Kimagure Orange College [Writer's foreword: This is the second episode of a fan-fict series based on the characters in Kimagure Orange Road. They are intended to take place after the movie, "I Want to Return to that Day", and follow the characters Kasuga Kyosuke and Ayukawa Madoka as they start the next phase of their lives in college. If you missed the first episode, notes about the new characters, and previous events are listed after the ending credits. In addition, the first episode is available at the wpi.wpi.edu ftp site. One thing I would like to say up front: Although I and my co-writer have both graduated from college, our experience is in the American college system and culture. The span of our experience in the Japanese advanced education system is limited with what we can pick up watching anime, reading manga, and consulting with friends, pen pals and anime clubs. Any mistakes, inconsistencies, etc. are neither intentional nor are they meant to show disrespect for the Japanese education system. In fact, we would appreciate any constructive criticisms, corrections, and insight any readers might offer us. Mail all such letters, praises or flames to acombs@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu.] Episode 2 - New names, new faces [Cut to Kasuga's boarding house. As the picture slowly zooms closer, we can hear the sounds of a beeping alarm clock coming from one of the open windows on the second floor. As the camera enters the room, the sound of a ringing telephone adds to the background noise...] Kasuga: [Looks misty-eyed at the ringing telephone. He rolls over and knocks the receiver off the hook and places it backwards on his head. When he can't hear any answer, he turns it around...] Yes...?[with coarse, still-asleep voice] Voice from phone: Kasuga-kun! What are you still doing there? Do you know what time it is? Kasuga: [Looks sleepy-eyed at his clock, then suddenly springs to full awakening] WHAAAH! [Falls on the floor, pulls on his pants and shirt, and grabs his books, while stuffing a left over onigiri* into his mouth] I'm gonna be late! [He then turns and runs out the door, not even bothering hanging up the phone.] Shoot! [Looks at his bike, then shakes his head.] I don't even have time to ride my bike there! I'll have to use my power! [Concentrates and then disappears] *riceball with salted salmon (or pickled plum) in the middle [Cut to Ayukawa's room. She's fully dressed, has her books ready, and looks at her watch impatiently.] Kasuga: [Teleports in] Sorry I'm late, Ayukawa! I came as fast as I could! Ayukawa: I can see...[Look him over and can't suppress a smile] Your shirt's on backwards... Kasuga: [Stews silently]... Kasuga Narration: It's the first day of class. On this clear day, the college campus was crowded as new students, parents and teachers gathered in main auditoriums and plazas. The college entrance ceremony was underway and classes were preparing for the spring semester. It's a day of great importance; one we have been looking forward to all our lives... [Cut to the main campus plaza. The plaza is packed with parents and new students seated on folding chairs. Even more of them stand in the courtyards ringing the plaza. On the central podium, the master of ceremonies welcomes the new students and their parents to this prestigious occasion.] MC: ...are a testament to the work and study ethic that is so important to Japan! Be proud of your accomplishments, for you are the... Kasuga: [Looks around] Say, [whispering to Ayukawa] where are your parents? Ayukawa: [Whispers back] They couldn't come. They had to go to a performance overseas right after I moved in. Kasuga: [To himself] Geez, that's tough...not even being able to come to your own daughter's college entrance ceremony... [Writer's note: Takashi, Kyosuke's father, is standing next to him.] [Cut to a few hours later. The crowds are breaking up as students prepare to attend their first classes.] Takashi: [To Ayukawa] So are you sure you won't join us? We still have a couple hours before your afternoon class start. Ayukawa: Thank you [bows] but no. I have some more supplies to get before class starts. Kasuga: How about I come with you? Ayukawa: No, I've