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Hana Yori Dango is the story of Makino Tsukushi, a 16 year old girl from the wrong side of the tracks who is a student at Eitoku Gakuen, a very exclusive school that is attended by the richest of society's children. Tsukushi, shy at first, feels uncomfortable and out of place amongst the rich, snobby kids at her school and she cannot wait until the time, two years later, when she will graduate. However despite finding a new friend to talk to at school, Tsukushi's problems at Eitoku take a sudden turn for the worse when she crosses the path of the F4.
The F4 are the 4 richest guys at Eitoku Gakuen, and for all intents and purposes, they rule the school. They wander around the campus unchallenged by teacher or student, they flaunt the school dress code by not wearing their uniforms, and never seem to go to class.

The F4 are:
• Hanazawa Rui, 18, scruffy reddish-brown hair.
• Nishikado Soujirou, 18, short, straight black hair.
• Mimasaka Akira, 18, long wavy brown hair.
• Doumyouji Tsukasa, 17, short dark hair curly on top.


Doumyouji Tsukasa is the leader of the F4, and the one with the shortest temper. He rules the school by intimidation. The entire student body is either afraid of him or in awe of him. Doumyouji has been known to terrorize any poor student is who is unfortunate enough to fall in his path. What he does (with the support of the F4) is place a red tag in the locker of the intended victim. The red tag is a sign to the rest of the school that the victim has somehow offended the F4 and is now a target for their abuse. The whole school unites to make the victim's life hell. Just such a thing happens to Tsukushi


Tsukushi stands up to Doumyouji while defending her friend Makiko, who had fallen down some stairs and had landed on the angry Doumyouji. Doumyouji decides to red tag Tsukushi's locker, and this prompts the entire school to heap abuse on her. At first, Tsukushi is afraid of Doumyouji and is intimidated by the F4. She runs away from her attackers. However when she is confronted by Doumyouji, her fighting spirit comes to life, and she decides to do the unthinkable: Challenge the F4! Tsukushi declares that she will not take any crap from the F4 and the rest of the school, and vows to fight back. She declares war on the F4 with a red tag of her own. Tsukushi is a strong girl, not given to backing down from a challenge!


Tsukushi's unexpected resistance piques Doumyouji's interest. Her strength proves to be attractive to him, and he ends up having a crush on her, even though they are 'at war' with each other. Tsukushi, on the other hand, does not seem to be that impressed with the rich, arrogant Doumyouji, and instead finds herself attracted to another member of the F4, the quiet, sensitive violin player, Hanazawa Rui. This sets up an explosive triangle of love and hate relationships, as Tsukushi finds herself in the middle of a tug of war between Rui and Doumyouji.Tsukushi has to face the pressure of the school's rapidly shifting opinion of her, her status as a poor girl in a rich school, and her attraction to a cool but mysterious guy (Rui) while at the same time dealing with the advances of Doumyouji.


I think this is a great series! It is funny, dramatic, and romantic. The mood can be slow and gentle, or intense and frightening. The characters are interesting (well, most of them :) and the music is great! The series is much like a teen soap opera. The voice acting is interesting, and the character designs are unusual. The color scheme of HYD is unusual as well. The colors are very muted and soft. There are lots of pale yellows, cream, grays, blue-gray, and browns. I think this lends the series a greater sense of reality. Anyway, if you should come across this series, I highly recommend checking it out!


Episode: 1
Title: "Sensen Fukoku!", "Declaration of War!"
Summary:
The first episode opens with Tsukushi at Eitoku Gakuen, a very exclusive private school that all of the rich kids go to. Tsukushi is unhappy being there, and is reminding herself that she only has to withstand two more years of it, and then she will be free. Until this point, Tsukushi has been a quiet student, new at the school, and always trying to stay out of everyone's way. During the day at school, Tsukushi witnesses the bullying of a student by the F4, 4 very rich guys who practically rule the school. The leader of the F4, Doumyouji, is harassing a student who accidentally got some dirt on the cuff of Doumyouji's pants. After threatening the poor student, the F4 rush by Tsukushi, upsetting her dustbin she had been using for her campus cleanup duties. One of the F4, Hanazawa Rui, pauses to pick up the trash bin for Tsukushi. Tsukushi sees the kindness in Rui and begins to think he is different from the others.
Later that day, Tsukushi has a conversation with Makiko-chan, a girl in her class. The two talk about the nature of friendship at their school, and how you never really know who is truly your friend. Because of the violent hazing rituals at the school, it can be hard to trust people who might turn on you. Makiko-chan and Tsukushi vow that they are indeed, friends. Unfortunately a few minutes later Makiko-chan stumbles and falls down some stairs, landing on Doumyouji, who, of course, gets angry. Tsukushi rushes up to defend her friend, and yells right back at Doumyouji. Because of Tsukushi's nerve at daring to stand up to any of the F4, she has made some enemies at the school.
The next day Tsukushi finds a red paper/card hanging in her locker. It was put there by the F4 as a notice of war to the students at the school that Tsukushi is now the target for hazing. And hazing is something the school does very well. Tsukushi is hit with everything from garbage to rotten eggs, and has her desk in class stolen. At one point, a group of boys chase her around the school, corner her and push her to the ground, with what looks like every intention of physically assaulting her. However before they can do much, they are interrupted by Hanazawa Rui, who yells at the guys to get away from Tsukushi. Tsukushi is shocked and very grateful for Rui's help. His show of kindness once again makes Tsukushi's feelings towards him grow. Tsukushi finds herself attracted to Rui, who she discovers has a habit of hanging out on a deserted stairway at the school and playing his violin alone. After talking with her longtime friend Yuki (who goes to a different high school), Tsukushi decides to stand up to the F4. She prepares herself for the next day's hazing, and doesn't let them get away with the crap they threw at her the day before. Then she finds the F4 and slaps them with a red card of her own! "Sensen fukoku!" she shouts right back at them, declaring war and her resolve to stand up to them and to no longer let them bully her around. With these words, Tsukushi embarks on a dangerous mission to show everyone that the F4 can't bully anyone they want to!
Toys used in the episode: Two toys were introduced in this episode. One was the green voice memo given to Tsukushi by Makiko-chan. The other was the orange decision-maker-question answerer thing given to Tsukushi by Yuki.


Episode: 2
Title: "Nou Burando no Onna!", "No-Brand Woman!"
Summary:
As a result of Tsukushi's standing up to Doumyouji and the F4 the previous day, the entire student body has changed its attitude towards her. Now instead of pelting her with eggs, all the students rush up to her and say good morning. Everyone runs up to her, blurts their greeting, and then runs away. It seems Tsukushi is now a celebrity.
Tsukushi follows the sound of Rui's violin music and finds him in a courtyard. After listening for awhile, she thanks him again for his aid the day before, but he refuses to hear her thanks. He is very rude, saying that if she is now gonna be following him all over the place, then perhaps he shouldn't have helped her at all. This does not shake Tsukushi's feelings towards him though. On the way home from school,Tsukushi is surrounded by a mysterious group of people in black suits who try to kidnap her. They grab her and force her into their car. Tsukushi discovers that Doumyouji is behind the attack. She struggles to escape, but the strangers cover her mouth with a rag and she passes out from the chloroform.
The next scene has Tsukushi laying on some sort of table. Someone approaches her and begins to remove her clothing. Tsukushi struggles, but is held down. This is a very frightening scene! It is then revealed that the people removing her clothes are women intent on giving Tsukushi an all-over massage andmakeover. Tsukushi finds herself in a private salon, being pampered and primped, her hair restyled, new makeup and clothing.
She discovers she is in Doumyouji's house. It is a MANSION! Tsukushi is shocked at how large the house and how rich Doumyouji is. After commenting on a picture of the F4 when they were little, and a picture of Doumyouji's older sister, the two get into an argument. Doumyouji kidnapped her in an effort to let her know that he 'approved' of her. He is so arrogant, he says that he has decided that she is worthy of his attention towards her. But not at school of course. She can hang out with him at home though. This condescending attitude really makes Tsukushi mad, and she rejects Doumyouji. She gets her uniform back and leaves immediately.
The next day at school, Tsukushi find a message about her written on a chalkboard. It claims that Tsukushi is a slut who in Jr. high fooled around with all the guys and has an illegitimate child. This makes Tsukushi very angry. She immediately assumes that the F4 are the source of the message and runs to confront them. In one of the funniest bits in the series,Tsukushi tells the F4 off, and runs away, leaving 4 very confused guys behind. Back in class, Tsukushi is approached by 3 popular girls. Asai, Ayuhara, and Yamano. The three seem to want to be her friend, and invite Tsukushi to a 'Jeans Party', a casual party in Roppongi. Tsukushi arrives at the party and finds herself to be the only one there not in formal dress. She has been tricked!
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi listens to a message from Makiko-chan on the voice memo. It tells her to chin up! Do her best!


Episode: 3
Title: "Kizutsuitari Shinai!", "I won't get hurt!"
Summary:
Tsukushi has been tricked! She arrives at the casual "Jeans Party" she had been invited to by Asai and her friends to discover that she is the only one not in formal clothing. Asai, Ayuhara, and Yamano quickly approach Tsukushi and begin to make fun of her, taunting her for actually believing them when they said the party was casual. Some college guys approach them and take some interest in Tsukushi because of her different clothing. But before Tsukushi can talk to them, Asai and friends blurt out the same message that was on the chalkboard at school: Tsukushi is a slut from Jr. high who slept with all the guys and has an illegitimate child. The college guys are shocked and walk away. Tsukushi learns that the three girls were responsible for the message on the board. Asai and her friends are jealous of the attention Tsukushi has been getting from the F4. They are all after rich husbands for themselves and wanted to get the F4 boys all for themselves. They make fun of Tsukushi, but Tsukushi gets mad and retaliates, making fun of Asai and her friends, pouring her drink on them, pointing out their man-hunting schemes and fake jewelry. =)
At home, Tsukushi ponders her feelings for Rui, and denies that she is in love with him. She can't be. She ends up meeting Rui on the school stairway the next day. For some reason, the conversation turns to the topic of France, as Rui asks Tsukushi if she knows the time difference between Japan and France. Tsukushi doesn't know. Later that day, Tsukushi is cornered by Asai and her friends, who show her a magazine article about a beautiful model named Toudou Shizuka who is a huge sensation in France. They tell her that Shizuka is Hanazawa Rui's first love, and that Tsukushi should just give up. Tsukushi is shocked at the news that she has such a beautiful rival for Rui's affections. Shizuka is beautiful, with long wavy hair. Asai, Yamano, and Ayuhara tease Tsukushi some more before Doumyouji appears and yells at the girls to go away. The girls run, and Tsukushi faces Doumyouji. Doumyouji seems to expect gushing gratitude from Tsukushi, and is annoyed when he doesn't get it. He brags about how cool he is. Tsukushi gets mad and lists off the things about him she doesn't like, including his funny curly hair.
Tsukushi meets up with Nishikado and Akira who invite Tsukushi to drink tea with them. They tell her about Rui's childhood and his relationship with Shizuka. Tsukushi becomes more depressed. Later that evening, Tsukushi is walking down a street and sees many posters of Toudou Shizuka. Shizuka is indeed beautiful. Tsukushi looks on and sees Rui leaning against one of the posters, pressing his lips to the lips on the poster, his eyes closed. Tsukushi is shocked at this display of love from Rui towards Shizuka. Rui sees Tsukushi and lets her know that he knows that she likes him.
The next day at school, Tsukushi is surprised to see Doumyouji looking so different. He has had his hair straightened. Normally very curly at the top of his head, it now hangs down in a curtain that almost reaches his chin. (very cute!!) Tsukushi remarks on how good he looks. Doumyouji is embarrassed and says that he didn't do it because of her teasing the day before. It took many hours to get the hair to go straight like that, but unfortunately it doesn't last very long :) Akira and Nishikado arrive and announce that Shizuka has arrived from France, where she had been for the last year.
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi uses the orange decision-maker question anwserer thing to get the truth from Asai and friends at the Jeans Party about their motives for going to the party and the fake jewelry. Tsukushi uses the voice memo to remind herself that she is not in love with Hanazawa Rui.


Episode: 4
Title: "Binbo na Futari!", "Commoner Duo"
Summary:
The beautiful Toudou Shizuka has returned from France! Tsukushi hides and watches as Rui and the F4 all come to greet the beautiful model. Much to Tsukushi's amazement, Shizuka gives each guy a kiss! A kiss in greeting is unusual to her (This is Japan after all, not France :) The guys leave with Shizuka, intending to go out to eat at a nice restaurant.
Tsukushi goes home and eats with her family. Surrounded by her poor household, listening to her mother harass her father, Tsukushi notes that she lives in a different world from the F4, and that there is no way she could be a part of their world.
At the restaurant, Shizuka and the F4 guys catch up on each other's lives. Akira and Nishikado tease Doumyouji about Tsukushi. Doumyouji denies any interest in Tsukushi. They all also tease Rui about his attraction to Shizuka and the fact that he is so quiet. Rui is embarrassed, but doesn't deny it.
The next day at school, Tsukushi is depressed over her thoughts about the differences between herself and the F4 and Shizuka. She doesn't respond to Doumyouji's playful teasing. That day in school, Tsukushi runs into a boy who seems to recognize her. It is Aoike Kazuya, a boy she knew from elementary school. They had been good friends, Tsukushi had been his protector. Kazuya, a fairly geeky but nice boy, had just transferred into Eitoku Gakuen after his family suddenly became rich. Tsukushi realizes that she needs to warn Kazuya about the F4, the red tags, and the hazing. They have lunch together, and Doumyouji walks in. He appears angry to see Tsukushi enjoying herself at lunch with another boy.
Later, Kazuya opens his locker and finds a red tag in it like Tsukushi had. A declaration of war. Kazuya is the next hazing target for the school. And the school wastes no time in attacking him. Tsukushi grabs Kazuya and runs, trying to explain the hazing rituals at the school. After much hazing and a nasty run-in with Asai, Ayuhara, and Yamano, Tsukushi and Kazuya finally break free of their tormenters for a moment. Tsukushi sees Doumyouji and runs to confront him about the red tag.
Tsukushi and Doumyouji argue, Doumyouji acting mad about Tsukushi knowing Kazuya. They yell at each other, Tsukushi telling Doumyouji that Kazuya is important to her, that he is her only relief in this horrible school. Doumyouji asks is Tsukushi loves Kazuya. Mad, Tsukushi replies that she does, many times more than she likes Doumyouji. Doumyouji gets mad at hearing this and slaps Tsukushi. Tsukushi doesn't like that, and punches Doumyouji out then runs off to save Kazuya.
Kazuya and Tsukushi run from their tormenters, but still gets quite beaten up. They eventually run into the University side of campus and reach the cafeteria where they are pushed down to the ground by the guys after them. Tsukushi looks up to see that a crowd is watching this. The crowd includes the F4 guys (Doumyouji holding his bruised cheek) and Shizuka. Mortified that Shizuka is witnessing her humiliation, Tsukushi closes her eyes. Suddenly a voice yells at the guys to leave Tsukushi alone. Tsukushi finds herself raised into the strong arms of Hanazawa Rui!
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi shows the orange decision maker toy to Kazuya, who agrees that they are fun and are a fad at his school.




Episode: 5
Title: "Kare to atashi to aitsu", "Him, Me, and That Guy"
Summary:
Hanazawa Rui has lifted Tsukushi up in his arms and stands facing her and Kazuya's attackers. He yells at them to stop playing these childish games and go away. Everyone stares in shock at Rui, surprised that he is helping Tsukushi. Tsukushi is in shock too.
Doumyouji comes up to Rui and they argue about her. Douumyouji announces that he is no longer friends with Rui and doesn't want to talk to him ever again. Then Doumyouji grabs Tsukushi and attempts to take her away from Rui. Rui holds on though, and Tsukushi finds herself to be like a rope in a game of tug-o-war. She is being pulled in two directions. When her uniform begins to rip (how many uniforms does she go thorugh in this series? yeesh :) Tsukushi gets mad and beginss to struggle, breaking free of the both of them, and falling to the ground.
Stuck there, Tsukushi lays there for awhile. Suddenly she sees a hand reaching for her. It is Shizuka, offering to help her up. Tsukushi takes her hand and they go to the bathroom where Shizuka freshens up Tsukushi's ragged appearance. Shizuka hints that perhaps Rui likes Tsukushi. He has never showed emotion in public like that before. Tsukushi refuses to believe this.
Tsukushi changes from her torn and mangled school uniform to her gym clothes. She meets Rui on the staircase and tries to thank him for helping her earlier. He says that Doumyouji was irritating him. Later, Tsukushi runs into Kazuya. He is wearing a pot on his head for his protection like a war helmet. Tsukushi suddenly isn't feeling well. Kazuya invites Tsukushi to his family's vacation property over in Atami for summer vacation, and Tsukushi agrees before feeling too ill to stand and passing out.
Tsukushi is home in bed with a cold. She is reading some manga :) If you look closely, you can see that she is reading the Hana Yori Dango manga. And if you pause it as it flashes the pages she is looking at, you can see that she is reading ahead in her own story, namely a scene from the party in episode 10 =) No wonder Tsukushi is laughing so hard!
Doumyouji has a confrontation with Rui in which he refuses to apologize. Rui and Doumyouji seem to be in a state of hostility over Tsukushi and are not talking to each other. Doumyouji learns that Tsukushi is sick, and decides to go visit her.
Tsukushi is shocked that Doumyouji would come to her house. She is very embarassed and flustered. When Tsukushi's parents learn who he is, they bustle around, kissing up to him like crazy. Tsukushi's mom invites him to dinner. Doumyouji, amazingly enough, acts very kind and polite to Tsukushi's parents. On the other hand, when he is alone with Tsukushi, he tells her he is visiting her because he heard she was sick, and he wanted to see her weak face. He comments on the small-ness of her home, saying it is about the size of his bathroom. In general, they are rude to each other. however Tsukushi's mom prevents Tsukushi from punching Doumyouji =)
At dinner, Doumyouji is as polite and kind as he can be, considering he is eating the poor fare that Tsukushi's family eats instead of his fancy food. Tsukushi is reminded that Doumyouji has been raised with polite manners and such and is from a wealthy family.
After dinner, Tsukushi's parents force Tsukushi to walk with Doumyouji home, in an effort to get them together. As they walk, Doumyouji compares Tsukushi to her mother. He reveals that he didn't really like the food they ate, but was being polite. He then asks if Tsukushi is going to Hawaii for summer school, She says she can't because she's so poor.Doumyouji offers to pay her way, but Tsukushi refuses, saying that she will be going with Kazuya to Atami for the summer. This irritates Doumyouji.
The next day at school, Doumyouji announces that he and the F4 will not be going to Hawaii, but rather the new trend is Atami! They will go there too!
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi had left the voice memo at her locker. Makiko-chan had found it, and recorded a 'Get Well Soon' type of message on it for Tsukushi, and then left it at Tsukushi's house while Tsukushi was out walking with Doumyouji.


Episode: 6
Title: "Hitoyo no Shinderura", "One-night Cinderella"
Summary:
Tsukushi has decided to travel with her parents and Kazuya to Atami for their summer vacation. When they get there, Tsukushi and Kazuya notice that they are the only young people there. Tsukushi's parents and Kazuya seem to be having a great time, but Tsukushi feels that there are too many people crowding them in, and he isn't having that great of a time. Tsukushi and Kazuya reach the beach, and are standing on a pier when they suddenly hear the loud horn of a passing boat.
The boat is a yacht, and everyone on the beach is staring at it because it is so huge, and it is so close to shore. Tsukushi and Kazuya see the yacht, and Tsukushi, much to her dismay, recognizes the guy standing at the ship's railing. It is Doumyouji, he has come to Atami!
The ship pulls close to the shore, and the F4 and Shizuka disembark. Tsukushi is surprised to see them there. Shizuka ends up inviting Tsukushi and Kazuya to a party on the boat that evening. Tsukushi is hesitant, but her parents freak out at the news and desperately want her to go. So she finally agrees. That night, Shizuka is working on Tsukushi's looks. Shizuka has let Tsukushi borrow a dress, and is working on the girl's hair, nails, and make-up. Shizuka looks beautiful as usual.
Doumyouji is in his room with his stylist, who is working on his hair. Doumyouji is having his stylist really work with the curly mass.
It is time for the party at last. Everyone is in a ballroom mingling, when Shizuka leads Tsukushi down some stairs to greet the crowd. It is a very fairy tale moment as the crowd all stops and stares at Shizuka and Tsukushi. Akira and Nishikado are both surprised at how cute Tsukushi is. Everyone thinks Tsukushi looks beautiful. Tsukushi sees Rui, and then stops and stares at Doumyouji, whom she almost doesn't recognize. He has had his hair straightened! (yay, and it seems to be staying straight for once =)
A new dance starts. and Tsukushi stands by the side lines watching everyone. Doumyouji looks just about to ask Tsukushi to dance when some girls drag him away. Kazuya asks Tsukushi to dance, but she refuses. Staring out the window, Tsukushi imagines Rui asking her to dance, and her dancing around the ballroom in his arms. There are lots of pastel colors and soft lights, etc. Very mushy =) Tsukushi is shocked when the lights suddenly go out!
It is not an accident though. I believe someone has turned out the lights on purpose. Over a microphone, someone says something about using the darkness to kiss the one you like. Everyone rushes around in the dark, looking for their sweethearts to kiss. Tsukushi is jostled right and left and forward by the masses of people all moving quickly. Suddenly Tsukushi is jostled forward by someone in the dark, and she goes rushing forward, only to land with her lips right against someone elses! Tsukushi pulls back just as the lights go on, and has a shocked look on her face that matches the shocked look on Doumyouji's face as they stare at each other. Tsukushi's first kiss is with Doumyouji!
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi uses the voice recorder to say 'One-night Cinderella' into before she goes downstairs.

Episode: 7
Title: "Ai no Atami Naito", "Night of Love in Atami"
Summary:
Tsukushi stands there shocked as the lights come back on and she realizes that she has just kissed Doumyouji! Upset, she runs from the ballroom. She stands at the ship's railing and stares out to the ocean and feels dismayed about what has happened. She murmurs that it was her first kiss. Doumyouji has followed Tsukushi out of the ballroom and stands in the shadows behind her. He is really blushing.
He says that she should be glad that her first kiss was with him, honored even. This of course makes Tsukushi very upset :) She is crying. Doumyouji sees her crying just as she runs away from him. Tsukushi runs to a bathroom and scrubs off all her make-up and curses herself for playing along with her Cinderella fantasy and making a fool of herself.
When she and Kazuya go back to their resort room, Tsukushi's mama admire's Tsukushi's dress and asks if Tsukushi seduced Doumyouji with it. Tsukushi just goes into her room to go to sleep. In bed, Tsukushi remembers what happened and thinks that she had wanted her first kiss to be with someone she loved. She is disappointed.
The next day, a crowd has gathered on the beach, staring in amazement at the group of rich people on the beach sitting on lounge chairs under umbrellas and having servants waiting on them. The crowd thinks perhaps they are filming a movie or something :) The F4 are making unhappy comments about the quality of the beach they are on. Doumyouji yells at the crowd to go away. Meanwhile, Tsukushi, Kazuya, and Tsukushi's parents are walking down the beach. Tsukushi's mom is dragging Tsukushi, and tells her to get over there with those rich guys. Kazuya blabs about Tsukushi and Doumyouji kissing the night before. Tsukushi's parents are thrilled.
Tsukushi ends up face to face with Doumyouji, and they both sort of stare at each other, a dull red blush on their faces. Asai and her friends make some nasty comments about Tsukushi. Embarassed, Tsukushi tries to explain what happened to Rui, but he is rude and says he doesn't care, it is no concern of his who she kisses. Tsukushi is disappointed in Rui.
That night on the boat, Kazuya confronts Doumyouji, angry at him for what he did with Tsukushi. Kazuya wants to fight one-on-one. Tsukushi goes back to the yacht, intending to return the dress to Shizuka's room and slip back to her resort room. She doesn't know which room is Shizuka's and ends up walking in on a couple in a state of undress on a bed :) Shutting that door quickly, Tsukushi sees Akira and Nishikado escort girls into their rooms. Everyone seems to be intent on having sex on the yacht that night :) Startled, Tsukushi gets out of the hallway and wanders on the deck where she finds Shizuka at last. But Shizuka is not alone, she is with Rui, and they are talking about her!
Shizuka is saying that it is too bad Tsukushi isn't there. Rui asks why, and Shizuka says it is because Rui likes Tsukushi, right? Shizuka says that when she saw Rui save Tsukushi in the cafeteria, she thought Rui liked her and felt a little jealous. Rui looks angry and laughs. he tells Shizuka to not talk about things she knows nothing of. He says she acts like a princess and flaunts all her looks to the guys without an afterthought about how she hurts them. He says that the idea of him liking Tsukushi is a joke. He laughs. Tsukushi stands there shocked, listening in on the conversation.
Meanwhile out on a fishing boat, Kazuya and Doumyouji are fishing for squids. Kazuya gloats because he has caught 10 while Doumyouji has caught none. They argue about squid-counting terminology for a bit. Doumyouji finally gets something, but when he pulls it out, it is an octopus, which sprays its black ink all over him =) Kazuya laughs. Doumyouji gets mad and they start arguing. Kazuya yells that the Tsukushi he has known since he was little is not the type of girl that gets snubbed by everyone. The Tsukushi he knows is always surrounded by friends and is very outgoing and popular. She is nice to everyone. But since Doumyouji came... Doumyouji asks Kazuya if he likes Tsukushi, and Kazuya says he does. Doumyouji makes an unkind comment on Kazuya's taste in girls and then says that Tsukushi loves him (Doumyouji) and not Kazuya because she kissed him. This makes Kazuya upset, and he starts pounding on Doumyouji, calling him a liar.
Tsukushi is sitting alone on the deck feeling depressed and thinking of the conversation between Shizuka and Rui when Doumyouji and Kazuya return. Kazuya is happy to see Tsukushi. Doumyouji brags about the many squid he caught, and kazuya says he caught them, not Doumyouji. The two guys start arguing and beating each other up. Tsukushi is glad they have settled things between them and that she is no longer alone.
In Rui's room, Rui and Shizuka are on the bed, and Rui is kissing her. Suddenly Rui sits up and apologizes, saying that they shouldn't be doing this because he forced her to come to his room. Shizuka says it is ok. She didn't know he wanted her that much. Rui says he doesn't just want her body. Shizuka says they are a man and a woman, it is inevitable.. Rui protests, but Shizuka quiets him and they lay back down. Just then Doumyouji bursts into the room, and tells them to come up to the deck to eat squid.
Doumyouji has woken up everyone on the yacht and gathered them on the front deck to eat squid. Tsukushi sees Rui and asks him where Shizuka is. He doesn't know. He asks to try some of her squid. She admits that she overheard their conversation. Rui thinks women are too much trouble. Tsukushi asks him not to hate her and calls them 'the staircase friends' refering to their meeting on the stairs all the time. Rui says that if he hated her, then he wouldn't have carried her in his arms even though she is so heavy. (gee how sweet ^_^;)
Just then Doumyouji yells over to them to offer some squid to Rui, thus releiving a tense moment for Tsukushi with Rui. Tsukushi thanks Doumyouji for saving her, but says that that from tomorrow on she won't be easy on him.
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi listens to the voice memo say 'One-night Cinderella' when she is in the bathroom washing off her make-up.

Episode: 8
Title: "Shingaki no Akumu", "Nightmare of the New Semester"
Summary:
The setting is Doumyouji's yacht. Tsukushi is in Rui's arms as he twirls her around the dance floor in a graceful waltz. Rui and Tsukushi stare into each other's eyes, and Tsukushi looks very happy. Suddenly Rui morphs into Doumyouji! Tsukushi is startles. Smiling, Doumyouji leans towards Tsukushi, his lips puckered for a kiss. As his lips come closer, Tsukushi screams. Suddenly, Tsukushi is awake. Her alarm clock is going off. It was a nightmare!
Doumyouji is in his room in his mansion, humming happily. He looks like he is in a very good mood as he combs his hair. The servants come in to serve breakfast, and are also startled by his apparent good mood.
Tsukushi walks to school, and meets up with Kazuya who has arrived in his family's car. The car is white, with funny looking flowers painted on it, and lights on top of it. Tsukushi thanks Kazuya for the good vacation in Atami. Tsukushi remembers her conversation with Rui on the deck of the boat when she asked him not to hate her. Kazuya looks very excited and happy about starting the new semester. One of the many passing students who had been walking by and staring at Tsukushi and Kazuya kicks a can at him that hits him in the head. Kazuya cries and is now worried about the semester.
At her locker, Tsukushi discovers it to be full of garbage that flows out of it. Kazuya cries and looks unhappy, like he doesn't want to face the semester alone. Tsukushi says that she won't be defeated, and Kazuya says he will do his best. Tsukushi observes that it is the beginning of may warm days. Walking down the halls, Tsukushi hears Rui playing his violin. She stops to listen to it . Then she continues down the hall and is just about to go up some stairs when a caterpillar is dangled from a string in front of her face! Startled, Tsukushi jumps back, and sees Doumyouji standing on the stairs above her, holding a fishing rod with the caterpillar dangling from it. Doumyouji is smiling at her and making faces. Tsukushi accuses him of putting the garbage in her locker earlier. Tsukushi then remembers their kiss on the yacht, and gets angrier and turns red. She can't believe that her first kiss was with this idiot. Calling him names, she runs away. Doumyouji happily watches her run away, and asks Akira and Soujirou (Nishikado) if they saw the look on her face. Doumyouji is very happy. Akira and Nishikado look at Doumyouji as if he has totally lost it.
Meanwhile, Asai, Ayuhara, and Yamano are also in the hallway, peering around the corner. They had seen the interaction of Doumyouji and Tsukushi and are definitely not happy about it. They are jealous of the attention the F4 pay to that low class girl. Asai says that Tsukushi really irritates her. Then she pulls out a pink video camera, and says she has something she thinks Doumyouji should see.
Tsukushi goes to the stairway, and is disappointed when she sees that Rui isn't there. Then Tsukushi is surprised when Rui comes up behind her. Rui sits down on the stairs and tells her to sit down too. Tsukushi just sort of sits there staring at the ground. (Basking in Rui's presence I guess :) She moves a little, and the orange decision-maker toy falls from her pocket. Rui asks what it is, and Tsukushi decides to make him try it She asks it if Rui really minds her meeting him on the staircase like this. Rui says he doesn't mind, and the toy confirms his statement. Tsukushi is very happy. Rui just thinks she is weird.
Doumyouji is walking in the hallways, looking for Rui. He comes across two lowerclassmen, and asks them. The younger students are scared silly as they tell him that they saw Rui on the stairs with a girl. The boys are trembling and are expecting Doumyouji to beat them up. But Doumyouji is in such a good mood that he just continues on his way, looking for Rui.
Doumyouji gets to the staircase and is startled/angry to discover Tsukushi there alone with Rui. Doumyouji stands in the doorway and just watches them, looking extremely angry.
Doumyouji backs away from the doorway and makes his way down the stairs. His shoes echo in the empty hallway. Doumyouji looks stunned, his eyes are staring, and his jaw is hanging open a bit. Doumyouji runs into Nishikado and Akira. He is definitely not happy, and talks about Rui and Tsukushi being together. Then Asai, Yamano, and Ayuhara appear and say that Rui and Tsukushi are in love with each other, and that they meet on the stairway every day. Doumyouji is not thrilled to hear this. Then They say that they have video of Tsukushi and Rui from Atami. They give him the video camera, and he watches the scene on the deck of the boat between Tsukushi and Rui in Atami in which Tsukushi calls herself and Rui 'friends who meet on the staircase' and asks him not to hate her. Doumyouji gets even madder watching this. He throws the camera to the ground, breaking it. Ayuhara is upset at the destruction of her camera. Asai slides up to Doumyouji and says that Tsukushi loves Rui, and that first Rui had Shizuka, and now he was going to have Tsukushi too. Asai keeps making these snotty little comments as Doumyouji gets more and more angry. Finally he whirls around and back hands Asai across the face, sending her sprawling. (Yay! Ahem, I think she had been deserving that for awhile..^_^;) Akira and Soujirou remark about Doumyouji hitting a girl.
Meanwhile, Tsukushi and Rui are on the staircase. Rui is holding the orange toy. He takes Tsukushi's hand and presses her fingers on it and asks it something. The toy indicates a positive answer, and Tsukushi blushes. (I wonder what he asked!)
Doumyouji is so angry that he oozes a deadly calm. Akira and Soujirou try to ease his anger, but Doumyouji ignores them. Akira and Soujirou are worried by the look they see in Doumyouji's eyes, like he could kill someone. Doumyouji leaves them and walks down the hall.
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi uses the orange decision-maker toy on Rui to see if he minds her meeting him on the stairway. Rui then uses the toy on Tsukushi to ask her something.



