January 3, 2014

Hibi Chouchou [Chapters 43-44]

While walking home with Kawasumi, Suiren recalls Atohira telling Kawasumi that if he truly likes Suiren, he should properly rest up. Suiren thinks that Kawasumi didn’t say anything afterwards. She doesn’t want to hear that way of speaking and she dreads to hear inquire Kawasumi of his answer. Kawasumi apologizes to Suiren for Atohira always troubles her. Kawasumi says that obviously Suiren supports him so why would he say those words, even if he was the one who injured him. Kawasumi stops as Suiren looks at him. Suiren realizes that is how it was. Kawasumi mutters that accident occasionally happens during karate competitions. Suiren nods and thinks that is right..karate..generally is..ya.. Kawasumi says that even if Atohira is like that, but on the side of karate, he is worthy of respect. “Even if he gave up for a certain time, but lately, he started to practice again. And, actually, he didn’t think of giving up at all. He is the person whom I wanted to surpass. Ah! I’m sorry for talking on my own.” Suiren shakes her head. She thinks that he is quite talkative if the topic is karate and for her, he is always gazing at a faraway place that couldn’t be seen. Kawasumi admits to her that he doesn’t quite know a girl’s way of thinking. He says about what Atohira said, if she really thinks that she wants him to rest, he’ll detest it and that detest refers to whether she is really repressing [/restraining herself]. After a pause, he looks at her and says that if she really detests it, he’ll rest up. Suiren thinks that she really wants him to rest and at that time, for her to tell him to do his best [/‘gambatte’], there is a lie mixed in those words. Towards karate and her, Kawasumi obviously gives his all-out effort in striving hard but why, she.. Somewhat flustered, Suiren tells him that regarding the things that he wanted to do, from the bottom of her heart, she wants to help cheer him on to do his best. She thinks that compared to earlier, what she said now contains her feelings. After looking surprised, Kawasumi thanks her. He tells her that even if he continues the club activities, and actually, it is a bit difficult practicing that just like before so he’ll walk her home everyday. Suiren looks up and is shock that he just said everyday. Kawasumi says that possibly, he would make her wait a while [for him]. Suiren thinks that it’s amazing. Suiren says that if it is okay, after school, they go on a bit of detour. While she is shock over what she just said when Kawasumi hasn’t recovered yet, Suiren mutters, something like watching a movie. Kawasumi says okay, they’ll go together. Suiren is happy for after a month [it is a month and a half according to Ryousuke], it finally happened. Suiren informs her friends about it and Suiren is anticipating the movie.
At the café, someone comes in. Suiren is aghast and Aya comments that it is a good looking guy. Atohira sits down on their table and asks what they want. While Suiren is shaking her head, Aya says that’s great and she wants a Swiss roll. Atohira orders a cup of coffee and a Swiss roll. Aya asks aghast Suiren who is this guy, he looks familiar. Then, from Suiren’s expression, she knows that Atohira is Kawasumi’s karate senpai. Atohira is amazed over how they are communicating. Aya tells him that Suiren isn’t good at talking and is he aiming for Suiren, give it up since she’s Kawasumi’s girlfriend. Atohira says that he has some words that he couldn’t say yesterday. The two girls wonder what it is. The waitress put the Swiss roll and coffee on the table. After Aya takes a bite and he takes a sip, Atohira asks, “Have you kissed Kawasumi?” This made Aya spit out her drink. Looking aghast, Suiren shakes her head. Aya says that she also thinks so because that guy is a late bloomer. She asks if this is what he couldn’t say. Atohira asks Suiren why she didn’t stop Kawasumi from practicing. He tells her that he is thinking of that, not because of the injury, and if she doesn’t stop him right now, he will be more engrossed with karate. “Then, isn’t the girlfriend dispensable[/not essential]?” Kawasumi, who just arrived, shouts that whichever side [karate and love life], he’ll do his best. Kawasumi pouts when Atohira says that he isn’t that reliable. Looking at Suiren, Kawasumi says that he’ll do his best. Aya asks if Atohira wants Kawasumi to stop practicing. Atohira says not at all, he really looks forward to Kawasumi [progress] but it feels that Suiren-chan is tightening her own neck. Suiren looks glum over this. Kawasumi asks if Suiren is forcing herself. He scolds Atohira that there’s no need for him to be overly concerned about them. Atohira says that they still haven’t kissed. Kawasumi shouts Atohira’s name [for him to quit that]. After telling Kawasumi to sit, Atohira tells him that girls are more emotional towards love. Kawasumi tells him not to say such willful things. Atohira says that Suiren doesn’t cry or perhaps, get angry, and wouldn’t that accumulate a lot of pressure. “Like this, you guys will break up. *This surprises the three.* By the way, you still haven’t answered what do you like about her.” This surprises Kawasumi then, he looks at emotionless Suiren. Kawasumi exclaims what is Atohira saying, Suiren has lots and lots of strong points. He is surprised when the coffee is spilled on the table. Aya grabs Suiren’s arm and says that they are going. Angry Aya shouts at Kawasumi, “Don’t go near Suiren again!” While Kawasumi is surprised, Aya left the café with Suiren.
