Chapter 50: Where are the heroes?

The chapter begins with Kyou at the Batting Center, curled up at the counter with a pillow. Reflecting on what happened with Saeka in the last chapter, he thinks that it was bad that he ended up crying. With the understanding that Saeka chose Yanaidu, he should have been able to see her off with a smile and put her at ease. But, he was too pathetic, and ended up failing. Kuni calls over to him, reminding him that [the counter] isn't his bed. Kyou responds, “Kuni-san, after you pass away... how about I take over the Batting Center?” Kuni asks that Kyou not go killing him off, as Kyou figures that he could while away his empty, ordinary days there. (Kuni asks if he's trying to start a fight.) Kyou looks over at the Christmas decorations, and points out that this will be his first Christmas without a girlfriend since fourth grade. (Kuni: “Seriously, are you picking a fight?”) Kyou picks up an ornament, and remembers it from last year. Kuni seems a little amused, and tells Kyou that all of them have equally overreacted to the decorations. Kyou smiles wistfully, and says, “Last year... somehow, it seems like that's already far in the past.”

Before Kuni can respond, Nori bursts in, and yells, “Kyou-chan, I found you!” She complains that he needs to check his email regularly (and greets Kuni). Kyou apologizes, and Nori asks if he's aware that the guy from his middle school basketball team is back in town. The one he didn't get along with... Ah, he sees; Tsujigane... Kyou thinks back to the letter he received, and recalls that the guy's name is “Tsujigane Junya.” If he's around, that's probably the “J” from the letter. What's the “precious thing” he plans to steal? Moron... Kyou turns back to Nori, and asks, “You mean that guy I beat black and blue back in middle school, then?” Nori replies that it's been a while since she's heard the phrase “black and blue,” and Kuni cuts in. Isn't Tsujigane some rich kid like Kyou? Fired up, Kyou corrects him, “We are NOTHING alike!” Kyou explains that, while he is from a respectable lineage, Tsujigane is from some minor nouveau riche clan!! Kyou is completely different from that spoiled brat! Kuni leans in and asks Nori what happened, and she explains, “Well... Kyou-chan knocked up his girlfriend.” Kyou promptly corrects her that no, he did not!! She continues, “... according to the rumor that went around. Actually, it seems that Kyou-chan stole that girlfriend...” Kyou cuts in again, saying he didn't even do that. She was the one who was hitting on him. Kuni whispers to Nori about how Kyou was pretty slimy in middle school, and Nori agrees. Kyou tells them that aren't paying attention; the point is, he was not involved with that girl. Looking more serious, Nori points out that something has to have caused that fight between them. Kyou doesn't really respond, thinking that yes, there was more to it. Kuni comments that those were the sorts of things that Saeka hated, and that reminds Nori to check her phone. She sees that she still hasn't heard from her, and it seems like Saeka's phone is turned off. Kuni asks how long it's been, and Nori replies that she hasn't heard anything from her since school ended. Hearing that, Kyou thinks about Tsujigane's letter. That bastard... He jumps up, knocking over the stool he'd been sitting on, and tells Nori to let him know if she hears from Saeka. Nori asks him where he's going, and he tells her he isn't sure. Running down the sidewalk, Kyou considers that he may be over-thinking this, but... As he wonders where to look, a car pulls up next to him, and the driver asks, “Murakami-kun, is it?”

Elsewhere, Haruna and Kubo are hiding behind some bushes. Kubo explains that those people [Tsujigane and his friends] are definitely planning something. After they beat him up last night, he tracked them for a bit. That warehouse over there is the enemy's base! (Haruna repeats in his head: “'Enemy base'...?”) Haruna asks if they're going, and Kubo tells him that he's sorry; he dragged him into this scouting mission. Haruna replies, “I can't let you go alone, can I?” Kubo is moved, though Haruna points out that he meant Kubo was clinging to him. (An arrow points out the Kubo is holding onto Haruna's sleeve as they approach the warehouse.) Meanwhile, Kyou is in the car between two guys, thinking that it might have been dangerous to get in with them. He asks if they're really going to see Tsujigane, and the driver tells him to be quiet. Kyou leans back, and thinks back on the fight between them.

