Chiwa takes a shallow knife wound in the arm for Hokuto and spills blood instead.  The disgruntled mugger runs away, having been unable to touch the real target.  Stunned, Hokuto holds onto Chiwa.  The events take him back to his mother’s accident and he drops to the floor with Chiwa.  They’re transported to the hospital later. 

The next day the police visits for a brief round of questions.  Chiwa has but taken a slight wound, and there doesn’t seem to be any negative prognostic symptoms, although she did have stitches.  After the detectives leave, Chiwa asks Hokuto what he would like to eat for lunch.  Since she was advised to rest at home, she suggests it’s probably better to take out delivery.  Hokuto doesn’t answer and spaces out, always back to his mother’s accident.  He blames himself for not being able to protect Chiwa, just like he wasn’t able to protect his mother.  Chiwa calls out once more.

“Hokuto!  I just want to say this.  Even if I’m injured now, I’ve never for once thought that it would have been better if he stabbed you.  I jumped out in front of you because I wanted to.  If I hadn’t, I would have blamed myself.  Anyways, let’s have lunch.  You have to go to work in the afternoon soon, right?”

Hokuto leans over Chiwa and takes her into his arms.

“I’ll never forgive myself, for letting you get injured by the likes of that guy.  I’ll never…”

Chiwa sighs to herself, having heard these words countless times since the accident.  She decides to put off showing Hokuto Seiji’s letter for a while.

They visit the Mamiya estate, where grandpa frets over Chiwa’s injuries.  They’ve been called for an emergency meeting, though Chiwa is clueless as to why.  She asks Saori (wife of the nice cousin), but she doesn’t seem to know either.  Saori comments that Hokuto looks sour, but Chiwa assures her that he’s always like that.  In reality, Hokuto has been in a grim state ever since the emergency meeting has been called.  Chiwa surmises that it’s probably because he thinks the person who plotted the stabbing incident is here.  Chiwa herself is scared too, but she’s more scared that Hokuto may turn back to his past self.  She looks over her back, seeing that the other Mamiya cousins are snickering over something.

At the table, the uncle beings troubledly, “There is but one reason as to why we’re assembled here today.  I’ve received a report of enormous importance the other day.  I’ve been thinking about it ever since as to what to do with it.  For our family, it’s not something we can ignore.  But as to the truth of it…”

A cousin annoyingly interrupts, “Stop with all the pretense.  Just spit it out already.  I apologize for my manners, chairman, but it’s the fact that the bastard who calls himself Mamiya Hokuto is actually not uncle Seiji’s son or anything.”

Hokuto and Chiwa pause, their eyes wide with surprise.  The other family members also are rattled by this news.  Grandpa immediately stands up, angry at Kunio (ah, we finally have a name for one of the annoying cousins), scolding him for saying things with no basis.

“I’m sorry grandpa, but it’s the truth,” Kunio continues, “I’ve received uncle’s medical records through under certain circumstances.  Uncle Seiji was sterile, so he shouldn’t have been able to father any children.  He had known that, but yet continued to hide that bastard’s lineage.  We’ve been deceived all this time by uncle Seiji!”

Grandpa sinks down to his chair in shock.

“Whatever it is, that bastard doesn’t have a drop of Mamiya blood in him!”

Chiwa begins to tear, horrified that her father-in-law’s secret was exposed in such a fashion in such a place.

The cousin slams his fist on the table, “I absolutely cannot accept the fact that he will succeed the Mamiya Group as the next heir.”

Chiwa flips around to look at Hokuto, but there’s not a hint of anger or surprise on his face.  In fact, he looks quite spaced out.

Kunio quickly cedes into the next topic, “I propose that we strip Mamiya Hokuto of his duties as president of the tourism division as well as discuss the qualifications of the next president.”

Satoru (nice cousin) protests hurriedly.  “Please wait!  I don’t know about his lineage or anything, but look at how much he has contributed to our group.  Look at all the achievements he has made for Mamiya Affairs, and the results with the tourism division.  He’s someone we can’t afford to lose.”

Hokuto stands up and signals for Chiwa to leave.

“We don’t have any more business here.”

“Eh?” Chiwa looks startled.

“It’s we who should be saying that,” retorts an angry Kunio.

Chiwa meekly follows Hokuto, frustrated that his twenty years of hardship has just been dispelled and disregarded like that.

Hokuto says, “You knew, didn’t you.  About father…”

“Huh?”

“You didn’t act as surprised, even though you should have been the one most affected.  Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?”

Chiwa looks down.  “Sorry.  I didn’t know if I should have said anything about it.”

“Tell me everything when you go home then.”

 They sit down in silence as Hokuto reads over the letter at home. 

“In short, there has always been someone trying to distance my father from succeeding the group from the past, creating obstacle after obstacle.  That person has been so bent on the fact I might be the next heir that my father went to warn my mother and I of any danger.  But his warning went ignored, and the security he placed around us proved useless.  And my mother died protecting me in the accident.  My mother was never the target…but me instead,” Hokuto comments.

In the letter, the following is written by Seiji.  ‘I cannot properly apologize to that child.  If only I hadn’t reached out to him back then…”

Chiwa hunches over with tears in her eyes.

“I…it’s not fair.  Whatever the truth was, I didn’t want it to be thrown out in the open like that.  It not only put your twenty years to waste, but hurt grandpa and a lot of others…”

Hokuto looks to her, “Waste…?  Did you just say that?  Would you have rather married one of my other shitty cousins?”

“Eh??”

“Let me remind you, out of all the grandchildren, I had the most promising future and that’s why gramps picked me to be engaged to you.  Satoru was out of the question because he’s already married.  If I didn’t fit your standards, you would have probably been forced to marry some leftover.  Do you still think it was a waste of my life?” Hokuto comments offhandedly.

“Ah…no…” Chiwa mutters sheepishly.

He pats her on the head.  “Look up and don’t cry.  You would play right into their hands if you cried.”

More determinedly, he continues, “You were the woman I met, and I’m the man you met.  There’s nothing wasteful about it.  Whatever the truth is, we haven’t lost anything.  We haven’t lost to anything, so raise your head up high.”

“Alright!” Chiwa smiles, relieved that he would not be caught up in the past again.

“Well then, I have to think about the future now…”

“Hokuto…”

“Hmm?”

“What did you think about father now?  I think that he wanted to atone for something by taking you in and raising you.  Even so, his feelings towards you were sincere.  Ummm…”

“Don’t worry, I still think that we’re father and son without a doubt.  He was probably more troubled by our relationship since he knew I wasn’t his actual son.  I feel better now that I know why his scrupulous organizational skills haven’t passed down to me.”

Chiwa smiles shyly, “That again…”  She thinks, ‘He’s always the type to act strong.’

Hokuto leans in to kiss Chiwa. 

“I’ve been thinking for a while now.  I’ve always thought that the person who targeted me and threatened you was one of my cousins.  But now I’m sure that it’s not.  He’s probably satisfied now he has dethroned me.  The one who did it was the culprit from twenty years ago.  He had somehow learned that you were closing in on the truth about my mother’s death, and besides he didn’t want me to become the next chairman.  It all makes sense now.  What I don’t want to think of is that someday you may also be run over like my mother…that probably…”

Chiwa looks down in consternation, reflecting that this was what Shitara-san also thought.

Hokuto kneels down in front of Chiwa.

“Chiwa…would you please divorce me?”

Shocked, Chiwa ventures, “Eh…what are you joking…”

She quickly recovers though, seeing as how there’s no reason for him to say this.

“No!  What are you saying all of a sudden?!”

“Chiwa…”

“You just told me we’re not going to lose to anything.”

“But I’m not an actual Mamiya…”

“That doesn’t matter.  You told me you would never leave me!  I will never leave you!  No, the answer is no!!  No!” Chiwa cries out desperately.

“Calm down,” Hokuto says, pulling her in for a hug.  “Who said I would leave you?  I’m just saying we should become lovers.”

“Eh…?”

“How many times have you been thrown about now by the Mamiya name?  And to suffer such an injury for me…This is the only way for me to completely pull Mamiya’s negative influence out of your life.  I’m not going to let you suffer the fate of my mother.  The Mamiya name has always haunted our marriage.  We’re just going to cut away cleanly from it and redo everything from the start.”

Chiwa looks down with tears in her eyes.  ‘From the start huh…’

“Then…would you marry me once again?” she asks.

“When things have died down and the danger has passed, I would do it in a heartbeat time and time again.  You’ll always be the only wife for me,” Hokuto reassures her and holds her tightly.

‘To fill in the divorce form three times in my life is bewildering…but this time it’s for real.’

Later that night, they proceed to make love.

“Is your arm alright?” Hokuto asks.

“It’s alright.  Even if it isn’t, that doesn’t matter,” Chiwa says.  “This is the last night we’ll spend together as wife and husband.  I want you to make love to me throughout,” she closes in with a kiss.

“Chiwa…I’ve made you cry and spun you in circles countless times.  I know I’m not a good husband, but having married you was my greatest happiness.”

‘I know that you are more than hurt by this, but you wouldn’t say it.  I know you don’t want to show anyone your weak spots, and that’s why I didn’t question further.  Instead, I’ll always stay by your side and never leave you.  Even if you have lost your family and everything else, even if the whole world turns its back on you, I’ll always be yours.  I will…”

The next morning, Chiwa wakes up to find that Hokuto has disappeared.

