Mint Small Page: Monthly Summaries

*The first summaries are vague. If some parts are more detailed than others, its because I don't know the language... Sorry.

March '99(generously provided by Jill Astley): Noeru got a love letter from Chris, who turns out to be a really ‘cool’ guy with red hair. Noeru almost didn’t go to see who it was from, since either way he wasn’t interested(obviously he’s not interested in guys, and if he got one from a girl she would be a lesbian). All the girls love Chris, and he likes Noeru because Noeru doesn’t go crazy over him like the other girls(BTW, he always calls Noeru ‘Honey’, which no one understands). He knows that Noeru and Sasa are going out, but says that once Noeru knows him better, Noeru will like him better and dump Sasa. He invites Noeru to one of his live shows(he’s the lead vocalist in a band). Later, Noeru and Maria find out that Chris is as popular with the girls in school as Sasa, and that the band’s name is ‘Embrasse Moi’, which is French for ‘Hold Me’. They played at the school fair last year and apparently were really good. Chris comes up to Noeru and Sasa with some tickets to see his band at the next school fair, and says that Sasa should come as well. He’s very insulted when Sasa doesn’t know who he is and doesn’t want to see some band that plays at school fairs :). Also, Sasa laughs in Chris’ face when Noeru tells him about the love letter, and he leaves in a huff. Kanako says to cancel her and Maria's outing after school, so she has time to see Daisuke, but she thinks it doesn’t matter since she’ll see him on Sunday. Noeru invites her to go for burgers with him and Sasa, and by accident, Daisuke sees her at the restaurant sitting alone with Sasa!(Noeru was in the bathroom) Maria tries to explain, but Daisuke leaves looking hurt.

April '99: Maria, Noeru, and Sasa are walking home, Maria looking sad. Maria says she'll talk to Daisuke and explain things and everything will be alright. Then Noeru suddenly remembers, today is Daisuke's birthday! Maria thanks that probably made things worse- (Sasa: Thats not too bad is it? Noeru: So thats why; this is bad! Sasa: It's bad? Noeru: Yea, bad, really bad. Maria: I GET IT!! (^^o)) Maria freaks out and then decides to make him cookies like when she did for Yoshiaki. Later at a cafe, Maria and Daisuke are there, he looks kind of depressed. She explains that Noeru was really with them but Daisuke doesn't seem very relieved. She gives him his birthday gift and he seems suprised. He talks to her about something (last year being fun or soemthing like that.) They talk and something something... (I'm pretty sure he breaks up with her, heehee, gomen ne ^^o) Daisuke thanks her again for the cookies and leaves Maria stunned. Maria goes back to school and runs into Sasa, again (hmm..) She starts crying at the mention of the date so they sit down and she unloads all her problems on Sasa, who quietly listens. Maria blames herself for all this and crys while saying it's all her fault. She says that he's probably thinking, "Stupid girl." Sasa replies "Um, not really..." and she accuses him of it. He then admits, ".....Well, a little bit," and Maria bursts into tears saying she's an awful person. It gets dark and Maria realizes she has to go home. Sasa leaves casually, and Maria thanks him, thinking that she feels better.Next day at schol, Noeru is annoyed by Chris (he looks so much like those bishonen from rock bands ^^) Sasa leaves, also annoyed, and Chris continues to bother Noeru, going on and on about something... Noeru tells him to get lost but it doesn't work. Outside the classroom, Maria tells Noeru about Daisuke and he's shocked. She tells him she talked to Sasa about it and that suprises him even more. The bell rings and as Sasa and Maria enter the room she thanks him again. Noeru looks at them, puzzled, and doesn't know what to think.....