The chapter flashes back to his second year in middle school. After he joined the basketball club, Kyou recalls that Tsujigane seemed to look on him as an enemy and to bare his teeth at any opportunity. Because of that, the atmosphere between them continued to grow more turbulent. The scene switches from showing a younger Kyou and Tsujigane on the basketball court to Saeka confronting him in the hall, asking Kyou how big of an idiot he could be. Kyou explains that he didn't do anything; that girl was the one who approached him... Saeka tells him that [these things happen] because he's always wavering between girls, and Kyou tells her that he can't help it. He tells her, apparently seriously, “It's because I'm so cool!” Saeka responds by kicking him in the stomach, and giving him a disappointed look. With how hard he'd been working at basketball, she thought he was taking something seriously for a change... Saeka leaves, and Kyou sighs. He picks up a basketball and thinks that, for the sake of the team, he should probably apologize. He spots Tsujigane and some of the other guys sitting outside, and listens in a little as they talk about him. (Kyou also wonders if he's going to be beaten up.) Tsujigane says that he's already over that bitch; what pisses him off is that it was with Murakami. He pauses a moment, and then says, “There's that girl who used to be fat, right? In the Murakami group.” (Kyou thinks: “Murakami group?”) She's annoying, right? Hearing him start to talk about Saeka, Kyou steps in and says, “Saeka doesn't have anything to do with this, does she?” The other guys seem surprised to see him there, and Kyou explains that she's just a distant relative he's known for a while. Tsujigane seems amused, and asks why Kyou is so interested in coming to her defense. Isn't she always putting Kyou down? (In the background, Kubo sees them talking.) Kyou agrees that's true; Saeka is an annoying girl who constantly finds fault with him. But, putting Saeka down isn't a way of striking a blow at him. Kyou gets in his face and tells him that, rather than doing something like that, he should take on Kyou directly. Tsujigane grabs him by the collar, and Kyou tells him to let go. He shoves Tsujigane away, causing him to hit the wall behind him. Tsujigane notices Kubo watching, and cries out in pain, grabbing his wrist. (The panel of Tsujigane glancing up before he cries out suggests that he's exaggerating for the audience.) Kyou thinks that even tough he came to apologize, it turned into a fight. Because of the assault, Kyou ended up quitting the basketball club. As he's cleaning out his locker, he smiles and tells a very sad Kubo (who is, of course, calling him “Prince-senpai”) to do his best out there. Kyou thinks that, while he liked basketball, he didn't really have any lingering attachment to it or regrets over leaving. Was Tsujigane satisfied that Kyou quit? He thought that he had let it drop, and soon after that, Tsujigane went to study abroad...

The car arrives at its destination, and Kyou enters the “enemy base” to find Tsujigane lounging on a sofa. He smiles and calls out, “Muuu-rakami, hello.” Kyou immediately asks where Saeka is, and Tsujigane scrunches up his face in mock offense. They're finally having their long-awaited reunion, and the first thing Kyou says is that? Isn't he accusing him of a crime? Saeka is just taking a nap somewhere, right? Kyou puts his head down and tells him, “Your grudge is against me, right? So you can beat me up, but let Saeka go. I'm begging you.” Tsujigane leans forward and taunts him; is he mistaken, or didn't Kyou tell him that Saeka was just a distant relative? Kyou responds that Saeka rejected him, and Tsujigane seems genuinely surprised. The two guys who brought Kyou to the warehouse laugh – Kyou sure is doing a lot for a girl who turned him down. How pathetic! Tsujigane's face darkens, and he declares this to be boring. Shouldn't Kyou be down on the ground? Like in the old days, he should kneel down on the floor to beg. Kyou actually follows his direction and drops down on his knees. Seeing that he's seriously going to do it, Tsujigane is dumbfounded. As Kyou starts to say, “Please...” Saeka bursts into the room with Kubo and Haruna, yelling, “Idiot!” Kyou is a bit confused to see them, as Kubo and Haruna give him a thumbs-up. (A note in the background says that they will explain later.) Saeka asks Kyou what he's doing, and Tsujigane starts to speak. Saeka cuts him off, saying, “Shut up for a minute! I didn't reject Kyou-chan. Don't back down and accept defeat. I like you, Kyou-chan, more than anyone!” Kyou looks at her wide-eyed, and the chapter ends with a shot of the back of Kyou's head as Haruna and Kubo look on (and Kubo blushes furiously).

