July 24, 2014

Last Game [Chapter 34]

At the university’s canteen, Yanagi looks listless that his friend asks if he won’t eat his food. Yanagi tells him that he can have it. A female friend asks if he doesn’t have any appetite. He says, a bit.. Then, he turns around to see listless Kujou. Yanagi calls out to her. Looking surprised and flustered, Kujou runs away before he can say anything else. This made him aghast and very depressed. His friends think that he was ignored by a girl and became particularly disappointed, and what’s up with this. Yanagi gloomily thinks that after what happened a few days ago, he has suffered Kujou’s ‘avoid him as if her life depended on it’. Even if he had encountered Kujou’s sudden behavior change like this for who knows how many times, but this time, he feels that it is really something big. He starts to sob over who told Kujou to say those words..and even if he has also made a mistake, his heart is broken into pieces. Worried over Yanagi, his friends invite him for a drink to cheer him up. Yanagi declines for he has something to do today. He thanks them for worrying about him. Today, he is going to meet up with Miwa. That day, she texted him that she’s lonely that he hasn’t come to their house and ‘play/hang out’ for a long time so if it is convenient, she would want to have some tea with him since she wants to chat with him.
While walking, Yanagi couldn’t believe that he is bluntly being asked out by the parent. He starts to imagine that Kujou went home crying that Miwa askedher  who made her cry, then, using a ‘behead/go take a hike’ gesture, Miwa told him that their family doesn’t need a guy who would make her daughter cry. Yanagi bends down and starts freaking out over this. Just then, Miwa calls out to him, startled Yanagi starts bowing to her and shouts his deep heartfelt extreme apology. This startles Miwa. Later on, at a café, Yanagi apologizes for startling her. Already used to it, Miwa tells him that it is okay, and is he really apologetic because she asked him out. Yanagi asks her what she wants to talk about. Miwa says that her Kujou is listless lately and she wants to know if Yanagi knows about it. She says that as a mother, she shouldn’t be saying this, but Kujou isn’t telling her anything. While Yanagi wonders out loud about this, Miwa says that Kujou is burying her head in studies and lately, she noticed that Kujou is escaping using her studies. Yanagi admits that not long ago, he had frightened Kujou a bit. Miwa goes huh that panicking Yanagi exclaims no, he isn’t referring to that kind of meaning, it isn’t that..actually.. Miwa laughs and says after that, then..
Yanagi tells her that lately, Kujou would deliberately avoid him and even if he is used to this, so how is he to describe it, could it be that for Kujou, his feelings are unnecessary. He says that she didn’t even mention a bit about wanting to study accountancy. No matter what he does, she would stiffen from head to foot. Miwa tells him that when Kujou was young, she likes to stick around her father. She would talk non-stop about papa this and papa that. Even if it is possible that Kujou herself might not quite remember it but when her father died, her world suddenly changed. Then, after that day, Kujou’s life revolves around her. Also about the accounting, half of the reason is ‘no transfer’ because she cannot let her mother be all alone. But, from the start until now, she still feels very thankful of this. It seems that that Kujou is depending on her own hands, as if life depended on it, to protect this ‘string’[/connection]: home to return to and the school’s very small world. There is a flashback of Kujou holding a plate of onigiri [rice balls] and told her mother to look at what she did and she can properly look after the house. It is in order for her not to lose anything again and in order for her not to get hurt. Miwa admits that she is a bit worried about Kujou for she shouldn’t just withdraw forever in this small world and exist there. “So, seeing her together with you, Yanagi-kun, I’m truly very happy. From that day on, Kujou would gradually bring up the name, Yanagi.”
Flashback: Kujou looked at her cellphone and wondered if she should reply, she told her mother wanted to join the club, and she told her that she wanted to be a person who can be called out [/praised by] Yanagi. [<- I’m not sure on the last part since I’m not sure of the context and I don’t know when it was mentioned ^^;;] Miwa says that it is because there is Yanagi by her side, Kujou took the initiative to step outside the world and it is because he wants to be in contact [/in touch] with Kujou so don’t mention unnecessary-something words, okay? Then, to Yanagi’s surprise, Miwa exclaims, “But I, sincerely think that only you, Yanagi-kun, can become [Kujou] Mikoto’s husband! Actually, if I can be become 30 years younger, then I’ll also..” Yanagi says, about that, thank you very much. Miwa tells him that most likely, Kujou, compared to anyone, is scared of change and she fears that it will become like the past, she’ll get hurt. Recalling how Kujou mentioned that it is still the best to be with her mother, Miwa says but because of this, all the more she cannot blindly avoid[/hide] in the world where she felt comfortable[/happy] in, but she [Miwa] feels that Kujou actually knows this in her heart. And it is Tachibana’s school festival. Yoshida and other senpai are quite excited being in an all-girls school that Fujimoto has to warn them not to do anything strange. Looking at the map, Fujimoto tells Kujou that Tachibana is working at an okonomiyaki [Japanese savory pancake] store. Kujou says ya, that Fujimoto notices her listlessness.