really got to go. [Turns to leave, then stops] How about I meet you at the student union this afternoon after class? Kasuga: Uhh...sure. That'd be great. [Watches her leave] What's eating her? Takashi: [Notices Kasuga's concern and puts his hand on his shoulder] She'll be OK. If she wants to talk about it, she'll let you know. Kasuga: [Nods] Um... [but still looks concerned.] [Cut to the campus book store. Ayukawa leaves her bag at the front counter and goes to the Fine Arts book section. She walks down the aisle, scanning the rows of books. When she finds the ones she wants, she grabs three off the shelf and turns around. However, because she had not tucked them into the carry-bag, they are knocked out of her hands as she bumps into another student...] Ayukawa: Oops! Sorry about that! Male Student: Please...[bends over to pick up her books] allow me. [Hands her the books.] Ayukawa: Uhh...thanks. [The guy has brown hair and is about a foot taller than her. His features are chiselled and his face exudes confidence and charm.] Male Student: [Bows] Please accept my apologies. I'm Hayashibara Akira. Ayukawa: [Almost to herself] The baseball player? Hayashibara: Hai; and you are...? Ayukawa: I'm Ayukawa Madoka. Hayashibara: Pleased to meet you. Say [Reaches into his pocket] would you like to come see the opening spring game? [Produces an athletic pass to the baseball stadium] Ayukawa: [Not sure how to respond] Well, I did have plans with someone else... Hayashibara: [Produces another pass] Bring him along then. [Teeth gleam as he smiles] I hope to see you again. Maybe after the game? Ayukawa: Sure...[To herself after Hayashibara leaves] Handsome guy... [Cut to the mathematics building. Inside, the central hallway is crowded with students filing into the main lecture hall.] Kimura: [Waves] Kasuga-san! Kasuga-san! [Runs over and latches herself on Kasuga's left arm] Kasuga: [Just a little embarrased by the attention and having his name called out over the crowd] Ha-ha...Kimura-san! Nice to see you again! [Both enter the large lecture hall. The hall is built on a two- story sloped auditorium, with seats along a steep stairway. At the lowest level of the room in the front, is a sliding three- panel blackboard. Students of all descriptions file in, taking available seats. As they walk in, Kimura suddenly spots someone and starts waving and jumping up and down.] Kimura: Ahh! Saito-san! Saito-san! [At the mention of his name, one of the male students turns around and his face flashes recognition. The tall, skinny young man has reddish-blond hair and thin wire-rimmed glasses.] Saito: Ahh...Kimura-san! I didn't know you were in Oinuma- sensei's class. Kasuga: Ehh? You know each other? Kimura: [Nods sharply] Um! We met at a juku* class! [To Saito] This is Kasuga Kyosuke! He's gonna be my study partner! *Cram school that helps students pass the college entrance exams. Saito: Ehh? [Smiles] Heh, heh...! You lucky guy! Kasuga: Hey, hey! [Holds up hands defensively] We're just going to be studying together! Saito: Of course you are, [with an unconvinced but friendly tone] of course...! [Continues smiling, then turns to his side] Say, I want you to meet my friend Kasamatsu Teriuihi! [Sitting next to Saito is another young man. He has brown hair, thick glasses and is overweight. He smiles, but something about his smile suggests a deviousness that makes Kasuga a little nervous. He leans over and extends his hand.] Kasamatsu: Pleased to meet you Kasuga-san! Kasuga: [Takes the offered hand] Nice to meet you too! [Just then, Hayashibara walks in the room. He looks around and sits in a chair about two rows behind Kasuga, Saito and Kasamatsu. Saito: Hey! [To Kasamatsu] Look who's also in our class! Kasamatsu: Is that Hayashibara Akira? Kimura: Ohhh...[Eyes turn into heart-shapes] what a cutie...! Kasuga: [Overhearing] Who? [As Hayashibara sits down, a group of girl students cluster around him and swoon...] Kasuga: Hmmm...