Special A

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 6 -

[details=spoiler]When Sui brings Hikari an envelope and asks her if she’d like a part time job, an angry Kei shows up and asks her to return the envelope, but she won’t. It is an invitation to a birthday party and Kei says that if she goes, she will be going as his companion and will have to do everything he says as her employer. Hikari accepts.

She stays up all night making a dress, but when she shows it to Kei at school the next day, he rejects it. The rest of the class finds out that she is going to the birthday party for Yahiro Saiga. Kei arranges for her to be measured for a dress, but Hikari is ticklish and it was funny watching her trying to get measured by the saleslady. Her laughter is heard all over the store and another (male) clerk comes to measure her. She tries to kick him and is surprised when he blocks it. He calls her a “wild horse” and wonders if Kei can ride her.

On the night of the party, Hikari dresses at Kei’s house. When she comes down the stairs in a gorgeous dress, he is dazzled by her beauty. How can this girl be so blind? They go to the party and Kei leaves her to go make the rounds. He tells her to stay there and not speak to anyone. Outside, Jun, Tadashi, and Ryuu have climbed over the wall. Ryuu is in heaven with the guard dogs! Akira has sent them to protect Hikari, but I wonder what makes her think that Hikari can’t take care of herself.

Hikari wanders out to the balcony and is surprised to be joined by the clerk from the store. It turns out that he is the birthday boy, Yahiro. He thinks that Hikari is Kei’s girlfriend, but she says that she was just hired for the evening, so Yahiro says that it must be unrequited love on Kei’s part. Hikari questions this and Yahiro pities her for being loved by someone so hopeless. She kicks Yahiro down, telling him not to make fun of her greatest rival. She says that she lives to defeat Kei and he has no reason to love her. She doesn’t see Kei in the background, but Yahiro does and suggests a test. He says that if he did something to her and Kei gets mad, then he must love her. Yahiro then tries to kiss her and a very angry Kei punches him. Hikari starts to really think about it. Is she finally realizing it? Then she notices that Kei has his arm around her waist. She punches him, but he reaches for her and she tells him not to touch her, running into the house. Yahiro tells Kei that she doesn’t like him and Kei wants to know what Yahiro told her.

Hikari is sitting on the floor of an empty, dark room trying to calm down. She tells herself that she had no reason to run away and gets up to go back to the party. She notices a picture on a table of a very young Kei, Yahiro, and another little girl. A voice behind her startles her by asking why she entered the room uninvited. It is Yahiro and he wants to know if she is really Kei’s rival. Then he insults her by saying that a girl like her couldn’t be his rival – she should just smile and look pretty. She tries to hit him and he stops her and says that Kei hasn’t disciplined her, so he will do it for him.

Back at the party, Kei finds an annoyed Hikari, but before he can say anything, Yahiro makes an announcement. There will be a special game of tag where everyone tries to catch “it”. If someone can bring “it” to the goal, they will win a prize. He chooses Hikari to be “it” and says that she can refuse if she wants to. Kei plainly would like her to do so, but she accepts. Yahiro tells her that the goal is the roof, she can only use the stairs and she has a thirty second start. She runs refusing to lose to Yahiro’s “discipline”.

She is chased by some guys and throws her shoes at them. Then, with an apology to Kei, she rips the dress, so she can fight. I just knew that beautiful dress would get ruined! Her classmates show up and feel inadequate since Hikari already knocked everyone out. At the top of some stairs, Kei grabs her from behind and drags her into a room. He wants to know why she is doing this and what Yahiro said to her. She won’t tell him, so Kei pushes her up against the wall, trapping her. He should have kissed her! But, as her employer, he orders her to tell him and she screams, alerting the others to where she is. Hikari tries to leave the room and Kei grabs her arm. You can see that he really wants to protect her. He tells her that there is a car waiting and wants her to go home. He says that he will handle things for her and she looks tempted, but pulls away from him, not realizing that she is hurting him. She says that if she leaves now, she will have to accept what Yahiro told her and leaves the room. Kei looks after her saying “it can’t be helped” and loosening his tie.

Hikari jumps over a group of guys and runs. Kei is right behind her and knocks them all out. She runs upstairs and kicks down the door to the roof. Yahiro is waiting and applauds her for winning. He asks her what prize she’d like and offers her some material things, but she wants nothing. The only thing she does want is for him to accept the fact that Kei is her rival. By this time, Kei has caught up to her as well. Yahiro steps up to her and says that she may be right, but Kei pulls her back from him and says that they have to leave. As they walk away, Yahiro asks Hikari how Akira is.

Later, Kei explains that Yahiro, Akira and he were childhood friends. So, I guess Akira was the little girl in the picture earlier. Hikari says that there is a lot she doesn’t know about him and he asks if she is interested, but she says no. He says that he is interested in something and asks her again what Yahiro told her. She says that she can’t tell him and the episode ends with a very funny back and forth argument of “tell me” and “no”. Hikari says that he’s pushy, but I wish he really was pushy enough to tell her his true feelings.[/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 7 -

[details=spoiler]Hikari is walking to school and Akira comes up behind her and asks about the party. Hikari says that they played a fun game of tag and Akira pictures her as Little Red Riding Hood with Kei and Yahiro as wolves. Kei comes along and wishes Hikari a good morning and she freezes up, remembering what Yahiro said about Kei being in love with her. Kei wants to know what’s wrong; Hikari says nothing is and runs away.

At the conservatory, Hikari is sitting under a tree, thinking again of the party. Kei comes up to her and again asks what Yahiro said to her at the party. She almost tells him but can’t say it. Kei asks her again and she answers that it was nothing important and walks away.

Later on, as they are having tea, Akira calls Kei “Beast A” and Hikari laughs nervously and her voice gets shrill. She wonders what is wrong with her. Akira says that they should all take a trip to Europe and go shopping to forget their worries. She’d like to dress up Hikari and Megumi in cute outfits and make the boys carry the bags. Tadashi protests because he doesn’t like group trips, but if they have to go, he’d like a jungle survival trip. Ryu wants a world animal tour and Akira and Megumi say that they are tired of animals taking his attention. Megumi would like a world music tour, so they all start fighting. Kei suggests a contest and the winner can decide on the destination, but they say that Kei will win. He says that he doesn’t care where they go, so will let the second place winner decide, but if he wins, Hikari will have to tell him what Yahiro said. With a smug look, he tells Hikari that she can run from him, but won’t run from a challenge. Tadashi realizes that Kei is using them to get information from Hikari, but they all agree to the contest and Akira vows to win.

The contest starts at the conservatory. It’s to be a race around the campus and the first one back wins, but they will have handicaps. Megumi gets a mountain bike and Jun will run normal; they will start first with Akira on inline skates. Tadashi and Ryu have to carry weights on their backs which are old statues and start thirty seconds later. Hikari gets wrist weights and starts a minute later. Poor Kei is tied up like an insane criminal that sounds like Darth Vader and has to start two minutes later. Hikari thinks Kei’s handicap is a bit much, but Akira says that it has to be because he’s a beast. I don’t think even Houdini could get out of his get up!

The race starts and Jun, Megumi and Akira take off, but only go so far before they stop. They nod to each other and take separate routes into the woods. Then the boys race off and while Hikari waits her turn, I think she feels sorry for Kei because she offers to untie him a little. He tells her no because he’s “first place”. Hikari says “hearing you say that in that get up is annoying, but it’s also pretty funny” and Kei reminds her of what she has to do if he wins. An annoyed Hikari says she knows and runs off.

Now the fun starts! I think Akira is a Looney Tunes fan. Tadashi and Ryu stop and Tadashi pulls a radio from Ryu’s statue. He contacts Akira and they set the plan in motion to stop Kei from winning the race. Jun is with Megumi and says that since they only have to stop Ryu from winning, they shouldn’t have to work so hard. A little while later, Ryu comes along to find Jun and Megumi lying by the side of the path. He panics and runs over to them. He leans over Jun, calling his name and asking what the matter is. Jun opens his eyes and says they are taking a nap and want Ryu to join them. Ryu gives up his chance to win his ideal trip and stays with the twins.