Episode: 9
Title: "Doumyouji Tsukasa Kireru!", "Doumyouji Tsukasa Snaps!"
Summary:
Tsukushi is at the staircase talking with Rui, remembering when she first met him there. Rui remembers too. They talk briefly before they are interrupted by the arrival of Shizuka, who wants Rui to accompany her to her work that evening. Rui agrees. Shizuka also invites Tsukushi to her brithday party in a few days, saying that she has not invited anyone else from Tsukushi's class to the party, so there is no need for Tsukushi to worry about being embarassed again. Tsukushi agrees to attend.
Tsukushi is walking down the hall, thinking about Shizuka when she hears sounds of a crowd, and someone being beaten up. She rushes to the scene and finds a large crowd gathered. Doumyouji's voice can be heard yelling. Tsukushi at first thinks that it is Kazuya who is being beaten up, but it is someone else. Doumyouji is towering over a lowerclassman, who is cowering and apologizing profusely. Doumyouji ignores the apologies. Doumyouji looks ready to kill the young kid just for bumping into him. Doumyouji snarls at the crowd and turns on another young kid, grabbing him by the face and shoving him into a wall. The school nurse, Urara-sensei, tries to stop Doumyoji, and he throws a chair through a school window, sending glass flying. Doumyouji eventually calms down and walks away. Tsukushi and Kazuya speculate on what could have caused Douyouji to go off like that.
Tsukushi realizes that she had left her textbooks at the staircase. She goes to get them, where she finds Doumyouji waiting, holding the voice memo. Doumyouji is calm, but still looks deadly angry. He holds up the recorder and plays back the 'I love Hanazawa Rui' message on it. Doumyouji calls Tsukushi names, saying she made a fool out of him. Tsukushi doesn't know what he's talking about. Doumyouji pins Tsukushi against a wall, and then punches the wall, bloodying one of his hands.
Tsukushi runs away, down a hallway, with Doumyouji following her.
Tsukushi stumbles and falls to the ground. Doumyouji looms over her and grabs onto her. Tsukushi shouts at him to let her go, but he doesn't, he ignores all her pleas. Her hands come up to fight him off, but he holds them down as he presses his face close to hers, kissing her. He uses his bloody hand to untie the bow at her throat and tears off the top button on her blouse, leaving some blood there. He runs his lips down her throat, and lays there. Tsukushi is crying. Doumyouji is still, as he thinks about what he has done and calms down. He feels remorse for his actions and lays a soothing hand on Tsukushi's head, telling her not to cry, he will hurt her no more.
At home, Tsukushi is confronted by her parents, who want to know about the haggard state of her uniform. Tsukushi says she fell down. Tsukushi ponders Doumyouji's actions and his personality. The next day at Yuki's house, Tsukushi tells her about what happened. Yuki is startled at what happened. Tsukushi also invites Yuki to come along with her to Shizuka's party. Yuki's flamboyant sister sweeps into the house, and decides to dress the girls herself when she learns they are to go to a party. Yuki's sister dresses Tsukushi and Yuki in short skirts and short tops. They both look very cute. Tsukushi and Yuki (with Kazuya too) arrive at Shizuka's house, which is a huge, impressive mansion. It isn't until the last moment that Tsukushi realizes that of course the F4 have been invited to the party too, and Tsukushi will have to face Doumyouji again.
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi leaves her school stuff at the stairway. Doumyouji finds the voice memo in which Tsukushi says she loves Rui and plays it back at her.
Episode: 10
Title: "Subete o suteru jyosei!", "The woman who threw it all away!"
Summary:
Tsukushi, Yuki, and Kazuya have arrived at Shizuka's house for her birthday party. The place is HUGE! Tsukushi is worried because she will have to face Doumyouji again after what he did to her previously in the hallway at school. Kazuya and Yuki are awed by all the famous people they see at the crowded party. Nishikado approaches them and gives Tsukushi a back handed compliment about her new, jazzed up look given to her by Yuki's sister. He then starts to hit on Yuki, but Tsukushi manages to warn her friend away from the infamous playboy.
Tsukushi consults her orange decision-maker, but the results don't help her much. She resolves not to be afraid of Doumyouji. Kazuya and Yuki run around point out all the famous people they see from TV. Tsukushi ignores them until she finally points out Mochida Maki over to the right of them. (Mochida Maki is Tsukushi's voice actress! heheh) Kazuya runs up to Maki, gets her autograph, and then dances around happily. Afraid that they are attracting too much attention, Tsukushi and Yuki move over to a food table. There they see foods they have never eaten and don't really recognize. Kazuya almost embarrasses them again. Rui arrives and helps Tsukushi at the table with her foods and identifies one of them for her.
Tsukushi sees Doumyouji surrounded by beautiful models, each of them gushing over him, telling him that he didn't call, or that it is long time no see, etc. Tsukushi gets very annoyed to see Doumyouji get all of this attention.
Tsukushi enjoys the party as much as she can when she then sees this cute redheaded girl in a kimono being harassed by a man. The guy is some TV producer, and he is drunk and annoying the girl. The girl runs to Tsukushi and hides behind her, asking Tsukushi to help her. Tsukushi looks at the drunken guy and sees in his drunken, rude behavior Doumyouji's face. This makes Tsukushi mad, and she snaps, hitting the man and basically beating the crud out of him. The girl she helped is grateful, and the party guests are impressed with Tsukushi's toughness. The other F4 guys remark on how similar Tsukushi is to Doumyouji. They thought she was gonna kill that guy. Doumyouji and Tsukushi deny being like each other at all.
Just then Shizuka makes her appearance, looking beautiful in a party dress. She walks to a podium and asks into a microphone if her guests are enjoying themselves, etc. Then she says she has an announcement to make. She, Toudou Shizuka, will be leaving Japan for France very soon, never to return to Japan again. This stuns the crowd. Shizuka announces that she intends to live in France and study law, becoming a lawyer in order to help people. Everyone is absolutely shocked. Shizuka's father is upset, asking who will take over the Toudou company if Shizuka is gone. Shizuka is leaving behind her career as a model to become a lawyer, and will thus no longer need her model's hair. With that, Shizuka pulls out a pair of scissors and cuts off all her hair. The crowd is still speechless until the reporters rush forward to get answers from Shizuka.
Tsukushi is shocked too, and knows that Rui must be feeling awful right now. Tsukushi finds Rui, who tells her to tell everyone else that he left early. Then he leaves. Tsukushi is upset and worried, etc. She looks for something to drink and starts to drink some alcohol. She wanders around the party, not feeling very well because of the alcohol and the excitement of the evening.
Tsukushi comes across Doumyouji and overhears a conversation between him and a businessman. The businessman is trying to get Doumyouji to tell his father about the businessman's ideas, or to get Doumyouji to let the businessman speak to Doumyouji's father. Doumyouji looks irritated and tells the businessman to come back and talk to him in 8 or 9 years time when he inherits his father's company, that is, if the businessman's company is still in existence by then. This upsets the businessman and the guy leaves.
Tsukushi wanders up to Doumyouji, and they stare at each other. Tsukushi gets angry when Doumyouji refuses to apologize for his behavior in the hallway. She makes fun of him and all those girls that hang all over him. Doumyouji tells her he knows that they don't really like him, they just hang around him because he is rich. He tells Tsukushi to watch what she is doing.
Tsukushi, meanwhile, is feeling really ill again. She stumbles into Doumyouji and lands in his arms. Doumyouji looks very startled and blushes a little, saying that he had just told her to watch what she was doing. Tsukushi them proceeds to puke all over Doumyouji's Armani suit. =) (This was the scene that Tsukushi was reading about in the manga in episode 6 ^_^)
The next morning Tsukushi wakes up in her own bed. Her mother tells her that Doumyouji had sent her home in one of his cars. Tsukushi's mom is reading in the newspaper about Shizuka's startling announcement.
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi brings the orange decision-maker thing to the party with her and consults it when she is nervous about confronting Doumyouji.
Episode: 11
Title: "Ai wa Oosora no Kanata e", "Love Flies High Over the Clouds"
Summary:
Tsukushi is thinking about Rui and Shizuka's relationship. She comments on how Shizuka is special to Rui, and how Rui is special to Tsukushi. She wants herself to be special to Rui as well. Walking at school, Tsukushi encounters Doumyouji, who looks upset. He seems to be waiting for her to say something. He asks her if she has anything to say to him, and she replies with a few insults, which make him even more irritated. He asks her if she remembers what she did to him at Shizuka's party. He reminds her that she puked all over his Armani suit. Tsukushi is embarassed that she forgot such an important occasion :)
Some girls walk by, and Doumyouji and Tsukushi overhear them talking about how now that Shizuka is gone, Rui is fair game. Doumyouji accuses Tsukushi of feeling teh same way, and she realizes that he is right, she had been thinking just like those girls.
Later on, Tsukushi runs into Shizuka on campus. Tsukushi begs Shizuka not to go back to France, for Rui's sake. She says Shizuka can study law here. Shizuka smiles sadly at Tsukushi, but says that although she really likes everyone here, she must go. Shizuka wants to look back on her life with no regrets. Shizuka leaves.
Watching Shizuka go, Tsukushi is startled by Rui, who had overheard their entire conversation. Rui is very angry at Tsukushi for interfereing in his business. He yells at her to leave, and she does. Walking away, Tsukushi finds an elementary school park, and stares at it. Urara-sensei is there as well, and speaks to Tsukushi about painful memories.
At the airport, Nishikado, Akira, Doumyouji, Tsukushi, and Kazuya are all there to see Shizuka off. Everyone has noticed the absense of Rui, and try to get a hold of him on the phone, but can't reach him. Tsukushi is upset that Rui isn't there. Doumyouji has a present for Shizuka, a funny surprise that he shows to Kazuya first. Tsukushi just stands there feeling depressed about Rui. Doumyouji notices Tsukushi's depression and asks her what is wrong. Tsukushi asks Doumyouji if he has ever loved someone. Doumyouji thinks that Tsukushi doesn't know anything. Tsukushi asks him if it is considerate to repress yourself for someone you love. Doumyouji says it isn't. Tsukushi is surprised at the wisdom of Doumyouji's words, and tells him that he may be a smart person. Doumyouji is mad that she is only just now figuring that out.
The time has come for Shizuka to go to France. With a sad goodbye to everyone, she gets on the plane and leaves. As soon as Shizuka's plane takes off, Rui makes his appearance. Everyone angrily demands where he has been, and Rui says that he has been at the airport the whole time, watching from behind a pillar. Tsukushi is upset with Rui and yells at him to go to Shizuka if he loves her. She yells at him to be a man. Rui then holds up an airplane ticket and says that he already has booked a ticket for the next flight to France. Rui thanks Tsukushi for making him realize his feelings, and he kisses her on the head. Then Rui boards his plane and leaves for France after Shizuka.
Outside the airport, Doumyouji, Kazuya, Nishikado, Akira, and Tsukushi are all watching the planes take off and land. Doumyouji is gloating to Akira and Nishikado about being right that Tsukushi didn't like Rui, otherwise she wouldn't have urged him to go to France. Tsukuhsi sadly watches the planes go, and records 'Bye Bye, Hanazawa Rui' into her voice recorder. Doumyouji approaches Tsukushi and they watch the planes together for a minute. Then he asks her out on a date. Just as he asks her, a plane is taking off, so Tsukushi cannot hear him. Doumyouji says to never mind, they will talk about it later.
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi uses the voice memo to talk about Rui liking Shizuka, and then again later to say good-bye to him.
Episode: 12
Title: "Deeto?! Yuki no omote sandou", "Date?! Snow on Main Street"
Summary:
Tsukushi, Kazuya, and the F4 minus Rui are all at the airport, watching Rui's plane take off for France. Doumyouji approaches Tsukushi, and just as a plane takes off, he asks her out on a date. Because of the loud jet engines, Tsukushi doesn't hear him. Doumyouji retreats before Tsukushi can get a straight answer out of him, telling her he'll talk to her more about it later.
The next day at school, Doumyouji is sitting on some stairs, reading a book. Shocked that Doumyouji is reading *anything*, Nishikado and Akira sneak up on Doumyouji and take the book away, revealing that it is a Dating Manual. Doumyouji flushes, embarrassed, but Akira and Nishikado laugh, and act proud that 'their Doumyouji' is going on a date. They assume he is going out with one of the models from Shizuka's party, and Doumyouji doesn't really correct them. Nishikado and Akira say that Doumyouji shouldn't learn about dating from a book, and then launch into a stream of advice about where to take his date, beginning with a ride on a ferry, then to a cocktail lounge, and finally to a hotel. Doumyouji blushes and nods. Akira and Nishikado say they are happy/proud that Doumyouji is finally going to lose his virginity. Doumyouji promptly tells them to shut up and punches them out :)
Kazuya and Tsukushi are sitting at a table together, remembering the events of the day before. Asai, Yamano, and Ayuhara begin to tease Tsukushi about her not belonging at the school, and being poor, etc. Just then, Doumyouji appears, walks over to Tsukushi, and says three things to her: Sunday, Hanae Mori building on Main street, 1 o'clock. Then he turns around and walks away. Shocked, everyone just stares at Tsukushi. Kazuya can't believe his Tsukushi would go out with Doumyouji. Tsukushi can't believe that Doumyouji asked her out, and refuses to believe that was an invitation on a date.
The next Sunday, Tsukushi is out shopping with her mother. She is thinking of Doumyouji's invitation, wondering what he meant by it. She checks the time and it is 1:30. She continues to shop with her mom, all the while thinking about Doumyouji. Finally, around 3:30, Tsukushi makes a decision. She runs away from her mom and heads for Main street. At Main street, she sees Doumyouji still sitting there, his head covered in snow. Some girls are trying to hit on him, but he yells at them to go away. He sees Tsukushi, and they begin to argue. She is shocked that he is still waiting there. He is mad at her for being late. He rushes towards her. Afraid he is going to hit her or something, Tsukushi cowers away from Doumyouji when she is wrapped up in his arms in a hug. He holds her tight then whispers that he is cold. She calls him a pervert and shoves him away. He sits there shivering and then reveals that he waited there for 4 hours, and was worried that she might have gotten into an accident. Tsukushi feels bad now, and offers to take him to tea.
The two walk down the street, and Doumyouji tries to drag Tsukushi into a building. Tsukushi refuses, noting that it is an expensive place, and she has little money. She instead directs him to a rather worn down looking building that has an old snack shop sign on it. They get in the elevator. Just at the elevator moves, it gets stuck. Tsukushi and Doumyouji are trapped in the elevator.
In the elevator, Tsukushi tries to strike up conversation, but Doumyouji is unresponsive. He lurches towards her. Thinking he is being perverted again, Tsukushi starts to beat him up again, and then realizes that Doumyouji has a fever. It is from sitting out in the cold snow for 4 hours waiting for her. Tsukushi reflects for a moment, and then decides to treat Doumyouji. She grabs him and wraps one of her leeks (from shopping with her mom) around his neck, saying it brings down fever. Doumyouji's head is resting on Tsukushi's lap. They begin to talk, and Doumyouji reveals that he lives alone in that mansion, that his parents have been at their house in New york for the last 2 years. Tsukushi thinks this must be lonely. Tsukushi feels bad about yelling at Doumyouji before, and says that he can hit her if he wants. Doumyouji slowly gets up and faces Tsukushi, and then leans towards her, cupping her chin in his hand. he comes close, about to kiss her when the doors of the elevator are forced open by a construction crew who informs them that they are in a building that is scheduled to be torn down.
Tsukushi helps the feverish Doumyouji walk down the street to the corner, holding him up. He is about to tell her something but then says never mind. Doumyouji gets into a taxi and leaves. Taking the train home, Tsukushi thinks about her 'date' and wonders if Doumyouji likes her, but then thinks that it is impossible!
Toys used in the episode:
In the elevator, Tsukushi uses the orange decision-maker-question-answer toy on Doumyouji, asking him if he wanted to go with those girls who were hitting on him. The toy says yes he did. He gets mad and knocks the toy aside.
Episode: 13
Title: "Hayasugiru Koi no Notenkai", "Love's Swift Development"
Summary:
Tsukushi arrives at school in the morning, and notes that Doumyouji is not there that day because he is still sick. Tsukushi remembers their date, and what happened in the elevator. When she gets to her locker, Tsukushi finds a pretty wrapped gift inside. Asai, Ayuhara, and Yamano are there, and they are strangely nice to Tsukushi, giving her the gift, which is some nail polish. They kiss up to her and act so happy for her. This behavior confuses Tsukushi, as does the behavior of the entire school. As she walks down the halls, everyone greets her and makes way respectfully for her to pass by. People congratulate her.
Tsukushi meets up with Kazuya, who has also noticed that everyone is acting strange. They pass by a crowd of students gathered around the bulliten board. Kazuya takes a look to see what everyone finds so interesting, and screams when he sees a picture of Tsukushi and Doumyouji pinned to it. It is a picture someone took of Tsukushi and Doumyouji walking after their incident in the elevator. Tsukushi is helping the sick Doumyouji to walk. Kazuya is very upset. Everyone assumes that Doumyouji and Tsukushi are now a couple.
Doumyouji eventually shows up at school, and Akira and Soujirou pounce on him, telling him they know about his date with Tsukushi, and demanding to be told all the juicy details. They want to know how far Doumyouji and Tsukushi went. Doumyouji says that Tsukushi had him by the neck (referring to the leeks she had wrapped around his neck to reduce fever). Akira and Soujirou are impressed, thinking of this in some sort of kinky terms ^_^; They want to know where it happened, and Doumyouji said it happened in an elevator. This makes Akira and Soujirou even more impressed =) They seem proud of Doumyouji.
Just then Tsukushi appears, and she and Doumyouji just stare at each other and blush. Akira and Soujirou prod Doumyouji to say something, and all Doumyouji can come out and say is 'genki?' (how are you?) This is not what Akira and Soujirou had hoped he would say, and they fall over. They are disappointed. Tsukushi and Doumyouji stare at each other some more. Doumyouji gets uncomfortable and embrarassed and yells at Akira and Soujirou to come on, and he leaves.
Asai & Co. appear and kiss up to Tsukushi some more, flattering her and being too friendly. They ask Tsukushi if she wants to go to a dance club with them later. Tsukushi agrees. Walking on campus, Tsukushi's path is blocked by a cute young girl who calls out to Tsukushi by name. She asks Tsukushi if she remembers her. Tsukushi doesn't, so the girl introduces herself as Sanjou Sakurako. They met at Shizuka's party. Tsukushi recognizes her as the girl in the kimono that she had saved from the sleazy guy hitting on her. Sakurako thanks Tsukushi for helping her that time. Sakurako is now a freshman at Eitoku Gakuen. Before they can talk much, Asai and friends appear, and drag Tsukushi off to the dance club.
At the club, everything is loud and flashy. Sitting at a table with Asai and friends, Tsukushi is not having that great of a time. Then Asai points out a cute blond foreign boy on the dance floor. The guy sees them and approaches, and asks Tsukushi to dance. Tsukushi refuses at first, saying she can't dance, but eventually gives in. Asai and friends are jealous of the attention Tsukushi is getting. On the dance floor, the guy dances very well. Tsukushi is struck by his facial resemblance to Rui and feels herself drawn towards this strange guy. The guy says she is cute, asks her name, and decides to call her Tsukushi.
The next morning, Tsukushi opens her eyes to the sight of a chandelier. She is in a hotel room bed, and she is wearing only her slip. Clothes are strewn around the room, and she is alone. Shocked at where she is, and not remembering what happened other than dancing with the blond guy and having a few drinks, Tsukushi grabs the orange toy from the table and leaves the room.
At school, Tsukushi arrives to find Doumyouji standing by the entrance. He yells at her that she is late. He has been waiting for her. He invites her to the cafeteria where he fills her tray with lots of food. Tsukushi complains about the massive amount, and the fact she has no money. Doumyouji says he'll cover it, and sits her down at a table with Akira and Soujirou. Everyone in the cafeteria is amazed and thrilled to see the relationship between Tsukushi and Doumyouji and to see her sitting with the guys. Tsukushi thinks about what happened to her the night before and begins to get very upset. She stands up suddenly, knocking over some things on the table. She feels some panic. Everyone looks at her.
Walking on campus, Tsukushi runs into Sakurako again, who invites her over to her house for tea. Tsukushi is impressed by the size of the mansion. Sakurako talks a bit, and says that her mother passed away (I think it's just her mother, maybe both her parents? Not sure, and any rate, they are no longer around). Sakurako also flatters Tsukushi. Looking around the room, Tsukushi sees a photo album and asks to look in it. In panic, Sakurako jumps up and yells 'No!' 'Stop!', and knocks over her teacup, shattering it on the ground. Just then, a voice announces he is home. Sakurako brightens up, and yells out 'Thomas!', and as the guy enters the room, Tsukushi recognizes him as the gaijin from the club last night!
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi finds the orange toy on the table next to her when she wakes up in the hotel room. She grabs it as she runs out the door.
Episode: 14
Title: "Sakurako no Kakusareta Himitsu", "Sakurako's Hidden Secret"
Summary:
At Sakurako's house, Tsukushi is shocked to meet Thomas, the cute blond foreign guy she danced with (and possibly did more?) with at the dance club the night before. They stare at each other, and finally Thomas says Tsukushi's name. Sakurako asks curiously if the two of them have met before. Tsukushi denies it, but Thomas says they have. Tsukushi looks ready to panic. Thomas reminds Sakurako about the broken teacup lying on the floor, and she goes and cleans up the pieces and then leaves the room to throw them away.
Once alone, Thomas says he is glad to see her. Tsukushi thinks to herself that she is definitely not glad to see him. Thomas says something about the hotel room (apologizing for leaving her alone there I *think*). Tsukushi looks even more like she is going to panic. Tsukushi is shocked and thinks that maybe she did it with this gaijin. She doesn't remember, so she asks him what happened. 'What did we do!' 'Do?' 'Yes!' 'Honestly?' 'Yes!' then Thomas says they didn't do anything (I don't think, arg ^_^;)
Sakurako returns with some tea. Thomas says he doesn't want any tea and leaves. Sakurako approaches Tsukushi and begins to cry and beg her for something. (I get the impression that Sakurako is begging Tsukushi to help her out/take care of her at this strange new school) The next day, Tsukushi introduces Sakurako to Doumyouji, Nishikado, and Akira. Nishikado and Akira think Sakurako is cute. Sakurako cowers away from their attentions. Nishikado says Sakurako is cute, not like Tsukushi, and looks to Doumyouji for confirmation. Instead, Doumyouji seems to say without thinking that Tsukushi is cute. Doumyouji realizes what he said and a flush creeps over his face. Tsukushi blushes too and wonders why he said that. Nishikado makes some remarks about Doumyouji that embarrass him, and Doumyouji gets up and slams Soujirou against a drink machine. Tsukushi is surprised. Sakurako comments that Doumyouji must be in love with Tsukushi. Tsukushi thinks no way! Sakurako looks at Tsukushi with a very sinister expression on her face for a second, but Tsukushi doesn't notice.
Later, Tsukushi meets Asai & Co, who are angry and jealous that Tsukushi introduced this cute new girl to the F4. they warn Tsukushi that Sakurako isn't what she seems. Tsukushi ignores them and thinks they are just being mean. however when she gets to class and tells Makiko about what Asai and friends said about Sakurako, Makiko seems to agree that there is something about Sakurako that is hidden and she is not what she appears to be.
In the hallway later, Tsukushi runs into Sakurako, who is running from Nishikado and the F4 (I think Nishikado was hitting on her). Sakurako hides behind Tsukushi. Tsukushi thinks Sakurako is cute. Doumyouji invites Tsukushi to go with them somewhere, and Sakurako as well. Tsukushi agrees, However Sakurako then hands Tsukushi an envelope that is from Thomas. Tsukushi reads it, he wants to meet her at a restaurant. Freaking out, Tsukushi hides the note and runs away from Sakurako and the F4 who all look confused.
Tsukushi doesn't know what to do. She uses the orange toy, which only seems to agree that she has to go meet him. Tsukushi is not happy. Tsukushi approaches where she is supposed to meet Thomas at, and runs into Kazuya. She decides to take Kazuya with her to meet Thomas. Kazuya is excited at the prospect of meeting a gaijin. At the restaurant, Tsukushi introduces Kazuya to Thomas. Thomas doesn't look happy to see Kazuya there. Kazuya, excited, tries to use his English on Thomas, but Tsukushi tells Kazuya that Thomas is German, not American. Kazuya doesn't know German. Tsukushi notes once again how much like Rui Thomas's face looks.
Food is served, and Thomas tears into his meal, eating like an absolute slob, it is gross. Tsukushi and Kazuya just watch in amazement as Thomas devours his meal quickly, and then lets out a long belch! Tsukushi is disgusted and shocked. Quickly Tsukushi asks how Thomas knows Japanese so well, and Thomas says that his father is Japanese while his mother is German. He met Sakurako at a school in Germany. Then Thomas lets out a long *fart* at the dinner table. Ugh! (I was rather grossed out myself ^_^;) Tsukushi gasps and stares at Thomas, shocked that she might has slept with this gross guy. Thomas then leaves.
At school the next day, Tsukushi finds Sakurako sitting outside with the F4. She is sitting next to Doumyouji. Just then a bee flies near Sakurako, and Sakurako freaks out, clutching Doumyouji and crying for help, she hates bees. Doumyouji looks uncomfortable with Sakurako hanging all over him and angrily swats the bee away. Watching this, Tsukushi wonders why her heart is pounding so much Jealousy?
After school, Tsukushi is at Yuki's house. Yuki's sister arrives and announces that they are going dancing. Sporting another cute outfit inflicted upon her by Yuki's sister, Tsukushi, Yuki, and Yuki's sister go to the same club that Tsukushi had been to the other night. At the club, they see a large crowd around someone near the stage. All the guys look excited while all the girls look very irritated. Getting closer, Tsukushi can see a girl in tight, revealing clothes dancing on a small stage. Everyone is watching her dance. Then the girl turns and Tsukushi s startled to discover it to be Sakurako!
The music ends, and Tsukushi follows as some club girls angrily call Sakurako outside to talk. They are not happy about Sakurako's display, and her taking all the guys. In a very mean way, Sakurako insults the girls until they are reduced to tears. Tsukushi can't believe this girl could be Sakurako!
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi uses the orange toy to figure out what to do after getting the letter from Thomas. She is not happy with what it says.
Episode: 15
Title: "Totto to Kiena!", "Get Lost!"
Summary:
Tsukushi is standing at a door, witnessing an unbelievable scene outside the dance club. It is Sakurako, dressed up in skimpy sexy clothing, yelling at three other girls! She is putting them down to their faces, and being very mean! Tsukushi cannot believe it! Is this the same nice and cute young Sakurako from school? It can't be! Later, in bed, Tsukushi lays there, not believing what she saw. She remembers what everyone had told her about Sakurako, when they'd warned her that all was not as it seems. It appears that they were right!
Walking at school, Tsukushi runs into the F4, who are with Sakurako. Sakurako greets Tsukushi warmly. Tsukushi looks at Sakurako's cheerful and nice attitude with disbelief. Sakurako sees Tsukushi's odd expression and worries over her, asking if she is ok. Akira mentions something about the dance club, causing Tsukushi to gape at him. Then Sakurako looks all innocent and questions him about the club like she has never heard of it before. Tsukushi can't believe Sakurako! She is so two-sided! Akira teases Sakurako for not knowing about the dance clubs. How cute she is.
Doumyouji sits down, and Sakurako approaches him. Soujirou says something about Doumyouji not feeling very good these days. Doumyouji looks upset and wants to be left alone, and snaps at Sakurako. Sakurako is hurt by Doumyouji's rudeness and runs to Tsukushi. Tsukushi in turn marches over to Doumyouji and scolds him for his behavior. But then Sakurako jumps between them and starts defending Doumyouji! She says that he is the F4 and Eitoku Gakuen leader! Don't yell at him! Doumyouji just stands there, dumb struck. Tsukushi stares at Sakurako like she is crazy.
In the school bathroom, Tsukushi and Sakurako are talking. Tsukushi thinks about Sakurako and asks her if she loves Doumyouji. Sakurako starts to cry and says that she likes Doumyouji, but understands that Doumyouji belongs to Tsukushi. Then Sakurako tearfully asks Tsukushi if she is really in love with Doumyouji. Tsukushi is speechless. Moments later, she says that she isn't. Then Tsukushi leaves. Sakurako has a smug smile on her face as Tsukushi goes.
The next day at school, Tsukushi arrives to a school that is buzzing with a strange atmosphere. Everyone is giving her hostile looks again. There is some talk about a photo. Tsukushi has no idea what is going on. Tsukushi goes to her locker and finds a new toy and a blank piece of paper inside. She discovers that the toy emits a light that illuminates the invisible ink on the paper. It is a gift from Makiko-chan. The message on the paper is a warning for her to be careful! Tsukushi looks up to see Makiko watching her from behind some lockers, but before Tsukushi can ask her what is going on, Makiko runs away.
Tsukushi arrives in class to have everyone staring at her in silence. Tsukushi approaches Yamano, Asai, and Ayuhara to greet them, but they turn away from her. In PE class, the game of the day is volleyball. But instead of playing that, everyone takes their volleyballs and throws them at Tsukushi! Tsukushi falls to the ground under a shower of balls thrown hard at her. Tsukushi is hurt and bruised all over. She still has no idea why everyone is so angry at her. When class is over, she goes to her locker to change out of her PE uniform, only to find her uniform jacket totally shredded up. (There goes yet another school uniform... ^_^)
Tsukushi returns to class still in her PE uniform. Asai & Co. sneer at her and take away the nail polish gift they had given her before. Tsukushi runs from class. Everyone watches her. She asks what is going on, and one boy asks her if she has seen the bulletin board. Tsukushi runs for it and is stricken by what she sees there. Pinned to the board over the picture of Tsukushi with Doumyouji is a new photo. It is of Tsukushi lying in bed in her under clothes asleep. With her in the bed is the boy from the dance club, Thomas! Why? How! Everyone is mad at Tsukushi for what looks like her cheating on Doumyouji
Tsukushi grabs the photo and runs home, then later runs to Sakurako's house, looking for Thomas for some answers. Sakurako greets Tsukushi happily and leads her to the tea parlor. She calls Thomas and then leaves to get some tea. When Thomas arrives, Tsukushi really yells at him, demanding to know what happened. Thomas looks at the photo in Tsukushi's hand and looks totally confused. Tsukushi yells at him and wants to know who took the picture. Thomas keeps backing away from Tsukushi's attack. He says Sakurako took it. Sakurako!
