Episode 15 - Hayashibara Declares! Premonition of a Rival

[Open with Kasuga in a spinning, disorienting background.]

Kasuga:

Ayukawa...! [Watches with apprehension as she doesn't seem to notice him. Instead, her attention is totally focused on a man wearing a white tuxedo.] So...sonna!*

*Can't be

Man: [With his face totally obscured.] Ayukawa...I love you.

Ayukawa:

[Brings her face closer to the man's lips.] I love you too...

Kasuga:

Ayukawa...! [Watches helplessly as Ayukawa kisses the man.] USO!!*

*No way

Egami:

[Pounding the room door.] URUSEN-DAYO!!!* THE NEIGHBORS ARE COMPLAINING!!!

*Shut up (rudely)

Kasuga:

[Wakes up in a cold sweat.] WAAAHH!! [Calming down with heavy breathing.]

Kasuga Narration:

That morning started in the worst possible way, and it didn't get any better. As I got ready for work, I couldn't get that dream out of my mind. Perhaps even more than just seeing what I saw, there was always a fear deep inside because Ayukawa attracted the attention of other guys. I had been lucky that she had never seemed interested, but now...

[Cut to early in the morning. Katsu and Kasuga are brushing their teeth by the upstairs public sink.]

Katsu:

So you had a dream. Don't worry about it! [Dips his toothbrush into a beaker with vile-looking, dark green fluid.] Ayukawa-san isn't the kind of girl to play around with people's feelings. You know that! Besides, dreams hardly ever come true!

Kasuga:

[Nervously.] Ah yeah...right...[Tries to change the subject and motions to the beaker.] What exactly is that stuff?

Katsu:

[Proudly.] Sodium bicarbonate, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium monoflourophosphate in a viscous liquid suspension. My own creation; I call it Number 15.

Kasuga:

[Suspiciously.] What happened to numbers one through fourteen?

Katsu:

[Sheepishly.] Well...there were some problems. [Offers the beaker.] Try some!

Kasuga:

[Watches a large bubble float to the surface.] No thanks!

Yuko:

[Nudges her way to one side of the sink.] Sumimasen!*

*Excuse me!

Katsu:

Eh? What are you doing here?

Yuko:

[A little annoyed.] The sink downstairs is clogged! [To Kasuga.] You need to sleep quieter! I hope you remember we're right under you! Yoko was ready to cut out your tongue in your sleep!

Kasuga:

...

Katsu:

[With concern.] Don't be so hard on him! He was having a bad dream!

Yuko:

Eh? [As she brushes her teeth.] What about?

Katsu:

He was worried about having to compete against Hayashibara-san, so I was telling him that he didn't have to worry about it.

Yuko:

Him? Verses Hayashibara Akira? [Bursts out laughing.] BWHAHAHAHAHA! [Suddenly stops when she realizes what she just did.] Sorry...

Kasuga & Katsu:

[With toothpaste foam on their faces.] ...

[Cut to Chez Kooun. Although it is late in the morning, the lunch crowd hasn't arrived yet and the dining room is relatively empty.]

Aoki:

[Cheerfully.] Irasshai mase*! Ah Kasuga-san! [Notices Kasuga's less than eager reaction.] Are you alright?

*Welcome; normal greeting for customers at restaurants and stores.

Kasuga:

Eh? [Forces a smile.] Yeah, everything's fine...[To himself.] as long as that wasn't a precognition dream.

Aoki:

Just a sec...[Pulls Kasuga close to her and whispers something in his ear.]

Kasuga:

[Looks surprised.] Eh? [Heads to the back room to get changed.] You gotta be kidding! Are you sure?

Aoki:

[Smiles.] Trust me, you'll see.

[As the door closes behind him, Hitomi and Naoko move two stacks of dishes to one side and look through the familiar peepholes.]

Hitomi:

[Disappointed.] Eh? I don't see him at all!

Naoko:

[Whispering back.] Where could he b...

[Both of them suddenly freeze in shock as an eye looks back at them through the hole.]

Hitomi & Naoko:

[Pulling back suddenly.] KYAAAAA!!!

Kasuga:

[Storming out of the changing room half dressed.] WHY YOU TWO...!

Hitomi:

[Embarrased and defensively.] But we were just having fun! We really didn't mean any harm! We think you're cool, really!