[Noting all the girls reactions] I wonder what's so special about him? Saito: [Incredulously] You don't know him? He was the starting shortstop for the finals of the All-Japan Senior High School Baseball Tournament! What's more, his father's rich! Kasuga: Rich? Kasamatsu: Hai...his father's president of one of the largest shipping companies in Tokyo! Saito: Yeah...and he's also got some influence with the Giants* too! [Looks a little envious] I mean he's got it made! *The Yomiuri Giants, not San Francisco...:-) [Kasamatsu and Saito go on, describing Hayashibara's merits and assets...] Kasuga: [To himself] Sheesh, listen to them talk! [Looks at Hayashibara again and thinks about the girls' reactions.] Then again, I'm glad I don't have to compete with him... [Cut to an hour later. As the class dismisses, Kasuga stands up to leave.] Kasamatsu: Say Kasuga-san! [Puts his hand on Kasuga's back with an affectionate pat] Tell me something; do you have a lot of experience with girls? Kasuga: [Embarrassed] Well...err... Kasamatsu: Let me tell you something! [Rubs his back with affection as he talks] Girls are sometimes like children! They just want you to pay attention to them. [Grins, while glancing suggestively towards Kimura's direction.] Know what I mean? Kasuga: Uhh...[not sure how to take that] sure. [Turns to leave] I gotta go meet someone! I'll see you guys next time! [Leaves] Kimura: [Sees Kasuga's back as he leaves] Ohh...! [To Kasamatsu] That's mean! [Starts to walk towards Kasuga] Kasamatsu: [Gently holds her back] Don't worry...[chuckles] he'll get a laugh out of it! Just to shake his blues a little... [Cut to the fine arts building. Inside, several students are carrying their instruments and placing them into lockers. The camera zooms in on Ayukawa, carrying a medium-sized instrument case, along with her books. She enters the building and sees the main rehearsal hall. The ceiling is two-story tall and the walls echo with the sounds of musicians of the past. Although the building is old, there is a strong feeling of tradition visible in the air. As the students settle down, a stout, middle-aged man with reddish hair walks forward to the center of the hall, and taps his baton on the podium to get everyone's attention.] Professor standing on podium: Greetings students, and welcome to the first band rehearsal. I am Ono Ryusuke. I am the director of the symphonic band. [Gestures to a female professor standing to the side] Shiratori Kinuko will be director of the concert band, as well as handle rehearsals during class. During the next term, first chair students will be required to give recitals as part of their class curriculum. After tryouts, those who qualify, please come see me regarding time arrangements. [The initial class meeting breaks up as students go to respective instrument groups. Ayukawa walks towards the woodwinds, sits down and unpacks her saxophone. As she warms up, another older man puts his hand on her shoulder...] Older man: That's a nice sound you've got. Very good, especially for a freshman. Ayukawa: [Stops momentarily] Thank you...[She glances up and looks the man over. He's a tall man. sporting a carefully groomed brown goatee. Unlike Ono-san's strict "professor" demeanor, he has the casual look of a jazz musician.] Older man: I'm Handa Shun. I direct the stage band here, but I also scout for talent for some of the local jazz and dance clubs. Ayukawa: [Her interest piqued] Jazz clubs? Handa: Live bands for nightclubs. The pay's a good bit better than the usual part-time jobs students look for, and in your case, it would be a good way for you to develop yourself as a musician, while making some good money. Ayukawa: [Looks a bit more interested] Sounds pretty good. Handa: [Hands her a couple cards from some clubs] If you're interested, I'm assembling the rosters for bands for some of these clubs. We'll be conducting tryouts in the next couple of days. I hope to see you there! [Bows briefly and then leaves] Ayukawa: [Leafing through some of the club cards. One in particular, fairly close to her apartment, catches her eye] Club Noir huh? Maybe a visit is in order... COMMERCIAL BREAK [Cut to the main walkway on one side of the campus. Bookstores and small cafes are visible in the background. Kasuga is leaning against one of the buildings waiting. As he waits, several people are glancing his direction, as he can see them whisper among themselves, sometimes even laughing and pointing