Chapter 49: Parallels

The chapter picks up where Chapter 48 ended, with Kubo nervously facing Tsujigane. He stutters, “H-, Hey... It's been a while... Are, uh, it looks like you're back, huh?” Tsujigane explains that he's just back for winter break; Boston sure is cold... Kubo replies, “Is, is it...?” and Tsujigane laughs. What's Kubo so afraid for? They worked so well together, on the basketball court... Tsujigane pauses, takes a step forward, and asks, “Is Murakami doing well?” Kubo tells him that they go to different schools, so... Tsujigane smiles again, and remembers that Kubo is still a third year at the middle school, isn't he? Honestly, he knew that... He has friends at Eirin. He tells Kubo that he's sorry, and Kubo laughs nervously (while trying to stay out of his reach). Tsujigane continues, “Well, I don't really care about Murakami. I'm more interested in seeing her... Saeka.”

The chapter skips to the next morning at the high school, with Saeka waiting for Nori to finish answering the other girls' questions about Haruna. Nori does, and apologizes for making Saeka wait. Saeka says it's all right, and Nori explains that, as a first-year high school, she's getting her first taste of the true thrill of having a boyfriend. Blushing, Nori puts her head down on the desk, and Saeka thinks about how Nori became the talk of the school since Haruna met her at the gate yesterday. She looks at Nori affectionately, thinking how cute and glowing she's been lately. Then, Nori starts to giggle to herself, and Saeka scrunches up her face... that was a little less cute. Nori hops up, and says, “Saeka! Whoever invented boyfriends was a genius!” Saeka smiles wryly; yep, they were a genius. Speaking of which, how did Nori's date go? Nori describes what they did: took a lot of pictures, made out a lot, ate okonomiyaki, and made out a lot again. (Saeka's response: “Wow.”) Saeka recalls that she saw Haruna talking to (as far as she could tell) a girl sitting in a car at the train station. Who was she...? She starts, “Hey, Nori. Lately, has Haruna...” She intends to say, “Has Haruna been acting strange?” but stops herself, thinking that she might not even be correct that the person she saw was Haruna. She switches directions, saying, “Umm... been sort of more assertive as your boyfriend?” Nori replies, “You think!? I think so!!” Settling back down, Nori points out that it's almost Christmas... She wants to make Haruna really happy... 