Naoko:

[Equally embarrased.] We wouldn't peek if we didn't think you were good-looking! Girls always stare at handsome guys!

Kasuga:

[Freezes up.] H...handsome?

Hitomi:

Sure! [Dreamy eyed.] If I saw a man with a dazzling smile and great build, I couldn't help but fall in love...sigh

Nakamura:

[Nods.] They're right, you know. Even she doesn't seem interested, a girl always notices and admires a guy like that. [Smiles slyly.] But you know that already, don't you, Kasuga-san?

Kasuga:

...

Aoki:

[Cheerfully as more customers come in.] Irasshai mase!

[Cut to the University baseball stadium. The stands are sparsely scattered with people watching as the Butsumetsu baseball team clear the field at the completion of their morning practices. A few of the players remain, continuing their own conditioning; some students also filter onto the field to take the opportunity to exercise. Hayashibara comes out of the locker room wearing jogging shorts and a headband. In each hand, he holds a two- kilogram hand weight. He jogs up and down the steps adjacent to the forty-five rows of seats, then heads towards the track. As he does so, he notices a familiar face running on the jogging track.]

Hayashibara:

Ayukawa-san!

Ayukawa:

Eh? [Turns around and recognizes him.] Hayashibara- san. What are you doing here? I thought the baseball team practice was over by now.

Hayashibara:

I usually stay a while and work out on my own. [Smiles.] In any event, it's good to see you again! [Teeth gleam.]

Ayukawa:

[Continues running.] You're pretty dedicated aren't you?

Hayashibara:

Sure, but I've had help. Coaches, teammates, and my fath... [Starts slowing down.]

Ayukawa:

[Notices his change in mood.] Eh?

Hayashibara:

[Picking back up his pace.] ...my father was always there to make sure I did my best.

Ayukawa:

I see...[Starts running faster.] Let see how fast you are!

Hayashibara:

[Smiles and also runs faster.] Right!

[Both of them run until they reach the starting white line on the track, with Ayukawa pulling away with a last second burst of speed. They both then sit down on the stands and Hayashibara offers Ayukawa a bottle of "Aquarius" pulled from his athletic bag.]

Ayukawa:

[Takes the offered bottle.] Thanks. [Squirts a small quantity of liquid into her mouth and returns the bottle.] What is this?

Hayashibara:

It's a sports drink; it's supposed to replace minerals. [Takes a drink himself.] Where did you learn to run like that? I know sprinters who don't run as fast.

Ayukawa:

[Wiping the sweat away from her face.] I've always loved to run since I was a kid. You're pretty fast yourself, considering those hand weights.

Hayashibara:

[Teeth gleam.] Well, I always try my best. [Hands the bottle back to Ayukawa for another drink.] Anyway, you should try for the track team.

Ayukawa:

It's...not really for me. Anyway, is that a pick-up line?

Hayashibara:

Eh?

Ayukawa:

If the baseball team wasn't just here, I would have suspected that you set this meeting up.

Hayashibara:

[Laughs.] No way! Kasuga-san would probably kill me! [More seriously.] Actually, it's fortuitous I ran into you here. I've been meaning to ask you a favor.

Ayukawa:

Eh?

[Cut to later that day. Kasuga leaves Chez Kooun and heads for the University Music building.]

Kasuga:

[Looking at his watch.] I'm probably worrying over nothing...I mean...after all, it's not like I've never done it before. [Laughs weakly.] Hahah...[Laughter dies.] ...ah...[With a worried expression.] Ayukawa's suppose to be at band practice right about now. [More determined.] Youshi*...I'll ask her to go out with me tonight! That'll ensure my dream doesn't come true!

*All right

[He walks across campus to the Fine Arts building. As he walks in the hallway, the sound of band music is heard in the next room, mostly but not entirely muffled by the heavy doors. Empty lockers that normally hold musical instruments line the walls. To one side, a bored student seated in the equipment check-out room reads the school newspaper.]

Kasuga:

[Peeks into the band in rehearsal. After getting a few cold stares from the directors, he closes the door.] Not in there...[Heads for the second floor, passing several practice areas.] Maybe she's in one of these little rooms. [After passing a few hallways, looking through the glass on the doors...] Ayukawa...! [Knocks on the door.]

Ayukawa:

[Stops playing, smiles and motions for him to enter.] Kasuga-kun! What are you doing here? Aren't you suppose to be at work?