Commentary: I love love love the fact that the author has not resorted to some deus ex machine for Seiji’s letter.  It’s getting more and more intriguing…but now I wonder who on earth the culprit could be!  If it’s not the family… Hokuto is so sweet as always, and omg, we may get a proper wedding in the last chapter after all!  And a ring to boot!  And a baby.  Ok, maybe my wish list is getting out of hand, but like all the readers out there who have stuck with all the angst in the last 37 chapters, I would have to say we deserve it.  Oh, and one more thing.  I read the comments on Minchi’s website too, and though I don’t know definitely what happens in the next chapters, I hope no one misleads us again.  I’m not sure if there are websites or groups or newsstands that release chapters ahead of the serialization in the monthly magazines for a subscription fee (there may just be), but to post about events that don’t happen next is deceptive and not very nice. Anyways, I look forward to the next chapter.  I hope Hokuto hasn’t disappeared to do something stupid, or to take it all upon himself to solve the mystery.

Click [HERE] if you can't see the pictures.

Translator: Whisperpuppies
Raws: Shmook

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The chapter opens with Chiwa sitting on the couch reading Seiji's letter.  The contents of the letter are not fully revealed yet, but Seiji apologizes for pushing everything onto Chiwa out of selfishness.  What is revealed is that Hokuto's mother died covering for Hokuto, and that Seiji was unable to tell Hokuto the truth, since Hokuto will blame himself.  When Chiwa is about to disclose (to the readers) what will hurt Hokuto more than the fact that his mother was protecting him, she is interrupted by Hokuto's return. 

H: It's so cold!  Even though it was sunny this afternoon...

C: Welcome back.  Finished with everything?

H: Yea.  Did anything happen during the day?

C: Not really...

Chiwa cannot bring herself to tell him about the letter, and decides never to.

H: By the way, we'll be going to the Mamiya house soon.

C: Eh?

H: The new year's party was canceled, right?  It's going to be a family meeting instead.  But don't worry, just relax.

Meanwhile Chiwa is thinking whether the culprit behind the scheme twenty years ago will make an appearance as well, since he/she is part of the Mamiya family.  Chiwa worries about what to do, her face paling at the thought, until Hokuto leans in and says, "You don't look too good."

C: It's your imagination.  I'm fine!

H: All right then.

Hokuto leans in to hold Chiwa while she's desperately trying to hide the letter behind her with both hands.  He mutters, "You're so warm.  At this rate, I don't even need a heater."  Hokuto's hands wander down her back while Chiwa madly tries to think of a way to distract him so he doesn't find the letter.  Hastily, she kisses him, which quickly becomes more heated.  Hokuto pulls back and looks at a flustered Chiwa, commenting, "We haven't even had dinner yet."  Chiwa replies, "Well, I guess I'll go to the bedroom first then."  Chiwa doesn't want to keep any more secrets from Hokuto, but she's still hesitant about the letter.

Later that night when they're having sex, Hokuto notices that she doesn't seem to be into it, and wonders if she isn't feeling well after all.  Chiwa blames the letter and quickly covers up, "No, it was feeling good..."

H: Well we've done it a couple of times, so I understand.

C: I'm...I'm soo sorry!  One...one more time!

H: Don't push yourself, I don't mind.  You probably don't feel well...ah...are you pregnant?

C: (blanks out) Eh?!  I'm not sure...it's not that time yet...

H: I see...well I heard that pregnant women don't feel well during these times, but whatever it is, take it easy.

At the mention of children, Chiwa is happy that Hokuto can finally see the future.  The one thing she doesn't want to do is to draw him back to the past with that letter.  She's determined not to let him near the culprit twenty years ago.

H: By the way, is it bad if we do it when you're pregnant?

C: I wonder...

At the Mamiya family meeting, the relatives talk about Hokuto's success with the unprofitable tourism divison, and that according to the chairman, the results are very visible.  By this business cycle, the division will be completely healthy again.  Chiwa looks to Hokuto for confirmation, having heard about none of this.  Hokuto looks somewhat guiltily away, having forgotten about it.

"These results are not something we can ignore.  And there's the main thing.  There has always been two candidates for the next chairman and after evaluating these results, chances are Hokuto will be..." an uncle comments.

"Now hold on!  That means someday we'll be working under him, right?" says one angry cousin.

"Well, yes.  It'll probably turn out that way," the uncle replies.

"Don't joke around!!  Under this.... It's doubtful whether he's even related to us," the angry cousin retorts back while staring at Hokuto hostilely.  Chiwa is shocked speechless at how quickly the atmosphere changed.

"That's fine.  The people who don't want to work under me because they don't want to lose can just quit the group.  You people are not the capable type I would lower my head to to stop from leaving," Hokuto responds.

"Why you..." the angry cousin tries to hold it in.

"Both of you stop.  Hokuto-kun, indeed I do acknowledge your talent, but please do something about your attitude.  You're always provoking your cousins," says the uncle.

"I'll be careful from now on," Hokuto says.

Meanwhile Chiwa watches the situation worriedly.  She had thought that she would be able to probe who the culprit from twenty years ago is during the meeting, but finds it impossible in the whirling eddies of malice.  Just about anyone of them could be it.  She sighs inwardly as Hokuto observes her.

In the car, Hokuto asks, "So no comment at all?"

Chiwa starts at the question.

"Well, it's almost certain that I'll be the next chairman.  Don't you have anything to say?" Hokuto asks.

"Ah...con-congratulations!" Chiwa says hurriedly.

"It doesn't sound very sincere," sighs Hokuto.  "What are you thinking?  You've been acting strange lately."

Unable to voice the entirety of her true thoughts, Chiwa says, "I've just been worried."

"Worried?"

"They were looking at you with such malice.  Like that person who kidnapped me.  They look like the type to commit another crime against you because they hate you so much," Chiwa says.

"It's true that they aren't talented, but they're not as idiotic as you think," Hokuto replies.  "Listen, that idiot Kiyohiko already did it once.  If they tried something like that on us again, they'll be found out immediately.  And gramps won't be silent again if that happens.  They can't do anything without the shield of the Mamiya name.  They don't have enough guts.  But...I'm thankful for your concern."

Chiwa looks at him in concern.  Her worries are not limited to that, but to the person who wasn't able to acheive his/her goal twenty years ago.  The present Hokuto who's trying so hard to become the next chairman may not think of that incident.  Chiwa wants to protect him from that past, but what can she do alone when she feels so powerless?

The next day Hokuto calls Chiwa telling her he will be late.  Customers have been canceling their tours in succession, and the stock price is dropping.  He wonders if it was the result of that false rumor, and he'll have to stay behind to clean up the mess.

"I see.  Well if there's anything I can help you with, like bring a change of clothes or dinner, tell me.  Take care of yourself," Chiwa says.

"I'll be alright.  Everything is under control, and this won't be a problem," Hokuto replies.

After hanging up, Chiwa sighs to herself that those relatives will always be the same, no matter how many results they see from Hokuto.  And that these things will probably continue until Hokuto officially becomes the chairman.  A colleague hands Chiwa a letter as she walks past, and Chiwa curiously opens it up.  In simple print inside, 'Leave Mamiya Hokuto.  Otherwise I can't guarantee your father's safety' is written.

Chiwa drops the letter in fright and rushes past Asahina.  She runs to her father's home, worried sick when her father has nothing to do with any of this.  She slams open the door, only to find her father calmly tending to the plants.

"You alright?  Aren't you supposed to be working?" he asks.

Chiwa starts crying in relief, shocking her father.

"What's wrong?  Are you hurt somewhere?" he frets.

"No...that's not it," she sniffles.

"Keep one thing in mind, I'm not reliable," he comments.

Chiwa stops crying momentarily, wondering what he can be spewing about.

"You had a big roll with your husband, right?  But you can't come crying to your dad like this," he continues.

"No...that's not...."

"I won't be able to do anything for you."

"Umm...wait..."

"No matter how big your fight was, the two of you should talk it out and overcome it.  You're family now.  Ah...I've said something fatherly today."

"You're not very convicing for a man whose wife ran away," Chiwa says with a hint of smile now.

"...How mean."

"But you're right.  Sorry dad.  I'm going back to work now.  Try not to go out too much."

"All right," her father grins.

"Bye!"

Meanwhile he's left wondering what on earth his daughter came for.

Later that night, Chiwa decides to do as her father said, to share her problems with Hokuto.  She tells Hokuto about the threatening letter, but doesn't go so far as to say anything about Seiji's last letter.

"Why would they threaten you?  I don't get it," Hokuto mulls over in bed.

"Eh?"

"I would understand if they do things to me to prevent me from becoming chairman, but what merit is there to harm you?"

"Now that you say it..."

"And even if they pulled you away from me, I would still become the chairman.  If you haven't done something hateful..."

"It may...may be Shitara-san or..." Chiwa blurts out.  Seeing Hokuto's stony expression, she quickly apologizes.

"Sorry, of course nothing she does now will matter," she concedes.

"Well I understand why you would be suspicious.  If you're still unsettled, I'll just attach some bodyguards to your father just to be safe," Hokuto says.

"Just to be safe, how much do you think they cost?" Chiwa says in despair.

"It's not something you have to worry about.  Let's sleep," Hokuto replies, turning over the sheets.

"They are expensive then..." Chiwa mumbles.

After Hokuto lies down, Chiwa says, "Sorry."

"If you say any more nonsense, I might just have to rape you," he comments nonchalantly.

Chiwa pales, and hurriedly lies down.  "You're so scary, I'm going to sleep."

"When I said sorry, it's for something else.  I know this is the best choice right now, but if it was the past me, I wouldn't and couldn't burden you with something like this.  But to be by your side all the time now, I'm taking every advantage of your good will.  I guess I've changed...anyways, that was all.  Good night!" Chiwa says.

