Kimagure Orange College [Writer's foreword: This is the fourth 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 previous episodes, notes about the new characters, and previous events are listed after the ending credits. In addition, the older episodes are 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 4 - Hurricanes sometimes strike twice [Fade in on the front of Kasuga's boarding house. It's a clear mid-morning with the wind blowing through the trees...] Kasuga Narration: It is the first Sunday after classes started. [Begin a slow zoom in on Kasuga's window.] The sky was clear and bright. The temperature was perfect, and Ayukawa and I had a picnic planned for the afternoon. All in all, it had the makings of a perfect day. At least it did until an "old friend" decided to pay me a visit. [Zoom through Kasuga's window. Akane is sitting on her knees on Kasuga's futon, while Kasuga is backed into the corner of the room.] Hurricane Akane had arrived. An esper like me, she used her illusion powers to make me think she was Hikaru. I'm not sure which would have been worse... Akane: Sorry to do it like that, Kyosuke, but I had to find out for myself if the rumors I'd heard were true. Kasuga: Rumors? Akane: [Nodding] Yep. You and Madoka-san. You dumping Hikaru- chan. That sort of thing... Kasuga: [Defensively] Now hold on just a minute! I didn't *dump* Hi...[His voice trails off and he is silent for a moment. He lets out a sigh.] On the other hand, [quietly] I guess that's exactly what I did to her. [He pauses for another moment, then changes the subject slightly.] Where did you hear about all this? Akane: [Chuckles again] Do you even need to ask? Kasuga: [Annoyed] Hatta and Komatsu... Akane: [Nods] Yep. Those two never could keep anything to themselves. They've been embellishing it, I'm sure. They way they tell it, Madoka-san caught you and Hikaru-chan together, and made you make a choice right there on the spot. [She gets a thoughtful look on her face] Though it's been a while since I've seen them running so much. Kasuga: [Puzzled] Running? Akane: [She motions Kasuga over. He leans in, and Akane whispers into his ear conspiratorially] They made the mistake of passing on the story once when Yusaku-kun was nearby. [Kasuga chuckles a bit, reminded of all his trials and tribulations at Yusaku's hands before Yusaku's family had moved away a year before. Akane pulls back and continues.] Yusaku-kun was back in town once more on his semester break to visit Hikaru-chan and try to woo her from you one last time. When he heard how those two were talking about Hikaru-chan, and they *were* being rather rough on her, Yusaku just went ballistic. [Akane chuckles] From what I hear, they haven't been seen much since then. [Writer's note: For those who don't remember, Yusaku was not present in the KOR Movie.] Kasuga: Well, they can go a bit overboard at times, but... Akane: Anyway, as I said, I just had to see for myself if you were indeed over Hikaru. I've got to admit that I'm a little jealous. I don't know *what* Madoka-san sees in you. Kasuga: Akane...! Akane: Just kidding, Kyosuke! Kasuga: Hmm...[His eyes narrow slightly.] you know, it just occurred to me, but you came a long way just to "check out" my feelings for Hikaru-chan. Akane: Oh. Didn't I tell you? Kasuga: [Suspiciously] Tell me what? Akane: I didn't come just to "check you out". [She pauses] I got accepted here too! Kasuga: [To himself] WHAT...!?! Akane: [Smiles] I can guess what you're thinking, but you don't need to worry. I know when I'm beat. I'm not going to try to come between you and Madoka-san. In fact, I wish the two of you the best of luck together. Kasuga Narration: Ehh? Could it be? For once Akane's not going to cause trouble for me? [His questions are interrupted by another knock on the door. Not taking his eyes off Akane for a moment, he walks over to the front of the room and opens the door. He is momentarily surprised when, standing by the doorway, he sees...] Kasuga: Kimura-san? Kimura: Ohayo Kyo-chan! Akane: [To herself, her eyes narrowing slightly] *Kyo-chan*...? Kasuga: Kimura-san...