She has returned, holding a tea tray. Tsukushi turns on Sakurako and asks to know why she did what she did. Sakurako talks about the dance club, saying how the guys there like cute girls. They like her there. Sakurako places great importance on the fact that she is good looking, and this is why they like her. Sakurako won't forgive someone like Tsukushi (I guess she is referring to Tsukushi's looks or social status??) being with the F4. Them, friends? What a joke.
Sakurako starts yelling at Tsukushi, taunting her. Then Tsukushi gets angry and yells right back at Sakurako. There is a little talk about Rui and Shizuka. Tsukushi is angry, and stomps out of the room and heads back out into the rainy night. Thomas stares at Sakurako, he still looks very surprised by all of this. Sakurako is angry. She starts to cry. That girl with the F4? She won't forgive her!
Tsukushi stands in the rain. What will she do now? She remembers her declaration of war on the F4 and Doumyouji. She is Tsukushi the weed! She will not give in!
Toys used in the episode:
Woo hoo, new toy introduced in this episode :) You don't see much of it later on though. It is the pen of invisible ink and the little light that makes the ink visible. It is very cute! Even though it only appears in the anime a few times, the commercials for it run through most of the series :)
Episode: 16
Title: "Atashi wo Shinjite!", "Believe in Me!"
Summary:
Tsukushi is at home, thinking about her visit to Sakurako's place. She can't believe that Sakurako was behind the indecent pictures of Tsukushi that were spread around the school. Tsukushi is worried about Doumyouji's reaction to them. The next morning, Tsukushi heads to school, wearing a sweater over her school shirt because her uniform jacket had been trashed. When she gets to school, the halls are mysteriously vacant. At her locker, Tsukushi pauses to think, when suddenly the sound of footsteps behind her alerts her. It is a guy with a baseball bat. He slams the bat into Tsukushi's side before she can react. Tsukushi is slammed against the lockers. A huge crowd has formed around Tsukushi, throwing stuff at her and hitting her. Tsukushi runs, with 6 or so guys chasing after her. She manages to get outside of the school and across the campus (losing a shoe along the way) before they catch up with her.She fights them off briefly, punching and kicking, but there are too many of them. The guys grab Tsukushi and begin hitting her hard. Tsukushi looks very battered. Just then Doumyouji appears and asks what is going on. His expression is curiously calm.
Tsukushi looks up at Doumyouji through her tangled, dirty hair. Doumyouji looks at her, and then seems like he is about to help her escape from her tormentors when Sakurako appears. She jumps between Tsukushi and Doumyouji. Sakurako tries to convince Doumyouji not to help Tsukushi, who is a tramp. Sakurako whips out of nowhere dozens of photos of Tsukushi in a disheveled state, in her nightdress, in bed with Thomas leaning over her, etc. The pictures float through the air, landing scattered all over the ground in front of Doumyouji. Doumyouji looks at the pictures and his mind sort of goes into a daze. He stares at the pictures for a long time, while Tsukushi yells at him, telling him to believe in her, not to go, etc. Doumyouji finally turns around and walks away, Sakurako following him and glancing over her shoulder at Tsukushi.
Tsukushi screams and yells some more at Doumyouji to come back, calling him a fool and an idiot, and telling him he should have some faith, but Doumyouji keeps walking. The crowds close in around Tsukushi, beating her up more.
Doumyouji is now at Sakurako's mansion, though he is in such a daze that he does not remember how he got there. His expression is that of numbness. Sakurako serves him tea. They go out into her backyard, where Sakurako talks about her family, and Doumyouji does the same. Sakurako also talks about the large Sakura tree in the backyard. Meanwhile, Tsukushi is still being beaten up. The guys have tied a bunch of handkerchiefs together to form a rope. They bind Tsukushi's wrists, and then tie the other end to a car. They get in the car and start to pull Tsukushi along, forcing her to run to keep up. Tsukushi runs along after the car, straining to keep pace. Kazuya has arrived at the scene and tries frantically to get them to let Tsukushi go, but the crowd grabs him and ties him to a tree. Makiko-chan also yells at the crowd to let Tsukushi go, but she is held back by Asai and her friends.
Sakurako tells Doumyouji she loves him, but he has no response. Sakurako gets angry, and wonders why he likes someone like Tsukushi. At the mention of Tsukushi's name, Doumyouji's mind begins to clear, and he realizes that he should go back to rescue her. Sakurako is upset and doesn't want him to go, begging him not to. Seeing Sakurako beg him not to go reminds Doumyouji of Tsukushi's pleas earlier not to go and to believe in her. Sakurako, really desperate now, tries to kiss Doumyouji, but he pushes her away and heads for the school.
Tsukushi has been running for a long time, battered and bruised. Her legs eventually give out, and she is dragged along the ground behind the car. Suddenly from nowhere, Doumyouji appears. The car stops, and Tsukushi lies there staring up in mute shock. Doumyouji beats up the driver of the car, causing him, and the rest of the large crowd, to scatter. Alone in the school grounds, Doumyouji breaks the rope off of the car and kneels down beside Tsukushi. Tsukushi stares up at him in silence. Doumyouji stares down at the battered Tsukushi in silence for a long time. Then he speaks: "I'm sorry". Tsukushi is shocked. Doumyouji then gathers Tsukushi into his arms and holds her tight, saying that he knows she isn't like that (what the pictures would suggest), and that he believes in her.
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi uses the orange decision maker that morning before heading to school, when trying to gather the courage to go.
Episode: 17
Title: "Yatto Tsukamaeta", "Caught At Last"
Summary:
Doumyouji has come back to Tsukushi, rescuing her from the gang at school that had been abusing her by dragging her behind their car. The crowd is gone now, and Doumyouji holds Tsukushi in his arms. He says to her that he knows she isn't like what everyone thinks, and that he believes in her. Scraped and bruised all over, Tsukushi is rather shocked by his return. Doumyouji removes his shirt, tells Tsukushi to put it on, and then carries her to his house. (More likely he carries her to his waiting limo which takes them to his house I think =)
At the Doumyouji mansion, the servants rush to help Doumyouji and Tsukushi. Tsukushi is ushered into a huge bathroom with skylights and a massive tub. (Here are the bath toys seen in the eyecatch!) Tsukushi pushes the over-helpful maid out and takes a bath, marvelling at the luxurious surroundings, and thinking about Doumyouji. After the bath, the maid takes her to Doumyouji's room, where he is waiting for her. He must have bathed too because he is wearing nothing but pajama bottoms and is toweling his wet hair. Because it is wet, his hair hangs straight! So cute! Doumyouji orders Tsukushi onto his bed! She protests, but he gets her on the bed and straddles her, holding her down while he bandages up all her cuts and scrapes. After she is all bandaged up, they sit across from each other on the bed.
The mood turns soft and romantic as they stare at each other, each dressed in nothing but pajamas. Amazingly enough, Doumyouji says that he loves Tsukushi. Tsukushi is shocked and amazed by his announcement. Doumyouji leans closer to her and despite her weak protests, kisses her. (yay!) After their kiss, Tsukushi freaks out and flees from the room, not believing that Doumyouji is serious. She spends a sleepless night in a room of her own, thinking about things.
The next morning, Tsukushi wakes up to find herself presented with a new school uniform. Doumyouji has gone on to shcool ahead of her. When she arrives at school, Tsukushi hears the screams of boys being bullied. She runs to the scene and sees several guys being hung by their ankles from ropes from the school roof. Angry that Doumyouji is bullying people again, she races to the roof to find the F3 there. It turns out that the guys hanging from the roof are the ones that had tormented her yesterday, and that Doumyouji was paying them back. They argue/talk abou this when suddenly they are interrupted. Someone has appeared on the rooftop. It is Rui, back from France!
Toys used in the episode:
The bath toys from the eyecatch appear finally. During her sleepless night, Tsukushi uses the orange decision maker to anwser some questions she asks herself.
Episode: 18
Title: "Ore to Tsukiaranai?", "Can I hang around you?"
Summary:
Tsukushi, Doumyouji, Akira, and Nishikado are on the roof of the school after having punished the guys who had beat up Tsukushi the previous day. Rui appears on the roof, greeting everyone pleasantly. Everyone is shocked to see Rui again. The F4 come together and greet happily while Tsukushi just stares at Rui. Rui looks up and catches Tsukushi's eye. He approaches her. Not liking how Rui and Tsukushi are looking at each other one bit, Doumyouji runs forward and embraces Tsukushi, his arms tight around her. He looks at Rui as if challenging him. Rui sees Doumyouji stake out his 'claim' on Tsukushi and is startled. He looks about to give up when Tsukushi protests being held by Doumyouji. Rui then smiles.
Tsukushi walks home from school, thinking about the previous day's rescue by Doumyouji when she runs into the German guy Tomas. Tsukushi doesn't want to talk to him, but he convinces her to some with him. Tomas shows Tsukushi an old photo album that belongs to Sakurako. In it are pictures of the F4 when they were kids as well as a young Sakurako. Tsukushi is shocked at how Sakurako looked when she was little, and barely recognizes her. Sakurako's appearance has changed a lot. Sakurako liked Doumyouji when she was a kid, but her looks made her the butt of jokes and teasing by everyone. Doumyouji teased her too.
The next day at school, the album has somehow made its rounds through the school, and eveyone is pointing at Sakurako's picture and laughing. Walking across campus, Tsukushi sees Doumyouji, who gives her a cute pink pager. (Yay, a new toy!) When she gets home, Tsukushi finds her house to be filled with all sorts of furniture. (From Doumyouji?)
She is immediately paged by Doumyouji. Tsukushi calls him back, angry with him. He tells her to come to the club he is at.
Tsukushi arrives at Club Amazon to see Doumyouji sitting at a table with some pretty girls. When Tsukushi arrives, he shoos the other two girls away like they were anoying gnats. The girls are upset. Tsukushi sees Rui at the next table talking to a woman. They talk casually, and then kiss each other. Tsukushi is shocked to see Rui kissing anyone and gets upset. She runs out of the club.
The next day at school, Tsukushi sees Sakurako being teased by Asai, Yamano, and Ayuhara. The three girls are being their usual mean selves. Upset at this, Tsukushi decides to come to Sakurako's aid, yelling at Asai, and threatening to beat them up. The three girls make a hasty retreat. Sakurako is amazed that Tsukushi helped her. Tsukushi says she still hasn't forgiven Sakurako yet. Sakurako cries a lot and apologizes profusely to Tsukushi. They seem to form an uneasy truce.
Later that day, Tsukushi goes to the staircase and runs into Rui. Tsukushi asks about Shizuka, but before she can get an anwser, Rui asks her if she is in love with Doumyouji. Stunned, Tsukushi manages a reply of 'not really' (She is very flustered though). To Tsukushi's amazement, Rui says he is glad. He then asks if he can hang around her now too. (date with her) Tsukushi is shocked that Rui is expressing interest in her!
Toys used in the episode:
At home after leaving the club, Tsukushi holds the orange toy while thinking about Rui.
Episode: 19
Title: "Sazame Kumune no Kotori", "The Fluttering Bird in my Heart"
Summary:
Tsukushi and Rui are out on the school's emergency staircase, their usual meeting spot. Rui has just leaned towards Tsukushi and asked if he could go out with her. He said that he is glad she is not seeing Doumyouji, and then asks to be with her. Tsukushi sits there stunned, not being able to reconcile this Rui with the one of her memory, the one who said he wasn't interested in her. She wonders who this is. She stares at Rui in shock. Then Rui starts to laugh and says he was joking, and laughs some more. Rui smiles and says Tsukasa would probably do something bad to him if he were serious. Tsukushi is startled and then begins to laugh to cover her confusion. She gets up to leave. Rui says she is cute. Tsukushi says thank you, and leaves. Once away from Rui, Tsukushi nearly falls over in reaction to his joke.
Tsukushi is a bit confused about her feelings now. Later, Tsukushi is confronted by Sakurako, who thanks her for helping her before. She couldn't believe it and was very happy. Sakurako warns Tsukushi not to reject Doumyuouji. Then she remarks on her own good looks. (I get the impression that she is saying she will steal him away if Tsukushi rejects him) Sakurako says they should go dancing sometime. Laughing, she runs off.
Walking home from school, Tsukushi is lost in thought when a black car pulls up beside her. The door opens, and it is Doumyouji, who tells her to get in. She does. They travel for awhile and Tsukushi asks where they are going. He hands her a bag that says 'Channel' on it. He bought clothes for her! She asks him where they are going, and Doumyouji replies that he has made arrangements for them to stay at his vacation house. Tsukushi's jaw drops. Vacation house? He says it will be great, the blue sky, the ocean, etc. Tsukushi is up set and tries to argue with him, saying she can't go. Doumyouji informs her that he has already talked to her parents and obtained their permission for her to go. (Funny picture of Tsukushi's parents dancing for joy after Doumyouji's call :)
They arrive at an airfield, and Tsukushi is shocked (she is shocked an awful lot in this series!) to learn his vacation house is on an island and they will take his private plane to get to it. Tsukushi has never been on a plane before and is scared witless. She is hanging onto Doumyouji's neck for dear life, screaming. He says she is killing him and he tries to pry her off. Tsukushi looks out the wondow and notices how pretty it is, and gets happily excited. Doumyouji looks exasperated. Tsukushi is again amazed at how rich Doumyouji is.
Soujirou and the rest of the F4 are also on the plane. Soujirou introduces Tsukushi to his two girlfriends he is bringing with him. (Soujirou is such a ladies man). The girls seem very nice and greet Tsukushi cheerfully. Akira introduces her to his lady, an older woman, very pretty. Tsukushi notices Rui is sitting away from everyone else, by himself.
They arrive at the huge vacation house, and Doumyouji takes them to a room. Tsukushi is impressed with the elegant furnishings. Tsukushi has changed her clothes into the ones Doumyouji had bought for her. (He has good taste! Cute!) Tsukushi runs out to the balcony and looks out at the ocean and beach, enjoying the pretty view. Doumyouji stares at Tsukushi, then comes up behind her and suddenly wraps his arms around her, holding her close. He lowers his face into her hair. He says into her hair that this is their bedroom. Yes, Doumyouji has arranged it for himself and Tsukushi to share a room.
At dinner, they are all sitting around a table. Soujirou's girls are impressed with his house. Akira talks about his vacation houses, and asks Soujirou where his are. Soujirou says he has vacation houses in Hawaii, Hokkaido, and Monacco (I think). Akira looks at Rui, and he says he has houses in Australia and Okinawa. The girls are impressed with how rich the F4 guys are. They have resort houses too though. Then they both turn to Tsukushi and ask her where her family's vacation houses are at. Tsukushi blanks out and looks very uncomfortable. She tries to stutter out a response. She says something about her grandparents place. Soujirou's girls look confused. Rui then says something that draws their attention away. Then dinner is served. Doumyouji gives Tsukushi his plate of food. Tsukushi stares at Doumyouji and remembers his saying they were sharing the room. She remembers that there is a king sized bed in there. She looks nervous. She goes to the balcony again and looks out at the water.
In the ladies room, Soujirou's girls want to know if she has done anything H with Doumyouji yet. One of the girls says she is so excited, she gets to share a room with Rui. She says Rui is the best of the F4. This upsets Tsukushi greatly. They go back into a living room where Tsukushi watches Rui hug one of the girls close. Tsukushi cant take this and jumps up and ruuns outside to a balcony and tries to control her feelings. Doumyouji sees this and follows her, asking what is wrong with her. Tsukushi excuses herself and runs to their room. She takes her hair down (It was in these cute little braids) and sits on the bed, lost in thought. She is depressed. Doumyouji appears and asks how she is. Tsukushi says she is fine. The Doumyouji says for her to sleep on the bed. Tsukushi looks very worried and says something to the effect of she isn't ready to share a bed.. (she thinks Doumyouji plans to sleep with her). However he points to the side of the room and says he will take the sofa bed over there. This leaves Tsukushi very releived :) He says something about really liking her, but understanding/respecting (?) her feelings. Tsukushi looks pleasantly surprised.
That night, Tsukushi finds that she is unable to sleep. Slowly she creeps out of bed to take a walk on the beach and thinks about things. She enjoys the cool beach air. She finds herself thinking about both Rui and Doumyouji. She walks a bit more and finds herself face to face with Rui, who is also out on the beach, sitting and looking at the waves. She asks why he is here and he says he couldnt sleep. Rui asks where Doumyouji is, and Tsukushi says he is asleep. Rui looks very unhappy. He falls over and Tsukushi runs to help him. He looks up at her. Then he hugs her to him, leaning his head to her chest, seeking comfort. Startled, Tsukushi kneels there frozen. Slowly her hand creeps up to wrap around him and she hugs him close while he sobs.
Toys used in the episode:
I didn't notice any! But surely they must have.. I'll have to double check :)
Episode: 20
Title: "Uragiri no Atsui Yoru", "Warm Night of Betrayal"
Summary:
On the beach at night, Tsukushi holds a crying Rui in her arms, comforting him as best she can. Rui talks about his time in France, how he appeared on Shizuka's doorstep, and she welcomed him in. They were happy together, going out a lot, catching up, sightseeing, etc. However Shizuka was working hard to become a lawyer, so she was often out at school, leaving Rui all alone in her apartment. He says Shizuka talked about Tsukushi, how much she likes her.
Suddenly, Tsukushi's pager goes off. Tsukushi is startled, and tries to shut it off. Rui gets the pager and shuts it off for Tsukushi. The message on the pager is from Doumyouji, wondering where she is. Tsukushi jumps up and decides to head back to the beach house.
When she gets there, Doumyouji is waiting for her. (She is sharing a room with Doumyouji at the house. Seperate beds though :) Doumyouji was worried about her. He asks where she was, and Tsukushi lies, saying she was out walking on the beach alone. Doumyouji believes her. Tsukushi looks a bit guilty, what with all the concern Doumyouji is showing. She keeps thinking of Rui though.
The next day, the F4 are playing beach volleyball. Tsukushi joins in the game, playing on Akira and Nishikado's side. Tsukushi is really good, and manages to score against Doumyouji and Rui =) Doumyouji is talking to Rui when Rui leans over and Tsukushi's pager falls out of his pocket. Doumyouji asks where he got it, and Rui says she left it on the beach last night. Doumyouji now knows that Tsukushi lied to him, she was with Rui last night. Lost in thought, Doumyouji doesn't see the volleyball that smacks him right in the face. Later, Doumyouji and Tsukushi are reclining on lounge chairs when Doumyouji asks her where her pager is, to see her reaction. Tsukushi realizes she left her pager on the beach and lies again, saying she left it in the house. Doumyouji is angry now, knowing she is lying. Suddenly the sound of a boat horn fills the air.
It is a small tugboat type of thing, and it carries Kazuya and Sakurako, who have decided to join the group. That evening, as they are all gatheredi in the sunset, Kazuya shows Tsukushi a magazine article about Shizuka. It seems that Shizuka is engaged to be married. She recieved a marriage proposal from someone in France. Rui looks hurt, but not surprised by the news. He knew of Shizuka's engagement. (Apparently he saw her with her new guy or something). Tsukushi feels bad for Rui who is hiding his hurt.
That evening, Tsukushi is having a hard time sleeping, so she sneaks out of the room and heads toward the beach. Doumyouji hears her leave and decides to follow. Tsukushi gets to the beach, and Rui is there. He looks very upset. Tsukushi is upset too, and tries to comfort him. She is crying as well. Looking at her tears, Rui just stares at Tsukushi. Then he holds her close and kisses her. Their close bodies are clearly visible in the moonlight as Doumyouji watches Tsukushi kiss Rui.
Toys used in the episode:
The pager Doumyouji gave Tsukushi is the main focus of the plot in this story. Doumyouji contacts her on the beach with it, and now has it in his possetion, having retrieved it from Rui.
Episode: 21
Title: "Kisu no Tsumi to Batsu", "The Crime and Punishment of the Kiss"
Summary:
Rui and Tsukushi are kissing on the beach in the moonlight. Not far away, Doumyouji watches, his hands clenched into fists. As the kiss breaks off, Tsukushi and Rui look at each other, and Tsukushi hugs Rui. then something catches Rui's attention. He looks up and sees Doumyouji, his eyes go wide as he says, "Tsukasa.." This brings Tsukushi's head up, and her eyes get huge as she sees Doumyouji. She also looks pale and upset. Doumyouji steps forward, his expression is filled with hurt anger! Rui is still holding Tsukushi in his arms. Doumyouji confronts Rui. He looks so angry and upset! Then Doumyouji's hands clench tight and he rushes at Rui, yelling. He punches Rui out! Rui goes flying, and lands in the surf. He has a large bruise on his cheek.
Tsukushi gasps, and Doumyouji glances at her, then turns and starts to walk away. But Tsukushi calls out for him to wait! Doumyouji pauses and turns around. Tsukushi cries out for him to listen to her, she says she is sorry. He says something about his loving her. It looks like his feelings have changed though. Tsukushi is crying. She reaches out to Doumyouji, but he shouts at her. "Don't touch me!" Tsukushi recoils from him. Doumyouji says he is not going to speak to her again. Then he turns and leaves.
Tsukushi is crying. She falls to her knees on the sand and thinks about Doumyouji. Then she stands with her feet just covered with water and looks out at the ocean. She is still crying as she thinks about all the important times with Doumyouji, such as when he rescued her from being pulled by a car, and said he believed in her. She remembers their kissing on his bed, and his telling her he loved her. Tsukushi looks really remorseful about what she did. She stands out there all night
That day, everyone leaves the island on Kazuya's small boat. Apparently Doumyouji and Sakurako left earlier on his plane, leaving the rest behind. Kazuya is sick, and is heaving over the side of the boat. Everyone else is complaining about having to ride in the little boat. Tsukushi is upset and *still* thinking about Doumyouji. Then Rui covers her hand with his and says it's ok, he's there. Meanwhile, Doumyouji and Sakurako arrive back home. As he leaves his plane, Doumyouji sees a weed on the ground. He pauses for a moment, then crushes it under his heel. Very symbolic motion there, as Tsukushi always calls herself a weed.
At School, Tsukushi walks around in a daze, Doumyouji and memories of him filling her thoughts. Kazuya greets her and talks about how fun the trip was. Tsukushi asks him if he has seen Doumyouji, and barely waits to hear his reply before walking away, leaving an unsuspecting Kazuya alone, talking to himself. Tsukushi finds Doumyouji in a courtyard, where he, Nishikado, and Akira are confronting Rui about his actions on the beach. Akira and Nishikado are both mad at Rui for what he did, and in this case, side with Doumyouji. They are mad because Rui KNEW that Doumyouji was interested in Tsukushi and thery might be getting together, but did what he did anyway. Like if he couldn't have Shizuka, he would take Tsukushi. Doumyouji kicks Rui out of the F4; they are no more. Tsukushi watches this in horror. A crowd has gathered,and also gapes at the news. Then Doumyouji, Akira, and Nishikado turn and leave the courtyard, heading towards Tsukushi. Tsukushi freaks out, wondering what to do. As Doumyouji approaches her, she starts to say something, but is shut up when he just walks right by her without acknowledging her presence at all! Time frezes for Tsukushi as she is thrown in to shock and very hurt by this! A ways away, Akira and Nishikado look at each other, and then decide to try to cheer Doumyouji up. They suggest going out to clubs or to parties and having fun. He declines their offer.
Tsukushi spends the rest of the afternoon mulling over Doumyouji's harsh rejection. There is the usual set of flashbacks. In class she draws a picture of Doumyouji on a piece of paper using her invisible ink pen that Makiko-chan had given her. Later, she wanders down a hall, when she hears Rui's violin. This cheers her up very much! She goes to the staircase, where she finds Rui playing. He stops when he sees her. She sits down next to him and apologizes for what happened with Doumyouji. It is her fault the F4 broke up. Rui denies this, saying he is the one who kissed her. Tsukushi blushes. Then a paper slips from her to the ground. Rui picks it up and hands it to her. As he does, their fingers touch, and Tsukushi is reminded of when she reached out to Doumyouji, and he yelled at her not to touch him. The paper appears blank. Tsukushi takes the paper and pulls out the light that reveals the invisible ink. She shows Rui her drawing of Doumyouji. Looking at it, she suddenly starts crying. She can't control it, the tears just come out. She wipes away her tears with a handkerchief. Rui just stares at her. Then he asks her if she is doing anything next Sunday. Tsukushi says no, and so Rui says they should go somewhere, just the two of them. A date! Tsukushi agrees. As she leaves the stairway, she confirms her date with Rui. As soon as she leaves, she runs into Sakurako who is MAD. She reminds Tsukushi that she REALLY loves Doumyouji, and has since Childhood, not like Tsukushi. It seems like Sakurako is going to go after Doumyouji again! Tsukushi looks sort of stunned/confused by her own reaction to Sakurako's forcefulness.
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi uses the invisible ink pen to draw Doumyouji's picture, and the light thingy to show the picture to Rui.
<- Back to the Episode Guide
Episode: 21
Title: "Kisu no Tsumi to Batsu", "The Crime and Punishment of the Kiss"
Summary:
Rui and Tsukushi are kissing on the beach in the moonlight. Not far away, Doumyouji watches, his hands clenched into fists. As the kiss breaks off, Tsukushi and Rui look at each other, and Tsukushi hugs Rui. then something catches Rui's attention. He looks up and sees Doumyouji, his eyes go wide as he says, "Tsukasa.." This brings Tsukushi's head up, and her eyes get huge as she sees Doumyouji. She also looks pale and upset. Doumyouji steps forward, his expression is filled with hurt anger! Rui is still holding Tsukushi in his arms. Doumyouji confronts Rui. He looks so angry and upset! Then Doumyouji's hands clench tight and he rushes at Rui, yelling. He punches Rui out! Rui goes flying, and lands in the surf. He has a large bruise on his cheek.
Tsukushi gasps, and Doumyouji glances at her, then turns and starts to walk away. But Tsukushi calls out for him to wait! Doumyouji pauses and turns around. Tsukushi cries out for him to listen to her, she says she is sorry. He says something about his loving her. It looks like his feelings have changed though. Tsukushi is crying. She reaches out to Doumyouji, but he shouts at her. "Don't touch me!" Tsukushi recoils from him. Doumyouji says he is not going to speak to her again. Then he turns and leaves.
Tsukushi is crying. She falls to her knees on the sand and thinks about Doumyouji. Then she stands with her feet just covered with water and looks out at the ocean. She is still crying as she thinks about all the important times with Doumyouji, such as when he rescued her from being pulled by a car, and said he believed in her. She remembers their kissing on his bed, and his telling her he loved her. Tsukushi looks really remorseful about what she did. She stands out there all night
That day, everyone leaves the island on Kazuya's small boat. Apparently Doumyouji and Sakurako left earlier on his plane, leaving the rest behind. Kazuya is sick, and is heaving over the side of the boat. Everyone else is complaining about having to ride in the little boat. Tsukushi is upset and *still* thinking about Doumyouji. Then Rui covers her hand with his and says it's ok, he's there. Meanwhile, Doumyouji and Sakurako arrive back home. As he leaves his plane, Doumyouji sees a weed on the ground. He pauses for a moment, then crushes it under his heel. Very symbolic motion there, as Tsukushi always calls herself a weed.
At School, Tsukushi walks around in a daze, Doumyouji and memories of him filling her thoughts. Kazuya greets her and talks about how fun the trip was. Tsukushi asks him if he has seen Doumyouji, and barely waits to hear his reply before walking away, leaving an unsuspecting Kazuya alone, talking to himself. Tsukushi finds Doumyouji in a courtyard, where he, Nishikado, and Akira are confronting Rui about his actions on the beach. Akira and Nishikado are both mad at Rui for what he did, and in this case, side with Doumyouji. They are mad because Rui KNEW that Doumyouji was interested in Tsukushi and thery might be getting together, but did what he did anyway. Like if he couldn't have Shizuka, he would take Tsukushi. Doumyouji kicks Rui out of the F4; they are no more. Tsukushi watches this in horror. A crowd has gathered,and also gapes at the news. Then Doumyouji, Akira, and Nishikado turn and leave the courtyard, heading towards Tsukushi. Tsukushi freaks out, wondering what to do. As Doumyouji approaches her, she starts to say something, but is shut up when he just walks right by her without acknowledging her presence at all! Time frezes for Tsukushi as she is thrown in to shock and very hurt by this! A ways away, Akira and Nishikado look at each other, and then decide to try to cheer Doumyouji up. They suggest going out to clubs or to parties and having fun. He declines their offer.
Tsukushi spends the rest of the afternoon mulling over Doumyouji's harsh rejection. There is the usual set of flashbacks. In class she draws a picture of Doumyouji on a piece of paper using her invisible ink pen that Makiko-chan had given her. Later, she wanders down a hall, when she hears Rui's violin. This cheers her up very much! She goes to the staircase, where she finds Rui playing. He stops when he sees her. She sits down next to him and apologizes for what happened with Doumyouji. It is her fault the F4 broke up. Rui denies this, saying he is the one who kissed her. Tsukushi blushes. Then a paper slips from her to the ground. Rui picks it up and hands it to her. As he does, their fingers touch, and Tsukushi is reminded of when she reached out to Doumyouji, and he yelled at her not to touch him. The paper appears blank. Tsukushi takes the paper and pulls out the light that reveals the invisible ink. She shows Rui her drawing of Doumyouji. Looking at it, she suddenly starts crying. She can't control it, the tears just come out. She wipes away her tears with a handkerchief. Rui just stares at her. Then he asks her if she is doing anything next Sunday. Tsukushi says no, and so Rui says they should go somewhere, just the two of them. A date! Tsukushi agrees. As she leaves the stairway, she confirms her date with Rui. As soon as she leaves, she runs into Sakurako who is MAD. She reminds Tsukushi that she REALLY loves Doumyouji, and has since Childhood, not like Tsukushi. It seems like Sakurako is going to go after Doumyouji again! Tsukushi looks sort of stunned/confused by her own reaction to Sakurako's forcefulness.
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi uses the invisible ink pen to draw Doumyouji's picture, and the light thingy to show the picture to Rui.
Episode: 22
Title: "Tomadoi no Hatsu Deeto", "First Date at the Seaside"
Summary:
Tsukushi rembers the confrontation on the beach at night with Doumyouji. She also remembers Sakurako's reaction to Tsukushi's falling out with Doumyouji. However she tries to stop thinking about it as she gets ready for her first date with Rui. Tsukushi's parents are happy she is dating Hanazawa Rui, who is so rich.
