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.

Hibi Chouchou [Chapters 70-72]

At the dojo, Atohira comments that it has been so many years already and it is here where they met for the first time. <- Atohira defeated Kawasumi. Recalling Atohira’s letter about this being the last time, Kawasumi asks if he is going to give up on karate. Frowning Atohira says that in any case, he’ll leave this place by spring and right now, it is a good opportunity to leave. Looking at the place, Atohira says that it is really great to have met Kawasumi. This surprises Kawasumi. Smiling Atohira tells Kawasumi that this is the last so Kawasumi better win. At home, Suiren is uneasy and glum. She decides to make some bagels for they aren’t very sweet. She looks at the clock and it is 1:40pm. Then, she is chopping some vegetables. It is already 3pm. Ding dong. She immediately opens the door to see Kawasumi. Kawasumi smiles at her and she hugs him. Suiren didn’t ask him about what happened that day.. Whether it is Kawasumi or it is her, there are some things that are only hidden in one’s world. It is not at all demanding to understand the other’s everything. Even if it is like this, they still collide with each other. That is what she thinks.

Hibi Chouchou [Chapters 68-69]

Kawasumi and Suiren are having their usual date at Café Bell. Kawasumi recalls that it is already a year since they have gone steady. So-called mutual collision of ideas, and sharing [/enjoying] the same time. Anyone has some other thing besides this kind of feeling. He thinks that from that day on, Atohira didn’t go back to their house again. While walking together with Suiren, Kawasumi is bothered that Atohira told him that they are always rivals. He thinks that as a person, as a man, he is still quite far off and lacking [in dealing] with Suiren and Atohira. If he can handle things a bit better.. Noticing his glum expression, Suiren tells him that he is always listless after the cultural festival. Kawasumi apologizes to her. He wonders if she is also aware of Atohira’s intention [/feelings] and could it be he confessed something..but compare with those things, since Suiren won’t say it, he wants to cherish more this kind of feeling. Kawasumi held her hand tighter and this made her blush. Then, they wave each other goodbye. Suiren recalls Meguna telling her about the anniversary kiss. Suiren thinks that this isn’t the time to think of that.

Hibi Chouchou [Chapter 67]

After Atohira left, Kawata calls out to Kawasumi and tells him to quickly lead the way for there are many people lined up already. Kawasumi apologizes to him and runs off, leaving a surprised Kawata. At the takoyaki stand, while Aya expertly makes some takoyaki-s, Daisuke calls out to Yuri. A girl asks Yuri if it is her boyfriend. Yuri calls out to her as Haruka [guesswork from 美佳] and asks if it is time to change shifts. Daisuke tells her to accompany him in looking around the school. Yuri says okay. Soon, Atohira is walking the corridors alone as some girls are glancing at him with hearts around them. And a triple bun haired girl came rushing towards him from behind. It is Koume who shouts, captured--!! The others are quite happy about this except for Atohira. Koume says that she’s very happy that he can come. “It’s at this side☆” Atohira tries to protest but it is futile for she had already dragged him away. While Daisuke realizes that Atohira is gone, Yuri is pointing out the gym where the posters of the classes are put up.

Hibi Chouchou [Chapter 66]

Atohira has just confessed to Suiren. Suiren looks surprised. He looks away then looks back at Suiren. He urges her to quickly say, ‘sorry’ to him [<- sorry = rejection]. To Atohira’s surprise and aghast, Suiren seems to be nauseous [or choking]. He asks if she is alright and quickly sit down. Covering her mouth, Suiren mutters that it isn’t deliberate. Atohira angrily thinks that if is ruder if it isn’t deliberate. As Suiren sits down, Atohira says that she is already used to a confession right. Suiren mutters..con..fession..? Atohira leaves and comes back with a bottle of water. After giving it to Suiren, she thanks him. She drinks a bit [I presume] and breathes out. Atohira says that she has foresight [/discernment] when she chose that guy. Wondering if Atohira really likes her, Suiren looks at him and remembers Kawasumi. Then, flustered Suiren says, “..sorry..” Atohira says that the time they [Atohira and Suiren] know each is still longer than the time that they [Kawasumi and Suiren] went steady. “..about today, I hope that you won’t tell [anyone] anything.” Suiren says okay. Suiren thinks that a so-called like [/love] is not at all something that someone and someone said so, it is feelings [/intention] that naturally connected.