[Puts his hand behind his head and smiles nervously] what brings you here? Kimura: [Holds up her math book] I thought we could do some studying together. [notices Akane] But I see you already have company. Kasuga: Company? [glances back at Akane, who is still sitting on the edge of Kasuga's futon] Oh. Yeah. Well... uhh... Akane: [Stands up and brushes off her clothes] What tumble- tongue here is trying to say is that I'm his cousin, Akane. I'm going to school here as well, so I just stopped by to say hi. Kimura: [Brightening] Oh, your cousin. [Kimura slips past a still tongued-tied Kasuga and extends her hand to Akane. They shake hands.] I'm Kimura Keiko! Kasuga-san and I have Mathematics together. [She releases Akane's hand, and moves back towards the door.] [To Kasuga] We can study together another time, Kyo-chan. I'll leave you and your cousin to catch up on things. [She is out the door before Kasuga can say a word.] Kasuga: ... Akane: Well, I see you're at it again, cousin. Kasuga: What? [He turns around and, instead of Akane, sees Kimura] Kimura: [Clasps her hands together and rests her head again her hands] We can study together another time, Darling! [With a familiar sounding inflection and manner] Kasuga: Cut it out, Akane. Akane: [Reverting back to normal] I can't leave you alone for a minute. You're finally free of Hikaru and that ugly mess, and here you are, flirting around with this girl Kimura. [She gets up and opens the door.] Well, don't worry, cousin. I'll take care of things for you. [Slips out the door and is gone.] Kasuga: Akane! [Sinks to his knees] This is really the worst. [To himself] Whenever Akane tries to "help" me, I always get burned... [Cut to outside the boarding house. Ayukawa is walking up the road, carrying a picnic basket. As she comes up the walk, she sees Fujimoto sweeping the walkway.] Ayukawa: Ohayo! Fujimoto: Ohayo! You must be Ayukawa-san. [Stops sweeping and smiles] Kasuga's waiting for you upstairs, but I don't think we've met. I'm Fujimoto Mariko. [Bows] Ayukawa: [Returns bow, then sniffs.] Is that......sulfur? Fujimoto: Ahh...Katsu-san is up. [She smiles with a gentle expression on her face.] Ayukawa: Something of an eccentric guy, isn't he? Fujimoto: [Puts the broom aside and brushes off her apron.] Well, Katsu is a dedicated young man. He's one of the most determined students to live here in quite a while and I really hope Eiji learns something about the importance of dedication from him. Ayukawa: [Concern on her face] But...there's smoke coming from the window. Fujimoto: Sigh...well I warned him. [Smiles; judging from her light-hearted expression, she's not the least surprised. She picks up a bucket, opens the outside faucet and fills the bucket with water.] But you know what they say; boys will be boys. [Without looking in the doorway, she sticks her arm holding the bucket inside and waits calmly. Two seconds later, her foresight is rewarded as Katsu comes running down the stairs and grabs the bucket of water.] Katsu: [Hurriedly] Thank you! [Runs back upstairs, carrying the bucket of water.] Ayukawa: ... [Cut to Nogeyama park. A blanket is flipped open and spread out on the ground by an unseen figure. As the figure stands back up, we see it's Ayukawa. Kasuga is standing behind her, holding a picnic basket. In the distance, a jungle gym can be seen to the left, and the glitter of the Nogeyama swimming pool can be seen to the right. Kasuga has a preoccupied look on his face.] Kasuga: [To himself] Damn that Akane. What's she going to do now... [Cut to an unknown location. The viewer can see Kasuga confronting Kimura...] Kasuga: [With a leering expression on his face] Come here, Keiko-chan! Kimura: [With an apprehensive look on her face] Kasuga-san? Is something wrong? Kasuga: [Advancing on Kimura] Nothing's wrong now! [Grabs Kimura and pulls her close to him] Heh...heh...heh! [He bends his head over, and is about to kiss Kimura, when the scene freezes and cracks spread across the view, as if it was a windowing shattering. The pieces of the scene clatter down off the screen.] Ayukawa: [Faintly] Kasuga-kun... [louder] Kasuga-kun! [Cut back to the park. We see Kasuga standing behind Ayukawa, still holding the picnic basket. Ayukawa is sitting on the edge of the picnic blanket, motioning him to sit.] Kasuga: Hai...[He takes a step forward, but doesn't watch where he's stepping. He steps on a loose rock, which twists out from under his foot, sending him pitching forward. We see him falling. Cut to the picnic basket clattering to the ground, spilling out a few items. Cut back to Kasuga, sprawled across Ayukawa's lap. Ayukawa's arms are outstretched where she tried to catch him, but as she was sitting, she wasn't able to help much. Kasuga props up on one arm and shakes his head to regain his senses before looking up at Ayukawa.] Ayukawa: [Smiles at him and whispers] You know, for an esper, you certainly are clumsy. Kasuga: [With mock indignation] Ayukawa! Ayukawa: [She laughs momentarily] Hmm...are you going to stay there all day? Kasuga: Well...umm...