May '99: The school is having a festival of sorts and every class is working at booths and such. Kanako is hyped about Chris' band, Embrasse Moi, which is having a live performance. Sasa and Noeru complain to each other about how Chris is bothering them, when, speak of the devil, Chris shows up in a burst of roses and sparkle. He tells Noeru that he looks cute in her kimono, and then grabs him and takes off. Inside the band's locker room, Chris talks about what it's like before a live performance. Noeru then wonders out loud what "embrasse moi" is, and then Chris suddenly puts his arms around Noeru! Noeru freaks and asks what hes doing, Chris replies that he just said "embrasse moi" (which means "hug me" in French) He's about to kiss Noeru when Sasa shows up and stops the kiss just in time (whew) and gets yelled at by Chris. The other band members show up and say that the 4th member of the band isn't here and they just need someone who looks good. Ren (one of the members) says Sasa has good stage presence (i think thats it) and that he just needs to fake the guitar because they use a recorded tape music (ahem v_v). Sasa reluctantly agrees to performing for 20,000 somethings (um, money, i guess). So he gets all dolled up in leopard print shirt etc, and thinks that this is embarrassing but worth it for a new tackle. ^^o Chris is unhappy with the situation. At the concert, all the girls are going crazy over Chris when they notice, hey, isn't that Sasa over there? Chris is in his own little world but is jolted out of it when he notices all the girls looking at Sasa. meanwhile, Noeru runs into the head of school and explains the messup with Miyuu. He goes over to see Miyuu selling books and things and some jewelry she made. Another guy comes up and trys to hit on her, but Noeru tells him off. Noeru buys something and theyn leaves thinking that they really are just friends now. Miyuu looks at Noeru leaving... In the auditorium, they're announcing the MVP of the festival, and Chris thinks taht he'll win it 2 years in a row, but Suprise!! its Sasa who wins! (um, because he played in the band...? dont ask) he's about to decline when he hears the prize is 10,000 yen ^^;; Chris is..... unhappy, and swears revenge.

June '99: Sasa is happy at getting a new takle and sees chris in the hallway. He tries to thank him, but Chris shoves him away. Yare yare, chris gets angry etc. Noeru and Maria have a little conversation about the ending affair wtih Daisuke, Maria decides she'll wait for the right person (*gaphugaphu*) Chris is sitting with the other band members and explodes, and askes them aren't they mad at sasa? They all don't really care, and one of the members suggests that Chris gets back at Sasa through sports, because that's what sasa really cares about. The next day is the school sport's/athletic competition day,and Sasa is running as anchor in the relay. During the race, the boy who gives sasa the baton drops it as he hands it to him. Sasa picks it up again, but still loses the race. Chris later talks to the boy ad thanks him, thinking that he can beat sasa this way, and get Noeru. in the girl's 100 Meter reace, and Noeru loses to Miyuu (he cant belive it) and is depressed because the girl he loves beat him. Maria turns to Sasa for help, but sees that he's also depressed, she leaves thinking there's no helping those two. Chris sees Sasa's depression and feels better himself.

July '99: Sasa finds out from Ren what Chris has been doing. He wonders why Ren is betraying his friend and Ren shows his shirt to reveal that he's part of team/class A ^^;; (chris is from class D) Sasa then confronts Chris,who acts as cool and nonchalant as ever. Maria runs up, telling them it's time for the three-legged race, which she is running with Sasa. Chris is standing in the crowd when he gets an idea: using his charm, he convinces the female partner of the 2-D class to let him run with her. The male partner angrily gives in to Chris, who seems reassured at a victory. He threatens Sasa to tell people about the tape recorded music, but Sasa promises that he won't lose. Then the race is on-- Chris and his partner are neck and neck with Sasa and Maria; seeing that he might lose, Chris grabs Maria's wrist and she falls! She cries out that she's hurt her ankle, and is unable to stand. Sasa sees no other way, and picks up Maria and starts running again! Up front, Chris is dreaming about his victory, when Sasa speeds by him, winning the race! Still holding Maria, he turns around to gloat infront of a shocked Chris, but the judge says that the win wasn't legal because he was carrying his partner. maria asks to be let down but Sasa doesn't hear her; she finally yells out and he apologizes. when Sasa puts her down, their faces are close to each other, and Maria blushes as her heart beats. doki.jpg (42462 bytes) (*note: KAWAII~~~~~!! this makes me smile every time! how could anyone look at this and _not_ smile?? ^_^) Red-faced, she quickly turns and hobbles away. Sasa looks puzzled while some guys tease him that Noeru is his girlfriend, not Maria. Noeru is sitting on a bench, (still depressed about losing the race/Miyuu,) when Maria comes by. He quickly notices her limp and asks what happened. She explains to him, and then Noeru wonders why her face is red, but Maria quickly denys it. With a determined look on his face, Noeru decides he'll find a way to get Chris to leave them alone. At a meeting with Chris, Noeru breaks the news to him, "I dont really like guys, I like girls," thinking to himself that its not really a lie. Completely shocked, Chris stumbles away, and Noeru thinks thats finished. As he's walking thru the crowd, Chris steps on Miyuu's foot. He apologizes, but she just gives him an annoyed look. Later, Chris talks to Noeru and says that he's over her, and that he's found a new love. Noeru asks who, and he replies that it's Makimura Miyuu!! Noeru goes into a frenzy, but Chris pays no attention. Noeru is still in shock, and thinks that it can't be true...