in his general direction. His curiosity about what the commotion is about is interrupted as he sees Ayukawa walking around the corner.] Kasuga: Ayukawa! [Waves to get her attention] Ayukawa: Kasuga-kun! [Hears a flapping on Kasuga's back] Hey! What's this? [Reaches around him and pulls off a strip of paper with "Struck out doing the A*!" written on the back. She looks at the strip and can't hold back a giggle] You've got to be kidding! *My understanding of Japanese slang: Doing the "A" means kissing. Doing the "B" means petting or touching. Doing the "C" would mean going all the way, and "D" means becoming pregnant... Kasuga: What the-? Who could have...Kasamatsu! [Cut to the student union cafe. Kasuga and Ayukawa have completed their afternoon classes. Two glasses of hot tea sit on the table as they have a quick drink before dinner.] Kasuga: So, your roommate's not exactly...perfect? Ayukawa: It's a very nice apartment but no, [shakes her head] not at all. I'm just glad that she's hardly ever home. If it weren't for that, I probably would have moved out by now. As it stands, I think I'll be moving to another place between semesters. [Writer's note: Somewhere, Ikemoto sneezes twice...:-)] Kasuga: Huh...where does she go? Ayukawa: She leaves early for work, and doesn't come back until late at night. Some finance company I think. I really haven't asked...[Brightens up a little as she changes the subject] Say, I've got two tickets to the opening baseball game [Pulls out the athletic passes]. Would you like to go? Kasuga: Yeah sure! [Notices that they are athletic passes, rather than normal admission tickets] Say, where did you get these? Ayukawa: I met someone who gave them to me. Kasuga: Who? Ayukawa: Hayashibara Akira. I bumped into him at the book store this afternoon. Kasuga: [Eyes widen] You mean ...the ball player? Ayukawa: [Nonchalantly] Yeah, that's him. Kasuga: [Turning pale] The rich...handsome...baseball player? Ayukawa: [Playfully] Why Kasuga-kun...are you jealous? Kasuga: [Stands up] Of course not! Ayukawa: [Turns serious when she sees the genuine concern in Kasuga's face] Kasuga-kun, we just talked! You don't have anything to worry about! Kasuga: [Sits back down] I guess I'm still a little... Ayukawa: [Tries to brighten his mood by changing the subject] Say, what are your plans tonight? Kasuga: Well...I'm suppose to be studying with some classmates, but... Ayukawa: That's alright [cutting him off] It's good that you're trying to get started early for a change. Better than when you were in high school, putting everything off until the last moment. Kasuga: [Nods, but is still uncomfortable] Uhh...hai. [To himself as he starts to sweat] Oh boy! It looks like I am going to have to compete with him after all... [Cut to the boarding house. It's early in the evening. Kasuga and Katsu are coming up the hill and stop to look at the walkway. They notice a pile of new boxes sitting on the sidewalk. A short girl with long brown hair walks out of the main entrance and starts to pick up a box then notices the two guys coming up the walk.] New Girl: You guys live here? Katsu: Yeah sure...just moving in? New Girl: [Nods] How about giving me a hand? Kasuga: Sure, we've got some time...[Picks up a box] New Girl: Thanks! I'm Miyasato Yuko! We're moving into Rm No. 2. [Katsu and Miyasato pick up new boxes as Kasuga walks into the boarding house. As he pushes the door to No. 2 open, he suddenly sees...] Kasuga: Miyasato-san! How'd you get past me? Miyasato: Hey creep! [Advances menacingly] What are you doing with my stuff? Kasuga: What do you mean? You just told me to...! [Cut to Kasuga face being imbedded into the door. Miyasato is striking a pose in his general direction.] Miyasato: THE ONLY THING I'M GONNA TELL YOU TO DO IS-! Miyasato Yuko: Ah Yoko! [Bends over quickly to see if Kasuga is alright.] These guys are here to help! Katsu: Ehh...? [Looks at Yoko and Yuko carefully] Twins...? Kasuga: Ahhhh...! [His eyes are unfocused as he looks up] Mi- ya-sato...I'm...seeing double-! Miyasato Yoko: Heh...