[He gives up trying to say anything, and scrambles off of her. He quickly begins to reclaim the spilled picnic supplies.] Ayukawa: [Softly] Kasuga-kun? Kasuga: Hai? [Ayukawa pats the ground beside her. Kasuga hesitates, then sits down there. Ayukawa reaches down and intertwines her hand in Kasuga's.] Ayukawa: [Seriously] What's wrong? Kasuga: [Startled, he puts his free hand behind his head] What makes you think something's wrong? Ayukawa: I've known you for several years now, and when you get really clumsy, it's usually because something's bothering you. Kasuga: Ayukawa...[He sighs, then lowers his eyes.] [Cut to a few minutes later. Ayukawa is still sitting on the blanket, with her arms placed on the ground behind her for support.] Ayukawa: So you're afraid of what Akane-san will do to Kimura- san. [Kasuga nods] Kasuga-kun, why haven't you mentioned Kimura- san before? Hmm... I met a girl at the Okonomiyaki-Maru that introduced herself as Kimura. Was that who you were with at the library? Kasuga: That was her. I guess I was afraid you'd be jealous. She's just a friend, but after what we just went through with Hikaru-chan... Ayukawa: [Nodding] I understand. [She thinks for a few moments] I know I shouldn't be, but I guess I am a little jealous. But it really shouldn't be a problem as long as Kimura-san knows that you're committed. [She pauses, realizing something. She turns and looks straight at Kasuga] Kasuga-kun, she *does* know about me, doesn't she? Kasuga: Well... Ayukawa: [With a light smile] Kasuga Kyosuke. Sometimes I don't know what to do with you. [more seriously] OK, we'll take care of that problem later. But for the moment, Akane's of much more immediate concern. You said she's an esper like you, right? I guess that means her brother Kazuya's one as well. Kasuga: [Glad to be back on less shaky ground] Yeah. She's not a full telepath, like Kazuya. One telepath in the family's enough trouble. [They both laugh] But she does have a sort of limited telepathy, though it's broadcast only. She can make a person think she's almost anyone she wants. Fortunately, that's all she can do. Ayukawa: OK. Hmm...by the way, you wouldn't have any idea if she's still fixated on me, would you? Kasuga: What? How did you know about that? Ayukawa: [Chuckles] I'm not blind, and I'm afraid subtlety is something Akane is a bit lacking in, you know. I never mentioned it, but I did notice the pictures of me that she had on her bedroom ceiling. It's not exactly something I wanted to make a big deal out of. [Writer's note: See "Unexpected Situation" OVA, and yes, I know I'm ret-conning it slightly...:-)] Kasuga: I see. Hmm...well, she *said* she was a little jealous, but she wished us luck together, so...[shrug] Ayukawa: OK. Well, back to current problems. First off, we need a way of identifying each other. Kasuga: Identifying? Ayukawa: Yes. So that Akane can't fool either of us. Hmm...I'm not exactly up for becoming permanently paranoid, but until we settle the current situation...[thinks for a moment] if we become separated for any reason, we'll each ask a question that only the other should know. That ought to make it hard for Akane to impersonate either of us to the other. Unfortunately, that doesn't help if she imitates someone else, but it's a start. Kasuga: OK. But what do we do first to try to stop her? Ayukawa: [Pulls out a onigiri* from the basket] First, we eat. I'm starving. *riceball with salted salmon (or pickled plum) in the middle Kasuga: [Grabs one for himself] Hai. [Cut to a long apartment hallway. Kasuga is outside one of the doorways and knocks. The door opens and Kimura peeks out. Seeing Kasuga, she motions for him to keep quiet and slips out the door and closes it.] Kimura: [Whispering] Kyo-chan. What are you doing here? Kasuga: Well, I was in the area anyway, so it was simpler to come by in person than call. I can't stay long, but I wanted to see if it was OK if we meet in the student union later. We could have a bite to eat and then get some studying done. Kimura: [No longer whispering] Why Kyo-chan, that almost sounds like an invitation to a date! Kasuga: [Puts his hand behind his head once more] Well, I hadn't really thought of it like that, but I guess it does sound like it. [He laughs] Kimura: [Beaming] In that case, I'd be glad to! Kasuga: Great! I'll meet you there at seven o-clock. Kimura: [By now practically giddy with excitement] Sounds like it'll be fun! Maybe we could even catch a movie after we're done studying! Kasuga: [Nods] I'll meet you there. I've gotta run now! [Kasuga walks off. As he leaves, Kimura steps back inside, with a happy smile on her face. As Kasuga turns around a corner, he shimmers, then his form shifts into Akane.] Akane: [To herself] That was almost *too* easy...