Himitsu no Ai-chan [Chapter 41]

Reo curses as he runs around the Heiwa-Dori to look for Aiko and Takumi. While catching his breath, Reo thinks that there are too many crossroads that it is difficult to know which way they went. He complains that it is hot and obviously, there are many excuses that could be used yet unexpectedly, stupid Aiko went with Takumi, what is she thinking.. Meanwhile, Aiko is happily eating some stewed pork[?] and says that it’s delicious. Takumi says isn’t it so, for he knows that the food here in this store is quite delicious. Aiko says that it is indeed delicious and is he very familiar with Okinawa. Takumi tells her not really but rather, it is because his family went on a trip there for around 2-3 times so.. While Aiko wants some more, Takumi sees running Reo passing by. Takumi muses that he didn’t know that Reo can move that fast. Seeing him looking elsewhere, Aiko asks what it is. Just as she looks at where he is looking, Takumi quickly turns her face around and shoves the food in her mouth. He nervously asks if she wants to eat pork noodles, and he’ll give her a big piece of stewed pork. While Takumi is pulling her away, Aiko is puzzled that she talks with her mouthful as to what’s going on, even if she wants noodles, she still wants to eat these. Then, Reo freezes for he has overheard that voice. He quickly backtracks just in time to see Aiko running off at the other end. Reo is angry for this won’t end. He notices a lady with a bicycle. Putting his charm on, he asks the lady if he can borrow her bicycle. The lady is turned on by a uniform guy dripping in sweat as very moe. She happily says that she’s very happy to. Riding on the bicycle, Reo thanks her and if he has time, he’ll contact her again. Reo is glad that this time around, they absolutely won’t be able to escape from him. Takumi thinks that things are not quite reassuring so he calls someone and says that he is going out to the International Street[Kokusai Dori]. Noticing this, Aiko asks whom he is talking with and where are they going. She wonders if he wants to leave the market when she didn’t plan on going further than this with him. She looks back to see Reo riding on a bicycle. She calls out to him. At the street, Takumi immediately hails down a taxi. The taxi door opens and Takumi pushes Aiko inside. While Aiko holds her bumped forehead, Takumi tells the taxi driver to quickly drive. Reo couldn’t believe that this is happening. In disbelief, Aiko quickly looks back at the taxi to see Reo trying to chase after them with a bicycle. Reo angrily mutters to quit joking around. He tries to pedal faster when Ikumi stands in front of him and tells him not to go. Back in the taxi, Takumi looks at quiet Aiko. He tells her that they are going to some fun place that is like a natural aquarium so anticipate it. Aiko smiles and says, yes. Aiko thinks that she was lucky that she overheard about the school transfer, and since she knows that this will be the last memory, she couldn’t refuse..though Reo ought to be angry. Back to Reo, Ikumi happily holds Reo’s arm and shows him a figurine to tell Reo to look a shisa [traditional Ryukyuan decoration, often in pairs, resembling a cross between a lion and a dog, Source: wiki]. Reo tells her that it is because this place is Okinawa.

He asks her to let go of his arm. Flirty Ikumi says that if he kisses her, she will. To her shock, Reo says that he hates girls the most who say that kind of words. Teary-eyed Ikumi says that this is the last so please be a little nice to her. Reo asks what she meant by that. She tells him about transferring school to some unknown place and she doesn’t want to leave him. Hugging him, she repeatedly says that she likes him and as a last memory, please hug her. Reo holds her to him and calls her name. By the beach, Takumi holds his hand and tells Aiko that the ship is leaving. Aiko takes his hand and says yes. In the glass bottom boat, Aiko exclaims that it is Nemo [Walt Disney character] but Takumi tells her that it is a clownfish. Aiko tells him what’s wrong with calling it Nemo and she hates people saying the correct name. Takumi asks what’s wrong with calling it correctly. A couple of women ask if they are high schoolers, and they’re cute lovers that they are envious. Embarrassed Aiko tries to say it isn’t so but Takumi holds her hand and apologizes that his girlfriend is quite embarrassed. The women apologize for that. Aiko couldn’t believe that he is holding her hand and claims that he is her boyfriend but she couldn’t let go either. Takumi tells her to look out the boat for the fishes are gathering. Aiko exclaims that there are a lot and can they be eaten. Takumi tells her not to think of food while looking at swimming fishes, but then, that is more like her. Aiko angrily asks what he meant by that. Takumi laughs and tells her not to be angry for it is a joke. Aiko is glad that Takumi is happy and she went there with him. Walking by the shore, the sun is already setting. Takumi says that since it is low tide, they can walk further. Aiko agrees. They casually talk about seeing the tropical fishes at the shoals if it is low tide. Aiko has difficulty walking in the sand when she loses her footing. Takumi holds her and hugs her. Aiko is wondering what to do for she should push him away. Takumi repeatedly, tells Aiko that he likes her. Takumi leans towards her that Aiko closes her eyes and braces herself to be kissed. He stops and asks if she’s allowing herself to be kissed by him and it is simply like renting a cat. He asks her if it is because he’s transferring that is why she’s helping him have a last memory. Nervous Aiko tries to deny it but Takumi tells her that this isn’t like her, very cruel. Aiko becomes disappointed with herself that she starts to cry. Takumi notices something and apologizes to Aiko that it seems he has no way of bringing her back, go back with Reo. Aiko looks at the gate to see Reo dumping the bicycle at the side. He runs to Takumi and gives him a solid punch on the face. This surprises Aiko. Reo shouts that Takumi unexpectedly dare make Aiko cry, stand up. Going in between them, Aiko tells him no, she herself went there with Takumi. Aiko tearfully says that it isn’t Takumi’s fault, it’s hers, and sorry for making him misunderstand. Reo tells her not to say anymore, they’re going back. Reo grabs her hand and walks away with her. Touching his bruise, Takumi tearfully[?] mutters it sucks. While riding back on the bicycle, Reo tells Aiko to hold tightly on him and don’t let go of his hand. While sobbing, Aiko somewhat says, ya. Mentally, she kept on apologizing to both Takumi and Reo for this isn’t how she wanted things to turn out into.

Comment: Ah, the price of being so nice. Takumi seems to assume it like pity or ‘consolation prize’ and Aiko goes on a guilt trip. I guess unlike his twin, he doesn’t want a ‘fake’ memory but then, what exactly does he want? Keep on pestering Aiko and ‘forcing’ her with her trying to resist like always? Hm..but then, that is kind of ‘brainwashing’ of Takumi because this is what Ikumi mentioned and wanted earlier. Takumi is already lucky that Aiko went that far with him because she knew. So, Reo got Aiko back and no more Mr. Nice Guy, he gave Takumi what’s coming for him. And no matter what the real reason is, he did indirectly cause Aiko to cry and got Reo into a wild goose chase. Well, maybe they’ll laugh about this when they’re older. PS. This is the last scanlation of this group for this series. So, thank you for reading my summaries up to this point ^-^ Scans by DayDreamy.

Quote of the day:

No matter how far we travel, the memories will follow in the baggage car. ~ August Strindberg