Hibi Chouchou [Chapter 65]

Flashback: Defeated young Kawasumi looked in awe at Atohira. Later on, Atohira ate an ice pop while walking home with Kawasumi, Ryosuke and Hajime. Then, he walked together with Kawasumi and Ryosuke during junior high. And Atohira dueled with Kawasumi. Atohira has known him since elementary, his friend’s younger brother. While walking, Atohira called out in surprise that his friend asked what, it is someone he knows. Atohira said no, he ought to have mistaken someone. Atohira thinks that from the very start when he met the two of them, they haven’t started going steady yet. At some unknown time, they started going steady. He doesn’t know why he felt very angry about this. <- telling Kawasumi that they’ll break up very soon. During a karate break, Atohira glances at Kawasumi who was jogging. Atohira passed by the café and saw the two together. He frowns and wonders how long they have been going steady. And why at this time.. End flashback.

Hibi Chouchou [Chapter 64]

At his school’s gate, girls are squealing that it is Atohira-senpai-♡ Then, Daisuke walks beside Atohira as they head to the school building. Daisuke comments that basically there are very few engineering female students looks at him. Since Daisuke looks in a good mood, Atohira asks if he is going steady with Yuri. He says no, not yet but today, they called each other in the morning. Atohira lamely says, eh- This made Daisuke tell him to feel a bit interested about it. He asks Atohira if he plans to go steady with Koharu. “Do you want to go on a double date?” Atohira says that he won’t go. Daisuke comments what type would Atohira like. Atohira says rather than what type of person, and right now, he temporarily doesn’t give it any consideration. He thinks that he doesn’t want to give it consideration and it is fine not to think of it. Meanwhile, school life of the couple is the same as before – doing each others’ thing and walk home together. Narration: “Regardless of whether it is Wednesday, that day repeats [/duplicates] so many times. From that day, wasn’t able to say, ‘like you’ really well. Like you. Like you. ..like you. *remembers the kiss* Not a bit afraid [to say it].” And they walk home together.

Hibi Chouchou [Chapter 63]

At the karate dojo, someone calls out for everyone to line up. Kawasumi wonders if Suiren is okay while talking with Atohira. He tells himself that she ought to be alright and besides, she told him that it isn’t one on one. After everyone shouts, ‘otsukaresama’[/good job], Ryousuke turns to Kawasumi and he’s gone. Kawasumi arrives at the café and sees Yuri about to welcome him. Yuri tells surprised Kawasumi that Suiren left earlier. Kawasumi thanks her and left. Yuri happily wonders if he is worried. After arriving home and going to his bedroom, Kawasumi calls up Suiren. He wonders if he won’t disturb her since it is about 8 o’clock already. Suiren answers her phone. After greeting her, he asks if she is okay. She says that in the end, she still likes his..voice. This puzzles Kawasumi. She tells him that it makes her feel very calm. This made the two blush. Suiren assures him that she is alright. Kawasumi says okay, it is great if that is how it is.

Hibi Chouchou [Chapter 62]

As they arrive at Café Bell, Aya asks Suiren if she’ll really go on Tuesday. Suiren nods. Aya tells her that it is really okay for Suiren to be like this. Then, she tells Suiren that Kawasumi has already arrived so see you tomorrow. Suiren takes her seat at Kawasumi’s table. She thinks that it is better to tell Kawasumi about it. Kawasumi tells her that in class, even if there are people who really dislike them greeting each other, but it is good for her not to mind it. She timidly tells him not to take responsibility for everything by himself. Just now, she has seen Atohira, and she had asked him how to make her heart [inner being] become strong and then, he would probably give her some suggestions on Tuesday. Kawasumi asks how come she would say that kind of thing to Atohira, and not come to look for him. Suiren says that it is because he’s very nice so.. She thinks that person [Atohira] is also very like her [<- having fans].

Hibi Chouchou [Chapter 61]

This morning, Suiren thought of her former self who doesn’t like to talk nor smile. While Suiren and Aya are walking through the school’s hallway, everyone is muttering about not seeing Suiren for a long time and she is still cute. Yuri joins them and greets them a good morning. Yuri comments about the vacation being short but Aya disagrees with her. While the two are talking about the alarm clock not ringing, Suiren muses that summer vacation passed by quickly, also how fast the first term, and the first year’s second and third term passed by. [<- seems to be referring to the time when she is dating Kawasumi since last summer.] Suiren waves goodbye to her friends and goes into her classroom. With Kawasumi sitting behind her, Suiren takes her seat. She thinks that there is only a half of high school life left. That was an endless day and finally, it felt that time is finally moving again. She once didn’t know that people, things or feelings can change with the passing of time. She starts to wonder if it is better for them not to talk in the classroom, and who is it for..