Back at the starting line, Kei’s two minutes are up and he very easily gets out of his restraints. He’s better than Houdini! He starts the race, but Akira and Tadashi are waiting for him. Akira has set up a very silly and obvious trap for him, using one of Hikari’s rice balls. Tadashi says that no one would fall for such a trap and a note flashes on the screen to see episode three, while Akira tells him to be quiet. Kei comes along and of course reaches for the rice ball. Tadashi pulls the rope and a large basket falls over Kei, but Tadashi can’t believe that he fell for it. Akira hits the basket all over with a baseball bat and Tadashi asks her if she’s stressed. She says that the basket is made of a special alloy that won’t break easily, when Kei very easily breaks it in half, shocking them, and he continues with the race.

He encounters another very silly and obvious trap baited with a picture of Hikari. He picks up the picture, dusting it off and Tadashi pulls the rope. The trap door opens and Kei falls into a pit that Akira says is fifty meters deep. As they stand by the side of the pit, Kei jumps out high over their heads and lands on the other side. With an “excuse me, I’m in a rush”, he leaves, shocking them again. Akira radios the twins and Ryu only to find out that they are dropping out of the race. As Hikari runs along, she wonders why she hasn’t caught up to anyone yet.

Akira has Tadashi activate the Hikari robot, which is huge and doesn’t look like Hikari at all. It shoots tomato missiles at Kei, but he easily dodges them. He says that the robot isn’t Hikari, jumps up and kicks it down. When Kei hits the ground again, they throw a net over him and hoist him up a tree. Tadashi says that he can’t get away now and Kei very easily breaks out. He tells them that he knows what they’re doing, but won’t be able to stop him and runs off. Tadashi is resigned to failure, but an angry Akira says they have to get serious. She expected failure and has borrowed Ryu’s animals for a special course she had built, but Kei gets through that as well. Akira then says that it’s time for her final plan and blows Kei up. Tadashi thinks she’s really killed him and Akira says that she had no choice. She mourns a bit then starts to laugh because she now has Hikari all to herself. Tadashi thinks she’s insane and then they both hear someone whistling. Kei comes walking out of the dust with the lion that was part of the last trap on his back. Akira can’t believe that he’s still alive and Tadashi realizes that she really did intend to kill him. Kei leaves the lion with them and continues the race. Akira falls to the ground in defeat.

Hikari is still running and Kei catches up to her, running next to her. Hikari wonders why he wants to know so badly and remembers him trapping her against the wall at the party to ask her what Yahiro said. She wonders why it is so important to him. With a pleasant smile on his face, Kei informs her that he’ll go ahead and calls her “Miss Second Place”. Hikari says that she won’t lose and passes him, but Kei pulls far in front and is soon way ahead of her.

Tadashi says that Kei isn’t human and Akira says she isn’t giving up and orders Tadashi to “use it”.

Hikari makes it back to the conservatory, where an impatient Kei is waiting for her. Hikari approaches him and Kei says “now tell me”. Hikari hesitates, then tells him she will only say it once and she gets as far as “Yahiro said that you…” when there is a roar and Tadashi on a motorcycle comes crashing through the window. Kei protects Hikari, but the furniture gets wrecked and I am hoping that Kei can read lips! This is so frustrating! Anyway, Tadashi is surprised to find that Kei is already there. Kei says Tadashi name, cracking his knuckles, and beats him up. I wanted to hit the guy as well. Lousy timing on his part!

Hikari heaves a sigh of relief and murmurs “saved”, but Kei comes back to her and just wants one question answered. He wants to know if what Yahiro said troubled her in any way and Hikari said it didn’t really. A relieved Kei says it’s good because her strange behavior was bothering him and he apologizes for using the contest to force her into telling him. Hikari realizes that he was worried about her all this time and she was only thinking of herself. She apologizes to him and tells him that what Yahiro said surprised her so much that she couldn’t tell him. Then she blushes and says “Yahiro said something really weird. Yahiro said that you loved me” and Kei gets a hopeful look on his face that says “did she finally figure it out?” But no, because Hikari starts to laugh and says it’s impossible, completely dashing Kei’s hopes. Hikari goes on to say that they are rivals and what Yahiro said is ridiculous, but she feels better that it’s out in the open and now they can move on, while Kei mutely stands there developing a nervous tic and has me yelling at him to say something. I think I’m just getting too emotionally involved in this show!

Everyone else walks in and Akira makes a fuss over the broken furniture, attacking Tadashi. Jun asks Hikari if something good happened and she tells him no. A dejected Kei just stands there and says to himself “is it possible for someone to be that thickheaded?” At this point I just had to throw something at my TV![/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 8 -

[details=spoiler]The group is on a plane headed towards their vacation in Hawaii. Hikari is full of excitement, but Kei, sitting across from her is in a black mood. I think he’s still thinking about what Hikari had said in the last episode and it is confirmed when he looks over at her and thinks the “she’s the queen of the numbskulls”. She looks back at him and says that they should have fun, which puts him in an even blacker mood.

After they check in at the hotel, they have some free time before dinner and Akira decides that she and Hikari will go shopping. The twins will tag along but Ryu says that he has to meet with one of his father’s clients. Kei says that he isn’t feeling well and will stay in his room. Hikari offers to get him medicine, but he asks her who she thinks caused his illness. She doesn’t understand and he tells her to forget it. Tadashi gets elected to carry the packages.

They go shopping and sightseeing and talk about going to Ryu’s family villa on Maui the next day where they can hit the beach. But the next day, they arrive to find the son of Ryu’s father’s client – Chitose – there. Hikari looks at him and sees something in his face that says he may not be as innocent as he seems. Then he announces that they will be his “family for the next two days and guilts them into accepting it. Ryu will be his “big brother”, which upsets the twins. The twins will be his “grandparents”, which upsets them even more. Tadashi will be his “uncle”. He makes Kei his “father” and as he decides on a mother, Kei looks at Hikari hopefully and Chitose chooses Akira. Both Kei and Akira think “a couple on the verge of divorce”. And Hikari gets to be Pes – the dog - and Chitose gives her a headband with dog ears.

Ryu later apologizes to them all, saying that he had to take Chitose, because he couldn’t turn down a request from his father’s client. They all agree to help him out and go along with Chitose. Kei “pets” Pes and Hikari growls at him. This is going to be so funny!

At dinner, “Pes” has to eat on the floor. Kei pats his lap and asks if she wants to sit and eat with him, but she refuses, so Kei takes his plate and sits on the floor next to her. This was so sweet of him until Akira had to squeeze between them! Chitose gets annoyed at this and says he wants to go home, so Ryu says that he can sit on his lap, upsetting the twins once again. They get even more upset when Chitose asks if he can sleep with Ryu and Ryu agrees.

After dinner, Hikari finds Chitose on the beach watching a family and thinks he must be lonely without his own family. She tells him that they will have fun at the beach the next day, but Chitose calls her “thickheaded” and walks away. Hikari discovers that he really isn’t as innocent as he seems, but still feels sorry for him.

The next day the guys are outside waiting for girls. Akira and Megumi come out in cute swimsuits and Kei asks where Hikari is. I bet he can’t wait to see her in a cute swimsuit too! But Hikari comes out in a dog costume that Chitose wanted her to wear. The look on Kei’s poor face was priceless!

As they walk to the beach, Hikari says that they will have a great family outing. She really has a positive attitude, while everyone else is walking behind her in a foul mood and Chitose has an evil look on his face. He tells her that dogs don’t talk, so she “woofs”. On the beach, Chitose amuses himself at everyone else’s expense and they are all getting a bit annoyed with him, but Hikari is determined that he has a good time and caters to him. However, Chitose resents it and asks her why she didn’t tell the others about his “game”. Hikari says that she just wants him to have a real “family” day and he almost gets a hopeful look on his face, before telling her that she doesn’t have to. She tells him that they agreed to it and they will do it without a fight. He says that he be friendlier if she gathers 100 coconuts and she goes off to get them.

