Maybe he's not going to school anymore. Noel: WHAT...!? Boy: Oh, Sasa, you came after all. Noel:!! (Gets up w/loud sound effects) Page 158 Boy: I thought you were sick or something. Sasa: No, I just overslept. I just couldn't get to sleep.. (Noel & Sasa look at each other, Noel with pastels and blushing) Page 159 Sasa: Noel Today, I'm going to the Joshuu store to buy some stuff, but do you want to go too? Noel: Joshuu.. Sasa: It's a fishing goods speciality store. You said you wanted to get your own tackle. If you've got things to do, whatever day works for you.. Noel (blushing): I'm going!! Let's go. Page 160 Thank you, Sasa. (and tackles him) Sasa: Whoa.. Don't grab me like that! Noel: Oh, but.. Girl: Noel's so daring.. Girl: It looks like they made up. Classmates(with Maria looking on): So, the famous couple is back together again!! What a relief. What a relief... Page 161 Sasa: I thought you seemed like a guy before, but never that you're really a guy.. Likely because we enjoyed each other's company.. Noel: Probably?.. Ha ha.. Sasa: Probably not, bastard!! Give me back my first kiss!! Noel: You forced me.. Sasa: Noel, don't tell a soul about that! It's a secret between the 2 of us. Got it!? Noel: I won't say a word! I want to hide it. Sasa: Kissing a guy... Oh, the low point of my life.. Noel(thinking): Oh, but I already told Maria. That's OK, because she's Maria.. Page 162 Maria: Hi, Official Couple-san. Noel: Maria, what brings you here.. Maria: I was going shopping with Kanako when I saw you guys from outside. Just exchanging greetings. Sasa: Official couple.. Maria: That's what everybody around school thinks. If people see you not knowing the truth, they think you're a ordinary couple. People were talking before you broke up, but now you made up. Sasa: It's OK. It's annoying, but I'm fine with it. Noel: Oh, but.. Sasa: You're a guy, so you can't be found out. But more than that, you're a good friend. No one knows you better than I do. Noel: But then can't you get a real girlfriend, Sasa? Page 163 Sasa: That's fine, I don't want one. Since meeting you, girls are hard for me to deal with. I thought I had recovered, but I was wrong. Noel: Is that so. It's my fault. Sasa: I already jumped on this bandwagon. I'm scared of the time you get revealed, though. If we do anything together after that, we'll be called perverts. Maria: So, for that reason, take good care of my little brother, Sasa-kun. Sasa: What do you want me to say.. Maria (to Kanako): Thanks for waiting. Noel: My sister feels more like a very normal girl. With twins, the brother gets influenced. Sasa: The type I'm weak with. Noel: Long ago, we were more in sync. The things we liked, our way of thinking. The differences came from loneliness. I came here in pursuit of Maria. Somehow, it seems like the old days.. Page 164 Sasa: You're still dressed as a girl.. You've got spirit. What do you do when you take a bath or something? Noel: I can get by with the shower in my room, 'cause I can't go to the public baths. Of course, I use the women's toilet. To get changed for P.E., I either use a toilet that Maria's guarding for me or I use the basketball club's office. Sasa: I see.. Noel: But, what a relief. I waited for the day we could talk like this. I'm really glad that I was daring and came out to you! This time, it'll be a typical friendship of best buddies. We'll be there for each other! Sasa: But... definitely not typical.. Page 165 Miyu: Noel, are you dating Sasa-kun of A-class? All the kids are talking about it. (Noel reading a tankoubon from a Ribon series) (Sasa: This is what you're going to say) Noel: U..um..Somehow, it looks that way. Miyu: Looks that way? Noel: No... yeah... Page 166 Miyu: What kind of guy is Sasa-kun? Noel: Great.. He's a good guy! He isn't too courteous, though. Why do you ask? Miyu: Because I'm a little interested. Noel: Huh? That's strange. Something just now. This could be shocking... (talking): So do you l..like him? Page 167 Miyu: Oh, sorry. That's not what I meant. Don't worry. Noel: Huh..? (Then what did she mean.. Oh well, someday) (Oh yeah. There's something more important.) U..um. Say, I think I heard about this before. On the day I invited you to Katchan-land. You said you had a matter to attend to. On that day, I saw you walking with a middle-aged guy. Who was that? Your father..? Page 168 Miyu: Yeah. (Easily.) Noel (thinking): Oh...? Really...!? So