August '99: Noeru and Maria are auditioning for parts in the school choir, and the teacher tells them that they will both be sopranos. She also comments that Noeru has a beautiful voice like a _boy_ soprano. (Um, can we say _foreshadowing_?!?) Noeru freaks out a bit and says that he's the manager of the basketball team. Later when he and Maria walk out of class, he thinks that was close. His eyes snap open when he spots Miyuu talking to Chris; Maria comments on how Chris is really making an effort while Noeru fumes. Maria tries to console him, but then Miyuu starts to laugh and smile! Noeru goes off the deep end and grabs Miyuu, saying that they need to talk. Maria has a smile on her face that sort of says "good luck," but then she and Sasa spot each other in the hall. She quickly turns and walks away, while Sasa is stunned. Meanwhile in the garden, Noeru asks Miyuu if she likes Chris, she says no. Noeru tries to convince her that he's bad, but she thinks that he's being hypocritical. Persistent, Noeru yells that he loves the real Miyuu, which throws her. She's speechless when Noeru leaves (red in the face.)

He's walking down the hallway when Chris stops him. Chris can't believe that Noeru likes Miyuu, and the two of them declare war on each other. At the gymnasium, Maria walks in to practice and sees Sasa practicing too. (It just occured to me that all of Maria's boyfriends played basketball ^^) He invites her to practice, but she makes an excuse and turns to leave. Looking a little offended, Sasa throws his ball at Maria to stop her from leaving. She looks at him, startled, and says that that was really dangerous!! Sasa asks her why she's been avoiding him since the 3 legged race, and Maria blushes, thinking about how he carried her. (Just like Hirobe-san! woah ¬_¬) She tries to avoid the question, but Sasa demands that she just say what she's thinking. Maria yells back that it's wrong for him and Noeru to be "going out" (or something like that.) He asks if they should hate each other then, but Maria says that's not it. They're staring at each other when Kanako walks in and asks what's going on.They hurriedly make and excuse, and Kanako thinks that she's in the dark. *Next day, or later on* Noeru is trying to get Sasa's attention, who is spaced out, staring at Maria. (k.a.wa.ii~~!) Noeru, annoyed, asks why he was staring at Maria, and Sasa turns red. A lightbulb goes off in Noeru's mind, but Sasa just says that things have been strained between them recently. Noeru asks if Sasa likes Maria (or something close to that) but it looks like Sasa is in denial. That night, Noeru tells Maria that he thinks Sasa likes her!! But Maria says she doesnt' want to be his girlfriend, after Yoshiaki, then Daisuke, who does she really love?! Noeru is suprised,and Maria pushes him into the bathroom, saying he should hurry up and shower. But after she shuts the door, she and looks forelorn... The next moring, Maria is dressing and telling Noeru to wake up, and he replies, "just a little more sleep....." Maria's eyes get huge and she cries "Wait! Noeru! What happened to your voice!?!" Noeru bolts up, and realizes with horror that his voice is _changing_!!! (There's one more strike against puberty... Ooh! is Mint going to end?!? Oh noo~~!!! ^^o)