Ryu asks Chitose where Hikari went and he says he doesn’t know. Akira wants to know what he told her to do and Chitose says that he always gets blamed and since he is unwanted, he is going home. He stands to go and Hikari comes back with the 100 coconuts. This shocks Chitose, making him even more resentful and he makes another request of her.

In a remote area, Hikari removes the dog costume - to reveal a cute swim suit, dives off a cliff into a dangerous looking area and swims over to a large rock. She climbs it to pick some flowers that are growing on it. She is able to get the flowers, but loses her grip when some of the rock crumbles. Hikari almost falls backwards to the ocean, but a hand grabs hers from above. I knew it would be Kei! He says that he secretly followed her. He pulls her up, but falls back a little and ends up getting a real close up view of her chest. He gets startled, and Hikari asks him what’s wrong, but he says it’s nothing. Again, he had a perfect opportunity here to tell her of his feelings and didn’t! Well, at least he got to see her in a cute swim suit!

Back at the house, Hikari tries to give Chitose the flowers, but he runs out of the room. He sees Ryu making a date to sleep with the twins, because Chitose will be going home. Out of either jealousy or spite – or both, Chitose walks into the room and informs his “grandparents” that Ryu will be going home with him. I think the twins just want to murder him at this point. He takes Ryu by the arm and says that Ryu will be spending the rest of his vacation him. Hikari comes into the room just in time to protect Chitose’s ears from Megumi’s scream.

They others come in the room to find a deaf Hikari still holding her hands over Chitose’s ears. Chitose pushes her away and Kei wants to know hat happened. Everyone looks at Chitose accusingly, but Hikari tells him that it’s ok. She says that she can’t hear, but wants him to nod his head if he’s all right. He nods and she says it’s good. Chitose blushes and says he loses – that the game is over. Hikari still can’t hear and says – “what”, but Kei gently removes the dog ears from her head. Aww!!!

Later, the exhausted group is gathered in the living room. Chitose is gone and will be meeting “him” to take him home. I wonder who this “him” is. Anyway, Hikari isn’t there and is probably taking another walk.

Chitose is walking along the beach and has once of the flowers with him. A shadowy figure is sitting on the hill and asks him how the SA group is. Chitose says that they are all good and that Hikari was especially nice. Chitose turns to see Hikari running up to him. She says that he had forgotten the dog costume and comes face to face with Yahiro, Chitose’s big brother. Hikari says that she needs to ask him something, but he cuts her off and invites her to his villa, because Chitose likes her. Chitose asks his brother what he’s planning, but Yahiro says that he just wants to chat. Meanwhile, Hikari accepts his invitation. I think Hikari is a bit too trusting here and I have a feeling that this will not turn out good. But perhaps it will be an opportunity for Kei to “rescue” her and maybe, just maybe she will finally get an inkling of what he really feels for her.[/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 9 -

[details=spoiler]They can’t find Hikari and assume she went with “him”. Kei receives a phone call from Yahiro. He has Hikari and doesn’t intend to give her back. All of them want to go save her, but Kei only takes Tadashi.

Chitose watches his brother remove a key from a secret place and tries to stand up to him for Hikari’s sake, but Yahiro tells him to just do as he’s told.

Hikari doesn’t even realize that she’s a prisoner. She has tea with Yahiro and asks if he had gotten into a fight with Kei and Akira. I think he was waiting for her to ask him something else because he seemed taken aback and Hikari tells him that he should make up with Kei and Akira. Yahiro calls her a “meddling old woman” and tells her to mind her business. Then he asks her for a favor and tells her that he’d like her to act as the “bait” for something.

This is interesting. He locks her up in an actual jail cell in the basement of his villa. Why does he have a jail cell in his villa? Hikari threatens to break out and Yahiro can’t understand why Chitose and Akira like her so much. He thinks she’s an idiot that uses brute force for everything. Yahiro tells her that if she will act as bait, he will tell her how to make Kei happy.

Akira is very worried, but Ryu and the twins reassure her.

When the maid tells Yahiro that Kei and Tadashi are there, it seems as if he were expecting someone else. After he leaves with the maid, Chitose looks like he is going to sneak into his room. To get the jail cell key perhaps?

The three boys greet each other pleasantly enough and Kei asks for Hikari. Yahiro says that he will return her if he does as he says and you could just cut the tension between the two with a knife. Kei says that he couldn’t bring Akira and Yahiro loses his composure. Kei asks Tadashi to leave the room while he speaks with Yahiro.

Hikari tries to break out of the jail cell to no avail, but Chitose comes and lets her out. He blushes when she thanks him. I think he has really changed quickly since the last episode. It seems as if he has gone through a complete reversal of personality. It’s all thanks to Hikari and he really seems to like her and want her approval. When Hikari mentions that she didn’t even know why she was supposed to be the bait, Chitose tells her that it was for Akira.

Tadashi is out by the pool, admiring the villa and thinking how hard it will be to find Hikari in a place with so many rooms, when Hikari and Chitose come around the corner. Chitose says that they should hurry and go before Yahiro finds them and Chitose says that he will distract the guards. They go, and Tadashi says that they should have told Kei, but Hikari says that she has to talk to Akira first.

They get back home and Akira is very happy to see Hikari. Hikari tells her that she and Kei are important friends, but asks what it is between her and Yahiro. Hikari tells her that Yahiro wanted to see her so badly that he used her as bait to lure Akira to him. Then Hikari says that it’s really none of her business anyway and that she needs to return to Yahiro’s villa. She says that she hadn’t told him that the “bait" was leaving and he’ll be surprised to find her gone. She runs out the door, but Akira calls her back. Does she tell her what is going on? When do we find out? Next thing you know, Hikari is one her way back to Yahiro’s villa – alone.

More mystery when Kei reminds Yahiro of his promise not to see Akira until she comes to him. I’m even more curious to know what happened now. It seems too that Yahiro may have been part of Special A once, but was expelled. What did he do? Kei is angry that Yahiro is getting around his promise by trying to force Akira to see him – this time by using Hikari. Yahiro still can’t understand why Chitose and Kei like Hikari and Kei reminds him that Akira did not come this time either. Yahiro gets angry at that and tells Kei that his family is better than Kei’s. Kei calmly starts comparing Yahiro’s villa to his own and says his is nicer. Yahiro says that his villa is trash and that he will gladly give it to Kei. Kei seems to have been waiting for this, because he triumphantly pulls a blank check from his pocket and slaps it on the table, telling Yahiro to write in any amount. Kei says that Yahiro now won’t be able to lay a hand on Hikari. It’s nice that Kei is willing to spend any amount of money to buy the whole villa just to make sure she’s safe, but what does he think Yahiro was planning to do to her?

Yahiro realizes that Kei had this planned the whole time and Kei confirms it. He knows he’s lost and takes Kei to the jail cell in the basement. But it’s empty and the lock is on the floor. Kei gets another priceless look on his face and his nervous tic returns. To think that he bought the villa for nothing! He didn’t even get to rescue his lady love after all! Yahiro says again that he doesn’t know what’s so great about Hikari and calls her a “pauper” that relies on brute strength. Hikari walks in and apologizes for leaving. She gives Yahiro a note from Akira, but all it says it that she won’t let him do anything to Hikari. Hikari says that he knows he’s worried about Akira and he blushes. Yahiro says that he thought Hikari was an idiot, but she’s strange too. He tells them to go home and returns upstairs.

Hikari wonders what’s wrong with Yahiro and looks at Kei to ask a question, but is confronted by an angry Kei that backs her up against the wall, putting an arm to either side of her to hold her prisoner. I thought for sure he was going to kiss her this time, but does he? No! Instead, he just looks at her with sad eyes and says – “why must you make me worry so much” and puts his head on her shoulder. Well, I guess I should be happy that it was an “almost” hug. Hikari says she’s sorry and Kei sinks to the floor, saying that he’s happy she’s safe. Seeing him like that, Hikari formally apologizes to him.