On the other side of the classroom, they hear the guys greeting Kyou, and pointing out that he's late. He's barely been making it, these days. Nori waves from across the room, telling him good morning, and he comes over. He teases her that she seems to be glowing too much; is it from embarrassment? Saeka watches them talk for a moment, and then Kyou is called back over by the guys. Saeka looks at him across the room, and remembers what Yanaidu told her, “Get a good grasp on your feelings.” With a withering look, she wonders how on earth she's supposed to do that. She pictures herself marching up to Kyou, saying, “Kyou-chan, I harshly rejected you; however, for reasons I can't explain, I'd like to revisit that!” and then marching back to her desk. That... is absolutely not going to happen! Kyou walks by and takes a seat at his desk, and Saeka looks sadly at the back of his head. She would like to have a real conversation with Kyou again. At lunch, Saeka tells Nori that she's headed to the staff room for something, and they separate. As she's on her way, she passes Kaori and one of her friends. They make eye contact, and initially pass each other, but Kaori stops and calls Saeka back (her friend looking at her in surprise). She takes off her watch and hands it to Saeka, telling her to return that to Kyousuke for her. Saeka doesn't understand, saying, “Umm, wait. Why...?” Kaori asks, “Where are you looking? Make sure you understand his good points. Are you an idiot?” Kaori walks away, and Saeka thinks, “What was that? 'Understand,' she says...” She runs off, and Kaori glances back. Her friend asks her why she gave him her watch, and Kaori says it was a spur of the moment thing. She didn't have anything else to send him. That felt... kind of satisfying. 
Saeka heads back to the classroom and asks Kyou's friends where he is. They tell her that he went to take a nap, and Saeka thinks about where he'd go for that. She knows that sort of thing; that's the sort of thing about Kyou that she knows best. Saeka finds him sleeping in an empty classroom, with a towel over his head (as usual). She notices that the towel seems to be slipping off, and goes to adjust it. He doesn't sleep without covering his head. It seems to be leftover from their grandfather teaching him not to show weakness when he was a kid. Saeka arranges the towel on his head like a soft-serve ice cream cone (or, she thinks, dung). Having amused herself with that, and finding that it didn't wake him up, she sits down at the next desk. She figures she might as well rest, too, and it's warm in that room... The chapter goes to a flashback, with Saeka thinking about something that happened before Nori confessed to Kyou. Nori runs up to Kyou, asking him if he heard (as Saeka tries to stop her). She tells him Saeka was confessed to again, as Saeka looks on in annoyance. Looking angry, Nori goes on a rant about how Saeka is thin now, and middle school boys these days don't judge on anything but looks. Kyou says, well, that could be, but Saeka is still Saeka. He then reflects on that statement, and congratulates himself for saying something so cool. Saeka comes over and hits him, and he asks what that was for. Saeka questions what he meant by, “Saeka is still Saeka,” and he admits that he doesn't know, either. (Meanwhile, Nori is picking leaves out of her hair.) Kyou leaves with a girl (marked as his girlfriend at the time) as Nori looks on longingly and Saeka continues to look angry. He was like that, but the only guys who didn't act differently toward her before and after her weight loss were Kyou and Sensei. She suddenly wakes up, having dozed off in the classroom, to find Kyou's face next to hers. She takes a reflexive swing at him, and he quickly starts to explain that he wasn't doing anything. See, he was just picking up his towel! Saeka apologizes, and Kyou repeats that he wouldn't do anything like [suddenly kissing her] again. Standing up, Kyou explains that her decision has sunk in. She went to stay at Yanaidu's place? He's happy for her; she's always liked him. So he wouldn't use that sort of method on her again. Without looking at him, Saeka reaches out and hands him Kaori's watch. She explains that his ex-girlfriend said she wanted to return this; she came to give it to him. Her face flushed, Saeka wonders why she's the only one who seems to be feeling awkward. Kyou looks at what she gave him, and asks, “Huh? A watch?” Saeka replies that it's from his ex-girlfriend. She doesn't understand anymore than that, either. Saeka thinks that Kyou's feelings already reached her; it's not something they can take back. Saeka gets up to leave, then calls back to Kyou from the doorway that the chime is about to sound; they should hurry to class. 
The chapter switches to the middle school, where Kubo arrives with a big bruise on his face. His two as-yet-unnamed friends dramatically ask him what happened. He quiets them down, and Kubo plays it off, telling them that he missed his footing on the stairs. (“You're so clumsy!!”) Haruna (who has no doubt heard his fair share of “I walked into a door” excuses, growing up with abused kids) asks Kubo to come with him for a minute. He drags him into the hall, and asks, “Did you really fall on the stairs?” No answer. He continues, “Someone hit you?” Kubo starts to sweat, and yells, “Don't stare at me like that, Haru-chan! I'm sinking into the depths of your eyes!!” Haruna tells him to stop that, and after a bit, Kubo gives him the real story. It was a guy who was two years his senior on the basketball team. He's been studying abroad, but is home at the moment... Flashing back to where we left off with Tsujigane at the beginning of the chapter, he tells Kubo that he heard Murakami and Saeka had been seen walking hand-in-hand, and things like that. Kubo looks down nervously, and responds, “Umm, Senpai... shouldn't you stop dragging out things from the past?” Tsujigane smiles, and replies, “Ah? Who do you think you're talking to?” He narrows his eyes, and the chapter cuts back to Kubo rubbing his battered face. Haruna wonders what's up with that, and Kubo explains that Tsujigane is the sort of person who loses his temper easily and mercilessly pursues anyone he doesn't like. Back when they played together, he got into a dispute with Prince-senpai (Kyou), which caused him to quit playing basketball... 
Back at the high school, Kyou is heading to his locker, looking at the watch Saeka handed him. Something he gave to Kaori, probably? Today was yet another crappy day... Where has Kyou's youth gone? He opens his locker with a sigh, and an envelope falls out. He reaches for it, thinking that it's been awhile since he got a love letter. He wonders if he should go out with her (whoever it is)... He opens it, and sees that it's not a love letter. It says: Murakami, I'll be taking your most prized possession. Serves you right. -J. The chapter ends with Kyou narrowing his eyes at the note, thinking, “J?” 