Kasuga:

[Casually waves it off.] Don't worry about it; they let me out early. [Put his hand behind his head.] I just wanted to see how you were doing! Why aren't you in band practice?

Ayukawa:

That's the concert band rehearsal. The symphonic band rehearsal doesn't start for another twenty minutes. I'm just here to get a little extra practice and warm-up.

Kasuga:

[Nods.] Ah sou ka...*

*I see

Ayukawa:

Also, Handa-sensei said he would be giving me the solo saxophone parts at the club band so I wanted to get those prepared too.

Kasuga:

[Genuinely impressed.] Sugoi*...you're pretty dedicated aren't you?

*Wow

Ayukawa:

Eh? Well...

Kasuga:

[Nervously.] Say, how about we...go out to a...movie tonight?

Ayukawa:

[With regret.] Sorry, but I have a commitment.

Kasuga:

[A little worried.] What...?

Ayukawa:

Hayashibara-san invited me to a social gathering at his father's office tonight. He said he needs me for something important.

Kasuga:

So-sonna...!

Ayukawa:

[Chidingly.] It's not what you're thinking! [Calms down.] His father's having a big social at their company office building with several of his business associates. Since he's suppose to attend, Hayashibara-san asked me for help in dealing with his father during the reception. He's hoping his father doesn't put him in an untenable situation during their talk, but he's not sure how to avoid it.

Kasuga:

[Nervously.] Well...I guess that's pretty important. I mean...his father is a pretty tough guy...

Ayukawa:

[Reassuredly.] He just thinks that a fresh perspective would be helpful. I'll let you know what happens after I get back tonight. Ja ne!* [Packs up her saxophone and gets ready for the band rehearsal.]

*See you later

Kasuga:

[Watches her go downstairs to the band rehearsal.] A...Ayukawa...

Ayukawa:

[Voice from memory.] I love you too...

Kasuga:

[In frozen shock.] Ma...masaka...!*

*Can't be

---

[COMMERCIAL BREAK.]

[Cut to a futuristic, ground-based spaceship terminal. The normal milling about is abruptly interrupted as Kei and Yuri go running through the loading terminal with a platoon of military soldiers chasing after them.]

Soldiers 1-9:

[Fire bursts from AK-74s.] SHI-NE!!!* [Mow down several civilians too slow to get out of the way, but Kei and Yuri just manage to turn the corner and out of the line-of-fire.]

*DIE!!!

Soldiers 10-12:

[Powering up a six-barrel 7.62mm mini-gun and two Stinger SAMs.] YOU CANNOT ESCAPE!!! [Incendiary ammunition explodes the outer wall of glass and concrete, killing the rest of the civilians. Kei and Yuri manage to dive out of the new exit just as the Stingers collapse what's left of the terminal room onto the attackers.] AAAAIIII--<crunch!>

Kei:

[Relieved.] We're in the clear!

Yuri:

[Pointing at the helicopter gunship climbing into position behind Kei.] Ahh...!

Helicopter pilot:

[Through the loudspeaker as he fires the 20mm chain gun.] SHI-NE!!!! [Watches in frustration as Kei and Yuri manage to escape again despite the terminal trucks and docked ships exploding everywhere.] YOUSHI! [Presses a button, releasing a large barrel marked "Liquid Petroleum Explosive".]

[The speakers relay the manaical laughter as the petroleum fumes ignite, releasing a shock and heat wave that destroy the station, the chopper, and all surrounding aircraft. Tens of thousands of people are killed instantly, billions of dollars of damage is caused, and the land is rendered unlivable for the next twenty years. Amid the catastrophe, two lone figures stir from under a collapsed terminal.]

Kei:

[Clawing her way out of the rubble.] Ugh...[Weakly.] Yuri, what time is it?

Yuri:

[Removes her glove and looks at an analog watch. Amazingly, the watch is still ticking.] It's...

Voiceover:

Timex! It takes a licking and keeps on ticking!

[Writer's note: Standard Disclaimer.]

[END COMMERCIAL BREAK.]

---

[Cut to the Okonomiyaki Maru. Kasuga sits glumly at one of the outside tables as Saito and Kasamatsu are having an afternoon snack.]

Kasamatsu:

[As he eats a shrimp okonomiyaki.] ...and then she winked at me! [Proudly pulls out an engineering sketch of a generic hardware component. The technical content of the drawing however is marred by the doodling of a female shape in the upper right corner.] I love drafting class!