Kawasumi calls out to Suiren and grabs her hand. Aya looks back and asks what. Kawasumi says that it is a misunderstanding. He asks her to let go of her hand. Aya says that shouldn’t he be the one letting his hand go. Kawasumi lets go of Suiren’s hand as Aya starts to pull Suiren away. Kawasumi grabs Suiren’s hand again. Aya angrily tells him to let go. Kawasumi says that he has something to tell Suiren. Suiren thinks that even if someone asked him what he likes about her, Kawasumi couldn’t say it in front of others. Aya tells Suiren that they’re going home. Kawasumi lets go and the girls left. Suiren thinks that she’s the only one who one-sidedly likes Kawasumi, and she’s the only one who foolishly likes. While watching TV with glum Suiren, Aya munches on potato chips and curses Kawasumi who only knows how to karate. On her bed, Suiren couldn’t sleep. She looks at her cellphone and it is already 23:45. Upon realizing that it is already late, Suiren’s cellphone starts to vibrate. It is Kawasumi who is calling. She nervously answers the phone. And, it is already three minutes past midnight. After Suiren says hello, Kawasumi apologizes for doing such rude things to her, and also towards Aya. A long pause. Suiren also apologizes to him for he is always striving hard and he is also amazing in karate, she.. Kawasumi exclaims not at all, for he is always told that he’s useless, he has awful drawing skills and regarding karate and fighting, he’s totally.. He stops, then says that when Atohira asked what he likes about her, and others saying that it is because she’s a takane no hana [unattainable flower] so he likes her. “I think perhaps for other people, it looks that way.. regarding that, I really detest it. *Suiren thinks that he’s talking about her with all his effort* Ah, it feels like this is an excuse. Towards you, Shibaseki, I don’t feel arrogant[/proud]-whatever. *this shocks Suiren* After [others] say that it is because you are the takane no hana, and even if it is a proven reason, and has a proud tone to it. *pause* everyone..is saying that it is because you’re the takane no hana. But, in reality, saying that Shibaseki-chan.. is a takane no hana..refers to the character[/word]’s meaning, right..so.. *Suiren imagines a flower with the word ‘Takane no hana’* ..and it can be seen totally clearly and it has that very comfortable kind of...feeling.” Suiren nervously imagines of the flower feeling comfortable because of the wind. [<- she probably has a hard time understanding what Kawasumi is saying, so do I. ^^;]
After a long pause, Kawasumi says, “..it is like that.. flapping in the wind..isn’t..it quite good.. no matter what aspect, perhaps the bad aspect and also the good aspect..from today on, I want to find out[/understand].” Suiren thanks him. Suiren blushes and thinks that regarding Kawasumi, she likes everything. “Bit by bit, slowly, whether it is compared to when I’m aware that I like him, or compared to when we started going steady, every day, everyday, my feelings of like [for him] increases many times over. Also, currently now, right now.” Kawasumi tells her that they go watch a movie tomorrow. Suiren says okay. Suiren thinks that even if it is only her who foolishly likes, it is inevitable for Kawasumi is quite outstanding. At school, during lunch time, Ryosuke asks where they are going to eat. Kawasumi tells him to go ahead at the courtyard. Ryosuke asks where he is doing. Kawasumi is heading upstairs so Ryosuke thinks that he’s going to the roof. Kawasumi reaches the top and opens the door. Aya asks what is it. Suiren shakes her head. Kawasumi bows and apologizes to Aya about yesterday. Standing up, Kawasumi says that regarding that thing, he thinks that he can only tell Suiren [about it]..alone..and he felt that he had already conveyed it to her. Then, everyone blushes. Kawasumi slightly bows again and leaves. Aya asks if that guy is really okay. Suiren nods. Yuri seems to change the topic by saying that Aya write a good poem today. Aya leaves the roof and calls out to Kawasumi who is heading downstairs. Aya says that next time, she cannot forgive him and she is also sorry about yesterday. Surprised Kawasumi exclaims, ‘Okay!” Suiren slams the door and shouts annoying. Yuri asks Aya what they talked about. Aya says nothing. While Aya mutters what’s good about that guy, Suiren thinks, everything. Yuri is aghast over Aya and says that love is very beautiful. Upon arriving at the café with Aya, Suiren nervously looks around if Atohira is around. Relieved that he isn’t, Suiren sits down with Aya. Soon, Kawasumi arrives and Aya bids Suiren goodbye. Kawasumi sits down. After some silence, Kawasumi says that perhaps, guys aren’t good in answering when asked what one likes about the other party, and he feels that she’s good so he went steady with her.. “But, I won’t make you feel uneasy. *Suiren blushes and slightly nods* Let’s..watch a movie!”
Comment: So, apparently, Suiren indeed likes Kawasumi more than he likes her but he is willing to do his best and to make his feelings for her increase, too. So, all is well for now since Kawasumi plans on working hard on both karate and his love life. Basically, balance both..and it seems that Atohira isn’t convinced about it. The way he is antagonizing Suiren, it makes me wonder if his intention is to test her, and also their relationship. Since he mentioned that he has expectations for Kawasumi, he is probably making sure that Suiren is the right girl for Kawasumi to spend some time on = lessen karate time. Being overprotective of Suiren, it is inevitable that Aya is irked at Kawasumi for not being able to say what he likes about Suiren and she probably thinks that he likes Suiren half-heartedly. Apparently, Kawasumi has his reasons for not being able to properly say what it is, doesn’t want to use the exact same reason as others would, he would rather tell Suiren about it privately, etc. So, while he is discovering more about her, Suiren falls harder for him. Anyway, it is really nice how upon realizing his mistake, Kawasumi would apologize. It is nice that Aya also apologize. Even if his apology moved her, Aya is also not quite convinced about what’s good about Kawasumi. ^^; It seems that she and Atohira are a bit the same in regards to the approval of the ‘lover’. Anyway, it is movie date time and with the mention of kiss..we might have that soon ^^ Edit: The next chapter will be out on February because the magazine has only one publication this month due to the New Year holiday. Scans by allwink
Word of the day:
Apologies can be hard to make because it takes a spirit of humility to admit our mistake, which may not come naturally for us. But taking responsibility for how we were wrong in a situation can bring healing and restoration to a relationship. ~ Our Daily Bread.