Yahiro is looking out the window of a darkened room. He has a flashback of Akira telling him to stay away from her, but again, the “why” is missing. He ends up crushing the note in his clenched fist. Chitose comes in the room and says that the SA group is really nice.

Akira is on the balcony looking at the full moon and Tadashi comes to tell her that Kei and Hikari are on their way back. He tells her that he doesn’t understand the difficult things, but tells her that time will solve her problem with Yahiro. Tadashi reminds her of what Ryu said – that they’re there to help. Akira looks at him differently. I wonder if there are the beginnings of some deeper feelings between these two. I was so busy with Kei and Hikari that I didn’t notice if there was something here as well. Akira blushes and says that it’s none of his business and goes back inside the villa, quietly murmuring a “thank you” as she goes. Tadashi smiles. Oh yeah! Definite feelings there!

Kei and Hikari return by limo, but are sitting apart. Hikari looks nervous, thinking that Kei is angry because she made him worry. She contemplates how she always makes people worry about her and wonders what to do. Then she gets the bright idea to kiss him on the cheek. I thought Kei was going to have some kind of fit! He must have been in complete shock! She leans back and asks him how it was, but he’s still in awe. Then she tells him that Yahiro told her to do it. Aww – it wasn’t even her own idea! Kei must be crushed.

There is a flashback to the jail cell, when Yahiro tells her how to make Kei happy. He says that – “if you kiss him, he’ll immediately be in a good mood” and that “men are simple”. Hikari tells him not to say “weird things” and “why would Takishima be happy over something like that?” Yahiro says – “you’re really stupid, aren’t you?” Then he tells her that – “if you think I’m lying, why don’t you give it a try?” and winks at her.

Back in the limo, Hikari tells Kei that she guesses the kiss didn’t work, but says that later on, she’ll give a kiss to Tadashi as well. Kei, fuming now, tells her to prepare for the worst and storms into the villa, leaving Hikari to wonder.

They’re all on the plane again and Hikari is excited to be going home. Everyone says that they didn’t get to enjoy much with everything that happened. Hikari looks over at Kei, who looks very relaxed with his eyes closed. She goes over to him and talks about the new school term starting and Kei mentions the competency tests that they will have to take. He calls Hikari “Miss Second Place” and they are back to being rivals again![/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 10 -

[details=spoiler]Well, the gang is back from vacation and back at school. Kei is studying in the library – or is he? Actually, he is studying – pictures of Hikari from the trip! He thinks of the kiss she gave him and touches his cheek, but then the object of his affection is suddenly standing next to him in the flesh, asking what he’s doing and causing him to slam down the top of his laptop. Perhaps he should have left it open and let her see what he was looking at. Or would that have been too creepy? In any case, Hikari probably wouldn’t have noticed anyway!

It is almost test time and Hikari has come to challenge Kei for the number one spot. Kei sighs resignedly and stands. Taking a piece of Hikari’s hair in his hand, he leans forward and kisses it. He agrees to the challenge, but tells her that if he wins, he wants to keep her with him for an entire day and once again mentions that he won’t hold back. Yippee! Finally, a date!! But poor Hikari, still utterly clueless, doesn’t know what to think, instead telling him that her hair “isn’t very tasty”. She later thinks about it and just doesn’t understand what he meant about “not holding back” and keeping her for a day and Hikari thinks maybe something is wrong with Kei.

A highly upset Akira intercepts her and Hikari finds out that the conservatory has been trashed – probably by someone that really hates SA. As she goes to collect the brooms, she begins to see how others see SA – some love them and others hate them, but she feels that the SA are just ordinary students. She meets Nakamura, back from suspension (he stole the test answers in the first episode) and asks him if he wrecked the conservatory. He complains to Hikari about the SA and challenges her. She accepts without thinking and he tells her that he has one condition – he wants his opponent to be Ryu.

That evening she goes to visit Ryu and finds the twins there with him. Ryu lives in a skyscraper apartment that overlooks the city and Hikari gushes over the view like a little kid. She finds out that the twins often stay with him when their parents go on concert tours and she watches as he acts like a mother to the twins. Ryu decides to show her the animal’s room and it looks just like a mini jungle. Ryu asks her why she came to see him. Hikari knows she has the difficult task of telling him about the challenge, but just can’t bring her self to do it.

The next day, the conservatory is completely wrecked again and Hikari runs off to accuse Nakamura, but he says that he doesn’t know what she’s talking about. He asks her about the challenge and Hikari tries to tell him that Ryu isn’t like that and asks to take his place. Ryu joins them and Nakamura admits to using Hikari to get to him. Ryu asks him if he trashed the conservatory and when he answers – “what if I did?” - Ryu throws a punch at him, but Kei gets there just in time to stop him, telling Ryu that he’ll be expelled. So, Ryu accepts Nakamura’s challenge, saying that if he wins, Nakamura will never come near the SA again. Hikari is worried about him, but Kei tells her that it will be all right.

Hikari is back at Ryu’s apartment, telling him that she will cook and clean so that he can prepare for the challenge because it was all her fault. But when she tries to serve her canon balls, er, rice balls, the twins say that they will cook and she should go feed the animals. Well, feeding the animals turned into quite an experience! When the alligator appeared, I was suddenly reminded of Pochi from He Is My Master and I wondered if he was going to “taste” her! Afterwards, a guilty Hikari feels bad for failing to feed the animals properly and finds out that Ryu ended up cooking dinner anyway – and he tells her that the animals liked her! Too funny!

In a serious moment, Ryu asks Hikari if she loves the SA, but when she says that she does, he tells her that she doesn’t like to be treated in any special way and says he understands. Ryu says that he knows that she is there to beat Kei, but that the SA is essential to Jun, Megumi and himself. Then there is a scene of Nakamura on the phone with Yahiro – Yahiro?? – asking for a favor. I get the feeling that whatever this challenge is, Nakamura intends to cheat as well. And to get Yahiro involved!

The next day, all the members of the SA show up for the challenge - I suppose to show their support for Ryu. Kei asks what the challenge is and the Council President says that he has prepared one thousand questions and that Ryu and Nakamura will have one hour to take the “Test from Hell”. But Ryu isn’t there! Jun gets a call – Ryu has to take care of some work and some clients and will be late. He says to “tell the guy that using Saiga is a waste of time.” Nakamura (the cheat!) prepares to start the test without Ryu, saying that it was the agreed upon time. Hikari wants to do something, but Kei stops her, saying that Ryu intends to win regardless.

With only ten minutes left, Ryu finally shows up and takes his place. Since the questions are separate from the answers, Nakamura asks if he intends to memorize all the questions and then write all the answers. Ryu, speed reading the questions says “something like that” before speed writing the answers. Kei informs the others that Ryu is always in seventh place because he worries about the twins and can never concentrate properly during tests. Ryu remembers how the twins were bullied in the past and how he promised to always protect them. In order to safeguard his place with them, he now has no trouble getting through this test.

Times up! And Ryu has answered all one thousand questions. Nakamura is amazed he did this in ten minutes and accuses Ryu of trickery. Ryu graciously offers to take the test again, but Nakamura throws a punch at him instead. Ryu grabs Nakamura’s arm and asks Kei if it would be considered self defense if he hit him now. Kei says “probably” and Ryu makes a fist and stops just short of connecting with Nakamura’s chin. Ryu tells him not to “ever pull your dirty tricks on SA again” and both Nakamura and the Council President run from the room, while the twins run into Ryu’s arms.

Later in the conservatory, Ryu and the twins are napping under a tree and the rest of the group still doesn’t know who had done the damage to their conservatory, but since there haven’t been any more occurrences, they let the matter drop. Hikari keeps staring at Ryu and the twins and Akira asks her what’s wrong. Hikari finally understands why Ryu loves the SA – “he has peace of mind here”. Tadashi says that he still can’t believe that Ryu answered all one thousand questions in ten minutes – and got a perfect score! Akira notes that Ryu could easily be on the same level as Kei and Hikari and Kei warns “Miss Second Place” not to get careless. Kei then reminds Hikari that their own tests are coming up and also reminds her of her promise. Flustered and red faced, Hikari says that she hasn’t forgotten. Kei says that he’s looking forward to it and tells “Miss Second Place” to do her best.