Hokuto turns around and pulls her into a tight embrace.

"Eh...but this is not nonsense....right?" she flusters.

"Nope, but you must really like me!" he grins.

"You knew from the start, what are you saying," Chiwa blushes.

"What a change.  The first time I met you, you were barking cutely like a puppy wanting to be acknowledged, but now you're clinging on to me, saying you never want to leave.  But you know, the one who's been tamed is me.  Whatever tricks you use, I'll be the one who doesn't want to leave you.  So you're not the only one who feels that way," Hokuto finishes off sweetly.

"Since when did I ever bark like that?"

"Don't you remember?  Like that time when you splashed the drink in my face, or when you threw your resignation letter on the desk.  Of course, you bark now in a completely different manner."

"And you were unexpectedly sullen back then," Chiwa retorts.

"My bad.  I'm super sexy though.  Go to bed," he pulls Chiwa in closer.  [Urgh, cheeky bastard!]  "However much you change, I'll always love you deep down." 

Feeling more assured after placing bodyguards on her father, Chiwa walks down the street with confidence.  She really doesn't want to act as the threatener ordered, though she had always thought that going after someone's life was something that happened only in dramas or movies.  She sees Shitara walking down the street, and before she knows it, calls out Shitara's name.  Shitara asks somewhat unpolitely what Chiwa wants, and Chiwa asks to talk to her.

In the cafe, Shitara denies doing anything of the sort.

"I didn't do it.  Sorry for ruining your expectations," she says.

"No, that's that it," Chiwa explains.

"You may not believe me, but I really don't want to be involved in your matters anymore.  It's probably because your knowledge ot the matter inconveniences some others," Shitara comments.

Chiwa believes that it was not Shitara, even without evidence, but is surprised by what she says next.

"You think that Hokuto's mother died covering for Hokuto, right?" Shitara says.

"How...how do you know that?" Chiwa asks.

"That's because I heard.  You said it during your visit to Mamiya-san in the hospital.  I'm just guessing, but you're probably right."

Chiwa thinks back to the hospital visit, although that's the only time she voiced her thoughts.  She certainly hasn't shown the letter to anyone.

Shitara continues, "I also thought the same thing once, but like you, I couldn't tell him.  Anyways, that's all I'll say.  I have an appointment and I must hurry."

Chiwa is left sitting in the cafe, wondering where Shitara got that idea.  And if Shitara was right, then the person who threatened her might be the culprit from twenty years ago.  He/she probably also knows that Chiwa has the letter.  In the end, everything ties back to the letter.  This is not something she can get over herself, but something she has to discuss with Hokuto.  But then she would have to show him the letter.  She would have to gouge the truth from him...  But she thinks back to his words, on how he has spent longer time with her than he has with his family.  And that no matter what happens, he'll never want to leave her.  She wonders if she can take on this gamble, a gamble with Hokuto who can finally move forward in life.  The Hokuto who won't be drawn back into the dark by his past or hatred.

Determined, Chiwa calls him.

"You wanted to talk?  What is it now?  Did something happen?  I didn't receive any bad reports concerning your father," Hokuto says.

"It's something different.  Even a little time would work, and if you can, as soon as possible," Chiwa says.

"Even if you say so, tonight's a bit tight."

"Then I'll just go to a place near your office.  If you find a chance, please come by."

"I think I can manage."

"Then I'll see you in the restaurant in front of your office!"

Chiwa sits tensely in the restaurant waiting for Hokuto.  The letter is placed in front of her on the table.  She had hidden it at work, since it seemed like he would find it at home.  It's something she truely doesn't want Hokuto to know, but if she doesn't tell him, she can't solve the problem.  She inwardly apologizes to Seiji.  She knows it will hurt Hokuto, but she believes that he'll be able to handle it.  A text from Hokuto draws her out of his thoughts, as he's finally able to make some time.  He's heading to the shop now.

Without thinking, Chiwa grabs the letter and leaves the shop, walking to meet him.  She looks around for a bit and finally sees him.

"I thought you told me to go to the restaurant," he says.

"Ah, but it was a bit noisy there," she smiles tightly.  Her pauses, her eyes suddenly alight.  Behind Hokuto is a man with a hoodie over his head and sunglasses holding a knife.  She reaches for Hokuto, startling him for a bit...and the scene pulls back.  Spectators turn around and gasp, and a scream is heard ringing out through the streets.

Commentary: Wow!  I'm so excited to see what happens next!  So there was nothing about the letter at all...which is a disappointment, since the author keeps making roundabouts.  References to a culprit twenty years ago, someone in the family, etc. etc.  I wonder who it could be, and how it will hurt Hokuto so much.  If it turns out to be just a hateful relative, that wouldn't be very exciting though, because I doubt Hokuto will be hurt emotionally by someone he doesn't care about.  It has to be a character we're associated with and someone who actually has a relationship with Hokuto...though having said that, I can't imagine gramps doing it, or that nice cousin whose name I forgot (not to mention he would have been a kid or hardly a teenager at the time if he's older than Hokuto).  Please let it be someone good.  And please don't let it be Souma.  I LOVE Souma!  She's so sweet and supportive...and she has age-defying looks, haha.  I kind of want to know who gets stabbed too, whether it's Hokuto or Chiwa, since it's vague and we don't see actual stabbing.  For all I know the scream fould be some random spectator or Chiwa...What do you guys think?  Chiwa or Hokuto?  I'm personally hoping for Chiwa though, since...well, she hasn't done much in the front of physically protecting Hokuto.  I don't have anything against her, and we all know how much she loves him, but...oh, I don't know, things would be more interesting.

Click here if you can't see the slidehow below

"Critical condition?" Chiwa asks Hokuto before leaving the house.  She looks down and tries to reassure herself, "But it's like last time, right?  He'll recover, right?  It's all so sudden..."

Hokuto cuts in somewhat coldly, "I don't know.  Let's go."  He holds his hand out to Chiwa, "To the hospital now.  Since I've received news about him, it's not something I can ignore."  Chiwa puts her hand in his, somewhat shocked at his attitude, but notices that his hand is freezing cold.  No matter how much Chiwa wants to deny it, she knows that Hokuto's father's time has come.  Deep down though, she wishes that he won't die, since nothing of Hokuto's mother's death has come to light yet and their father and son relationship remains just as strained.

The couple arrive at the hospital and find Hokuto's cousin (the nice one) and his grandfather outside.  They urge Hokuto and Chiwa to go in since Seiji has regained consciousness just a while ago.  Souma meanwhile is comforting the chairman outside.  Chiwa takes hold of Hokuto's arm, afraid to open the door.  Seiji lies inside with a nurse beside him.  The nurse tries to wake Seiji up since Hokuto has arrived.  Chiwa goes to his bedside and tries calling out to him.  "Father, it's me, it's Chiwa."  Seeing no response, she tries calling him again.  "Father?"  Chiwa is reminded at once of the time of her grandma's death, how desperately she cried for her grandma to respond and not die.  Tears rushes to her eyes and she covers her mouth to silence her sobs.  Hokuto places a hand on her shoulder and tells her to go outside to accompany the chairman.

"But Hokuto..." Chiwa protests.

"It'll be all right.  I'll be all right," he answers.

"Call me if something happens," Chiwa responds before leaving the room.

Hokuto looks at the figure of his father while the ECG machine beeps steadily, crushing the silent atmosphere.  He calls out carefully, "Dad?"  Seiji opens his eye slightly and says, "So you've came?"  The nurse calls out to Seiji, "Mamiya-san?  Do you hear me?  Your family has come to see you."

Seiji dismisses the nurse and tells Hokuto, "I...was dreaming about Youko (Hokuto's mother).  Of the time before you were born, of the time I asked her out.  I've never told you this, but I had always thought that you resembled her."  Hokuto is a bit taken aback of Seiji's words.

Seiji continues, "That's why...I was really happy when you came to live with m--" 

"Dad..."  The ECG machine finally ringed it's last beep, and Seiji passes away.  The chairman, Hokuto's cousin, Souma, and Chiwa start weeping.  Chiwa walks unsteadily up to Hokuto.  "I should have been in the room.  I didn't think it would be so sudden...I..."

Hokuto remainless expressionless, "Yea...it was quick." 

The family begin the funeral preparations hurriedly, with almost no time left to grieve.  At the funeral, Chiwa notices that Shitara hasn't dropped by, even if she had seemed so friendly with Seiji when he was alive.  She worries about the chairman, sitting dejectedly by himself.  "I had prepared for this...but it's still too hard," he had said.  She knows that she can still comfort the chairman during mourning, but it's Hokuto that she doesn't know how to deal with.

She walks outside to look for Hokuto.

"You sure it's ok?  To linger around outside when you're the main mourner?" she asks.

"I was just taking a breather.  On the other hand you...nevermind.  You did well, thank you.  I guess it's times like these that I'm glad I have a wife," Hokuto says.

Chiwa looks down and blushes.

"You've cried a lot during his death, but even now during the funeral too.  Are you really that sad?  You haven't known him for very long," Hokuto comments off-handedly.

"What are you saying?  He's your father afterall," Chiwa exclaims.

"I see..." Hokuto replies.

Chiwa wonders about Hokuto.  Why is't he sad?  Hasn't his heart wavered even a little?  He has certainly said less ever since Seiji's death, and his expressions even more few.  She hasn't asked Hokuto, but she thinks he's holding something back.  As Hokuto walks back to the funeral, Chiwa thinks to herself that she doesn't really understand him.