Translator: Sarah

.Chapter 48: After School Coward

The chapter begins with Haruna messing with a camera. He hears his uncle's voice outside his room, and recognizes that he's talking to someone at work. Haruna's uncle looks into his room to tell him that he won't be around for dinner, then notices that it's changed. He asks him if his room got bigger, and Haruna explains that he cleared out the boxes because of a promise with Nori. His uncle is momentarily speechless, then looks away and says, “Well, it wasn't good to have those boxes lying around.” He turns and tells Haruna he's off, and that Haruna needs to get going to school. Haruna checks the time, then remembers something. He tries to yell to his uncle that the parent-teacher conference is scheduled for today, but he's already gone. Haruna looks concerned. Surely, his uncle won't forget the meeting tonight... will he!? He seemed to be in work mode, but... Haruna sighs and starts toward school, thinking again about the offer Mio made to let him stay in town for high school. He decided that from then on, more than it being about staying in town, it was important not to betray Nori. Taking Mio's offer would mean that he was continuing to deceive Nori. When Nori asked him if this room was still his, he realized it. He gave an adequate answer to smooth over the situation by telling her he would clear out the boxes, but he was still being dishonest with Nori. He can't keep this up; most likely, the limit is already in sight.

At that same time, at the high school... Nori finds herself between Saeka and Kyou, awkwardly eying each other. After they stand there for a bit without speaking, Kyou attempts to excuse himself and make a break for it, but Nori grabs him by the belt and pulls him back (while he protests). Nori welcomes Saeka back, and she replies, “I'm back, and good morning.” Kyou tells Nori to let go of him; wouldn't it be better if he left? Nori tugs his pants up with her hand and yells, “Kyou-chan is a dork!!” (I think the joke being that, with his pants hiked up, he is out of fashion.) Nori laughs, attempting to lighten the mood, but Kyou readjusts his pants and starts to leave. Saeka calls out, “Kyou-chan!” and he turns back. After another moment of silence, Saeka can't think of anything to say, and just tells him, “Sorry... Never mind.” She and Kyou both excuse themselves and run off in opposite directions, leaving Nori alone. She crosses her arms in front of herself and sighs, trying to think of what to do about this.

Later, the time for Haruna's parent-teacher conference arrives, and his uncle still hasn't shown. The counselor calls Haruna in, pointing out that it's time. She wonders if Haruna's guardian will be coming. What should they do? Haruna looks a little panicked, thinking that his uncle completely forgot about the meeting and that he doesn't have his cell phone number. He starts to apologize, and the counselor confirms that his guardian is his uncle, right? Yes... How should she put it? He seems sort of intimidating. He had to come into school before, right? When Haruna and Onohira were involved in something... Haruna looks away, thinking, “Yeah... he did.” He remembers how angry his uncle was afterward, about Haruna making him into the bad guy. Haruna explains, “Umm, that's not my uncle's fault, I...” and the counselor interrupts. She tells him that his uncle seemed very apologetic on his behalf, and Haruna looks shocked. He's a good uncle, isn't he? Just then, his uncle appears in the doorway, out of breath. He apologizes for being late, and the counselor suggests they get started. Haruna has a hint of a smile, thinking he can't believe it... The chapter skips to the two of them leaving school after the meeting, both looking sullen, with Haruna trailing a bit behind. (Some of the girls from his class are wondering if that's Haruna's father. He seems really young, but scary.) Haruna smiles wryly as he sees Kubo watching from around the corner, and calls him out. Seeming a little embarrassed, Kubo stammers a greeting to Haruna's uncle. Haruna's uncle simply replies, “I'm Haruna's uncle,” and Kubo introduces himself with a big smile. He starts to ramble about his close friendship with Haru-cha-... er, Haruna, and Haruna shuts him up by kicking him. He yells, “Why did you kick me!!” and Haruna replies, “Just because.” Haruna's uncle watches them a little sadly, and Kubo excuses himself. Once they're alone, Haruna says, “I'm sorry about today.” Continuing to walk ahead of Haruna, his uncle asks, “Haruna... is it all right? Are you honestly OK with that?” The chapter flashes back to the meeting, and Haruna saying that he'll be going to the high school division of his old middle school. Haruna doesn't respond, watching his uncle's back as he walks away.

