Hibi Chouchou [Chapters 73-75] -Fin-

After Aya gives the sandwich to Ryousuke, she left. Ryousuke thanks her. Standing by the stairs, Suiren has overheard what happened. Then, she continues going upstairs. After school, while walking together with Suiren, Aya is telling Suiren about a place that has delicious cake so how about they go and try eating there. Suiren wonders if she can ask about that issue but won’t that hurt Aya, and besides, Ryousuke has a girlfriend.. Suiren wonders if Aya wants to go steady and can she [Suiren] do that. Aya asks Suiren if this morning she came to the snack counter and she was upstairs yet she doesn’t want Aya to notice her. This surprises Suiren. Aya says that in the end, she likes Suiren’s personality of not asking anything even if she saw that. While Suiren thinks that actually she really wants to know, Aya starts to leave and says that from the start it is like that so she thinks that Suiren won’t ask about anything. Suiren isn’t walking so Aya turns back and face her. Suiren apologizes to Aya and asks if she likes Ryousuke. Aya is surprised that she asked. Aya turns around to leave. She goes to the park and rides the swing. Suiren follows her and swings beside her.

Suiren is shock when Aya starts swinging while standing up. She tells Suiren that it is super disgusting to talk about that kind of topic. Then, Aya calms down and sit on her swing again. And, the two sat there until it is night. Aya tells Suiren about her curfew. Suiren says that it is alright. After some pause, it was decided that Suiren contact her family. After Suiren informs her mother, Aya says that she’s hungry. Then, Aya tells Suiren that she’ll only tell her that in this world, there is love that one also do not want to happen and that is the current her. She asks Suiren not to tell anyone and this is something that she really wants Suiren to do and since Suiren knows her personality, she ought to understand, right? Suiren wonders what’s with that for if there is something that she wanted her to do then say it. She couldn’t say that and it cannot be said so she can only say.. Suiren says okay. Aya turns to her and says that there is one thing that she wants Suiren to do and that is to be always her friend. Surprised Suiren says yes, but of course.. Aya smiles and stands up. She says okay, this topic has ended, time to go home!

While walking with Suiren, Aya wonders what to eat and curry would be nice. Then, she recalls how smiling Ryousuke thanks her. After they bid each other goodbye, Aya looks up the sky and becomes teary-eyed upon recalling Ryousuke with Mina. After she went into the house, the doorbell rings. She opens the door and looks surprised to see that it is Suiren. Suiren says that she already told her mother that she went to Aya’s house and she can stay at Aya’s side. Soon, they are eating and Aya’s father is taking pictures of them [/Aya]. Then, they hang out for a while, talk about the teddy bear and study together. Aya asks her if she wants to stay overnight. Soon, the two are brushing their teeth as they prepare to go to sleep. Lying on their futons, Aya says about time can resolve everything and will there be a day when they’ll be talking about that kind of thing. Suiren closes her eyes and thinks that is true and she couldn’t imagine. Suiren recalls how Aya protects her from guys wanting to give her earthworm and crayfish. Then, she would shout at the guys going near Suiren. Then, she would glare at the guys. Suiren recalls how Aya grows up and always fighting with the guys because of her. Suiren becomes teary-eyed.

Aya wakes up when Suiren calls out to her. Suiren asks her why she said just now about wanting her to be always her friend. Aya says that actually, not long ago, she has always been thinking if this is truly okay. That is from Atohira who said that Suiren became weak because of Aya. Teary-eyed Aya asks if she truly can stay at her side. Shaking her head, teary-eyed Suiren says that she is very weak so she is spoiled by her. She let herself be spoiled because she likes Aya the most and because she doesn’t want to part from her. And, Aya also starts crying that she takes some tissues to blow her nose. Suiren asks if she is okay. Aya says yes, and thanks her for coming today. Suiren thinks that it is not only like that, ‘being spoiled’. She only won’t talk nor smile so that her surrounding would become comparatively quiet than before. Wanting to become relaxed so she can only run away alone like this. It is definitely that she only has no awareness that it is for her to be protected and run away.

The next day, the two wakes up, sits up and looks at each other. Recalling what happened last night which is like a dream, they face each other say both say that from today on, yoroshiku [/I’m under your care]. They look surprised at each other and think that it wasn’t a dream at all. While walking to school, Aya says that thinking about it, during elementary, junior high and high school, they already go to school together, and the opportunity to for them to go to school together is already not many anymore. Suiren looks up the sky and thinks that because it is quite a normal bright sky, her heart aches a bit and it is inevitable that there will be change and she hates to part ways. At the snack counter, Aya has just bought a snack when she sees ponytailed girl frowning at her. Mina and another friend are standing behind her. Ponytailed girl asks Aya to whom is she going to give that. Aya is puzzled. While the other girls call out Aki [guesswork from 秋; ponytail], Aki says that yesterday she saw her and what is she doing with Mina’s BOYFRIEND. While Mina tries to drop the issue, Aya says that it was nothing and by the way, this snack is for herself.