After a few days, the couple arrive at Seiji's house to take care of his belongings.  Hokuto had really wanted to just leave it at the hands of the handlers, but then Souma and the chairman would scold him.  They open the door to a compact, but very clean house.

"After all he wasn't always in Japan...and he was divorced and single..." Hokuto reasons.

"It's very clean.  Even if father had a maid, it's more than tidy.  Unlike someone I know...it's unimaginable you're his son," Chiwa comments casually.

"Shame huh...that I didn't inherit his personality," Hokuto says back, without a hint of anger on his face.

They begin to look through Seiji's things and Chiwa asks Hokuto if she can open the safe.

"Sure, it's probably just bank balances and property deeds and the like," Hokuto replies.

Chiwa opens the safe carefully, and is surprised by its contents.  Inside lie Hokuto's homework and tests (some filled with mistakes), drawings, childish sculptures, and other mementos of his childhood.

"Fourth grade, class 3.  Mamiya Hokuto.  Social studies, 28 points," she reads aloud.  Hokuto flips around.  "What?!"

"Look yourself.  Ah, he even kept your sculptures," Chiwa exclaims in amazement.  Hokuto pauses for a moment, shocked that his father would keep such things.

"Hey, can I keep this?" Chiwa asks.

"Huh?  This is just trash," Hokuto says.

"Don't...these are interesting.  I'll look at them carefully after."

"Just throw it away."

"Look!  Your composition!  I'll keep this for reference in the future," Chiwa taunts, holding up an essay that says 'My future dream'.

She continues, "Just let me take it.  These are your father's feelings...look at how much he treasured you."

Hokuto pushes Chiwa down on the floor angrily.

"So you still think that your father had something to do with your mother's death, don't you?" she asks.

"No..." Hokuto replies.

"So you forgive him?  Or do you still hate him?"

"Forgiving or hating...it's too late now that he's dead.  His time has ended, and nothing will change.  He treasures me?  It's too late to tell me that now.  He kept it sealed in a safe, I wouldn't have found out otherwise.  And for me too.  I should have asked him directly, and not kept making roundabouts.  In the end, we were both too presumptious.  We both thought the other would be more understanding...but we're too similar.  We're unmistakably father and son," Hokuto leans in closer to Chiwa for a kiss, before pulling back up.

"You thought kissing would comfort me?" he questions.

"Eh?  Umm, but..." Chiwa stammers.

"Sorry to tell you, but I'm really not that sad about him," Hokuto shoots back.  "Now let's continue.  We have to finish before the sun sets."

"So it's ok for me to have all this?" Chiwa asks one more time.

Hokuto looks back and smiles, "Do whatever you want."

The two finish packing and head out to the car.  "I'm going to leave the rest to the handler," Hokuto says tiredly. 

"Are you sure we shouldn't take more mementos?" Chiwa asks.  "Ah, father must have cried at this, that his son could write things like this.  [Fourth grade, class 3.  Mamiya Hokuto.  My future dream is to succeed my father's business.]"

"You bitch...throw it away," Hokuto mutters angrily.

"Even so, you really have no artistic talent, hahaha," laughs Chiwa.  "But these will be my record of the side of you I didn't know.  I'll treasure it, since there's no one but me to keep it," Chiwa continues silently.

"You know, we really need to go to your house and take hold of evidence when you were small," Hokuto says.

"Huh?  Evidence?" Chiwa asks, confused.

"It's not fair that you only get to laugh at me," he says.

"Not fair huh," Chiwa mumbles at his childish behavior.

"But we'll have more from now.  I've spent more time with you than I've ever spent with my family.  It's not that I don't want his belongings, I don't need it since you're here.  We'll continue to make more wonderful memories together," Hokuto pats Chiwa's head.

At home, Chiwa swears to Seiji that she'll treasure Hokuto as much as she can.  A few days later, Souma arrives at the door to deliver to Chiwa a letter from Seiji.  She figured now would be a good time since things have settled down after the funeral.  Chiwa looks at it puzzledly, wondering why it's not for Hokuto if it's Seiji's will.  But certainly, the envelope is addressed to her.  She opens it and begins to read.  The chapter closes with, "It was another secret that father had kept."

Comment: To be honest, this chapter was a bit anti-climatic.  I didn't expect Seiji to die so soon without leaving anything behind besides a letter.  It's not that I want a super dramatic confrontation or revelation of truth that we see in Korean dramas or such...but there's so much left to develop of the father-son relationship!  We've already gotten Hokuto's story and how he feels about Seiji, but what about Seiji?  He had told Chiwa only a tiny sliver and how much he regrets bringing up Hokuto the way he did...but I believe there is more.  I don't believe there would have been a total reconciliation where everything will be  all right between the two if Seiji had lived, nor would I want one.  Hapi mari is not focused on that...but this chapter did not give that satisfying feeling when everything is right and in place, sort of like that feeling you get when the hero of some story surpasses unbelievable obstacles and beats all his enemies or when you've finished that last piece of potato chip and licked all your fingers.  I thought the small moment of Hokuto's past was cute and heart-warming though.  Nice to know he wasn't always a perfectionist as a child.  I hope the author has something satisfactory for the next chapter concerning the letter...please, please, please do not give me a birth secret or some weird twisted fate that shows Hokuto and Chiwa are actually siblings or something that would disintegrate their marriage....(I think I've been watching too many dramas lately :P)   

Click [here] if you can't see the pictures below

_
WP's comment: Completely in tune with the festive spirit that’s so contagious in December, we get a warm fluffy chapter for Christmas (filled with some pages of smut of course).  Hokuto learns it’s more important than ever to treasure Chiwa through meeting a special guest during the holidays and Chiwa gets the stirrings of desire to become a parent?

Chapter 34

It’s Christmas eve and Chiwa stands in the middle of the freezing harbor wondering what on earth Hokuto was thinking asking her to come here.  She thought that they would be staying at a hotel this year since Christmas lands on a Saturday.  Instead, he has asked her to pack one day’s worth of clothing and a nice dress and wait at the harbor.  She looks around and notices couples and family strolling along with smiles on their faces despite the biting cold.  Suddenly she hears Hokuto call her name from the ship parked along the harbor.

Hokuto: I told you to call me if you got here.  I even boarded first.

Chiwa: Is this…a passenger ship?

Hokuto: Yea.  It’s our Christmas cruise ship.

Chiwa lights up thinking that it’s a holiday getaway on their own private ship.  Only in reality, she’s dragged around by a kid asking to be entertained.  It seems that Hokuto boarded in the first place to observe how their tourism department is doing and Chiwa just tagged along as a leftover.  Not only that, but a child of Hokuto’s old friend has taken a liking to Chiwa.  Because the man is a powerful figure and may be beneficial to the Mamiya Tourism department, Chiwa is left to take care of the older couple’s child. 

Here we meet Souta-kun, a boy of about six to seven.  He tugs on Chiwa’s coat and asks the slightly depressed Chiwa what’s wrong, and if she doesn’t want to play with him.  Determined to have fun since she’s on the ship anyways, Chiwa turns around and beams at Souta, taking him to play.  The two enjoy themselves doing various things like playing bingo and grabbing desserts at the buffet.  Meanwhile the couple chat to Hokuto, worried that they may have been too selfish to impose on his vacation.  Hokuto pauses as he watches Chiwa and Souta fight over the last slice of cake like children, “Even if you say so…as you can see…”

Souta kindly offers half of his cake to Chiwa as a little girl walks past him and trips, spilling her plate of desserts.  Souta turns back to Chiwa as if nothing had happened, but Chiwa asks him to apologize.  Souta mutters, “It’s not like it’s my fault.”  Chiwa glares at him pointedly as she helps the girl up.  “Then I’m confiscating the cake!  And the prize we won at bingo before too!” she scolds.  Souta whines, “No way!”  The older couple and Hokuto continue to watch in amusement as the scene unfolds.  Slightly embarrassed, Hokuto moves to tell Chiwa off.  Souta’s mom stops him however, saying that Chiwa is right and Souta should apologize.  Souta apologizes solemnly before he finds out that his cake disappeared.

Souta exclaims loudly, “What is this???  Why isn’t my cake here anymore?”

Chiwa grins sheepishly, “Ah, you caught me.”

Souta reprimands, “And you call yourself an adult???”

Meanwhile Souta’s mom says to Hokuto, “She was right then, but just now…”

Later in the night, Souta follows Chiwa and Hokuto back to their room.  Chiwa asks Souta, “Are you sure you can stay tonight?”  Souta nods yes enthusiastically.  Chiwa then says, “You sure you don’t want to be with your parents?  Just don’t cry later.”  Souta replies, “I won’t.”  Souta stares at Hokuto’s back a bit suspiciously and suddenly pops the question, “Why is this oji-san entering the room with us?”

(Note: Oji-san is just a polite way to call acquaintances of your parents.  It means uncle, but it doesn’t translate well in English because some connotations are missing.  Although Souta’s usage is appropriate, oji-san is used more for middle-aged men, say from mid-30’s to late 50’s.)

Chiwa stammers, “That’s because he’s my husband.”

Souta says, “I see…” while sizing Hokuto up critically.  Hokuto thinks, “Brat, if it weren’t for my job…”  Hokuto then tells Souta, “Souta-kun.  It’s getting late now, so why don’t we go sleep?”