The test results are posted and Hikari is…second! Of course Kei is first and he steps up next to her to claim his “prize”. In an extremely sweet gesture, Kei takes her hand and kisses it, saying that he’ll be keeping her with him for a day as promised. Poor Hikari just freaks out! And I’m very excited that they will be going on their fist date – even if Hikari doesn’t realize it for what it is!!![/details]

[rebecca12]

In Ep. 12 - Notice the moves Hikari uses when she chops up the giant block of ice, the technique should be familiar -

[dragonrider_cody]

LOL!

I need to start watching the second set of this soon. You guys have almost caught up to me! :woohoo:

[LadyOfWicca]

I’m still behind! :lol:

Episode 11 -

[details=spoiler]So, as Kei is kissing Hikari’s hand, a helicopter arrives with Kei’s father. There is a problem at the Shanghai Branch and they want Kei, but Kei says that he can’t go because he has a date with Hikari, so his father takes him by force or should I say that Kei got “shanghaied”? Sorry - couldn’t resist!

Tadashi sees this and as Hikari waves goodbye to Kei, he asks her to be his girlfriend. What? But things get explained in a flashback – Tadashi’s mother has arranged a “marriage meeting” for her son and he wants to get out of it. However, his mother says that if he does not go, she will make him bungee jump, so he tells her that he already has a girlfriend. Apparently he has a fear of bungee jumping. Once he explains all this to Hikari, he asks again for her help and she agrees. I wonder why he didn’t ask Akira – they seemed to hit it off at one point.

Anyway, Akira has baked a huge cake to celebrate the departure of Kei and tells Hikari to come to her house the following day for a tea party, but Hikari says she has a date. Akira wants the details, but Tadashi gestures to Hikari not to tell, so she doesn’t and Akira seems satisfied. I know she really isn’t!

As Hikari gets ready for her date, her parents think she is going out with Kei – even her parents can see it! But Hikari tells them it isn’t Kei and seems flustered that they would think it was. After she runs from the room, her father calls her a “numbskull” and her mother says – “well, she is your daughter, after all” – classic!

Once Hikari meets Tadashi, she even questions why he didn’t ask Akira, but he says that she never would have agreed to help him – I’m not too sure about that! So, Hikari promises to do her best and throws herself into the role, even to the point of holding Tadashi’s hand. However, Akira is spying on them and has Ryu and the twins with her. To Akira, Tadashi is just not an acceptable date for Hikari, but I wonder if she isn’t a slight bit jealous as well.

Hikari and Tadashi go for coffee and Akira and company pose as servers and Akira fumes to see them together. Tadashi has brought Hikari here so that they can see how other couples behave, but when a couple kisses, they get very discouraged. However, Hikari has “willpower” and is determined to try, but when Tadashi gets a little too close to Hikari and touches her cheek, Akira throws a try at his head which looks suspiciously like a boomerang. Hikari and Tadashi actually speak to Akira as she is standing there with the others – and they don’t recognize anyone! Jun says that they are “thickheaded” and he is so right!

Next is shopping for jeans – it’s something that “couples” do, and then Tadashi takes Hikari to his favorite place, which turns out to be the beach. It was so funny to see that huge white limo speeding after them with Akira hanging out the window and yelling at them and they never even noticed. The limo even parked near them at the beach and they still didn’t notice! How can two people be so dense?

There are scattered couples sitting on blankets on the romantic beach and there is a cute scene of a guy and a girl sitting close together on a blanket. The girl finds a shell, but the guy finds a bigger one and gives it to her before they embrace. And there are Hikari and Tadashi, up to their knees in the water and standing probably about ten feet from each another. Hikari finds a shell and yells over to Tadashi and then he finds one and suddenly it turns into a competition! They end up with a pile of seafood and decide to eat. As they grill the food over an open fire, the other stunned couples look on in dismay and leave, chased away by the behavior of these two. Of course, they are still being spied on by Akira and company too.

Akira, Ryu and the twins now follow them to the woods, where Tadashi swings from a vine, impressing Hikari, and she learns a little more about her friend. Tadashi likes places “without signs” and he likes to explore. He tells Hikari that there are swamps there, as well as snakes and monkeys. They both hear a scream and Tadashi says that it was probably a baby monkey. He wants to show her something and they move on, but that scream sounded an awful lot like Akira to me. Sure enough, there’s Akira, sitting in a swamp with a big snake wrapped around her and a monkey pulling on her hair! Ryu saves her and Akira says that – “this is no place to have a date”. The others agree with her and they decide to give up and go home. Meanwhile, Tadashi takes Hikari further into the woods which eventually open up to a beautiful lake. He tells Hikari he found it ten years ago and impresses her even more - Tadashi was only in kindergarten at the time.

Next is the dreaded meeting with Tadashi’s mother, the Chairwoman of the school, Sumire Karino. They are both very nervous as Sumire questions them and their relationship. She finally tells them to “prove it” by kissing one another and both Tadashi and Hikari freak out. But Hikari is willing to try and closing her eyes, she leans forward, slowly aiming for Tadashi’s lips and Tadashi does the honorable thing and pushes her away, saying that she “should do this with someone you love”. He confess to his mother and she knew all along that he really didn’t have a girlfriend, but being that she was surprised and amused, she says that she’ll cancel the marriage meeting. She only set it up because her rival set up a meeting for his daughter, and she was not to be outdone.

After the kids leave, Sumire thinks her son is “kind of manly” and “has grown up a bit”. She looks at the pictures that Tadashi gave her from his “date” and the one from the lake is similar to a picture she has of her son as a child, taken in the same spot, and she says that “he’s still doing the same things”. Outside, Tadashi apologizes to Hikari, but she commends him for telling his mother the truth.

A helicopter suddenly appears and Kei is back! What a dramatic entrance! As soon as Tadashi sees him, he runs and hides behind some bushes, but peeks out and watches. Kei jumps out of the helicopter right in front of Hikari and she asks him if his work is done in Shanghai. Kei doesn’t answer her, but says instead that Yahiro called him to tell him that she went on a date with Tadashi. Tadashi wonders how Yahiro found out and Kei wonders what to do with Hikari. Making a decision, he suddenly lifts a surprised Hikari up into his arms and reminds her of her promise, saying that he will keep her with him for a day. He takes the protesting Hikari away in the helicopter – now who’s shanghaied? Hikari says – “put me down” and Kei says – “I don’t want to” – is he still holding her? I am just so giddy with anticipation! They are finally going on a date – I hope![/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 12 -

[details=spoiler]At a hotel in Shanghai, Kei is overworked and has a bad headache. As he tries to relax with an old movie, Yahiro calls to tell him that Hikari has a date and Kei’s headache only gets worse. He decides that he’s “had enough of this ridiculous situation” and the episode picks up from the last one.

Once in the helicopter, Hikari asks Kei if he wants to “talk” to her and Kei is upset that she’s trying to sit so far away from him. Hikari says that it’s because he seems angry, but he isn’t – he knows that she did nothing wrong and he’s just being selfish.

Hikari asks where they are going and Kei remembers the old movie and quotes a line from it – “with you I could go anywhere, even if that place is Hell.” Kei leans towards Hikari and I thought he was going to kiss her, but he passes out instead and Hikari realizes that he has a fever.

At Kei’s house, Sui explains to Hikari that his brother is constantly working and Hikari mistakenly thinks that Kei just wanted to spend a day with her for some fun. Hikari decides to take care of Kei while he’s sick. Why does Sui suddenly look so worried? Maybe because she decides to make Kei rice gruel and the kitchen explodes! Actually, the kitchen looks like she already tried to make several attempts. She declares this last batch ready and takes it to Kei.