Hibi Chouchou [Chapter 60]

Yuri begs the couple to please go on a date with her. To Kawasumi's surprise, Suiren nods. Kawasumi tells her to wait, she still haven't clearly... With clasped hands, Yuri tells him that it is fine to just secretly follow them. This surprises the couple. Yuri tells them that to just follow without being noticed and please offer some valuable suggestions. Kawasumi asks if their suggestions can be of use.. To his surprise, Suiren nods again. Suiren says that for Yuri, she'll do her best. Yuri is touched by this. She stares at Kawasumi. Kawasumi says that if she is really perplexed. Yuri exclaims that she is so Kawasumi says that they'll do their best. Yuri sobs to thank them and apologize to them since she is beyond held. Suiren shakes her head and asks what the other person is like. Blushing Yuri says that it is a guy called Daisuke, though first of all, they aren't going steady..maybe friends though they didn't meet after the goukon [group blind date] and even if they keep in touch, it is only a few times when she took the initiative to contact him. He is a nice guy who is older by a year and goes to Senjou. Kawasumi thinks that it is the same school where Atohira goes to.

Hibi Chouchou [Chapter 59]

Narration: “Mutual collision of opinions. Although it is like that, but the problem definitely has a lot.. *kneading a bread dough and recalling how Kawasumi tightly hugged her in the rain* I already do not want to have that kind of memory again.. After parting, [he] thought of a lot of things because of me. It is also because because of me..that [he] felt very lonely. ..because of me, [he] sensed [/affected] by loneliness. Is there something that I can do for him..” And, her melon pans are baked. She happily takes a bite on one of them. She looks at the clock and it is 1pm. She wonders if he is at home. While her heart is beating, she gets ready to call Kawasumi on her phone. She recalls that he told her that if she calls him, he’ll quickly come. Ring. Ring. The other party greets, ‘Moshi moshi’ [/hello]. Thinking that he’s home, she says, “Ka..Kawasumi..” To her surprise, the other party asks who this is. While aghast over why he is asking, Suiren says her name. The other party says that guy isn’t home. Puzzled Suiren is about to ask who this is, Ichi has already hanged up the phone on her. While trembling over it, Suiren wonders if it is Kawasumi’s brother.

Hibi Chouchou [Chapter 58]

Suiren thinks that even if they are going steady, but it is currently in cool-off stage but they will go together to the matsuri [/festival]. She wonders what kind of situation is this. Ding dong. Holding the heart-mask, Suiren thinks that it is like last year, and it would be nice if there’s no need to hide. Wondering if it is okay, she leaves the mask. She opens the door. Kawasumi greets her. She bows in acknowledgement. While walking, Kawasumi tells her that he is quite startled that she is sitting in front of him. Suiren quietly nods. She feels nervous for it has been a long time since they’ve talked. She thinks that obviously that it has been such a long time that they didn’t talk but she’s happy that polite[/formal] language isn’t used. He asks her how she spent her summer vacation. She timidly says that she watched a movie. He asks what movie. She is surprised that he unexpectedly asked in detail. She tells him that it is the story about a pastry chef. He asks if it is interesting. She says yes. Thinking that she also wants to do that, Suiren asks him how he spent his summer vacation. She is a bit embarrassed that her voice sounded strange.

Hibi Chouchou [Chapter 57]

Suiren thinks that even if they don’t go home together on Wednesdays, nor see each other on Sundays and can only gaze[/look] at each other, she really likes this kind of everyday, but, they have arrived upon an answer by themselves. Meguna says that means that they are on a ‘cool-off’ stage, right? [<- the Chinese is literally ‘keep distance’ and it doesn’t sound right. ^^;] Recalling how she told Kawasumi that they’ll slowly mutually think things over a bit, Suiren wonders if that is ‘cool-off’ stage. Then, their teacher Shigeno arrives in class. While shaking a small lottery box, he greets them a good morning and says that they are going to change seats. Everyone start to complain. Soon, it is Suiren’s turn and she got number 39. Meguna tells her that she’s lucky for it is near the window at the back. Taking her things, Meguna says that it’s great for she is also very near her. Suiren looks around and sees that Kawasumi is at the same column but in the very front. Suiren freezes when a glasses fanboy is giggling and greets her yoroshiku ‘I’m under your care’. The teacher notices this and says that Kimura’s [guesswork from 木村] eyesight is very bad so he must exchange with the one in front. While the others are protesting, Suiren is surprised as Kawasumi gets to sit behind her. Kawasumi goes to his new seat while the fanboys are cursing him stupid, didn’t they break up, always make them feel bad. Shigeno[?] angrily tells them to shut up.