15 comments:

  1. I've always felt that Suiren's feelings for Kawasumi were more than his feelings for her. Especially since, as Aya states, Kawasumi is a "late bloomer". I hope that this kicks Kawasumi into high gear because so far most of the work put into this relationship has been from Suiren. She has done a lot to push herself outside of her comfort zone and now I feel that it is Kawasumi's turn.

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  2. Thank you for the summary! :)

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  3. I can understand Aya's concern for her close friend, but I don't get why Atohira views this as his business at all. Kawasumi and Atohira had nothing to do with each other after he quit karate and then after he finds out Kawasumi has a girlfriend he injects himself into their lives? I'm sure future chapters will give us a clue to his intentions, but for now I just don't get the purpose of his meddling. I guess the author felt things were going too slow and needed to bring a bit of the typical shoujo drama in to the mix :-)

    Thanks for the summary. -rc

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    1. Well, I feel that there's more between Kawasumi and Atohira = not purely karate related. I mean, if it is indeed just karate, like you've mentioned, why would he meddle up to that extent. Is it like an 'older brother' watching over/bullying a 'younger brother'? =P

      Ya, it seems that way.

      Thanks for reading ^-^

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  4. Omg I hope next chapter kawasumi shows a bit more affection towards her! Very nice chapter thanks a billion for the summary!!!!

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    1. Yup ^^ Maybe a kiss ^^ Thanks for reading ^-^

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  5. finally finally T_T well as you said before kat,things are getting more serious lately. i like how kawasumi try his best in both karate and love and i love how the super shy suiren try her best show her love.
    nice and sweet chapter!!

    thankyou for the summary!

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  6. wahhh~ i don't wanna expect some kissing scene because this is very slow pace manga but i really look foward to it >\\\<

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    1. I totally agree with you about this... with the current situation between kawasumi and Suiren, I think it's still too early for them to kiss, regardless that it's already chapter 43-44

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  7. Kawasuuummiiiiiii!!

    I hope there's more progress on the next chapter! I really like this manga, but I'm thinking it's getting really slow now... I wasn't bothered being slow. But now we're in Chapter 45... and I want a hug, at least! xD

    Thank you so much for the summaries! <3

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    1. Ya..it has always been slow-paced though it helps that it usually comes out twice a month ^^

      Thanks for reading ^-^

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