September '99: (Gomen nasai... most of the long conversations were cut into a small statement. ) At breakfast in the cafeteria, Kanako and Miyuu greet Noeru and Maria and ask to sit down. Maria replies "good morning" and Noeru writes "good morning" on a pad of paper. Maria explains to them that Noeru has lost her voice. Sasa comes to the table and sits next to Noeru and Maria looks away from him. He looks a little confused, but then Noeru holds up his paper saying "Thats not it~~~ my voice is breaking~~~" Sitting in the courtyard later, Sasa and Noeru discuss his problem (with Noeru writting his messages and Sasa talking ^^o) It doesn't seem like the come up with a solution... At the end of their conversation, they talk about the situation concerning Maria, and Noeru says that she's afraid people will think she's replacing Noeru.
               In a hallway, Miyuu stops Noeru to give him some throat medicine-candy (you know what I mean... like Ricola or Lozenges ^^) He writes down a thank you and then starts to explain "but really this is..." but before he finishes, Chris shows up. He and Noeru get into a small sqabble with Noeru scribbling down little comments like "You're weird!" and "Idiot Chris" (heehee) Miyuu thinks to herself "Really this is... he said. It can't be--." (yes, it is ^^)
               Meanwhile, in the gym, the basketball teams are all practicing and Sasa tells Maria that he'd like to speak with her after practice. *After practice...* Sasa talks to Maria again about why she's acting strangely around him; he becomes slightly angry, or just frustrated with her. He tells her that she knows his weak point is dealing with girls and that you can't replace loved ones. Then he tells her that he's come to love her. (Wah! ^^!!) (I think.... I might have to pull that statement later... sorry. I know you're thinking "why is this person putting up summaries if she can't even understand the story?!" All questions must be submitted in written form, please ;p) Maria looks to the side and wonders out loud what kind of confession is that; Sasa says that it's the only kind he knows. Maria is blushing and says "I.... I..." thinking "I also...." But Then Kanako is standing in the doorway asking "What's going on?!" (again ^^) Maria and Sasa quickly cover up again... But later, Maria sits down at M Burger with Kanako and tells her a little about the situation.
               Maria walks home, and thinks to her self that things will be okay. Suddenly she looks up and her eyes go white when she comes face to face with Yoshiaki. (I _knew_ that he'd come back sooner or later) Maria gasps "Yoshiaki-ku..." He smiles back and says "It's been a while, Maria-chan." They are sitting in a cafe, catching up with each other, and Maria eventually asks how Akira is doing. Yoshiaki says that he doesn't know... He hasn't seen her for a while. He tells Maria that he really loves her, and that Akira couldn't come between them... The next morning, Maria looks like she didnt' sleep well; when she meets Noeru and Sasa in the hallway, she quickly turns and runs away ^^o Sasa thinks "She avoided me again~~" Miyuu asks Noeru to come with her for a little bit. Maria is still running down the hall, thinking about her conversation with Yoshiaki-- He had asked her to date him again, but she wonders what should she do?! In the courtyard, Chris is walking around when he sees Noeru writing and Miyuu talking. He listens in, and shocked, he thinks "She's a _boy_?!"

*notice how i'm making the summaries longer? i'm trying really hard to understand as much of the story as possible ok?!*

October '99: (I don't actually have this issue, i just saw my friends, so i'm doing this by memory ^^o) Ok, so Maria and Sasa both like each other, but when Yoshiaki comes to see Maria one day, she's not really listening and just "uh-huh-ing" and she accidentally agrees to go on a date wiht Yoshiaki. Something something... then later on in an empty class room, maria and sasa talk, and she asks him to wait a little longer before they tell ppl that they like each other, and he says ok. Then he asks her if they can see each other on Sunday, but maria says sheepishly that she already told Yoshiaki she'd meet with him. Sasa then gets jealous and they fight with each other. He leaves saying that he's had it and he doesn't care, she can go out with Yoshiaki. (that's only the first half, but i dont remember the second half.. hehe, what does that say about what i pay attention to? hehehehe) [20 min. later..] Oh, I remember now! [Reader: ¬_¬*o] Noeru is chasing sasa to find out what happens, when he gets so angry that he yells out instead of writting stuff down on his pad of paper. Sasa is suprised, as in Noeru, it turns out he really did just have a cold. They're both very, very relieved. Sasa wants to sort of get back at Maria, so he and Noeru (going under the guise of To-ru) go out to pick up girls. Sasa thinks that this is stupid, but then a cute girl walks up and says hi to them. (and that's all u get ^^)

*Wow! this is a super long summary !!! I hope it tides u over for a while!! ^_^)

