The story:
I don’t want it."
Kotoko is upset when the boy that she has been in love with for 2 years refused to accept the love letter that she has written for him. This has made her the laughingstock of the school. Everyone has expected such outcome as Naoki from the A-Class would never go out with Kotoko from the F-Class. Not only he is from the A-Class, he is also a genius and a top student in school. With this rejection, Kotoko decides to move on.
Unexpectedly, during a visit from her friends, her house collapses. Her father decides to put her up at his friend’s house while the house is being re-built. To her shock, "the friend" that her father has referred to is Naoki’s father. Now that they are living under the same roof, Kotoko’s feelings for Naoki (which has never gone away anyway…) rekindles…
This story consists of 23 volumes of manga which spans over a period of a long time, following Kotoko’s and Naoki’s romance, marriage and married life. However, as Miss Tada passed away before this manga is completed, the 23 volume of manga will not be completed.
Main Characters:
Kotoko
She has been in love with Naoki for 2 years at the beginning of the manga. She is a bubbly character. Like Naoki said when asked by Yuki how he could fall for a girl like Kotoko,"The 90% that I can do, she can’t do, but the 10% that I can’t do, she actually can do." She eventually marries Naoki and becomes a nurse, working beside him.
Naoki
He seems rather aloof at first but evetually we find out that he himself has always been in love with Kotoko. Whenever Kotoko seems to be showing signs (in his eyes) of giving up on him, he does something that surprises her, like kissing her or declaring to her other suitors that he is the one that Kotoko loves. He eventually marries Kotoko and becomes a doctor. |
Yuki
Yuki is Naoki’s younger brother. Like Naoki, he too seems very aloof to girls and as smart as Naoki. At first, he seems to hate Kotoko as he was forced to give up his room for her. After a while he accepts her. But he tries to cover up his acceptance of her by still, being mean to her. 
In fact, he is the 1st person to find out about Naoki’s feelings for Kotoko. He later follows in his brother’s footsteps by falling in love with a girl who is like Kotoko, Konomi. BTW, the picture is when he is 15.
Mama (Machiko(drama based)/Noriko)
Mama is Naoki’s and Yuki’s mother. She is very happy (that’s putting it mildly….) when Kotoko stays with them as she has always wanted a daughter. That want was so strong that she dressed Naoki as a girl when he was young…with disastrous results…. She also harbors the hope that Kotoko and Naoki will end up together.
Papa (Shigeki)
Papa, unlike Mama is a more reasonable person….umm…maybe less crazy than her….:) He is the complete opposite of Mama. He is, however, a bit submissive to Mama’s demand…in my opinion.
Aihara Shigeo
He is Kotoko’s father. He is a chef in his restaurant. He and Papa are best friends. He is somehow embarrassed by Kotoko’s cullinary skills…or the lack of it…..
Other characters:
Konomi
She is a very sweet character. Like Kotoko, she is from the F-Class and is in love with a boy from the A-Class, Yuki. While Yuki rejects her at first, he eventually begins to like her. He was very angry when a couple of boys asks her if she has a boyfriend, and she replies no.
Zinko & Satomi
Both are very good friends of Kotoko. They too eventually meets the guys of their dreams. Satomi eventually got married too.
Kinnosuke
He is one of and the most ardent admirer of Kotoko. He proposed to her despite knowing the fact that she loves Naoki. He was rejected. He was shocked (but I’m sure very happy…) when Chris professes her love for him. They eventually dated and he proposes to her.
Chris
She is the one and only person who thinks that Kinnosuke is georgeous ^_- She is from England, ditching a very handsome guy for Kinnosuke. Accepts Kinnosuke’s proposal after rejecting him…I mean he proposes, she rejects him, then they talked it out, and she accepts.
Watanabe
He is Naoki’s friend in high school. He eventually goes to T Dai University. Unlike in the drama, he is actually pretty nice to Kotoko. |
Reiko
She is Kotoko’s rival for Naoki’s affection in university. However, even though she likes Naoki, Naoki and her are only friends.
Sudou
He is Naoki’s, Kotoko’s and Reiko’s senior. He is also a very good tennis player, but not as good as Naoki. He is a very nice person until he starts playing tennis. He cannot control himself when he’s playing tennis. He becomes fierce and mean to the point of insulting his opponent and making them suffer… He likes Reiko.
Naomi
She only appears in Vol. 3. Yuki likes her even though she is older than him by 3 years. However, when she sees Naoki for the first time, she likes him.
Ayako
Ayako is Reiko’s younger sister. Like Reiko she is smart and very good in tennis. Though she is better in tennis than Reiko. She is also one of Kotoko’s rival for Naoki’s affection. She is also Naoki’s student as he tutors her in her studies. Though she likes Naoki at first, she ends up with Takendo.
Taketo
Takendo is in the same year university with Ayako. Though he is younger that Kotoko, he likes Kotoko and asks Kotoko out despite knowing that Kotoko actually likes Naoki. In the end, he and Ayako are together.
Nobu
He and Yuki becomes friends when Yuki had to stay in the hospital. He was admitted to the hospital due to heart problems which he still suffers from until he’s 17. When he’s 17, he becomes a famous star and very cute as well. ^_^ He appears in Vol 6 and 23.
Keita
He is Kotoko’s classmate in the nursing school. He likes Kotoko despite the fact that Kotoko is married to Naoki then. In fact, I think he is the only person who makes Naoki feels threatened. Naoki is jealous of Keita’s and Kotoko’s good relationship. Also, Keita cares a lot for Kotoko and often accuses Naoki of not treating Kotoko as well as he should. |
Sahoko
She is the grand-daughter of one of Papa’s powerful clients’. She is Naoki’s partner for the arranged marriage meeting. I think she does like Naoki but at the same time is aware of Naoki’s feelings for Kotoko. She notices how he treats Kotoko differently. She says that Naoki treats Kotoko meanly as he notices Kotoko too much.
Takumi and Mary/Mari
They were the couple that Kotoko and Naoki met in their honeymoon. Takumi was at first a very passive husband but he stood up for himself when Mary tries to break Kotoko and Naoki up because she likes Naoki. At the end they were closer to each other than before after that.
Funatsu
He is Naoki’s rival although he is the one who treats Naoki as a rival. He always comes in 2nd best to Naoki thus he doen’t really like Naoki. To try and get to Naoki he made some passes to Kotoko but Kotoko usually thinks he is weird and bad. Naoki usually retalliates by calling him 2nd best. |
Ryo
He is Satomi’s boyfriend and eventually her husband. He sort of have controlling mum…;;^^
Rokuni / Ronnie
He is Chris’ fiance in England. He is actually very handsome too. ^_^ He is picked for Chris by her father. When he was described by Chris, we think that he is an ugly guy….but as it turns out he looks very much like Naoki only with blond hair.
Tomoko
She is one of Kotoko’s classmate in nursing school. She is a friendly and sweet girl….until she sees blood…;;^^ She likes the sight of blood…..;;^^
Marina
She is another one of Kotoko’s classmate. There seems to be something going on between her and Funetsu later when they met….
Motoki
She is actually a he and another one of Kotoko’s classmate. He is a cross-dresser and a beautiful one (^_-) and when Keita finally "gave up" on Kotoko, he seems to be the one who takes time to talk to him about his feelings for Kotoko…
Akiko
She is a 15 year old wheel bound girl. keita was assigned to take care of her when he was training in the hospital. She begins to like Keita and I think something is going on between the 2 of them. Later, she was able to walk.
Yoshida-san
She is the 80 year old lady that Kotoko was assigned to for her training in the hospital. She is very fussy and was always out to give nurses problems. She is in love with Naoki ;;^^ and has lot’s of his photos. Despite not liking Kotoko at first, she eventually sees the good person that is Kotoko. |
Rika
She is Naoki’s and Yuuki’s cousin. They used to be playmates until her family went to the US. Her relationship with Naoki is very close and she is in love with him. When she was young, she made Yuuki promise to keep Naoki for her so that when she comes back, she can marry Naoki. She is also Naoki’s partner for his first kiss though it was more like her kissing him than him kissing her.
Nami & Nami’s Mother
Nami is one of Naoki’s patient in Kobe. She wants Naoki to end up with her mother and was angry to find out Naoki is married. In the end, she became friends with Kotoko.
Kiseki
Konomi’s daughter. She seemed to be very attached to Yuki. ;;^^
Ryoga
Kotoko’s "boyfriend" when she’s in kindergarden. Kotoko broke up with him when realising he doesn’t suit the image of a prince…;;^^
Takeshi
Kotoko liked him when she was in primary school. While he looked like a prince, he’s pretty cowardly. Kotoko got beaten up by another kid because of him…;;^^
Syouichi
Kotoko liked him when she was 14. Kotoko at first though his name was Naokazu and thought that he is her perfect match. Later she realised he’s quite stupid and his real name.
SUMMARIES
Volume 1
I don’t want it."
Kotoko is upset when the boy that she has been in love with for 2 years refused to accept the love letter that she has written for him. This has made her the laughingstock of the school. Everyone has expected such outcome as Naoki from the A-Class would never go out with Kotoko from the F-Class. Not only he is from the A-Class, he is also a genius and a top student in school. With this rejection, Kotoko decides to move on.Unexpectedly, during a visit from her friends, her house collapses. The next day her friends tried to collect donations for her, to her embarrassment. When Naoki comes over, he tries to donate but Kotoko is insulted and refused the money.
Her father decides to put her up at his friend’s house while the house is being re-built. To her shock, "the friend" that her father has referred to is Naoki’s father. Mama is very happy to have a girl to go shopping with and etc. Yuki, Naoki’s younger brother embarrased Kotoko by asking her about his homework. When Kotoko tells him what she think the word is (in his book) he calls her "stupid" and tells her the correct answer. When he is reprimanded by Mama, he shouts "I hate you!" to Kotoko.
Mama then brought Kotoko to her room and Kotoko is amazed as the room has been done up very prettily. Mama then reveals that she has always wanted a daughter and has always wanted to do up a room for her daughter. Naoki who has come to bring Kotoko’s suitcase up tells her that the room used to belong to Yuki. After Mama left the room, Naoki tells Kotoko that whether she’s here (in the same house) or not, it doesn’t make any difference to him. Thus, he doesn’t want her to bug him either. As a parting shot, Yuki who has been standing at the doorway, sticks out his tongue.
The next day, on the way to school, Naoki tells Kotoko to not tell anyone about them staying under roof, also tells her to not walk with him to school. When they are in a full train someone touches Kotoko’s backside, however Naoki doesn’t come to her rescue. In school, Kotoko tells her friends that she won’t lose to Naoki in an upcoming test and they laugh telling her that it’s impossible to beat Naoki. Kotoko starts studying hard and Mama takes pity on her and invites Kotoko to see the family photo album. Kotoko sees pictures of a little girl and asks if Naoki has a sister. Mama then tells her that it is Naoki. Mama wanted a daughter so much that she dressed him up as a girl when he was young.
Next morning, Kotoko keeps laughing when she sees Naoki. In school, Naoki comes into the F-class to look for Kotoko. As it turned out, they’ve got their lunch box mixed up. During the exchange, Kotoko revealed one of the photo that she saw last night. She blackmails him to tutor her for the upcoming test. While they are studying together, Mama keeps taking pictures of them together.
Finally the test day comes, as Kotoko walks past Naoki in the school hallway, she says, "Thank you", Naoki replies, "Do your best." When the test results come, Kotoko rushes out to the posting board to see who is no. 1 and when it’s Naoki, she’s happy. Unknown to her, Naoki rushes to the board too only he goes to see the results from the no. 100 instead of no. 1. Kotoko makes it into the top 100. She gives him back the photo.
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Kinnosuke and his friends follows Kotoko home and to their shock, in front of the house the name "IRIE" is written there. They also sees Naoki going into the same house. The photos which shows Naoki and Kotoko is exposed to teh school when she drops the envelope containing them. As her friends confront her, she reveals that she has been staying in Naoki’s house.
During lunch time, Naoki barges into the F-class, looking for Kotoko. As it turns out someone has posted a poster of Naoki and Kotoko sleeping together on the school notice board. He scolds her for messing up his life. Kotoko runs away crying.
At night, when Naoki comes into Kotoko’s room, he finds her sleeping with the love letter that he had first rejected. He reads the letter. The next day, in the train to school, someone touches Kotoko’s backside again, only this time Naoki intervernes.
At home, Kotoko is cooking for the family and as it turns out she can’t cook very well. Naoki makes fun of Kotoko by reciting the letter that she has written to him. In anger, Kotoko slaps him. Mama is excited to know that Kotoko has always liked Naoki. When Kotoko’s friends come over to the house, Kinnosuke and Naoki trade insults. At the end, Naoki tells Kinnosuke that between them both, Kotoko places more importance on him (Naoki). Mama then tells Kinnosuke "Thank you" because Naoki has revealed his feelings (at least in her eyes….).
The next day in school, another poster is up. This time with a drawing of Naoki saying, "Let’s get married." and Kotoko replying, "I’m so happy."
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Volume 2
It’s been four months since Kotoko has begun to stay with the Irie family. Despite the holidays, Kotoko and Naoki has to go to school. Naoki for tennis practice while Kotoko for remedial classes. Kinnosuke come to pick Kotoko up from the Irie household. As usual, he and Naoki again exchange insults and of course again, Naoki has the last word.
In class, Zinko and Satomi are impressed with Naoki’s skill in tennis as they watch him play. As the class starts, Kotoko still continues to watch Naoki play. The teacher gets angry because she isn’t paying attention. Zinko tells the teacher that Kotoko is watching "her husband". Kinnosuke gets angry because the teacher praises Naoki. When the teacher asks Kotoko to read something from her book, she realises that she has forgotten to bring the book. The teacher punishes her by making her run outside. While she is running, Naoki throws the tennis ball at her head and tells her he didn’t do it purposely. Kotoko already in a bad mood quarrels with him. Unknown to them, Kotoko’s class is watching the whole exchange…even the teacher is taking interest in Naoki’s and Kotoko’s quarrel.
At home, Mama and Kotoko are making a cake for tea. Papa and Sai (Kotoko’s father) receives an invitation to a class reunion. They are excited to go but Mama doesn’t seem to be happy because she overhears them talking about this girl that Papa had liked when he was in school. Suddenly she changes her mind and tells them to enjoy themselves. Mama then tells Yuki to eat the cake but Yuki says that because of Kotoko, the cake looks disgusting. When eating the cake, Kotoko asks her father how much longer are they going to stay with the Irie family, Mama and Papa is upset that she wants to leave. Yuki gets angry and asks Naoki to agree with him that Kotoko should leave soon. Naoki replies by saying that Kotoko always talked in her sleep and snores, disturbing him. Yuki hearing this quickly writes in his diary.