Standing slightly away, Yanagi thinks that Kujou is basically not looking at his side. He recalls Miwa telling him that Kujou doesn’t easily understand things [/be enlightened] so it is making things difficult for him so if it is okay, she would still ask him to ‘please will be under your care again’[/yoroshiku]. This made Yanagi sigh and to his surprise, Souma also sighed at the same time. Yanagi asks what, and Souma says that is what he wants to ask him. Soon, there is a fuss over a very beautiful lady. Yanagi is aghast for it is his sister. Ryouko notices him and asks if he came to see her. Yanagi exclaims that who’ll go see her, of course, it is her kouhai. Ryouko looks at Yanagi’s companions and notices Kujou. Kujou slightly nods. Looking at him with pity, Ryouko tells Yanagi to have a bit of fun. Saying, ‘bag’, she throws her bag and someone catches it. [<- making others/fanboys hold her bag] Yanagi looks aghast. After she left, Yoshida asks Yanagi who that beautiful girl is. To his surprise, Yanagi says that it is his sister. He exclaims about wanting to call Yanagi ‘bro’ from today on but Yanagi ignores him by calling out to Fujimoto to let him see the flyer. Yoshida whines about he’s not allowed to ignore him. Yanagi suggests that it would be better for him to give up since his sister is thoroughly a S[adist]. Yoshida exclaims that he thinks that is totally no problem. Yanagi just mutters, ah okay. Yoshida laments that he already has Tachibana..sorry, Tachibana, he..he..! Yoshida is startled when kimono-clad Tachibana welcomes them and asks if they want an okonomiyaki.
While Yoshida is screaming over God giving him such a cruel choice that he couldn’t choose either one, Fujimoto tells him not do to a self-sumo wrestling and basically, he doesn’t have the right to choose. Tachibana says that she is very happy that they came. Fujimoto comments over the spectacular queue and it is all guys. The other senpai exclaims that it is because the store’s girls here are very cute. Tachibana laughs and says, not really. [<- acting shy] Souma thinks that from her heart she doesn’t think that way. As Tachibana gives them the menu, Yanagi asks what she recommends. She tells him mochi [glutinous rice cake], chocolate-banana and other improved[/revised] stuff. Yanagi is surprised for it is all sweet stuff. [<- supposed to be savory so I guess, they are somewhat going for dessert crepe type?] Looking at the two, Kujou tightly holds on the menu. Yanagi turns to Kujou and asks what her order is. Kujou excuses herself and says that she is going to the toilet. Fujimoto offers to accompany her. Tachibana looks at sad Yanagi that she asks what he did to her. Scratching his head, Yanagi says no, she is just avoiding him a bit, but, ya, it is alright. Tachibana doesn’t look happy over this. At the toilet, Kujou starts to become teary-eyed over Yanagi telling her that he cannot be her friend forever. She wipes her tears and says that even if he said that it is a joke, his eyes weren’t lying then.
Fujimoto lightly taps her shoulder and asks what’s up for she’s listless lately. It also feels like she is uncomfortable in dealing with Yanagi and also Souma. Fujimoto offers to listen to her. Kujou doesn’t think that it is right to just mention that Souma confessed to her without his permission. Thinking that the problem lies with her, Kujou tells Fujimoto that there’s nothing wrong. Somewhat disappointed, Fujimoto says is that so, and is she hungry, want to go back. Kujou says okay. Soon, Yoshida says that he’s so full and it is more delicious if made by cute girls. Souma says that his words makes one feel more nauseous. Someone says that Tachibana is free to wander around after 3pm. Then, Yanagi’s phone rings. He says that it is his sister. He answers it and protests why he has to go. Yanagi excuses himself and says that he has to go to that side. As he leaves, Fujimoto says that is really nice, she also wants a younger brother she can order around. Yoshida mutters that usually, weren’t she ordering them around like that? She asks what. He says that it is nothing.
While they wonder where they are going next, Kujou quietly watches Yanagi leaving. She snaps out of it when Souma calls her and says that she’ll be left behind. She apologizes and stands up. Someone bumps into her but Souma holds her hand and steadies her. He asks if she is alright. She thanks him. He pulls her hand and says, let’s go. She tries to tell him the hand. He tells her that if she hates it, then she must not hesitate to say it and he’ll let her hand go. He assures her that he also won’t hate [her for it]. Kujou thinks that she doesn’t hate it but even if she doesn’t.. She remembers the times when she held hands with Yanagi. Kujou wonders why she felt like crying. Souma looks at her and thinks that since she showed that kind of expression, then it is okay for her to just shake off his hand. He slightly smiles and thinks that she’s such an idiot. Later, the others found a maze that they want to go in. Kujou declines by saying that she is a bit tired so she’ll wait outside for them. While strolling, Kujou thinks that she feels that she already doesn’t want this anymore. [<- not sure if she is referring to how she is feeling or about the situation] Then, Tachibana calls out to her and asks if she can talk with her.
Comment: Well, it was indeed a bad move for Yanagi since Kujou is now avoiding him like a plague. I do salute him for still waiting and enduring that. He must really love her, he is a very patient and he is a Masochist. ^^; Not surprising, his sister probably ‘trained’ him to be like that. =P Miwa pretty much hinted what we had been thinking. It is related to her father but rather, it seems indirectly for it seems to be programmed in her mind that any drastic change in her life will cause her to be hurt = change is bad. Well, ‘going out of her little world’ has changed her life positively and it is still within the ‘school life’ scenario and ‘home life’ is still intact. So, probably anything further away is causing her to resist it. For now, it seems that Yanagi is trying to keep things the same or at the very least, communicate with her. Even if he is patient and everything, it will still hurt to be ignored like that. And, I think that it has irked Tachibana. Since she isn’t into being ‘nicey-nice’ to Kujou, I wonder if Tachibana will give Kujou a piece of her mind though I’m not sure up to what extent. Will she tell her that Yanagi rejected her? Will she tell her that Yanagi likes Kujou?