Tsukushi waits downtown for Rui, and he meets her there. She asks what he has in mind for them to do, and he says he has no particular plans. She doesn't know anywhere to go either. The sound of girls laughing gets her attention, and she sees a crowd around a vendor on the street. He is selling (you guessed it), more guady electronic toys (no doubt made by Bandai :) Tsukushi plays with one and wants it, but has no money. So Rui buys it for her. Tsukushi is happy to get a gift from Rui.
As they walk down the street, they come to the place where all of Shizuka's posters were posted. Tsukushi remembers when Rui was here, kissing the poster. He asks her not to talk about Shizuka, and she apologizes. They continue to walk, and Tsukushi talks a bit. Rui interrupts her, saying she can call him just 'Rui' now. Tsukushi has a habit of using his full name he says. Tsukushi is happy and embarassed. She practices saying just 'Rui' over and over. Tsukushi remembers that Shizuka also just called him 'Rui'. Rui seems preoccupied thinking about something. Tsukushi is preoccupied too, and runs into a door and falls down. She looks for Rui to help her up, but he didn't notice her fall and kept on walking. Tsukushi runs to catch up with him. Walking next to him, she remembers other times walking with Doumyouji. Him trying to get her to take his arm. Her walking with him on Mainstreet with her holding him up when he was sick. Very different from her time with Rui.
Rui and Tsukushi stop at a restaurant for a burger. Tsukushi excuses herself to go to the bathroom. Once there, she sits and thinks about things. She remembers her kiss with Rui. Rui gets tired of waiting (I guess), and actually walks in on her in the bathroom and tells her to hurry up. Tsukushi is *mortified* that he would walk in on her there. (Even though she was just sitting there, not actually doing anything). She cries, and Rui finds her amusing. They keep walking and end up at Rui's house, where they go into his room and sit on the bed. Tsukushi is nervous, but Rui just wants to show her a photo album. As Tsukushi looks through it, she sees pictures of the F4 when they were little (It seems Nishikado was always a playboy :) and sees a picture of Shizuka with Rui. Suddeny Rui leans towards her, falling past Tsukushi to land on the bed asleep. Tsukushi watches him sleep a bit, and then leaves.
Meanwhile, Doumyouji is walking down a street, with Sakurako trailing behind him. He gets angry at Sakurako for following him, but she keeps following. Sakurako says she loves him and that she always has. She is the funny looking girl from his childhood who liked him. He realizes that the girl was Sakurako and is surprised. Tsukushi is walking home from Rui's house when she hears laughter. She turns a corner ans quickly hides as she sees Doumyouji with Sakurako, laughing.
Toys used in the episode:
Rui buys Tsukushi a new toy! It also anwsers questions. You press 2 buttons and the lights point you to one of the possible anwsers.
Episode: 23
Title: "Doumyouji Tsubaki rawaru!", "Doumyouji Tsubaki Returns!"
Summary:
Tsukushi sees Doumyouji and Sakurako on the sidewalk, laughing together. Upset, Tsukushi turns around and walks the other way. As she walks, a car pulls up next to her, and a guy hits on her. Tsukushi yells at him some, but is interrupted by a tall woman with black hair and flashy clothes. She yells at the guy too and messes up his car. The woman seems to like Tsukushi instantly and decides to take Tsukushi home with her (much to Tsukushi's bewilderment). When they reach they front of the Doumyouji mansion, Tsukushi realizes that the woman is Doumyouji's older sister who has been in Beverly Hills. The woman drags Tsukushi into the house, saying she has a guy she wants her to meet. Tsukushi thinks to herself that she already knows him! (Apparently the sister has ideas of matchmaking)
In the house, Tsubaki (Doumyouji's sister) finds him in a parlor with Sakurako. He is surprised to see Tsubaki back in Japan. She quickly puts him in his place by knocking him down. Then she notices Sakurako who immediately gushes about how nice it is to meet Doumyouji's sister. Tsubaki does not look that impressed with Sakurako ^_^ Then Tsubaki looks for Tsukushi to introduce her, but Tsukushi is gone.
Tsukushi is hiding behind a plant in the hallway, trying to figure out how to escape the house. Tsukushi wanders through the house, getting lost. She finally gives up and stays in one room, hiding. Eventually Sakurako goes home. Walking down a hall, Doumyouji enters a room and is shocked to see Tsukushi in there, sitting on the floor leaning against a chair. They stare at each other for a long time, him towering over her. He looks angry, and kicks aside the chair. He knocks over a vase of flowers too. He kneels down and she looks up at him, trying to explain her presence. She lets slip the fact that she was with Rui (Doh!) and he gets even madder. Doumyouji glares at her, looks at her lips, and asks something to the effect of 'are these the lips that he kissed?'. And Doumyouji grabs her arm and asks if this is the arm that Rui held. ( I am still a bit fuzzy on exactly what he is saying here, but he is not happy ^_^;)
Tsubaki walks in to see the confrontation and starts to really beat up Doumyouji good. (she is great at dominating him, heh) Tsubaki drags Tsukushi off to have dinner at a huge dining room table. Tsubaki leaves for a few minutes. Alone, Tsukushi feels tired and falls asleep. Tsubaki finds the sleeping Tsukushi and gets Doumyouji (who had just taken a shower, so is just wearing a robe and has his hair straight, yay!) to carry her to a spare room.
Tsukushi wakes up to hear the sounds of one of her toys. Tsubaki is playing with it. Tsubaki talks to Tsukushi a bit about Doumyouji, and then Tsukushi leaves. Doumyouji sits in his room on his bed in his pajamas, thinking about Tsukushi.
The next day at school, Tsukushi is at her locker, and there is a crowd around her. Asai and friends are being their usual mean selves. Then Rui appears and supports Tsukushi, surprising the crowd. Suddenly Doumyouji appears behind Rui, and says something to the effect of Rui not being a member of the F4 anymore. (not quite sure)
Toys used in the episode: Tsubaki plays with one of Tsukushi's toys briefly. The sound of the toy wakes Tsukushi up.
Episode: 24
Title: "Ai no rashi! Gakuen tsuihou?", "Love's Tempest! Banished from School?!"
Summary:
Doumyouji has announced that Rui is no longer a member of the F4! Everyone stands there gaping at Doumyouji and Rui, no one can believe it. Doumyouji makes a little speech, and bascially says something to the effect of Tsukushi and Rui not being welcome/allowed at the school anymore. (I am not too sure about this, but whatever he says, it impacts Tsukushi very much, and she seems to think her future at Eitoku will be be very short). Akira and Soujirou protest Doumyouji's words, this is their good friend Rui! But Doumyouji is firm. He ignoresthem, turns around, and begins to walk away.
Tsukushi yells at Doumyouji to stop, and he ignores her at first, but then he stops and turns around and stares at her with a very solemn expression on his face. Tsukushi is speechless, and without saying another word, Doumyouji walks away.
At home, Tsukushi is talking with her mother. Mama is upset about their family's finances. She is crying and shrieking. She wants Tsukushi to marry a rich boy so their problems will be solved. Tsukushi tries to get in a word about the fact that she may not be returning to Eitoku Gakuen, but her mama is not listening to her. Tsukushi finally gives up.
In her room, Tsukushi wonders what to do about her situation at school. At Doumyouji's mansion, the F4 meet. Akira and Soujirou are arguing with Doumyouji. And who is that guy in the suit sitting in that chair? He has a hat pulled down, shadowing his face. Is he a new recruit into the F4 now that Rui is gone!? Then the boy looks up and his face is revealed. It's Kazuya! Will he be the next member of the F4? There seems to be some argument about this. Soujirou and Akira want Rui to return, but Doumyouji says he will never forgive Rui. First Rui has Shizuka, and when things don't work out between them, he takes Tsukushi. Doumyouji is angry!
Tsubaki enters the room and sees the distressed look on everyone's faces. She asks what is going on. Akira and Soujirou begin to explain to her, but Doumyouji cuts them off, saying it is none of her business. Someone mentions that Rui and Tsukushi like each other. This turns oor Kazuya to stone as he tries to come to grips with this bad news for him.
Finally, Akira, Soujirou, and Kazuya leave Doumyouji. As they walk down the hallway, someone grabs Kazuya from behind Akira and Soujirou. It is Tsubaki, and she wants to know what is going on! Kazuya looks terrified, and blabs everything.
Tsukushi goes to school the next day, but things are not pleasant. Everyone remembers Doumyouji's announcement. They all stare at Tsukushi, and are talking about what happened. Sakurako confronts Tsukushi, saying she will be lonely without her. Tsukushi doesn't look convinced. Meanwhile, Doumyouji is in the school principal's office. He is yelling and demaning that Rui and Tsukushi be expelled from the school! Tsukushi seems to sense this, and thinks to herself, 'Sayonara, Eitoku'. Loud footsteps echo in the school hallway, revealing a determined stride. Everyone stops to stare at the tall, beautiful woman walking down the hallways. It is the legendary Doumyouji Tsubaki! Everyone knows who Tsubaki is! They stand in awe, and clear the way for her.
In the principal's office, the principal expresses some reluctance to expell Rui.Tsukushi seems to be no problem, but Rui is the son of a very wealthy man.
Tsubaki storms the school, grabs Tsukushi, and enters the principal's office to find her brother there arguing with the principal. Tsubaki pounds Doumyouji a bit. Eventually, everyone ends up in the principal's office, including a very sheepish-looking Kazuya who is under the angry glare from Doumyouji about blabbing to Tsubaki about his plans.
Doumyouji keeps arguing about getting the couple expelled from school, when Tsukushi speaks up and says something about leaving on her own, she didnt belong there anyway. This makes everyone become very quiet. Tsubaki, being the forceful type that she is, says that this doesn't have to be settled this way. She decides that the fate of Rui and Tsukushi at Eitoku will rest on the outcome of...a basketball game!
Yes, they are going to play a game of 3 on 3. It will be Doumyouji, Soujirou and Akira vs Rui, Tsukushi, and Kazuya. Everyone looks a bit startled by this suggestion, but eventually agrees to it.
But can Tsukushi and Kazuya play basketball? And Rui, who has some skill at it, will he try his best to keep himself and Tsukushi in school, or will he go all apathetic again and lose the game? Tsukushi is very worried, and tries to get them all to practice hard because she doesnt want to lose!
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi uses the fortune teller that Rui bought her to see how the basketball game will come out. It seems to indicate that things will go well.
Episode: 25
Title: "Futari Sorezore no Ai", "Two Different Kinds of Love"
Summary:
Tsukushi walks home from school. It is late at night, and she looks really tired and worn out. She is lost in thought and is startled when something blocks her path. It is Doumyouji! Tsukushi is so shocked at seeing him, she starts babbling about how she and Kazuya have been practicing for the basketball game, but he isn't really listening to her. He says that he will call the whole game and everything off if she will just admit she loves him. Doumyouji looks very intense.
Tsukushi is stunned by this, and cannot immediately respond. Doumyouji gets frustrated and keeps repeating himself, needing her to say that she cares about him. But Tsukushi is too spooked. Finally Doumyouji grasps her in a tight hug. Caught in his grasp, Tsukushi starts having this inner dialogue questioning why she is in his arms and how confused she is. Unfortunately Doumyouji's efforts are in vain. Tsukushi cannot admit she loves him, though it is clear she cares about him and is confused. Doumyouji tries to kiss her, but she resists and starts to cry. He gets upset and more frustrated and can't understand why Tsukushi likes Rui so much. Tsukushi doesn't say anything to defend herself or clear anything up. Finally Doumyouji gives up, calls himself stupid, and leaves Tsukushi alone and shaken.
The next day is the big game, and Tsukushi consults the yellow toy Rui gave her to see what today's lucky item is. Apparently it is something yellow, which Tsukushi takes as a sign that the lucky item is the toy itself, and because Rui gave it to her, she should trust in him. Finally, game time approaches, and a huge crowd of students has gathered to watch and cheer on the F4. She meets up with Rui, who is calm, and unconcerned, and Kazuya who looks beat-up from extra practice and is eager to help Tsukushi.
Tsubaki is the referee of the game and tells them that the game time will be 10 minutes, and whichever team scores the most points in that time wins. Doumyouji looks very determined, and Rui looks pretty intense now as they start the game. Seeing all the other students cheering for the F3 (Doumyouji, Soujirou, and Akira) gives Tsukushi new determination to win. the game starts and things don't go well. Rui is a great player, but Tsukushi and Kazuya are quickly overwhelmed by Akira and Soujirou. The other team keeps scoring, and Tsukushi's team can't compete. With 7 minutes gone by, only 3 minutes left, Doumyouji brags about to Rui about how his team is gonna win. Rui says he will protect Tsukushi no matter what. This angers Doumyouji enough that Rui is able to get by him and score. Doumyouji is enraged when he sees how happy Tsukushi is that Rui scored. Rui, sneaky guy that he is, says they will win no matter what, and grabs Tsukushi right in front of everyone, and kisses her forehead. This causes the crowd to go wild, and stuns Doumyouji. Tsukushi is flabberghasted too, but Rui has a plan, and he tells her to smile, and calls her 'Tsukushi' (instead of 'Makino' like he usually does). All of this seems designed to anger Doumyouji, and it does.
Doumyouji is so angry at Rui, he keeps fouling against him, and Rui gets several freethrows, enough to make the score more even. He plans a move that will give Tsukushi the ball to throw for a 3-point basket, but unfortunately (and after a really long, tense, SLOW, sequence of ball flying through the air, everyone's reactions to it, and inner monologue by Tsukushi) it doesn't go in. 10 seconds remin in the game now, and they only need one more point to tie it up. Doumyouji has the ball, but what does he do? He drops it, and much to the amazement of everyone, he quits the game. Gives up. Turning away, he leaves the court to go wander off alone. )In the background, Kazuya makes another basket and ties the game ^^) Everyone can't believe that Doumyouji is just gonna quite like that, but he does, and before he leaves, he tells Tsukushi to do what she pleases. She will not be kicked out of school after all.
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi uses Rui's toy to determine the lucky item of the day.
Episode: 26
Title: "Numurenai Futari no Yoru!", "Our Sleepless Night!"
Summary:
The basketball game is now over, and everyone is at Doumyouji's house eating dinner. That is, everyone except for Doumyouji is there. Doumyouji had walked away from the basketball game and hasn't been heard from again that day. At Doumyouji's house are Tsubaki, Tsukushi, Kazuya, Rui, Akira, and Soujirou. Tsukushi has changed back into her school uniform blouse. They are all eating a nice dinner, served with wine. Tsubaki is drinking a lot and seems to be getting slightly drunk. Tsukushi drinks a little as well. Tsukushi thinks about the game and how Doumyouji walked away at the end. Tsukushi coughs a little, and Rui, sitting next to her, places a hand on her back and asks if she is OK. Tsukushi nods. Tsubaki sits back and watches the interaction between Rui and Tsukushi, thinking about the couple.
Meanwhile, Doumyouji is out by himself wandering the streets. He doesn't seem to be aware of his surroundings, he is just walking in a trance. Three large, tough looking guys approach him. (I really have never seen any anime characters with nose rings and such before I saw this series :) and look like they are going to attack him. The guys follow Doumyouji for a bit. Doumyouji doesn't seem to notice them. The guys stop Doumyouji, who just stands there with a blank look on his face. The guys make fun of Doumyouji's hair, and take his wallet. They are shocked when they see the 4 gold cards and all the money he has in it. The attackers could probably have left right then and gotten away with it if they hadn't continued talking. Doumyouji continued to stand there, completely oblivious to his surroundings. Then the attackers kept talking, and each one of them said a word that ended with the sound of ‘Rui'. (Such as ‘Warui', etc). Every time one of the attackers said something like that, Doumyouji's ears would twitch, and he would pick out the ‘Rui' part of it. This snaps Doumyouji back to the present, and he turns in anger on his attackers.
Back at Doumyouji's house, Tsubaki and everyone are in a parlor. Akira and Nishikado are playing with the toy that Rui had bought Tsukushi on their date. They ask the toy if Rui and Tsukushi had done anything H on their date. Tsukushi gets very embarrassed. Rui looks unconcerned. After the toy indicates that they did, Tsukushi yells that all they have done is kiss. This startles everyone. Kazuya whines and looks very upset about ‘his' Tsukushi-chan. Tsubaki looks at Rui and Tsukushi and ponders something. She then announces something to the effect that they should go farther than that or something. She grabs Rui and Tsukushi. With Akira and Nishikado's cooperation, Tsubaki throws Rui and Tsukushi into a bedroom together. Before the door closes, Nishikado and Akira toss out some advice and tell Rui to do his best. Kazuya, very upset about his, has been tied up :)
Alone in the room together, and obviously expected by everyone else to be doing something, Tsukushi panics and begins to prattle on in smalltalk about a school trip. Rui then interrupts her and says it is okay with him (to sleep with her). Tsukushi's face turns blank, and then red, and she inches away from him. Rui seems to get the idea that Tsukushi is not as keen on the concept as he is. Rui gets up onto the bed and lies down. They talk for a bit, and then Rui falls asleep. It seems that he cannot forget Shizuka anyway. (Rui seems to have this habit of falling asleep around Tsukushi =) Tsukushi looks at Rui's sleeping face and think that it is cute and peaceful like a baby's face. Tsukushi stands at the door poised to leave the room. She stares at Rui and has a bunch of flashbacks, remembering when she first met Rui, when he rescued her, when she kissed him on the beach...
Doumyouji, out on the streets has proceeded to beat the crud out of the three guys who had tried to mug him. He has swung them through the air and thrown them, and at one point is about to crush another one with something heavy when he remembers something Tsukushi had said to him. Doumyouji calms down and leaves the guys, who all look much worse for wear. Doumyouji begins to wander the streets again, and thinks about Tsukushi. He hears a little girl's voice as she yells at her little brother. Looking at the girl, he is reminded of Tsukushi. Doumyouji continues walking, and sees a store window that has some of the orange decision-maker toys in it. He is reminded of his time with Tsukushi in the elevator when she had used it to ask about his interest in the other girls. He had made her drop the toy. Continuing on his walk, he has a bunch of flashback scenes of his various encounters with Tsukushi. He remembers their kiss from episode 17 =)
Doumyouji finally reaches his house, where he walks in Akira, Tsubaki, Nishikado, and the tied-up Kazuya as they talk about Tsukushi' and Rui. Doumyouji overhears them talking about Tsukushi and Rui alone in that room together. Akira looks frightened when he sees that Doumyouji has returned and overheard what he said. But Doumyouji does not react angrily like they all expected. Instead Doumyouji calmly sits down and listens as they tell him of Shoving Tsukushi and Rui into a bedroom alone. Kazuya struggles to get free, but to no avail =) Everyone is shocked that Doumyouji isn't getting angry. Doumyouji just sits there and listens.
The next morning, Tsukushi finally leaves the room after remembering a lot of things. She seems to have come to some conclusion about her relationship with Rui. She walks out of Doumyouji's house. (On her way to school I guess?)
Doumyouji is still out on the balcony he had been sitting at the night before, and he watches Tsukushi leave the house below him. He has a serious look on his face. The rising sun has set everything glowing golden. A sleepy Akira and Soujirou walk out onto the balcony and greet Doumyouji. Doumyouji turns them and makes a surprising announcement: He is going to New York!
Toys used in the episode:
Akira and Soujirou use the toy Rui had bought Tsukushi to determine if they had done anything hentai yet. Doumyouji walks by that store and sees the orange toys. This reminds him of when the orange toy was used in episode 12.
Episode: 27
Title: "Doumyouji, New York e!", "Doumyouji Goes to New York!"
Summary:
At the end of the last episode, Doumyouji had announced that he was going to New York. this news has shocked both his sister and the rest of the F4.
Meanwhile, Tsukushi and her family have just arrived at their new apartment. Apparently Tsukushi's father lost his job due to downsizing. That means they are more poor than ever, and had to move out of their previous shabby apartment into a smaller, even MORE shabby place. Things are not good for the Makino family, and more pressure is put on Tsukushi to marry a rich guy and solve all of their financial problems.
At School, The F4 are talking with Doumyouji about his plans to go to New York. Doumyouji tells Rui it's not his fault that he is leaving for New York. He plans to leave in 3 days and stay there for 2 years! Tsukushi arrives at school and overhears them talking. This is the first she has heard of Doumyouji's plan, and it deeply upsets/shocks her. She also gets angry! She confronts Doumyouji, but he says it's none of her affiar too, and he is going to go. Tsukushi is mad, and thinks he is running away, but he insists it has nothing to do with her.
At home, Tsukushi's family is eating even worse food than they were before, and her parents put more pressure on her. (Yeesh, poor Tsukushi! Why not give Susumu some of the pressure too? Can't he find a rich girlfriend?)
At the Doumyouji mansion, Tsubaki questions Doumyouji about his decision to go to America. She is worried about him. However Doumyouji is firm in his decision to leave. He looks at a picture of himself with the F4 when they were kids, and tells Tsubaki a story of how when he and Rui were little, Rui had a very large teddy bear that was made in England. Doumyoji wanted Rui's teddy bear, even though if he had asked his own father, he could have gotten his own bear too. But because the bear belonged to Rui, Doumyouji wanted it. The young boys got in a tug of war over the teddy bear, pulling on it until it tore in half. Doumyouji realized that what he had done was wrong, but instead of apologizing, he blamed Rui for having the teddy bear and not letting it go. He expected Rui to be mad at him about it, but instead, the next day, Rui greeted him like usual, and they continued to be friends. Doumyouji feels that the situation with Tsukushi is somewhat similar. Tsukushi belongs to Rui now, and he shouldn't try to take her away from him. He owes Rui from that time when they were children, though Rui has probably forgotten all about it. (that is very nice of Doumyouji, you didn't see Rui worrying much when he tried stealing Tsukushi away form Doumyouji...) Doumyouji says that he decided before the basketball game, that no matter how it turned out, he would go to New York anyway.
At home, Tsukushi thinks of her family situation and resolves to get a new job, so that she can help to support her family again. Later on at school, Tsukushi is standing on the stairway balcony, looking out at the school grounds. She is thinking about Doumyouji leaving, and realizes that she never imagined that he would go so far away. Even while dating Rui, she sort of imagined she would still see Doumyouji from time to time. Just then, Rui appears on the balcony too. he looks very thoughtful, and asks Tsukushi if it's really okay that Doumyouji is going to New York. Tsukushi is defensive, says it's fine, but Rui presses the matter, reminding her that when Shizuka was leaving, Tsukushi was constantly nagging him to go after her. Tsukushi protests, saying that she doesn't even like Doumyouji, but Rui knows better. He says he will take care of things for her instead, and leaves with a very crafty smile on his face :)
Next thing you know, Rui is seen holding Tsukushi's green Voicel recording toy. He has recorded a message into it, and looks very happy with himself. Soujirou and Akira show up, and tell Rui that they think the reason Doumyouji is leaving is because of Rui and Tsukushi. They say that Doumyouji knows about them spending the night together, and then proceed to act out an adorable scene where Akira pretends to be Tsukushi and Soujirou is Rui. They pretend that they are in bed together being intimate ^_^ Rui looks somewhat dumbfounded by their performance, and reveals that nothing happened the night he and Tsukushi were left alone. He thinks something might have happened but... well, he's still in love with Shizuka. Soujirou and Akira are happy that Rui has come to terms with that. Rui says he has given up Tsukushi to Doumyouji, but hasn't told Doumyouji that fact yet. Why the delay in telling Doumyouji that he was relinquishing all claim on Tsukushi? Well, consider it a little payback for an incident with a stuffed bear when they were little. (very evil Rui, hehehe)
Tsukushi is looking for work, but can't seem to find anything suitable. She sees a plane take off and is reminded that Doumyouji leaves soon. She tells herself that his leaving is none of her business.
The next day, the F4 and Tsubaki are seeing Doumyouji off at the airport. Once again they question him about his decision, but he stands by it. Then Kazuya shows up with a camera. There is a comment wondering Doumyouji has said goodbye to Tsukushi, but he says if she wants to talk to him, she will come. Kazuya reveals that Tsukushi may be too busy though, and tells them about her family's problem.
Here is another silly pun. Kazuya says Tsukushi's father was fired due to restructuring ("risutora") while clueless Doumyouji says he didn't know Tsukushi's father worked in a Zoo. Everyone looks stunned as they realized that Doumyouji heard restructuring "risutora" as "risu to tora" or "squirrels and tigers", which would imply a zoo or something. What an idiot! Anyway.....
Doumyouji waves goodbye and leaves to get on the plane. But before he boards. Rui calls out his name and throws him the green recorder toy, saying it's a parting gift from Makino. Doumyouji smiles and puts it in his pocket. Elsewhere, Tsukushi relizes that Doumyouji must be gone by now.
Later on the airplane, Doumyouji listens to the recording on the voice recorder and becomes furious when he hears it is a message from Rui saying that nothing happened between himself and Tsukushi the other night at Doumyoji's house. Why.... this changes everything! Doumyouji is very excited/angry, and demands that they turn the plane around! the flight attendants try to calm him, but they are outmatched by the fury of the great Doumyouji Tsukasa! :)
Later, upon arriving home. Tsukushi is stunned to find her house all torn apart, and her family there all crying like mad. It is total chaos! Tsukushi, thinking that perhaps someone broke in, is told that her father had borrowed a LOT of money, but then lost it gambling! OH NO! Tsukushi's family is in turmoil. Her mother angrily wants a divorce, but her brother pleads with her not to. Everyone is screaming and crying. Could things get any worse for Tsukushi?
Then the phone rings. It's doumyouji! He demands that Tsukushi join him in Vancouver! Vancouver- but wasn't he going to New York? Doumyouji glosses over that part and insists that she come see him there. Tsukushi is angry. Her family is in chaos right now, she doesn't have time to hop to obey Doumyouji. Her family is in debt now! Then Doumyouji offers her the exact sum her father lost, if she goes to see him in Canada...This makes Tsukushi pause and reconsider.
In Canada, Doumyouji is in a phone booth at the airport. It is snowing heavily outside. He is on the phone with Tsukushi, but looking out the window. He writes "baka" ("idiot") in the condensation on the glass of the booth, while Tsukushi considers his proposal...
Toys used in the episode:
Rui records a message on the green toy and tosses it to Doumyouji, who listens to it on the airplane! Kazuya also has a camera that takes pictures with cute little frames around them. Kind of odd for Kazuya to have this camera, so I figured that it was something they marketed.
Episode: 28
Title: "Tsukushi, Kanada e iku!", "Tsukushi Goes to Canada!"
Summary:
Tsukushi, Yuki, Nishikado, and Akira are all on a huge plane headed for Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Yuki is excited about the trip, but Tsukushi is aprehensive. Tsukushi's feelings aren't helped when Sakurako appears, announcing the reason for Tsukushi's trip out loud. Tsukushi is surprised to learn that Sakurako is coming along also. Now not only does Tsukushi have to contend with Asai, Yamano, and Ayuhara, who invited themselves along, but Sakurako as well. They arrive in Canada, and eventually get to Doumyouji's huge lodge. The scenery is beautiful, with many mountains and lots of snow. Doumyouji watches everyone enter the room, and looks startled that Asai, Yamano, Ayuhara, and Sakurako have come as well. He looks worried that Tsukushi didn't come until he finally sees her enter the room, and a relieved expression crosses his face. Of course Tsukushi and Doumyouji start arguing right away
The whole gang settles in and then heads to the slopes where everyone tries skiing and snowboarding. Tsukushi is not having much luck with her snowboard when Doumyouji soars by her and comes to a halt, commenting on her lack of skill. He then pulls out a new toy, a small green thing with a LED screen on it that displays japanese characters one letter at a time to form words. He turns it on and holds it up to Tsukushi. The word it flashes means 'clumsy fool'. This makes Tsukushi mad, so she snowboards past him and takes the toy from him. They laugh and he shows her how to use it. Asai and her friends witness this scene and are not happy.
That night, Yuki and Tsukushi take a bath in the logde's *huge* bathroom, in a tub the size of a swimming pool. The bath toys from the eyecatch show up here again, along with some matching facial care products. The girls talk and relax. Yuki finishes up first, and says she'll meet Tsukushi in their room later. Tsukushi finishes, but when she goes to meet Yuki, Yuki isn't there. Tsukushi looks around but can find no sign of Yuki. Tsukushi goes downstairs and asks Rui is he has seen Yuki, but Rui doesn't recall who Yuki even is. (Tsukushi is really irritated about this :) Rui watches as Tsukushi asks Asai and her friends if they know where Yuki is, and Asai says that Yuki went outside. It is dark and snowy outside. This seems dangerous to Tsukushi, and before Rui can stop her, Tsukushi darts outside into the snow to find her friend.
Rui goes upstaris and finds Nishikado playing cards with Sakurako and a girl he learns is Yuki, meaning that Asai has lied, and that Tsukushi is out alone in the cold blizzard night. Out in the snow, Tsukushi finds herself lost. She makes a wong turn and slips, twisting her ankle. She cannot find Yuki no matter how much she calls out. Tsukushi slips again and falls to the bottom of a slope. She is unable to move, and the snow is piling up on top of her. She pulls out the toy Doumyouji gave her and watches as the red lights spell out 'clumsy fool'.
Toys used in the episode:
The bath toys from the eyecatch appear again, along with facial care products. Doumyouji gives Tsukushi the toy that spell sout words one character at a time, and Tsukushi later looks at it while in the snowstorm.
Episode: 29
Title: "Aitsu no Nekumori", "His Warmth"
Summary:
Tsukushi has gone out into the snowstorm after her friend Yuki, and has twisted her ankle. She is lying at the bottom of a hill, with snow piling up on top of her. At the lodge, the F4, Yuki, and Sakurako confront the cowering Asai and her friends and accuse them of lying. And angry Doumyouji decides to go out after Tsukushi on a snowmobile. Out in the snow, Doumyouji has a hard time finding his way, what with the harsh blizzard around him.
Tsukushi is slowly losing consciousness, slipping into dreams about her future. She imagined that she would graduate from school and go to work at a company where she would make friends to go out with. She would have enough money to buy presents for her parents.
On the snowmobile, Doumyouji can't find Tsukushi. He then hits a rock covered with snow and goes flying, crashing the snowmobile into a tree. He gets up and continues his search on foot. (The wet snow has caused his hair to straighten! Yay!) Doumyouji slips, but sees a red light shining through the snow. It is the toy he had given Tsukushi, so he knows she is close. He slips down a small hill, and falls to the ground. His hand hits something hard under the snow, and he sees that it is Tsukushi's leg. He uncovers her, and sees she is limp and unconscious. She is not breathing. Doumyouji begins CPR.