Saito:

[Taken aback.] You're not going to actually show her that thing are you?

Kasamatsu:

[Slyly.] Oh look who's talking... the man with the e- mail girlfriend!

Saito:

[Defensively.] I don't even know if I can call her a girlfriend yet! I haven't even met her for real. [To Kasuga.] What did you do after you first met Ayukawa-san? Asked her out on a date right?

Kasuga:

[Murmering to himself.] Ayukawa...on a date...

Saito:

Oi* Kasuga-san! [To Kasamatsu after he waves his hand in front of Kasuga's face and gets no response.] He's really out of it!

*Hey

Kasuga:

[To himself.] I know I'm probably acting foolish for even worrying...but...

[Fade into memory.]

Yuko:

[Voice from memory.] Him? Verses Hayashibara Akira? BWHAHAHAHAHA!

Naoko:

[Voice from memory.] Girls always stare at handsome guys!

Hitomi:

[Voice from memory.] If I saw a man with a dazzling smile and great build, I couldn't help but fall in love...

Nakamura:

[Voice from memory.] Even she doesn't seem interested, a girl always notices and admires a guy like that.

Man:

[Voice from memory.] I love you...

Ayukawa:

[Voice from memory.] I love you too...

[Visions of Ayukawa kissing the man in white are abruptly shattered as Kasuga snaps back to reality.]

Kasuga:

[Holds up both fists in frustration.] AAAAIIIIEEEEHHHH!!!! [Tips over a bottle of okonomiyaki sauce on the unrolled sheet of paper.]

Kasamatsu:

[Pulling his hair with both fists.] AAAAIIIIEEEEHHHH!!!! THAT'S FOUR HOURS WORK!!!

Kasuga:

[Recovers his senses and puts his hand behind his head.] Ahh...yeah...sorry...!

[Cut to the Matsumoto Corporation building early that evening. One of the larger corporate offices in Tokyo, there are several cars parking adjacent lots, with well-dressed people disembarking. In the front hallway, people entering gather near the elevators to head up to the building's top floor. Outside in the rear of the building, a staff of cooks and caterers are busy unloading the food for the night and carrying it up the freight elevators. As the guests enter the front reception area, they witness a minor incident occurring in the lobby.]

Receptionist:

[Stubbornly.] No I cannot allow it! The company is having an important meeting tonight and no one is to enter without an invitation!

Kasuga:

B-but...

Receptionist:

I must ask you to leave at once! If you want to speak to personnel about internships, then you must return in the morning!

Kasuga:

[Resigningly.] H...hai...[Leaves, then runs into the alley next to the building.] No way I'm going to let Ayukawa kiss that guy! Youshi! [After checking to see that the alley is empty, Kasuga teleports. He reappears inside the building a second later. He looks around to make sure no one noticed his entrance.] Coast is cl--

Majordomo:

[Sternly as he comes around the corner.] YOU!

Kasuga:

[Surprised and falls down on his rear.] WAAH!

Majordomo:

Where have you been? The party starts in less than an hour and you're out of uniform!

Kasuga:

[Slowly recovering from surprise.] Ahh...me?

Majordomo:

[Throws up his hands in frustration.] The catering company just had to send me a rookie! [Walks over to the rolling clothes rack and pulls off a white coat and slacks.] Fortunately I brought a few extras. Suit up and start helping to unload these drinks.

Kasuga:

Ahh...hai. [Thinks to himself as the freight elevator doors close.] Maybe this isn't so bad...I'll be able to keep an eye on things!

[Cut to the fortieth floor on the main guest area. In an adjoining room, Hayashibara Akira is wearing a white tuxedo with a red cummerbund. Standing beside him is Ayukawa wearing in a formal evening dress. They and several other guests introduce each other and enter the main dining room.]

Hayashibara Takao:

[Introducing people to each other.] Bruce Johnson our liason to our American office and his wife, Samuel Majors from our European office, Yamaguchi Keiichi and Kashiwakura Takeichi from our Banking office and their wives, Matsushita Shouji who's head of shipping. [Both groups of guests bow to each other.] Ogata Kenichi, managing director for the Nakatome Corporation and his wife, Shiozawa Kappei, vice-president of the Yomiuri Corporation, Inouye Michihiro, general manager of the Yomiuri Giants baseball team, and Sadaharu Ohta, manager of the Giants.