Kotoko and her friends goes for a swim. Yuki also comes along and Kinnosuke is not happy because he thinks that Yuki is too much like Naoki. When Yuki enters the pool to watch Kotoko (so that he can write his observations in his diary), he nearly drowns as the pool is too deep. Kotoko saves him. Yuki calls her names and she threatens to let go of him. To make sure that Yuki won’t drown, Kotoko and her friends play ball in the shallow pool instead. When Yuki is has the ball, he throws it at Kinnosuke’s head because Kinnosuke is bullying the little kids in the pool. That day, in Yuki’s diary entry, he writes that Kotoko nearly drowns.
On the way home, Kotoko and her friends goes to see how the repair of her house is coming along. To their confusion, the house repair is only half-way done and there are no workers at all at the site. At home, Kotoko asks her father why is the repair not done, he and Papa tries to pacify her by telling her that they will find out why. Her father then changes the topic by asking Naoki about his tennis practice.
When Papa and Sai leaves for the class reunion, Mama receives a call telling her that her mother is ill and there’s no one to take care of her. So Mama decides to go and also bringing Yuki along. Yuki cries and refused to go, while Kotoko feels very uncomfortable with the idea of being left alone at home with Naoki. After Mama leaves, Naoki tells Kotoko to prepare dinner. Mama in the train explains to Yuki that the phone call is false. She just wants Naoki and Kotoko to be alone together. Yuki hearing this shouts, "I WANT TO GO HOME!!!!!"
Meanwhile, Kotoko wants to impress Naoki by cooking a nice dinner. After a few hours, Naoki enters the kitchen and asks if dinner is ready. The kitchen is covered in black smoke and in a mess. Naoki then takes charge of the cooking. Kotoko is impressed with his skills. As Kotoko feels that she should say something during dinner, she asks about his homework. He tells her he has already finished his homework on the first day on vacation. Kotoko then tells him that she hasn’t done hers at all. When she asks him if he can help her, he says he don’t feel like it and leaves the table. Kotoko doesn’t sleep for the whole night as she struggles with her homework. The next day, she asks Naoki for help again and he tells her that he is meeting his friends. That night, after struggling again, Kotoko decides to "borrow" Naoki’s book. She enters his room and finds Yuki’s diary. She reads it and becomes angry. She then enters another entry that praises her instead of insulting her like Yuki’s other entry. She then continues to search for Naoki’s book and finds it. As she is leaving the room, Naoki pulls her hand. He teases her about being in his room, Kotoko, thinking that Naoki is serious, tells him that she likes him but it’s too fast etc. Naoki then laughs and Kotoko realises that he’s just teasing. She starts to leave the room in a huff. Naoki then asks if she doesn’t want the book anymore, she replies she don’t want it. Then when Naoki says, "okay then" Kotoko turns around and smiles and again asks Naoki to teach her. Contrary to Mama’s thinking, the two of them spends the whole night studying together.
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The time to pick which university they want to go has come. Kotoko is not sure what she wants to do. When she is on the way home, she meets Naoki and asks him if he is going to T Dai University, he replies no.
The sports day is coming. Kotoko will be running in the mixed relay and another race (I’m not sure about this part) while Naoki will be running in the mixed relay and the 100 metre dash. Kotoko realises that it’s the same event as the one that Kinnosuke will be running in.
At practice, when Kotoko wants to run in the first part of the relay, Kinnosuke says no and tells her to be the 3rd runner instead because he’ll be the 4th runner. Kinnosuke keeps scolding Satomi and his other classmate who is running in the relay. However, when it comes to Kotoko’s turn, he praises her. Naoki sees the F-class training and again he and Kinnosuke trades insults.
At night, Kotoko takes a break from doing her homework. As she exits her room, she meets Naoki. When they go downstairs, they see Mama, Papa and Kotoko’s father talking. They then eavesdrop. To their shock, Mama, Papa and Kotoko’s father are discussing about renovating their house, where Kotoko AND Naoki’s bedroom should be, where the baby room should be. Both of them enters the room and confront their parents. Naoki then says that even if he likes Kotoko, he won’t do what other people tell him to do then tears up the house plan.
The sports day has finally arrived. In the 100 M dash, Kinnosuke wins the first prize and Naoki, the second. After Kotoko runs her first race, she receives a piece of paper telling her to asks the person she likes to run with her. (I’m not so sure about this part…) She asks Papa to run with her and they’ve got the 6th place. Mama blames Papa then Kotoko tells Mama about the paper and Mama seems angry. Kotoko quickly tells Mama that she doesn’t mean that she wants to take Papa away from Mama. Actually Mama is angry that Kotoko didn’t ask Naoki but Naoki replies that even if Kotoko asks him, he will not run with her.
On the way to prepare for the mixed relay, Kotoko and Naoki gets into another argument because Naoki tells her that in the 100 M race, he lets Kinnosuke win. This makes Kotoko determined to win. As the race starts, the F-class is leading but Kotoko, accidentaly gives the baton to Naoki instead of Kinnosuke. Naoki calls her stupid. In the last round, Naoki catches up with Kinnosuke and wins the race. However, Kotoko in her excitement falls down in front of Naoki after he finishes the race, he falls down on top of her. Kotoko is knocked out. Naoki then carries her and at the same time got into another argument with Kinnosuke who blames Naoki for Kotoko’s injury. As Naoki carries Kotoko across the running track, Mama keeps shouting at Kotoko’s father to tape the moment (Sai has the video camera).
The exam that allows them to enter the university is coming and the F-class students are struggling with their studies. Zinko, Satomi and Kotoko decides to study together at the Irie household. While Mama is happy to have girls coming over to the house, Yuki insults Kotoko’s friends. As the three of them do their work, they could not answer even the first question and Zinko and Satomi pushes Kotoko to ask for Naoki’s help. Naoki helps. However, as they sit down to do the 2nd question, they realise that they need Naoki’s help again. So after every 10 min they keep knocking at Naoki’s door asking for help. Naoki gets annoyed and tells them to come back in 15 min. They are impressed that Naoki can do all the questions in 15 min.
The next day, in school the whole F-class except for Kinnosuke decides to ask Naoki to tutor them. So they begged Kotoko to tell Naoki. He is shocked when he returns home, the whole F-class minus Kinnosuke is in his house. As the F-class begs him, he relents and tutor them. After her classmates go home, Kotoko talks with Naoki about university again. Naoki then tells her he doesn’t want to enter university and asks her why she wants to. Kotoko tells him that it’s because of her father.
When the results are out, the teachers are baffled that the F-class students are doing very well. All passed except for Kinnosuke. To thank Naoki, the F-class decides to have a party on Christmas day. Kotoko decides to get him a present too to thank him. She decides to get him a pair of pager sort of thingie but she has to work to get the money. So she finds a job in a restaurant and works hard. One day, Naoki and Watanabe (his friend) see her working hard but Kotoko doesn’t know this.
At the party, Naoki is not surprised about it because he sees lot’s of shoes outside his house. Kotoko also gives Mama, Papa and Yuki a present. When Naoki opens his, he doesn’t seem to appreciate it. Since Naoki doesn’t have anything to give to Kotoko, Mama suggests that they take a picture together. Naoki agrees but only 1 piece. He puts his arm around Kotoko and just as Mama is taking the picture, Naoki reveals to her that he knows where she has been working, shocked, Kotoko pulls out of his loose embrace destroying Mama’s picture. ^_^
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On the 12th and 13th of January, Naoki has an exam in order to enter Todai university. Papa is worried if Naoki is not going to take it and Naoki tells Papa that he doesn’t want to go to T Dai. Papa is angry and Mama tries to calm him down by asking everyone to play cards. Naoki is always winning. Kotoko then challenges him, if he wins, he doesn’t have to go to T Dai. As it turns out he did win and Kotoko fears that he seriously won’t go to T Dai.
In school, everyone asks Kinnosuke what he’ll be doing since he won’t be going to the university. He tells them that he has found a job but when they ask him where, he tells them it’s a secret.
Before the 12th, Kotoko and the Irie family go to her father’s restaurant to wish Naoki good luck. Kotoko is worried because Naoki keeps drinking but Mama tells her that Naoki won’t get drunk. Papa then offers Kotoko a couple of glasses of beer and she got drunk. Kinnosuke enters the restaurant. As it turns out, Kinnosuke will be working in Kotoko’s father’s restaurant. On the way home, Kotoko cries and tells the Irie family that she wishes that Naoki won’t go to T Dai because if he does, they won’t be together anymore, then she wants to throw up. Yuki screams because he is sitting right beside her and she is holding onto him.
The next day, Kotoko doesn’t remember about she being drunk and Naoki is not feeling well because the night before he cannot sleep as Yuki keeps talking in his sleep. Mama and Kotoko gives him 2 capsule that will make him feel better but then they realise that the medicine will make him drowsy. Kotoko gives Naoki the good luck charm that she has made for him and hangs it on his school bag. In the train, the charm is caught on the door so Naoki just made it in time for the exam. As he wants to throw the charm away, he drops it on the stairs but as he picked it up someone falls over him and they both fall down. Naoki finally makes it to the exam with a bandage on his face. In Kotoko’s attempt to make sure that Naoki gets more luck, he gets more BAD luck. He tells Watanabe that he already threw the charm away but as he is leaving the room, a girl tells him that the charm is very nice etc. Apparently he didn’t succeed in getting rid of the charm. Watanabe then teases him by saying that Kotoko will surely become his bride.
When the result is out, Mama and Kotoko is very happy that Naoki got 996 out of 1000 questions right. Naoki is amazed and says to himself, "I’m really a genius…." Kotoko then thinks to herself it must be because of her good luck charm. Watanabe accidentally dicloses the reason why Naoki’s injured that day. Kotoko is sad. As the family celebrates, she excuses herself and cries. Naoki follows her and that the charm makes no difference since she came into his life she has been messing up his life or something like that (;;^_^). Mama calls both of them to sing on the karaoke, she agrees while Naoki refuses.
Volume 3
Valentine’s day is coming so Mama asks Kotoko to make chocolate for Naoki. In their conversation, Mama reveals that she also don’t want Naoki to go to T Dai. She says that those people who goes there are nerdy. She would rather he get a job.
The next day, Kotoko goes to Yuki’s school to bring something that he has forgotten. As she reaches there, she notices Yuki staring at a girl. Kotoko then tries to find out her name from the girl’s classmate. She realises that Naomi is 3 years older than Yuki but Yuki still likes her. When the ball that Naomi is playing with is caught by Kotoko, Kotoko urges Yuki to give the ball back. Kotoko then asks Naomi to come over to Yuki’s house to play by promising to show her a poster of Genji (presumably a J-Pop group). Yuki is happy that Naomi is coming to his house. At home, Naomi and Yuki just stares at each other as Yuki is too shy. As Naomi tells Yuki that she wants to go home, Naoki comes home. She then asks Yuki a lot of questions about Naoki. Then Naomi asks Kotoko to show her the poster. She tells Kotoko that she has the same poster but she tells Kotoko it’s okay because she found a good thing during the visit. Kotoko becomes suspicious as to why she says that. Yuki is very happy and thanks Kotoko before running to his room.
Kotoko finishes the chocolate that she’s making for Naoki but hides it. On the 13th of February, Naoki has to take another entrance exam at T Dai. As Papa and Mama are worried that Naoki won’t go for the exam, Kotoko offers to send him to the school to ensure that he will go for the exam. Upon reaching the school gate, Kotoko has a bad stomache and fainted. Naoki quickly brings her to the hospital. Even after the doctor tells Naoki that she is okay and Naoki can go for the exam, he stays on to watch over Kotoko. Kotoko on the other hand, keeps telling Naoki to hurry to take the exam as she talks in her sleep. When Mama and Sai arrives, everyone presumes that Naoki has gone for the exam but they are shocked when Naoki enters the hospital room. Kotoko burst out crying blaming herself for Naoki missing the exam.
At home, Sai apologises to Papa but Papa says it’s okay because Naoki himself has never wanted to go to T Dai. Mama is happy because Naoki and Kotoko will be in the same university. Kotoko feeling bad decides to leave the Irie household that night. As she is leaving Naoki caught her. He then tells her that it’s okay etc. Kotoko feeling better decides not to leave.
On Valentine’s Day, Kotoko does not go to school but Kinnosuke who don’t know about this expected to have a chocolate from her. Mama takes very good care of Kotoko as she just recovered from yesterday’s stomache. Kotoko then tells Mama that Kotoko feels that Mama is just like her own mother. Mama is very happy to hear this.
When Yuki returns home, Kotoko asks him if he got any chocolate from Naomi and Yuki tells her to mind her own business. Then Naomi comes for a visit. Yuki is very happy and shy but when Naoki comes home, Naomi gives him her chocolate and tells him that she likes him eversince she first saw him. She then tells Naoki that even if he doesn’t have the answer for her now it’s okay and runs away as she is very embarrassed. Yuki seeing this becomes angry and blames Kotoko for inviting Naomi to their house. Mama finds the box of chocolate that Kotoko has made for Naoki and urges her to give it to him. Kotoko doesn’t think that it is appropriate as she has written "Hope you get into T Dai. Kotoko" but she gives it to him anyway and she tells him that she likes him. Naoki tells her that he’s not listening to her but accepts the chocolate and Kotoko is very happy. Meanwhile in school, Kinnosuke is still waiting for Kotoko to give him the chocolate.
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It is graduation day. As Kotoko and Naoki set out to school, Mama whispers to Naoki to make sure to give some sort of bracelet (I’m not sure what the bracelet’s exact name but somehow it has got to do with sweetheart and stuff…) to Kotoko and no one else. Naoki just ignores Mama.
When Naoki and Kotoko reach school, everyone is whispering about the fact that Naoki won’t be going to T Dai University. Naoki just ignores the people while Kotoko feels bad. Kinnosuke who overhears what other students are saying got angry because if Naoki doesn’t go to T Dai, he will be in the same university with Kotoko. When Kinnosuke starts asking Naoki if that is true, Naoki replies yes, he’ll be in the same university with Kotoko. They then again, trades insults…^_- Guess who got the last word again…..?
