Chapter 24: Each One's Decision Translated by : Kaori Hasegawa Sponsored and brought to you by : Alberto Mazzetto Story and Art by : Masakazu Katsura <128> Youta: Sunday. I promised to go on a date with Nobuko-chan. I said okay because she was trying so hard, but I think about Ai-chan even when I'm drawing the picture book. The half coat I always wore when I went out with Ai-chan. Sound: Poi. <129> Youta: It's not the season for coats anymore. I'll try not to think about Ai-chan today. It's not nice to show my dark face to Nobuko-chan. By the way, this is my first time to wait on a date. Boy: Sorry, what did you want? Girl: hey! you're late. Youta: There was a time I envied that kind of thing. Sound: Don. <130> Nobuko: Yoo-hoo! Youta: No-Nobuko-chan! Did you cut your hair again? Nobuko: Yeah, once I cut it, I was convinced it wasn't the right length, so. Youta: Her actions are somehow similar to Ai-chan's. I can relax even though i don't know her well, maybe it's because of that. <131> Youta: I like these color works of art. Nobuko: .Even the clothes fashions are 'earth tones'. But it's stupid to pursue fashion, we have to keep our eyes to the future. Youta: I think so. We can't say all, but most fashion is created to be mass-produced. Nobuko: I see. Youta: I say that, but it's me who is influenced by mass communication. <132> Youta: Shall we go out? Nobuko: Okay! Youta: It's going well. The two of us might get along well. Wait.? It's just like I'm trying to go out with her. --but. Did I naturally think that because I'm beginning to like her? <133> Moemi: --That's what I heard. Takashi: Oh yeah. Why is Moemi still with me, with such a cold guy. But the biggest problem is that I'm still going out with her, even though i don't like her so much. <134> Takashi: I originally started doing this for Youta. for him to love her for himself. Sound: Suru. Takashi: It's obvious that this is not going to work out. Sound: Su. Takashi: Then, .quickly. <135> Takashi: In my mind, I always say, "You shouldn't choose a guy like me." Has Moemi-chan noticed, or not? Looking unconcerned. Moemi: Hey. Can I hold your arm? Takashi: She hasn't noticed. <136> Youta: Wow!? Takashi: Hey, Youta. Nobuko: I think, Hayakawa-senpai. Youta: yes. <137> Nobuko: She likes you. Youta: What? How can you say that, without any connections or evidence. Nobuko: It's my sixth-sense! It's possible because of those hasty actions. Youta: But! She has a boyfriend! You saw him too, right? They were enjoying a date just now, as well. Nobuko: There are many things that people think, and what they do don't match. Youta: Um. <138> Nobuko: I couldn't think the two of them were enjoying themselves. Youta: Eh? .Sharp observation. Nobuko: Senpai, don't you think it's possible that one person can begin misunderstanding the other person while they are going out? Youta: Eh? Ah. Maybe so. Nobuko: Why do you think a girl would do at that time? Youta: I don't know. Nobuko: We try to confuse boys, too. Like saying something to make them angry, or. Taking a big chance to find out if they really like us. Youta: I see, for example. <139> Nobuko: For example, to hold my arm suddenly. Youta: Wa! Nobuko: See, if you don't like me, your face looks like, "What's she doing?" Youta: Oh, no. I didn't mean that now. Nobuko: If we run into a corner and we ask each other for a kiss, or to go to a hotel. Youta: Hotel!? Nobuko: Hey, Senpai. Youta: Ahaha, I'm sorry. <140> Youta: I don't think it works on men. Most men would go for it if they were asked. Nobuko: Then would you go with me if I ask you now? Youta: What are you talking about! Nobuko: You're face turned red, so cute! Even if we ask, we can see if it's just desire or not, so it doesn't mean we have to go. Hayakawa-senpai looked like she was in that situation. So, if her boyfriend shows her everything clearly, they will get along well, I think. <141> Youta: Nobuko-chan might be the 'manual-type' like I am. I might get along better with her than with Ai-chan, who didn't fit any pattern. Maybe I can think like this. Ai-chan forgot about me because she appeared as a Video Girl to someone else. Then I shouldn't go after her right now. Then. You already told my the girl's secret techniques. You have to think of some new techniques. You'll have a difficult time from now on, Nobuko-chan. Nobuko: Eh? What.do you mean.by that. Are you saying. Youta: So. Well. <142> Takashi: I've always walked at my own pace. it must have been too fast for Moemi. Even though, she tried to follow along with me. Youta seems like he totally gave up on Moemi. Then doing this has no meaning. Then I'll make up my mind. Moemi did her best to catch me. I didn't make any effort toward her. So, from now on. Sound: Ta. <143> Takashi: I'll do my best at one thing. To like her. From now on, I'll try to walk with her, at her own pace, and hold her hand. <144> Moemi: I can't. Any more. <145> Youta: So. Well. A.Ai!! Nobuko: So. you're saying you'll go out with me? Youta: Nobuko-chan. When I was driven by an impulse to go after Ai-chan right now. I realized that I was trying to see Ai-chan in Nobuko-chan. What should I do.