November '99: At a coffee house, Sasa, Noeru, and the girl are sitting at a table. She introduces herself and is really outgoing and is very bubbly. She's also in 2nd year of middleschool, and her name is Iwasaki Ririko. "You can call me Ririko." (Calling ppl by their first name is a sign of like, informality and closeness.) Noeru and Sasa are a little stunned by her. A lot of guys walk buy and Ririko is friends with all of them.They talk and ask her about what she likes to do and such, and she says that she goes fishing sometimes. Sasa, of course, perks up his ears when he hears this. It turns out she likes to go bass fishing with her dad at this place that Sasa likes to go to too. They fish-talk for about an hour and Noeru thinks that they really get along well. She seems like Sasa's type. Then Noeru leaves to go to the toilet. Ririko asks Sasa if he has a girlfriend, and he says not really. She asks him if he would go out with her, and Sasa is totally shocked. Ririko quickly sees this and apologizes, saying that being friends is just ok. She asks if he would meet her again next week, and after a little hesitation, he says yes. Noeru and Sasa wave good bye to Ririko, and Noeru thinks that she was nice, and maybe they'll meet again sometime. Sasa says yah... and Noeru sort of flips out, saying, "What?! You already promised to meet next week?! What happens when a person is in the bathroom?!" (hehehe, see the March issue ^_-) Noeru then says, "So you're really thinking about dating her? You're not going to date Maria?" Sasa doesn't reply... Later that night, Noeru relates everything back to Maria, and she's suprised. She asks Noeru what kind of girl she was, and Noeru says that she had a lot of guy friends.. she was really friendly, and likes fishing.... he says that she seems like Sasa's type. He then says that he thought it'd be fine if Maria and Sasa went out, but it looks like it won't be that way.... Then he says not to worry and it'll be ok. (Aiyah... he's so dense/insensitive at times!! -_-*) So the next day Maria and Sasa are standing in the hallway. He asks her if she heard about the girl from yesterday, and she says yes. He then tells her that she should go out with Yoshiaki... things probably wont work out between them, and he's thinking about seriously dating this other girl. Maria sadly says she understands, and runs away with a tear in her eye. Sasa doesn't look too happy either. On sunday, Sasa meets Ririko, and although he smiles at her, he looks sad when she's not looking. Maria also is meeting with Yoshiaki, and acts the same way.... (*sniff*) Back at the dorms, Noeru is sad cuz hes lonely when both his friends are out on a date. Then to make matters worse, Chris comes to visit him. Somehow, Chris convinces Noeru to come with him to his exercize club. Noeru goes and thinks that the place is pretty cool when Chris asks him to go swimming in the pool! Noeru freezes and says that he didnt bring a swimsuit. Chris then hands him a bag, noeru opens it to find a bikini inside!! Chris thinks that now Noeru will have to admit he's a "he", but Noeru throws the bikini at Chris, saying that this is perverted!! He then leaves in an angry huff, while some girls behind Chris whisper, hey did u hear what the perverted guy did? Chris is left looking like an idiot ^^;; Noeru's walking home, really pissed off, when he thinks, maybe chris knows about my secret......??? Then he thinks, Nah! even if he did, he couldnt prove it. Meanwhile Chris is brooding and thinking about other ways of getting revenge on Noeru..... uh oh. At school, Sasa and Maria bump into each other, and they don't really know what to say. Maria says that she'll have to meet Ririko sometime, and they agree to have a big get together. Then they go ask Noeru to come along too, but he says he doesnt have a date. THey tell him its his chance to ask Miyuu, and he says he'll try... Maria and Sasa are really greatful and think , thank goodness! if it was jsut the 4 people it would have been really awkward! Miyuu says yes, and noeru is stunned out of his mind. She says they can do it during the upcoming holidays, and Noeru thinks that he still has a chance at love with her. He yells out (in his mind) "I did it!!!!!!" (hehehe ^^) Noeru is super happy, and tells SasaandMaria that he hopes the day will come soon, but he doesnt seem to notice that Maria and Sasa don't feel that way. (Ara.... -_-)

* I think I'll start writing "Tooru" as "To-ru." Not to much of a difference, but easier to pronounce when seen for those who need the reminder.

December '99: *scene of entrance to park* Noeru (boy-version) joyfully introduces himself as Maria's cousin- Kurihara To-ru. Yoshiaki-kun comments that it looks like Maria and Noeru and To-ru could be triplets (he's the only one who hasn't met "To-ru" yet.) Noeru and Maria sweat a little bit. Sasa then introduces Ririko as his friend; Yoshiaki whispers to Maria "Did Noeru and Sasa break up?" Maria answers sheepishly "yea..... something like that." The gang gets ready to enter the park when super-genki To-ru turns to Miyuu and thanks her for helping to make lunch. He asks if she had to hurry to help Maria make it this morning, but Miyuu "hmphs" and turns. Noeru is suprised and asks whats wrong. Miyuu tells him that when she agreed to go on the trip, she thought he'd be going as his girl-version; he's just spreading the lie somemore. This makes Noeru feel bad and he argues that Ririko already met his girl version and that if he went as Noeru girl-version it'd be awkward for Sasa because he was his "ex-girlfriend." Miyuu sighs but relents to Noeru's begging; she smiles at him and says that today should be a fun day, not a day for grudges. Noeru returns to his joyful-self.

At a field of flowers, the girls are all delighted with the sight; the couples do various activities--boating, walking the paths, and talking. The whole group sits down to eat a cute picnic meal prepared by both Maria and Miyuu. Ririko looks apologetic and says to Maria, "I'm sorry, you made everything I didn't cook anything..." But Maria tells her its ok. To-ru shouts "Ittadakimaaaasu" and everyone chows down. Maria notices Ririko offering food to Sasa, who accepts, and thinks that she's a nice girl who will make Sasa happy.