Or, maybe, she would suddenly help and hint Kujou on about her issue on this = why she is acting that way. I’m still wondering of the possibility that since Souma is the one doing the pursuing now, he has exchanged roles with Tachibana. So, could Tachibana be the one who’ll help the two out in her own way? It might be out of character but it seems that she is slightly changing and she obviously does not want to see Kujou treating Yanagi like that. Hehe, or at least, if she is to remain in character, do not want to let Souma get more lovey-dovey moments with Kujou when she wasn’t able to with Yanagi. Well, I’m hoping Tachibana will do that role since everyone else in the cast has tried and failed in helping out Kujou or causing some progress for the two. It turns out that it was a different thing all together with the talk of Miwa and Yanagi. Nevertheless, it is a huge encouragement for her to subtly say that she wants him for her daughter ^^ It probably gave Yanagi some hope and he can probably understand a bit as to why Kujou is acting like that. As for Souma, it seems that he is content to be with a girl who unknowingly likes someone else. ^^; Hehe, I guess he is currently into ‘enjoy it while it lasts’..or maybe, he is hoping against hope like what Tachibana did before with Yanagi..until formally rejected. Oh, I forgot, maybe Yanagi’s sister will also indirectly help out. ^^ Anyway, let’s hope that there will be a little bit of progress soon ^^ <- ‘little’ = low expectation. =P Anyway, it is girl talk the next time around. Scans by 红莲汉

Quote of the day:
Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore. ~ Andre Gide

23 comments:

  1. Wow. You're quick on this! Thank you so much for that.

    Lots of information but little movement. Not quite sure what Kujou is doing about the whole Souma situation. She's obviously confused and not sure what to say to him but really upset about everything going on with Yanagi. I feel sort of like Souma is taking advantage of her obvious confusion about the situation and using it to his benefit. I am surprised that Kujou isn't pushing back like I think she would normally--but that can be attributed to her confusion about her feelings for Yanagi. She's always friendzoned him and though she's uncomfortable with the things Souma's doing, she doesn't classify them as romantic because of her relationship with Yanagi up until now. She doesn't understand that Yanagi was comfortable doing those things because of his feelings of love toward her--not friendship. So in other words, the poor girl is likely sending out extremely mixed signals to Souma because of this.