Then, Aya looks surprised upon seeing Suiren behind the girls. She continues to look surprised when Suiren is quickly running towards her. Everyone is surprised when Suiren calls out to Aya. Aya becomes teary-eyed. To the other girls’ surprise, Suiren hugs Aya. The others are asking what’s up just now with Suiren, is it a quarrel and it is rare for hear her call out in such a loud voice. Ryosuke, together with Kawasumi, look out to see what’s happening. Seeing the girls, Ryosuke goes to them and asks what’s up. Aki shouts that he is the main cause of the problem. Mina says that it is nothing. Mina apologizes to Aya who says that it is nothing. Mina looks at puzzled Ryosuke. Holding Ryousuke’s hand, Mina says that it is because she really trusts this person. This surprises everyone and made the others blush especially Ryosuke. The others are congratulating, cheering and whistling at the two. Ryousuke thanks them as Mina says that they’re going. Kawasumi asks Aya if she’s okay. She says yes. Aya says that guy is really lucky. Aya looks at Suiren says that she [Aya] too. She looks at Kawasumi and says, you too. Kawasumi asks if that guy did something. Aya says that he didn’t do anything. Kawasumi says that even if that guy is an idiot but he is a person who absolutely won’t do any strange thing. Aya agrees.

While eating at the roof, Aya says that in the end, everyone is a good person. Yuri is puzzled. Aya says that it is good if things always go on like this for them to eat together at this roof. The other girls are surprised. Aya is irked when two girls ruin the mood. Yuri confesses that she wants to quickly graduate for she doesn’t like long distance. [<- she lives far away?] Meguna says that she also wants to live in a big city. Aya says that she unexpectedly does not want to become an adult and what would they be doing 10 years after. Yuri and Meguna want to get married. They ask about Suiren. Recalling Kawasumi asking her about being always together, Suiren thinks that she didn’t answer at that time and what does ‘always’ mean because 10 years after is unknown so how can they always be together. Looking down the roof to see Kawasumi jogging, Suiren thinks that actually, she wants to be always together. She doesn’t want to fall in love with someone else. She only wants Kawasumi to look only at her but really, 10 years after, everything is unknown.

Soon, they have to fill out the form on what they want to do after graduation. Suiren and Aya are talking about bread like melon pan, donut and cornet. Yuri is choosing whether to be a make-up artist, manicurist, etc. Meguna wants to become a nurse. Suiren and Aya successfully made a loaf of bread. And, everyone went on to do their usual school activities. Even if they are walking on different paths, regarding that, she knew it a long time ago. While it is raining, inside the café, Kawasumi shows Suiren some documents and tells her that it is around 2 hours by train. Teary-eyed Yuri is watching them behind a plant. Kawasumi informs Suiren that he will be moving out of the house to live by himself and that is what he had decided. Later on, at the bedroom, Aya says that she always think that Kawasumi suits to become fireman or a police and he would announce that type of course but in the end, he is going to a college of medicine. Suiren tells Aya that it is alright for she also has something that she wants to do. Suiren is holding a book about a school specializing in confectionery. Aya looks surprised. Suiren thinks that even if they are walking different paths, she also wants to be always together in the future ahead.

One day, while doing some grocery, Suiren and Aya meet Atohira by chance. The two girls greet him. Atohira asks if she are still making bread and he wants to eat bread so can she made him a cream bun. Aya says that they don’t want to. Just when Atohira complains about them being cold, Suiren gives him the ingredients and tells him to try doing it himself. Aya laughs and says that Suiren did well. Atohira accepts the challenge and tells them that what he makes will definitely more delicious than theirs. And, while Atohira is kneading the dough at home, his sisters are rushing to taste test it. Ding dong. Atohira proudly gives Suiren his cream buns. The girls love it. They are trembling and defeated for it is really delicious and what is Atohira. [<- being so talented] Satisfied Atohira leaves. In the end, Aya hates that guy. Soon, they bake more and study more.