[grins sheepishly] sorry about that! [Extends her hand to help him up] Egami: WHAT'S ALL THIS RACKET!?! [Comes storming into No. 2, then turns his attention to Kasuga] I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN YOU'D BE INVOLVED! Kasuga: Err...Kanrinin-san! Egami: [Turns his attention to his new tenants] WELL WHERE WERE YOU TWO? YOU WERE SUPPOSE TO MOVE IN LAST WEEK! I DO NOT RUN A CHARITY SHELTER HERE! Miyasato Yoko: [Fearfully] Well, we were held up by... Egami: [Cuts off their excuse] I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT! RENT IS DUE ON THE FIRST, NO EXCEPTIONS UNLESS YOU LIKE MOVING YOUR FURNITURE BACK AND FORTH! Both Miyasato's in unison: [Both snap to fearful attention] HAI! [After a few more boxes, Kasuga and Katsu both walk upstairs and go into Rm No. 5. They both sit down around a square folding table and open their books as they prepare to look over their first homework assignments] Kasuga: [Stretching out in an attempt to relax] Aww...we don't have to do these tonight, do we? Katsu: [Fingering a test tube between his knuckles] Tell me about it! I mean, after banging our heads on the Juken, the last thing we need is more of this! Kasuga: But we have to wait for Kimura-san first. Maybe we can all go out to a club after we do just a couple of these! Katsu: Well, I think that she just needs a little help with her math, that's all. At least that's my theory. [Knock on the door interrupts Katsu.] Kasuga: [Get's up and opens the door] Come in! [to Kimura] Sit down! Kimura: [Beams usual smile] Hi! Sorry I'm late! Katsu: Hey, no problem! Kasuga and I just got started! Kasuga: Sure, have a seat! We're just going over how we each did the first problem. Kimura: [Sits down] I feel so lucky! Both of you here to help me and all! Kasuga: [Smiles, then pushes his notebook towards Kimura] Here's how I did it. What do you think? Kimura: [Eyes light up] Wow! I never thought about using that approach! Kasuga: [Looks confused] Ehh...? What about it? Kimura: [Pulls out a blank sheet of paper and grabs a pencil] Well...[pencil starts *flying* across the paper, much to Kasuga's and Katsu's surprise] we take this series and apply......gives us formula A! Sinces the original formula was biconditional, [fills original sheet of paper, grabs another sheet, as pencil continues to blaze away without missing a beat] we can surmise......which give us the contrapositive to formula B! Therefore, [grabs another sheet as pencil *speeds-up-even-more*. She's in the home stretch now...:-)] since our hypothesis was established by......that proves our hypothesis and gives us...[Scribbles final answer on the bottom of the third page] A^Nsin(u)- N(cos(u)du+sin-1(u/A)+C)! [Beams triumphant smile] Ya-tah! QED! [Writer's note: To you math and math-related majors: Don't even try piecing this together! :-)] Kasuga: [Jaw drops to the floor] Uhh...right... Katsu: [Pencil drops out of limp hand] Uhh...hai...[To himself] So much for that theory...[To Kasuga] Say, what about that club idea? Kasuga: [To Kimura] Yeah...we were thinking about going to the Club Noir after a couple more problems. They've got yakitori*, good sake, and a decent dance floor. What do you say? *small shish-kabob-like servings of Japanese-styled barbecued chicken and vegetables served on metal or bamboo skewers. Kimura: [Eyes light up] Really? Katsu: [Relieved to be changing the subject] Yeah...we'll finish the rest later! Kimura: [Shakes her head] That's alright! [Pushes her notebook towards both of them] I've already done them all! I just wanted you guys to look them over and see if they looked OK! Kasuga: Well...[Leafs through the notebook. Although he doesn't understand everything, the parts he does understand look...about right.] Kasuga: [To himself] Oh great! Bad enough Ayukawa had to tutor me during high-school. Now I'm being humiliated by Kimura! Katsu: They...uhh...look OK to me...