Lost in her own dreams, Tsukushi dreams that with her sucessful career, she meets and marries a man that she loves. She imagines herself at the altar, and when she goes to kiss the faceless groom, he suddenly turns out to be Doumyouji. Startled, she opens her eyes to find that Doumyouji has been giving her CPR. He picks her up in his arms and looks for shelter, preventing her from falling asleep again in his arms by headbutting her. He finds a small shack where he starts a fire and tells her to take off her clothes. He takes off his shirt, and yells at her at her initial reluctance to remove her shirt. He wraps a blanket around her, and lies down with her under the it, holding her body close to his to share his warmth. They fall asleep in each other's arms.
The next morning, after an embarassing incident with some startled Canadian skiers, Doumyouji carries Tsukushi back to the lodge where everyone is glad to see them. Doumyouji starts to yell at Asai and her friends, and looks ready to physically harm them when Tsukushi tells him to stop, and he does. In the kitchen, Sakurako has a good time forcing Asai, Ayuhara, and Yamano to cook some food for Tsukushi and Doumyouji.
At the table, Tsukushi and Doumyouji are both eating like starved people, wolfing down their food. Akira and Nishikado voice the question about where Tsukushi and Doumiyouji spent the night. The small toy Rui bought Tsukushion their date is brought out, and someone asks it if Tsukushi and Doumyouji did anything ecchi (perverted) last night. Fingers are forced onto the toy, and the couple are embarassed when the toy replies 'yes'.
On the lodge staircase, Tsukushi and Doumyouji share a moment of embarassed rememberance of the night before, and each one cannot sleep that night as they think about the day's events. They go outside. Tsukushi watches the fireworks that the other girls are playing with. Doumyouji decides he wants to talk to Tsukushi, so after a few very funny tries to get her attention, the two go off into the woods to talk.
In the woods, they talk about what happened, and they almost end up arguing again. Doumyouji tells Tsukushi again about his feelings, but a passing snowplow prevents his words from being heard.
Toys used in the episode:
The new toy that Doumyouji gave Tsukushi in episode 28 is what leads him to find her in ep 29. The question-anwserer toy Rui gave Tsukushi is used by Nishikado and Akira as they try to find out what the couple did the night before. Doumyouji uses the toy that spells out words to try to show Tsukushi his feelings for her.
Episode: 29
Title: "Aitsu no Nekumori", "His Warmth"
Summary:
Tsukushi has gone out into the snowstorm after her friend Yuki, and has twisted her ankle. She is lying at the bottom of a hill, with snow piling up on top of her. At the lodge, the F4, Yuki, and Sakurako confront the cowering Asai and her friends and accuse them of lying. And angry Doumyouji decides to go out after Tsukushi on a snowmobile. Out in the snow, Doumyouji has a hard time finding his way, what with the harsh blizzard around him.
Tsukushi is slowly losing consciousness, slipping into dreams about her future. She imagined that she would graduate from school and go to work at a company where she would make friends to go out with. She would have enough money to buy presents for her parents.
On the snowmobile, Doumyouji can't find Tsukushi. He then hits a rock covered with snow and goes flying, crashing the snowmobile into a tree. He gets up and continues his search on foot. (The wet snow has caused his hair to straighten! Yay!) Doumyouji slips, but sees a red light shining through the snow. It is the toy he had given Tsukushi, so he knows she is close. He slips down a small hill, and falls to the ground. His hand hits something hard under the snow, and he sees that it is Tsukushi's leg. He uncovers her, and sees she is limp and unconscious. She is not breathing. Doumyouji begins CPR.
Lost in her own dreams, Tsukushi dreams that with her sucessful career, she meets and marries a man that she loves. She imagines herself at the altar, and when she goes to kiss the faceless groom, he suddenly turns out to be Doumyouji. Startled, she opens her eyes to find that Doumyouji has been giving her CPR. He picks her up in his arms and looks for shelter, preventing her from falling asleep again in his arms by headbutting her. He finds a small shack where he starts a fire and tells her to take off her clothes. He takes off his shirt, and yells at her at her initial reluctance to remove her shirt. He wraps a blanket around her, and lies down with her under the it, holding her body close to his to share his warmth. They fall asleep in each other's arms.
The next morning, after an embarassing incident with some startled Canadian skiers, Doumyouji carries Tsukushi back to the lodge where everyone is glad to see them. Doumyouji starts to yell at Asai and her friends, and looks ready to physically harm them when Tsukushi tells him to stop, and he does. In the kitchen, Sakurako has a good time forcing Asai, Ayuhara, and Yamano to cook some food for Tsukushi and Doumyouji.
At the table, Tsukushi and Doumyouji are both eating like starved people, wolfing down their food. Akira and Nishikado voice the question about where Tsukushi and Doumiyouji spent the night. The small toy Rui bought Tsukushion their date is brought out, and someone asks it if Tsukushi and Doumyouji did anything ecchi (perverted) last night. Fingers are forced onto the toy, and the couple are embarassed when the toy replies 'yes'.
On the lodge staircase, Tsukushi and Doumyouji share a moment of embarassed rememberance of the night before, and each one cannot sleep that night as they think about the day's events. They go outside. Tsukushi watches the fireworks that the other girls are playing with. Doumyouji decides he wants to talk to Tsukushi, so after a few very funny tries to get her attention, the two go off into the woods to talk.
In the woods, they talk about what happened, and they almost end up arguing again. Doumyouji tells Tsukushi again about his feelings, but a passing snowplow prevents his words from being heard.
Toys used in the episode:
The new toy that Doumyouji gave Tsukushi in episode 28 is what leads him to find her in ep 29. The question-anwserer toy Rui gave Tsukushi is used by Nishikado and Akira as they try to find out what the couple did the night before. Doumyouji uses the toy that spells out words to try to show Tsukushi his feelings for her.
Episode: 30
Title: "Tomodachi Iranai?", "Need a Friend?"
Summary:
Tsukushi and the gang have returned to Japan from Canada. The first day back at school is an uncomfortable one for Tsukushi and Doumyouji as Nishikado and Akira keep trying to force Doumyouji and Tsukushi together. When they do meet, they both blush profusely. All they can say to each other is good morning before they look away =) They of course soon begin to argue =)
At a stairwell in the school, Tsukushi meets up with Asai, Ayuhara, and Yamano. The three girls seem not have learned anything from their trip to Vancouver because they immediately start sneering at Tsukushi and being nasty. As Tsukushi climbs the staircase to go around them, they trip her, and she falls down the stairs. Tsukushi gets up and is about to climb then again when a guy comes down the stairs and suddenly drops all his books-- right on top of Asai and her friends! The girls screech and wih a sneering look at the clumsy boy, they leave. The guy apoligizes, and he and Tsukushi pick up all the books. The boy has brown/reddish hair, and wears these huge glasses that cover his face. He knows Tsukushi's name, and calls her the Joan d'Arc of Eitoku Gakuen, and says she is his goddess of war! Tsukushi is rather surprised :) He then leaves before she can learn who he is or how he knows her name.
Tsukushi actually sits and eats lunch with Makiko-chan! (It has been a long time since Tsukushi spent any time at all with Makiko-chan other than exchanging the voice memo) Tsukushi notes the poor quality of her lunch, and Makiko shares some of hers. Their frienship is made stronger here.
Tsukushi is walking on campus when a paper airplane soars through the air and hits her. She is standing under a bridge. Suddenly the boy she met earlier is there, hanging his head down from the bridge. He then jumps to the ground in front of Tsukushi, and hurts his ankle a little. He introduces himself as Junpei. Before they can talk, Tsukushi sees the F4 coming, and grabs Junpei and runs. The F4 sit down under a tree ans tart to talk. Doumyouji looks spacy, and the others wonder what he is thinking of. They think it is probably Tsukushi and what happened in Canada. Doumyouji gets embarassed and denies this, throwing out a bunch of insults about Tsukushi. Crouched in a bush listening in on the F4's conversation, Tsukushi gets madder and madder withe every insult Doumyouji says. In the bushes with her, Junpei watches Tsukushi get mad, and then yells out to the F4 "You're idiots! You morons!'
The F4 wonder who said that, but Tsukushi has already dragged Junpei away. Tsukushi and Junpei sit and talk to each other for a bit. He makes the comment that Tsukushi only has to put up with Eitoku Gakuen for 2 more years. This makes Tsukushi pause because he uses the exact same wording that Tsukushi had used back in episode 1 when she was cleaning up the school grounds and thinking about only having 2 more years. (insert flashback sequence from ep 1 =)
Junpei makes another peper airplane and places 2 ants on it, indicating one is Tsukushi, the other is himself, then he throws it, and they watch it soar off into the sky, getting away from it all.
Later on, Tsukushi goes to her new job. Yuki is there talking to her. Tsukushi talks about the money Doumyouji loaned to her, and she still wants to pay it back. Her father still has not found a new job (?), etc. Yuki talks aboutthe F4, and thinks that they are pretty cool. Tsukushi disagrees :) After work, Tsukushi is walking down teh street when she bumps into someone and falls, spilling her stuff. Someone picks up the green toy Doumyouji gave her in Canada. It is Junpei! He smiles, and spells something out on the toy. 'To-mo-da-chi'. Friend. He asks if Tsukushi wants a friend. She asks who? and he points to himself. He talks about how they could be friends, and on their airplane in the sky she could be the navigator. He also says that if they agree to be friends, he can tell her his secret. This intrigues Tsukushi.
Tsukushi s now in some room waiting for Junpei, who has been gone for a while. Just as she gets up to go look for him, people come out to find her and tell her to follow them. Then this guy pushes Tsukushi into a room, where we hear thesounds of Tsukushi yelling 'stop! let me go!'. A few minutes later, Tsukushi emerges from the room with a makeover! (eek, another forced makeover!) She looks very cute in an ultra-trendy outfit and her hair done with all these wisps sticking out. The people usher her into another room where she is blinded by cameras flashing. She sees taht this is some sort of photography studio. Someone is having ptictures taken. Tsukushi gasps as she an incredibly gorgeous guy. It is Junpei! He has removed his glasses. He is *so* cute!
Junpei sees Tsukushi and calls her cute too! He grabs her and hugs her. Then while he changes into a new set of clothes and has his hair restyled, they talk. Tsukushi is confused by his new look. Junpei is a famous male model who has to wear those glasses to disguise himself. Junpei stands up for more pictures, and the photographers want Tsukushi in the shots too. Tsukushi doesn't want to, but they drag her. She and Junpei stand close, all teh while Tsukushi looking like a deer caught in headlights :)
For one last shot, Junpei grabs Tsukushi, lifts her up, and holds her against him. The cameras flash.
Toys used in the episode:
Junpei spells out the word 'Friend' on Tsukushi's green toy from Doumyouji.
Episode: 31
Title: "Shyoukeki! Nidome no Akafuda", "Shock! The Second Red Tag"
Summary:
Asai and her friends are at a bookstore looking at some magazines when they see one with one of their favorite guys on it. They gush about how cute Junpei is, and then realize they recognize the girl on the cover with him. It's Tsukushi! The magazine is called 'Treasures' and the cover has the picture of Junpei lifting Tsukushi up and holding her close as they both stare into the camera. The news of Tsukushi and Junpei spreads across the school very quickly, and most of the girls in Tsukushi's class are upset. Not only is Tsukushi getting the attention of the sought-after F4, but also of the cute Junpei! When Tsukushi comes to class that day, everyone is staring at her, and all the girls look mad. Tsukushi is confused until Makiko-chan passes Tsukushi a copy of the magazine. When Tsukushi sees the cover, she freaks out.
The next thing you know. Tsukushi is dragging Junpei across the school grounds so that they can talk. He thought she was very cute in the picture. Tsukushi says something about not wanting to be friends with him if he couldn't understand her feelings about this. Junpei looks very contrite, and apologizes to Tsukushi over and over. Junpei hugs her and keeps saying he's sorry. In his hug, Tsukushi struggles to get him to let her go, saying alright, alright, she forgives him. Just then Doumyouji appears, holding a copy of the magazine in his hand and looking not too happy. He asks Tsukushi who this guy is, and Junpei introduces himstelf to Doumyouji as Tsukushi's boyfriend. Tsukushi gasps, and Junpei says well, he is a boy, and he is her friend, so he is her boy-friend. Doumyouji and Junpei talk a bit, and Doumyouji soon gets angry at Junpei's attitude and slams the model into a tree. Doumyouji is yelling a lot. Tsukushi asks Doumyouji to stop, but he doesn't. Junpei looks over at Tsukushi and asks her if she loves Doumyouji. This stops Doumyouji for a moment, and both guys look at Tsukushi.
Tsukushi just stares at them, thinking about her feelings. Love? hate? what does she feel? Doumyouji goes back to yelling at Junpei and starts hitting him hard. Junpei is fairly trashed by Doumyouji's punches when Tsukushi screams at them to stop. Tsukushi is crying. She talks about he life at the school, and wanting a little happiness, and the things she has gone through. She says she doesn't love anyone.
Doumyouji lets Junpei go, and Junpei goes over to the crying Tsukushi and helps her walk away, telling her not to cry. As they walk away, Doumyouji turns around and yells something about loving Tsukushi. Tsukushi doesn't look like she believes what he said. Everyone is shocked when they see the famous model Junpei walking with his arm around Tsukushi up the main steps of the school. Everyone recognizes him and didn't realize he went to Eitoku. Junpei is thinking that he will protect Tsukushi.
Walking around the school, Tsukushi remembers the events in episode 16. She had thought she was still in love with Rui, but then she thinks about the things Doumyouji has done for her. She holds the voice memo in her hand and looks very confused. Tsukushi is walking on the school grounds, thinking about working in order to pay Doumyouji back for the money he loaned to her. Tsukushi runs into Junpei, and they talk. He wants her to understand his feelings. Just then a flowerpot falls from the roof above them. Junpei sees it, and pushes Tsukushi out of the way. They both land hard on the ground. Tsukushi wonders who could have done it. Junpei isn't sure either, and asks if Doumyouji would have done it. Tsukushi thinks he wouldn't do that sort of thing. Walking on campus, Tsukushi runs into Akira and Nishikado, who ask her if she has seen Doumyouji. They haven't been able to find him all day. They look very worried. They also mention Tsukushi's magazine picture with Junpei.
The next day, Tsukushi opens her locker and is totally shocked to see another red card/paper hanging in it, just like what happened to her before. Is this Doumyouji's way of saying goodbye to her? Tsukushi is in the library, thinking things over, she feels very sad. She hears some people coming and hides behind a bookshelf. It is 3 guys, and they are talking about Tsukushi. Everyone seems to know about the red card in her locker. Just then Tsukushi slips on something, giving away her presence. The guys see her and chase her as she jumps out the window (on the 2nd floor too!) and runs. The guys soon catch her and start to thrash her when suddenly Junpei appears yelling at them to let Tsukushi go. Junpei has also received a red card in his locker too! Junpei then beats up one of the guys, causing the other 2 to run away in fear.
Junpei holds Tsukushi in his arms until she regains consciousness. He helps her up, and they sit down on a nearby bench. Tsukushi isn't feeling that great. Junpei offers to go get some juice and leaves. Tsukushi sits there until she sees the shadows and then the bulky forms of 4 strange guys approaching her. Tsukushi looks afraid.
When Junpei comes back with the juice, there is no trace of Tsukushi whatsoever.
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi holds onto the voice memo and looks up at the moon while thinking about her situation.
Episode: 32
Title: "Doumyouji... konai?", "Doumyouji... won't come?"
Summary:
Tsukushi has been kidnapped! While sitting and waiting for Junpei to get her some juice, Tsukushi was approached by 4 large, mean looking guys. The next thing we see is Junpei arrive back to find Tsukushi gone! Now Tsukushi is sitting tied up and gagged inside some sort of gym or warehouse. (There is sporting equipment around) Her kidnappers stand around her, sneering at her. They tell her they don't plan to kill her. Sneering some more, one of the guys approaches Tsukushi and cuts a huge portion of the hair from one side of her head off! Just then the 'boss' of the thugs enters the room. Tsukushi looks up in startlement as she realizes who was responsible for her kidnapping.
Meanwhile, Akira, Rui, and Nishikado have arrived at Doumyouji's house. They have been looking for him all day. They finally find him out on a balcony, happily cooking some fish. Angrily they yell at him. He has no idea why they are so upset. The guys ask Doumyouji what he was planning for Tsukushi.
Tsukushi looks up at the face of the man responsible for her kidnapping. It is Junpei! He walks over to her and apologizes for taking her like this. He explains that it was he who was responsible for the red tag in her locker, for the flowerpot that nearly hit her, and for the kidnapping. He turns and talks to the thugs, and gets into an argument with them. He punches one of them and yells at him. Tsukushi watches this in disbelief. She remembers the Junpei she thought she knew, the one who helped her deal with Asai, the one who asked to be friends and shared her sentiments about getting away from Eitoku Gakuen. She can't believe her Junpei and this one are the same person.
Junpei gets mad and yells at the thugs to leave for awhile. As soon as the other guys are gone, Junpei removes Tsukushi's gag. Tsukushi immediately starts yelling at Junpei, calling him an idiot, trying to hit him with her head, and crying. Tsukushi can't believe he would do this. Junpei explains his reasons, saying that he is using her to get back at Doumyouji. Apparently Doumyouji had beaten up Junpei's older brother when they were in elementary school or something. Junpei wants revenge. His brother's humiliation had a great effect on him. Angrily, Junpei punches some of the sporting equipment. Tsukushi asks what all of that has to do with her, and Junpei says that because she is here, Doumyouji will come.
Looking at Rui, Akira, and Nishikado in confusion, Doumyouji says that he was not responsible for any red card in her locker. The F4 stand there confused and worried when a maid rushes in, carrying something. She hands it to Doumyouji, and he recognizes it as a hunk of Tsukushi's hair and the green toy he had given to her in Canada. The F4 stand there in shock and realize something bad has happened to Tsukushi. The green toy spells out the location of where Doumyouji is to go, alone. Doumyouji intends to go after Tsukushi by himself. The other 3 want to help him, but he is supposed to go there alone.
Tsukushi looks up at Junpei in confusion. She thought they were friends. Tsukushi gets mad and begins to yell at him. Junpei gets madder as well and yells back at her, saying she doesn't understand his feelings. Tsukushi agrees, she doesn't, and yells at him more. Junpei gets so angry that he grabs on to Tsukushi and drags her face to his, trying to force a kiss on her. He pulls back suddenly, blood on his lip where Tsukushi has bitten him. Tsukushi looks at him and remembers the old Junpei. Tsukushi says Doumyouji will not come.
The clock strikes 12, and the rest of the thugs return. They are annoyed that Junpei removed the tape from Tsukushi's mouth. Tsukushi says that Doumyouji will not come for her. The thugs look at Junpei and ask him how he got that blood on his lips. Tsukushi yells at the thugs. They grab her. She continues to yell at them, her voice changing to tones of mockery as she begins to laugh at them, saying they have wasted their time, Doumyouji won't come. one of the thugs gets angry and slaps Tsukushi, sending her sprawling. He grabs her again and presses her face into the ground. Tsukushi says she is not Doumyouji's girl. The thug hits her again, and Tsukushi tumbles across the ground some more. The thug is about to hit Tsukushi again when Junpei stops him. Suddenly, the door opens.
It is Doumyouji! Tsukushi stares at him in shock, he came for her! The thugs look happy, and one of them eagrly grabs his baseball bat. Tsukushi yells at Doumyouji, 'Why did you come, you idiot!' Another thug grabs Tsukushi's hair and holds a knife to her face. This causes Doumyouji to tense with anger. The remaining thugs surround Doumyouji and begin to punch him. The one with the baseball bat hits Doumyouji with it, breaking the bat. Tsukushi yells at them to stop, but they don't. Junpei approaches Doumyouji, and Doumyouji slowly raises arm to punch Junpei, but then lets it drop. Tsukushi cries as Doumyouji lowers his head and allows the 5 guys to beat him up. For what seems like forever and ever, the thugs beat the living daylights out of Doumyouji. Blood flies, the sounds of Doumyouji grunting in pain and Tsukushi crying fill the air. (This whole scene is really hard to watch! =( It is mostly done in shadows)
Much later, the rest of the F4 are still waiting at Doumyouji's house. They are getting very worried and are impatient to help Doumyouji. But the message said to come alone. Akira is frustrated because the F4 are supposed to be 4, not 1. Finally they decide to go after Doumyouji.
Doumyouji lays crumpled on some sporting equipment, gasping for breath. Defiantly, he asks if they are done already. The thugs think he is wierd. Slowly, Doumyouji struggles to his feet. Angry, Junpei grabs a fold-up chair and hurls it at Doumyouji. Tsukushi screams and jumps in fromt of Doumyouji, yelling his name. The chair hits Tsukushi hard in the back. Junpei and the thugs just stare at Tsukushi in shock. Tsukushi looks at the thugs and tells them to stop. Are they going to beat her too? One of them looks ready to beat her up, but Junpei stops him, and tells them they are leaving. They walk out the door.
Alone with a very battered Doumyouji, Tsukushi asks if he is okay. She asks why he took on 5 guys by himself and call shim an idiot. Doumyouji says he did it to protect her. Then his body goes limp. Tsukushi stares at Doumyouji in shock and screams his name. She then yells, 'Don't Die!'
Toys used in the episode:
The green toy Doumyouji gave Tsukushi in Canada is used by Junpei to deliver the location of Tsukushi.
Episode: 33
Title: "Itsuka waraeru hi", "Someday we'll laugh at this day"
Summary:
Doumyouji is standing on the roof of a very tall building. He is walking along the edge of the roof, looking down at the ground far below. Tsukushi is up on the roof with him. He says "You hate me, don't you," Then says something about love and hate. Tsukushi thinks about Love and hate as well. Then Doumyouji says see ya later, and suddenly, Doumyouji smiles at Tsukushi and lets himself fall backwards over the edge of the building. Screaming, Tsukushi wakes up to find herself in a strange room. She is in a hospital, and her mother is there in the room with her. Tsukushi realizes she is there after what happened to herself and Doumyouji before. Thinking about Doumyouji, Tsukushi jumps up and races out of her room, leaving her mother behind. Tsukushi is frantic to find out how Doumyouji is. After harassing a poor hospital nurse who isn't giving her any anwsers, Tsukushi meets up with Rui, who is holding a bouquet of white flowers (lillies I believe). Rui looks very sad. What he says to Tsukushi, combined with the sight of the white flowers (which happen to be the symbol of death) make Tsukushi fear the worst.
Tsukushi finds Doumyouji's room, and hears the sounds of crying coming from it. She goes into the room and finds Doumyouji laid out on the bed with a cloth over his face. Soujirou is sitting by the bed crying. Akira is facing the windows, and sniffling sounds can be heard coming from him. Shocked, Tsukushi believes Doumyouji to be dead. Sitting down by him, she starts talking to him and crying, then starts insulting him ^_^ Doumyouji isn't too thrilled at what he is hearing, but tries to remain still. Finally, he opens his eyes and yells at Tsukushi. Tsukushi is surprised badly by Doumyouji being alive. Then Soujirou and Akira burst out laughing, as does Doumyouji. Shocked and hurt that they tricked her, Tsukushi begins to beat them up :) Outside of the room, Rui approaches, hears the ruckus going on inside and decides it would probably be better for him to not make an appearance yet =) He sticks his tounge out at the door playfully.
Akira and Nishikado also make a strategic exit at this time. Before they go, Doumyouji stops them and gives them a paper. On it is a list of the guys who beat him up, their descriptions, and the number of kicks and hits each one deserves =) The two nod and leave.
Alone with him, Tsukushi sits and faces away from him. Doumyouji starts talking and sound very petulant :) Tsukushi just sits there. Doumyouji wants to know what is wrong. Sfaces away from him. He talks about helping her, and paying for the hospital etc. Tsukushi turns around and looks at him, she has tears in her eyes. Doumyouji looks surprised. Tsukushi says that he shouldn't have come, she couldn't believe he came, he was such an idiot to come! She was very worried.
Outside the hospital, someone arrives, enters, and is heading up to Doumyouji's room. Meanwhile, Tsukushi is crying. Doumyouji wants to know why she was surprised he would come. He tries to comfort her and tells her not to cry. He says osmething else too. He cheers her up and sme smiles and calls him an idiot. Just then the door opens and enters the room. It is Junpei!
Doumyouji looks at him over Tsukushi's shoulder and frowns. Tsukushi wonders at Doumyouji's expression and looks at him, surprised to see him. Tsukushi jumps up and stands between Doumyouji and Junpei, thinking perhaps he has come to harass Doumyouji again. Doumyouji stops her. Junpei walks to a window and looks out, saying he was worried (I think). Doumyouji asks what all of it was about, and Junpei tells the story of how in Jr. High, Doumyouji really punched his older brother very hard. Doumyouji is surprised that this is that guy's younger borther. Junpei talks some more about his brother and talks about Tsukushi and using her to get Doumyouji. Doumyouji seems very calm and is accepting all of this.
Quietly he asks Junpei if he kissed Tsukushi, and Junpei says yes he did. Tsukushi is quick to jump up and deny this, saying she bit him. Junpei walks over to Tsukushi and apologoizes for what he did. Tsukushi tells him to hurry and leave. Junpei says something about Tsukushi loving Doumyouji and then leaves. Tsukushi watches him go and thinks that she can almost understand his feelings a little.
Kazuya and Sakurako have arirved at the hospital. Kazuya is very worried and is dragging Sakurako with him. As he gets on the elevator, he is shocked to confront Junpei who is on his way out. Kazuya yells at Junpei and calls him an idiot. He looks to Sakurako for agreement, but Sakurako is drooling over how cute Junpei is. When they get to Doumyouji's room, they happily greet her. Outside the hotel, Junpei walks away, remembering his time as Tsukushi's friend, meeting her at school, doing the photo shoot, etc. He can hear Kazuya and Tsukushi laughing together from the open window upstairs. He looks genuinely sad that he lost her friendship through what he did. He leaves.
Later, Rui, Nishikado, and Akira return to the hospital, his time with photos. They call over to Tsukushi, who comes into the room. They show them to Doumyouji and Tsukushi. The photos depict the remaining F4 guys beating the crud out of the guys who had attacked Doumyouji. The last picture shows the guys beaten into submission and Rui shaving off all of their hair. =) How satisfying :)
Akira and Nishikado say stuff about love and mimic lovers, holding eachother in their arms and saying 'It's love!' then they ask Tsukushi about Doumyouji. She denies everything, but they press her, seeming to want to get her and Doumyouji together. What does she think about him? Tsukushi just stands there looking blank. They back her into a wall. Tsukushi says that she doesn't like his money... She is being pressured by Akira and Nishikado. Finally, Tsukushi stutters and says that she thinks inside Doumyouji is a dog. This pretty much shuts everyone up except for Rui who begins laughing hard. All everyone else can say is 'Inu?' ('dog?') Little picturs of dogs race by, with lots of barking sound effects. Tsukushi leaves the room in a hurry :)
Toys used in the episode:
I didn't notice any! Wow!
Episode: 34
Title: "Ore no Daiji na Onna Desu!", "The Girl Most Important to Me!"
Summary:
After the tumultuous events of the last few days, Tsukushi must go back to school. Unfortunately, her hair was cut by her kidnappers, so she has to have it cut. Tsukushi sits at home while her mother stands behind her, hacking off the rest of her hair to match the length cut by her kidnappers. When Tsukushi sees the result, she starts to scream.
The next day at school, Tsukushi walks into her classroom to hear Asai & Co. Making snotty remarks about Tsukushi. Tsukushi confronts them angrily, but they start laughing when they see her hair. Tsukushi's hair is shown, and it does indeed look rather funny. It has been cut straight across the bottom, and now it just reaches her chin. It looks sorta like a pageboy haircut.
Walking in the school hallway, Akira, Rui, and Soujirou are talking when someone bumps into Soujirou and keeps on walking. Angry, Soujirou turns around and yells at the person who bumped into him. The person turns around. It is Tsukushi! She quietly apologizes to them, but the guys have been stricken dumb when they saw her. Their faces are blank. Tsukushi frowns as she notices they are struggling not to laugh at her hair. They can't hold it in, and they are all laughing at her. Tsukushi sighs. The guys think she looks familiar with her haircut, and Tsukushi says she looks like Kintarou (a Japanese mythological character). The guys ask who cut her hair, and Tsukushi says her mother did. They ask why she didn't go to a Salon, and she said it was because she couldn't afford to. Sighing over the sad state of poor people in general, Rui offers a solution.
Out on the staircase, Tsukushi is sitting down with Rui behind her. He is holding a razor blade. Rui has decided to cut Tsukushi's hair for her. He did cut his own hair after he had returned from France, so he knew what he was doing. Tsukushi was apprehensive at the sight of the razor he was using though. Rui begins to work on Tsukushi's hair, giving it a gentler, layered look. (I guess he has natural hairstyling talent, something to fall back on in case he loses his fortune ^_^) Just then Doumyouji has arrived at school and finds Rui and Tsukushi alone together on the staircase. He looks a bit upset. Tsukushi quickly tries to explain that Rui is just there to cut her hair. Rui then says he is done and makes a strategic exit, saying something to Doumyouji about a party before he leaves.
Tsukushi asks Doumyouji what Rui meant about a party. Doumyouji looks a bit embarrassed or shy or something, and says that his birthday is soon. Tsukushi calmly says ‘Happy Birthday'. Doumyouji looks disappointed, like this wasn't the response he was looking for. He then asks if Tsukushi is doing anything the Sunday after next, and she says she isn't. Doumyouji invites her to his party, and says he wants to introduce her to people. He also tells her she has to bring him a present :)
At work later on with Yuki, Tsukushi looks worried. She is thinking about being invited to Doumyouji's party, and wonders what to get a rich guy like Doumyouji. Yuki and Tsukushi think about it, and Yuki suggests a cake or something. This gives Tsukushi an idea.