Soon, it is around the end of July when they see a poster for the fireworks display on August 1. Aya tells the others that they all go together since it is the last opportunity. The other three are surprised. Yuri says that it is the last so everyone get their boyfriends. Aya[?] says that it seems that the last year would come back. Meguna says that she wants to go with just the girls only and she can see the mood. Suiren says that Kawasumi has a retirement competition outside the prefecture. Yuri exclaims in surprise and asks if she isn’t going to cheer for him, quickly go. Suiren says that it is alright. So, it is agreed that they all go together. Later on, they learned from a television display that there will be a typhoon coming and it is reported to be delayed until next week. Yuri says then she can go with Daisuke. Aya says the two of them can go alone. Yuri says that isn’t good but she happily asks if that is okay. Meguna says that she’ll also go [with her boyfriend]. 

Aya looks at Suiren and says no..she’ll follow them afterwards. Suiren nods. Later on, on August 1, Kawasumi comforts crying Ryosuke after the competition. The sky looks dark. Looking out the window, Aya tells Suiren that the timing isn’t quite good. Soon, it starts raining. Then, they decide to go to the convenient store to buy more snacks. While walking, Aya says that it is truly regrettable. Suiren thinks that once again, she [Suiren].. Then, she notices Kawasumi standing in front of her while drenched in the rain. Aya glances at Suiren and tells her to quickly go. Kawasumi grabs Suiren’s hand and they ran through the rain to the place where the matsuri [/festival] will be held. At the place, the vendors are packing up their stuff. It was announced that the fireworks display has been cancelled. Kawasumi says that it was cancelled. Suiren says that it is inevitable, she knows. Kawasumi says ya but.. Suiren thinks that even if it is like that, they also ran forward ahead.

She recalls that memorable fireworks display that they spent together before. It is enough that she recalls those memories and for them to tightly hold each other’s hands together. That day [Christmas] and that day too [confession], normal days, uneasy days, crying days, too. Looking back, the only words that she can say is just thanks. Soon, there are more studying. They pray during New Year to pass their exams. Suiren and Aya got in the college they want. Ryosuke couldn’t believe that Kawasumi got in the college of medicine. Kawasumi helps Ryosuke with his studies. He gives up and jumps into bed. Kawasumi pulls away the blanket as Ryosuke shouts, nnnooo. Soon, Ryosuke runs to his testing site. Crying Yuri manages to get in her college of choice. Meguna also passed. Ryosuke happily hugs Kawasumi for he also passed. And, it is graduation day.

After the graduate representative finishes his speech about the new path they’ll go and always moving ahead, a male student rush in front of the stage and grabs the microphone. He shouts out to Suiren that he always longs for her so please go steady with him. Another guy exclaimed me too!! Someone shouts for them to give the microphone back. Everyone becomes quiet when Suiren stands up. The guys are blushing as their hearts are beating fast. Suiren bows to them and apologizes. The others burst into laughter over how amazing it was for those guys were simply dumped. Someone shouts for everyone to be quiet for this is a graduation. Suiren’s mother looks tense for Suiren while the other parents are gossiping. Suiren is trembling but Yuri holds her hand and smiles at her. Then, they notice Kawasumi going onstage. He grabs the two guys and drives them off the stage. Yuri whispers to Suiren that Kawasumi is angry.

After everyone is quiet, Kawasumi tells everyone to please do not talk about Suiren behind her back since it will cause her trouble. “Then, treat me as your opponent, from today on, Shibazeki Suiren is someone I’ll always protect.” Aya claps. Suiren’s mother is crying. Suiren blushes. Kawasumi bows and leaves the stage. Soon, everyone is outside holding their diplomas. Aya poses for her father who kept taking her pictures. Yuri happily says that was so amazing and so cool that they can write poetry about it. Suiren’s mother goes to her daughter and gives her a hug. Suiren hugs her back. Then, some kouhai asks Suiren if they can take a picture together. Aya’s father takes everyone’s picture. The male kouhai-s are crying that Suiren is going to leave. The girls angrily ask if they are in a funeral. Then, the male kouhai-s hold out their hands to Kawasumi and says that just now, they stunned by him so this is the last, can he give their second button to them. [<- second button is usually given to one’s true love/girl one likes].

This made Kawasumi become aghast. He quickly runs away with Ryosuke. The girls look back to their school. Yuri says that when she just went to school here, she doesn’t know anyone in their class and she suddenly became uneasy. Then, she saw Suiren and thought that she is like a doll since she nods and shakes her head. She whispered to Aya if Suiren is really naïve [/honest] and Suiren turned around and said, ‘yoroshiku’ to her. Yuri said that she can talk. Suiren nodded. Then, Yuri introduced herself. End flashback. Yuri starts crying and says that it is really great that they were able to become good friends during first year. She apologizes for she has always been restraining herself. Starting to cry, Aya tells her not to cry for geez, they’ll still see each other. Everyone becomes teary-eyed that they all hug each other. They decide to hold hands as they go out of the school gate together. Meguna is happy that Suiren hold out her hand to her.