At the high school, Nori receives a text message from Haruna, asking if she wants to get together. She responds that HR is running long, but they can after that. Haruna asks where he should meet her, and the chapter fast forwards to Haruna waiting at the gate of the high school as students pass by. Nori spots him out the window, and thinks, “Seriously!?” She gazes down at him for a moment, with an affectionate look. Some of the other girls from the class come to the window, and wonder who Haruna is. A middle school student, but he looks really cool. They wonder who he's waiting on, and if his girlfriend is someone they know. Nori is thinking, “Sorry... It's me!!” Haruna is playing with the camera he found at the beginning of the chapter, and he hears his name being called from the bushes. He looks over to see Nori crouching there, hiding her face with her bag, and wonders what she's doing. She motions Haruna over, and he crouches down next to her. She tells him to stop showing off so much, and he responds that he was just standing there. Nori didn't know that [meeting at the gate] would draw so much attention... Haruna thinks that it isn't a big deal, but he'll go if Nori doesn't like it. Nori responds that she doesn't dislike it! She was happy... Nori blushes, and Haruna puts his face between his knees, thinking that he'd like to kiss her now... Nori asks what they do now, and Haruna tells her, “Obviously, we're going on an after school date.” Blushing a little himself, he tells her to stand up. She follows suit, and he asks her to give him his hand. She stammers, “Here!?” but gives him her hand. They walk off together like that, as Saeka watches from the window, looking a little concerned (recalling that she saw Haruna talking to Mio in her car last chapter). A couple of girls from their class ask if that's Nori's boyfriend, and she looks a little proud when she says it is. Kyou also peeks around the corner as Saeka talks to them.As they walk, Nori is telling Haruna that Saeka still hasn't taken the next step on the stairway to adulthood, and Haruna asks what that means. Nori explains that, during today's break, Saeka told her about her trip to see Yanaidu. All she did was have him treat her to a lot of food. Haruna has no immediate response to that, then asks if Saeka completely rejected Kyou. Nori tells him she did, and the two of them seem awkward just seeing each other. Nori scrunches up her face, wondering if there's something she could do. Haruna advises her against sticking her foot into it, and Nori says she hasn't... yet. Brightening up, Nori takes out her phone and asks Haruna if he'd like to see Mii-chan. He asks who that is, and Nori explains that Aki-chan is Mii-chan's... err, rather, Mii-chan is Aki-chan's kitten. She shows him the pictures on her phone, and Haruna basically agrees that the kitten is cute. Smiling, he asks Nori if she wants to take a picture with him. Nori excitedly says yes, and Haruna tells her that he found his camera in a box. Nori jumps up and says, “You cleared out the boxes!?” Yep... He tries to take their picture together, and Nori makes a funny face. Haruna looks at the image on the camera and says, “Nori... stop making strange faces.” Nori blushes and says that then it will look like a couple's picture, to which Haruna responds, “Aren't we a couple? This time, take a real one. Like a couple.” Nori complies, but Haruna makes a funny face. Nori yells at him, and he pretends to think that it's a good picture for a couple. Nori asks, “What sort of couple?” and Haruna leans in to kiss her, grabbing on to her hand. Haruna wonders if his leaving will make Nori lonely. Pulling out of the kiss, Nori smiles and asks if he wants to go someplace and get something warm to drink. Seeing Nori happy, Haruna thinks that he's a selfish coward. If he doesn't want to deceive her, he also can't suddenly leave town. Staring off and taking some pictures of the town below, Haruna thinks he wants to be nearby. And possibly, the thing that scares him the most isn't that he won't be able to see [Nori]. Seeing Haruna's expression as he takes pictures, Nori asks if anything is wrong. He says no, and joins her as they go to their next destination. Haruna thinks that the thing he fears the most is that he'll end up like those boxes he threw out – gone without a trace. That possibly, he might just disappear from Nori, and everyone else in this town.

Elsewhere, Kubo is walking home, deep in thought. Haruna's guardian is his uncle, and his younger sister lives someplace else, huh? It seems like Haru-chan has a complicated family situation. He passes by someone (who appears to be talking to someone else who is laughing; the panel is really sketchy). The guy calls out to him, “Yo. Kubo, isn't it?” Kubo turns and gasps, looking a little shocked. Smiling, the other guy approaches Kubo, saying, “As big as ever, aren't you?” The chapter ends with Kubo identifying him, saying, “Tsujigane-senpai...”

Chapter 48 end.