It is the night of the party, and Tsukushi is approaching Doumyouji's house holding a gift bag. She is wearing a long coat. Before she gets to the front gates, she meets up with Rui, Akira, and Soujirou. They are all gorgeous in fancy tuxes. Tsukushi admires how they look and how elegant their clothing is. The guys look at Tsukushi and ask what she is wearing. Tsukushi opens her coat to reveal a very plain green dress. The guys just stare at her and then confer amongst themselves. They then grab Tsukushi and decide to subject her to yet another forced make over =)The guys get to the main house without seeing Doumyouji, and look for Tsubaki. Tsubaki is also gorgeous in a designer gown. Tsubaki takes one look at Tsukushi and can understand what the guys mean about Tsukushi's clothing. (She always seems to be underdressed). However Tsubaki seems ready to let Tsukushi stay how she is when the guys remind Tsubaki about who all was there at the party. Tsubaki frowns and decides to have Tsukushi try on some of her clothing from when she was Tsukushi in Tsubaki's old Dress Tsukushi's age. Tsukushi thinks about the differences in Tsubaki's and her own body types and doesn't think this is going to work.
Tsukushi tries on many of Tsubaki's designer clothing, but most of it is too big and looks funny on Tsukushi. The guys have a hard time holding in their laughter. Tsukushi is not too thrilled. Finally Tsubaki picks out a dress she thinks will work. It is a blue 2-piece wrap around sort of thing with flowers on it, very pretty.
Doumyouji is out mingling with his guests, accepting their polite congratulations on his 18th birthday. Everything seems very formal. Doumyouji keeps glancing towards the front gates in hopes of seeing Tsukushi, but looks disappointed when he doesn't see her.
Tired of having everyone laughing at her, Tsukushi suddenly seems reluctant to try on any more clothing. The guys and Tsubaki try to talk her into it, and (arg, I wish I could understand what they say here!) Say something about Doumyouji being 18 now, and pressures from his mother, and something about marriage. (I am really unsure here, *sigh*) At any rate, what they say convinces Tsukushi to wear the dress.
Doumyouji is still mingling with the guests when he finally sees Tsukushi, and looks startled by her pretty appearance in the dress of Tsubaki's which does fit well. Doumyouji excuses himself from the people he was talking to and approaches Tsukushi, who immediately reaches up to straighten his bow tie. Doumyouji chides her for being late. Tsukushi laughs.
Looking on at all of this is Doumyouji's mother, whose eyes narrow as she takes in the scene of her son being familiar with this strange girl. Not looking very happy, she begins to make her way towards her son. Tsukushi and Doumyouji are talking. Doumyouji asks Tsukushi where her present is for him, and she lies, saying she forgot to get him one. This makes Doumyouji upset. Actually, Tsukushi had brought a present in the gift bag, but when she saw the fancy, expensive presents everyone else had brought, she couldn't bring herself to give him her poor present. Doumyouji and Tsukushi are standing by the food/drink table when Doumyouji says there is someone he wants to introduce her to. He turns to pull her in his direction when his mother appears at their side. She frowns at the two of them, looking most displeased. Doumyouji's mother is very elegant, and seems to be a perfectionist, and a snob. Doumyouji suddenly looks very stressed. Tsukushi feels very intimidated by the displeasure radiating from his mother. She steps back and stumbles, knocking a glass from the table to the ground, shattering it. Tsukushi gasps and goes to pick y the pieces when Doumyouji's mother crushes them under her shoe. Tsukushi looks up at her and feels fear. Doumyouji's mother looks at her son and demands to know who this girl is. Doumyouji glares back at his mother and announces to everyone at the party that Tsukushi is the most important person to him!
Toys used in the episode:
Ack, I don't remember, I'll have to doublecheck.
Episode: 35
Title: "Koi no Touhikou", "Love's Escape"
Summary:
The scene is Doumyouji's 18th birthday party. Tsukushi and Doumyouji have met at the party and have been approached by Doumyouji's mother, who does not look happy at all to see them together. With disapproval written all over her, she had confronted Doumyouji about the girl. Much to everyone's surprise, Doumyouji announced to everyone that Tsukushi was the. most important girl to him.
That announcement pretty much captured the attention of everyone there. Everyone looks pretty shocked, even the rest of the F4. (Why the F4 look so surprised, I don't know, didn't they know this already?) Akira and Soujirou try to jump to Tsukushi's rescue by going on about how Tsukushi was a classmate of theirs at Eitoku Gakuen (implying that only well-bred rich types go there thus Tsukushi is suitable.) Doumyouji's mother snaps angrily at Akira and Nishikado, and they apologize and back away.
Tsukushi is impressed that Doumyouji's mother intimidates the F4. Doumyouji's mother glares at Tsukushi and asks her name. Tsukushi gives her name, Makino Tsukushi. Doumyouji's mother doesn't recognize the Makino name and asks what her father does for a living. Tsukushi feels dread as she thinks of her father (very funny :) but before she can answer, Rui comes up next to her and says that Tsukushi's father is the president of the Makino corporation. Tsukushi stares up at Rui in shock at what he was doing. Akira and Soujirou jump in, backing Rui up all the way.
Doumyouji's mother, upon hearing this says something to the effect of not knowing about this company. If this is true, then Tsukushi should have been raised with all the refinements of luxury, and therefore Tsukushi should play a piece on the piano for everyone! This makes Tsukushi very upset. Akira asks if she knows how to play a grand piano, but of course Tsukushi doesn't. Doumyouji's mother leads the way indoors to the music room. Tsukushi sits down at the piano while a crowd gathers around to watch. Doumyouji just leans against a wall watching Tsukushi too.
Tsukushi is about to panic again :) Akira and Nishikado try to cheer her up, and look very hopeful that she will be able to play. The room goes quiet as Tsukushi raises her hands and begins to play. Play is not exactly the right word. Tsukushi is banging her hands on the piano keys, creating a clamor that has everyone in the room wincing. Doumyouji's mother just stares at Tsukushi with a frown on her face. Doumyouji smiles a little.
When Tsukushi is done playing, Doumyouji's mother gets up and approaches Doumyouji. She is not happy and can see right through what they were doing. She asks Doumyouji what it is about Tsukushi, and he says he likes her very much. Angry, his mother hits him hard. Tsubaki watches all of this with great distress. It seems that Tsubaki has her own bad relationship with her mother. Tsubaki rushes forward and grabs Doumyouji, saying that she called a taxi. She grabs Tsukushi and sends them running out of the room, escaping from his mother. On the way out, Tsukushi grabs her gift bag from Akira.
Running away from the party, Tsukushi and Doumyouji encounter his mother's bodyguards, but manage to knock them out and get to the waiting taxi. They leave the party in the taxi, with everyone standing at the front gate watching them leave. Tsubaki ignores her mother's glare.
In the taxi, the two try to catch their breath. Doumyouji looks over at Tsukushi and sees that she has fallen asleep.
The rest of the F4 are in a bar having a few drinks and talking about what happened. They wonder if what Doumyouji said about Tsukushi being important to him is true. They all share a memory of when they were in Jr. High, and Doumyouji's mother came in an was her usual not-so-cheerful self.
Later, Doumyouji pulls on Tsukushi's cheeks, trying to wake her up. Not much luck though. Finally he tries what worked in Canada, headbutting her. This wakes Tsukushi up right away. Tsukushi looks around and wonders where she is. Looking out the windows, she sees that she is on Doumyouji's yacht, the same one they were on in Atami. Walking on the deck, Tsukushi is wearing Doumyouji's coat, while he shivers with cold. They stand by a railing and look out into the ocean. Tsukushi remarks that this is the yacht they were on in Atami, and he confirms her thoughts that it is. She pauses to remember the last time she was on the yacht, the night of her ‘Cinderella' party in which Shizuka made her look beautiful and they fished for squid. This leads to the memory of her first kiss, the encounter with Doumyouji on the darkened dance floor. Tsukushi blushes.
Doumyouji says something wrong, and Tsukushi corrects him. They go inside, and Doumyouji makes them some tea. T He asks her if she has ever heard of the Maple Hotels. She has, they are very exclusive, fancy hotels. Doumyouji says that ‘Maple' in Japanese is ‘Kaede'. Doumyouji Kaede is his mother's name. Tsukushi exclaims that Doumyouji Kaede is a cute name. Then she makes the connection and realizes that the Hotels were named after his mother because the Doumyouji Group owns them. Tsukushi is very stunned/impressed (intimidated?) by the extent of the family's wealth. He talks about his nature and says it is up to her to decide what hs nature is. Tsukushi looks uncomfortable, and brings out the toy Rui bought her on their date, and holds it out as if she would use that to decide. However Doumyouhi grabs it and slides it away (I can see the execs at Bandai fainting at this :).
Meanwhile, at Doumyouji masion, Kaede is sitting at a table with some of her staff. They are handing her a report. It is information about Tsukushi's family. She has had them investigated and knows the truth about the Makino Family. She does not like the idea of Tsukushi and Doumyouji associating with each other and has every intention of doing something about it.
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi brings out Rui's toy, but Doumyouji slides it aside.
Episode: 36
Title: "Tsukasa no Haha no Hisokana Takurami", "Tsukasa's Mother's Secret Plan"
Summary:
Doumyouji Kaede announces she has a plan to seperate Tsukushi and Doumyouji. She'd had Tsukushi's family investigated, and knows the truth about how poor she is. Kaede snaps at her henchmen to set her plan in motion.
Tsukushi and Doumyouji are still on his yacht. They are in a parlor, sitting across from each other. Tsukushi is holding a pillow. She wants to leave the yacht, but he says no way. Tsukushi's stomach growls loudly. However there is no food on the yacht right now.
Starving, Tsukushi tries to think of something to do. Then he remembers what they did when they were in Atami. Squid fishing! That is what they can do! Doumyouji and Tsukushi set up some chairs out on the deck and set out a line. Tsukushi has a blanket around her.
Tsukushi talks about going shell gathering with her family at the beach. He seems unfamiliar with this, so Tsukushi explains how she and her family would go to a beach and walk around picking up shells. Her father would hurt his back and they would have to help him. Doumyouji looks interested, and comments on how that seems like an activity poor people would so... but it sounds fun. Tsukushi is surprised he would admit this. She looks at him and thinks about his family and what kind of childhood he must have had with his sister.
Doumyouji sneezes, and Tsukushi sees how cold he is. She drags her chair near his and wraps part of her blanket around him. They sit there, and Tsukushi becomes aware of her arm leaning against him and starts talking. Doumyouji manages to say something to freak her out and she jumps out of her chair. (I think it has to do with sex? ^_^;;, the way Tsukushi is freaking out so much.) Tsukushi says that she doesn't understand her own feelings at all. She gets her blank and sits back down next to him and they look at the fishing line. He says something again that annoys her. She jumps to her feet again. Then the line begins to jerk violently. They have got something big!
A short while later, Doumyouji and Tsukushi stare at the massive pile of seaweed they caught. Doumyouji complains that he is losing his energy, and that he is hungry. Tsukushi is as well. She thinks for a minute, and then remembers something! She runs back to the parlor and finds her gift bag, In it is the gift she made for him. Doumyouji asks her what is in the bag, but she tries to hide it. He ignores her and grabs the wrapped tin. He asks what it is, and she says it is a birthday present for him. He is surprised, he thought she said she forgot one. Tsukushi admits she didn't think her gift measured up to the expensive gifts from the people at the party. Doumyouji unwraps the package (hastily tearing through Tsukushi's expensive wrapping) and opens the tin.
Inside the tin are a whole bunch of little cookies shaped like Doumyouji's face, each one featuring a different one of his moods, from happy to sad to angry. Doumyouji doesn't say anything, he just stares silently at the cookies. Tsukushi feels uncomfortable, and begins jabbering about the gift, talking about his face, etc. He is still silent, and looking at the cookies. Finally, sure that he doesn't like it, Tsukushi reaches out to grab them away from him. When she reaches towards him, he grabs her wrist and drags her forward to his lap and kisses her!
They kiss for a long time, and when they finally break apart, Doumyouji has a *huge* grin on his face. He says he is SO VERY HAPPY! Tsukushi is surprised. She has never seen his face as happy as a child's before.
Finally it is morning, and Doumyouji has a taxi take her home.
Wearing his jacket, Tsukushi stands by the cab, saying good bye to Doumyouji. She asks him about his mother, and her returning to New York. Then Doumyouji tells her to look at something. He pulls out the green toy he'd given to her in Canada, and begins to punch a message on it. he holds it up as it flashes the letters, but teh cab drives away before she can read what the message says ("Aishiteru", "I love you"). Tsukushi wonders what that was all about, and walks down the steps towards her home. She remembers their kiss. She doesn't understand him. Tsukushi is really tired and heads straight to bed as soon as she gets home.
Doumyouji is not tired at all. He heads straight to Rui's house and barges into Rui's room where Rui is fast asleep. Doumyouji tries to wake Rui up, but Rui doesn't want to budge. (Rui is wearing his PJ bottoms only and looks really cute and sleepy :) Doumyouji holds up his gift and excitedly shows it off to Rui, who is so tired that he isn't that impressed. Doumyouji is mad that Rui wants to go back to sleep. Rui notes that it is 6:30 am. Doumyouji is so very happy about his delicious cookies. He holds Rui's head up and shoves a cookie near him to look at it. Rui yawns and takes a bite of the cookie. Doumyouji gets very angry that rui would eat one of his cookies! (Doumyouji looks so happy about his gift, it is so cute :)
At the Doumyouji mansion, Tsubaki greets her mother in the morning. Her mother has her plan set in motion. Tsubaki seems to be on unsteady terms with her mother. Tsubaki wangts to know what her mother has in store for Doumyouji and Tsukushi, but Kaede isn't going to say anything. They argue for a bit, and I get teh impression that Tsubaki is very hurt by all of this, as if what Kaede has planned for Doumyouji also happened to her and she wants to stop it. Kaede leaves the room, and Tsubaki is left standing by the window, tears streaming down her cheeks.
At Tsukushi's house, her sleep is interrupted by knocking on the door. Tsukushi's dad anwers it and yells in annoyance at the people there before he gets a good look at them. When he does, he falls over. Tsukushi's parents frantically try to waker Tsukushi up as they tell her that she has a guest, Doumyouji Kaede! Her parents do their best to dress up nicely to receive their guests, but they look so shabby it is sad. sukushi's father is so nervous he introduces himself as Tsukushi's mother. Mama has her make up done wrong, and has lipstick trailing past the edges of her mouth.
When they greet Kaede, she is with one of her guards, who holds a briefcase. Kaede opend the briefcase to reveal a *lot* of money, and basically tries to pay off Tsukushi to keep away from her son. The makinos stare at the money, it is no doubt the first time they saw that much money. It glows!
Tsukushi's family stares at the money, and Tsukushi finds herself getting mad that Kaede would do such a rude thing. She feels like doing something, but her mother beats her to it! Cheiko gets to her feet, walks over to a counter, gets out the container of sugar and proceeds to calmly pour out the contents on Kaede's head! Makino Chieko frowns at Kaede and firmly rejects the offer! Tsukushi is shocked!
Toys used in the episode:
Doumyouji once again tries to spell out 'I Love You' on the green toy from Canada, but the taxi pulls away before Tsukushi can read it.
Episode: 37
Title: "Shikumareta taiketsu!", "Planned Confrontation!"
Summary:
Tsukushi's mother has gravely insulted Doumyouji's mother! After having been offered an incredible amount of money to stay away from Doumyouji, Tsukushi's mother dumped sugar on Doumyouji Kaede's head and told her to keep her money! Tsukushi is surprised and impressed by her mother's actions. Kaede sits calmly, sugar streaming down her shoulders, and takes her servant, Nishida with her and politely takes her leave. As soon as Kaede is gone, Tsukushi and her Papa (Just where is her brother Susumu during all of this?!) confront Mama. Tsukushi thinks all of these great things about her mom, but her lofty thoughts are immediately shattered when her mother reveals her motive for her actions.
Mama doesn't think they should bother settling for such an awesome amount of money. If Tsukushi manages to marry Doumyouji, she will get much more money for the family :) She urges Tsukushi to do her best in trying to get Doumyouji. Tsukushi is incredibly disappointed.
The next morning, Tsubaki is in front of the mansion looking at some roses. She tries to pick one but pricks her finger on a thorn. She sees her mother's servant, Nishida, what is going on with Tsukushi and Doumyouji and Kaede's attempts to separate them. Nishida looks a bit regretful, but cannot say. Tsubaki stands with a unhappy look on her face.
At Rui's house, the F4 are gathered, and Doumyouji is showing off his cookies to all of them now. Rui looks very sleepy still. Doumyouji points out how each cookie looks just like him, he is so happy =) the others wonder why he is so happy. Nishikado wants to know if Doumyouji and Tsukushi did anything perverted the night before, and uses Tsukushi's toy on him. (I guess Doumyouji had taken the toy Tsukushi had offered to him to use on the yacht back home with him) The toy says he did do something perverted. Akira and Nishikado get happy about this and demand to know all about it, he is 18 years old now, etc etc. Doumyouji gets mad and punches both of them, spilling his cookies.
They look surprised Doumyouji and Tsukushi haven't done anything yet. Doesn't he like Tsukushi? I think they offer to tell him the various ways, starting with the bra. (I hope I am not totally off on this) The next scene is of a bra (coincidentally enough) as Tsukushi changes into her work uniform. At work she thinks about Doumyouji.
Tsubaki has left the mansion and is walking in a park where she spots some white flowers growing. She stands there and thinks about plucking one. (It doesn't have thorns, unlike the roses at the mansion) when she suddenly remembers a time when she was a little girl, and was standing in this same spot going to pick a flower. A slightly older girl had approached her and said something to her about the flowers and why she likes them. Tsubaki remembers this and reaches her hand out when a voice speaks behind her, saying the exact same thing as the other girl had long ago. Tsubaki turns around and sees a woman that resembles the little girl. It is Urara-sensei! (yeesh, who is this woman?) Tsubaki and Urara-sensei decide to go out for tea. I get the impression that they talk about being wealthy but being trapped. Something to do with the beautiful expensive roses having thorns and the white wild flowers being easy to pluck, etc. Weird :)
At work, Tsukushi rants to Yuki about the whole situation. Yuki is impressed that they turned down so such money. Yuki wants Tsukushi to be happy at the school, liking Doumyouji will be difficult. Tsukushi thinks about herself and Doumyouji. Just then Nishida, Kaede's henchman arrives at Tsukushi's work and gives her a letter from Kaede requesting that Tsukushi accompany Nishida to see Doumyouji. Tsukushi agrees, and leaves work to ride in the limo to the Maple Hotel. Meanwhile, Doumyouji is walking down a street when more of his mother's henchmen surround him and tell him he is coming to the Maple Hotel with them.
In the car, Tsukushi remembers what Kaede said to her about leaving Doumyouji. Tsukushi gets mad at that stupid old woman. She is at first intimidated by the opulence of the hotel, but she firms her resolve, and when they walk through the hotel, Tsukushi stomps angrily after Nishida, attracting attention. At the hotel, Tsukushi sees Doumyouji's mother in a beautiful Kimono. Standing in a large ballroom, she can soon hear Doumyouji's voice yelling angrily at Kaede's henchmen. He is now dressed in traditional Japanese clothing and being held by some of the men. He struggles against them, but then spots Tsukushi, who he is surprised to see. He asks his mother what Tsukushi is doing there. Kaede says she has someone else for them to meet.
The other doors open and more henchmen arrive, this time dragging a girl in their arms. She is in a dress, and has bare feet. She struggles violently against the men holding her as they drag her in the room, calling them all sorts of rude names. Tsukushi just stand and stare at the new girl. When the girl stops struggling, Kaede introduces her as Ookawahara Shigeru, the girl to whom Doumyouji is engaged!
Toys used in the episode:
Akira and Nishikado use Tsukushi's toy from Rui to ask Doumyouji about doing perverted things during his night with Tsukushi.
Episode: 38
Title: "Choukyoushite Ageru!", "I Will Train You!"
Summary:
At the Maple Hotel, Tsukushi stands stunned as Doumyouji's mother has a girl brought into the room. She is wearing a dress but no shoes, and is struggling against the guys holding her. Doumyouji's mother introduces this girl as Ookawahara Shigeru, Doumyouji's fiancé. Apparently his mother and hers had arranged the marriage!
Doumyouji looks angry and glares at his mother. The girl continues to struggle. Doumyouji's mother says a few more things to which both Doumyouji and Shigeru violently disagree about. Both of them yell back at her.Doumyouji continues to complain, but the mothers just ignore him. Doumyouji's mother approaches Tsukushi and says something that leaves Tsukushi looking sad and speechless. It seems very mean (I wish I knew what she said!) Tsukushi is in a daze and mumbles about leaving, Yuki is waiting for her at their work. Doumyouji's mother's words cycle through her mind.
Angry,Doumyouji rushes forward away from the guys who had been holding him,intending to grab Tsukushi and run out of the place. He lunges forward, grabs her arm and drags her out of the hotel and keeps running, all the way through downtown. Finally he stops, panting for breath, and begins to mutter complaints about his mother and the situation. Hearing her gasping for breath behind him, Doumyouji turns and is shocked to see Shigeru standing there instead of Tsukushi!(DOH!) Doumyouji had grabbed the wrong girl. He tries to explain this, but Shigeru is not very receptive. She argues with him a bit,and both are equally good at tossing insults to each other. Shigeru is surprised by his rude behavior.
Meanwhile, Tsukushi is incredibly shocked and hurt at what Doumyouji did, grabbing Shigeru and leaving the hotel with her. She doesn't realize that it was a mistake. Tsukushi walks he streets and finally returns to work. Later on, she tells Yuki what happened, over a couple of sodas at a food shop. Tsukushi crushes her cup in her grasp as she relates what happened. (Amazing detail shown on the cup, I found that rather funny =) Yuki listens to this and suggests that Tsukushi is reacting this way because of some deeper feeling for Doumyouji. Tsukushi violently denies this.
Shigeru asks Doumyouji to loan her some money,and he says for her to take a taxi and pay when she arrives home.Shigeru hadn't thought of that. Doumyouji ignores her, thinking about things. Shigeru tries to get his attention, and he is rude to her.Angry, Shigeru finally runs at Doumyouji, jumps into the air, and lands on his back, biting his ear! (Gee, this sounds familiar :)Wrapping her legs around him, she hangs on while Doumyouji struggles to shake her off. Finally he does, sending Shigeru slamming into the ground. He leaves her there. Shigeru watches him go and decides he is a very interesting guy!
At home, Tsukushi has wrapped blankets around her telephone and stuck it in the refrigerator in an effort to stifle its noise. She isn't receptive to hearing from Doumyouji after what he did. At school the next day, Tsukushi has a cold, and in a generally bad mood. On one end of campus, a car has pulled up near the school, and drops someone off. That person hops the school fence and wanders on school grounds, wearing concealing sunglasses.
Tsukushi finds Doumyouji, Akira, and Soujirou in the cafeteria. She walks up to Doumyouji and congratulates him on his engagement. Doumyouji frowns at Tsukushi while Akira and Soujirou look surprised at the news. Tsukushi's expression is weird as she seems to be accusing Doumyouji of already knowing about Shigeru and his arranged marriage. (I guess she thinks he has been toying with her) Doumyouji protests, and says it was all his mother's doing, but Tsukushi kicks him in the gut and leaves.
Tsukushi has found a place to sit and leans back, thinking about the things that have happened. She is not happy, and wonders why she is feeling so jealous. Then she sees someone approach her. It is Shigeru! What is she doing here! Shigeru is wearing funky sunglasses and trendy clothing. Shigeru recognizes Tsukushi from the night before and asks if it is okay to sit next to her. Tsukushi agrees, but mentions that Doumyouji can be found in the cafeteria. Shigeru says she will see him in a little while then. Shigeru chats a little when Doumyouji, Akira and Soujirou find them instead. Doumyouji looks shocked/horrified to see Shigeru at school. He and Shigeru immediately get into an argument, while everyone else just sits and watches with bland expressions. Doumyouji takes a swing at Shigeru who ducks, then jumps up and punches out Doumyouji! He goes flying and lands on the ground with a thud and some other funny sound effects!
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi holds on to the voice memo when ignoring the ringing telephone that she stuck in the fridge.
Episode: 39
Title: "Ma no Turaianguru", "Devil's Triangle"
Summary:
Shigeru has punched Doumyouji, who has landed on the ground with a loud thud. Everyone stares, amazed :) Doumyouji gets up, and faces Shigeru, and they stare at each other. He holds his reddening cheek. Shigeru mentions marriage, and Doumyouji, madder than ever, and has to be restrained by Akira and Soujirou from going after Shigeru's throat. Tired of it all, Tsukushi turns around and walks away, as Doumyouji shouts after her for her to stop, wait, he wants to talk to her. Tsukushi walks away and stands in front of a statue, which she punches with her fist. Suddenly Shigeru pops up next to her, startling Tsukushi so that she grabs onto the statue (funny!)
Shigeru cheerfully walks next to Tsukushi and asks if she wants to go get some tea. Tsukushi refuses, but Shigeru begs, dancing around Tsukushi, saying 'ne, ne, ne! Finally Tsukushi relents, and accepts a concealing handkerchief to tie around her head as they sneak away from school. At the restaurant, Tsukushi is irritated by the rich atmosphere and by Shigeru who talks about how good the expensive tea is. Tsukushi tries it, and agrees that it is delicious. Shigeru begins to talk about Doumyouji and how interesting he is. Tsukushi seems surprised that Shigeru is interested in Doumyouji. Shigeru asks what Tsukushi's first name is, and Tsukushi tells her. Then Shigeru asks what Tsukushi is to Doumyouji and Tsukushi says she is nothing in particular. Shigeru then asks about doing H things, and Tsukushi freaks out, frantically denying anything. Shigeru talks more abut the engagement and Doumyouji. They go get some ice cream and are sitting on a bench outdoors. Tsukushi says all of this is none of her concern. Shigeru asks Tsukushi to be her collaborator (in getting Doumyouji?) and her friend. Before she realizes what she is agreeing to, Tsukushi says yes. She regrets this right away and can't believe what she has done. Shigeru is very happy though.
Shigeru and Tsukushi sit there, and Tsukushi thinks about the triangle she has gotten herself in, with Shigeru after Doumyouji, Doumyouji liking her, and herself collaborating with Shigeru. Shigeru finds Tsukushi's green toy and says it is cool, where did you get it, she wants one too. Tsukushi says without thought that she got it from Doumyouji in Canada. Shigeru thinks that is cool. Saying that has triggered Tsukushi's memory, and she thinks about the trip to Canada and Doumyouji warming her with his body after the snow storm. Then Tsukushi says something about Doumyouji liking her, but reassures Shigeru that she doesn't like him. This cheers up Shigeru. Tsukushi walks home and thinks about Shigeru and love.
The next day, Tsukushi goes to the staircase at school and thinks about Doumyouji and Shigeru. She lays down on the ground and looks up at the sky, pondering events when suddenly Rui's face appears above her. Startled, Tsukushi sits up and greets Rui. He asks her what she is thinking about, and she says ‘Koi' (meaning love) Rui looks at her and says ‘Koi?' (Thinking of it as the fish). Rui sits down next to Tsukushi and hangs his head down.
He says that for some reason he hasn't been able to sleep and complains of a headache. Tsukushi stares at Rui and gets an idea, she will massage his head for him =) Rui is dubious of this idea at first, but relents when Tsukushi insists. Tsukushi kneels behind Rui and places her fingers on his head, through his hair. Tsukushi begins to massage his scalp slowly. Rui hangs his head forward and says it feels good, and allows Tsukushi to continue to massage his head. Tsukushi loses herself in thought as she works her fingers through Rui's hair. She thinks about Rui, and the other times she met him on the staircase. She remembers how he looks when she sees him sitting there.
Then Tsukushi realizes what she is doing and stops touching Rui. Lifting her hands away from his head, she stares at him. Rui looks up to Tsukushi wondering why she stopped. Tsukushi looks worried and upset. She sits down next to him. Rui says her face doesn't look good, and he leans closer to her and places his hand on her forehead. Tsukushi leans back and raises her leg, placing her foot against Rui's chest pushing him back. Surprised, Rui looks at Tsukushi, then at her foot. He tells her to move it. Tsukushi looks at her foot.
Looking down, Rui comments on Tsukushi's underwear (which she is giving him a nice view of :) and Tsukushi panics and recoils back, falling against the stone wall. But before her head can hit the wall, Rui lunges forward and catches her head in his hand, shielding it from the hard wall. He says danger, watch out! Catching her in her fall has caused Rui to lean his body directly over Tsukushi's. Startled, realizing the position of their bodies in relation to each other, they stare at each other, as Rui seems to be feeling something towards her. Mesmerized, they look into each other's eyes for a long time, staring at each other in an intense moment. Finally, Rui snaps out of it, and lets Tsukushi go, allowing her head to fall back and hit the stone wall anyway. (Ouch!) He calls her an idiot and walks away. Tsukushi just sits there and thinks about what happened. She agrees that she is an idiot, what was she doing?
Toys used in the episode:
Shigeru finds the green toy Doumyouji gave Tsukushi in Canada and asks about it. Tsukushi's explanation triggers her memories of the snowstorm and Doumyouji's rescue of her in episode 29.
Episode: 40
Title: "Koi no Hikigiwa- Bunkiten", "The Brink of Love's Withdrawal- Parting of Ways"
Summary:
Tsukushi is standing on a bridge overlooking a stream at school. Looking out at the water, she remembers the events of the other day, when Doumyouji had grabbed Shigeru and run from the hotel. Tsukushi then thinks about Rui and her date with him. Is she still in love with him? She takes out the toy Rui had bought her on their date and looks ready to toss it out onto the water when Shigeru shows up, calling Tsukushi's name. Shigeru wants to take Tsukushi shopping. Shigeru has to go out with Doumyouji and needs a cute outfit. Tsukushi is obviously less than thrilled ^_^; Shigeru reminds Tsukushi that they are collaborating together. (Doh!)
At an expensive store, Tsukushi watches as Shigeru tries on one expensive outfit after another. (She looks good in all of them) Tsukushi sees an outfit she likes, but is shocked at how much it costs. After shopping, Tsukushi and Shigeru stop for tea. Shigeru talks happily and says something about Tsukushi getting a cool guy. Tsukushi thinks that Shigeru is a real lady, and she just can't hate her, she is very nice. After tea, Shigeru has her servants pack all of her bags into their car. Tsukushi looks on with a glum expression. Then Shigeru hands Tsukushi a package and says it is a gift. Startled, Tsukushi sees that it is the very same expensive outfit she had admired at the store. Tsukushi tries to refuse the gift, but Shigeru insists. She happily waves good bye to Tsukushi. Tsukushi is walking home with her package, wondering what to do about it. As she approaches her house, she runs into Doumyouji who is waiting for her. Tsukushi starts to turn the other way, but Doumyouji stops her. They talk, but don't seem to agree. Tsukushi reminds him that he grabbed Shigeru, not her, and ran from the hotel. Doumyouji seems to try to defend himself about this.