[She chuckles quietly, and opens a door into a stairwell. After stepping inside and closing the door behind her...] Now for the next step. [She disappears down the stairway.] COMMERCIAL BREAK [Cut to Kasuga's boarding room. He's lying on his back on his futon, staring up at the ceiling. After a few moments he slams his fist into the floor in frustration.] Kasuga: [To himself] Damn it! If only I could figure out what Akane plans to do, maybe I could do something to stop her! [His thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door. Kasuga gets up and goes to open it. He hesitates before opening it, then grits his teeth and does so.] Kimura-san! Kimura: Konnichiwa, Kyo-chan! Kasuga: Ahh...konnichiwa Kimura-san. Kimura: I can't stay long now, but I was in the neighborhood, and I thought I would stop by and see if we could set up a time for that study session we missed. Kasuga: Umm...sure, I guess. Kimura: Great! How does seven o'clock tonight in the student union sound? Kasuga: Sounds fine... Kimura: Wonderful! I'll see you there! [She turns around and heads down the corridor, quickly disappearing down the stairs.] Kasuga: [To himself as he steps back inside, and frowns] Why tonight, of all nights? With Akane on the loose somewhere, the last thing I want to do is meet with Kimura. Well, I'd better let Ayukawa know about this. [He picks up the phone and dials] [Cut to Ayukawa's apartment. She is sitting on her bed, flipping through a book, when the phone beside the bed rings...] Ayukawa: Hello? ... Oh. Hi, Kasuga-kun. ... What? ... Kimura was there? ... A study date? ... Hmm. Well, are you sure it was her? ... Yeah. That might very well have been Akane, you know. ... Hmm. ... Yes, I know. It's a little hard to know if she was real or not now that she's gone. Hmm. I know! Why don't you try this: give Kimura a phone call. If that was the real Kimura you saw, there's no way she'll be home this fast. If she is home, we know it was Akane you just talked to. ... Hmm? Well, I don't know what to tell her about why you are calling. Maybe just act like you are confirming the study date. Say you forgot the time. It's not like you've never done *that*... [She chuckles] I'm just joking, Kasuga-kun. You know that. OK. Call me right back after you make that call. [Ayukawa hangs up the phone, stands up from the bed, and crosses the room to her window. We briefly see a view of the Tokyo skyline through the window, before she turns and walks over to her dresser. She sits down at it and, propping her elbow on the dresser, leans forward and rests her cheek on her hand. She is looking at something on the dresser, and the view follows her gaze down to show a framed picture of Kasuga. She sighs.] Ayukawa: [To the picture] Well, one thing I can say about you, Kasuga-kun is I can see that being in love with an esper is going to be anything but dull. I should be used to this by now, considering how many years of craziness you put me and Hika... [She stops and opens a drawer on the dresser. She reaches in and pulls out another framed picture; this one is one of Hiyama Hikaru.] I miss you, Hikaru-chan. I just wish there had been some other way...[The phone rings, interrupting her reverie. She quickly slips the photo back into the drawer and moves to answer the phone.] Ayukawa: Hello. ... So it was Akane after all. ... A date? Not just a study session? Hmm. Akane's been busy. ... What should you do? Well... I guess you have a date tonight. [She grins] ... I'm serious. We now know where Akane plans to strike. If you don't show, she might do something else, maybe even take your place. ... I thought that would make the point. Don't worry. I'll be nearby. ... Cheer up, Kasuga-kun. It'll work out, one way or another. ... OK. I'll talk to you soon. [We now move in close on Ayukawa's face.] Kasuga: [Faintly, from the phone] Ayukawa? Ayukawa: Yes, Kasuga-kun? Kasuga: I... Whatever happens tonight, I want you to know that I... I love you. Ayukawa: [A light smile on her face] I love you too, Kasuga-kun. [The view follows Ayukawa's hand as she hangs up the phone. The hand lingers for a moment on the phone, then pulls back. It's now Kyosuke's hand, and he glances at the clock. It's 6:00. He sighs, then heads out the door, locking it behind him.] [Cut to the student union. Akane is crouching down, obviously hiding. In front of her is a wall of