The couples have all split up and Maria is with Yoshiaki by the lake. Yoshiaki says that this is really nice, but Maria's eyes are really sad.... She apologizes and says that she doesn't want to see him anymore. Yoshiaki is stunned, but calmly asks her why she feels that way. She tells him that he's still handsome and his personality couldn't be better, but she doesn't feel the same was as before, and it's unfair to make herself feel that way. She continues telling him that she was interested in other guys... Yoshiaki asks if they both felt the same(about each other) and she says yes; but the he got a girlfriend so then she thought they (she and Yoshiaki) should date again. [*somethingsomething.... I'm generalizing... you know that*] She apologizes again... After some silence, Yoshiaki tells her that he understands and that he didn't know she felt that way. He says "I'm sorry" and tears roll down Maria's cheeks. Putting his arm around her, Yoshiaki smiles and tells her not to cry-- today is supposed to be a fun day. Unnoticed behind them, Sasa walks by with Ririko who naively muses aloud "Wow, those two are really 'love-love,' huh!" Sasa turns and says that they have to go cycling, and they'll be late if they don't hurry. Ririko takes notice of his behavior and doesn't know what to say.

Back at the train station, the kids all part ways, Yoshiaki and Maria say a formal goodbye to each other, and though she smiles at him, tears still gather in her eyes when he turns away. Noeru is looking at Miyuu and says that today was really fun. Miyuu smiles and agrees, giving Noeru a warm, fuzzy, flower-y feeling all over.... which is short lived when Miyuu spots this other tall guy and calles out "Shingo-kun!" He refers to her as "Miyuu-chan" and Miyuu tells Noeru that she's going home with this guy, see ya later!! A rock falls on Noeru's head. His mind is wheeling and he thinks "What? Who was that guy?! She's going home with him?! Oh no.. she really thinks of me _just_ as friends!!!" (aiya.. pobrecito...)

At school-- Chris talks with Kanako who, of course, tells him all she knows; including that for some unknown reason, Maria moved in with Noeru and now she's living wiht Miyuu. In the school hallway, Noeru walks past Chris and trys to ignore him, but Chris says "I know it... You're a boy." Noeru is shocked, and Chris explains his evil-ways of deduction, and tries to get Noeru to confess, when Miyuu steps in. She yells at him, telling him that Noeru is definatly a girl, and that she lived with him for several months and should know so. Chris tries to defend himself, but Miyuu tells him to backoff; his pride hurt, he leaves, but refuses to give up. Miyuu looks relieved, and Noeru asks her why she lied for him ("i thot you hated liers most of all".) Miyuu says that she can stand lying to a mean guy like Chris. Noeru looks touched but.... then sad because Miyuu had to protect him, and he just doesn't want that kind of relationship with her. He mentions Shingo-san and Miyuu says "huh?" but noeru turns and runs away crying "So don't be so nice to me!" Miyuu looks a bit sad... (*Noeru's manhood is threatened... heh, who knew he had any ^_^ gomen Noeru... hehehe*)

That evening, Noeru finds another lavender envelope from Chris. It says to meet tomorrow in the sports equipment room. Maria is worried, but Noeru is determined to go ( gaining back him manhood, oh _yea_ baby, confrontation :) So the next day he look around a dark room and call out, "Chris! I came... you wanted to talk" The door slams behind him and he sees Chris. "Ok, you wanted to talk--" but two guys come up behind him and cover his mouth. Noeru struggles, but no sound comes out, and Chris laughs maniacally-- he holds up a camera, saying that a good photograph ought to be sufficient proof... A big pinch!! What to do? Now now children, thats a story for next time!!!

January '00: Noeru is being held by two of Chris' henchmen; one of them asks if he really is a boy. The other questions Chris' motives, who tells them to shut up, he already paid them (ugh! he's such a jerk!! >_<) He says to Noeru "Hmmm, you look ok on the top.... Well, we'll see under your skirt..." (_ecchiii~~_) Noeru totally freaks out and bites the henchman's hand, he then screams "SASA!!" The other guy covers Noeru's mouth and tells him to be quiet. Noeru struggles and kicks, but one of the guys grabs his leg, and Chris smiles coolly... Then the door flies open with a bang! It's Sasa! (yaaay, my hero) He sees what they're doing (icky) and he says "What the hell are you doing to Noeru?! Stop it or I'll call everyone!" The henchmen look at Sasa, then stand up and walk away from Noeru. Chris asks them what they think they're doing, and they said that they didn't want everyone to have a bad opinion of them. Sasa goes to Noeru and leans down, saying "Noeru, daijobu ka?!" Noeru sits up ( a bit blue in the face) and rips the tape of his mouth. He stands and takes off his sweater, chris and the two guys are leaving but Noeru says "Hey Chris!!" They turn around. Noeru, blushing furiously, rips open her shirt and says "Look good, I'm a girl!!". (Yes, she is wearing a bra :p) The guys' eyes go huge, and Noeru says to them "Do you understand?! I never want you telling me I'm a boy again!!" Chris doesnt know what to say.. The other two guys exclaim "Its really a girl" and the three of them run off.