But Sui takes one look at it and says that she can’t feed it to Kei. He calls her a “stupid lady” and accuses her of trying to kill his brother. However, Kei interrupts and says that he’ll eat it because “Hikari made it just for me.” He asks her to feed him and it turns out to be a complete disaster.

Hikari heard that ice chips are good for a fever and punches a big block of ice into big chunks. She gathers the ice chunks into a bag and ends up dropping the big, heavy bag on Kei’s face, which pops open and soaks him. He asks for a change of clothes, but can’t change himself, so Hikari has to help him. Of course that is the exact moment that Sui walks into the room and accuses Hikari of being a “pervert”. Hikari tries to explain, but it doesn’t work.

Later, as Hikari is standing on the balcony, Kei comes out for some fresh air and tells her that he explained things to Sui. Hikari tells the weak Kei to lean on her. Kei thinks of her kindness and decides that she must have gone on the date with Tadashi to help him. Kei should have just asked her about it! But they get to share a pretty sunset and Kei collapses against her again. Coming outside was obviously too much for him and Hikari puts him back to bed.

Kei’s fever is still too high and Hikari thinks it would be easier for him to rest if she went home. Kei freaks out and reminds her of her promise to spend the day with him. Hikari tries to calm him and tells him to rest, but Kei says – “If I go to sleep, night will come and you’ll go home.” He grabs her wrist and vows to stay awake. It’s a really sweet scene until Hikari gets annoyed and tells him to go to sleep. She reminds him of all the things that he always tells her – “Don’t strain yourself.” “Don’t be reckless.” “Don’t over do it.” She insists that he rest for twelve hours, but when she checks, he is already asleep. Hikari sits next to him and looks at his sleeping face. I wonder what she’s thinking.

Kei dreams of the old movie, but with changes. It is now Hikari and himself in the lead roles and instead of going to Hell together, the line is said by Hikari and becomes “a place we can all enjoy”. Kei wakes up in the middle of the night to find Hikari’s chair empty, but when he gets out of bed, he’s surprised to see her sleeping on his sofa. He thinks about how she affects his life and she wakes up. Hikari notices him and immediately worries, rushing to help him.

Kei asks Hikari why she didn’t go home and she says that she got her mother’s permission to stay. She says that he was “different” and that “it was kind of interesting” but tells him that she is only kidding. The real reason she stayed was concern – he was just so weak and seemed stressed. Then she asks him to go out with her and have some fun the following Sunday. A date?! I am in as much shock as Kei is! Hikari explains that “it will be a good way to get away from it all.” Kei asks where they will go and thinks of his dream where she says “a place we can all enjoy” but Hikari surprises him again by saying – “anywhere would be fun as long as I’m with you.” Is Hikari finally getting in touch with some feelings here?

Kei is suddenly very happy until Hikari mentions “amends” – I should have known! Hikari feels that she must make amends for kissing him in Hawaii since he doesn’t even like her and she feels really badly about it. Kei is angry now as Hikari says that she’s caused him so much trouble, but then he thinks of his feelings for her and smiles. Hikari questions his smile and he says it’s nothing. Hikari asks him where he’d like to go the following Sunday and Kei quotes the movie – “with you I could go anywhere” – and then he kisses her! Full on the mouth! Yay!

Hikari is completely surprised afterwards, but perhaps she also looks a little hopeful, until Kei says that the kiss evens things out and then she gets angry instead. She says that he must be kidding and not to come near her again. Kei says that she won’t be able to nurse him in that case, but Hikari says he’s fine now. Kei pretends to be dizzy and Hikari tells him - “You are stricken with perversion. You’ll never be cured of it.” Kei responds – “Then you’ll just have to take care of me forever.”

They end up play fighting with Hikari telling Kei to stay away from her and Kei begging Hikari to take care of him. He later wonders where they’ll go on their outing and thinks that he really would go anywhere with her. He hopes for a sunny day and then sits on the sofa, watching Hikari sleep under his jacket. Aww! I think this relationship might actually be going somewhere – finally![/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 13 -

[details=spoiler]I like the new OP & ED!

The SA is sent to an ordinary private school for three days because Tadashi lied to his mother. I think Kei likes the way Hikari looks in her new uniform. Tadashi is all beat up – I thought his mother made him bungee jump, but it turns out that Akira beat him senseless. She doesn’t like being included in his mistakes, but Tadashi says that his mother thought they should attend classes at an ordinary school for “simulation” since they are always together every day.

Akira does like the way Hikari and Megumi look in their uniforms and Tadashi agrees that they’re “sexy” but gets beat up again when he tells Akira that she looks like she’s “playing dress up” in her uniform. It was very funny that the Chairwoman decided their class assignments with darts. Akira is with Hikari and is very happy, even taunting Kei about it. Kei will be with Tadashi and Jun. Ryu is paired with Megumi and Jun is upset to be parted from them.

As class introductions are made, it looks like everyone is going to be popular. But when Akira sees one of the students, she is reminded of a childhood friend, Sayo and this girl looks exactly like her. However, this girl’s name is Yui Okiawa and when they are introduced, Akira slaps her. Hikari covers it up and says it was a mosquito. Later, Hikari worries about Akira and goes to get her some tea.

Kei is trying to discourage the girls in his class and treats them coldly until he sees Hikari pass the room. He “beams” over to her, thinking that she came to visit him but ends up feeling rejected when she tells him that she was “just passing by” and runs off. The other girls in the class guess that he likes Hikari and make fun of him.

Yui approaches Akira and says that she’d like to be friends, but Akira remembers something from her childhood and refuses her offer. Why is Akira so scared and upset? Hikari brings her the tea with a very nice entrance through a window. Akira is very touched by her thoughtfulness and gives Hikari a big hug. The other students think the rich kids are “looking down” on them. Akira gets angry and Hikari has to calm her down. I guess they’re not so popular anymore.

At lunchtime, Tadashi visits them and asks why they aren’t blending in. He then asks Akira if it’s “that time of the month” and gets slapped, but Hikari is relieved to see her acting more normal. The rest of the class saw Akira slap Tadashi and feels sorry for him. Akira remembers more from her childhood and this time Yahiro is in the memory as well. What did he do to Akira to make her like this? Tadashi covers for Akira and tells everyone that he likes getting hit. Tadashi smiles and Akira blushes.

Kei walks past and Tadashi recruits him for the “Cheer-Up-Akira Club” and explains to him that the girls aren’t fitting in. Kei comes over and sees Yui, but calls her Sayo and then realizes that it isn’t her. He asks Akira if she’s scared because the girl looks like Sayo. Yui joins them, thinking she’s done something wrong and apologizes. Kei has to remind Akira “that things are different now”. Akira ends up inviting the whole class to her house after school, where she makes a special tea and apologizes to them all for her rudeness. She explains to Yui why she behaved so oddly towards her and asks Yui to be her friend and Yui accepts.

Akira remembers her past again and how Yahiro “acted like a king and ordered people around”. He wouldn’t let her have any friends other than himself and Kei. Akira would watch the other girls play at school, but when she tried to join them, they wouldn’t let her, saying that “Master Yahiro” would get mad. Then while Yahiro was away, she met Sayo in the summer of second grade. Sayo didn’t know Yahiro and Akira finally had her first girlfriend. That is until Yahiro interfered. I wonder what he did that would have made Sayo hate Akira so much.

Back in the present, Yahiro finds out that the SA is attending a regular school and reads a report on Akira’s class. At the tea party, Akira vows not to let Yahiro interfere again. Hikari is happy to see that Akira is ok. Kei is sitting next to Hikari and asks her what they’re going to do on Sunday and gets her all flustered. Akira wants to know what is happening on Sunday. Yahiro is reading a file on Yui and sees that she has the same face as “that girl” and says “it’s going to be fun”. What does he have up his sleeve now?[/details]

Episode 14 -

[details=spoiler]Well, the three days are up and the class doesn’t want Akira to leave, so she invites all the girls back to her house for a farewell party. Afterwards, she finds out that a car belonging to Yahiro was parked at the school and arranges for a car to take Yui to and from school. Akira feels that she couldn’t protect Sayo, but she will protect Yui. However, Yui visits her and asks Akira to stop having her guarded. She says that she doesn’t like it and she won’t be visiting her anymore either.