that's who he is. That's what I thought. Somehow, I was worrying for no reason. Miyu: Worrying? Noel: Oh, nah.. Arrow pointing to hairband: I can't tell her everything yet. Page 169 Maria: Ah, Hirobe-san! Hirobe-san: Hi. Maria: What brings you here? There's no club today. Hirobe-san: I forgot a book I need to write a report in the office. I came to pick it up. Maria: I'm going to the office, too! (Let's go together.) (thinking): There's no club today and I bumped into Hirobe-san. Lucky (Hearts all around) Page 170 Hirobe-san: Has your little cat wind bell had any effect? On your love life. Maria: No, not yet. Have you had any benefit from yours? Hirobe-san: I gave that souvenir away. To Right: No way!! Don't we have the same thing!? To Left: Gave it away. Gave it away. Maria: U.. um.. You couldn't have given that souvenir to your girlfriend? Page 171 Hirobe-san: Yeah. BONK (A large stone hits Maria) Page 172 Maria: YOU HAVE A G..GIRLFRIEND!? Hirobe-san: Was that unexpected? You look a little hurt. Maria: But, but it must be really hard writing the reports for all your college classes. There's 3 meetings a week for the club, and you always come. You said you can't hang out most Saturdays or Sundays. You don't have any time to date in this situation!! Hirobe-san: My girlfriend lives in Kanazawa. Cause it's far away, we rarely see each other. Maria: Long-distance love. A blind point... Page 173 Hirobe-san: But, it may all be in vain. Like I thought, being far away is hard on girls. I might get dumped soon. Maria: That bad. Hirobe-san getting dumped. (Talking): How did you meet? Hirobe-san: In elementary & middle school, we were classmates.. I've always loved her since then. But I didn't say anything, and she transferred to Kanazawa.. Page 174 But I still loved her, as always. Two years ago, at a class reunion, we began again. I boldly confessed to her. When she gave me her OK, I was so happy I could die. Maria: For a long time. He's always thought of her.. (Talking): It seems all in vain. Hirobe-san: Yeah, probably. Page 175 That's true, I associate this with basketball.. If you press the attack, the defense gets desperate but.. We get fouled and give free throws away.. Then we can only pray for them to miss... is that the feeling.. Maria: Then, is it almost over!! Hirobe-san: Oh, well... Whew.. There's nothing I can do. She said, "Not seeing each other is hard. I can't bear it." I don't want to say goodbye, but... Page 176 Maria: Please cheer up, cause I'm here!! Hirobe-san: Huh? Maria: I love you!! The prayer I made to the cat wind bell was for you to be my companion. I.. was that in vain!? Page 177 Hirobe-san: Minamino... So, that's it. Sorry, I made you worry. Maria: I'm not saying don't date her again! But, maybe... If it really is all in vain with your girlfriend, then could you give me a chance to be your girlfriend? I'll wait. I'll wait always...! Page 178 Hirobe-san: Thank you. Page 179 Noel: What!? Hirobe-san has a girlfriend!? So that's it. You got disappointed in love. Cheer up! I'm here for you. So, let's get ready to go back to our old school.. Maria: I'm not going back. He said he'll break up with his girlfriend soon. I'd like a chance at being his next girlfriend. When I told Hirobe-san that, he smiled and said "Thank you". Page 180 Noel: Come on... Maria: I'm not giving up easily. I love him. So, I won't give him up easily!! Page 181 Noel: That bozo Maria. Persistent and strong-minded. So, how long will this take? I can't go back to my old school. But that's okay, Sasa's here.. and then.. Huh? Why did Miyu's face occur to me? Page 182 (Clock shows 11:05) Miyu's out tonight, too. I wonder if it's with that middle-aged guy again. I wonder if he's really her father. (Noel sees on the shelf: 8/94, Family Trip) Book: Look! Look! Look! Noel: The book's talking, it's got me anxious. Page 183 Maybe taking a peek's OK. Maybe it's wrong without asking permission... Oh, take a peek!! Page 184 (Sees her family in the photo) No! That's not the person from that time. Yep, he's not her father. Page 185 Why did you lie to me, Miyu...!! End of Mintna Bokura #1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coments, corrections and suggestions are welcome, contact Dimitri Ashling at: pokota@teleport.com Find more Mintna Bokura translations at: http://www.swb.de/~zahara/yo/yo.html Thank-you! ^^ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------