[Writer's note: Sadaharu Oh hit 868 home runs in his career with the Yomiuri Giants, and until recently managed the Giants. The Giants have won the Central League Championship 24 times.]

Hayashibara Akira:

[Bows.] Honored to meet you.

Takao:

[Harsh whisper to Akira's ear as he gestures to Ayukawa.] Who is this?

Akira:

Ayukawa-san is a friend from the University.

Takao:

[Outwardly calm.] Ayukawa-san is one of Akira's college classmates. Please excuse us...[Takes Akira to a quiet section of the room, out of hearing from the rest of the guests.] Bakayaro! Why did you bring her? This is not just an ordinary social!

Akira:

Actually, I wanted to talk to you about your wanting me out of the University. I thought maybe you'd listen to someone else's viewpoint.

Takao:

[Irritated.] Does this have to be tonight?!?

Akira:

[Annoyed.] You're the one who invited the Giants' personnel here!

Takao:

[Looks around and realizes that people are beginning to notice.] Look, let's talk about this later! [Heads back to the rest of the guests. Ayukawa walks over as Takao leaves.]

Ayukawa:

That didn't look very good. Are you going to be alright?

Akira:

[Frustrated.] I should have known he'd never listen. Not to me, not to you, or to anyone else for that matter. But I guess having...someone here to talk to helps. [To himself while looking a little guilty.] Che...what was I thinking of inviting Ayukawa- san? I should have known it wouldn't do any good...

Kasuga:

[Trying to easedrop as he watches from behind a partition as the guests arrive.] What are they talking about?!?

[Cut back to the main room of the meeting hall. By now, the guests are seated for dinner and both meals and drinks are brought out. Kasuga walks around the table, keeping his face hidden with a tray of drinks and by ducking behind guests.]

Kasuga:

[To himself as he hands out a drink to one of the guests.] Kuso*...why is he sitting next to Ayukawa?

*< Netiquette violator>

Ogata:

[Whispers as he takes a drink off Kasuga's tray.] Why are you stooped over?

Kasuga:

[Trying to stay inconspicuous.] Ahh...slipped a disc...[Creeps over to Ogata's wife and delivers another drink, while trying to keep an eye on Ayukawa and Akira.]

Takao:

[From across the table to Sadaharu and Inouye.] So, what do you think of what you see so far?

Sadaharu:

[Looking at Akira.] I am impressed; you show good judgement on the field and even better you can hit for power.

Inouye:

I am curious why you chose to pass up the draft. I'll admit your high school batting average could have been better, but you were always an excellent fielder and your performace at Koushien* would have probably gotten you drafted by someone.

*Site for the Japan Senior High School Baseball Tournament

Akira:

[Hesistantly, with a knowing glance to Takao.] Well...I thought I'd do better with a little more...practice at the amateur level.

Sadaharu:

[Nods.] Yes, I guess a little seasoning never hurts.

Takao:

The coaches say he sometimes shows poor judgement in choosing his pitches.

Akira:

[Annoyed.] So that's why I decided to pass up the draft!

Takao:

[Disappointed.] If you didn't do that you could have been in the farm club by now, instead of wasting time in college!

Akira:

Oyaji!*

*Old man

Sadaharu:

[A little embarrassed.] Well...I really wasn't going to bring that up...[More reassuredly.] I'm sure we'll one day see you playing for Japan's team right?

Akira:

[Looking at little distracted.] Hai...I'll do my best.

Sadaharu:

Anyway...who is your friend? I don't believe we've met. Ayuakawa-san wasn't it?

Akira:

Hai...Ayukawa-san is a friend from the University.

Yamaguchi:

[To Takao and nods.] Your son chooses well!

Kashiwakura:

[Nods.] Un...they make a handsome couple!

Kasuga:

[While serving drinks.] Wh...what...?!?

Matsushita:

[From across the table.] Oi, you're spilling the drinks!

Majordomo:

[Quickly.] Sumimasen! [To Kasuga.] Pay attention to what you're doing!

Kasuga:

[Trying desperately to stay inconspicuous.] H-hai!

Majordomo:

Well, go get a towel!

Kasuga:

Hai! [Leaves.]

Ayukawa:

[Stares at the leaving waiter from across the table.] Hmm...