leaves, through which we cannot see, but over which Akane is peeking. She chuckles to herself, then turns around and slides down to a seat.] Akane: OK. They'll be here soon. And then, showtime...! [Camera slowly pans over to the dining area as Akane mentally goes over her plan. At one of the tables, Kasuga and Kimura are sitting in close beside each other, pouring over a school book.] Kimura: ...and there you go! You followed all that, right Kyo- chan? Kasuga: Well, not really. I'm just a bit distracted tonight. Kimura: [Reaches out her hand and puts it over one of his hands] What's the matter, Kyo-chan? Kasuga: Well... Voice from behind Kasuga: What do you think you're doing? Kasuga: [Turns around and freezes with fear] A-a-ayukawa? Ayukawa: [Angrily] I think I've seen enough! Kasuga Kyosuke, didn't you learn anything at all in high school! You should know better than to start playing around! Kasuga: B-b-but...! Ayukawa: [Turns to Kimura] And you...stay away from him! Kimura: [Tearfully] You mean...you two... Ayukawa: [Firmly] Come on, Kasuga-kun! [Drags him out by the ear] Kasuga: [As he's being dragged off] A-Ayukawa...! [Cut back to reality...] Akane: ...and the best part is, since it'll be me and not really Ayukawa, Kyosuke's relationship with her isn't harmed in the slightest! Oh cousin, what would you do if I wasn't around to look out for you! [She gets back up, brushing herself off, and begins to glance over the wall of leaves. The shot moves upwards so that we can see over the hedge as well. On the other side we now see a courtyard. Tables dot the courtyard, some of them with students at them, others unoccupied. After a moment we see Ayukawa approaching from across the courtyard. It is a couple of seconds before Akane spots her. We see Akane frown.] Akane: [To herself] Oh, no. What's *she* doing here? She could ruin everything. I've got to get her away from here. Hmm. [Shift to a shot of Ayukawa crossing the courtyard. We see Kasuga slip out from behind the hedge where Akane had been hiding and casually walk over to Ayukawa, who doesn't spot him until he's almost to her.] Kasuga: Ayukawa. Ayukawa: Kasuga-kun. Kasuga: [Closes the distance between them and stops right in front of Ayukawa, reaching out to clasp her hands in his own.] I'm surprised to see you here at this time of day. What are you doing here? Ayukawa: I could ask the same of you. [Thinks to herself] Strange...Kasuga-kun told me this was where his "date" was to be. Why is he acting like this unless... Kasuga: Me? Well I was just here to do some studying, but if you are here too, maybe you could give me a hand. [He tries to guide Ayukawa out of the dining area while talking, then stops] Hey, how about you go find us a table, [He points through a doorway to an adjoining dining area] and I will go get us something to eat. [He starts to disengage his hand from Ayukawa's, but she doesn't release her grip.] Ayukawa: I have a question for you, Kasuga-kun. Kasuga: Question? Ayukawa: [Nods] Tell me Kasuga-kun, when was our first kiss? Kasuga: Kiss? Umm...well... Ayukawa: I didn't think you could answer that...Akane. Kasuga: ... Ayukawa: You might as well drop your illusion. I know it's you. I think it's time we had a little talk. [Kasuga's form melts into Akane, as she takes a couple of glances around, looking for a way to escape.] Ayukawa: Don't try it Akane. There are too many people around for you to try anything. [She glances into the dining room.] I think we should find a quiet table after all. [She heads into the dining room, Akane in tow. She sits Akane down in a chair and pulls another in close for herself, so they can talk without being overheard.] Now, I know you set up a date between Kasuga-kun and Kimura-san. The fact that you're here means you had something else coming up as well. I want to know what. [Akane wilts under Ayukawa's gaze.] [Cut to Kasuga sitting at a table, glancing around nervously. His mathematics books are sitting in a pile on the table in front of him. He glances at his watch more than once as he waits.] Kasuga Narration: I arrived a little early. Although I knew that it was going to be the real Kimura I had a date with, Akane was still around somewhere, and I still had no idea what she planned to do. Also, even though Ayukawa knew I was going to be here with Kimura, I still felt as if I was cheating on her. [Close-up of Kasuga glancing at his watch again. It's 6:50. As he moves his head back up to glance around the room once more, we see a hand placed on his shoulder from behind. He quickly glances up and the shot following