After Kotoko leaves with Zinko, Kinnosuke tells his friend that that day he will get Kotoko’s kiss. In the graduation assembly, Kotoko is nervous but when Naoki is up on the stage making a speech, she remembers the first time she ever saw him and the first time she falls in love with him. She also remembers the times she spent with him eg. when he studied with her, when he carried her when she injured herself on Sports’ Day. She is daydreaming so she doesn’t realise that her name is being called. Kotoko and Kinnosuke are the representive for the F-class. As both of them walk up to the stage, Kinnosuke dreams that they are walking to the altar. He also imagines that the principal is a priest performing the marriage ceremony. He then says, "I DO!!!". The whole school laughs and Kotoko becomes embarrassed. Kinnosuke then challenges Naoki for Kotoko. When he asks the audience if anyone disagree with his claim, Mama shouts, "I DISAGREE!!!" She then scolds Naoki for not saying anything. Naoki’s friends teases him about Mama and Naoki is embarrassed. Kotoko also embarrassed runs away from the stage but she drops the stack of papers she’s carrying right in front of Naoki. Naoki helps her then shouts "IDIOT!!!" in her ear.
After the ceremony, as Kotoko, Mama, Zinko, Satomi and Kinnosuke are outside they see a couple kissing. Mama is very angry that Naoki is not taking the chance to do the same thing to Kotoko. Kinnosuke volunteers to do that with Kotoko but everyone ignores him. They see a Grade 1 student apporach Naoki, then after Naoki says something the girl runs away crying. Then they see a Grade 2 student doing the same thing. Mama then tells Kotoko that it is her turn now. Naoki also gives her the same answers that he gave to the other 2 girls who also asked him about the bracelet. Kotoko then runs away crying. However, that day, Kotoko takes a picture with Naoki and this time the picture is just perfect! ^_^
The F-class is going to the karaoke to celebrate graduation. While there, Kinnosuke dreams of singing Kotoko a love song and she feeling touched, accepts his love. Then as they are singing together, the A-class arrives. Apparently the A-class is also there to celebrate. The A-class people decides to leave but Watanabe persuades them to stay. As the 2 classes try to ignore each other, the teachers of the 2 classes get into an argument. This causes the students to get involved as well. The A-class people blames Kotoko for Naoki not being able to enter T Dai University. Naoki, who has been quiet then tells his teacher that it’s not Kotoko’s fault. He then proceeds to insult Kotoko, Kotoko gets angry and they get into an argument. Then she pulls out her secret weapon, Naoki’s photo when he’s young and dressed as a girl. She then tells everyone that it’s Naoki. Naoki then pulls her outside. Outside, Kotoko tells him that everyone sees her liking him as a joke so she’s going to forget about him and find a nicer boy in university. Naoki then tells her to try and kisses her. He walks away after sticking his tongue out at her while she remains shocked on the floor.
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Kotoko keeps dreaming about her first kiss with Naoki and she doesn’t know how to behave in front of him. But Naoki acts normal as when Mama tells Naoki how pretty Kotoko looks, he tells Kotoko that she has grown fatter. When she knocks her head on a lamp post, Naoki tells her that she is stupid. Kotoko feels that Naoki is mean to have say somethign like that with a person whom he already kissed.
In school, she tells Zinko and Satomi about the kiss. They are shocked and feels that the whole university should know. Then they find out that the faculty that they are in is considered as the F-class in the university. Zinko cries as she doesn’t want to be forever in the worst class. Thei teacher is also very fierce. They also received lot’s of flyers about the clubs in school. Then Kotoko thinks that she saw someone who looks like Kinnosuke. Unknown to her, someone is watching her.
Kotoko and her friends then go to to Naoki’s faculty. When they reach there, they see him with a very beautiful girl. As they spy on Naoki and the girl, one of Naoki’s friends tells Naoki that "his wife" is here. The girl then asks Naoki is Kotoko is his girlfriend. He tells her it’s impossible. Kotoko again thinks that how could he say such things since they already exchange a kiss. When the girl looks at Kotoko, she looks smug. Then she asks Naoki to go to the library with her, he tells her no. This time Kotoko looks smugly at the girl.
At home, Kotoko tells Mama that Naoki seems only to like smart and beautiful girls. Mama then tells Kotoko that she doesn’t judge people like that. She tells her for example, Papa and her. Mama then assures Kotoko that Naoki is not like that as well.
That night, Kotoko asks Naoki about the girl he was with. He tells her that her name is Reiko and asks Kotoko is she’s jealous. He then tells her that Reiko is not only beautiful, she is also very smart. She then asks him if Reiko is so smart why is she in their university. Naoki then reminds her of his circumstances. he then reminds her that they already exchange a kiss and asks her if she cannot forget him. Kotoko then thinks that Naoki is going to kiss her again but then he laughs and leaves her.
In the school canteen, Kotoko and Naoki orders the same lunch set but when it comes, Kotoko’s set has got more rice, dishes etc…while Naoki’s is very very little. As it turns out, the person who works in the canteen is Kinnosuke. he’s working in the university during the day and at Sai’s restaurant at night. He gets into another fight with Naoki. Naoki, after getting the last word, ignores him and asks the boss for more food.
Then Sudou, Naoki’s senior begs Naoki to join his club. Naoki agrees and Kotoko is curious to know what club Naoki will be joining so that she also can join it. After school, she follows him but she ends up in the Manga Club. She thinks to herself that Naoki won’t join such a club. She is then being hassled by the members about what OAVs she has seen etc…Naoki, outside mouths the word "Idiot" After escaping the members of the Manga Club she finally finds the correct club, the Tennis Club. So she joins the club even though she has never played tennis before. The coach is also very fierce and Kotoko finds out that Reiko who will be in the club as well is a very good player.
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Mama is very happy that Kotoko and Naoki will be in the same club. She then offers to teach her how to play. Mama tells her that she is the one who taught Naoki to play tennis. Yuki then tells Mama that he also wants to learn so that he can become like his brother. Naoki then insults Kotoko again and they fight again.
The next day, Kotoko meets Sudou in school. After Sudou leaves, Kotoko tells Zinko and Satomi that Sudou seems like a very nice guy because he is very friendly. However, they think that Sudou looks a bit perverted etc.
Kotoko switch classes to be able to in the same class as Naoki. As it turns out, Kinnosuke also comes for the class even though he is not a student. Reiko also comes and tells Kotoko that the teacher is very fierce. When the teacher is teaching, he suddenly points to someone behind Kotoko. When Kinnosuke cannot answer, the teacher asks Kotoko who nudges Naoki for help. Naoki just ignores her. The teacher then insults the whole class because Kotoko cannot answer. Reiko then stands up and tells the teacher that he should not judge the other people in the class by Kinnosuke and Kotoko’s standard. Kotoko and Kinnosuke feels insulted then defends themselves but Reiko insults Kinnosuke who then gets thrown out of the class by the teacher. After the class, Kotoko feels sad because her dream of studying with Naoki is embarrassing instead of good.
As she goes for her first meeting in the Tennis Club, Sudou tells her that she looks cute. When she sees Naoki she is very happy but Naoki continues to be cool to her. Then the coach tells the new members that their skill is going to be tested and Sudou will be their opponent. Kotoko feels relieved as Sudou seems very gentle and kind. However, when Sudou hold his racket, he looks scary. Naoki then tells Kotoko that Sudou is very scary when he plays tennis.
Sudou manage to beat all the new members. Reiko’s skill is very good so she manage to hit Sudou’s tennis ball back. Then it’s Naoki’s turn. Sudou loses to Naoki and he becomes angry. The other members then say they pity whoever if next and Kotoko is next. O_o She tries to sneak away but Sudou shouts at her. At the end, Kotoko too faints from exhaustion like the other students. Kotoko ends up with the tennis racket string mark on her face because at the end of the game, when Sudou’s ball almost hit her face, she blocks it using her racket. She meets Sudou again at lunch and she’s afraid of him, he then apologises and tells her that he cannot control himself when he’s playing tennis.
Across the canteen, Kinnosuke calls Kotoko "Sweetheart" and "Honey" to Kotoko’s embarrassment. Kinnosuke tells Kotoko that her father wants to see her tonight at the restaurant.
Kotoko is made to do push-ups etc and picking balls up while Reiko doesn’t have to do that at all. Apparently, those who manage to hit Sudou’s ball don’t have to go through physical training. When Kotoko asks if Naoki is at practice as well, Reiko tells her no. Naoki only comes when he feels like it. So Kotoko regrets joining the club since she won’t see Naoki anyway.
At night, she goes to her father’s restaurant. There, her father tells her that she can move out of the Irie household since the house is done. He also tells her by doing so she can forget about Naoki and don’t have to suffer anymore. Kinnosuke is very happy to hear this while Kotoko becomes very quiet, thinking to herself.
Mama is very very upset that Kotoko is moving out. Sai tells her and Papa that Kotoko has spent such a long time in their house that is why they must move out. Yuki is eavesdropping and runs excitedly to tell Naoki that Kotoko is moving out. Naoki looks shocked. Yuki then says that Kotoko only gives them trouble. When he sees Kotoko behind Naoki, he runs to Naoki’s room to sleep. Naoki then asks Kotoko if she is leaving, she says yes. He then tells her that his life can go back to normal. Kotoko then says she has something to do. But when Naoki’s back is turned on her, she has tears in her eyes.
Volume 4
Kotoko is packing up her things and she sees photographs of her and Naoki studying together etc, all taken by Mama. As she prepares to leave the Irie household, Mama and Papa are sad while Yuki seems very happy. Naoki on the other hand, doesn’t seem to care at all.
As they are leaving, Sai and Kotoko thanks the Irie family and apologises for all the troubles that she has caused during her stay. As she is doing so, Mama bursts out crying and hugs Kotoko, while Papa tries to console her. Papa then tells Sai to come to their house next time for a visit. Kotoko then looks at Naoki and apologises to him, he just said "bye". Kotoko and Sai then leaves. As the moving van drives off, Mama runs after it shouting Kotoko’s name. Yuki jumps up and down expressing his happiness. Papa scolds him. Naoki then says, "Time to eat", Mama then suddenly turns to Naoki and starts blaming him for Kotoko’s leaving. As Yuki and Naoki start to move Yuki’s thing’s back in his room, they realised how empty the house seems.
The next day in school, Kotoko tells Satomi and Zinko that she has moved out and has given up on Naoki. Kinnosuke who hears this is very happy. As Kotoko and her friends are walking around the campus, everyone is whispering and looking at her, Kotoko becomes suspicious. When she reaches the canteen, she realised why everyone is talking about her. Kinnosuke has put up a sign to tell people that she has given up on Naoki. When Kotoko scolds him, she asked him what if Naoki sees the sign. Kinnosuke then replies, "He has already seen it" and pointed behind her. Kotoko quickly tells Naoki it’s not her fault. Reiko who is with Naoki at this moments starts to make fun of Kotoko. Naoki doesn’t seem to care at all and Kotoko is hurt.
At the Irie household, Mama seems to be in a daze. All she does is stare at the wall. She doesn’t cook dinner at all. In the end, the family had to buy packed dinner. Dinner time seems to be very quiet also. Papa then discovers that Mama also has not been doing other household chores. She also doesn’t eat properly making the whole family worry.
Yuki, in Naoki’s room tells him that because Mama is that way, the household chores will be divided among Papa, Yuki and Naoki. Naoki then asks Yuki why he always comes to his room although he has his own room back. Yuki then replies that he also doesn’t know why. He then blames Kotoko. As he flips through his journal he sees the entry that Kotoko has made. Papa in the kitchen is washing the dishes, while Mama stares at Kotoko’s photo. Naoki sees the Christmas present that Kotoko has given him. He takes it out and stares at it.
At tennis training, as Kotoko is picking up the tennis ball and being tortured by Sudou (as usual….;;^_^), Naoki comes over even though he doesn’t even have to train that day. After exchaing words, Kotoko thinks to herself that Naoki doesn’t care about her feelings at all. Sudou, as usual, challenges Naoki. This time however, he wants to challege Naoki in a doubles match. He picks Reiko as his partner and picks Kotoko for Naoki. Naoki is annoyed with this. Before the match starts, Naoki tells Kotoko not to hit any of the balls. Kotoko in turn tells Reiko to pretend that she is not there at all (What Kotoko means here is that don’t hit any of the balls to her). Reiko agrees by saying that even if she does hit the ball to Kotoko, Kotoko won’t be able to hit it back. The game starts with Sudou serving first, Naoki tells Kotoko to move away. As she does this, she accidentally bumps to Naoki thus making them lose 15 points. As the game progresses, with Kotoko as his partner, Naoki is losing. So Kotoko decides, no matter what she is going to hit the next ball…unfortunately in her attempt to do so, she hits Naoki’s face. Sudou, who is in a very good mood because he is finally winning against Naoki tells him that it is not bad. That is the game. Naoki replies angrily by asking what is not bad about the game. Sudou gloats over his win of the game while Naoki turns around and starts blaming Kotoko.
Meanwhile, Mama has arrived in the university incognito. She finds out from other students about the tennis match and runs to the tennis court. As she sees Kotoko, tears of joy starts welling up in her eyes. Zinko and Satomi recognises her and unwittingly discloses the fact that Naoki and Kotoko has kissed before. She is so happy about it that she instantly regains her old self and starts plotting again to bring Kotoko and Naoki together.
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Kotoko is late for the trip for the tennis club. In the train, Kotoko and Sudou overhears Reiko offering Naoki some of the food that she has made. Kotoko who has been sitting in front with Sudou. Turns the chair and starts to sit with Reiko and Naoki. Reiko is very unhappy with this but Kotoko and Sudou just do whatever they want. ^_^
As the club reaches the resort, the duties are divided among all of them and Kotoko got the duty of cooking dinner O_o. Sudou also then reveals to Naoki that there’ll be another doubles match between them both and Kotoko is going to his partner again. Naoki is so angry and turns around and tells Kotoko that they must win the match. Kotoko suddenly feels that she is being watched but as she she turns to look around, she doesn’t see anyone.
Before dinner time, Kotoko is daunted by the sheer amount of onions and other vegetables that she has to cut. She doesn’t even have any idea what and where to start. Some time later, Naoki enters the kitchen to tell Kotoko that it’s time to train. He sees her crying and turns around to leave because he remembers the time when he saw the same thing (ie the time when she tried to cook dinner for him). Kotoko begs him to stay and help her. He does but he tells her not to tell anyone that the food is actually cooked by him.
At dinner, everyone is impressed by "Kotoko’s cooking" and starts telling her that with her skill, she can be a good wife to someone already. Some even went to the extent of telling Naoki what they think. Naoki starts to become annoyed and tells Kotoko that it’s time to train.
During the training, Naoki is very harsh on Kotoko. Sudou, who stands by the window commented that Kotoko is very pitiful and that Naoki is being overboard. The senior who heard this, mumbled that what Naoki is saying now is actually what Sudou has said before.
After the training, as Kotoko walks out of the court, she feels someone watching her again.This time she sees the shadow and screams. Naoki hearing her screams went to take a look. Kotoko tells him that there’s a ghost but Naoki just asks the shadow who they are. As it turned out, the people from the manga club has been following Kotoko. They are doing so because they are basing one of their production on Kotoko (I think the title of their manga would be "Tennis Girl" or maybe "Tenisu no Onna"????)