Souta answers, “No way!  I’m not sleepy yet, let’s play some more.”  He points to Hokuto, “I know!  Oji-san, let’s play horsie!  Papa hasn’t played with me lately because he says his back hurts.”  Meanwhile Hokuto looks horrified to be asked of such a thing.  Chiwa interrupts worriedly and offers to play horsie with Souta instead, but Souta refuses because she’s too small.  Hokuto slaps on an overly sweet smile and agrees to Souta’s request.  “Of course, let’s play.  Oji-san is still young.”  Shocked, Chiwa tells him he shouldn’t force himself, but Hokuto orders her to go to the bathroom and stay in there.  He glares at her scarily, “Listen, don’t come out until I say so.  Absolutely not, got it?!”  Chiwa scurries away to the bathroom.

Souta falls asleep later in the night.  Hokuto wonders just how much his parents spoil him on a regular basis.  Chiwa asks him, “Do you not like children?”  Hokuto answers exhaustedly at Souta’s sleeping figure, “To like this… How about you?”  Chiwa ponders, “He’s cute and he expresses with his whole body how much he likes me.”  Hokuto sits back against the bed and tells Chiwa, “I express it too.  Even if it’s only in the bed.”  Chiwa blushes profusely and stammers, “It’s because you say things like that that you’re called an oji-san.”  Hokuto exasperates, “Not you too… Well, it was out of my expectations but it seems I don’t have a chance to express my love tonight…”

Chiwa: You just decided that on your own.

Hokuto: Ever since you’ve met that child, you haven’t been very nice to me.

Chiwa: Whatever.

Chiwa thinks that it is a bit of a shame not to jump into the bed with Hokuto tonight, but isn’t this just as nice?  This feeling with three people?  But she feels that Hokuto may get angry if she says it out loud, even if he had said in the past he wouldn’t mind having one.  Chiwa continues to look at Hokuto, wondering at what he really wants.  Hokuto asks if there’s something on his face since she keeps looking at him, and then hops off the bed to the shower.  Since Chiwa had already showered with Souta earlier and there’s nothing to do, Hokuto decides to go to bed afterwards.  Seeing at how unhappy Hokuto is about not having sex that night, Chiwa decides not to bring up the topic of children.

Having slept early, Hokuto gets up even earlier next morning at 5:30.  Souta wakes up too, saying Hokuto has been noisy and that it was too cold to sleep.

Hokuto says, “Too cold?  The heater is working fine, and it must be warm sleeping next to Chiwa.”

A lightbulb goes off in Souta’s head, and he asks Hokuto, “Are you…jealous?”  The two sit down across from each other and begin talking.  Souta apologizes for intruding on Hokuto’s vacation and knows his parents probably have asked Hokuto to take care of him for the night.  His parents had always listened to his requests because they pitied him.  Souta says that he knows his body is not as strong and healthy as other children, but he doesn’t think he’s a pitiful child.  We get a mini flashback of what happened earlier.  As Souta said, his parents had asked Hokuto to look after him.  They explained that Souta had been born with an illness that will probably not allow him to live very long, and that as parents, they wanted to fulfill as many of his wishes as possible.  Even if Hokuto had come on the cruise with his wife, the couple had asked him to be understanding.

Souta continues telling Hokuto that Chiwa was different because she didn’t patronize him.  Hokuto thinks, “Well, it’s because I haven’t told her about your condition.”  He asks Souta, “So is that it?  Is that why you like Chiwa so much?”

Souta answers carefully, “Honestly I can’t word it well.  I wonder why?  It’s just for some reason, I really like her.  How about you, oji-san?”

Hokuto replies, “Well there are a lot of reasons I like her.  But I’m afraid I don’t have one to properly put into words.  Before I realized it, I had fallen in love.”

Souta sulks, “Isn’t that what I just said?” before muttering “Even though you’re her husband.”

Hokuto ignores that and continues, “That’s why I understand you.  So is there anyone you like at school?”

Souta answers, “I don’t go to school very often.  My parents also didn’t enroll me in kindergarten.”

Hokuto looks at Souta, “So your first love is Chiwa then.  Just like me.”

Souta pauses and thinks a bit.  “So if we’re so alike, that means if I was an adult right now, I might have been the one who married Chiwa, right?”

Hokuto gets irritated, “What?!  Why you little…  That’s my…”

Souta interrupts, “That’s why I said if.  Geez, you’re such a child.”

A little later, the three sit down for breakfast.  Chiwa notices that Hokuto and Souta seems to have gotten along together, but both boys deny it.  She laughs and says, “It’s just when the two of you sit together like that, you give off the feeling of father and son.”  The two freeze in disgust.  Hokuto stands up, “Don’t joke around!  How can I be the father of this bratty kid.”  Meanwhile Souta cries, “You’re so mean Chiwa.  How can I even be related to this oji-san.”

Once they get off the cruise, it’s time to say goodbye to Souta and his parents.  Souta tells Chiwa he wants to see her again.  Chiwa says, “Of course we’ll meet.  I gave you our contact info, didn’t I?  How about we go on the same cruise next year?”  Souta looks emptily ahead, somewhat disappointed.  Maybe it’s because he doesn’t know whether he’ll live until next Christmas that he’s saddened.  Nevertheless he smiles for Chiwa, “Got it, next year.  I’ll be bigger then too.”  He looks at his parents, “Papa, mama, let’s go on this cruise again next year.  Be sure to register for it.”  His parents look away somewhat guiltily but promises Souta.  Souta then tells Hokuto, “I’ll be here next year too.  Until then, treasure her.”  Hokuto smiles, “I’ll be waiting.”

Walking back to city center, Chiwa asks for Hokuto’s bags.  She tells him that she’ll be heading home first and offers to take his luggage since he’ll be going to the office.  Just as she’s leaving, Hokuto remembers Souta’s words to treasure Chiwa.  Hokuto takes her hand and tells her he won’t be going to the office.  Chiwa asks, “Are you sure?”  He replies, “Let’s have fun.  Since it’s not a given that we’ll always see tomorrow.  Besides, today is Christmas.”  The two go shopping, watching movies, eating desserts, and jewelry browsing (Hokuto tells the salesperson seriously to wrap it all up, but Chiwa tells him her husband’s joking).  They come home with tons of presents, so many that Chiwa is dizzy with it. 

Hokuto: It’s alright once in a while.

Chiwa: (holds the bags close) But keep it at this limit.

Hokuto: Why, don’t you like them?  Is it…

Chiwa: No, it’s just that I won’t be able to hold myself back.  If I get used to you spoiling me, I might ask for more and more in the future.

Hokuto: (leans in to kiss Chiwa) Come.  I’m going to spoil you all night tonight.

The two proceed to have fantastically passionate sex, and in Chiwa’s opinion, more passionate than usual even if they weren’t doing anything out of the ordinary.  Chiwa asks Hokuto to stop, but he says, “I told you I was going to pamper you.  If I don’t do it now, when should I do it?  So stay still and let me pamper you.  I’m going to love you with all of myself tonight.  All of me.”  Chiwa distinctively feels all of Hokuto, and she’s so overwhelmed with his words and actions that tears spill over.  Hokuto stops for a second to ask why she’s crying.  Chiwa says, “I don’t know…it’s just… I love you.”  She smiles up at him, “I love you very much.  Just having you here by me makes me happy.”

Chiwa reflects that her wish may be modest, but it’s also a very extravagant thing to ask for.  She wishes that she’ll always be next to Hokuto, and to continue living the miracle of being loved by the person she loves.  It may be extravagant, but since tonight is a holy night, she’ll try wishing it upon the stars.

Hokuto holds her close and asks, “So what do you think about adding another member to our family?”

Chiwa replies, “Is it because of Souta?”

Hokuto says, “I think I want a boy.”

Nervously, Chiwa responds, “Even if you say so right now…”

On new year’s, the couple get ready to see Hokuto’s family.  Chiwa frets about her appearance, not wanting Hokuto’s relatives to say anything bad about him again.  Hokuto threatens to leave her behind as she checks over her appearance in the mirror once again.  He says, “Chiwa, there’s not going to be a new year’s party.”  Chiwa flips around surprised.  Hokuto continues, “He…my father is gravely ill.”  The chapter closes with darkness.

Chapter 34 end.


Whisperpuppies's commentary: Did anyone else go “kyaaa” at the interactions between Hokuto and Souta?  I cannot wait until Hokuto and Chiwa have children, and yes, a tiny Hokuto would be nice.  I’m having a ball imagining how the two boys would treat each other and how Hokuto would deal with a mini version of himself.  Chiwa would probably turn out to be a good mother too.  All the lovey-dovey scenes and dialogue make me feel so warm inside.  But putting that aside, I feel like Chiwa is still holding back quite more so than Hokuto is in their relationship.  There are still a lot of moments where she is unable to voice her thoughts to Hokuto in this and previous chapters.  I mean, I get that she doesn’t want to be insensitive about the children-issue as she had been in the past when she told him she should be a good wife and just bear children for the sake of bearing children, but damn woman, how many years have you been married now?  Is it that hard to ask your husband what he wants?  But I admit, your love is still blossoming into something more beautiful each and every chapter.  It’s even more meaningful now that we’ve gotten the evil ex-boyfriends and girlfriends and excessive work hours out of the way.  These are moments where I feel the situation is more realistic and the author is able to show us the small mechanisms at work for their marriage.  It’s honest, and frankly it speaks out more to me than any other plot devices.  And drumroll please….We’re finally going to get a move onto the mysterious death of Hokuto’s mother and possible reconciliation with his father.  I can’t wait!

_Thank goodness for this chapter!  More things are thrown out into the open as Chiwa finally steps up from her meek role through the series.  