his gaze up the arm to show that it's Kimura. She's wearing a pair of shorts, and a loose-fitting T- shirt.] Kimura: Konbanwa, Kyo-chan! [She steps around Kasuga, and moves over to a seat across from him, her hand lingering on his shoulder as she moves past, until distance pulls it away.] Kasuga: ... Kimura: Well, would you like to get something to eat first, or get right to studying? [She sets her books down on the table] Kasuga: [Starting to look a little like a trapped rat] Well...uhmm...I guess studying usually builds my appetite, so we can wait a bit for food...I guess. Kimura: Sounds good to me! [Beams her familiar smile] I'm not quite hungry yet myself! [She sets out her books and opens a notebook, spreading out some papers. She glances over at Kasuga, who is sitting statue-still.] Why don't you move over here to this seat [pats the chair right beside her.] Kyo-chan, so we can work on some of these together? Kasuga: Kimura: Is something wrong, Kyo-chan? [She gets a worried look for a fraction of a second, then her face brightens again.] Oh, I know what it is! We went a little fast on that stuff last time, didn't we? Kasuga: [Momentarily lost] Fast? Oh, a little, I guess. [He gets up, glancing around nervously, then takes the offered seat.] Kimura: [She beams briefly at Kasuga.] Good. Now where should we begin? [She looks over the papers spread out before her, studying them momentarily. She picks out one problem and taps it with her pencil.] Now how about this one, for starters? Kasuga: [A little weakly] Hai... [Kimura leans forward and begins to work on the problem, taking things step by step for Kasuga's sake. Kasuga watches closely, glad for any distraction from his worries, and from Kimura herself. He manages to pay attention for only a short time before he notices that in leaning forward, Kimura's t-shirt has slipped forward, allowing Kasuga to see right down the front. Kasuga gulps, and tries to return to paying attention to the homework, but whatever concentration he had is totally shot.] Kasuga: [To himself] At this point, I'd almost welcome whatever Akane plans to do. It's fifteen minutes after seven, and she's still nowhere to be seen. Kimura: ...and there you go! You followed all that, right Kyo- chan? Kasuga: Well...not quite all of it, I'm afraid. Kimura: Darn! And I thought I was doing it so clearly. [She glances back to the paper.] Oh, well, where did I lose you? Kasuga: Well it was back...[stops and shakes his head] I'm sorry, Kimura-san, it's not your fault. I'm just a bit distracted tonight. Kimura: [Reaches out her hand and puts it over one of his hands] What's the matter, Kyo-chan? Hikaru's voice from Kasuga's memory: What's the matter, Darling? Kasuga: [Stands up, pulling his hand away from Kimura.] I'm sorry, Kimura-san, but this can't go on. It's not right. Kimura: [Confused] Go on? Not right? What are you talking about? Kasuga: This. Us. [Kimura opens her mouth to respond] No, wait. Let me finish first. [He pauses momentarily] I like you Kimura-san. I like you a lot. You're becoming a good friend, but...[He winds to a stop, his resolve weakening] Voice: Go on, Kasuga-kun. You're doing just fine. [Both Kasuga and Kimura turn at this voice. Standing just a few paces behind them is Ayukawa. Kasuga's resolve firms up once more.] Kasuga: [He turns back to Kimura] ...but I'm already in love with someone else. [He looks over in Ayukawa's direction.] I love Ayukawa Madoka... Kimura: [Smiles] I know! Kasuga: [Looks back at Kimura] ...and I'm sorry if I seem to have led you on at all, but sometimes I have a hard time saying things that I shou... [He winds down as what Kimura just said finally reaches his brain.]...wh-what did you just say? Kimura: [Puts her elbows on the table and smiles even more] I said I know all about you and Ayukawa-san! Kasuga: ... Ayukawa: ... Akane: [Falls with a crash out of a chair in the background where she had been sitting, listening in.] Urk...! [Ayukawa comes forward and stands beside Kasuga. Kimura shakes her head and scoots her chair away from Kasuga's, motioning Ayukawa to sit. As Ayukawa sits down, Kasuga has a totally lost look on his face. Then Akane comes storming up behind them.] Akane: Now hold on just a moment! What do you mean you knew about them? I saw how you have been flirting with him! If you knew about Madoka-san...! Kimura: Well, I guess I didn't put it all together until just now, when Kasuga-san tried to explain, and I saw Ayukawa-san coming up to support him. [She sighs] Sometimes it's easy to tell when two people are in love, if you know what to look for. [She reaches into her bag and pulls out a romance novel.] And if you read enough of these, you learn the signs. [She turns her head towards Ayukawa with a dreamy look] I saw how the two of you were dancing together a few days ago. You two were in a world of your own. I envy you, Ayukawa-san. [Snaps back out of her daze] Anyway, I probably would have figured it out sooner if I had been paying more attention to your hints and less attention to my own emotions...