At night, after Kotoko has finished speaking to Kinnosuke on the phone, Reiko teases her again about Kinnosuke and giving up on Naoki. As Reiko walkes aways, Kotoko is unhappy but she admits that she is the one who has decided to give on Naoki.
As life goes on in the camp, Kotoko tortured by Sudou, peeped at by the people form the manga club, helped by Naoki to cook dinner, tortured by Naoki during training and ends the days tortured by Kinnosuke who calls her in the middle of the night after she’s asleep…
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Kotoko assures the senior that she can cook dinner. Suddenly he asks Naoki to attend some sort of event with the teachers and Kotoko panics. He then asks her if something is wrong and she quickly says nothing. As Naoki walks away with him, Kotoko tries to call his name to no avail.
Everyone is shocked by the dinner that Kotoko has prepared this time. All of them are burnt and they taste horrible. Kotoko has no choice but to reveal to them that Naoki has been the one cooking for them. Eveyone is shocked.
Reiko then asks Naoki to take a walk with her because she has something to tell him. Kotoko is upset because she remembered Reiko telling her that she wants to tell Naoki how she feels. Then, Kotoko notices that Sudou has a very strong reaction to Reiko asking Naoki out too. Then they make excuses to follow Naoki and Reiko. As both of them walked away, the other students are thinking what about dinner.
As Kotoko watches Naoki and Reiko from the bushes, she is shocked to see Sudou too. Then Kotoko figured out that Sudou likes Reiko. Sudou, embarrassed covers Kotoko’s mouth while Kotoko is struggling to stop Reiko from expressing her feelings to Naoki. Their scuffle causes Naoki to look away as Reiko says, "I like…." and Naoki goes to investigate. To his shock, Sudou and Kotoko are together in a compremising position. Naoki then asks them what are they doing, Kotoko and Sudou tries to explain. He suddenly pulls Kotoko away from Sudou and tells her to that it is time to train, Sudou is only too happy to get rid of Kotoko. Reiko is unhappy with Naoki’s abrupt departure.
At the tournament, Sudou is expecting to win again while Kotoko has got bruises all over her after the hard training that Naoki has out her through. She is really afraid but Naoki tells her not to worry as she is not alone and with him there she doesn’t have to worry. Kotoko is very happy to hear this. As the games starts, Kotoko is unable to block Sudou’s first serve, she apologises to Naoki and Naoki calls her stupid. Kotoko then manages to hit the second serve but not hard enough to hit it back to Sudou’s and Reiko’s side of the court. Naoki scolds her but Sudou and Reiko are shocked that Kotoko manages to bock the ball. As the game progresses, Kotoko manages to block all of Sudou’s and Reiko’s serves. Sudou becomes really frustrated. As the game ends, Kotoko manage to score and Kotoko and Naoki wins the game. The people from the manga club cry tears of joy, Sudou is humiliated while Naoki tells Kotoko, "Not bad". She is very happy then she realises that she has sprained her anlkle and she could not stand up. Naoki tells Sudou that they cannot play another round because Kotoko is injured. Kotoko then tells Naoki that she canoot stand up so Naoki carries her out of the court even though he is annoyed with her.
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Naoki sends Kotoko home to her new house. But to her shock, there is an old man staying at her place and her father is not there at all. She couldn’t contact him either so Naoki brings her to his house instead. When they arrive there, both of them are shocked. The house has been renovated. Yuki comes running out of the house to tell Naoki about Mama but before he comlpleted his sentence, Mama comes out and tells them that this one is one of her plot to bring Kotoko and Naoki together. As they protests, Mama reveals that she knows that both of them has kissed before. Yuki asks Naoki if it’s true while Naoki looks angrily at Kotoko. Kotoko whispers to Naoki that she wasn’t the one who told Mama. Mama then tells them that they’ll be going for dinner at Kotoko’s father’s restaurant.
As the Irie family arrives, Kinnosuke runs out to greet Kotoko, Mama then tells Kinnosuke that they are here to celebrate the fact that the Irie family and the Aihara family will be living together. Mama also tells Kinnosuke that Naoki and Kotoko has kissed before. Kinnosuke is shocked and demands that Naoki tells him that whether this is true. Naoki tells him that it is true and that Kotoko was cute then.
The next day in school, when Kotoko goes to Naoki’s faculty building, she notices Sudou peeping at Reiko and Naoki. They sees Reiko asking Naoki out but is turned down by Naoki. Sudou then tells Kotoko since Kotoko likes Naoki, he himself likes Reiko but Reiko likes Naoki, they should work together. So they started discussing what to do.
Meanwhile, Naoki is told by his friends that Kotoko is here again only this time with a guy. Then as his friends discussed why Kotoko is here again after declaring that she is giving up on Naoki, Naoki walks away. In actual truth, he walks to where Kotoko and Sudou are. As he sees them together talking and laughing, he looks angry.
That night at dinner, Naoki hurts Kotoko by telling her that her cooking is horrible etc. As she is in the bath, she notices that she has forgotten her undergarment. She tries to calls Mama for help but as she tip-toes out, her undergarment is thrown at her face. As it turns out, Naoki found it on the floor where Kotoko has dropped it. He hurts her again by insulting her and he tells her if she doesn’t want him to do that, she should go somewhere where he can never see her. As Kotoko is stunned and hurt, Papa clears his throat and tells them that they should wait until they are married before doing this. Papa has misunderstood as Kotoko is only wrapped in her towel.
In training, Reiko asks Kotoko about her and Sudou. As it turns out, everyone thought that Kotoko and Sudou are an item. Kotoko is annoyed by the rumours.
Sudou challenges Naoki again. During the match where Sudou is losing, Reiko is cheering for Naoki. Kotoko tells Reiko that she should cheer for Sudou instead. Reiko instead of doing that, shouts out to Sudou that Kotoko wants Sudou to do his best. Naoki, hearing this, looks angry. He then plays harder, bruising Sudou. Kotoko tries to help Sudou up but everyone misinterpret her concern for love. They started teasing them. They tried to explain to no avail. As Naoki is leaving, he asks Reiko out. Kotoko and Sudou are shocked and starts blaming each other for this turn in event.
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Kotoko and Sudou tails Naoki and Reiko on their date. Kinnosuke who heard about Kotoko’s and Sudou’s "date are trying to follow them. He only knows that Sudou and Kotoko will be watching a movie.
Kotoko and Sudou purposely sits behind Reiko and Naoki in the cinema. Each time, Reiko tries to make a move on Naoki, they distrupt her. As Reiko decides to confront the people sitting behind them, Naoki tells her to forget it. Kinnosuke ended up in an X-Rated movie.
Next, Naoki and Reiko goes to to a cafe. There, she asks Naoki what type of girl he likes, he tells her that he wants the girl to be pretty, has a good figure, smart and knows how to cook. Sudou who is hiding behind one of the plants with Kotoko tells Kotoko that Kotoko has no hope in retaliation for telling him that he has no hope just now when Reiko tells Naoki what type of guys she likes.
Next, they went shopping. Kotoko ended up buying a shirt for Naoki. Kotoko decides to stop following them around when she sees Naoki putting his arm around Reiko. Although he does that to save Reiko from a truck. Sudou scolds Kotoko who decides to leave. But as she turns to do so, she bumps into a mean, huge man. She causes him to spill his drink on his shirt. he then tries to make Kotoko pay for the damage. When all hope seems lost, Naoki comes back and rescues Kotoko. He gives Sudou a tennis racket and tells Sudou to take care of Reiko. Sudou then realises that Naoki knows about his feelings for Reiko. Reiko is unhappy when Naoki leaves with Kotoko.
As Kotoko wants to apologise to Naoki, he tells her that he knows that Kotoko has been following him around. He also tells Kotoko that he thought that Kotoko and Sudou are an item. She apologises. Naoki then asks her to walk with him (ie as in dating that type of walk….but in this case, I guess it’s not a date…..).
Kinnosuke and his friends bumps into the guy whom Kotoko bumped into just now. Only this time, he has a tennis racket mark on his face. Kinnosuke gets beaten up by this guy.
Meanwhile, Naoki and Kotoko goes to a park. There, they decides to rent a boat. As they went boating Naoki tells Kotoko that couples who goes boating in this park, usually break up. Kotoko tells Naoki that they should go up now but Naoki keeps teasing her. Kotoko got angry and stands up. The boat capsized because of this.
On dry land, Kotoko apologises to Naoki and gives him the shirt that she bought for him. Kotoko has forgotten to take the price tag off. Naoki tells Kotoko to wear it. When Kotoko asks him is it because he doesn’t like it, he tells her to wear it for now and give it to him later at home. As Kotoko comes back from changing Naoki is gone. As it turns out, he went to get something to eat. They started talking while they eat. Kotoko then hugs Naoki and tells him that she likes him etc. Naoki then tells Kotoko to show how much he likes her by doing well for the upcoming test.
Meanwhile, Sudou and Reiko are eating together although Reiko is not happy about it, Kinnosuke is injured and calling Kotoko’s name.
As Naoki and Kotoko goes home, Kotoko asks Naoki how much should she aim for. She asks if 60% is alright and he asks her if that’s how much she likes him, she tries 70%, Naoki tells her he expects 90%.
Volume 5
The family is celebrating the Irie and Aihara household living together. Naoki asks Kotoko for her exam results and she tries to change the subject to no avail. As it turns out, her average is only 38%. Naoki then says, "I understand…only 38%." Kotoko quickly says, "No, no….It’s 100%."
Mama brings Kotoko to her new room and Kotoko is impressed as it is beautiful. But after Mama leaves the room, Kotoko thinks about what would happen if Naoki decides to marry another person.
In school, everyone is looking at Kotoko is a funny way, Zinko and Satomi decides that it must be something that Kotoko has done. Kotoko denies it. As it turns out, it is because of the poster for the anime "Tennisu no Onna" pasted around school. Kinnosuke then tells Kotoko that he has lot’s of the poster. When she asks him what is he going to do with them, he tells her they are to put up in his room. Then another person calls Kotoko, Kotorin (ThanX, Sang Kim!!! the name of the main character in the anime, she shouts "What????". As it turns out, it’s Naoki. Kinnosuke gloats to Naoki that he has lot’s of Kotoko’s poster. Naoki then tells Kinnosuke that he doesn’t need that kind of thing. He also tells him that Kotoko at home, when she’s going to bathe, she walks through the corridor at home just like in the poster. As Kinnosuke confronts Kotoko, the teacher comes and tells Kotoko to read. While Kinnosuke says, "Kotoko, do your best!", Naoki doesn’t seem to care.
At the tennis practice, as Kotoko is watching Naoki train, she sees a huge dog behind her. She screams. As it turns out (I seem to be saying a lot of this…..<mumble>), it’s Reiko’s pet dog, Chris. Chris seems to like Naoki a lot and Naoki tells Reiko that he likes dogs. When Reiko sees Kotoko hiding behind the fence, she asks her if she is afraid of dogs. Kotoko quickly says no. When Sudou tries to get close to Chris, she tries to bite him. Kotoko thinks to herself, that actually Reiko is right. She is afraid of dogs but she cannot reveal that because of what Naoki had said just now.
When Kotoko comes home, she is shocked bacause now the Irie family also has a pet dog. Mama tells Kotoko that the cute puppy has been given by Yuki’s friend. Then Mama noticing Kotoko’s expression asks if she is afraid of dogs. Naoki, who has just come home tells Mama that Kotoko likes dogs. BTW, the puppy is a St. Bernard…(is that how it’s spelt??) When Yuki asks Naoki if the dog will get very big, Naoki (after noticing Kotoko’s expression), tells Yuki no. Kotoko is relieved. Yuki calls the puppy Chibi.
The puppy rubs against Kotoko’s legs and Kotoko has goosebumps. Mama then tells Kotoko that it seems that Koko likes Kotoko a lot. Sai, Kotoko’s father, noticing this is confused. As he is about to ask Kotoko isn’t she afraid of dogs, Kotoko quickly covers his mouth and tells the family that Chibi is cute. Chibi does everything that Naoki tells him to so Naoki decides to take charge of training Koko. Kotoko is a bit jealous with Naoki’s and Chibi’s close relationship.
When Naoki tells Reiko about Chibi, Reiko decides to invite herself to the Irie and Aihara household to see the puppy. Kotoko is about to protest when the people from the manga club drags her away.
On Sunday, Reiko visits the Irie and Aihara household. Papa and Sai are impressed by Reiko’s beauty. Mama is angry about this. As Reiko tells Mama that she has brought a cake made by herself, Mama tells her that Kotoko has already made one…..the result between Reiko’s and Kotoko’s cake is obvious…. Everyone decides to eat the one made by Reiko and Mama is furious about it.
As Chris is introduced to Chibi, Chibi barks at Chris, startling her. Kotoko, who sees this, is very happy. Then Sudou arrives with his dog, telling them that he is on the way. Kotoko and Reiko laugh as they notice the resemblance between Sudou and his dog. He reveals to Kotoko that actually he’s here because he knows that Reiko will be here. As Sudou introduces his dog to Chris, Sudou’s dog falls in love and is ignored by Chris. Mayhem ensues when he chases after Chris.
In the evening, Naoki decides to take Chibi for a walk. He also asks Kotoko go. Kotoko is given the duty of holding Chibi’s leash but when Chibi tries to run to Kotoko, Kotoko afraid, relases the leash thus Chibi runs away. Kotoko and Naoki could not find him. Kotoko decides to continue the search until she finds him. When Naoki returns home, he sees Chibi playing with Yuki. Meanwhile, Kotoko is still searching. As she is walking, she notices someone is behind her. She quickly runs only to be tackled by Chibi. As it turns out it was Naoki behind her.
On the way home, Naoki shows a full grown St. Bernard and tells Kotoko that Chibi will become like that. Kotoko is horrified and Naoki teases her. As it turns out, Naoki knows that Kotoko is afraid of dogs, but he tells her nope.
==========================
Chibi has gotten bigger within a month to Kotoko’s consternation. Papa asks Naoki if he is going for T-Dai university entrance exams this time but Naoki didn’t answer him. Mama is unhappy with Papa for suggesting such thing. Kotoko asks Naoki if he intends to go for the exams again, Naoki tells her no.
The university is having a festival. Kotoko sees this poster about the festival queen (Something like the prom queen title). She is interested and so is Reiko.
The tennis club opens a stall that sells food. There are a lot of customer because lot’s of girls wants to buy Naoki’s food. Kotoko is very jealous about this.