Chapter 33

The chapter opens with Asahina asking if he needs to see Chiwa back home from work.  Since the stalker incident last time, Hokuto has placed Asahina in charge of guarding Chiwa’s safety.  Chiwa reassures that there’s no need to, but Asahina frets that Hokuto may kill him if he fails to protect her.  Chiwa asks, “Does Hokuto happen to hold your weakness or something?”  Asahina tells her, “Of course not!  It’s just that we’re on the same boat now.”  As Asahina walks her to the taxi stop, he worries, “You know how I talked about Michelle Hartz’s president Shitara last time?  Since she went out of her way to tell me about your situation and instigated other things, I wonder if she has something to do with it.  I feel like she has a lot of malice towards you…or I might be over-thinking things.  It’s just a possibility.  But I wonder why she would hold any ill will torwards you?”

Hesitantly, Chiwa answers, “Well, it’s just that she’s Hokuto’s ex…and she has some opinions about our marriage.  She doesn’t think that I’m suited for Hokuto.”

Asahina looks up in understanding.  “So that’s what it is…” he continues before remembering he has done something similar in the past.  Asahina tells her to be careful returning home and to not try to solve everything by herself.  He reminds her to discuss with her husband and wishes her luck with resolving the issue.  Chiwa thanks him for his kindness, but she still doesn’t feel that she can discuss with Hokuto.  After all, she doesn’t know what Shitara’s presence means to him, and furthermore, he hasn’t been in a merry mood ever since the stalker.  The first thing that Hokuto ever says to her when returning home is “So you’re safe today too.”  He’s been so worried that he’s been getting dark circles under his eyes.  He still thinks that someone from his family is responsible and has already put a tap there, but it’ll take time before he gets any results. 

Chiwa interrupts his speech and tells him now is not the time to focus on these things.  He needs to turn up some results at work after his promised one year.  However, Hokuto continues, “Anyways I already have a plan, since if nothing further happens the police won’t take action.  And by then, that would be too late.”  Chiwa reproaches, “But there’s nothing we can do beyond this point.  That’s why…”  Hokuto pats her on the head, “Well, you may be right.  We can just sit and wait for them to slip up.”  Turning around pissed, he continues, “But I won’t be satisfied with that.  I will take them on.  And win at that!”  Chiwa despairs inwardly that because of this, Hokuto may just fail at work.  She had even told Shitara that she won’t be his obstacle in any way.  But it seems that Hokuto still hasn’t thought Shitara may be behind any of this.  It’s hard to turn doubtful eyes towards one you’ve loved in the past after all.  So this may just be her chance to get her move on.

With determination, Chiwa calls Shitara at the office, hoping to meet and talk it out once and for all.  But she starts to get cold feet when Shitara changes the meeting place to her flat.  Chiwa’s at a loss of what to do, and furthermore, there’s nothing but her gut feeling to support her accusations.  She half-wishes that her accusations are false and half wishes that they’re true since after this, her image can only worsen in Shitara’s eyes.  Heck, even Hokuto may be affected and she may be sued for defamation.  Chiwa closes her eyes and sighs.  She thinks, “There’s nothing I can do now since I’ve already took the first step.  Let’s get on with it!”

Inside, she explains to Shitara her accusations, but Shitara only smiles that there’s no proof.  Chiwa stammers, “But…you do think that it’ld be better if I just disappeared, don’t you.  That’s why…”

Shitara cuts in, “Ridiculous!  I thought you had something important to say, but what do you think I am?  It’s true that I don’t really like you, but you do realize I could sue you for your false accusations, right?” 

Chiwa begins to choke up on her words.  “But I won’t sue you because it’ll just be troublesome for Hokuto.  Now please go home.  This has been a waste of my time,” Shitara says coldly.

Just as Chiwa wonders whether she was too rash, someone rings Shitara’s door bell.  It turns out to be Hokuto, who has gotten word that his wife had went to her place.  Once Shitara lets him in, Chiwa asks Hokuto how he knew she was here, since she hasn’t voiced her thoughts.  She’s probably afraid that she’ll look like a jealous and petty wife in front of his eyes.  Hokuto ignores her and speaks directly to Shitara instead.  He confronts her, “So you were the one who instigated things with Asahina, telling him of our contract marriage.”

Shitara answers, “So he told you, didn’t he.”

Hokuto continues, “So that’s why she(Chiwa) didn’t tell me, probably thinking it’ll just annoy me.”    

Shitara asks, “So you doubt me too?”

Hokuto says, “I thought your actions were strange.  Purposely telling her of our past, and purposely handing me documents detailing her relationship with Asahina.  I didn’t want to think you were that type of woman, but there are just too many things pointing to it.  I don’t know what your reasons are, but everything you did just spoke ‘I-want-to-separate-Chiwa-from-you’.  So what do you have to say to that?”

Shitara pauses, but admits to Hokuto’s accusation.  “That’s right.  Things would be better if that girl just disappeared.  That’s all, so what?”  The couple are taken aback by her blunt words, and Hokuto begins, “What…are you thinking?  It’s too late…we’ve split…”

Shitara butts in, “Don’t get the wrong idea!  That’s the part I don’t like about you.  You’re throwing away your work and walking in so nonchalantly just because of this girl!  Why did you become like this?  If only she wasn’t here…you…the you I knew…”

We get a flashback of when Shitara was still with Hokuto, discussing his upcoming marriage to Chiwa.

Sitting on the bed, Shitara asked, “Marriage?”

Hokuto replied, “Yea, with some girl I’ve never met before.  It’s grandpa’s whim.  He told me that if I didn’t accept, I’ll be forced to resign from my position.  What does he think I am…”

Shitara: So you’re going to accept?

Hokuto: Of course.  I don’t know what kind of girl she is, but I give her enough money, she probably wouldn’t complain.  To not give her any unnecessary excuses, I won’t cheat on her either.  At any rate, I’ll be a good husband.

Shitara: Haha, you mean a convenient one.

Hokuto: I suppose.

Shitara: Then that means we have to end our relationship, don’t we.  If it’s you, it’ll be alright.

The flashback ends here, and Shitara says somewhat emotionally, “I accepted it.  If you continued to be as you were then…but after marrying this girl…Please return back to the way you were!  Don’t negate what you were, what I knew.”  Tears start flowing from Shitara.

Suddenly Chiwa asks, “Then why did you split up with him?  You love him as much as I do, right?  Of course if you didn’t, we wouldn’t be married.  But I don’t understand why you split up.”  Chiwa’s outburst gives Shitara a pause, but she answers back, “What…are you saying?  I had to pull back to open up Hokuto’s path.  Even if that unexpectedly helped you.  See, unlike you I understand Hokuto the best.  I didn’t want to become his burden and I didn’t.  Don’t even try to compare yourself to me.”

“No, we’re the same,” says Chiwa.  With more confidence now, “I love Hokuto, and that’s why I want to become his strength.  I always think that, even if things don’t go well.  Isn’t that what you thought too?  That’s why we’re the same.”

Shitara retorts angrily and moves in to slap Chiwa, “As if you knew anything about…”

Hokuto covers for her and gets hit instead.  Blood starts flowing freely from his cheek after Shitara’s nails grazed him.  Hokuto tells her that if she still wants to harm someone, to harm him instead since Chiwa has nothing to do with it.

Defeated and crying once more, Shitara says, “How easily you say this now.  I had no choice back then.  If I had said I didn’t want to break up, what would have happened?  At that time, he would have just thrown me aside.  But that was the him that I loved.  I won’t hate him for it because I wanted him to be that way.  It’s just…I don’t like sappy breakups.  That’s why I broke away smoothly.”

Chiwa looks down somewhat ashamedly.  Shitara continues, “If you want to contact the police, go ahead.  I won’t run or hide.  I understand that you won’t change now, even if I removed her.”

Without contacting the police, the couple leave quietly.  Hokuto tells Chiwa he’s going to return to the company, but Chiwa tells him to wait.  She slaps on a cute bandage filled with hearts on his cheek, before Hokuto pulls it off saying he can’t wear something so lame.  She tries to follow him back, making excuses that her company is next to his.  Chiwa feels that she shouldn’t leave him alone, now of all times.  She calls his name out one more time.  He turns, and plants a kiss on her before leaning over her tiredly.  He explains, “It was easy.”

Chiwa: Huh?

Hokuto: Unlike you, she knew when I wanted to be left alone.  Even if we didn’t meet because of work, she wouldn’t cause any trouble.  We had known each other for a long time.  She knew what I wanted to do and understood me.  She was my ally.  But today was the first time I saw her tears.  I never knew that she can even cry over something.  In the end, I was the one who didn’t understand her.  Even if I tried, I failed to.  Just me…

Chiwa looks away from his confession and tells him, “I…I may be annoying and unable to read your feelings, and it’s not easy to be with me, but I still want to stay by your side.”  Everything is warm and heartfelt until Chiwa tacks on, “Furthermore, you’re a pretty troublesome guy.”

Hokuto pulls back, “How can you say something like that at this time?”

Chiwa apologizes, “Ah, sorry, it just slipped out.”

Hokuto reprimands, “Try to read the situation a bit!  I see…so you’re saying that an annoying you fits perfectly with an annoying me, aren’t you.”

Chiwa blushes and stammers, “Eh?  Ah…no, wait…”

Hokuto walks away, sighing, “Whatever, I’m going to buy myself a proper band-aid”, leaving Chiwa to chase after him.

Chapter 33 end.