Left alone in the shed, Sasa sweatdrops at Noeru, who sits down, her face all red. Sasa says slowly ".......... Maria?" He freaks out and asks why. She says that when Noeru recieved the letter yesterda, they knew that Chris would try something sneaky. She really needed to do something about it.... She thought if she showed them Noeru was a girl, Chris would finally leave them alone.Sasa is kinda angry and calls her and idiot. He tells her that it was super dangerous and she could've gotten hurt... she should have told him or someone. They yell at each other, Sasa saying that she was lucky he showed up to help, and she argues that the plan worked anyways. Maria gets teary eyed and says "I was s-scared...." Sasa looks at her for a moment, then leans foward and hugs her--Maria is stunned. Sasa tells her that he loves this 'baka' anyways. Maria asks "but what about Ririko?" He tells her that she's not anything serious, Maria's the only one for him ^^ He then pushes her away, and apologizes, saying he shouldn't do that since she's dating Yoshiaki. Maria looks down and says that they broke up. Sasa is suprised. Maria is a bit sad, and tells him that things just weren't the same as they used to be... she looks up at him and says "Right now, I also love Sasa-kun the best so..." "Really?" "Yea." They both thought that the other would get together with someone else (ririoko and yoshiaki). Sasa and Maria lean towards each other and they kiss. (omochiron kawaii, ne ^^)

Later on at nite-- Noeru (the real one) says "WHA---T?!Chris did what to Maria?! I'll never forgive him!" Sasa grabs Noeru's sleave and says calm down... Noeru is still peeved, but Maria and Sasa assure him that everyhting's been taken care of. Sasa: "Right?" Maria: "Right." But Noeru's still a bit angry.... Sasa and Maria are smiling, he says "And there's one more thing that happened...." Noeru asks what, and Sasa says "Its like this...." He has his arm around Maria and Noeru is suprised, but super happy for them. "--But what about Ririko and Yoshiaki?" Maria says she'd already broken up with Yoshiaki and Sasa says he'll talk with Ririko tomorrow...

Sasa and Ririoko are sitting on a bench in the city and he says "I'm really sorry" Ririko is silent... Sasa explains how got together with someone else, and Ririko asks "Is it Maria-chan?" Sasa is shocked that she could tell, and she says than she could see it when they all went to the park. She sighs nonchalantly and says Sasa-kun is also the same.... all the boys she meets only think of her as "friend." Sasa looks at Ririrko and wonders why he doesn't love her... He thinks about why he'd liked Noeru (when he thot he was a girl) and then Maria... Ririko asks about Maria's other boyfriend and Sasa says that ended. Ririko is a bit jealous of maria's excess of boyfriends. But she stands up with a smile and says "'k, I'm going" Sasa stands, speechless... Ririko turns around and grins, saying that they'll go out for tea someday, "see ya!" Sasa watches here in wonder. (are-- i liked ririko -_- she's like the second Karin -_-)

A hand taps him from behind, and its Maria. Shetells him she was worried, and that she'll study fishing and learn to be good at sports.. Sasa is a bit suprised, but smiles and puts his hand on her head, saying that she shouldnt have those thots... "You're just fine the way you are..." (^_^ altho i personally think Sasa deserves better)

Chris is at school wondering about yesterday's events, when an eraser suddenly hits him in the back of his head. He says "What? Who did that?!" Meanwhile Noeru is running away with slingshot in hand and a smug look on his face ^_^ Miyuu stops him and says that she needs to speak with him.... Elsewhere Chris has an epiphany--"It wasn't Noeru... it was the other twin!!" (Hmm, he's a persistant little bugger aint he?)

Next time-- LAST CHAPTER!!! Predictions: Miyuu and Noeru get together (_duh_); Chris gets deported to another school, and everyone finds out that Noeru really is a boy--or at least kanako. You know, tying up loose ends ^^.