Akira remembers when Sayo told her that Yahiro said that her father would lose his job if she ever saw Akira again. Akira now thinks that this time, she is responsible for driving Yui off. She is very down at school and even Tadashi’s insults fail to snap her out of it long enough to hit him and having had enough, Tadashi drags her outside. Hikari asks Kei what’s wrong with Tadashi and Kei says that maybe “not getting hit was stressing him out.”

Tadashi won’t let go of Akira, even when she tells him to and she ends up throwing him, but maybe he’s a little happier now to get some kind of reaction from her. And Hikari is spying on them! What is she worried about? Tadashi tells Akira that he hates “complicated talks” but hates it more when Akira is depressed and would like her to “cheer up”. Akita cries instead and tells Tadashi what happened with Yui. Tadashi tells her to apologize. It’s really sweet that Akira says that until then, only Hikari could stop her tears, but now Tadashi can too. She reaches out to him and hugs him, thanking him as well. I think Tadashi was in heaven there for a moment! And Hikari slips away to leave them alone.

Yui is at a pawn shop and Yahiro walks in. He wants to know what she’s selling and grabs the pouch out of her hand, spilling the contents into his. Did Yui steal from Akira? Yahiro says that he had her investigated and knows that her family isn’t doing well and needs money. He knows she stole Akira’s jewels.

Tadashi is taking Akira to Yui on his motorbike and loaned her some of his clothes. That was a cute scene. They get to Yui’s house, but she isn’t there. Akira notices some boxes and asks if they’re moving and Yui’s mother tells her that they have to. Thinking the worst, Akira asks about Yui’s father’s job and if he was suddenly laid off. She promises Yui’s mother that she will do something about it.

Yahiro tells Yui that he will return Akira’s jewels and cover it up, but she can never go anywhere near Akira again. As Yahiro walks away from her, a couple of guys knock Yui out into oncoming traffic. Tadashi and Akira are back on the motorbike and end up in a gang’s territory. I like the “shortcut” Tadashi took to get away from them! Yahiro has Yui at his house and has taken care of her injuries. He tells her to go home, but it also turns out that she saved her!

Yui says that she needs to apologize to Akira. Yahiro asks if she was friendly to Akira because she wanted money form her. Now, Yahiro remembers something from his own childhood. As a little boy, he sees a woman talking to her son and telling him that he “has” to become friends with Yahiro even if he really doesn’t want to. I see now – he must have thought that he was protecting Akira from being used when they were little. He is brought back to the present when he’s told that he has a visitor and it’s Akira!

Akira sees Yui sitting there and notices her bandages and once again jumps to the wrong conclusion. Akira thinks that Yahiro got Yui hurt and got her “father fired so they’d have to move far away.” Yui tries to say something, but Yahiro won’t let her, thinking that he’s protecting Akira once more. He remembers the past again when he overheard Sayo tell her other friends that she really didn’t like playing with Akira, but she liked that Akira gave her things. Yahiro thinks – “you don’t have to know the sadness and humiliation of being betrayed” and that he doesn’t mind playing the “bad guy” for the first person that ever gave him some happiness. Everything makes so much sense now! Yahiro is really a good guy at heart, even if he goes about things the wrong way. He really does care about Akira after all!

Yahiro admits to everything Akira believes about him with regards to Yui. Tadashi interrupts and says that they’re making things “complicated” and reminds Akira that first and foremost she wanted to apologize to Yui. But Yahiro is still preventing Yui from speaking and Tadashi stops him, telling him that “things get complicated when you try to hide stuff – it doesn’t help anybody.” Yui tearfully tells Akira everything and admits to stealing her jewelry. She apologizes to Akira, but Akira looks at Yahiro. Did she put it all together?

Yahiro feels bad that Akira was used and never wanted to see her sad. Akira forgives Yui and then apologizes to Yahiro, shocking him! Perhaps she does realize a few things about him now. Back at school, Akira tells everyone that she got Yui’s father a job, so now she can stay in the same school and not have to move and give up her friends. Ryu, Jun and Megumi have absolutely no idea what she’s talking about. Akira even gives Tadashi a thank you gift of cookies and I think that really made his day!

Akira suddenly realizes that someone is missing and asks where Kei and Hikari are. She is reminded that the day before was Sunday. Akira is immediately worried about the “Beast Kei” with her sweet Hikari. I thought there for a minute that I wasn’t going to get to see what happened on the “date” but I was much relieved to see Megumi’s note saying that it will be shown in the next episode. And Akira is screaming![/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 16 -

[details=spoiler]I really have to feel sorry for Jun with Sakura chasing after him. She even tricks them all into a BBQ and I liked how Megumi and Ryu tried to protect Jun from Sakura’s attentions even while her father was trying to get them together. And Kei seemed really happy to be paired with Hikari, even if Akira wasn’t!

It seems that Jun has his own childhood secret too and rather than hurt Sakura, he shares his secret with her. I really like “Dark Jun”! But it’s funny that if he was hypnotized as a child and he has so much money, I’m surprised they couldn’t find someone to hypnotize him again and undo the damage. Of course it wouldn’t have been as funny if they had!

Hikari is the only one not affected by Dark Jun’s charm and Kei somehow knew she wouldn’t be, but I think he wouldn’t have been very happy if she was. It was nice to see Tadashi get jealous over the fact that Akira was charmed by Jun, even if she did hit him for it.

But I had to feel a little bad for Jun again. Because of his little problem, he lost his very first date and now avoids relationships with girls. Just because the little girl thought he was “creepy”. At least when he loses consciousness, he returns to normal and Megumi sings him to sleep. When he wakes up though, Sakura is still there. She doesn’t think he’s creepy at all. I think he likes her a little too, since he blushed when she told him how impressed she was with both of his personalities. But when Sakura makes Jun a rice ball “with love” he realizes that he’s still uncomfortable with her attentions and runs away anyway! Just can’t win![/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 17 -

[details=spoiler]Akira has a marriage meeting arranged for her, but I noticed that she looked at the picture of Tadashi when she said she didn’t have anyone special. Guess she can’t admit her feelings just yet, but she does seem to be thinking of Tadashi a lot lately.
Of course Kei knew Yappi the Rabbit was Hikari. He did say that he would always know her. I noticed she forgot that little fact. And I loved the way he interrupted Hikari’s invitation to the moon, telling the guy to go by himself!

Akira is keeping an eye on Tadashi and Yahiro is keeping an eye on Akira. Nice little triangle here.

The festival sure had some interesting food items. The rich sure do have some strange tastes!

The host club was the best! I don’t think Kei really enjoyed being the top host and only kept doing it to make Hikari happy. Tadashi looked uncomfortable – even more so when a jealous Akira served drinks. None of them really made very good hosts. I liked Ryu’s line that he liked “all mammals”.

Yahiro can’t bring himself to talk to Akira and when he finally approaches her, Tadashi breaks it up. I think Yahiro can see how Akira feels about Tadashi and he walks out, leaving them alone. I feel a little bad for Yahiro now. I had always thought he was such a bad guy and now that I know he was only protecting Akira, I feel sorry for his situation.

Tadashi notes that Akira hasn’t been herself and urges her to talk to him, but how can she? However, Tadashi is able to snap her out of her musings when he says that she doesn’t hit him when she’s depressed. She proves him wrong by throwing pillows at him!

Yahiro manages to get Akira’s lost cell phone and even falls into the rose bushes in order to protect it. But then he wants Kei to give it to Tadashi to give to Akira because he feels that this will make Akira happy. I’m glad that Kei refused. Yahiro thinks that Akira hates him, but Hikari convinces him to take the phone to Akira himself.