Then, Kinnosuke then opens a stall right beside the tennis club’s. As time passes, no one buys anything from Kinnosuke except for an old lady. Reiko and Kotoko are working as waitresses. Reiko is praised by a couple of guys who promises her that they’ll vote for her for the queen title. She brags to Kotoko and is confident that she will win. Then someone asks for Kotoko. Kotoko is very happy until she sees who asked for her. It’s the people from the manga club. Bacause of Kotoko, the people from the manga club come to buy food from the tennis club’s stall. The coach is impressed by the crowd’s generated by Naoki’s and Kotoko’s presence. Naoki tells Kotoko that it’s not bad since she has lot’s of admirers. When Kotoko asks Naoki where is he going and that she wants to come along, Naoki tells her okay. As it turns out, Naoki is going to watch the anime screened by the manga club.
In the anime, Reiko and Sudou are portrayed as the bad guys and 3 of the guys from the manga club portrays themselves as Kotoko’s character handsome and dashuing rescuer. To Kotoko’s humilation, in one part, Tennisu no Onna’s clothes was destroyed by Sudou’s character. Naoki bursts out laughing at this part.
After the anime ends, Kotoko and Naoki meets Papa, Mama, Yuki and Sai. Mama then enters Naoki and Kotoko into one of those quiz. In the quiz, Naoki refuses to answer any of the questions despite knowing the answer. So Kotoko presses the buzzer each time after the question and asks Naoki to answer the questions. In the final question, the oppenent answers wrongly and the question thrown to Naoki’s and Kotoko’s team. Kotoko gives the correct answer. They win the quiz. The prize is a trip.
When Kotoko and Naoki returns to the tennis club’s stall, Sudou is angry because they come back after 3 hours when they are only allowed 1 hour break. He decides to punish them both but Reiko intervenes for Naoki’s sake. Sudou gives in and only punishes Kotoko.
Kotoko is left alone to clean up. As the table is too heavy for her, she topples it over end ended up under the table. As she is lying trapped under the table, Naoki comes back. When Kotoko asks him if he comes back because of her, he tells her it’s because he has got no interest in the night program.
As they clean up, Kotoko accidentally drops a hammer on a lamp. Naoki saves her by shileding her from the flying glass. Kotoko thinks that Naoki is dead since he’s not moving and she cries. Naoki wakes up and tells her to stop shouting. Naoki scolds her for being careless.
Kotoko puts the band aid on Naoki’s forehead but Naoki says that he’ll do it himself. Kotoko feels upset because she feels responsible and that was also the first time she has ever touched Naoki’s face. Then suddenly Naoki tells Kotoko to bring her face closer. He then puts the medicine and band aid on her face. Kotoko is touched because Naoki’s hand has touched her face. As it seems as if Naoki is coming closer (at least it looks like that to me…), Zinko and Satomi barges in and tells Kotoko to go with them. As it turns out, Kotoko wins the title of queen of the festival. It’s because of the anime by the manga club.
When asked to pick her king, Kotoko chooses Naoki even though Kinnosuke has been shouting, "Pick me! Pick Me!" Mama is upset because Sai ran out of tape in his video camera during this moment.
======================
Naoki is urged by one of his teachers to re-take the exam (I presumed it’s the T-Dai exam). When Kotoko asks him what he and the teacher spoke about, Naoki tells her it’s nothing and anyway it’s none of her business. Kotoko then tries asking him if he wants to go on the trip that they won from the quiz. Naoki look annoyed.
Kotoko decides to give the ticket to Mama and Papa instead. But Mama suggests that the whole family should go together. Mama then tells Kotoko to asks Naoki. Naoki agrees but after Kotoko leaves, he seems lost in thought.
When Kotoko tells her friends about the trip, Kinnosuke objects but Satomi and Zinko manage to convince him that the reason why Kotoko keeps chasing after Naoki is because he plays it cool while Kinnosuke seems to desperate to be with Kotoko. They tells him to pretend not to care so that Kotoko will be attracted to him. He agrees and tells Kotoko to enjoy the trip.
During the trip, when in the bath spring Mama keeps on saying what a great body Kotoko has laoudly to make sure that Naoki, who is in the men’s section will hear. While Kotoko is embarrassed, Naoki is annoyed and Papa, Sai and Yuki are embarrassed also to hear such things.
At dinner, Kotoko notices that Naoki is very quiet. When he tells the family that he is going for a walk, Yuki wants to join him but Mama stops him and asks Kotoko to go instead. As Kotoko and Naoki sit by the beach, Kotoko notices that Naoki seems very quiet and she wonders why. That night, Naoki and Kotoko could not sleep in their room respectively.
The family are playing tennis. Mama tries to pair Naoki with Kotoko but then Yuki takes offence with the idea so Papa decides that they should pick a lot. Mama is paired with Papa and Kotoko is paired up with Yuki though Yuki and Kotoko are not happy about it. When Kotoko tells Yuki that he should make sure that he won’t make her lose, Yuki tells her that he should be the one saying that.
During the first serve, Kotoko accidentally hits the ball at an angle causing it to hit Yuki. Yuki complains to Naoki who is the referee. As the game progresses, Yuki and Kotoko team is not doing well. Sai who is videotaping the game and Naoki speaks about Kotoko and dreams. Sai tells Naoki that he likes making food for people that is why he opens a restaurant.
After the game ends, Kotoko asks Sai what he and Naoki talked about. He replies that they were talking about life.
In school, the photo from the family vacation is displayed on the school board. Reiko is unhappy and annoyed with the fact that Naoki and Kotoko were together. Kinnosuke is not happy either and confronts Zinko and Satomi. They try telling him that there are many girls out there but he says no. He has already decided that Kotoko is the one. Kotoko then sees him and tells him happy new year. He runs away crying though Kotoko is confused why.
Kotoko then meets Sudou who tells her that Naoki is intending to move out. He also tells her that Naoki may re-take the exams. Kotoko tries to look for Naoki in his class but she is told that he has already left.
At home, when Kotoko is told by Mama to put Naoki’s laundry in his room, she took the opportunity to find out if what Sudou has said is true. She sees circled advertisements for jobs. Then Naoki asks her what she’s doing and if she finds something good in his room. She asks him about what Sudou has aid and he tells her is true. When she tries to argue with him about his decision, he tells her that he wants to change clothes and pushes her out of the room.
When Naoki tells Mama and Papa, Mama is upset and refuses to let him move out but after Naoki tells them that he has grown up and that he wants to be more independent, Papa tells him to go ahead and try. Kotoko who is outside, overhears the conversation and is upset.
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Mama, Yuki and Kotoko is upset when Naoki moves out but Mama tells Kotoko that he’ll soon be back.
Zinko and Satomi are wondering why Kotoko has been looking down. Kinnosuke on the other hand, kowing the fact that Naoki has moved out is very happy. At the tennis training, Sudou tells Kotoko that he knows where Naoki is working but to get that information, she has to buy him a treat.
Sudou brings her to Donny’s. As they want to order the food, Naoki comes to take the order. Kotoko is very happy though Naoki acts as if he don’t know her. Kotoko asks Sudou where Naoki lives but he tells her that he don’t know.
When Naoki comes back with their order, Kotoko asks him about his well-being. She asks him if he’s angry with her but he tells her that he knows sooner or later she’ll come anyway. He tells her not to tell Mama though.
Then Kotoko sees a poster lokking for a waitress. She decides to apply for the job but is beaten by Reiko. As it turns out, Sudou has told Reiko about the fact that Naoki works in Donny’s. Kotoko, feeling betrayed, tells Sudou thank you for the treat and gets up and leaves. Before leaving, she asks Naoki if it’s alright for her to come by tomorrow. He tells her no but knowing Kotoko, he knows that she’ll come anyway, he tells her not to tell Mama.
However, when Kotoko comes home, Mama asks her why she’s not eating dinner. Kotoko then tells Mama that she has eaten at the place where Naoki works. Mama and Yuki then decides to tag along with Kotoko the next day.
The customers are Donny’s are impressed by Naoki’s ability to remember a lot of orders with accuracy. Mama, Yuki and Kotoko comes by incognito though in vain as Naoki recognises them anyway. Reiko also comes by to say hello to Mama though Mama remains cold to her. Mama then tells Naoki not to notice Reiko, also to come home. Naoki just ignores what she’s saying and terats her as one of the customers. Mama then turns around and tells Kotoko not to lose to Reiko.
Kotoko comes to see Naoki again. When Naoki is serving Kotoko, Reiko comes and tells Naoki that she’ll take care of Kotoko. When asks what she wants to order, Kotoko says anything so reiko orders the biggest portion for Kotoko. Kotoko could not finish it. Kotoko asks Naoki if she can doggie-back it. She says it’s for Chibi. Naoki tells her unfortunately no. He asks about Chibi and she tells him that he has grown bigger. Naoki, before walking away tells Kotoko the answer to her homework that she’s doing in the restaurant. Kotoko then decides to push her luck and asks another answer for another question, annoying Naoki.
When Kotoko pays for the food, she discovers that the food that Reiko has ordered is not only the biggest but also very expensive. The guy at the cashier also gives her a box and he tells her that it’s from Naoki. As it turns out, Naoki has packed the left-over food for Kotoko. Kotoko touched decides to wait for Naoki until he finishes work.
As she waited in the cold, she sees Naoki and Reiko walking home together. Kotoko is heartbroken because she thinks that Naoki and Reiko are co-habiting.
Volume 6:
Kotoko returns home feeling sad. When Mama asks her if she wants to eat or take a bath, Kotoko tells her that she just wants to sleep. Mama is worried by Kotoko’s response. Kotoko breaks down in tears in her room.
The next morning, the family is shocked to see Kotoko’s condition. She looks haggard and Mama asks her if it’s because she works too hard. Kotoko replies that it’s because she didn’t get a good sleep. Yuki then teases Kotoko that with her face right now, Naoki will probably be scared to death. He is surprised when Kotoko agreed with him as he expected her to retaliate. Kotoko then goes off to school without taking her breakfast.
Satomi and Zinko asks Kotoko if the reason that she is upset is because Naoki tells her not to come to the place where he works. Then Satomi tells Kotoko that she will be late for the class that she is taking with Naoki. Kotoko tells her that she is not going today and suggest that they go somewhere to play. But Satomi and Zinko has other plans.
At Donny’s, Reiko asks Naoki is there is anything wrong with Kotoko since these few days she has not been coming to the restaurant. She also mentions that she was surprised when Kotoko missed the English class. When Reiko leaves, Naoki seems quiet……
When Naoki goes to tennis training, he asks Sudou about Kotoko’s whereabouts. Sudou tells him that Kotoko hasn’t been coming to the training this whole week.
Kotoko fainted and she finally tells Satomi and Zinko about what she saw the other night. And also Kotoko tells them that she really is giving up on Naoki as now there’ll be no chance at all.
Yuki meets Naoki at the park. And Yuki tells Naoki that these few days Kotoko has been weird. Naoki then asks what’s wrong with her, Yuki tells him that she hasn’t been eating well either and that Mama is worried about her. He also tells Naoki that Mama says it must be Naoki’s fault to Naoki’s annoyance. Yuki then asks why Naoki wants to meet him and Naoki says that it’s because he wants to see Yuki and Chibi.
Satomi and Zinko confronts Naoki. They tell Naoki about what Kotoko saw and also the fact that Kotoko is giving up on him after these years because she believes that she no longer has any hope. After Satomi and Zinko leaves Naoki says to himself, "So that’s why…."
Satomi, Zinko and Kinnosuke tries to cheer Kotoko up by buying her lot’s of delicious food but Kotoko tells them that she is not hungry and tells that they should go ahead without her.
As she stands outside, she looks for guys who can replace Naoki. Then as she sees Naoki she thinks to herself, "Ah! This one is good…" then she realises that it is Naoki. Naoki tells her that it has been so long since he has seen her. Kotoko answers yes awkwardly and Naoki asks her what’s wrong. He then tells her that he’s waiting for someone. Kotoko then asks him about his new house. Naoki replies it’s nice and big, Kotoko thinks to herself that Naoki is right, it IS big. As they continue talking, Kotoko talks about living alone but Naoki tells her that not exactly alone because Reiko is also there. As she cries as she thinks Naoki is confirming that he is co-habiting with Reiko, she hears someone calling Naoki, "Irie Teacher". Kotoko then learns that this girl is actually Reiko’s sister, Ayako. Like Reiko, she insults Kotoko. She also gloats the fact that Naoki is her tuition teacher and that he has been coming to her house to teach her. Kotoko then grabs Naoki and asks him if the reason that he has been going home with Reiko is because of this and that they are not co-habiting. Naoki pushes her hand away and tells her no such thing and it’s all her imagination only. As Naoki leaves with Reiko and Ayako, Kotoko jumps up for joy.
The Valentine’s Day is here again. Kotoko is attempting to make another chocolate for Naoki. Mama supports her move. As Kotoko is making the chocolate, her stomach hurts but she preserveres, imagining Naoki’s reaction when she gives him her chocolate.
Kotoko braves the snow to give Naoki the chocolate. In Donny’s, Kotoko is told by Reiko that waiting for Naoki is useless as Naoki that day is going to have to go to Reiko’s house to tutor Ayako. Her stomach still hurts as she has not eaten anything. As Naoki refills her cup, Kotoko excuses herself to the ladies. But on her way there she fainted. After she comes around, the manager of the restaurant suggests that Naoki should send her home.
As the snow is getting worse, Naoki suggests that they should go to his house and then calling Mama to pick Kotoko up. At Naoki’s place, Kotoko asks if Reiko has been to Naoki’s place. Naoki replies no and that Kotoko is the first person he has invited to his house. Kotoko is happy about this.
When Naoki calls Mama to ask her to pick Kotoko up from his place, Mama response is that it’s snowing outside so she doesn’t feel like going out and will only pick Kotoko up the next day. Kotoko has no choice but to spend the night at Naoki’s place. Kotoko is very nervous about the prospect.
Unknown to Kotoko and Naoki, Mama calls Kotoko’s father to tell him about Kotoko spending the night at Naoki’s place but Kinnosuke picked up the call instead. Mama then proceeds to tell him about Kotoko and Naoki. He is horrified and dashed out into the snow to go to Naoki’s working place.
Meanwhile, Naoki goes out to get some food for Kotoko. While alone, Kotoko is kind of amazed that his house is so clean..she was hoping that she can clean up his house for him.
Kinnosuke arrives at Donny’s and is told that Naoki has gone home. He then proceeds to demand to know where Naoki’s place is. He then dashed into the snow again. As he is walking in the snow, he sees Naoki. He tries to chase after him but his sandals broke, making him lose Naoki.
