Chapter 8: Smoke Doesn't Rise Without Fire* * Expression similar to, "Where there's smoke, there's fire" Translated by : Kaori Hasegawa Sponsored and brought to you by : Alberto Mazzetto Proofread by : Mike Chapman and Shampoo Story and Art by : Masakazu Katsura <153> Hiromu: Moteuchi-san! Why didn't you come in. Youta: I couldn't see it... But I believe what you said. <154> Hiromu: Eh? Really?... Then, it really doesn't mean everyone can see... Len: E. E. E. Youta: Is she crying because she's happy... That must be it... Is it the old man's effort? Or, Taguchi-kun's kindness? Well, anyway, I'm glad she wasn't returned... Youta: Do your best. Len: Eh? <155> Len: Ah. Yes! Hiromu: What? "Do your best." It sounds like he knows what's going on... Youta: Oh, yeah. I have to give it to you. That was the reason I came here. Youta: It's Shirakawa-kun's... <156> Hiromu: Eh. Youta: It was dropped in the art room. Her train pass was half exposed so I found out it was hers. Hiromu: B-But... Why me? Youta: I thought it was better if I hand it to you, but am I wrong?... Hiromu: If I'm told that, then... Youta: Well... I don't know if I can help you, but... I'll listen to you about anything. Youta: I want to help you. Hiromu: Eh!?... Why are you... For me... <157> Youta: I could...see this video shop when I was your age... <159> Hiromu: The next morning...there was a box at the door. In the box, there were many of Len-chan's clothes, and money for Len-chan's living expenses. Toshiki: Well... Toshiki: What are you going to do about the pouch. Toshiki: Do you want me to take it to her? Hiromu: No. I'll do it. That's what Moteuchi-san meant, so he handed it to me. Hiromu: As soon as possible, I'll make up my mind and go give this to her. Len: Kyaaa!! <160> Len: U. U. Toshiki: What's wrong. Len: There are only mini skirts in the box. There aren't any pants or long skirts!! Len: What is this. I'm in serious trouble, what is this reaction. <161> Len: Kya. Sound: Ba. Toshiki: Mini skirts are all right! There is no problem! It's good, it's good!! Len: It's trouble, because there's a guy like you!! Sound: Do. Hiromu: Oh, she's strong. Len: By the way, about the pouch. It's not as soon as possible, it's right now. Toshiki: Eh? Len: Oh, yeah. there is something I have to ask you. <162> Hiromu: Len-chan's question was the reason I encountered "Neo Gokuraku." Toshiki: He can't do something that would open up his wounds now. Hiromu: That's all right, Toshiki... Hiromu: I'll tell you. I thought Len-chan must be in a fight, and trying to do her best since she was encouraged by Moteuchi-san... So... Hiromu: I told her the details of everything from the time of elementary school... And, about Shirakawa-san, she was the same girl as in the rumor. Len: But, I wonder if the rumor is really true. Toshiki: You're stupid. True or not, Hiromu saw the facts with his own eyes. Len: But, Hiromu-kun, you thought she wouldn't be like that kind of girl at first, right. <163> Hiromu: Well... Yeah... Len: I think the best to heal Hiromu-kun's wound is to go out with Shirakawa-san, who you finally started to like. Sound: Ba. Toshiki: That's what we thought, too. But when he opened the lid, she was the girl who hurt Hiromu. Then, what would happen if he goes out with her now. Len: If...she were hurt by the rumor? Len: If she misunderstood that Hiromu-kun believed the rumor, and so she thought that's your goal? If she became desperate because of that? <164> Len: If...she became desperate because of that, then it's easy to solve the problem. Toshiki: What? Why is it easy to solve if she becomes became desperate? Hiromu: We really don't know what she's saying. Len: Well, because, if you think about a date, you can say that... If she becomes desperate, it means she thought, "You're different from the others..." So, if I can say it clearly, the one she trusted was believing in the rumor, so, it means that she likes you, too. Hiromu: I...see... Such an idea would never come from us. I didn't think about why Shirakawa-san went on the date with me at all. So, I was just thinking about myself. Hiromu: Toshiki is the guy who can never start liking a girl. He wouldn't understand the feelings of betrayal... <165> Hiromu: Toshiki, who doesn't know about love, and I, who don't know about girls, wouldn't think of such a happy thing, ever... Len-chan may be able to heal my wound... But... Toshiki: But what if she went on a date with him, just because she's crazy about guys? Len: That's why we should go see her. You can be sure when you hand this pouch to her! Nothing will come out of just worrying and thinking. Hiromu: But... We say, "Rumors don't rise without fire." Len: Hiromu-kun... Sound: So. Len: If you want to say it, it's "Smoke doesn't rise without fire." <166> Hiromu: With Len-chan's support, I went to Shirakawa-san's school. We'll find a girl who knows Shirakawa-san at this school, and ask her to bring Shirakawa-san. Len-chan will talk first, and with good timing, I'll come out with the pouch. It's our scenario, but... Len: She's late... I wonder if she's not coming... Hiromu: Then...should we go home... <167> Len: Here she comes. <168> Ayumi: What is it? Len: Well, we have something to give you, and before that, I have something to ask you. It's about the rumor about you. Ayumi: Eh? Len: With...any guy... That rumor, is it true? Or not? Toshiki: From the beginning, get to the point! <169> Hiromu: It was Len-chan who said she may be hurt by the rumor! Ga. She's so insensitive!! Toshiki: Hey! Hiromu!! Sound: Pa. Hiromu: Len-chan!! Ayumi: Taguchi-san! <170> Len: Gee, I told you to come out only when I give you the signal! Hiromu: Ha. Sound: Gya. Toshiki: Oh my God, it's a mess. Sound: Jari. <171> Ayumi: The rumor...is true... Len: Oh no, the air is tense. Toshiki: Who's fault is it? End of Chapter