Last Game [Chapter 44]

Taking off his sweater, Yanagi sighs and thinks that he’s so tired since a lot of things happened yesterday and today. Tomorrow, he has class on the second period so he should quickly go to sleep.. He looks at his bed where Kujou had slept. He groans over the possibility that he won’t be able to sleep [tonight] again.. Then, his cellphone rings. It is from Fujimoto saying that it will be Shouma’s birthday soon so she wants to discuss it a bit with everyone. Those who are free tomorrow after school will gather and meet at the activity room. The next day, while walking to the club room, Yanagi thinks that it is Souma’s birthday and is he 18 years old right now. He became jittery upon recalling teary-eyed Kujou saying that Souma is really so nice, so strong and he is an amazing person. Yanagi curses for what had happened between them. He wanted to ask Souma about it but he’ll definitely deceive him like before. “No.. it’s alright. It’s alright, don’t mind! I won’t lean on some assumptions that have no reason at all since I’ll just hate and annoy myself! I only have to press on with my own pace in doing my best! That’s right, I only have to press on with my own--...” Then, he recalls the shameful things that happened a few days ago. He starts crying while squatting in front of the door.

Kujou tells him not to squat in front of the club room’s door or else, she cannot go in and how come he loves doing that. As the two enter, Fujimoto greets Kujou who says that she skipped class midway. Fujimoto thanks her. After sitting down beside Yanagi, Kujou thanks him for yesterday. He says that it is okay and his mother forced her.. He asks if she has make-up class today. She says yes so, she can only stay here for a while and after all, it is a meeting that is related to Souma’s birthday so she also wants to participate in it. This shocks Yanagi that he asks her what she meant by that. They were interrupted by whining Yoshida who exclaims that he already doesn’t want to listen to some company’s seminar. Surprised, the others ask isn’t he looking for work, why did he come, and didn’t he already resign after the cultural festival. Aghast Yoshida exclaims that they are really mean since he didn’t resign, and let him say, they still haven’t held a farewell party [for him]. He shouts for them to heal him, heal his exhausted wounded heart. Yanagi says that it is too soon for him to bitterly complain. Pouting, Yoshida whines that it is also okay if it is Yanagi anyway, early on, it has been tentatively decided that he [Yanagi] will be on the next president throne of Yanagi Resort.

Yoshida asks Yanagi to help him think of a way [<- get a job at the resort] since they know each other. Yanagi says that there is no way and he doesn’t have that kind of power. He mutters that besides, he also doesn’t plan on entering their own company.. This surprises Kujou. Fujimoto interrupts and says that they focus on the topic first. They’ll start the meeting even if Tachibana is not yet there. Knocking on the board, Fujimoto says that in the next club activity day, it is the 29th which is also Souma’s birthday! Before, it was announced in advance that they will have a takoyaki party but this time, since it is also the club activity day, how about they give Souma a nice surprise [party]. Yoshida says that is a good idea. Fujimoto exclaims isn’t it so, she thinks that they simply hold a happy congratulations. Yoshida says that once he enters the club room, they’ll explode the poppers at the same time, that kind of feeling! Yanagi says that is quite a common item [in surprise parties]. Yoshida exclaims that’s right, then, they are going to prepare a nice surprise to move that guy to tears!

Standing in front of the club room’s door, Souma thinks that he just heard everything. Looking at his cellphone, Souma wonders why Fujimoto sent that message to him and that is too brainless of her. <- group message. But then, even if he guessed that is how it was, and he thought about whether or not he should come, but then, he is so curious on how it goes. Walking back and forth, he wonders what to do, should he go in or not. Then, Tachibana asks him what he is doing. Since he isn’t going in, then move aside. Souma is shock to see Tachibana. Then, there is some loud noise outside. Fujimoto goes out but there is no one there. She says not to mind and just continue with their discussion. Souma had pulled Tachibana behind a post and covered her mouth so that she won’t make any noise. Tachibana angrily asks what he is doing that he’ll seize her with his rotten hand. Aghast Souma says that subconsciously.. Sitting on the bench by the courtyard, Tachibana has a drink and says so he eavesdropped on the surprise birthday party plan. <- Souma bought her the drink [probably as compensation for what he did] Souma says that it is really enough--.., Fujimoto is also too careless, and what should he do. He complains that it is annoying to death, that nice surprise-something. Tachibana says that even if his mouth says that, but he looks very happy right. Souma is blushing.