    I'm extremely disappointed that when both Miwa AND Fujimoto stepped in to help, that Kujou refused to say anything about what is going on. The fact that even Miwa had to ask Yanagi what was going on because Kujou doesn't tell her anything is frustrating. Not to mention that Shiori has been an awesome friend and a flawless example of what friendship is and should be to Kujou. The boys have a lot of ulterior motives.

    She's really sticking her head in the sand and pretending EVERYTHING doesn't exist. But she goes along with everything with Souma--not even standing up for her own feelings. Yet it's not really bothering her? It's weird because from the outside it looks like she's trying to avoid not getting hurt by Yanagi but afraid to hurt Souma and everything is getting all mixed up.

    I will take back everything bad I ever said about Tachibana if she knocks some sense into this girl next chapter. Everyone else is trying to cushion Kujou and give her time to approach them so they can help her. Tachibana just can't stand her and probably is all "WTF are you doing?" and knock her back on track and into reality somehow. At least I can hope.

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    1. Thanks for reading ^-^

      Nice long commentary ^^

      Indeed..lots of talk here. Good point..she probably thinks that what Souma is doing is like being a friend..though she somewhat knows that it isn't because like with the holding hands, she feels like crying..but in a way, she don't think too much about it that it is really romantic-inclined.

      True, it seems that Kujou has been used to depending on herself that she doesn't want to trouble others. This is especially for her mother. For Fujimoto, well, she focused on not getting permission from Souma to talk about the confession but she didn't think of consulting her about Yanagi. Ya, the boys have ulterior motives.

      Ya. Though it might have slightly bothered her but not to the point of protesting about it. Hm..good point so it seems like 'no one gets hurt' is her ideal.

      True, I'm thinking along those lines since she did mention that she doesn't like Kujou. She is in a good position to do that.

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  2. Wow Thank you so much.
    You are so fast translator . I think that Kujou is gonna know her feeling.

    Thanks again I appreciate your work. ^ ^

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    1. Thanks for reading, Yuki Sama ^-^

      Hehe..well, it was relatively easy and I have time ^^

      Yup..hopefully, she really knows it soon. ^^

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  3. Thanks for the scan! This might be a good trial for kujou! I hope tachibana helps! In think that just hinting love would be enough, After all she doesn't even think of love, if hinted maybe she'll understand why is Yanagi so special to him.

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    1. You're welcome..though it isn't my scans. ^^;

      Hopefully, she does soon, for Yanagi's sake.

      As for hinting..maybe. Anything can happen there.

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  4. Actually, I feel kinda pissed on Kujou. Only a bit. I don't know if she have no common sense at all or just never used it. Every human got hurt. Being afraid of change is too much. Choosing to stay silent will never be the answer. Because at the end, she might lose all.

    Well, I'm telling this because I kinda experienced how to get hurt. Back then, I had this one and only friend. We played a lot, talked about many stuffs and even competed with each other. But one day, I knew I was betrayed. To cut the long story short, I can never make friend with her. As years passed, I was too afraid to get too close with anyone. I never made a single friend after that incident. I tried to isolate myself and focus on my studies. But then, one day I realized, nothing will move on if I continue like that. Once I stepped into my new environment, I found myself being in a group. Playing and talking once again. But then I thought if past will repeat itself. By the second, I was afraid but at the end, I brushed the thought off. Nothing will repeat itself if I too make a change.

    So I was hoping that the mangaka will make Kujou realized by herself that nothing will happen if she won't take a step forward. Cause right now, I'm really pitying Yanagi so much.

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    1. And I almost forgot, thanks Kat!

      I love the quote at the end, by the way.

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    2. True but it seems that she is.. 'secluded' 'pampered' that she wants things to be in its 'ideal' form because 'reality sucks'? In a way, she did kind of used 'escapism' as a way to cope with her father's death. I guess she doesn't realize that and her 'world' is quite 'small'. Hm..it makes me wonder maybe she doesn't watch television or read entertainment books like love novels, etc..just school books.