Akira:

No, it's not like that at all! Ayukawa-san is a fr-

Yamaguchi:

[Kiddingly.] Yes of course!

Kashiwakura:

Of course; the girls that are always following you around in school are "friends" too, right?

Akira:

Ayukawa-san isn't like that! [Turning to Ayukawa.] She's like no one else I know.

Ayukawa:

Eh? [Eyes widen with mild surprise, but she quickly recovers and smiles at his kind face. As he is drawn into further conversation with Kashiwakura, she turns away and stares at the floor with a look of concern.]

Kasuga:

[Looking even more concerned as he returns with a towel.] Wh...what did he mean by that...?

[Cut to later that evening. Ayukawa and Akira are standing to one side of the room, as most of the other guests mingle in groups. In the center, Takao, Ogata and Shiozawa are talking about business and finance as their associates and spouses talk about less serious matters. Although Kasuga tries to keep an eye on Ayukawa without giving away his identity, his assigned duties continuously interfere.]

Yamaguchi:

[While taking a glass off of Kasuga's tray.] So how are things in the States?

Johnson:

[Also taking a glass.] Negotiations for those real- estate deals are proceeding well; they're asking 500,000,000 yen but I think they'll go as low as 3.5.

Yamaguchi:

[Nods.] Hmm...do you think that property is worth 3.5?

Kashiwakura:

[Helping himself to a cocktail.] I'm sure Bruce-san will exercise good judgement for so our banking division isn't too terribly depleted.

Majors:

[Shakes his head.] I wish I was as at ease as you are Mr. Johnson. I was only assigned to the Tokyo office a year ago. My wife is still getting use to paying 60,000,000 yen for our house, not to mention the cost of cars!

Johnson:

[Smiles to Majors.] It's a sham; it just looks easier after having been here for four years. A lot of stuff costs more here; my wife's coat costs almost as much as that car your talking about.

Kashiwakura:

Now gentlemen, you're exaggerating!

Matsushita:

[To Sadaharu.] So how are the Giants going to do this year?

Inouye:

We have confidence that we will do well this year!

Kasuga:

[To himself.] Look at all of them...[Depressed.] How can I compete with all of this?

[Finally, the last drink is lifted off Kasuga's tray and on his way back to the bar, he manages to sneak over towards the adjoining room where Ayukawa and Akira are talking alone and hides behind a trophy case. The room is relatively isolated from the main conversations, with only muffled sounds coming through the walls. The large window offers a spectacular view of downtown Tokyo by night. On the other side are various works of art and antique collectibles.]

Ayukawa:

[Examining one of the larger trophies.] Akigawa High player of the year. Are these yours?

Akira:

[Not looking at the trophy rack.] No, those are my father's; mine are all packed away at home. He believes it not productive for me to display mine until I win something of real significance. When he was a kid, he had this dream of playing in the major leagues. He didn't do so well once he went to college, so he entered business instead. Even though he's been very good at helping to build the company, there's always been a part of him that still wanted to be a player. Sometimes...[Looking down.] I think he wants me to make the professional league more than I do.

Ayukawa:

Do you really want to play?

Akira:

Of course I do! I love the game! It's just that...lately I wonder who I'm doing it for.

Ayukawa:

[Tries to change the subject.] What kind of antiques are those?

Akira:

[Pulls out a sword from a glass case.] This is a Muramasa blade, forged during the 14th century at the height of the Ashikaga Period. Legend has it that these blades have a reputation that "hungered for blood and compelled their owners to commit murder or suicide."

Ayukawa:

[Softly.] How terrible...[Looks away and gestures at a painting.] Is this a real Van-Gogh?

Akira:

[Puts the sword back.] Hai...my grandfather was given that when he retired from the bank as its longest serving manager.

Ayukawa:

[Looking at a European suit of armor.] There's a lot of facinating stuff here. 18th century England?

Akira:

[Nods.] Toosan* likes to consider himself a citizen of the world.

*Father

Ayukawa:

[Looking at a pearl-handled Colt .45 at the bottom of the case.] Is that a gun?

Akira:

Supposedly it was used by a famous American gener...[Loses his train of thought as Ayukawa closes the display case.]

Ayukawa:

You know...all this money and surroundings...sometimes it doesn't seen quite like you.

Akira:

Some of it... is very much me. Some of it isn't.