After dinner, Kotoko is worried about their sleeping arrangement as there’s only one bed. When Naoki gives her the bed, she couldn’t sleep and keeps talking to Naoki. She keeps asking him if she can have the lights on as she is afraid of the dark and also if he is okay sleeping on the floor. Naoki annoyed, then asks her if he sleeps on the bed then everything will be okay, right? Kotoko quickly replies that she will sleep on the floor. Naoki then asks if she is nervous and Kotoko quickly replies no. But Naoki continues saying that Kotoko is nervous about spending the night with him as she is worried if something might happen between them. Naoki then tells her not to worry as nothing will happen. Kotoko then thinks it’s maybe that she is not attractive and starts tearing up. Naoki then asks her if she is diappointed and she quickly says no. Naoki then tells her the reason that nothing is going to happen is because he doesn’t want to give Mama the satisfaction is anythign happens. Kotoko feels better then. As the night progresses, Naoki realises that Kotoko is a very restless sleeper…..
The next day, as Naoki and Kotoko walks to school, they noticed an ambulance and a crowd. Unknown to them, Kinnosuke has collapsed in the snow. In school, another poster has been posted on the school board. This time is a drawing of Kotoko and Naoki sleeping together. Naoki confronts Mama who is among the crowd. She asks Kotoko about last night and is disappointed with Naoki. She then asks Kotoko about her chocolate. When Kotoko tries to give it to Naoki, Naoki has already gone off. Kotoko then asks herself, what was yesterday for?
The exams is coming again and Kotoko and her classmtes decides to asks for Naoki’s help, annoying him. Naoki bursts out saying that they are always like that furthermore they are doing a different course so how should he know about their subject. Naoki then thinks that they will stop bugging him. After he knocks off from work, he sees them waiting for him outside Donny’s.
Since Naoki, doesn’t want to help, Kotoko resolves to work hard on her own. On the day of the exam, she arrives looking haggard. Naoki tells her that she looks horrible and Kotoko tells him it’s because she wants to be in the same class with him. During the test, Naoki helps her by telling her one of the answers. Kotoko is so happy about this that she forgots to do her paper as she daydreams, leaving only 3 min for Kotoko to complete the paper.
=================================
The Tennis Club is recruiting new members. Ayako decides to join. She not only beats Sudou in the selection process and also beats Reiko. She then asks Naoki to play with her. Kotoko and Reiko watches on with jealousy.
During lunchtime, Sudou tells Kotoko that in Donny’s there’s a job opening after securing a treat from her. Kotoko then warns Sudou not to tell Ayako. Kotoko gets the job to Naoki’s horrid. He then tries to teach her the things around the restaurant to no avail.
After knocking off, Kotoko is tired but Naoki tells her that he’s more exhausted than her. She then tells him about the trip that the parents are going to take so she has to take care of Yuki.
That night, she cooks dinner for Yuki. Yuki seems listless and Kotoko asks him if the food is good, he responds uncommittedly. Thinking that he is saying yes, Kotoko tells him to finish up then. Later, when Kotoko asks him to take his bath, she discovers him on the floor, complaining about his stomach. Kotoko not knowing what to do, quickly calls Naoki who instructs her to what to do. At the end of the phone call, Naoki tells her that he’s depending on her.
In the hospital, Kotoko is told that Yuki needs an operation. Remembering Naoki telling her that he’s depending on her,she agrees that Yuki should be operated. When Naoki arrives, the operation has ended and is a success. Kotoko puts up a brave front in front of Naoki and quickly makes excuses to excuse herself (I’m not really making sense am I???? O_o). Naoki follows her and found her in tears. Naoki then hugs her (not a hug hug but a hug nonetheless…:) and tells her thank you. Kotoko then turns around and hugs him tighter. ^_^
Kotoko is visiting Yuki in the hospital though he doesn’t appreciate her effort….Mama scold him for being like that. Mama thanks Kotoko for her help in bringing Yuki to the hospital but Yuki ignores Kotoko. Kotoko asks him if he wants to eat cake, he asks back if she made it and she tells him no. He then decided to eat. Kotoko also offers the cake to the other children in the hospital room though she keeps getting their names mixed up. Naoki arrives and insults her as she couldn’t even remember the 3 children’s names even though she has been there for over a month. Kotoko however is not hurt as she remembers the moment when they hugged.
Ayako and Reiko then arrives though Kotoko and Mama are not happy to see them. In fact, Ayako and Reiko themselves are not happy to see their sibling. They brought flowers and to make space for their flowers in thevase, they decided to throw Kotoko’s flowers away. Reiko and Ayako tries to be friendly with Yuki. As both of them got into an argument, Yuki tells them off. Mama is slightly embarrased by this while Kotoko seems happy that Yuki is telling Reiko and Ayako off. The nurse then comes in and throws Kotoko,Reiko and Ayako out. As it turns out, the nurse is also interested in Naoki. Outside, the three girls overheard other nurses discussing how cute is Naoki and that they want to go and see him. That night, Yuki wrote in his diary about the day.
While working, Kotoko is pleased that some guys from other university knows her until she finds out that they are referring to Tenisu no Onna, Kotorin. Reiko teases her and Kotoko gets back at her by telling her that she doesn’t have to take advice from someone who cannot even beat her own younger sister. She tells Kotoko angrily that her sister is too much since she’s the one who hired Naoki to tutor Ayako.
Kotoko goes to the hospital to visit Yuki and meets Kinnosuke there. He then decides to tag along with Kotoko though Yuki is not happy to see Kinnosuke. Kotoko tells Yuki that she has brought manga but he rebuffs her overture. Yuki’s room mate, Nobu-chan (let’s just call him this name first until I’m sure..;;^_^) comments that Yuki is very lucky. He tells them that he is in the hospital as he has heart problems. Kotoko feels touched then tells Nobu-chan that she will help him with his homework. However, Kotoko couldn’t do the work either. Eventually Naoki offers his help. Kotoko then goes on to ask the other kids if they need help, if they do they can ask Naoki. Naoki is annoyed by this. At night, Yuki again wrote about the day in his diary. Before he goes to sleep, Yuki starts to read the manga that was brought by Kotoko. As it is a ghost story, Yuki gets frightened. To his horror, he sees a silhouette on the door.
The next day when Kotoko visits, she finds out about "the ghost" from the children. As she is afraid of ghost, she decides to leave immediately but Yuki tells her that since it’s her fault she shouldn’t leave. What Yuki means is the manga. Suddenly, someone suggested that they watch and find out if it’s a real ghost. As it turns out, it’s Kinnosuke. When Naoki comes up behind Kinnosuke, Kinnosuke gets a fright.
That night, Kotoko, Kinnosuke and Naoki stay in the room. As time approaches 12 they heard a noise and sees a silhouette. The children asks Kinnosuke to investigate. They then sees an old woman and screamed. As it turns out, it is just another patient. She is an old woman and the thing that make a lot of noise it one of those plastic bags containing food/water/blood that they have in the hospital. That night, Yuki wrote in his diary again though he makes it seem as if he’s not scared at all.
Nobu-chan has a fever due to their late night adventure though the nurse only scolds Kotoko and smiles at Naoki. ^_^ Kotoko apologise to Nobu-chan but he says that it’s okay since he had fun the night before. He also says that he is the happiest since Yuki came to stay. Hearing this Kotoko becomes sad.
As she leaves the hospital with Naoki, she says that Nobu-chan is very pitiful because he still has to stay in the hospital while Yuki is going to be discharge the next day. As Kotoko tries to think up of an idea how she can help Nobu-chan, she tells Naoki that Naoki is genius so Naoki can become a doctor. She says if Naoki becomes a doctor, then all the Nobu-chan’s in the world would not have to suffer. Naoki then asks her, "Me, a doctor?" Kotoko then replies she’s just saying if. She says that there’s nothing that Naoki can’t do but Naoki seems to reply negatively.
Yuki is being discharged and he says goodbye’s to his friends. As the car goes off, Yuki sees Nobu-chan looking out of the window sadly and he shouts, "Nobu-chan! Bye bye!" Naoki then tells Yuki who is crying that it’s embarrasing for Yuki to cry. In the front seats, Mama and Kotoko are also in tears.
The Irie and Aihara household celebrates Yuki’s discharge from the hospital. Though Yuki acts cold to Kotoko in front of everyone, he thanks her in private. Kotoko is very happy about this and thinks to herself that Yuki has his cute points
Volume 8:
Main things that happened in this volume:
-Naoki works in Papa’s company.
-Christmas time brought Kotoko and Naoki closer….another sign where we can see that Naoki likes Kotoko.
-Naoki tells Papa and Mama that he doesn’t want to continue Papa’s company. He also tells them that he thinks they are selfish in always trying to force him to do things that he don’t want. Mama in anger, slaps him.
-Naoki tells Kotoko that he wants to be a doctor that’s why he doesn’t want to continue Papa’s business. He tells her what he wants to do for the future.
-Kotoko asks him why he tells her. He replies that it’s because he hasn’t told anyone else. Kotoko is touched to hear this.
-Mama and Papa despair over Naoki when Yuki comes in and told Mama not to worry as Naoki has always liked Kotoko. When Mama tries to question him further, Yuki runs out of the room.
-The secret why Yuki’s face was red in Vol. 7 after Kotoko dreamt Naoki kissing her for the 2nd time is revealed. As it turned out, Yuki really did see Naoki kissing Kotoko. Before he left, Naoki told Yuki not to tell anyone. Then when Kotoko woke up shouting "It’s the second time!", Naoki has left the place and Yuki was hiding behind a nearby tree.
-Kotoko starts reading up about nurses. She is thinking of being a nurse since Naoki wants to be a doctor.
-Mama tries all means to get Yuki talking as to why he said Naoki likes Kotoko.
-Naoki has a heart to heart talk with Kotoko’s father.
-Kotoko decides to make a scarf for Naoki for Valentine’s Day and she’s learning from Mama. despite her hard work, she ended up making a scarf that has different widths for both ends…one is 40cm wide and the other is 23cm wide..;;^^
-She couldn’t find Naoki to give the scarf at all. She eventually left the scarf in his mailbox and goes home.
-To Kotoko’s surprise, Naoki has moved back home.
Volume 9:
Main things that happened in this volume:
-Naoki has moved back into the Irie/Aihara household.
-Kotoko found out that scarf that she has made for Naoki is taken and used by this other person because he happened to find it in the new house that he has just rented.
-Kotoko takes the scarf back and tries to give it to Naoki who tells the other guy to take it and walks off.
-Reiko confronts Naoki about his decision to go to medical school. He tells something like what he does is none of her business…something like that…a bit hard to explain..;;^^
-Reiko and Kotoko talks about Naoki’d decision. Reiko asks Kotoko if she knows early about his decision. She replies that she only found out not long ago. Kotoko asks Reiko if she’s going to follow Naoki to medical school but Reiko replies that she’s not like Kotoko. She also makes fun of Kotoko. She says that even if Kotoko wants to go, Kotoko may not be able to make it. After Kotoko leaves, Reiko looks thoughtful.
-At one of the tennis club outings, Reiko and Naoki go off together after Reiko whispered something to him. Kotoko and Sudou immediately tried to follow them.
-As it turns out, Reiko is expressing her feelings to Naoki. Naoki rejects her. When she asks him why he doesn’t want to kiss her and who will he kiss etc, Naoki tells her that he has kissed someone before. He tells her that he has kissed Kotoko before. Reiko leaves.
-Naoki discovered Kotoko’s hiding place. On the way back, Naoki tells her that he didn’t kiss Reiko at all. Kotoko tells him when he tells Reiko that they’ve kissed, he’s talking about something that had happened long time ago, 2 years ago. Naoki looks away from Kotoko with a smile on his face and says, it’s true, 2 years ago.
-Meanwhile, Sudou is still looking around for Reiko and Naoki….
-Naoki breaks his plans to Papa, who suffers from heart attack.
-Naoki decides to put back his plans from medical school to help Papa until he gets well.
-With Mama helping Papa in the hospital, Kotoko takes care of Yuki and Naoki. She feels a bit housewifey…(it’s my own word BTW…)
-Yuki meets Nobu again in the hospital. He learns that Nobu has been admitted again dues to his heart problems.
-Kotoko encourages Naoki to be a doctor by saying that if Naoki is a doctor, he can help his father and Nobu.
-At night, Kotoko and Naoki has a heart to heart talk. Naoki tells Kotoko that he may have to give up his dream to be a doctor to help his father and he also tells her that he’s dropping out of school. Kotoko feeling sad for Naoki, puts her arms around him.
-Kotoko and Reiko gets a job in Papa’s company to be close to Naoki.
-Naoki is asked to go to an arranged marriage meeting with one of the clients’ granddaughter. Naoki asks if this is for benefit of the company and he is told no.
-Mama is upset to hear about this. Naoki asks Papa about his opinion. Papa tells him that in marriage, he should go for someone he really likes.
-Kotoko while in the company, accidentally pushes the close button when actually she’s supposed to push the open button of the lift. The girl who almost got hurt because of this, is vaed by Naoki who hels the door open for her.
-When the girl realises that Naoki is Irie Naoki, she seems shocked.
-Kotoko meets Naoki when she just returned from grocery shopping. Naoki helped her carry the things.
-Naoki agreess to the arranged marriage meeting.
-Kotoko hearing this dropped the cup of coffee that she has in her hands.
Volume 10:
Main things that happened in this volume:
-People had variation of reactions to Naoki’s decision to go to the arranged marriage meeting. Kotoko is upset and hurt. Mama is angry but she comes up with a plan nonetheless. Kinnosuke happy.
-On the day of the meeting, the girl whom Naoki is meeting is the girl whom he helped in the lift. Mama tries to make her life difficult while Kotoko and Reiko spies on in disguise outside.
-Reiko and Kotoko come up with several scheme to make the day unbearable for Sasuiko and Naoki. But it all back-fired with Kotoko suffering from the schemes instead.
-Kotoko is crying telling Mama about what happened. Mama tells her not to give up etc. She says with her around, Naoki and Sasuiko will defintely not be together. Kotoko remembering the time when Naoki puts his arms around Sasuiko to save her from Reiko’s and Kotoko’s scheme just now is not so confident.
-Naoki agrees to go on another date with Sasuiko. Kotoko hearing this is very upset.
-Sasuiko calls Naoki at home and Kotoko happens to pick up the phone. After Naoki hangs up, Kotoko asks him where they are going. Naoki asks her if she’s going to follow them. Kotoko is angry to hear this. Naoki then tells her to find herself a man. Kotoko is angry and hurt to hear this and tells Naoki to mind his own business.