Souma denies that he is happy but Tachibana stretches her hands and changes the topic. She says regarding that issue, who cares about him for she would rather want to go to a goukon [group date] and since both of them are rejected, how about introducing her to some guys. Aghast Souma asks how come she knew about that. She tells him not to belittle female information network and that kind of thing will quickly spread around fast. Souma thinks girls are really scary. Tachibana says that there are many cute girls among her friends. Souma says how come she dramatically changed, faster than one can flip a book..and by the way, her friends are probably the same as her so he doesn’t want them. Tachibana clicks her tongue and says that if she isn’t like this, she would just become jealous to the point of losing her mind. And earlier, she unexpectedly had no choice but to help out Kujou in choosing clothes for a date. The mention of ‘date’ surprises Souma. Flustered Tachibana says that she really doesn’t understand what’s up with her. Souma says but he understands that kind of feeling. They look towards the school building to see Kujou and Yanagi by the window. Kujou says that the 29th is on Friday and she has make-up class. She becomes gloomy over this for she basically wanted to change the stiff attitude and properly greet Souma a happy birthday..

Yanagi is freaking out over why Kujou is looking so frustrated and dismayed. Is Souma’s birthday that important..!? <- Yanagi who doesn’t know the truth. Clenching her first, Kujou says that she wants to help with the preparations so she is going to bake a cake. Fujimoto exclaims that’s great and tells her to make the usual strawberry flavor one. Yanagi is aghast for Kujou is unexpectedly baking a cake when obviously, she never baked him one. And, it is definitely a homemade one. Even if he really wants to say that but it will show that his tolerance is extremely small that he couldn’t say it out. Yanagi vents his frustration with a light chop on Kujou’s head. Kujou asks what he is doing, stop it. While scratching her head, Yanagi mutters that it is annoying to death, stupid, stupid. Tachibana looks flustered as she and Souma watch them. Souma tells her that for the time being, he has no way of letting go. After a pause, Tachibana says that is also correct. Standing up to go to the club, she says but, if he is interested, then, tell her. “..look, as a friend, I’ll introduce a good girl to you.” Souma looks surprised. He snickers and asks, ..friend? who with whom? This made her aghast. Tachibana angrily gives him the dirty finger and shouts that fancy that, she treated him a bit as a comrade, that’s really completely stupid! She absolutely won’t introduce someone like him to any girls.

Souma asks that it turns out that they are jilted comrades and he doesn’t want that. After she left, Souma thinks that it seems that she is concerned about him. He lies down on the bench and looks up the sky. He muses if there will be a day when this heartache will become a cherished past memory. On the next club meeting, Fujimoto tells everyone to distribute the poppers and be quick for she told Souma to come after 30 minutes. Yanagi is putting bottled drinks on the table. Yoshida asks if they lack one candle on the cake. Standing in front of the door, Souma heard all of what they are saying. <- a considerate kouhai. Souma thinks that before, there were many times when he wanted to tell them that he knew everything but he didn’t say it out and since it is like that, he’ll just pretend to be surprised and it is almost time for him to go in. He opens the door and says that he’s here. Everyone pops their poppers and greet Souma a happy birthday. Souma blushes a bit and says ah, what is this. <- using all his skills to pull off the acting. Fujimoto says that isn’t today his birthday, he shouldn’t forget it, right. Tachibana watches them with a pitiful look. Fujimoto and Yoshida ask if he is happy and was he startled. <- senpai-s who want to ask about his feelings. Souma thinks that it is so troublesome and..