Tsukushi says something about Doumyouji and his fiance, and them suiting each other. Doumyouji doesn't like what she says because he suddenly lashes out and slaps Tsukushi across the face. Tsukushi grabs her cheek and stares at Doumyouji. Doumyouji just stands there and stares at Tsukushi, and then looks at his hand. Tsukushi takes a couple of steps away from him. They stare at each other (some more) in silence. Rain begins to fall. Doumyouji turns around and walks away.
At Doumyouji's mansion, Akira, Soujirou, and Rui are waiting in Rui's room, talking about the situation. Doumyouji walks home in the rain, wandering through the city. Because of the rain, his hair has become straight, and hangs down along his face (Cute!).
When Doumyouji arrives home, he trudges up stairs, dripping water all over the place. He enters his room to find the guys there. They all jump up at the sight of him and ask why he was walking in the rain, why he didn't take a car. Doumyouji doesn't answer them. Ignoring Akira's offer of a towel, Doumyouji goes into his bedroom and sits on the bed. He holds out his hand and stares at it.
Laying back on the bed, Doumyouji causes a wet spot to form around as the water runs off his dripping body. He holds up the hand that had hit Tsukushi and continues to look at it, remembering when he hit her. Then he brings his legs up and curls up on the bed in a sort of fetal position. He shifts again, and his face is pressed against the mattress. He looks so wet and forlorn! One of the most touching expressions I have seen on Doumyouji's face.=(
Tsukushi is also out in the rain. She is sitting on a park swing, rocking slowly back and forth, holding her bright red cheek. She remembers what Doumyouji, and thinks about what she said.
Tsukushi is at work, lost in thought. Yuki startles her out of her thoughts, causing Tsukushi to drop the money she was holding. Tsukushi can't stop thinking about Doumyouji and Shigeru. Then she sees Shigeru walk by the shop with Akira and Soujirou. Amazed to see them together, Tsukushi excuses herself from Yuki and runs out of the store calling Shigeru's name. Shigeru is happy to see Tsukushi, as are Akira and Soujirou, though not for the same reasons as Shigeru. Tsukushi asks what Shigeru is doing with the two guys, and she says they are on a date.
Tsukushi says a date with these two guys? Shigeru says yes, and then rattles off a list of all the things they have been doing. They went for tea, window shopping, to an amusement park, etc. Looking at Akira and Soujirou, Tsukushi notices they look somewhat ill. Soujirou walks up to Tsukushi, puts his arms around her and begs her to help him. He looks sick. Akira holds his hand to his forehead and groans about riding the jet coaster. They have been run ragged by Shigeru.
Shigeru talks about her day with the guys and manages to knock their pride (a huge cement block labeled ‘Pride' falls on them) as well as call them boring (another cement block falls, this one labeled ‘Tsumanai', ‘boring'). Then she announces that she has to go, but bids Tsukushi and the guys a happy goodbye and runs off. Sitting there on the ground, Akira and Soujirou look rather pathetic.
A little while later, Tsukushi, Akira, and Soujirou are sitting at a food shop, talking about Shigeru. Soujirou thinks she is a demonic monster. Akira doesn't look that thrilled about her either. They all have a long conversation about Doumyouji, Shigeru, and herself, Tsukushi says something about her being poor. They ask Tsukushi about the situation, and Tsukushi manages to seem unconcerned. However her eyes begin to tear up. Soujirou tells her not to cry, after all, he'll play with her :)(this coming from the playboy of course :) This makes her feel better.
Tsukushi is walking home when she finds Shigeru crouched out in front of her house. When she looks up, Tsukushi can see tears in Shigeru's eyes. Shigeru runs to Tsukushi, crying. Tsukushi wants to know what is wrong. Shigeru says that Doumyouji has asked to be with her/hang out/associate/ with her (basically be his woman, similar to what Rui said to Tsukushi way back when). Tsukushi is shocked, to say the least. Shigeru is happy, but she can't stop crying. Tsukushi just holds Shigeru and thinks to herself, 'congratulations'.
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi holds the toy Rui bought her on their date while thinking about him. She is about to throw it away (much to the dismay of all the execs at Bandai I am sure :) but is stopped when Shigeru arrives.
Episode: 41
Title: "Atarashi Hibi no Hajimari", "The Beginning of New Days"
Summary:
On the way home, Tsukushi gets to her house and is surprised to find Shigeru crouched in front of the fence on the ground. When she sees Tsukushi, she jumps up and grabs onto Tsukushi, crying. However the tears don't really seem to be tears of sadness. Shigeru announces that she talked to Doumyouji today, and he said that he wants to get to know her better/hang out with her. (He says the same thing to Shigeru that Rui had said to Tsukushi many episodes ago). Tsukushi reels in shock and hurt at this news. Doumyouji seems to have severed his connection to Tsukushi by announcing his intent to be with Shigeru. Tsukushi just holds on to Shigeru and doesn't say anything, just holds her. Shigeru continues to cry. She is happy, but can't stop crying. She asks Tsukushi what she should do. Tsukushi doesn't really have an answer.
Later, at home, Tsukushi thinks about all of this. She holds the voice memo. She tries to come to terms with what Shigeru told her. She finally tells herself it is okay.
At school, the next morning, Tsukushi arrives, and walks through the gates looking very depressed. She is in a trance and doesn't hear Makiko-chan calling out to her. Finally Makiko catches up with Tsukushi. Tsukushi is glad to see Makiko-chan. Makiko cheers up Tsukushi, and they run inside the school. Later, Tsukushi is sitting on the lawn with Akira and Soujirou. She is telling them what Shigeru said to her the night before. Akira and Soujirou can't believe it. They try to cheer up Tsukushi. Just then Kazuya appears, carrying bento lunches for himself and Tsukushi. Tsukushi is thrilled, she has always liked the lunches made by Kazuya's grandmother. Akira and Soujirou look with some skepticism as Tsukushi and Kazuya gush happily about the lunches and then open them up. Tsukushi offers the guys some, and they reluctantly try some. They seem surprised that it tastes really good.
Just then, Doumyouji appears, and sits between Soujirou and Akira. Tsukushi looks away from him. Kazuya leans right up to Doumyouji and asks him if it is true that he has a new girlfriend. Everyone else is horrified that Kazuya would ask that. Doumyouji looks at Kazuya and says yes it is true. Kazuya exclaims happily that he is glad, implying that now that Tsukushi is free, he will have a chance. Akira and Soujirou manage to shut Kazuya up before he says any more embarrassing things. Then Tsukushi takes a deep breath and says she is glad. She looks up at Doumyouji and says again that she is glad, and congratulates him.
Later, she is standing and watching the sunset, thinking about all the romantic moments she has shared with Doumyouji. (Flashbacks of all my favorite scenes from eps 6, 9, 17, and 29. She forgot the romantic moment in episode 35 though! :) Just then Urara-sensei appears, carrying some white flowers. She talks about the flowers and fate. Whatever it is, it makes Tsukushi think for awhile. (Urara-sensei is just really weird..) Tsukushi thinks that new days are beginning.
Shigeru and Doumyouji are out on a date. Shigeru is complaining to Doumyouji, who is walking very fast and far ahead of her. He tells her to shut up. Shigeru complains that this isn't a date. She starts to cry (she is faking it!) This makes Doumyouji feel a little guilty and he steps back to stand next to her so she can hold onto his arm. Shigeru cheers up instantly. She tries to get him to act more like a boyfriend. She thinks he is good.
At the Doumyouji mansion, Doumyouji's mother is getting an update on the situation from one of her 'henchmen'. He tells her about Doumyouji seeing Shigeru. Then she asks about Tsukushi, and her man says something that seems to satisfy her. Tsukushi is at home eating dinner with her family when they have an unexpected guest. It is Shigeru! Shigeru invites herself in and exclaims at the sight of the Makino's dinner. She sits herself down and helps herself, exclaiming at how good it all is. Everyone just stares at her.
After dinner, Tsukushi and Shigeru are in Tsukushi's room. Shigeru asks Tsukushi about kissing. (I am not sure if she asks if Tsukushi has kissed Doumyouji, or boys in general, arg!) I am not quite sure what Tsukushi's reply is here, but it reassures Shigeru. Tsukushi brings out the toy Rui bought her and they try it out. Shigeru is happy now.
The next day, Tsukushi meets up with Rui on the staircase and tells him what has been happening. Just then, they hear the sound of Shigeru's voice yelling out ‘Tsukasa!' Going to the balcony, Tsukushi and Rui look down and see Shigeru approaching Doumyouji below. Rui asks if this is Shigeru. Tsukushi is surprised to hear Shigeru mention her name. Listening in on their conversation, Tsukushi hears Shigeru ask Doumyouji if he and Tsukushi have kissed. Tsukushi is very surprised. Avidly, Tsukushi and Rui lean over the edge of the balcony to hear Doumyouji. (I am not sure of his replay, I think he says something negative) Shigeru asks Doumyouji to kiss her.
Tense, Tsukushi waits to hear what Doumyouji will do, and feel totally shocked/hurt/upset when Doumyouji agrees to. Slowly Doumyouji takes a step towards Shigeru, then another, and puts his hands on her shoulders, Slowly he leans forward and kisses her! Tsukushi can do nothing but stand above and watch.
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi and Shigeru play with one of the cute toys after dinner at Tsukushi's house.
Episode: 42
Title: "Battari! W-Deeto!", "Battle! (??) Double Date!"
Summary:
Tsukushi and Rui lean over the edge of the balcony by the stairs and look down at Doumyouji. Shigeru is asking him to kiss her. She has tears streaming down her face. Finally Doumyouji agrees. He walks slowly to Shigeru, gathers her into his arms, and kisses her. Rui and Tsukushi stare on with wide, unbelieving eyes. When the kiss is over, Doumyouji releases Shigeru and walks away. Shigeru follows after him.
On the balcony, Tsukushi is standing there in shock. Rui says something about Shigeru while Tsukushi just starts stumbling backwards until she has her back to the wall. Rui leans over Tsukushi and asks if she is shocked, to which Tsukushi replies that she isn't. Shocked? Who's shocked? Tsukushi makes a big show of explaining how happy she is for Doumyouji and Shigeru. Rui looks at Tsukushi's unnatural brightness and knows she is lying. He says something about this, and Tsukushi gets mad and throws one of her shoes at him. (Rui almost goes into Super-deformed mode here for a second. He looks so cute :). Tsukushi stomps off angrily, leaving Rui sitting on the ground holding her shoe. He says she is an interesting girl.
Tsukushi stomps down the hall in one shoe, replaying the kiss again in her mind. (We get to see this kiss replayed a LOT of times ^_^) Tsukushi gets to class and sits down angrily. She grabs her mechanical pencil and starts fiddling with it. She continues to think of Doumyouji and Shigeru, even adding some extra dialog between the two in her mind to embellish the moment. She becomes so angry that she snaps the pencil in two. Then she vents her rage on her poor notebook as she begins to frantically tear out pages from it. Asai and Yamano are watching Tsukushi and make a snide comment about Doumyouji having a girlfriend that angers Tsukushi even more. Tsukushi grabs one piece of her broken pencil and holds it like a knife, with the sharp, broken edge facing down. She walks towards the girls, but they scream and run away. Makiko-chan approaches Tsukushi and asks if she is okay. Tsukushi manages to calm down a bit. Makiko hands Tsukushi her missing shoe, given to her by Rui.
Tsukushi walks home from school, fuming more about the incident. Kazuya is walking with her, wondering what is wrong. Kazuya seems to think he has a chance with Tsukushi now that her relationship with Doumyouji is not so great. He tells her he likes her, but Tsukushi isn't really paying attention, or doesn't take him seriously. Tsukushi says that he is a good friend. (The kanji for friend, 'Tomodachi', appear above Kazuya's head, morph into an arrow, and pierce Kazuya's head, causing the back to explode :) Poor Kazuya is crushed and weakly waves bye to her as she runs off.
At home, Tsukushi makes dinner for the family. Her mother asks Tsukushi how she is doing with Doumyouji, and Tsukushi tells her Doumyouji has a girlfriend now. Mama freaks out, she is so upset! Tsukushi tells her his girlfriend is the daughter of the president of the Ookawahara group. This really impresses and dismays Tsukushi's mom. She moans that she should have taken that money offered by Doumyouji's mother. At dinner, the family wonders about how to pay back the money they owe, and Tsukushi talks about her part time job. (Wow, Tsukushi's brother Susumu actually has a few lines here, amazing!)
After work, Yuki and Tsukushi are walking home together. They are both exhausted. Yuki talks about the test she has tomorrow that she is not ready for. The two part, and Tsukushi continues walking home. It begins to rain. As she walks, she thinks about Doumyouji. Then a voice calls out to her, inviting her for tea. Tsukushi automatically refuses before she realizes the voice belongs to Rui, who is also out walking in the rain. The two stop at a shop for tea. She is surprised to see him. He likes to take a walk when it rains. She thinks he is weird. They sit and talk for a little while. Tsukushi enjoys Rui's company. Rui expresses a desire to go to an onsen (hot springs). Tsukushi is surprised, but admits that she loves going to hot springs too. Just then a voice near them calls out.
It is Shigeru ordering some cafe au lait! Doumyouji and Shigeru have arrived at the shop! Doumyouji and Tsukushi just stare at each other in shock. The air between them is very tense. Shigeru takes no notice and asks if Tsukushi is on a date with this guy. Tsukushi introduces Rui and tries to say it isn't a date. Shigeru invites herself to sit down with Rui and Tsukushi, moving Tsukushi over to sit next to Rui, and motioning Doumyouji to sit next to her. Tsukushi pretends to be happy, asking Shigeru if they are on a date. Shigeru says they are. Tsukushi laughs (she does the traditional anime villainess type laugh- "oh ho ho ho ho!" with one hand by her mouth. Weird to see anyone do this in HYD! :). Doumyouji looks very uncomfortable and angry. Rui is looking at Tsukushi and her show of happiness like she is crazy, or has grown another head. Shigeru is oblivious to any tension and cheerfully rambles on about herself and Doumyouji. Tsukushi feels nervous around Doumyouji. The look on Rui's face as he stares at Tsukushi is very funny :)
Doumyouji is very rude to Shigeru and is grumpy to everyone. Tsukushi tries to act okay about Shigeru and Doumyouji being together. Shigeru then jumps up and asks if they all want to take a trip together since there is no school the next day. They can all go to her vacation house. Tsukushi indicates she is busy, and looks at Rui, hinting that he should decline the offer, but he blinks and asks if the house has an onsen. Shigeru says it does, so Rui agrees to go. Tsukushi falls over at this reply. ^_^ So the four of them are in a car heading to Shigeru's vacation house and the hot springs. Shigeru is chattering away aimlessly. Rui looks out a window. Doumyouji is in the front seat brooding. Tsukushi is worried about what will happen.
Toys used in the episode:
I didn't see any toys used in this episode! Recently there has been little sign of the toys. And a new toy has not been introduced since episode 29! Wow, Bandai needs to get on the ball here and add more toys! :)
Episode: 43
Title: "Kokoro no Kizu wa Fukakute Omoi", "The Heart's Wounds Intensify Feelings"
Summary:
The group has arrived at Shigeru's family vacation house. The rain has stopped, but there is snow all over. The hot springs look wonderful though, with steam rising from the surface. The foursome share a dinner first. Everyone is tense and quiet except for Shigeru who cheerfully rambles on about anything. (Either Shigeru is a good actress, or she is just so totally clueless about the situation, IMO :) Shigeru is talking loudly, cheering "yaaay! yaaay!" Everyone else is just sort of looking at her like she is crazy.
Shigeru tells Tsukushi to serve some tea, and Tsukushi looks very startled. She grabs a can of tea and leans over to Rui who is seated next to her. He lifts his cup, and she pours some tea for him. Shigeru smiles at them. Doumyouji watches everything with an irritated look on his face. He grabs his can of tea and guzzles it down before Shigeru can serve it to him. He crushes the can. Doumyouji and Tsukushi stare at each other across the table and Tsukushi wonders what is up with the expression on his face. She turns to Rui who in turn leaves to go bathe. Shigeru talks about Tsukushi and Rui, saying he must be the guy she likes (or something to this effect, she is basically matching Rui and Tsukushi up) Tsukushi looks like she wants to protest. Doumyouji is quiet, but finally agrees, this is a double date after all... (actually, Doumyouji switched his words around again, calling it a 'date double') Shigeru smiles and says she knew it! Shigeru says something about Tsukushi now getting her chance.
Then Shigeru pulls out a toy (just like the one Rui bought Tsukushi on their first date) and tries to get Doumyouji to place his fingers on it. He pulls away. Shigeru presses against him, rubbing her cheek against his, saying they should go take a bath together. Doumyouji refuses. Tsukushi sits there watching, thinking she (herself) is an idiot. Shigeru just smiles and grabs Tsukushi to go to the spring reserved for the girls.
Shigeru and Tsukushi share one of the hot springs and relax in the soothing heat. They are both nude (just thought this was odd, Usually in anime they are wearing towels or something) Tsukushi sits quietly and thinks about what Doumyouji said about this being a double date. Shigeru talks a lot to Tsukushi, she is very happy. Tsukushi finally says to Shigeru that she is very glad about Doumyouji and Shigeru (as a couple). Shigeru thanks her and Tsukushi thinks to herself that she lied. Meanwhile, Doumyouji is leaning against a wall of his room with his eyes closed. The light on his face is filled with shadow patterns of the trees outside. His eyes are closed, and he looks somewhat anguished. (Reminds me a little of how he looked back in episode 40 or so when he was laying wet on his bed) Doumyouji is remembering his confrontation earlier with Shigeru in which she yelled at him to kiss her, and he did. Tsukushi is also thinking about Doumyouji's kiss with Shigeru. Doumyouji turns and faces the wall, the light and shadow waving across his face. He says 'I love you'.
Tsukushi in the pool then remembers him saying 'I love you' as well. (the scene she remembers is not one I am familiar with though ??) Tsukushi sits in hot water and slowly leans forward until her face is in the water. She looks very hot. Shigeru is sitting on a stool near the springs, lathering her body with soap when she looks over at the pool and sees Tsukushi float to the surface, face down. The next thing we know, Shigeru is dashing down the hall of the resort house, her body covered with soap suds, and a robe barely held around her body. She is screaming about Tsukushi, who has become over heated and passed out in the water. She runs to Doumyouji's room and tells him. Without a second thought, he leaps to his feet, racing to the hot springs with the intention of saving/helping Tsukushi. But when he gets there, he finds Tsukushi already saved.
Rui is there, holding Tsukushi in his arms. She is wrapped in a towel and is still unconscious. Doumyouji stares at Rui as Shigeru approaches the scene behind Doumyouji. Doumyouji's expression is very serious. Rui carries Tsukushi to a room while Doumyouji just turns around and walks the other way without saying a word. Shigeru watches him walk away. Much later, Tsukushi regains consciousness. She is laying on a pallet on the floor, covered with a blanket. She is still naked beneath the blanket. Tsukushi wakes up, muttering that she feels horrible. Suddenly Rui offers her a glass of water and she looks up to see him sitting in the shadows near the bed. He had been watching over her. She accepts the water. He reminds her of what happened. She mutters to herself about being in the bath... then she notices that she is nude and immediately begins to scream frantically. Rui is very calm. She grabs clothing and puts it on under the blanket. She asks if Rui helped her before, and he confirms that he did. Tsukushi realizes that he must have seen her naked, and groans. He saw everything!!! There are scenes of him lifting her from the bath. Tsukushi asks where Shigeru is, and Rui tells her she is already asleep.
Tsukushi and Rui are alone in the room. Tsukushi asks about Shigeru some more, and Rui's reply leads her to imagine Shigeru naked, facing Doumyouji who is also naked. Meanwhile, Shigeru is outside of Doumyouji's room, she is wearing only a robe. She opens the door to find Doumyouji awake, sitting in a chair, looking out a window. Shigeru walks up to him and hangs her arms around his neck. She talks about their engagement. He just sits there. Finally he shrugs her arms away and stands. He is very calm. Shigeru looks worried, and says something about him deciding on her! She is starting to shake. She tells him to look at her, and she takes off her robe, standing in front of him naked.
Tsukushi lays in her bed, side by side with Rui. She can't sleep. She asks Rui if he is asleep, and he isn't. Tsukushi turns to face him. Tsukushi looks very sad and thinks about her wounded feelings. She and Rui just lay there and talk a little. They are holding hands under the covers.
Toys used in the episode:
Shigeru has a toy like the one Rui had bought Tsukushi on their date. She tries to get Doumyouji to use it, but he refuses.
Episode: 44
Title: "Omaejya dame da!", "It can't be you!"
Summary:
Tsukushi and Rui are lying side by side together under some covers on a pallet on the floor. They are holding hands under the covers. Tsukushi is lying on her side, talking to him. She seems to be using Rui as a support for her hurt feelings over Doumyouji. She asks Rui about his saving her from the bath, and he talks about Shigeru's running around screaming. He says she has a very loud, impressive voice. Tsukushi remembers their dinner before the bath. They talk about how open Shigeru is, like a grade school student, and compare her to Tsukasa. They are alike but not alike. Tsukushi laughs. Rui says he is glad she finally laughed because she has been looking depressed and ugly for awhile. Tsukushi says to stop acting like her brother and hits him with a pillow. He laughs. Tsukushi looks at Rui's laughing face and remembers their kiss on the beach. She thinks that even though she may not call her feelings for Rui love anymore, she will like him forever.
Shigeru is standing naked in front of Doumyouji. He does not look impressed. Shigeru wonders why he isn't interested in her. She can't believe he is taking her nudity so calmly. Shigeru begins to really lose it here, she runs into his room and puts her robe on. She says that guys must like to be peeping toms, liking to catch little glimpses of nudity instead of total nudity. She keeps talking about various ways to clothe her body to turn him on, while Doumyouji tries to interrupt her by repeating her name over and over. She ignores him. He tries to talk to her some more, but she covers her ears and starts screaming. Finally she stops and looks at him. He says he tried, but he is sorry, to which she replies asking if this is all a joke. She looks very upset and angry. He tells her it can't be her, that it is no good for them. Shigeru's eyes are very dilated and she is breathing hard. She grabs one of the chairs and hurls it through the window of the room.
In the other room, Rui and Tsukushi are sitting facing each other when they both start with surprise at the loud crash. Tsukushi wonders if it was a burglar, but Rui notes that the sound came from the direction of Doumyouji's room.
In Doumyouji's room, Shigeru stands in front of him, breathing hard, with her robe barely covering her. He is just standing there calmly. He apologizes again. This upsets Shigeru more, and she breaks something else. Doumyouji says that all he can think of is what are Rui and Tsukushi doing right now, alone in their room? His mind is focused on them. Shigeru does not look glad to hear this. She thinks Doumyouji is still in love with Tsukushi.
Tsukushi and Rui are very curious about what is going on. Tsukushi is getting worried and wants to go see what is happening. Doumyouji must be forcing himself on Shigeru! Rui thinks it is the other way around. Tsukushi decides to go take a look. Rui tries to stop her, but she is quickly out of the room. Shigeru asks Doumyouji if he still loves Tsukushi. He doesn't answer, but she says that Tsukushi was congratulating her on her ties to Doumyouji and that Tsukushi doesn't think of Doumyouji anymore. Shigeru grabs Doumyouji's shirt and starts to shake him. He just stares down at her with a calm expression on his face.
When Tsukushi arrives at Doumyouji's room, she opens the door to see Doumyouji in his back on the floor. Shigeru is on top of him, straddling him. Her robe is barely covering her nakedness. Tsukushi instantly jumps to the worst conclusion about what has happened, and runs from the room.
Back in her room, Tsukushi tries not to let on to Rui that she saw anything, but he figures it out.
The next morning, Rui wakes up alone. Tsukushi is outside by the water in a robe. She keeps thinking about her bad timing and what she saw. Doumyouji eventually comes out to the water and greets her. Tsukushi tries to think of something to say, but the only thing that comes to her mind is a congratulation to him on losing his virginity, which of COURSE she can NOT say ^_^ Doumyouji says he is leaving early, and for Tsukushi to tell Rui. She agrees.
Tsukushi meets later with Shigeru to tell her that she is leaving early too. Shigeru nods and says she will be staying there longer. Shigeru mentions the fact that the scene between herself and Doumyouji was very passionate. Tsukushi hastens her exit.
In a chauffeured car with Rui, Tsukushi sits dazed, replaying the scene she stumbled in upon over and over in her mind. Rui is amused at Tsukushi's blank state and begins playing with her hair. Tsukushi says that it is horrible to walk in on someone's H scene. Rui thinks it is okay sometimes, but Tsukushi is only upset because it was an H scene of Doumyouji's. Tsukushi objects to this and snaps out of her daze to find that Rui had tied little knots all over her hair. He looks at her and bursts out laughing and she yells at him ^_^. They continue to talk about H scenes and why guys would want to watch porno movies. Tsukushi stares out the window of the car lost in thought. She is afraid to admit her feelings for Doumyouji because then she would no longer be the same person she was before.
Toys used in the episode:
These episodes are too serious for the toys! Amazing!
Episode: 45
Title: "Sunao ni Nareba?" "Be Honest, Won't You?"
Summary:
Tsukushi is walking down the street towards her house, having just been dropped off near her home by Shigeru's limo. She has just returned from her adventurous trip to Shigeru's vacation house. Images of the events at the hot springs, and the scene in which Tsukushi walked in on Shigeru and Doumyouji keep flashing through her mind. Shigeru straddling Doumyouji while wearing nothing but a towel.
Walking into her home, Tsukushi is greeted by a scene of chaos (this always seems to be the case =). All of her household items have been packed away into boxes! Tsukushi's mama, papa, and brother are all sitting there, looking depressed. When Tsukushi asks what is going on, her family is reluctant to answer. It appears that Tsukushi's father has either gotten a new job, or has been transferred somewhere else. (Not too sure about the details of this). Papa will now be working as a fisherman! The end result of all of this is that Tsukushi's family will be moving away! However Tsukushi will be staying in their apartment, living by herself!
Tsukushi can't believe what is happening, but does come to accept it. She leaves her house and goes for a walk, and thinks about her family. She thinks that at least now she will have some privacy. She imagines herself living alone, sipping tea and looking calm and elegant. Tsukushi's eyes are closed, and she is leaning against a store window. Just then, in her daydream, Rui is suddenly sitting across from her, and says something about thinking about Tsukasa and feeling bad. Tsukushi snaps out of her daydream. Her eyes are wide, and she claims it's not true! She closes her eyes again, and her daydream continues. She is opening a door in her apartment, wearing just a nightdress and a towel. She turns her head, and there on the floor is Doumyouji with Shigeru on top of him. Geh!!! Tsukushi snaps out of her daydream again, and freaks out, talking to herself on the street. People walking by look at her strangely. Tsukushi thinks *again* about Shigeru being on top of Doumyouji. (Geh, we see this scene SOOOO many times ^_^;) Tsukushi pictures herself leaning against a door, with someone or something on the other side trying to open it, but she is trying to keep it closed.
At work, Tsukushi tells Yuki about her new predicament. Yuki is surprised. She asks Tsukushi if she is okay. Tsukushi starts thinking if the first time she met Doumyouji, when she kicked him. And then other scenes flash by, her getting garbage thrown on her and Kazuya, Doumyouji saving her from being dragged by the car. Yuki does her best to support Tsukushi.
The next day, Tsukushi sees her family off. They are all packed up, and ready to leave in a moving van. Tsukushi wishes her dad good luck. They bid each other farewell, and her family leaves. Later on at school, Tsukushi is sitting on a bench when Kazuya comes running up to her. He asks if it is true about her new living arrangements, and Tsukushi confirms this. Kazuya is worried about Tsukushi, a girl living all alone. Tsukushi says she will be ok.
Just then, Doumyouji, Akira, and Soujirou approach. Tsukushi sees them and tries to hide behind the bench, but they see her. (and look at her strangely for being crouched behind a bench). Tsukushi sees Doumyouji, and the two stare at each other for a second or two. She looks away. Soujirou says something about Tsukushi going together with Rui and Doumyouji to Shigeru's vacation house. Kazuya looks shocked and whines at Tsukushi asking if it is true she was there with them. Akira and Soujirou play-act out the event of Rui rescuing Tsukushi from the bath. Kazuya gasps, 'bath!!' Tsukushi is upset and accuses Doumyouji of telling Akira and Soujirou about this. But Soujirou says that Rui told them. Akira and Soujirou kid around with Doumyouji about being at the bath, but he is unresponsive and walks away. Tsukushi is left there standing alone. Kazuya doesn't know what is going on :)
Tsukushi goes to the staircase and finds Rui already sitting there. She asks why he told Akira and Soujirou about what happened at the vacation house. It was very embarrassing. (I really wish I knew what he said in reply here =( All I could make out was the last bit, 'be honest, won't you?', the episode title). Tsukushi's eyes widen, and she looks down. Rui seems to be trying to force Tsukushi to be honest about her feelings, face up to them. He says to Tsukushi that she loves Doumyouji but before he can finish the sentence, she cries no! with her eyes squeezed shut, refusing to listen to him. Tsukushi replies with something about Shizuka and Rui's feelings that upsets Rui a bit. He stands up and faces away from Tsukushi. HE says something about what things are important to him. He walks away.
Tsukushi is sitting there, thinking that it is too late.
Doumyouji's mother is reading a report from her employee about Doumyouji being at Shigeru's vacation house. She is angry that Tsukushi was there also. Doumyouji is sitting outside, looking at the moon. Tsubaki joins him and begins to talk. I get the impression that she is offering him support, saying she understands his situation. (I may be off on this though O_o) Doumyouji thanks her.
At home, Tsukushi is looking up at the moon, thinking of Rui's words about being honest. She herself isn't sure she understands her own feelings. Tsukushi holds the green voice memo and asks it about being honest.
Toys used in the episode:
Wow, the green voice memo makes a last minute appearance in this episode as Tsukushi holds it and records into it when gazing at the same moon as Doumyouji.
Episode: 46
Title: "Hariken Sekkinchyou!", "Within the Approaching Hurricane"
Summary:
Tsukushi is at home cooking herself some french toast. She is thinking about how she is now living by herself, it is like the beginning of a new age for her. She remembers her discussion with Rui from before in which he told her to be honest about her feelings. Unfortunately, while she was lost in thought, her toast burned. (oops!)
At school, Tsukushi is walking with Makiko-chan, who asks her about living all alone now. Tsukushi says she is okay, and mentions the burnt toast. Tsukushi starts to think *again* about seeing Shigeru draped over Doumyouji back at Shigeru's vacation house. Makiko notices how spacy Tsukushi is, and snaps her out of her daze.
Later, Tsukushi goes to the staircase, but Rui is not there. Tsukushi sits down and thinks about Shigeru and Doumyouji, about *that scene* again, and feels very very sad. Suddenly, she jumps up and stands at the balcony rail and yells 'Idiot! Idiot! I'm such an idiot!'
In the lunch room, the F4 are together eating. Doumyouji is staring out a window and Rui is keeping to himself, but Akira and Soujirou are talking happily. They mention a new dance club, and invite Doumyouji to go with them. It will be a great party club with lots of girls. Doumyouji says he is not interested. (He looks very depressed) Akira and Soujirou look dejected at Doumyouji's answer. They turn to Rui and invite him. Rui, looking rather sullen himself, declines the invitation. Meanwhile, Doumyouji gets up and walks away.
Akira and Soujirou confront Tsukushi, and seem to be trying to get information from her about Rui and Doumyouji. She was at the vacation house with them, after all. Tsukushi wonders why she should have anything to do with this, and refuses to say anything to Akira and Soujirou, it is none of her concern.
Tsukushi and Makiko-chan are walking on campus. Tsukushi talks to Makiko about something, and I think she either invites her over to her home, or thinks about having people over, because suddenly an image of how rundown her apartment is really hits her, and she is embarrassed. But Makiko-chan thinks that all it needs is a makeover/remodeling effort, and volunteers to help Tsukushi. Suddenly they look up to see Doumyouji standing there, staring at Tsukushi. Makiko takes this opportunity to make a strategic exit, leaving the couple alone. Doumyouji says he wants to talk to Tsukushi. She says she has nothing to say to him, and turns to leave, but he grabs her arm. They don't move for a few moments after that. Tsukushi notices how warm Doumyouji's hand on her arm is, and is reminded of other times (Their kiss in episode 17, lying together under the blankets in the cabin in Canada, the time he faced Junpei's thugs and was beaten up...) but then she thinks that he is not hers. Doumyouji belongs to Shigeru! Tsukushi breaks away from Doumyouji and runs away.
At work, Tsukushi is in a daze again. She is thinking about Doumyouji (of course). Yuki notices how out of it Tsukushi is, and brings her back to the present. Yuki asks Tsukushi if she is okay living all alone, it must be lonely. Tsukushi says she is okay. She is like a weed after all! Yuki still looks concerned.
At the Doumyouji mansion, Doumyouji is laying on a lounge chair outside, looking at the stars. He looks sad! He picks up the green toy that is on the table next to him. It is the toy from the Canada trip. He presses the button on it and watches as it scrolls the same message that it read the last time he used it, when he had dropped Tsukushi off at her house the morning after Doumyouji's birthday party, after the night they spent on his yacht. 'AISHITERU', 'I LOVE YOU'.
At school, Tsukushi is *still* thinking about the scene in which Shigeru was on top of Doumyouji. Just then she hears violin music and realizes that Rui is playing. She follows the music and finds Rui in the garden playing his violin. Tsukushi listens quietly for a long time as Rui plays. He notices her presence and stops playing. Tsukushi says she is glad to hear him play the violin again after such a long time. He does not look that excited about playing though. He says something about not being able to hear the voice of the violin.
At home, Tsukushi is looking depressed. She is thinking about Rui. Just then there is a knock on her door. It's Kazuya, Yuki, and Makiko-chan! (wow, Yuki and Makiko-chan in the same place at the same time! ^_^) They come bearing wallpaper and paint! They announce that they are there to help Tsukushi remodel her home. Happily, they all get to work putting up wallpaper and painting cabinets, etc. Eventually they finish, and the place looks much better! Makiko went out for food and returns with some bundles. They all sit down and eat, talking happily. Tsukushi thinks to herself that she has really good friends. Kazuya asks if Doumyouji knows that she is living all by herself. Tsukushi has no idea if Doumyouji knows, and doesn't think it is any of her concern. Kazuya is very happy now. He seems to still think that now he has a chance at winning Tsukushi. (Dream on Kazuya :)
The next day at school, Tsukushi arrives to see a crowd gathered. She hears a loud noise and investigates. She discovers that there are bulldozers tearing down one of the school buildings. They will be building a new set of buildings there. A voice behind Tsukushi says that the buildings will have the name of Ookawahara. Tsukushi is shocked. It is Shigeru standing there. She is wearing the Eitoku school uniform!
Toys used in the episode:
Yay, Doumyouji has the green toy from Canada. He stares a the 'Aishiteru' message on the screen while he sits at home looking sad =(
Episode: 47
Title: "Tenkousei- Shigeru no Hamon!", "Exchange Student- Shigeru's Ripple! "
Summary:
Tsukushi and Kazuya watch the demolition of the old school buildings and wonder what is going on. Just then a familiar voice behind them says that they are tearing down the old buildings to make way for some new ones, bearing the name of Ookawahara. Tsukushi and Kazuya are shocked to find Shigeru standing there in an Eitoku school uniform. Shigeru is a new transfer student to Eitoku Gakuen! Tsukushi doesn't want to believe it, what a nightmare!
In the lunch room, the F4, minus Rui, are eating lunch when Shigeru arrives. She immediately pounces on Doumyouji who also looks totally surprised to see her in school. He tries to shake her loose, but she clings to him and bites on his ear gently. Doumyouji freezes and looks embarrassed. Akira and Soujirou look a bit confused. Shigeru eventually lets him loose and shows off her Eitoku school uniform.
Not too far away, Tsukushi watches the scene with Shigeru and Doumyouji unfold in front of her. She remembers *again* the scene with Shigeru on top of Doumyouji at the vacation house. Now she has to deal with Shigeru at school too! Tsukushi is less than thrilled at the idea. Doumyouji is angry with Shigeru for her over enthusiastic attention towards him. She keeps clinging to him. But when he looks down into her face, he remembers her wearing just the robe and crying over his rejection. He seems to feel a bit bad, so he relaxes his angry attitude. I also think he reminds her that they are no longer a couple. Shigeru understands. Just then Doumyouji notices Tsukushi on the other side of the room watching them. Tsukushi has turned around and is walking away. Doumyouji watches her leave.
In class, Asai, Ayuhara, and Yamano are talking about the arrival of Shigeru and her relationship to Doumyouji. They make a bunch of mean comments as usual. Kazuya and Sakurako overhear Asai and friends talking and they both get upset. Sakurako (wow, haven't seen her in a while) gets angry.
Walking on campus, Tsukushi is confronted by Asai, Ayuhara, and Yamano, who want to speak to her privately. Looking out a window of the school building, Shigeru watches Tsukushi and the other girls walk off. Tsukushi agrees to a private talk, and the four girls go to a staircase. Tsukushi is standing at the bottom of the stairs, looking up at the other three girls. Asai & Co. begin to really rub it in on Tsukushi about Shigeru and Doumyouji's relationship, going on about how Tsukushi was just some sort of peasant girl. Tsukushi begins to get mad at the abuse and her expression turns angry. She is Tsukushi the weed! Tsukushi gets so mad she is about to charge up the staircase and attack the girls when suddenly there is someone above them. It is Shigeru, who is flying through the air. Shigeru had jumped from the top step, over Asai & Co., to land next to Tsukushi. Shigeru begins to defend Tsukushi, saying they are friends!
Shigeru faces off with Asai, Yamano, and Ayuhara. She is able to handle those three very well. Shigeru stresses the fact that Tsukushi is her most important friend. Tsukushi can't understand Shigeru. Shigeru continues to insult the other girls, and finally has them so cowed that she simply shoos them away, and they take off running. Tsukushi thanks Shigeru for the help.
In class, Tsukushi is startled to find a note in her desk. It is from Sakurako, asking Tsukushi to come meet her on the school roof. When Tsukushi gets there, she finds a scene unfolding before her. Sakurako is standing there with Shigeru. It seems Sakurako had given Shigeru a similar letter. Now as for the dialog here, I am not quite sure. The IMPRESSION I get from this scene is that Sakurako is very angry with Shigeru. Sakurako had loved Doumyouji, remember, but she had eventually given him up to Tsukushi. Now Shigeru comes along and takes Doumyouji from Tsukushi. This makes Sakurako angry. Sakurako was willing to give up Doumyouji to Tsukushi because she liked and respected her. But to see Doumyouji with Shigeru? This was not acceptable! Sakurako wants Shigeru to give up Doumyouji. (remember, this is what I believe Sakurako is saying. It is a lot like how Ginta was feeling in the second half of Marmalade Boy).
Anyway, Shigeru listens to Sakurako give her speech about Doumyouji. She doesn't look very concerned, and when Sakurako finishes, Shigeru actually looks happy! She says she really likes this new school of hers and all the interesting people. She walks up to Sakurako and hugs her and says she is cute! Sakurako just stands there, totally dumbfounded. Shigeru is good at throwing people off balance!
Later, Tsukushi is at the staircase, thinking about the events with Sakurako and Shigeru. A few minutes later, Rui arrives and sits down next to Tsukushi. They talk for a bit, and Tsukushi actually laughs. She and Rui laugh together, and Tsukushi realizes that for some reason, she is feeling happy again. But suddenly their laughter is cut short by the arrival of Shigeru!
Shigeru has found Rui and Tsukushi. She immediately runs up to Rui and greets him. She has to ask him his name again because she forgot it. Then she makes some insinuating comments wondering why Rui and Tsukushi are meeting here together. After all, they even shared a room together at Shigeru's vacation house. Tsukushi goes to protest Shigeru's words when she starts to remember that night, and sleeping with Rui under the same covers. She remembers how nice he was and how they held hands. Shigeru chatters on happily, and says that the four of them should all go on another trip together. This idea horrifies Tsukushi, but Rui agrees that it sounds like a good idea, especially to go to another hot springs. Tsukushi is speechless.
Then the sound of soft footsteps can be heard clicking on the pavement, coming closer. Someone is approaching them on the stairs! Tsukushi feels the presence of the newcomer and looks up to see none other than Shizuka! Shizuka is standing on the stairs a few steps below them. She looks very beautiful and elegant. Everyone is speechless. Rui's eyes are glued on Shizuka's form, afraid to look away as if she would disappear in the blink of an eye. Rui can barely gasp Shizuka's name. He presses himself up against the wall of the building, an expression of longing and shock on his face. Tsukushi is shocked speechless too! She can only stare as Shizuka greets them. She has returned from France to see Rui!
Toys used in the episode:
Don't remember seeing any! Wow!
Episode: 49
Title: "Futari no Atarashii Kankei", "Their New Relationship"
Summary:
Tsukushi passed the exchange student test! She will be going to America to study abroad! Later, everyone arrives at school, and there is a crowd gathered around the bulletin board. Everyone is shocked to see Tsukushi's name there. Asai & Co. are angry and make a lot of mean comments. Sakurako and Kazuya defend Tsukushi. They, along with Makiko and Shigeru, are surprised to see that Tsukushi passed, but are very happy for her. Kazuya is happy for Tsukushi, but is also very sad too because he will miss her!
The F4 arrive at the bulletin board, and Doumyouji sees that Tsukushi passed. He stares at her name for a while. Akira and Soujirou are amazed to see Tsukushi passed as well, and talk about her. Doumyouji turns around and walks away without saying a word. The rest of the F4 follow. Tsukushi then arrives at the bulletin board again, just to make sure she didn't imagine seeing her name before. She sees it is still there. Kazuya sees Tsukushi and calls out to her. Her friends gather around her and congratulate her on passing the test. Kazuya is still sad, but tells Tsukushi to do her best! Shigeru looks very sad about Tsukushi leaving.
By herself, Tsukushi walks to that spot in the garden where Rui plays his violin. She thinks about the past, and of meeting Rui here. He can hear the voice of his violin now. She remembers Rui and Shizuka's reunion, and then thinks of the time Rui told her to be honest with herself.
Shigeru arrives in the garden where Tsukushi is thinking. Shigeru is still wearing street clothes instead of her uniform. Shigeru approaches Tsukushi and begs her not to go away. She will miss Tsukushi very much, and things will be boring without her. Tsukushi says she has to go, she can't stay. Then she runs away from Shigeru, thinking that she has to leave for Shigeru's sake, for her own sake.
Shigeru watches Tsukushi running away, and looks sad. Just then Urara-sensei arrives. Whatever the amazing Urara-sensei has to say to Shigeru about Tsukushi, it is enough to leave Shigeru standing there thinking. (What does Urara-sensei always say that manages to be so important every time?)
At the end of the day, Tsukushi is at the bulletin board looking at her name. Doumyouji arrives, and comments on how poor-girl Makino will be an exchange student. Tsukushi manages to brag a little about going away, talking about being bilingual. However she and Doumyouji manage to start snapping at each other fairly quickly. Tsukushi gets mad and goes to hit Doumyouji, but as she moves forward, he steps aside. As Tsukushi goes past, he grabs her arm and yanks her to him in a tight hug. Tsukushi allows herself to be hugged. Then they stare at each other. Tsukushi can't take it, and turns and runs away, saying 'Bye bye Doumyouji'.
At the Doumyouji mansion, Doumyouji is walking down a hallway. He has just gotten out of the shower/bath because he is in just his pajama bottoms, and is toweling his wet, straight hair. (Woo hoo :) He walks by his mother's office, where she is talking with her henchman. She is talking about getting Tsukushi out of the way and paving the way for Shigeru and Doumyouji. It seems that Doumyouji's mother had rigged the test Tsukushi took so that she will be sent off to America, leaving Shigeru and Doumyouji together! Doumyouji figures this out and storms into the office. He is VERY angry! He YELLS at his mother and pounds on her desk. This looks like the first time he has really ever stood up to her. Kaede explains about the Doumyouji family and basically sounds like she is saying snobby things :) Doumyouji pounds the desk again, throws his towel at his mother's face, and storms out of the office!
At home, Tsukushi is on the phone with Yuki, telling her the good news about her test results. Yuki is excited! Tsukushi is happy, but not completely. She keeps seeing Doumyouji's face floating around her. Yuki talks about how much fun Tsukushi will have, and about getting a cute gaijin (foreigner) guy!
Doumyouji is outside, and he is running hard. He's on his way to Tsukushi's place! He has to tell her the news!! Tsukushi hangs up the phone with Yuki, and walks to her window where she stares outside and thinks about everyone. She remembers the time when everyone came over to help her fix up her apartment. She sits down on the window sill and pulls out the little toy she got on her date with Rui. She asks it a question about her future and being away, but doesn't like the answer it gives her. Just then she hears a pounding on her door!
Tsukushi wonders who it could be. Then she hears his voice calling her name. It's Doumyouji! She opens the door, and he walks right into her apartment. Tsukushi wonders what he is doing here. Doumyouji faces Tsukushi, his expression is very serious. He grabs her shoulders and tells her what he overheard in his mother's office. He tells her about the rigged test. Tsukushi is in shock, and falls to her knees. Doumyouji kneels down next to her, his hands still on her shoulders. Tsukushi looks very sad and upset at the news. Then she says that she will go anyway. Doumyouji is shocked and upset! He grabs Tsukushi and hugs her! Idiot! no! he says.
Tsukushi throws back the fact that Doumyouji and Shigeru are together. However Doumyouji says they are no longer a couple! Tsukushi stumbles away. No way! She can't believe it! She is thinking of the time when she walked in on Shigeru and Doumyouji. Doumyouji says he told Shigeru that it can't be her. He remembers the scene when he told her, and Shigeru had grabbed him and shook him and was going to throw the chair through the window at the vacation house.
Tsukushi says she doesn't understand. Doumyouji wants to be with Tsukushi. Tsukushi wonders if it could be true, that Doumyouji still cares for her.. Doumyouji approaches Tsukushi, places his hands on her shoulders and leans close to her. Tsukushi raises her hand and pulls away. She says they are from different worlds. Doumyouji doesn't seem to care. He says something that gives Tsukushi hope. Then he says something totally stupid that gets Tsukushi angry/annoyed at him. She whirls around and goes to yell at him. However he seizes the moment. Doumyouji places a hand on the back of Tsukushi's head, and presses her close and kisses her! Go Doumyouji!
Tsukushi's eyes are wide open in shock as Doumyouji kisses her. Then slowly she closes them. She leans into Doumyouji and then wraps her arms around him! She grasps the material of his shirt and holds onto Doumyouji tightly as they keep kissing. In her mind, she and Doumyouji are floating in space, holding each other. She says something about believing now. Doumyouji and Tsukushi stand side by side, facing the sunrise out of Tsukushi's window. Doumyouji's hand is on Tsukushi's shoulder, and she brings her hand up to cover his and leans close to him. He looks down at her, his expression very tender. Tsukushi thinks that this is the beginning of their new relationship. (Awww! :)
(But hey, the series isn't over yet! 2 more eps to go!)
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi uses the toy Rui bought her to ask it something about her trip to America.
Episode: 50
Title: "Mou Oshimai Ni Shou", "We Shouldn't See Each Other Anymore"
Summary:
Tsukushi is walking to school. No, she is hopping to school, actually :) Tsukushi, in a great mood after the last episode, is on her way to school, and as she goes, she crosses several hopscotch grids on the ground, so she hops in the circles and squares. Tsukushi is happy, however the music is strangely somber! What does this mean!? Tsukushi is thinking about what happened between herself and Doumyouji. She thinks to herself that she wants to see him, she wants to see Doumyouji. Happily, she tosses her school bag into the air. (We never do see it come down again, I hope it did!)
She reaches school, and sort of lurks around campus, peeking around corners and slinking down hallways. She is looking for Doumyouji, but can't find him. The music during all of this is very somber! It makes me worry! Finally, she comes across the F4. From their conversation, I get the impression that they haven't seen him. They are all talking, when Tsukushi spots Shigeru.
Seeing Shigeru reminds Tsukushi of her conversation with Doumyouji, how he told her of his talk with Shigeru, and his rejection of her. Tsukushi isn't sure how to handle meeting up with Shigeru. However Shigeru doesn't seem that concerned about all of that, she has other things on her mind, namely the fact that she has either just come from Doumyouji's house or she has just heard (I am not really sure about which) that Doumyouji has been shut away in his room, and that there are a lot of bodyguards there around the mansion keeping him from leaving! Bars on his window too!
This upsets Tsukushi, of course, so she takes it upon herself to go see Doumyouji. Later on, she is walking down the street towards Doumyouji's mansion, when suddenly, Rui is there beside her, walking with her. He is going to go to Doumyouji's place too! They walk for a bit, and are soon confronted by Soujirou and Akira, who have also decided to go get Doumyouji! Now it is all 5 of them, like a little army, marching to storm the castle that is Doumyouji's mansion! They all walk for a bit, and then they come across Shigeru in some bushes, trying to get into the Doumyouji estate herself! Everyone laughs, and bands together. The music is more cheerful now. They are going to get Doumyouji!
At the Doumyouji mansion, he is indeed locked up in his room. There are bars on his window, and guards around his door. The room he is sitting in is dark, and there is smashed furniture all around, like they had to fight with him in order to get him shut inside the room! He looks so sad!!!
Tsukushi and company arrive at the front gates. There are guards around. After a lot of standing there and looking strong and determined, Tsukushi steps forward and enters the grounds. The others rush to keep up with her. They all enter the house, with Shigeru taking the lead in calling out for Tsukasa. He is nowhere to be found. Tsukushi says Doumyouji's name. The scene flashes to the dark room where he is, and he starts as if he heard her and says 'Makino'. (Wow, they have some sort of bond with each other! Love telepathy :)
Then Nishida, Doumyouji's mother's henchman, arrives and directs them to a room where the mother is waiting. The room is very beautiful and elegant, with lush plants all around. There is some sort of pool garden that extends into the room, but continues outside of the room, on the other side of a glass wall. It is somewhat difficult to describe.
Now here is where I was ready to pull my hair out. There is a long conversation here between Tsukushi and Doumyouji's mom. I don't understand very much of it at all, but the two just do not get along! Kaede Doumyouji makes her opinions of Tsukushi rather clear. There is a picture of Doumyouji when he was a young boy that the two of them keep looking at. I think some of the issue for Doumyouji's mom might be her desire to control her son's life, but this is just a guess. But finally, Tsukushi says something about how pathetic or sad Kaede is. Kaede gets angry and slaps Tsukushi. Tsukushi stumbles back, but when she recovers, she comes right back and slaps Doumyouji's mother back! Everyone is shocked and silenced! WOW! Go Tsukushi!
Everyone is just standing there in shock when there is a loud crash! A table is seen falling to the ground outside the window of the room Tsukushi is in. It was thrown by Doumyouji, through his bedroom window. Glass is flying everywhere. Doumyouji jumps out of his bedroom window and lands hard. He stands up, sees Tsukushi & Co. in that room with his mother, and walks forward, crashing through the window to that room to get to her.
After breaking the window and entering the room, he just stands there, looking totally beat up. He has bruises and is bleeding here and there. Doumyouji looks like he will collapse any second. Tsukushi rushes forward, walking through the water of the little indoor plant pool to get to Doumyouji. He leans towards her and lays his head on her shoulder. She strokes his cheek and holds his hand. She helps him over to a place where they can sit down. They stare at each other, and Tsukushi brushes her hand through his hair. She takes her handkerchief and binds a wound on his hand. She kisses him on the cheek. Tsukushi begins to speak. I think she says things about believing they were at the beginning of a new relationship, but now she believes that it would not be a good idea for them to be together. She thanks him, and says they shouldn't see each other any more. Then she stands up, and turns away from him. Doumyouji stands as well, and looks at Tsukushi's retreating back.
Everyone is gaping at this scene. Tsukushi starts to walk away, and Doumyouji makes a weak gesture to stop her, but stops his movement. This is SO sad! Wahhhhhhh! She says good bye to him and good bye to Tsukushi the heroine. Shigeru and the rest of the F4 jump up and try to get Doumyouji to go after her, but he doesn't!
Toys used in the episode:
Tsukushi has the little green toy that Doumyouji brought on the Canada trip attached to her school bag. I can only assume that it still spells out the message Doumyouji had typed out on it back around his Birthday party episodes: 'Aishiteru' ('I love you') What is cute is that Doumyouji had this toy in episode 46, so he must have brought it with him when he rushed to Tsukushi's place and given it to her :)
Episode: 51
Title: "Nebaaendingu", "Neverending"
Summary:
Tsukushi has turned away Doumyouji. Time has passed. It is now 3 months later (I believe). Things have changed a lot since that day at Doumyouji's mansion. Tsukushi is pretty much left alone at school now. She walks around campus reflecting on the changes. She has been living alone, but does receive packages from her parents. She opens one and finds some pictures of her parents and brother. Her dad is standing on the prow of the fishing boat, looking like a manly fisherman. Her mother is wrestling with some slippery fish. Her brother is hanging out with some of his new friends on the fishing boat. Tsukushi smiles at the letter that comes with their photos, and unwraps the fish that came with the package.
At school, Asai & Co. have found a new freshman girl to be the target of their teasing. They ignore Tsukushi. Sakurako and Kazuya seem to be getting along very well, like they are becoming a new couple :) Tsukushi still works at the Dango shop with Yuki. The F4 have been reduced to the F2, because only Akira and Soujirou are left at the school. Rui has gone away to France to be with Shizuka, and Doumyouji has not returned to school since. I don't see any signs of Shigeru at the school either.
Tsukushi and Makiko-chan are still good friends. Makiko is a bit more lively now. Makiko-chan teases Tsukushi about getting a love-letter in her locker. As Tsukushi and Makiko are walking down the hall, they pass a group of boys, one of whom is blushing a whole lot, and trying not to look at Tsukushi. After the girls pass by, his friends all gang up on him and tease him. A new guy likes Tsukushi! However, Tsukushi is too preoccupied with Doumyouji still, that she doesn't notice this boy, or take any interest in him.
Tsukushi is lingering alone on her balcony/staircase where she used to meet with Rui. Down below her are Ayuhara and Yamano. Asai runs up to them with big news! Doumyouji is about to get married! He and Shigeru are scheduled to have a big wedding send off very soon! This news hurts Tsukushi. She looks very upset, and has a very confused expression.
The scene is the local harbor where a HUGE cruise ship is docked. There is a brass band there playing a lively tune, and the entire school has gathered to see off Doumyouji and Shigeru as they leave on some sort of voyage to go get married. Tsukushi is there too, but she is not cheering with everyone else. She is staring at the ground and trying not to look at all the splendid festivity around her.
Then the roar of the crowds gets louder. Two limos arrive. It is Doumyouji and Shigeru! They each arrive in their own car. Shigeru is beautiful in a white wedding dress. Doumyouji is equally spiffy in a white tuxedo. The happy couple runs through the crowd of happy admirers, ducking under streamers and flying confetti. They eventually make it to their ship, and stand at the railing, looking down at the huge crowd of people wishing them off. The crowd moves to be close to the ship, but Tsukushi stays behind, standing by herself, lost in thought.
Tsukushi's thoughts are interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Urara-sensei! She is also there to see the engaged couple off. The odd thing is, is dressed with her hair all pulled back, and in a man's suit! How totally odd. Was there something I missed somewhere along the line about her orientation or something? Maybe she just likes men's clothing. Anyway, she has a few of her usually profound words to say to Tsukushi at this important moment. (Urara always appears at just the right moment, saying just the right thing to move events forward!) She hands Tsukushi a letter she says is from Doumyouji, and then walks away.
Tsukushi opens the letter and begins to read. I wasn't sure what the letter says, but according to Julia who emailed me:
"The contents of the letter was supposedly from Doumyoiji telling Tsukushi that he does not plan to marry Shigeru at all but to just get away. He will escape on the journey(don't ask me how on a ship, it wasn't mentioned) to live by himself for some time first until things has quietened down. He is going to leave(or should I say desert) Shigeru alone, and that with her intelligence, she will have no trouble finding another guy." Ahh, okay! Thanks Julia ^_^
Needless to say, this letter makes Tsukushi MAAAAAAADDDDDD! She is absolutely FUMING! Tsukushi crumples the letter in her hand and runs towards the ship. The crowd gapes at her as Tsukushi runs past all of them and reaches a dock worker who is releasing the mooring rope that helps to keep the ship anchored. As he releases the loop, Tsukushi dives for it. Everyone gasps! Tsukushi catches the rope, and dangles from it, hitting the side of the ship! The people on the ship haul in the rope and help Tsukushi aboard the ship. Her anger burns in her eyes! (Incidentally, I think this episode must have been done by a different studio because suddenly everyone in the series looks as if they are wearing a lot of mascara, Doumyouji included!) Doumyouji looks totally dumbfounded to see her on the ship.
Tsukushi, in her rage, rushes Doumyouji, launches herself into the air, and kicks Doumyouji in the face in a VERY similar manner to how she did it back in episode 1. He goes sprawling. When he gets up, the two square off, face to face and yell at each other angrily. Tsukushi rages at him about the content of the note, while he denies stuff. Finally they are nose to nose, glaring angrily at each other when Shigeru's voice cuts through the fight.
Shigeru exclaims happily about Tsukushi's being there, and is glad she was able to come. This has both Doumyouji and Tsukushi staring at Shigeru like she was a total loon. Shigeru smiles. Tsukushi realizes that it was Shigeru who wrote the letter that got Tsukushi so angry. It was also Shigeru who gave the note to Urara-sensei to deliver to Tsukushi saying it came from Doumyouji. All of this had been Shigeru's plan to get Doumyouji and Tsukushi together! And now her part in the scheme was done! She walks up to Tsukushi, removes her own wedding veil and puts it on Tsukushi's head.
Doumyouji and Tsukushi stare at each other. Then they have totally stunned and blank expressions on their faces as they follow Shigeru's process as she goes over to the railing of the ship and jumps overboard! They run to the rail and look down to see Shigeru floating there (in that huge wedding dress?? I'd think she would sink...) until she is picked up by a little boat. It is Kazuya's boat! He is onboard, along with Sakurako, Akira, and Soujirou! (Hey, where is Rui? He didn't come back to town to See Doumyouji off to be married?! I guess he is busy with Shizuka.)
Tsukushi and Doumyouji are left on the boat to sail away into the sunset. They face each other, and, interestingly enough, the opening song begins! They play the opening song, because it isn't really the end, but instead a new beginning! Everyone waves from Kazuya's boat. Then the scene flashes to a beach landscape exactly like the one in the ending credits. Doumyouji and Tsukushi are wearing the clothes they do in the ending credits as well. Doumyouji is holing an apple, and takes a bite out of it. He tosses it to Tsukushi, who looks shy about biting into it (it would be like an 'indirect kiss' because his lips had just touched the apple there) but then she smiles and bites into it!
The scene changes again to the docks, where Doumyouji's mother is standing, watching the ship pull away from the harbor. She requests her cell phone, but Tsubaki blocks her, protesting, saying to leave Doumyouji alone! And Kaede does! She seems to have finally given in!
The series ends with the couple on the ship, kissing, going off to sail around the world together. (I assume they live happily ever after, of course!) It is really a great ending!
Toys used in the episode:
There was no time for toys in this episode!


The Heroine


Makino Tsukushi

The F4

Doumyouji Tsukasa
Hanazawa Rui
Mimasaka Akira
Nishikado Soujirou


Friends

Matsuoka Yuki
Aoike Kazuya
Toudou Shizuka
Endou Makiko
Kin-san

Family


Mama and Papa
Doumyouji Tsubaki
Doumyouji Kaede


Troublemakers

Sakurako
Thomas
Junpei
Shigeru
Classmates



Kunisawa Amon