[She looks towards Ayukawa once more and continues meekly] I guess I went a little far, going out on a date with Kasuga-san. I'm sorry if I caused you any trouble, Ayukawa-san, and I hope I can still be friends with Kasuga-san, and maybe even you as well. [Her smile returns tentatively as she watches for Ayukawa's reaction.] Ayukawa: No...*you* were no problem at all. [She glances meaningfully in Akane's direction.] Akane: Uhh...well, I just remembered something I need to take care of. [She hurriedly shakes Kimura's hand.] Good to meet you again. Gotta go. [She makes a hasty retreat for the exit.] Ayukawa: [Smiles] As I told Kasuga earlier, he's welcome to be friends with you. [Smiles] And I'd enjoy becoming your friend as well! Kimura: [Now back to her full, bubbly grin] Wonderful! [Cut to a some time later in Club Noir. The three of them are now sitting around a table. A pitcher of beer is in the center, and the three seem to be enjoying themselves, laughing and joking. At least one of the jokes seems to be at Kasuga's expense, as he blushes red at least once.] Kasuga Narration: I guess I got lucky. Kimura and Ayukawa hit it right off. I heard Ayukawa laugh more that night than I'd heard her laugh since my breaking off with Hikaru tore their relationship apart. Before the night was over, Kimura was calling Ayukawa "Madoka-san" and Ayukawa was referring to Kimura as "Keiko-san". Ayukawa: [Picking up the glass in front of her] A toast! Kasuga and Kimura: Hai! Ayukawa: To friendships, old and new! Kimura: Yeah! Three together, forever! [Kasuga and Ayukawa give each other a quick look of surprise, then both smile and turn back to the center of the table.] All: Cheers! [Slowly pull back from the frozen scene. In the black background, the viewer sees a photo of the three glasses pressed together in toast.] END CREDITS Writer Andy Combs New Characters Designer/Co-Writer Stephen Tsai Pre-readers Ravi Konchigeri Derek Work Jim Ramberg 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 hesitate to email me and I will send you either a note or a copy of the episode it is introduced. Focus on Kimura Keiko [Introduced in Episode 1]: Kasuga's study partner in mathematics. A cute, perky, spunky redhead, Kimura-san is a freshman mathematics major. She and Kasuga-san, in addition to study, do socialize together. Kimura-san knows that Kasuga is already committed, but doesn't let it bother her. She respects his relationship with Ayukawa and considers Kasuga a close friend and nothing more. Totally irrepressible and fun-loving; however, her bubbly personality hides a prodigy for theoretical and applied mathematics that exceeds even Saito Kenichi's skill. An addict of romance novels, she's trying to find that "special someone". Visual Description: A cute redhead with short hair. She is short in height. She is almost always smiling; only occasionally does she contemplate more serious topics. Close anime visual comparisons include (but are not limited to) Nanao Kozue (with red hair) from Maison Ikkoku, Leona Ozaki from Dominion, and Izumi Noa from Patlabor. Focus on Akane [Introduced in the KOR OVA: Hurricane Akane. Reintroduced in KOC Episode 3]: Kyosuke's cousin, Akane is a freshman drama major. Akane is also an esper, possessing the ability to project images into other people's minds, making them think that she's someone else. Note that only those people upon whom Akane is concentrating the illusion see it. Bystanders see Akane as normal. In the two KOR OVAs in which Akane appears, she is shown to be a fairly mean, callous, and sometimes downright cruel person. In the manga Akane is not really mean, but just tends to be impulsive and oblivious to the consequences of her actions. Also, in the manga, Akane is not able to teleport, nor is she able to use telekinesis These limitations will be maintained in KOC. Visual Description: Once again, the manga's version of Akane will be the source. In the manga Akane looks very close to what Kasuga Kurumi looks like in the anime. (Which is probably why they made such drastic changes in how Akane looks in the anime...:-))