Febuary '00: Noeru and Miyuu are cruising around downtown (ok walking ^^) And Miyuu takes Noeru to a little coffee shop. The lady and guy who work there know Miyuu well-- the guy is Shingo! The two order coffee or tea (whatever) and Miyuu says solemly, "This coffee tastes good... I first came to this place to meet my real dad." *flashback---whooooosh......* Daddy: "I'm going to be late, sorry... it's work again..." Miyuu: "It's ok. I'll go to the train station." [Miyuu narrates] 'Then he took a taxi and went back to his office. I was alone.' She goes on to say that she was feeling seperated from her dad. Then.... *flashback* a woman asks Miyuu if she is a middle schooler, and says that it's late and she should hurry home. Miyuu doesn't say anything in response, and the woman tells her to come with her into the coffee shop. The lady owns the shop, and gives Miyuu something hot to drink, smiling she says,"After you drink that, please return home." That lady was Satoko-san. Shortly after that I came here to meet with my dad. I felt comfortable here. Shingo-san is Satoko-san's little brother. He's in college but helps out here." She explains that there isn't anything between her and Shingo, at the train station she just hadden't seen him in a long time; she says that Noeru is a weird person if he thinks she liked Shingo... if so then it's a terrrible misunderstanding. Noeru is suprised by all this information But he says "So... You don't hate me?" And Miyuu says she doesn't, although she didn't want to forgive his lying, she did because he loved her-- so she couldn't possibly hate him. She says "But again, becuase you loved me, it make me really happy...." Noeru stands suddenly and says "S-so you forgive me?!" and Miyuu nods. Noeru leaps up and yells out "WOoHOO!!" He's super happy, and Miyuu is really emarrassed ^^

At school, Chris is thinking "I've got it!!" He's found an old school picture of Maria and Noeru-- boy version. He's doin his little evil thing, and sees Kanako, and says that he'd like to tell her someting....muwahahahaha.... (i'm so bored with this... can't you tell?!) o anywhoo, Kanako looks at the pic while chris is like "see i told you so" and then she says "So that's it.... that's really it." Chris goes "huh... how can you just say that?!" Kanako explaines to a super-peeved Chris "Well, Noeru is noeru right? boy or girl" she muses "so that's what they were always hiding from me..." and Chris is like "Doesn't it make you sick?!" and Kanako gives him a cool glare and says "You're suprisingly stupid... _Idiot_" and walks away in a huff. Chris is hit by roses, and sighing all googly-eyed. "Kanako-san... wait..... " [Ai-yah....]

Later Miyuu and Noeru are walkin' the streets again and almost get picked up by two guys, but noeru tells them off ^^o. He can't stand being a girl for much longer....In a classroom, Maria and sasa are looking at Sasa's picture album and He apologizes to her, saying that he was really unreasonable about the whole Yoshiaki ordeal. Maria says it's ok, cuz she really loves Sasa and that makes her happy that he likes her too (aww... ;p i'm in a mood...) But then... Maria sees a certain Purikura.... can we say "Oh! Lean in closer!! Hurry, hurry!" (*see tankubon one*) ^_^ ^_^ hehehee.... and Maria is like "O_O what the heck?!"

Meanwhile, Miyuu relates the Kanako thing back to Noeru... with Kanako saying Chris is a weird and stupid guy, and that she doesnt' mind that Noeru is a guy ^_^ Noeru sweatdrops ^^And then they go into a lengty convo.... don't ask me what they're saying, it's late and i'm really tired but I promised I'd get this up by saturday ^^oo so then ANYHOW this is my favorite part-- Noeru is lookin at Miyuu and thinkin "Gosh she's hot" and blushing, he scoots over and says, "Can I kiss you?" and Miyuu goes "NOWAY!" (*aaaaahahahahahhaa..... poor noeru ^^^^^^) He gets hit by a rock and Miyuu says "no thats not it.... i was just suprised....." she gives in and says "eh, ok" and Noeru's like "ALRIGHT!" and they're leaning in........Maria _pops_ around the corner and says "LOOK HERE NOERU!!" and shows the pictures to Miyuu.... she's like "I can't believe he kept a picture of them kissing!!" Noeru and Sasa are yelling at each other and Maria is like "hmph, lets go miyuu" "yeah!" Noeru and Sasa are saying "Miyuu, wait.... its not what it looks like! It was just one misunderstanding! I didn't know he was a boy then!!" Maria says "reaally now.... ;p" heh heh ^_^ THE END.