[Tries to change the subject again] How about that club? Kimura: Yahaa! Let's go! [Springs out of the chair and dashes off to wait for Kasuga and Katsu downstairs in the boarding house as they pack their book bags] Kasuga: [After Kimura leaves] *She* needs help in math? Katsu: [Groans and covers his face to hide his embarrasment] Shut up... [Cut to the Club Noir. As Kasuga, Kimura, and Katsu enter, the incessant beat of the club takes over, as the sounds of dancing music comes flooding out of the door. After paying a modest cover, they find a table located near the bar. Smoke rises from behind the open grill pits as marinated chicken sizzles on open gas flames. After ordering a plate of yakatori and a bottle of sake, the three of them sit down and watch as the people around them dance the night away.] Kasuga: Ever had sake? [Fills Katsu's cup] Kimura: [Shakes her head] Um! What's it like? Katsu: Only one way to find out! [Fills Kimura's cup] Kimura: [Picks up the cup dubiously, and then carefully sips half the drink] Wow! [Gulps the rest of the drink] Makes me feel all warm and tingly inside! [Kasuga and Katsu both look at each other with a little concern...] Katsu: [Whispers to Kasuga, as he picks up a yakatori stick] A little early for tingle, isn't it? Kasuga: [Whispers back] Maybe it's just because she never drank before...[Looks around the club. By this time, the dance floor is packed with students and other young people. He reaches for a yakatori stick and suddenly drops it in his plate of soy sauce. He rubs his eyes as he looks at the dance floor just to be sure of what he is seeing.] No... [Gets up and walks towards the dance floor, leaving Katsu and Kimura alone at the table.] Katsu: Hey Kasuga! Where are you going? [Sees that Kasuga isn't listening] Wonder what's wrong with him? [Cut to the dance floor. The artificially-generated steam mixes with the pulsing colored dance floor lights to create an atmosphere of unreality. Turning slowly on the ceiling, a mirrored ball's reflections are remineceint of fireflies. In this sea of lights and sounds, Kasuga slowly wanders towards the edge of the floor, where couples come on and off. As he gets closer, one couple in particular catches his eye. His jaw is slack as he recognizes one of the dancers as...] Kasuga: Ayukawa...and that's [recognition from his earlier class coming suddenly] Hayashibaru! [As he watches, the music seems to soften and the lights seem to dim as the mild fog gives the room a dream-like appearence. Hayashibaru gently pulls her closer as the music enters it's final coda. She resists at first, then smiles. Slowly, as the music fades, their lips come closer. As their eyes close, and just before they make contact...] Kasuga: NOOOOO...! [He rips the picture down the middle like a cinema screen being ripped in half as a rejection to the imaginary scene. Instead, he sees that they are walking off the floor and thanking each other for the dance.] [Cut back to Kimura and Katsu's table. By now, Kimura's nose has begun to turn red and her eyes are beginning to glaze. Katsu, feeling a little concerned, reaches over to rouse Kimura.] Katsu: Say [shakes Kimura] are you OK? Kimura: Wheeee...! [She looks around] Where's Kyo-chan? Katsu: Kyo-chan? Kimura: [nods] Kyo-chan . Doesn't he look like a Kyo-chan to you? Katsu: [Sigh] Jeez. You *are* drunk! But you've only had four cups of sake! Kimura: I'mmmm not drunk! [Shakes her head and smiles] Katsu: Oh yeah? [Holds up his hands. He has his index finger pointed on his right hand and his index and middle fingers pointed on his left] How many fingers am I holding up? Kimura: [Head nods over and stares blankly at Katsu's fingers] One, two, three......five, eight, thirteen......twenty-one, thirty-four, fifty- five...wheeee...! [Continues reciting the Fibonacci sequence as Katsu slowly puts his hands back down in futility.] Katsu: [To himself] Oh brother! We've got to get her home. I gotta find Kasuga, but I can't just leave her here like this. I guess I just gotta wait for him...[Puts his elbows on the table and settles in for a long wait, but his vigil is interrupted as Kimura starts bumping her cup into his side.] What th-? Kimura: Come on! Gimme another! [Reaches for the sake bottle] Katsu: No! [Grabs the sake bottle and holds it out of her reach] I think you've had enough! As soon as Kasuga-san returns, we'll take you home. [Cut back to Kasuga. He is standing at the edge of the dance floor. Coming towards him are Ayukawa and Hayashibaru. Kasuga's nerves are clearly taut; his whole body is stiff as he awaits what he is sure to be a confrontation...] Kasuga: [Stepping forward, trying to look as confident as he can] Ayukawa! Hayashibaru: Ah Kasuga-san! [Smiles warmly] Ayukawa-san has told me a great deal about you. Interesting that we have the same mathematics professor. Pleased to meet you! [Extends his hand] Kasuga: Uhh...hai...