Then, he notices the food on the table. He blushes and says that he doesn’t feel happy. He mutters how come they knew that he likes to eat oden. Still blushing Souma insists that didn’t he say that he doesn’t feel happy. But elated Fujimoto and Yoshida are satisfied for that is so like Souma. Fujimoto makes him sit on the birthday seat and they will sing a birthday song to him, so no matter where, they’ll stick with him today. She tells Yanagi to light up the candles. She tells Souma that Kujou personally made the cake. She informs him that Kujou has make-up class today so she cannot join them but then, she really put her heart into the preparations. Kujou also made the oden. Looking gloomy, Yanagi tells him to take the cake and isn’t it very good, this is a cake personally made by Kujou and she still never made a homemade cake for him. Souma thinks that Yanagi is also too bothersome. With a birthday hat on Souma’s head, everyone sings him a happy birthday. They ate the oden which is delicious. Yoshida asks Tachibana to also bake him a cake on his birthday. She smiles [<- fake] and says that she’ll bake one together with Kujou. Yanagi thinks that it is so obvious that she doesn’t care about him but unexpectedly, Yoshida isn’t willing to give up. <- completely didn’t think of his own situation.

While eating, Souma thinks that Kujou isn’t around and even if he felt a bit lonely but anyway, perhaps, it is a good thing. For the time being, even if he pretended not to mind it but actually, he is still suffering and Kujou is surely quite pressured. He smiles and thinks that he still do not have the self-confidence that he can smile in front of her. Later on, looking out the window, Miyabe says that unknowingly, it is already night so what are they going to do next. Yoshida exclaims that they go have a drink at Souma’s place. Eveyrone agrees. Souma couldn’t believe that they will unexpectedly borrow the celebrant’s house. Yanagi is glad that it isn’t at his house. Standing up, Souma says do what they like for he is used to this. Fujimoto tells the others that they tidy things up a bit. Then, Souma hears some loud running footsteps. Kujou opens the door and asks if Souma is still here. She says that the class is over and she ran all the way here. This surprises Souma. Thinking that she must properly.., Kujou looks up at him. She smiles and greets him a happy birthday. He thinks what awkwardness, lose face and no self-confidence, just with her in front of him, those small things were totally cast away to the back of his mind. Souma smiles and thanks her. As they look at each other, gloomy Yanagi stands between them.

Putting his arm around Souma, Yanagi menacingly asks Souma what’s with that kind of look, what is he, what is he to Kujou. Souma thinks that Yanagi is quite bothersome and is he some gangster. Yanagi lets go of him and says but in the end, it is his birthday so he’ll let him off and wish him good luck. This made Souma smile. He starts rubbing it to Yanagi that it’s great that it is his birthday and Kujou never made one for Yanagi yet she MADE a cake FOR HIM and it is so delicious. She also SPECIALLY MADE a very tasty udon FOR HIM. He tells Kujou to make him one again next time. Kujou says okay. Yanagi screams at Kujou over how she can easily agree to that. Kujou asks what’s wrong with that. Yanagi exclaims that no is no! Kujou asks why she has to get his permission. Tachibana sweatdrops and says that Souma is toying around with Yanagi again. Sticking out his tongue, Souma says that up to this degree, it is nothing. She says perhaps. The two start to darkly laugh. Tachibana says that a bit of hindrance is also okay, right. <- want to bully Kujou. Souma says that’s right. <- want to bully Yanagi. Souma and Tachibana <- A small squad of troublemakers is established. Fujimoto calls out to everyone that they are going so had they tidy things up. As Souma goes to join the others, Souma tells himself that it is no problem, even if he falls down because of a setback, and lose his footing, he only have to be with these people, and he’ll definitely..

Comment: Obviously, this is Souma’s chapter on how he is coping with the rejection and slowly moving on with his life. It seems that the mangaka is somewhat pairing him with Tachibana. She is obviously concerned about him in her own way. It seems that Tachibana detest the idea of moping and be jealous to death so she would rather force herself to find someone new. I guess those two are conflicted on wanting to help the main couple because they are so clueless and to at least make the one they like happy. Yet, they also cannot help on wanting to tease the two and causing hindrances to somehow soothe their hearts since they are tormenting their respective love rivals. ^^; I’m not too sure if that is okay in the long run. I mean, is the mangaka hinting on more dragging and trouble for the main couple by the two who were jilted which may or may not progress things between the two. Or is that just for the comedy of this chapter. ^^; It seems that Yanagi is also keeping his future plans to himself since Kujou didn’t know about it. It reminds me of when Kujou didn’t tell him about her studying accounting. Regarding volume 8, from the blurbs, there are two types of cover either of Yanagi or Kujou. One of them has a special drama CD. It is a story about going to the onsen. ^^ Scans by 红莲汉化组

Quote of the day:

Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward. ~ Author Unknown