-Yuki then teases Kotoko but he stopped when he sees that she is actually crying. Kotoko runs out of the room. As Yuki looks on, he thinks if Kotoko will give up this time…
-Yuki then confronts Naoki. He asks if Naoki is going to marry Sasuiko, Naoki repluies yes if nothing goes wrong. Yuki then asks if Naoki likes Sasuiko. Naoki then asks Yuki what’s wrong with him and Yuki asks is it will be alright with Naoki to do this because the one that Naoki likes is Kotoko, right. Naoki is quiet and looks thoughtful then he says that he will introduce Sasuiko to Yuki one day. Yuki gets angry but Naoki says something like Sasuiko will suit him, definitely suit him. But as he says this, he himself looks sad. He says it as if trying to convince himself.
-Kotoko tells Zinko and Satomi that Naoki is dating another girl and he may marry her.
-Kotoko and Reiko speaks about Naoki’s possible marriage to Sasuiko. Before Reiko leaves, she advices Kotoko to give up and find another guy.
-Naoki and Sasuiko goes to a concert on their second date. But as Naoki and her are walking and talking, he thought that if it’s Kotoko, Kotoko would have fallen asleep. He is amused by this thought. Sasuiko asks Naoki about the fact that her grandfather told her that Naoki plans to see her on regular basis. He asks if she minds. And she says no. As they walk on, she leans on his shoulder and tells him that she cares about him.
-Mama waits for Naoki to return home from his date and she is not ahppy about it. She scolds him etc then she tells Naoki and Kotoko that Papa is coming home this Sunday. She tells Naoki not to go out dating with Sasuiko that day. Naoki agrees. As Naoki leaves the room, Kotoko thinks what stage has Naoki and Sasuiko has come up to. She thinks they’ve probably kissed.
-Kotoko asks Kinnosuke if he wants to go out with her. Kinnosuke is very happy to hear this. After Kinnosuke leaves, Takendo asks if she is sure that she wants to go out with Kinnosuke. She asks if he’s thinking of going out with her, he tells her he is very willing to do so. But Kotoko dismisses what he said because he and Ayako are on very good terms. He turns red and laugh. Then he tells Kotoko that he heard about Naoki and he understand her bad mood. He then tells her that he was so sure that the one Naoki likes is Kotoko. Zinko and Satomi quickly lead Kotoko away before she can asks Takendo more as they don’t want her to start having hopes again.
-Naoki wakes up on Saturday and notices that Kotoko is not at home. Yuki reveals that Kotoko is on a date. Yuki looked shocked when he heard this and asks Yuki with whom. Yuki tells him that he doesn’t know but Kotoko looks happy. Naoki then tells Yuki that whoever the guy is he must be feeling sorry for Kotoko that’s why he asks her.
-Kotoko has a good time on the date with Kinnosuke. Kinnosuke asks her out again and she agrees.
-When Kotoko returns home, she finds out no one is at home. She decides to eat those noodles is that is cooked by pouring hot water. As she is boiling the water, Naoki tells her that her mood is pretty good. She is shocked. He tells her that the family has gone to see Papa and he was in the bathroom. He tells her he heard that she had a date and that he thought that she wouldn’t be coming home tonight. Kotoko tells him angrily not to speak rubbish and she accidentally scalded her leg with the boiling water. Naoki quickly carries her to the bathroom and pours cold water on the wound. She tells him that he really can be a doctor but Naoki tells her that if by doing this he can be a doctor then everyone can be a doctor. Kotoko thanks him. But as Naoki treats her wound she thinks to herself that she can never forget Naoki as she likes him very much.
-Papa is released from the hospital. Sasuiko and her grandfather comes to visit. Papa is sort of honoured by the visit, Mama is not happy. Kotoko is feeling uncomfortable.
-Sasuiko and Kotoko speaks about Naoki. Sasuiko tells Kotoko that she likes Naoki since she first saw him on the lift. Kotoko tells her not to worry because Naoki also likes her and that both of them are very suitable fro each other. Kotoko excuses herself but as she did this she thought to herself that she is feeling miserable.
-Sasuiko notices Kotoko and remembers meeting her before in the office. He tells Naoki that Naoki that day said some very mean things to Kotoko. Naoki tells him that Kotoko is stupid etc. but Sasuiko’s grandfather tells him not to say such things about a girl. Naoki seems quiet and thoughtful. Sasuiko’s grandfather notices this.
-That night Kotoko’s father asks Kotoko to move away with him. He tells her that if she continues doing this, she will be hurt. Kotoko agrees reluctantly and she cries.
-Kinnosuke asks Kotoko to marry him. Kotoko is shocked. She tells Satomi and Zinko about this.She tells them that she has not given him an answer and she tells them that she only likes him as friend.
-That night, Kotoko asks her father if he will be happy if she marries Kinnosuke. He is shocked at first but tells her that Kinnosuke has his good points as well but he tells her it’s up to her. They also talked about their new house. Despite Kotoko looking alright, Sai knows that she is feeling miserable.
-Kotoko and Kinnosuke meets Naoki and Sasuiko on their date. Naoki is very mean to Kotoko and Sasuiko is shocked to see this. Naoki assures her that he will never treat her that way. But as they continue on their date, Sasuiko looks thoughtful and sad.
-Mama despairs over Naoki but Papa tells her that Naoki is now an adult.
-Meanwhile, Kinnosuke asks Kotoko out again and she is skipping tennis practise to see him.
-Naoki comes back to university to the tennis practise. He notices Kotoko is not around and asks Sudou about her. Sudou tells him that ever since she has been going out with Kinnosuke, she has not be coming often. He then laughingly tells Naoki that maybe this time Kotoko has really given up on him. Naoki hearing this, doesn’t look to happy.
-Naoki speaks to Reiko who tells him that at least he is not going to end up with Kotoko.
-Satomi and Zinko sees Naoki and tells him that Kinnosuke is brave etc. because he proposed to Kotoko. Naoki froze hearing this and he looks thoughtful. They also tells him that Kotoko is going to answer Kinnosuke today. By the time they turned to look at him he is is gone. But as he is walking off, he looks upset.
-Kotoko asks Kinnosuke for more time. When he tries to kiss her, she shouts out Naoki’s name. Kotoko and Kinnosuke realises that Kotoko cannot forget Naoki. Kotoko apologises and runs out in the rain leaving Kinnosuke devastated.
-As Kotoko walked home in the rain she thinks to herself that she will probably not marry anyone else and that even when she dies, she will still love Naoki.
-Naoki is waiting for her in the rain. She asks him why he is here and he tells her that he is waiting for her. As Kotoko is puzzling over his behaviour, he asks if she has seen him (ie Kinnosuke). He asks about Kinnosuke’s proposal and she replies that at least someone wants her. He then asks her about her answer. She tells him that what her answer is is none of his business. He looks upset and answer that’s right. She tells him that she will be moving out and he can get married and that she will be marrying Kinnosuke. She tells him likes this he doesn’t have to worry about her bothering him. He asks her if she likes Kinnosuke. She tells him of course because Kinnosuke has always liked her since junior high school. He asks if she has to like someone just because he likes her. She asks him what’s wrong with that. She tells him it’s better than her who wasted 6 years liking Naoki only to have him marry Sasuiko etc. Naoki slaps her to calm her down but Kotoko becomes more angry. She tells him that what she does has nothing do with Naoki but Naoki tells her that the one she likes it’s him. He tells her that she cannot like other people. She angrily tells him that it’s true she likes him but she cannot do anything since Naoki doesn’t like her at all. As she says this, she is in tears and to her surprise Naoki kissed her. Naoki tells her not to like any other people and hugs her. She tells him it’s the second time but Naoki tells him it’s the 3rd time (ie kiss). As she sputters in confusion, he kissed her cheek and tells her to be quiet and hugs her again. He then tells her let’s go home. Kotoko is confused as to why he wants to go home quickly.
-Mama and Papa are upset because Sai has just told the Irie family that he and Kotoko are moving out. Naoki and Kotoko comes home and Mama is shocked at both of them are wet. Naoki asks if Sai is in and Mama says yes but how come they are wet etc but Naoki ignores her pulles Kotoko along with him to see her father. Sai tells them to change clothes but Naoki asks him to give Kotoko’s hand in marriage to him. Everyone is shocked.
-Everyone asks if he’s serious and he tells them yes and that he has understand that the one he wants to marry is Kotoko. He tells them not now but until Kotoko finishes school and the company’s is settled etc. He said something like no matter what he’s not going to give Kotoko to other ppl.
-Sai asks Naoki if he is sure about this as Kotoko can’t do anything and started listing the things that Kotoko don’t do very well and Naoki’s reply I know to every one listed. And then Sai tells Naoki about one good thing about Kotoko and he smiles softly and says I know. He then says he will give Kotoko to Naoki. Naoki asks Kotoko if it’s alright with her and she says yes. Mama hugs her. Kotoko overwhelmed fainted.
-That night as they go to their separate rooms, Kotoko asks Naoki if she can stay in his room until morning as she is afraid that in the morning he would act as if this has not happened. he then suggested they sleep on the same bed and she tells him that’s not what she means.
-She asks him if he is sure that he really wants to marry her, he tells her yes. He asks her why she is so unsure and she tells him it’s because she likes him to much. He tells her he knows and she says that she doesn’t know if he likes her. He hugs her and tells her that he likes her. Unknown to them Mama is taking this scene on tape. ^_-
-Kotoko tells Satomi and Zinko about her engagement with Naoki. There’s a poster in school about Naoki expressing his feeling to Kotoko. Kinnosuke sees this and is upset.
-Naoki tells Sasuiko about him and Kotoko. Sasuiko though sad accepts it as she has always known that Naoki likes Kotoko. He tells her that Naoki is mean to Kotoko as he notices her too much. She tells him that if she is Kotoko she would have given up.
-Papa and Mama apologises to Sasuiko’s grandfather. Naoki also arrives to apologise. He tells him that Sasuiko is okay but he has someone he likes much very much and he also tells him that he will give up his dream to be doctor to help Papa. Sasuiko’s grandfather asks if the one that Naoki likes is the girl from the other time and Naoki said yes. He tells Naoki that he has already known that Naoki likes Kotoko, Mama is surprise to hear this as she didn’t know. He also decides to support Papa’s company despite this matter and also because of Naoki’s capabilities.
-That night Papa tells Naoki to go back to university and be a doctor. Naoki asks who will take over and Yuki says he will. Papa also makes Naoki promise to not keep anything from the family again.
-Meanwhile, Kotoko goes to her father’s restaurant to apologise to Kinnosuke who tries to avoid speaking to Kotoko by doing lot’s of work. He tells Kotoko sorry but to go back. Naoki comes and apologises to Kinnosuke and tells him about Kotoko’s and his engagement. Kinnosuke tells him off by saying that he always treates Kotoko badly while Kinnosuke has always like Kotoko for the past 6 years. He says he will not forgive Naoki. Kotoko apologises to him as she is the one who cannot give up on Naoki. Kinnosuke tells Naoki that he also cannot forgive Naoki because Kotoko has always like Naoki for the past six years. He then tells Naoki is Naoki ever makes Kotoko unhappy he will never forgive him. Naoki says he knows while Kotoko says thank you. When they leave, Kinnosuke’s fellow workers tells him that he’s great etc. then the found out that Kinnosuke is actually crying.
-The family is celebrating. Mama asks if everyone is free on the 21st of November. They asks why and she reveals that it’s Naoki’s and Kotoko’s wedding day to everyone’s shock.
-Despite the family’s shock and Naoki’s reaction the wedding goes ahead. Mama and Sai are very proud as Kotoko is very beautiful in her wedding gown. Kotoko is afraid and Yuki tries to reassure her. He then tells her that he has something to tell her. He whispers it in her ear and she was shocked to hear it.
-The guests are commenting on how the groom is handsome but doesn’t look to happy etc. Kotoko come out and is given away by Sai who tells Naoki to take care of her. As the priest continues with the service, Kotoko asks Naoki if he is angry. He said yes but since Kotoko is so pretty in her wedding gown it’s okay. ^_- After they are pronounced husband and wife, Kotoko asks him smugly if he has liked her from long time ago. He is annoyed and asks her why is she asking this and what’s with the attitude. She told him that she knows about their 2nd kiss and that Yuki has told her. She kissed him and told him he deserves it for not telling her. Naoki’s reply is I’m really married to you aren’t I?
-Everyone has different reactions to the wedding. Sudou, Satomi, Zinko, Ayako and Takendo are very happy for the couple while Reiko and Kinnosuke don’t look to happy. One thing though there’s lot’s of pictures taken for this wonderful memory…..
I’ll continue the summaries next time….
Full credits to Jennifer.
Volume 7:
"Aihara Kotoko san, will you go out with me?"
Kotoko was shocked when a very cute guy asked her this question. Even Zinko and Satomi are shocked about this. He assures them that he’s not joking and introduces himself. His name is Takendo and he is in the the first year ie. Kotoko’s junior. He even assures them that he know about Kotoko and Naoki but as long as they are not officially a couple yet, he still can ask her out. He then leaves Kotoko by telling her that this coming Sunday he’ll see her again. Kotoko was in shock as this is the 1st time such things has happened to her.
Satomi and Zinko then told Naoki about this. Naoki’s reaction was disappointing to Kotoko who is hiding. Satomi and Zinko then told her that such reaction is expected and that this "test" shouldn’t have been done at all.
The family had different reactions that night when they found out about this matter. Yuki was unimpressed, Mama was upset while Papa tried to comfort her and Kotoko’s father was angry because Kotoko has been asked out by a younger guy. That is he don’t approve of her going out with younger guys.
When Kotoko met Takendo again in school, he revealed that he has seen her before. That is he has been to her workplace only that she didn’t notice him. He also revealed that the reason he noticed her is because of Naoki. He has always noticed Naoki (BTW. not in THAT sense…^_^) and by noticing Naoki, he noticed Kotoko. He is impressed by the fact that Kotoko is very determined about Naoki and that no matter how Naoki treated her, she always never gives up. So he said why not be with him instead since Naoki never seems to be interested in her.
Before Kotoko could answer, Kinnosuke came and shouted that he doesn’t approve. He also said something like "My Kotoko" so Takendo replied, "That’s strange…..Kotoko also had nothing to with you." Kotoko also said, "You are not my boyfriend" to Kinnosuke who is of course horrified to hear this. ^_-
Ayako then comes by. As it turned out Takendo and her are classmates. He also told her that he and Kotoko are dating. Ayako hearing this and is of course very happy as it means that she has one less competition for Naoki. After, Kinnosuke, Takendo and Ayako left, Kotoko notices Mama in her disguise. Mama reveals to Kotoko that she is worried that Kotoko will give up on Naoki. Kotoko touched by Mama’s speech assured her that she will never give up on Naoki. She then tells Mama that she is going to turn Takendo down but Mama advises her not to yet. She told Kotoko to use this opportunity to make Naoki jealous and win him. Kotoko at first reluctant, eventually agreed.