Whisperpuppies's commentary: I’m so glad that this chapter is different from the previous one…or the one before that.  It gives me hope that this story isn’t just a regurgitation of the same event over and over again.  I love the fact that Chiwa has finally taken the initiative to confront Shitara, and that things have begun to air out and resolve with the rivals.  Yet somehow I think it would be more fun if Hokuto hadn’t interrupted the confrontation.  Chiwa should put in her share of the effort to make this marriage work without Hokuto always acting the hero to save the day.  Of course, I suppose that without Hokuto entering, we wouldn’t have seen that Shitara is not a one-faceted cold-hearted bitch that she was in the previous chapters.  In fact, I’m starting to hate her less and sympathizing with her.  I don’t agree with her actions, but I get where she’s coming from.  I just wish that the author would give Chiwa just a bit more character development.  It’s getting there, and she’s being more open about her feelings, but there just needs to be an extra push.  Hokuto on the other hand, is always developing.  Now, if only they would just pop that baby I was mentioned beforehand, or dig into Hokuto’s mother’s death…

_Chapter 32

The chapter opens with Chiwa driving Hokuto to work, which now happens to be right next to Chiwa’s workplace.  But since Hokuto was being his usual self, he didn’t deem it important enough to tell her beforehand.  At home, Hokuto asks Chiwa if she was working overtime, since he saw that her workplace’s floor’s lights were still on late into the night, but she answers that it was only Asahina and Sakuraba.  Excited, Chiwa asks if he always looks at her building, but he says only from time to time.  Chiwa feels happy that they work so close together now.  With him nearby, she feels more motivated to work harder.

The next day, Chiwa goes shopping with a coworker.  However, as they walk along, an ominous bicyclist from behind crashes into Chiwa, pushing her to the floor.  He speeds away without apologizing.  Her coworker is anxious, but Chiwa says that it was her fault since she was in the middle of the road.  Her coworker says that it looks more like that he was aiming for her.  She helps Chiwa up to get her treated back at work. 

Chiwa informs Hokuto that night, to which he asks, “Again?”  It seems that Chiwa was almost run over by a car earlier too (though this scene was not explicitly shown).  He looks worried and distressed, but Chiwa assures him that it was only a scratch and it was probably her fault anyways for blocking the bicyclist.  Hokuto angrily tells her to be more careful from now on.  A little surprised, Chiwa apologizes.  Hokuto realizes he said too much and apologizes.  He tells her, “I had wanted to say that I’m glad you’re unhurt.”  Chiwa looks a bit crestfallen, since she has once again made Hokuto worry about her. 

The next day, Chiwa walks hurriedly through the streets, stopping to hide behind a wall.  She turns back and looks around to see who’s following her.  Seeing no one though, she thinks it’s probably her imagination.  However, the mysterious man continues to follow her once she walks away.  Later in the day, Sakuraba tells her that she can leave once she finishes up.  As she’s leaving, she looks back behind her and thinks, “Hokuto’s probably still at work.  I’ll return home first.  Do your best!”  Chiwa rushes down towards the stairs at the metro station, but suddenly, a hand pushes her down.  She skids a bit, but manages to land safely.  Bewildered, she turns around to see who it was, but could find no one.  Immediately, she flashes back to the time when she was kidnapped and wonders if someone really is targeting her.  She returns to the office and asks Sakuraba if she could stay there even if there’s no overtime work.  Sakuraba hesitantly agrees and Asahina looks worried and confused.  She waits by Hokuto’s car until he gets off from work.  Hokuto’s a bit surprised to see her, but she lies that she was working overtime, since their company have just entered a hectic period.  She asks him if he wants to go eat somewhere, since it’s the first time they’ve gotten off work together.  Hokuto answers, “That’s alright, but I prefer your home-cooking.”  Chiwa blushes at his sweet words, and tells him that she’ll start tomorrow.

To get home early to start cooking the next day, Chiwa has to return alone.  She’s still scared, and wishes she can skip from door to door.  Any door is fine, as long as she’s safe.  She lights up when she spots a taxi.  However, she freezes when she has to pay the fare.  It amounts to 3150 yen (approx. 41 USD), and she realizes it isn’t a very economical way to get home.  So the next day, she waits by Hokuto’s car again and lies that there was overtime.  Hokuto fires back, “Overtime?  What are you saying?  I saw that your floor’s lights were all turned off at 9 pm.  What exactly are you doing?  I don’t like it when people lie to me.”  Flustered, Chiwa says, “I just wanted to go home together since we work so close.  Can’t we even do a small thing like this?”  Hokuto dismisses her childish reason and tells her to properly return home by herself tomorrow.  Chiwa doesn’t want to lie to Hokuto, but she also doesn’t want to cause him further unnecessary trouble. 

The next day, Asahina tells Chiwa and Yoshioka (coworker) to go home early.  A big typhoon is heading north, and it’ll probably hit during rush hour and stop the trains.  Still rattled by the earlier incidents, Chiwa doesn’t want to go home early.  She tries to make a lame excuse by saying that she can’t possibly leave when Asahina and the others are still working hard.  Asahina reassures her that he and the others can still stay a night somewhere even when the trains have stopped.  (Translator’s Note: Asahina probably refers to capsule hotels, which are literally small enclosed capsule spaces people can stay the night after they miss the last train [usually because they’ve stayed out partying too long or are really drunk].  While these hotels cater to both men and women, generally more men stay in them.  Some can be located in more seedy areas, and women may not feel as safe.  Look it up on Google.  :D)     Sakuraba also tells her to go home early, since it’ll be troublesome for her if the trains stop.  Dejected and unable to refuse their kindness, Chiwa can only head home.  Asahina looks worriedly at Chiwa for her strange actions.  Chiwa calls Hokuto from a phonebox, informing him that Sakuraba gave her permission to return home early because of the typhoon.  Hokuto tells her to be careful on the way back.  Chiwa tries to gather the courage to tell Hokuto what’s bothering her, but she loses steam and also tells Hokuto to be careful.  After she hangs up, Hokuto looks worriedly at his phone. 

While clinging onto her umbrella as the cold rain whips around her, Chiwa reassures herself that everything will be alright.  Even a stalker wouldn’t take action in such weather, and she’s probably just over anxious about things.  But suddenly, a man in a dark cloak approaches her from behind, causing Chiwa to freeze up.  “Excuse me, but could you tell me some directions?  If you could please turn around…” he says.  Chiwa realizes that this is it.  It may only be her intuition, but this is it and she needs to run.  She ignores him.  He continues, “Umm, hello?  Why are you so weary?  Don’t be rude…”  Chiwa turns pale with fright and drops her umbrella as he reaches out for her.  She wonders why she’s being targeted and starts running.  But just then, Hokuto kicks the man and rushes towards Chiwa.  Asahina beats the stalker comically with his umbrella over and over again.  However, the stalker runs away.  Chiwa is surprised to see Asahina in such a place with her husband.  Asahina tells her, “I thought you were acting strange, seeing as you didn’t want to go home.  This happened earlier too, so I wanted to contact the president.”  Hokuto starts, “So this also happened earlier.  That’s why you were waiting for me.  You dummy!  Why didn’t you tell me the truth?”  Teary-eyed, Chiwa mutters insensible things.

Hokuto: I can’t hear you!  Speak up!

Chiwa: I didn’t want to worry you unnecessarily!

Speechless, Hokuto stares at her. 

Chiwa: It’ll be so annoying if something like that happens again.  Just like that time…I don’t want to hold you back…

Hokuto slaps her soundly.  Meanwhile, Asahina watches in shock.  Chiwa is bewildered, until Hokuto drops to his knees and holds her, burying his head in her waist. 

Hokuto: Why do you still not understand?  If something had happened to you, I probably won’t be able to live with myself. 

Hokuto is trembling with fright, and most likely relief also.  Chiwa apologizes.  What she thought was best for Hokuto always ends up hurting him.  Asahina starts explaining to Chiwa, “I understand your feelings, but you should discuss matters with the president more.  Even if it’s a big responsibility, the president had told me that he lost someone close to him in an accident.  It’s not strange that he’s more sensitive about your safety than others.”  Hokuto looks annoyed at his words.  It’s ok if he says this himself, but being told by others is irritating.  Ignoring Asahina completely, Hokuto turns to Chiwa and tells her, “That’s right.  There’s no one else who’s more worried about you than me.”  Embarrassed for being ignored, Asahina excuses himself by saying that there’s still more work to do in the office.  Chiwa thanks him for everything, and Asahina waves goodbye.  Hokuto is a little dismayed that he now owes Asahina another favor.  He asks Chiwa, “Did that stalker say anything?  Like that customer from when you were still in the cabaret club?”  Chiwa shakes her head.  Hokuto continues, “I thought for a moment that it may be related to someone in my family again.  Like that stupid cousin of mine.  But I guess there isn’t anyone now who would be happy to hurt you or me.”  Chiwa looks down on the floor and thinks of Shitara.  She thinks to herself, “There’s only one person, only one name that floats up as to who wants to hurt me.  To be more exact, wants to put me far away from Hokuto.  But if I tell Hokuto, he’ll…”

Hokuto tells Chiwa they should go back home before they catch a cold.  He grabs her hand and tells her, “It’ll be alright.  I won’t let you be in any more danger.”  However, Chiwa looks far away as she thinks, “Hokuto’s sharp.  So he probably already knows what I’m thinking.”  Chiwa nods absently at his words, and they return home together.  She looks more dejected than ever though, and Hokuto probably doesn’t realize.