Sarah's notes: Tsujigane basically looks like a slightly older, scruffier version of Haruna. I wish there were scans available. I assume what Haruna means when he says that he's afraid of disappearing is that he fears he'll be forgotten by the people there; obviously, it's up to him to tell them that he's going to leave. Next chapter, Saeka attempts to work on the awkwardness with Kyou, and more about Tsujigane. 

Translator: Sarah
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Chapter 47

The chapter starts with Kuni alone in his batting center office, wondering how it's been for everyone. Nori arrives, and he greets her with, “I haven't seen you in a while, Yakionigiri.” Then, correcting himself, says, “I mean, Yakinori!” (He's making a stupid food pun. He's called her “Yakinori” [baked seaweed] in the past.) Nori just stares at him, and he apologizes. He offers her something to drink, which she turns down. But, there is something she'd like to ask him about. Leaning in with a serious expression, Nori asks, “What sort of underwear do you prefer?” Kuni chokes on his coffee, and asks what she means. Nori asks him to think way, way back into the past, and recall his middle school days. What type of underwear would he have been interested in on a girl? Kuni replies that to be honest, any would have been fine. Looking disappointed, Nori grumbles, “Like I thought... I shouldn't be asking an old person...” Kuni tells her not to call him old, and asks, “What is this about? 'Underwear'... Is this for Haruna?” Nori turns red, and firmly denies that. This is about taking care of her personal appearance as a high school-aged girl! Kuni puts his head down and sighs. Nori has been all lovey-dovey... The old Nori wasn't that kind of girl... Nori notices the Christmas decorations, and Kuni boasts that he keeps up with the latest styles [of decoration]. Nori tells him that they aren't stylish, but the decorations do take her back. Kuni remembers that Saeka said the same thing, and Nori wonders aloud what Saeka is up to about now. Kuni asks what she means, and Nori explains that Saeka went to stay with Yanaidu yesterday. Kuni pauses, and says, “...I see.” Looking up at the Christmas tree, Nori wonders if Saeka climbed to the next level on the stairway to adulthood...

The scene changes to Saeka at the train station, with a text box that answers Nori's question: Saeka did not take that step. Looking rather apologetic, Saeka says, “Sensei, thank you. All I did the past two days was have you treat me to good food and completely empty your wallet.” Yanaidu tells her not to worry, and finds them a bench to wait for the train. Looking down at her hands, Saeka asks him if it's all right at work. After he broke off the engagement, his standing in the company... Yanaidu chuckles, and asks if that's a reason why she came. He goes on to say that, a while back, Saeka asked him what his dream was. Saeka's eyes widen in surprise that he remembers that. He recalls that he couldn't answer; maybe he's been dishonest with himself all along. Saeka gives him a questioning look, but just then, her train is announced. Yanaidu says, “It's time,” and Saeka picks up her bag. Before she goes, he stops her and says, “I liked your decisive writing style. Can I say something a little teacher-like? Get a good grasp on your own feelings.”The chapter switches back to Nori, who is walking home with a shopping bag. Speaking of the stairway to adulthood...

Nori figures she's up to about the “breasts” step. (Nori pictures the staircase, which features steps from “crush” to “confession” to “holding hands” to a few different types of kisses. Nori's current level is labeled “breasts,” followed by “unknown territory.” So, she's counting that accidental groping towards her progress.) Nori pictures herself on a vaulting horse and climbing a ladder. She wants to get herself over the top, but not to fall off the ladder somewhere. To that end... She just purchased adult-style underwear, three sets! Cute, refreshing, a little sexy... Blushing to herself as she looks at the bag, Nori wonders if Haruna would like them... She scrunches up her face: No, no, no!! She isn't really thinking about letting Haruna see them, just in case there's an accidental occurrence...