During tennis practise, Reiko and Ayako kept saying that Takendo is only asking her out cause he is just trying to be nice. Naoki also seemed to be putting Kotoko and Takendo down. Kotoko angry started defending Takendo. She told Naoki that Takendo is intelligent, kind, etc. Then she heard Takendo saying, "I’m so happy that Kotoko-san has a good impression of me." He also complimented her.
He then asked, "Irie senpai, like this, is it alright if you give Kotoko to me?" Naoki’s reply is, "Giving this matter has got nothing to do with me. She is not even mine." Kotoko hearing this made a date with Takendo.
On Sunday, Kotoko is waiting for Takendo at Donny’s the place when both she and Naoki works. Even after Takendo arrives, Naoki doesn’t seem to be responding posistively despite Kotoko’s attempt to make him jealous.
Takendo then asks Kotoko how long has ske liked Naoki and she replies 4 years. He then says Kotoko has liked Naoki and Naoki alone for 4 years and he suddenly appears. He doesn’t expect her to suddenly change her feelings but he’s very happy even when Kotoko notices him a bit. Kotoko hearing this is very touched. During the rest of the date, they spent their time in the amusement park. Kotoko is touched by Takendo’s attention towards her.
Everyone in school is speculating as to why Kotoko is spending so much time with Takendo. When Kotoko and Takendo met Naoki and Reiko in the hallway, Naoki doesn’t seem to care at all. Kotoko is disappointed and Takendo notices this. When Kotoko tells Mama about Naoki’s lack of reaction, she told her not to give up.
Ayako confronts (sort of…) Takendo and asks him what does he like about Kotoko? He tells her that he doesn’t care if a girl is stupid or not etc. but he likes cute girls. He said smart etc. girls are just not his cup of tea. Ayako was offended and she hits him when he started comparing her to Kotoko.
Kotoko is feeling dejected as Naoki doesn’t seem to care at all about her seeing Takendo. As she stood outside the window watching Naoki with Ayako, Takendo came over. As Kotoko is about to reject Takendo, Takendo told her to forget Naoki and tries to kiss her. Suddenly, Kinnosuke came over and a fight started between Takendo and Kinnosuke. As they were fighting, Naoki came and told them it’s not use fighting as the one that Kotoko likes is Naoki. He then tells Kotoko, "Let’s go." Kotoko leaves with Naoki after apologising to both Kinnosuke and Takendo.
As Takendo sat feeling upset, Ayako approaches him. She insults him again but this time she also gave her handkerchief to him to wipe his face. Naoki also revealed to Kotoko that he knows that Mama has put her up to this, ie. to make him jealous. Thought the plan didn’t work, Kotoko is still happy.
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Kotoko is upset as despite going to work for so many days she still cannot see Naoki. Sudou then comes by with information but of course, Kotoko has to treat him first. He then tells her that Naoki has gone to work in his grandmother’s inn (I think it’s like a traditional holiday resort kind of place). When Kotoko tells the family, the family decides to go to the inn too.
The family gave Naoki a surprise by going to the inn for holidays. Naoki, of course guessed who gave Kotoko the information. Naoki and the rest of the family received another surprise when Reiko and Ayako also turned up. As it turned out, Sudou also told both of them. They are not going to stay there though as the place is too small for them.
As Naoki walks the family to their rooms, Kotoko tells him sorry for the trouble but he just calls her silly in reply. He also calls her miss.
Sudou reveals the reason why he also told Reiko. Apprently he has got this plan to introduce her to his parents but he cannot invite her alone. So that’s why he got everyone to come.
That night, the family decides to play cards. Mama told Kotoko to invite Naoki and Yuki wants to come along. As they walk down the stairs, Sudou’s grandfather scares them. As it turned out he just likes to scare young girls.
When Kotoko and Yuki found Naoki, he was being propositioned by a woman who is staying at the inn as well. Naoki turned her down in a really cool way, impressing Kotoko and Yuki. Though Naoki at first refused to play cards with the family, he eventually did. He won, of course…..
The next day, Reiko and Ayako comes along to invite everyone to a nearby restaurant. When Naoki refuses, Sudou jumps in and said that they should accept Reiko’s invitation. Kotoko notices that Sudou is injured and Naoki reveals that Sudou went to see Reiko and Ayako the day before and is attacked by their dog.
In the restaurant, Kotoko is surprise when the waiter who took her order turned out to be Kinnosuke. As it turned out, her father is the one who told Kinnosuke. Kinnosuke asks Naoki if he can compare Naoki’s love with Kinnosuke’s love. Naoki’s reply is something like, "Cannot compare at all to your love."
Kotoko is sitting in the woods when Naoki came along. He asks her if she would like to go for a walk with him. He then asks her why she came with the family and she should have come along etc. Kotoko is confused and asks him, "I am not that important to you, right?" (something like that…hard to translate in english..;;^^) He calls her silly and kisses her!!!
Kotoko shouts, "The second time!!!". As it turned out it was just a dream. Unknown to Kotoko, Yuki is standing behind a tree and his face is red…..
Sudou suggested that the family plays tresure hunt. All of them were split into 3 teams, Sudou, Reiko and Chris, Naoki, Ayako and Chibi and lastly Kotoko, Yuki and Sudou’s dog….
Unknown to everyone, Kinnosuke heard about the hunt and has a trick of his own to get Kotoko all for himself….
Though Kotoko and Yuki are not happy about working together, they continued on the game….one thing they agree on though is that Sudou’s dog is really useless. In fact, Sudou’s dog accidentally kicked the sign that points to the direction of the inn. Kotoko and Yuki not knowing this went to the wrong direction.
It’s getting late and both of them are not back yet causing the family to worry. Also, Kinnosuke is missing. Naoki realising this seems worried.
Meanwhile, Kotoko and Yuki ended up in a thick forest. They are angry with Sudou’s dog since he’s so useless. They decided to stay put at one spot and hope that someone will come and get them. Suddenly wild dogs come out and guessed who ran away first? Yup! Sudou’s dog!
As Kotoko and Yuki agreed that this is the end, Chibi came out and attacked the wild dogs. Naoki has found them with the help of Sudou’s grandfather. He asked them to go back first and continued on with his search for Kinnosuke.
As it turns out, Kinnosuke has accidentally fallen over a cliff and is hanging on to a branch. As he’s about to give give and let go, Naoki rescued him. He asked Naoki not to tell Kotoko about this and Naoki agrees. This has made Kinnosuke very grateful to Naoki.
The family is returning home. As Kotoko says goodbye to Naoki, she has tears in her eyes. Naoki’s reply to this is by asking her what is she crying for. As Kotoko is wiping her tears, Sudou’s grandfather sneaks behind her and says, "Both of you are very compatible."
As they family drives home, Kotoko’s memory of that place is that the dream that she had despite not having an improvement in her relationship with Naoki. The dream where Naoki kissed her….
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Kotoko’s 20th birthday is coming and Mama decides to have a party to celebrate it. Though Mama tries to keep it from Kotoko, she finds out about it. Mama drags Kotoko to asks Naoki to come home at this day. Naoki’s reaction is slightly negative. Though with Mama’s "persuasion", he couldn’t say no either.
Mama also invites Satomi and Zinko. But as they are accepting the invitation, they also reminded Kotoko that they have an exam the next day after the party. Despite that, they decided to attend the party.
During tennis training, Sudou tells the team that there’s a competition in a month’s time. To Kotoko’s surprise she made it into the team as a back-up that is. Reiko seems to be in a bad mood. It turns out that Naoki and Ayako are going to be a team in the doubles match.
Kotoko is trying to study in the library without success that is. She then sees Naoki and approaches him. He at first tried to ignore her without success. She asks him if he’s studying for the exams which he is not. Then she asks what he’s reading and he tells her that she won’t understand anyway. After looking at the book Naoki is reading she is shocked. Naoki wants to be a doctor. He denies it and tells her that he’s reading it for interest.
As Naoki is telling Kotoko to be quiet, Ayako approaches them. She asks Naoki about her school work and Kotoko is lost when they started discussing the work. After that, Ayako and Naoki talks about the tennis tournament. Kotoko tehn tells Naoki that she is in the back-up team and Naoki tells Ayako not to get injured. Kotoko asks him what does he mean by that. Naoki and Ayako ignore her. Ayako then asks Naoki to tutor her the day before her exams and she tells him it’s on the 28th.
Kotoko says no vehemently and Ayako asks her why. Kotoko couldn’t seem to answer. Naoki agrees to do so and both of them blithely ignore Kotoko. Kotoko hurt, left with tears in her eyes. The 28th is her birthday. After Kotoko leaves, Naoki seems thoughtful…
Zinko is telling Kinnosuke about the party and tells him that Mama says he can come but Kinnosuke doesn’t want to. The reason why he doesn’t want to go is bacause he couldn’t face Naoki. As he was thinking about how Naoki rescued him, he hears someone saying, Set A. It’s Naoki. He tells Naoki it’s okay, I’m a gentleman etc. while Naoki just wants his lunch. The aunty at the cafeteria tells Naoki to excuse Kinnosuke because he is sometimes very weird.
After getting his lunch, Naoki approaches Takendo. Takendo asks about Kotoko and Naoki says something like nothing has changed. Takendo replies that it’s because Naoki never seems to notice her. Naoki then asks him for a favour. He asks if Takendo is free on the 28th.
On the 28th, Mama decorates the house and gives Kotoko’s presents in advance. She then made Kotoko wear the dress and the make up she has given to her. As Kotoko looks at herself in the mirror, she feels like a different person and wished that Naoki can see her like this but he won’t be coming…
When Zinko and Satomi arrives, they brought their boyfriends along. Kotoko is a bit upset that they have never told her about their boyfriends. As the party progresses Mama wonders about Naoki but Kotoko tells her that he won’t be coming. When it’s time to make a wish and blow the candles everyone knows what Kotoko is wishing for. ;;^^
It’s time to open the presents. Satomi, Zinko and their boyfriends gave her this diaphanous nightgown. Yuki gave her a bracelet. Her father gave her a beautiful kimono fabric. He then tells her that no matter the cost, he doesn’t mind because she is 20 now and she has grown up. He says, he’s sure her mother in heaven will be very happy. Kotoko is touched to hear this.
Satomi brought some books (I think they are like a horoscope books kind of thingie). They then decides to see if Kotoko and Naoki are compatible. As Satomi reads one she tells Kotoko that Naoki and her are as compatible as water and oil. This is a blow to Kotoko and Satomi quickly tries to assure her not to be upset. As she reads on, Kotoko is dealt more blows. Suddenly, Naoki surprised everyone by reading out the book that Satomi was holding.
Kotoko is happy to see him but Mama starts hitting him and asking him why he’s late etc. Naoki then looks at Kotoko and tells her Happy Birthday. He also tells her that she looks beautiful. Mama is pleased about this.
Naoki tells Kotoko that his present must be given to her in private and her suggests going to her room and everyone is surprise to hear this. Both fathers looked horrified and Mama is very happy.
Kotoko follows Naoki to her room and to her surprise, his present is tutoring her for the exams. As he’s tutoring her, she asks about Ayako. Naoki tells her that Ayako is smart so she doesn’t really need his help. He tells her also that he has asked someone who is 10X smarter to help Ayako.
Kotoko is very happy with Naoki’s present…unknown to both of them, everyone is against the door trying to find out what is going on in the room….
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Kotoko is feeling happy as she has done well for her recent exams. She shows Naoki her results and tells him that all the question that he has thought her has come out. He then tells her all questions then how come that her results is only that much. He’s not impressed and left.
Zinko and Satomi cornered Kotoko and asks her about her first time etc. Kotoko not knowing what to say tells them it’s not much but it’s great. ;;^^ Kotoko quickly tries to leave and satomi and Zinko assume that she is just to shy to talk about it.
Kinnosuke who overhears about Kotoko’s "first time" is angry and disappointed and tries to confront Naoki but he’s dragged away by the cafeteria aunty.
Kotoko who is hiding behind the pillar is depressed as there’s nothing at all between her and Naoki. She also thinks to herself that both of them has never even held hands. She also thinks that nothing like this would ever happen between them.
During tennis training, Sudou and Reiko lost to Naoki and Ayako and both of them are not happy at all. While Naoki is practising, Kotoko is behind him miming his every move and this irritates Naoki. Kotoko tells him it’s because she’s a back-up and in case if Ayako gets injured (this irritates Ayako), she will have to play. Thus she just wants to know more about Naoki’s style. Naoki tells her off by telling her that she can never learn his style. He then tells her to go off.
As Kotoko is walking away she and this other girl from the tennis club spoke to each other. The girls tells Kotoko that if she’s Kotoko she would have given up etc..
Kotoko is feeling sad after training as Satomi and Zinko seems closer to their boyfriends than her. They always spend their free time with them.
On the day of the tournament Mama tells Kotoko not to be nervous etc though Kotoko tells her that she may not even be playing. Meanwhile, Ayako and Reiko leaves their house separately. Reiko in her car and Ayako using the public transport. To her horror, the train that she’s on blacked out.
Everyone in the team is worried as Ayako still haven’t arrived. They looked at their replacement player ie. Kotoko and feel depressed. Sudou tells Kotoko that she has to play and Kotoko refused to but Naoki manages to talk her into it.
Meanwhile, Ayako is now off the train but she couldn’t make it in 20 min to the tournament. She then meets Takendo who gives her a ride on his bike.
Before the tournament begins, Naoki gives Kotoko some pointers while Sudou tries to scare the opposition by telling them about supposed rumours about Kotoko’s skills.
As Kotoko and Naoki takes their places, the opposition becomes nervous as they see Kotoko’s expression. Naoki then tells her to keep that expression while playing. During the whole game, all Kotoko did was dodge the ball and looked fierce. They won the 1st round.
Meanwhile, Takendo and Ayako made it but Takendo collapses in exhaustion. He tells Ayako to go despite her hesitations. When she meets Reiko, she has already seen Naoki and Kotoko playing. She tells Reiko that there’s no need for her to be here already and leaves. She went back to Takendo with a drink and they talked. It seems as if they have become closer than before.
Meanwhile, Kotoko is continuing her dodging when Naoki missed the ball. Ironically, Kotoko who is trying to protect her face from the ball with the racket manages to hit the ball back to the opponents’ court.
They win. Kotoko loses her fierce expression and starts tearing up in joy. Sudou then tells them that both of them are a team now. Naoki is not happy about this but Kotoko is very happy. That day ends with a picture of Kotoko and Naoki holding the trophy.