So, Yahiro returns the phone to Akira, but when he turns around, his back is covered in rose petals! Akira must have realized the trouble he went through and smiles at him. She thanks him and smiles again and that must have sent him straight to heaven! He looked so happy.

Tadashi overhears Akira finalize the marriage meeting. Akira is embarrassed and Tadashi deduces that must have been why Akira was so down. Truly clueless, he tries to cheer her up by saying that she might be meeting a great guy and that she should relax and enjoy it. This makes Akira angry and she says that she will go to the meeting and many more besides. She cries and slaps the confused Tadashi before running off. I feel really bad for Tadashi – I think this is the first time that Akira hit him so intentionally in anger.

Now wouldn’t it be really funny if this marriage meeting ended up being with Tadashi or Yahiro?[/details]

[TheCoffeeGod]

Just finished up ep. 17…

Is just me, or did they change character designs in this episode?
More specifically, the look of facial closeups.

[LadyOfWicca]

I did notice some slight difference, but I thought it was my imagination. Guess I didn’t imagine it after all.

[PiNoypi]

This anime just went on my “Must Watch List.” The first episode was entertaining, and the characters are great, epsecially Hikari. Can’t wait to watch more eps.

Episode 2 here I come!

[LadyOfWicca]

This is one of my favorite shows PiNoypi. I’m glad you’re enjoying it. It only gets better and funnier as it goes on.

Episode 18 -

[details=spoiler]Tadashi is another one that has trouble with his feelings.

Hikari makes a cute guy, but even so, she’s still number two compared to Kei. Even posing as a guy, she isn’t happy about that and is looking for another competition.

Funny that Akira and Sakura hold a marriage meeting party in the hopes of getting a male harem. Not a bad idea actually. But when Tadashi shows up and Akira runs off crying again, now Sakura is the one beating him up.

Yahiro of all people tends to Tadashi’s wounds and gives him some advice. And Hikari gives some advice to Akira.

When Hikari’s costume caught fire, I loved how Kei ran to save her and jumped into the fountain with her. And all Hikari can tell Kei is that he’s all wet. I think Hikari could use a bit of advice herself.

It was nice when Akira and Tadashi ended up at their special place overlooking the city. Akira finally tells Tadashi she loves him and explains why she was so upset. Tadashi asks her not to go to the marriage meeting or the party. He hugs her and tells her to stay by his side. It was an emotional moment, but he still hasn’t said that he loves her too.

Nice to find out that Akira has loved Tadashi since they were children. And it was even better to find out that Tadashi has felt the same way all this time. But when they go to school, everything is back to normal with Akira hitting him![/details]

[Anime_Holic]

LoL :lol: . If you haven’t watch this, the spoilers will get you there. I’m enjoying this one, the interactions between kei and hikari are funny.

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 19 -

[details=spoiler]What? Megumi is in love with Yahiro? He makes a game of their date, but Megumi must be serious since she throws her sketchbook away and actually talks to him.

When Tadashi announces that he and Akira are dating, no one really seems surprised. Akira blushes and acts shy – so unlike her! It seems that Megumi wants to date Yahiro only so he will leave Akira and Tadashi alone.

Hikari must be delirious with fever when she asks Kei to carry her to her room and then later she wants to touch him. I don’t think he’s ready for this kind of attention from her.

Megumi wants to talk to Yahiro, but he doesn’t want her to. I think he wants to protect her voice too and even buys her an “erase and write again” board.

Hikari won’t stay in bed and keeps chasing Kei. I think she’s really freaking him out. She even jumps out a window to get close to him and tells him she likes him. I think he might have been happy to hear that if she didn’t have a fever. In this case, he just looks terrified!

Funny what Megumi went through to hide Yahiro from being seen with her by Jun and Ryu. But they find them together anyway and I think Yahiro tries to protect Megumi by playing the bad guy again. However, Megumi speaks again and tells Jun and Ryu that they are dating and to leave them alone. I love the reaction she got!

Later, Megumi is surprised that Yahiro figured out why she wanted to date him. He wants her to go home and tells her he won’t do anything to Akira. Megumi realizes that he really won’t do anything, because he loves Akira too. She runs off, telling Yahiro to wait, realizing too why he acts the way he does. Megumi sings for him and brings a smile to his face. Yahiro still won’t admit that he had fun with her, but I think he did. And it gives Megumi the excuse to say that they will have to play the game again.

Hikari’s fever breaks and she wakes up to find her friends exhausted. Apparently she was more trouble sick than Kei ever was when he was sick! And why is Kei up on the roof? Is that the only place he could get away from her? It’s funny when the shoe is on the other foot![/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 20 -

[details=spoiler]It’s funny that even when Hikari enters a raffle, she wins the second place prize, but in this case it’s a ticket to an amusement park. Funny too that Kei changes his plans when no one but Jun can go with Hikari and ends up going with them.

Sakura sees Jun with Hikari and gets the wrong impression until Kei comes along and tells her that it isn’t a date, but a “group activity”. He then looks at Hikari’s #1 shirt strangely, making her defend it. But Jun faints and wakes up as Dark Jun. Then he kisses Kei!!!

The day is spent chasing Jun around, but they finally catch up to him. He takes off again, but only Sakura goes after him and finds out that Jun can change now without a kiss – Sakura just has to look at him. This is why he’s been avoiding her, but she only wants to know if Jun loves her or not. It turns out that he does love her and has ever since the day that Sakura told him that she liked both of his personalities.

Now, he’s just afraid to even touch her, but she insists and when Jun reaches out to caress Sakura’s cheek, he doesn’t change! It was a really sweet, “aww” moment! And Hikari and Kei get to spend some time together too. But it looks like Kei’s future is being decided for him, and that someone will be taking him out of school. Great – another obstacle for Kei and Hikari!!![/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 21 -

[details=spoiler]Hikari unwittingly helps Aoi Ogata collect information about Kei’s school day, thinking she’s helping to put his grandfather’s mind at ease. But in reality Aoi is building a case to transfer Kei to a school in London.

Tadashi and Jun invent a volume control machine for Megumi and it doesn’t work! I guess her voice is just too powerful for such a thing. I liked the jigsaw competition that Kei won, of course.

Hikari thinks she did a good job for Aoi and she did. So much so that Aoi thinks Hakusenkan is not an appropriate school for Kei and will be sending him to London after all. Hikari is positive that Kei will not transfer and when Aoi asks her why, she can only say that they are rivals. But Aoi tells her that Kei’s status is higher than hers and she says that doesn’t matter in competition.

So, to prove it to her, Aoi takes Hikari to all the companies that Kei is president of and still seeing it as rivalry, Hikari says that she will get a part time job. Aoi then shows her Kei’s past achievements and Hikari thinks he’s amazing. Aoi again asks Hikari what Kei is to her and she says that “he’s a fellow SA member whom I care for” - and a rival.

Aoi is unable to change Hikari’s mind and calls their school “worthless” and not good enough for Kei. Hikari defends the school and their friends and Aoi says that if she can hit him, then she is worthy to be Kei’s rival. But when she can’t even come close to hitting him, Aoi tells her to stay away from Kei or she will “suffer”. Hikari cries because she doesn’t want to lose to anyone but Kei and calls out his name. Kei, having spent all this time trying to catch up to them, finally arrives to hear this and hits Aoi. He really deserved that!

Kei looked really angry that Aoi had hurt Hikari and Hikari was so happy just to see Kei! He takes her home and Hikari asks him about the transfer and Kei tells her that he intends to remain at school until graduation. Hikari tells him that she had gotten a pain in her chest when she thought he might transfer. Kei says it sounds like she likes him romantically, but she says it’s impossible and runs into her house. Once inside she questions the “fuzzy feeling” she has. Maybe she is finally coming to realize her feelings for Kei, but will she ever admit it?

Kei walks away and the clouds that begin to cover the moon overshadow him as well, which gave me a feeling of foreboding. I’m not sure I like the look on his face either. I have a feeling that this isn’t going to turn out well.[/details]