Then, here they go, goodbye to the school. As they walk out of the gate, Kawasumi and Ryosuke also run out there at the same time. They are surprised to see each other. Kawasumi holds Suiren’s hand and they ran off. While others are squealing, Yuri says that they can write a good poem about today. Ryosuke wonders what to do but Mina already caught him. While running, blushing Kawasumi tells Suiren that what he said just now, he was serious about that. Suiren blushes for it is about him always protecting her. She says that their school isn’t the same and their house will also become far apart and perhaps, from today on, there will more quarrels, but..it is okay for them to work hard together to cross over them, one after another. Kawasumi looks at her and says yes. She says that always be together, she always be here. Kawasumi says, “About that..after college graduation, go to work and wait until things had become stable, absolutely wait until that time and have a family together with me.”

Suiren blushes really red and asks if that is a marriage proposal. This made Kawasumi surprise and blush really red. He says that just now, it doesn’t have that kind of meaning and he’ll use some other way of saying it on the official time. “Afterwards..is it okay..?” Blushing Suiren nods. The blushing two quietly look at each other and look away but still holding each other’s hands. They recall all of their memories together at high school. She recalls Koharu saying that compared to a Takane no Hana, a flower butterfly would fulfill its desire by flying towards to the place that it likes. Kawasumi tells Suiren, “Then, see you.” Narration: “Sometimes close together. Sometimes part away. When in pain, I will recall back that unforgettable spring. Like you. Like you the most.” A butterfly flies up the sky. The End.

Comment: The other two chapters focus more on Suiren’s friendship with Aya. It is nice how Suiren was able to payback Aya for everything that she had done for her especially how she went to her when some girls seem to be ganging up on Aya. They re-confirmed that they want to be together since Aya started to have doubts about her role on Suiren’s timidness as mentioned by Atohira. In a way, they will still be together as partners probably with a bakery that they would probably open together after they graduate ^^ It is a surprise that Kawasumi wants to become a doctor for I assumed it would have something related to karate. ^^; It will be a very long wait for Suiren but then, it is good that her world doesn’t only resolve around him since she has indeed something else that she wants to do with her life, and she also has friends that she wants to spend time with. In a way, it seems that they have their own lives and a life together. How they do things in high school can actually help them endure their long distance relationship.

A two+ hour ride isn’t long so they can see each other at least a week which is somewhat like what they are already doing. It really helps that there is already technology that they can talk with each other and even see each other if they miss each other. Of course, surely, Kawasumi already has a cellphone by then ^^ And, this ends with a graduation ceremony wherein our leads show how much they have changed since before and how strong their love is that they are content just being with each other in times when they can be together. That was shown when they are happy together even if there are no fireworks that year as long as they are together. It is a contrast to the first one they went to. In a way, whether in good times or bad, they are happy and content as long as they are together. ^^ At the graduation, Suiren already has the courage to face her fanboys. Kawasumi can already tell them his intention towards her and willingness to fight them as rivals. It seems that some of her fanboys became his fanboys =P And, Kawasumi gives Suiren a ‘promise’ or rather something to look forward to in the future before leaving ^^ Given their personalities of sticking to the one and only, it will surely happen in the future ^^

Overall, the series is quite good and in a way subtle. The dialogues are obviously limited and it is mostly let the action do the talking. The way things are resolved her seems to be a bit more automatic. They seem to just keep on going on with their lives yet somehow, I guess they have some reflection behind the scenes especially Kawasumi that he just improves how he does things with Suiren and becoming more proactive. Things are mostly nice and cute, and well, almost everyone is ‘good people’ who do not do things unnecessarily deceitful. Unlike most shoujos, the couple has their own lives and do not make all of their lives revolve around the other person. They have friends and things that they want to do. They don’t intrude in those but still have time for each other. If in Kimi ni Todoke’s third year seems to be in slow motion, this one seems to be in fast forward. ^^; Everything seems to go quite fast but then, third year is mostly studying so there isn’t much to talk about, I guess ^^;; The pictures pretty much show how they all got in the colleges that they want. There is no extra drama about Suiren anxiety and other stuff about parting from Kawasumi. And things also subtly end. So, thank you for reading my summaries for this series. This is quite late because the Chinese scanlation is also late with this series for some reason since the start of this year. ^^;; Scans by all★wink汉化组

Quote of the day:

Happy times may come and go, but the memories will last forever. - Author Unknown