/End chapter 32

Short Commentary: I’m beginning to wonder how long the author is trying to drag out this story.  I mean, I love this series (what with the pretty art and more mature themes than shoujo manga) , especially the start, but lately the chapters are a bit repetitive.  It’s always Chiwa who’s getting into trouble and waiting for Hokuto to save her.  She doesn’t really stand up for herself either, not to Hokuto nor the other characters who’s trying to wreck her relationship.  Of course, she’s done it a few times, and I was bloody excited when she told Shitara to back off from Hokuto at the hospital, but she’s retreating time and time again.  Every time she reaches an epiphany that they should be honest with each other at the end of one chapter, she goes back to being a timid mouse at the start of the next.  Be more gutsy girl!  Or I might completely turn off on you and your marriage struggles.  On the other hand, I feel like the author hasn’t dug much into the juicier parts of the story, like Hokuto’s mother’s death.  She’s thrown it out there since the very beginning, but seemed to have forgotten all about it.  Please, please let us know what happened, if only a silver of the truth. I think it’s about time since we’ve gone at least 10 chapters not touching on the subject.   It’ll make things a whole lot more interesting.  Oh, and pop a baby too.  Surely they must have created one by now, considering all the sex…  I wonder how Hokuto will be as a father..hehe, probably not a very good one.   I don’t really mind long stories, and the author can write 50+ chapters if she wants.  I’m in for the ride as long as it’s captivating.  

_Translator: whisperpuppies
Scanner: Shmook

Chapter 31

It’s already 2 o’clock, and Chiwa continues to stay up to wait for Hokuto’s return.  She begins dozing off until she’s interrupted by the loud clang of the door.  Hokuto has finally returned, but he’s so tired he collapses on the floor.  It seems that Hokuto has become busier ever since he switched divisions, but it’s too late to do anything about his choice now.  She tells him to go bathe first, but he tells her to go sleep instead.  Chiwa mutters that if she leaves him alone, he’ll probably fall asleep in the bathtub.  As Chiwa picks up after Hokuto, she wonders if what he’s doing now is ok.  After all, he’s the only one working hard for both of them.  She walks up to the bathroom, only to find him asleep again.  After bathing, Hokuto wants to have sex and climbs on top of Chiwa. 

Chiwa asks, “Are you sure?  We haven’t done it in 2 weeks, but I think it’s better if we go to sleep tonight…”  But Hokuto glares at her, and she concedes.  Her worries fade away as she gets in the mood, but Hokuto ends up falling asleep on her belly once more.  The next morning over breakfast, Hokuto tells Chiwa, “I was just tired last night.  It’s not like I’ve been aging or anything…and it’s not your fault either.”

Chiwa tells him, “But I didn’t say anything…”

Hokuto leaves for work, and Chiwa tells him if might be better if he doesn’t drive, seeing as how he’s so tired these days.  But he reassures her that he’s fine and leaves anyways.  She understands that he doesn’t want her to worry.  However, she later receives a call from Souma, asking her to come down to the ground floor.  Hokuto once again has collapsed, whether it was from the drinks he had after the business reception or just fatigue.  Together, they escort him back to the flat.  When he awakes, Souma tells him that she has canceled the appointment for next afternoon because of his condition, but Hokuto only gets angry. 

Hokuto: What were you thinking?

Souma: But it’s just that we won’t do as well with you in such a condition…

Hokuto: Even though you’re under my grandpa in name, you’re my subordinate.  Since when did you ascend to the position to…

Chiwa: Stop saying things like that Hokuto!  I was the one who asked her to do so. 

Hokuto: Don’t do…such unnecessary things.

Chiwa is a bit shocked by Hokuto.

Souma:  President, since you’re already of age, I thought I would hold back on saying this, but I can’t do so anymore.  You still don’t understand, do you?  What your wife means?  And anyways, you’re actually below me in status now!

Hokuto:  Souma!

Souma: You may fire me if you wish, I won’t complain or regret at all!  I’ll be leaving now, so please rest up until tomorrow!  Goodbye.

Chiwa thinks Hokuto’s being unnecessarily cruel to Souma, since she has always been watching out for him.  Hokuto, however, disagrees, saying that they’re ganging up on him and ousting him of his job.  Chiwa then argues back, “First of all, why do you have to be the one who works hard?  Isn’t it strange?  It’s for the both of us.”

Hokuto: (flustered)  Then tell me, what can you possibly do?!

Chiwa: But…Isn’t there anything I can help you with?

Hokuto: And why did you cancel my meeting tomorrow?  I know you’re worried about my health, but I can’t stand you doing things like this.  If you’re so worried about our future, it’ll be better if you do nothing at all.  Just be mature and wait patiently.  You know nothing about my job anyways.  Well, maybe a little now…

Chiwa: (about to break into tears) FINE!  That’s right!  I can’t do anything.  I stepped in and did something unnecessary.  Since I don’t want to be a hindrance, I won’t do anything!  That means everything surrounding you.  I won’t do your laundry, or clean up after you, or cook for you!  I will do absolutely nothing for you!

Hokuto: Do…do what you want!  I’m used to living alone anyways.  It’s no big deal!

Chiwa: Is that so?  Then do your best, ALONE!  I’m going to sleep back in my original room.

Hokuto: Fine!

After their argument however, Chiwa is very down at work the next day.  It has been three years since they married, but she didn’t something like this to happen.  She knows that it’s an important time for both of them, but she was just really mad back then.  But on a deeper level, she’s sad rather than irritated because Hokuto’s words ring true.  He doesn’t need her help.

At home, Hokuto stares disappointedly at his own pile of laundry.  He thinks, “It’s alright.  If I don’t have enough underwear or shirts, I can just buy more.”  When he sees Chiwa gathering her own laundry, Chiwa runs away and scurries back into her room.  He opens his bedroom door, only to see it a mess.  He shoves away the dirty clothing and plunks down onto the bed.  Meanwhile, Chiwa leans against her door and keeps worrying about Hokuto.  She wants to leave him alone, but is unable to.  She wonders if he did his laundry, and if he’s eating properly.  She knows that it’ll be easier to return to normal if she apologizes, but she can’t help but think back to his words, that she knows nothing about his job.

The next evening, Chiwa joins her coworkers for a drink after work, leaving Hokuto to fend for himself at home.  When the clock strikes 11, he begins to wonder why she hasn’t come home yet, since tomorrow’s a workday.  Meanwhile, Chiwa is singing karaoke with her colleagues, wondering how many days it has been.  He hasn’t touched her, much less ask after her.  But it’s not like either of them have left the house.  They’re still living together. 

A while later, Souma talks to Chiwa on the phone.  It seems that Souma is doing most of the taking-care of Hokuto now.  Chiwa apologizes, since he’s making Souma buying him extra clothes.  But Souma tells her not to worry, since it’s apparent that Hokuto doesn’t appreciate the value of Chiwa.  Chiwa thinks that it’s not because of that that started their argument.  However, Souma continues on.  “He needs to start behaving and realize that he’s not living by himself anymore.”  That word strikes Chiwa though, that he’s alone.  She realizes that no matter how much she feels slighted, she shouldn’t leave him alone.  She thanks Souma (which of course leaves Souma confused since she doesn’t know what she did) and hangs up.  Chiwa declines her coworker’s invitation to another night out and returns home.  She thinks, “I need to hurry and go home to clean and do the laundry.  And if he’s willing to eat, I need to make his favorite food.  Even though the things I can do are not much, that’s fine.  I need to do whatever I can for him.  I cannot be the one to let go of his hand.”

Hokuto returns home, prepared for another night of being alone.  However, he finds Chiwa’s note on the table for his dinner.  He spins around and finds her hiding behind her door. 

Chiwa: You’re early.  Welcome home.  Umm…it’s just as I wrote on the note…so goodnight.  (shuts the door)

Hokuto: (pushes open the door) Hey!

Chiwa: I cleaned your room too.  (shuts the door again)

Hokuto: (pushes the door open again) HEY!

Chiwa: I also did your laundry……(silence)… Ah, so you weren’t hungry then.

Hokuto: No…(pulls Chiwa in for a hug) I’m at the limit.  I know you’re frustrated.  Whether there’s a deadline or not, or changes of winning or not, I’ve been pushed to the limit for both time and energy.  But I couldn’t admit it, that I don’t have enough strength on my own, or that there’s only so much one person can do.  So please lend me your strength.  Without you, I won’t be able to overcome this.

Chiwa: Alright!  I get it Hokuto!  I’ll do anything!  I’m sorry that I canceled your meeting…that has been on my mind ever since.

Hokuto: Ah, that?  Never mind about that…

Chiwa: I’m so glad.  What should I do for you?  You can tell me anything!

Hokuto looks down at the hopeful Chiwa, and he finally understands Souma’s words.  The ones about Chiwa’s value and worth.  He asks her to start taking care of him again, just like it used to be.  Chiwa is a bit disappointed though, since it was the same as before.  Hokuto then interrupts, “Then…why don’t you take me to work tomorrow?”

Chiwa: Huh?  You mean, the car?

Hokuto: Yea, then I can sleep during that time.

Chiwa: Is it alright for me to drive?

Hokuto: Yup.

Chiwa: I don’t really get it, but ok.  Anything else?

Hokuto: (leans in for a slight kiss)  I want to…get revenge for last time.

Chiwa: (looks up) Alright…but really, I didn’t mind last time.  (Mostly referring to him falling asleep during sex)

Hokuto: (lifts Chiwa up into his arms) Be a bit more considerate, I minded a lot.

Chiwa: Ah…(as he carries her to the bedroom) Hokuto?

Hokuto: Yes?

Chiwa: I have a wish.  Please think of me when you’re troubled.  I may not be able to help you anything, and it may be quicker for you to solve your own problems, but I’ll always be here to help you.

Hokuto: Understood, wifey.