Nori stops, and sees Mio staring down over the railing toward the river. She thinks that Mio is a cute girl, but she hasn't seen her around there before. As Nori notices her crutch, Mio starts to call out, “Mii, Mii-chan, come back here.” Nori hears a “meow” from down by the river, and comes up behind Mio, saying, “Ah, it's a kitten!” Mio looks at her, wide-eyed, then narrows her eyes a bit in recognition. Nori backs away, looking slightly intimidated, and says, “Why don't I try to get her? It's dangerous down by the river.” Mio replies, “You, you will?” Nori starts to climb over the railing, and confirms that the kitten is called Mii-chan, right? Nori makes her way toward the kitten, calling its name, and Mio notices the lingerie store bag. (The look of displeasure she gives the bag is amazing.) Nori dives forward and manages to catch the kitten, and says to it, “There, I win! Are you all right?” Nori brings the kitten back to Mio, who puts on a cute act and thanks her. Mio tells her, “This kitten's name is Mio,” and Nori tells her that it's cute. Mio excuses herself and starts to walk away, but the kitten escapes again as Mio tries to hold it with one hand (needing the other for the crutch). Nori dives and catches it again, and they get it into its carrying case. Mio exclaims, “Amazing! You're incredible! Are you in high school?” Nori tells her she is, and Mio says that this her first time in this town. It's difficult with her leg treatments, but her family took a trip. She was looking for Mii-chan, who escaped... It's a nice place, here. Blushing, Mio explains that she's shy, so Mii-chan is her best friend. At that point, Takatsuki steps in, and says, “Ojou-san, we're going soon.” Nori repeats, “Ojou-san?” and Mio stutters a bit, saying you could call her that... But, if Nori wouldn't mind, could she have her email address? Nori is surprised, and Mio tells her it's all right if she doesn't want to. She just thought it might be nice if they could talk through email.... Nori smiles, and says she'd be happy to. They exchange addresses, and Takatsuki glares at Mio. Mio thanks Nori again, and they say good bye. Walking past Takatsuki, Nori wonders if she's a butler or something. Once Nori is gone, Takatsuki looks into the carrier, and asks Mio, “You adopted this kitten today?” Mio tells her that's correct. Glancing back in Nori's direction, Takatsuki says that she's a genuinely nice girl, isn't she? If Haruna knew about this, wouldn't he be angry? Even though he said he isn't going to high school here... Mio yells, “Quiet, Takatsuki!” She responds, “Yes.” (Simultaneous thought: “Scaryyy...”) Mio looks down the street and says, “It seems like I could make friends with her.” Looking at her phone, Nori sees that Mio entered her name as “Aki-chan.”

Elsewhere, Saeka is getting off her train in a kind of daze. She thinks that she's back, but... She may be lower than before. She got him to feed her anything she wanted, made a scene after she got him to kiss her, and used up his paid vacation... Saeka thinks, “I'm sorry, Sensei.” Remembering what he told her, she mutters aloud, “Get a grasp on my own feelings, huh?” As she leaves the station she notices Haruna on the other side of the street. A car pulls up, he talks to the person inside, and then the car drives away. Saeka notices that someone was riding in the back of the car, and it wasn't Nori. It was dark, so she couldn't really tell... Some people walk in front of Saeka, and once they clear, Haruna is also out of sight. The scene changes to the next day at school, with Nori reading an email from “Aki.” It says: “I'm back in Tokyo. I'm sending you another funny picture I took of Mii-chan.” The picture is of the kitten in a coffee cup, and Nori squeals over how adorable it is. Kyou arrives, carrying a towel (with a note saying he's just showered), and calls out, “Yo, Nori! A good run is the best! Working up a sweat early in the morning! Running! This is the sweat of youth! This is youth's shower! The refreshing feeling of youth!” Nori cuts off his rambling, telling him to stop it with the false cheerfulness. It's unsightly. Kyou thinks, “Damn! It was that obvious...” Kyou whines that now his first love has ended, and now all he has left is... His wealth, intelligence, athletic ability, and good looks, right? Nori looks at him witheringly, and asks if she can fill the void. Actually, about the basketball club... Nori's thought is interrupted when she sees Saeka down the hall, and the chapter ends with Nori starting to call out to her.

Sarah's notes: To be clear, Haruna isn't leaving immediately. Plans for him to leave in the spring just haven't changed. (I'm pointing this out because the past couple of chapters made it sort of sound like Mio was demanding an immediate return.) I found it sort of cute that Saeka made that trip to be a “real girlfriend,” then did nothing but eat for two days. Considering how crazy Mio seems, I'm wondering if there was any truth to her statement about thinking she could be friends with Nori. (The whole situation was clearly manufactured to manipulate her, but she seems to think intricately crafted manipulation plans will make Haruna love her, so...) Next chapter: Haruna finds his camera while cleaning out boxes, and we meet Tsujigane-senpai. Tsujigane is, best I can tell, the guy who got Kyou to quit basketball. He looks like he'll be fun!