      Thanks for sharing your story ^^ In a way, that does happen to everyone in one form or another. It is up to the person if one succumbs to that fear and not reach out since it will happen again, or go ahead and try again. Of course, in this case, it seems that Kujou is already content and happy with how things are so why change it. Hm..in a way, Tachibana is the only one who isn't really 'nice' like the others in her world but then, Kujou never noticed it. ^^;

      Indeed..the poor guy.

      You're welcome ^-^ And glad you like it ^^

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  5. Thanks for the translation ^_^

    I hope Tachibana will help Yanagi and Kujou out on their relationship status. All that has happened is big misunderstanding on Kujou's part when Yanagi said they won't be friends forever. But I think it is also Yanagi's fault for not being clear on what he meant by that. They should clear out and talk with each other. Hopefully Tachibana will help Kujou realise her feelings that what she is feeling now is love and jealousy whenever Yanagi is talking to another give.

    As for Souma his making all the moves and attack on Kujou, however Kujou's mind is all about the things that happened with Yanagi. So far I think it is alright for Souma is making her realise her feeling for Yanagi. I hope it doesn't backfire though and Kujou ending up dating Souma. I still prefer the Yanagi x Kujou pair.

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    1. Thanks for reading, avismonte080 ^-^

      True..she misunderstood what he meant but as things goes, she is avoiding him so talk with each other is unlikely at the moment unless something/someone intervenes.

      Hopefully..and I'm curious how Tachibana will do that since she isn't 'nice' like the rest of the cast.

      Yup, though I'm not sure if that is Souma's intention = to make her realize her feelings for him. That seems very unlikely since I think this is a 'fixed couple' series.

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    2. I'm hoping by the next chapter a lot of progress should happen in Kujou's feeling. I hope she will straight forwardly reject Souma soon. I want to see more cheesy moments between Yanagi and Kujou!!! TT_TT

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    3. Ah..true, avismonte080. Ever since the kiss and after Souma's confession, those moments are already gone.

      So, hopefully soon or better if earlier ^^

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  6. thanks kat for translation
    omg im getting pissed of from yanagi be man and confess already :P its awfull to see him being a hero and going through this stuff
    and about kujou she is a still late learner seriously nothing can be done with her..a true confession will put her on track.......:D

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    1. Thanks for reading ^-^

      Well, currently, he cannot even talk with her so confession is out of the question unless he does something forceful again. Or, someone/something makes them to be in 'conversation stage' again.

      Hmm...maybe that will put her on the track. Right now, I cannot say for sure since she seems to fear change and would rather that things remain the same = friends forever.

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    2. yeah agreed with u kat ^-^

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  7. This is how I see this series going. I think Tachibana is going to scold Kujou and tell her that she's holding Yanagi's life back, or something like that. This is going to make Kujou withdraw from him even more because of what he said about not being friends anymore. Yanagi is going to get "dumped" by her and finally give up, only for her to realize her feelings and go after him right around the time they graduate. The End, Souma winds up with Tachibana, Fuujimoto marries her boyfriend, and Yanagi wins the "Last Game".

    BTW, thanks for the detailed summaries. Yours are, by far, the best.

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    1. Hehe, hm..possible ^^

      Thanks for reading and the comment ^-^

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  8. I don't mind the drama between Yanagi and kujou
    but the drama from Souma confession is dragging for too long.i really hate the love triangle in last game,and it's no.1 in my love triangles black list
    Yanagi and kujou are a lot better without stupid souma entering in the middle

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    1. Hehe, is that so.

      True, things seem somewhat different since the love triangle is started.

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  9. if this manga is popular in japan I fear that the love triangle will continue until it gets stale. There doesn't seem to be any other plot besides the romance. i wish yanagi had more of a role as a character rather than just being the pursuer. If i saw some dude get farther with a girl in a year than i could in 10 id probably call it quits lol. thanks for the translation!

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    1. True though this isn't exactly a love triangle themed series.

      I agree..the plot is pretty much that and a bit of side stuff backgrounds of the side characters/love rivals.

      Lol, is that so. Still 10 years is such a long time so usually, one might have some hesitation of just quitting. ^^

      Thanks for reading ^-^

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