[Weakly takes Hayashibaru's offered hand as the determination drains from his face. This is not what he was expecting to see.] Ayukawa: Kasuga-kun, I thought you were going to be studying. Kasuga: We were, but we [glances back towards their table and thinks about Kimura] ...got done early. Hayashibaru: So, where are you seated? Let's... Kasuga: [Ignoring Hayashibaru] Ayukawa, would you have this dance with me? Ayukawa: [A little surprised by his directness, but smiles] Sure... [As they reenter the dance floor, the background noise begins to grow quiet as the rhythm of the lights slow to a gentle pulse.] DJ: OK! This is for all you lovers out there...[Puts on a slow, gentle melody. As the music starts its first verse, the dancers on the floor hold themselves closer...] Kasuga Narration: It was times like this that I wondered just how truly fortunate I was. Here I was dancing cheek with Ayukawa, proximity making her seem larger than life. Holding her this close to me made me tremble so much I almost lost my step. The scent of her hair drifted seductively into my thoughts, making me realize just what I had to do next... [Writer's note: As any further words would be intrusive on this scene, just use your imagination to complete this dance...] [Cut to later that night. Now back in his own room,. Kasuga is lying on his futon, trying to get some sleep...] Kasuga Narration: On this very important day, I truly began to realize the possible consequences of my actions.. Among the new friends I had met that day, perhaps for the first time, I had a rival. What's more, I wasn't making it easier, repeating old mistakes with new faces. [Turns over and sighs. He closes his eyes to try and get some sleep, but also with firm resolve] It's not going to happen again! One way or another, I've got to do something about it! END CREDITS New Characters Designer/Writer Stephen Tsai Co-writer/plotter Andy Combs Pre-readers Ravi Konchigeri Derek Work Christian Gadeken Chung-Mau Cheng Robert Carragher Very special thanks to Hitoshi Doi A tip of the hat and a deep bow to Matsumoto Izumi for starting the whole thing If I left anyone off, my apologies. Any mistakes/embarrassing faux pas are entirely my own. If there is anything here you must flame, aim them at me and me alone. Thank you for taking the time to read this episode of my new series. If you are interested, previous episodes should be available at the wpi.wpi.edu ftp site. Assuming that I don't get flamed off the net, I've got the next episode in the works. If you have any story ideas, or general ideas, please send them. Any tidbits about the Japanese advanced education system will be especially looked at (see first writer's note). Hope you enjoyed it and thanks again! For the new readers: I'll be doing character profiles, major location descriptions, and situation updates on a rotating basis for each episode. If there is a particular character, place or event that you would like to know more about, and it is not being covered, don't hesistate to email me and I will send you either a note or a copy of the episode it is introduced. Focus on Katsu Ritsu [Introduced in Episode 1]: Kyosuke's next door neighbor, he lives in Room 6 in the boarding house. Katsu- san is a freshman chemistry major who keeps a ready stock of chemical supplies and equipment in his room. He and Kasuga-san have become quick friends and now socialize together along with Ayukawa, Kimura, and the others. A gifted chemist, he nevertheless finds time to play tennis and socialize. His level-headed personality helps keep the sanity to a tolerable level. He does get occasionally absent-minded, especially when he becomes engrossed in his work. Once in a while, explosions, strange odors, and concoctions conspire to keep Kasuga-san's life interesting. Visual Description: A blond hair guy with average build and height. Close anime comparisons include (but are not limited to) Al from Dominion, and Bernie from Gundum 0080.