Ayukawa:

Your father...was he serious about wanting you to skip college?

Akira:

Quite. He thought I should have gone straight into the draft out of high school, even though some of my own coaches said I'd do better with a little more experience. I never really told him the real reason I wanted to go to college.

Ayukawa:

[Deciding not to press the issue, looks out the window.] It's a pretty view from here.

Akira:

[Nods.] I remember the first time I came up here. Toosan gave me the usual speech that all this would one day be mine. Back then, I actually believed it.

Ayukawa:

Maybe we should go back now, before we're missed.

Akira:

Un...by the way, please remind me to tell you something before we leave.

Ayukawa:

What?

Akira:

That regardless what else happens tonight...[Smiles.] I'm glad I invited you.

Kasuga:

[Hiding behind the case.] <Gulp!> It was a precognition dream after all...!

[As Ayukawa and Akira return to the rest of the guests, Kasuga follows behind them. He refills with glasses of drinks at the bar and moves back among the guests.]

Yamaguchi's wife:

So, what do you think of Hayashibara-san's girlfriend?

Kasuga:

[Almost drops his tray.] Wh...wh...?

Johnson's wife:

[To Kasuga.] Please be careful!

Kasuga:

[Bows with embarrassment, but still trying to watch where Akira and Ayukawa go.] H...hai!

Kashiwakura's wife:

[Nods to Yamaguchi's wife.] They do look finely matched!

Matsushita's wife:

[To Kasuga.] A...hem!

Kasuga:

[Notices that his pouring from the bottle is overflowing the glass.] Ah...sorry!

Kashiwakura's wife:

[As she watches Kasuga leave to get a new bottle.] What's with that guy? Is he the same person who was sneaking behind our chairs and hiding behind plants and desks all night long?

Ogata's wife:

No, that's the guy with the slipped disc...poor fellow, so young too.

[Cut to a different section of the room.]

Inouye:

[To Akira.] Well...misgivings about your current situation in college aside, I'm sure we'll be happy to try you out in our spring camp when you graduate.

Akira:

[Pulls a drink off Kasuga's tray as he pass by, which causes him to almost give himself away. Fortunately, Akira is paying more attention to Inouye than who he got the drink from.] Hai...I won't disappoint you.

Kasuga:

[Sighs with relief.] <Whew...!> [His relief is short- lived as he watches Ayukawa coming back in his direction.] <Gulp!> [Makes an abrupt turnaround.]

Sadaharu:

[Nods as he too pulls off a drink from Kasuga's tray.] ...particularly with our team! As you know, we have a tradition of power hitters.

[Deciding that he is having too many close calls, Kasuga heads over to a rolling wet bar and hides behind it to get a more protected position in his easedropping. Just as he gets out of sight, Ayukawa is making her way back to Akira.]

Ayukawa:

So how are you doing?

Akira:

[Smiles.] Better...thanks to you.

[Sadaharu and Inouye both look at Ayukawa and Akira, nod and smile with approval.]

Kasuga:

[Leaning against a rolling wet bar and ready to come apart with anxiety.] So...sonna... [Leans forward to hear better, but then he accidentally moves the lever that unlock the bar's wheels.] Wah...[Watches helplessly as the cabinet opens, tips over, and falls with a loud crash, spilling liquors all over the floor.] Shi...shimatta...!*

*Oh shoot!

[The party comes to a sudden halt as the guests gather around to see what the commotion is about.]

Majordomo:

[Comes running out.] BAKA! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!?

Ayukawa:

[Surprised.] K-Kasuga-kun, what are you doing here?!?

Kasuga:

A...Ayukawa...ahh...yeah...[Looking very embarrassed.] well...I mean...

Ayukawa:

[Sternly.] Didn't I tell you this was just a social? You should have trusted me!

Takao:

[Angrily.] What's going on? Who is this?

Akira:

Well he's...[Looks at Kasuga and smiles.] he's a friend too.

Kasuga:

[Surprised.] Eh?

Akira:

I guess I owe you some explainations. [Helps Kasuga up.] The reason I asked Ayukawa here was to get some help with...[Mindful of the present company.] some personal problems. I didn't want to involve any more people than I had to...but I guess I can understand why you thought I had ulterior motives.

Kasuga:

Well...I guess I...[Looks at the crowd, Ayukawa's disappointed face, and grits his teeth.]...jumped to conclusions...sorry...

Ayukawa:

[After thinking it over.] You know...[Laughs.] you look really silly wearing that white suit!

[Everyone bursts into laughter as Kasuga turns red.]

[After cleaning himself off and making formal apologies, Kasuga and Ayukawa head outside to the outdoor courtyard to be alone. The summer night air is cool, the street sounds just barely audible in the background.]

Ayukawa:

You did all this because you had a dream? Kasuga-kun that's so funny! [Laughs.] Jumping to conclusions again...

Kasuga:

[Still embarrassed.] Che...how was I supposed to know? Sometimes my dreams come true!

Ayukawa:

I know...[Stops laughing.] But sometimes, even for you, dreams are just...dreams.

Kasuga:

Yeah. [Long pause...he then smiles, and leans against the wall.] Hayashibara's father sure seems to be a powerful guy, though. He's always concerned about his son's welfare, overseeing every step in his life. It must be awful getting all that attention and pressure!

Ayukawa:

[Softly.] I'm not sure, Kasuga-kun...sometimes I think that may be better than receiving no attention at all.

Kasuga:

[Subdued.] Ayukawa...I'm sorry...

Ayukawa:

No, it's not your fault. My parents were away for so long I often wondered what it must be like to have a father like that. [Smiles sadly.] Sometimes...sometimes I wished he'd be there even if it was only to criticize or argue, I missed him so...

Kasuga:

A...Ayukawa...

Ayukawa:

My sister was the only real family I had, her and...Hikaru. Now, my sister has her own family, and...

Kasuga:

[Gently grasps her bare shoulder.] And now, we have each other...and we'll never be lonely again.

Ayukawa:

[Turns towards him and smiles.] Kasuga-kun...

Kasuga:

I love you...

Ayukawa:

[Brings her head closer.] I love you too...

[As they kiss, the camera focuses through the glass doors on Akira standing in the background. His father and Sadaharu are engaged in an animated discussion, while Akira himself stares glumly down at his drink. He looks up, just in time to see the kiss. For an instant, before his father grabs his shoulder and berates him for not paying attention, an expression of pain and sorrow flits across his normally handsome features.]

Kasuga Narration:

It was then that I realized my dream really did come true. The man Ayukawa said she loved, the man in the white tuxedo whom she kissed, wasn't Hayashibara at all...it was me!

Ayukawa:

[As they separate.] Kasuga-kun...perhaps we should go back?

Kasuga:

[Takes off his coat and drapes it around her shoulders.] No, let's stay out here a little while longer. [Puts his arm around her.] I'm so glad, though...

Ayukawa:

Eh? [Smiles.] That the dream didn't come true?

Kasuga:

No, that I was finally able to take that silly coat off.

[They both laugh...the camera pans above them into the night sky.]

[Cut to later that night. Hayashibara turns the RX-7 into the apartment parking lot and shuts off the engine.]

Ayukawa:

[Opening the door and getting out.] Well thank you for an...interesting night, and I'm sorry about the confusion.

Hayashibara:

[Smiles.] Think nothing of it. It's nice to know that he cares for you enough to go through all the trouble.

Ayukawa:

Sometimes he's so bumbling...but his heart is in the right place.

Hayashibara:

He must be...very special.

Ayukawa:

Un.

Hayashibara:

[After a long pause.] I know I shouldn't be saying this...but...[Unsure how to proceed.] well...I was quite serious when I said I never met anyone like you. I keep thinking...because I promised Kasuga-san that I didn't want to create trouble...that we could still be friends. I was sure that I could keep our friendship platonic...but...

Ayukawa:

Hayashibara-san...are you sure you want to keep going?

Hayashibara:

No, please let me finish before my courage fails me. It wouldn't be right for me not to be honest with you, but being honest...isn't any easier. Madoka...I love you...

Ayukawa:

...

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END CREDITS

New Characters Designer/Writer  Stephen Tsai
Doujinshi Artwork               Tony Jung
Pre-readers                     Andy Combs
                                Robert Carragher
                                Lisa Richardson
                                Michael Welsh Duggan
                                Quincy S. Huoh
                                Jeffrey Hollen
                                Eric Shen
                                Harold Ancell
                                Benjamin D. Taylor
                                Peter Van Overen
                                Chung-Mau Cheng
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 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!

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Changes last made on: Wed Feb 4 13:22:04 1998