Hibi Chouchou [Chapter 56]

It is raining. Suiren lies awake on her bed and recalls that day’s events. Flashback: A guy asked if Takane[no hana]-chan is crying. Aya shouted that she isn’t. As Meguna went to them, Yuri ushered Suiren to the side. Everyone is gossiping about it. Someone [<- Yuri or Meguna] asked what happened. Flustered Suiren wondered from where she should start. Aya said that it is alright if she won’t say it. This made Suiren hug her. Back at school, things go as usual. End flashback. Suiren’s alarm clock is ringing. She stops the alarm and thinks that it is now Wednesday and after that day, nothing has been said.. even if she doesn’t regret it = telling him to kiss her and wanting to talk more with him. She wonders what Kawasumi is thinking. It is still raining when she goes to school. As the others are greeting each other good morning, Suiren opens the door to the classroom and comes face-to-face with Kawasumi, who was followed by Kawata. Suiren turned away which seemed to have surprised Kawasumi. And, they had gone their own away. Suiren wonders if he will come today. After school dismissal, she walks with her friends to the café. Suiren is puzzled when Yuri tells her not to mind too much those rumors. Aya calls Yuri’s attention that Yuri apologizes. Suiren asks what it is. Yuri tells her that someone saw her crying so the rumors say that they have broken up. “But that is a rumor, right! It is obviously not like that!” Aya tells Suiren that she doesn’t want to see her in such pain and ..what the heck is [romantic] love. Yuri says but she thinks that there are no lovers that do not quarrel. Looking up the rain, Suiren wonders if this is a quarrel and love is very complicated.. “Even if I want to meet, want to talk, but I feel a bit afraid over Kawasumi-kun coming over.” The doorbell rings. Catching his breath, Kawasumi arrives. Suiren is tense for he came. Her friends prepare to take their leave. She nods to them when they wave her goodbye.

Hibi Chouchou [Chapter 55]

At the Ferris Wheel, Suiren had asked Kawasumi to kiss her. Her heart is beating fast and she’s trembling. She mentally asks him to say something a bit for the mood is very awkward. Kawasumi says okay. Then, he looks out the window. The blushing two look outside and wait for their carriage to reach the top. Suiren thinks that as it goes up, she couldn’t stop trembling. Her heart beats faster when Kawasumi stands up. He holds the rail beside her and leans to her. The furious fanboys in the other carriage below them are making a fuss. Suddenly, the Ferris Wheel stops. This made Kawasumi look out. There is an announcement saying that at present, they have to check up on the Ferris Wheel safety system so there is an emergency stop so please wait for a moment. Ryousuke and others are looking up the Ferris Wheel. Kawasumi sits down on his chair again and says is that so..there are people watching. After a pause, Kawasumi tells her that he doesn’t care about legends and he only wanted her to attain happiness. Suiren looks at him as he looks away. Thinking of her cellphone, Suiren says, “--..My (happiness is--..) *recalls Kawasumi telling her that it would be better for them not to talk in class* (..if I say.. this out..) --..the date of the competition.. I really wanted you to tell me..” This surprises Kawasumi that he apologizes.

Hibi Chouchou [Chapter 54]

Ready..start! Kawasumi quickly goes for a kick which Atohira successfully blocks. They continue to spar that Mina asks Ryousuke how is it, which side is winning. Ryousuke says probably..no, Kawasumi will win. Mina looks at the other side and observes somewhat flustered Koharu. The competition goes on. Outside the stadium, a butterfly goes to some pansies, before flying away. Later on, Kawasumi is running fast and upon reaching his house, he quickly picks up the phone and dials. The other line rings. When it was picked up, Kawasumi exclaims that he won. While catching his breath, Kawasumi says that it is the first time he won against Atohira. Suiren asks if this is about the competition. Kawasumi exclaims yes. She congratulates him and says that’s quite amazing. Kawasumi exclaims, ya and, he’ll hang up first. In her house, it seems that Yuri and Aya are baking some melon pan. Suiren looks at her cellphone and thinks that it turns out to be today.. It is almost 2pm. She wonders when it started and she really wanted him to tell her [about it]. She thinks that he called her after it ended and if he told her [before], would she go..? Kawasumi glances at the phone and smile. Then, he remembers Ryousuke. Ryousuke quickly rushes out of the house and runs in the street. Suiren calls Kawasumi’s phone and there’s no answer.

Hibi Ryuusei and Hirunaka no Chouchou

[Free talk: These are two side stories collaboration between the mangakas of Hirunaka No Ryuusei and Hibi Chouchou. This was actually last month’s ^^;; Since I’m going to do HC next, these side stories might be a good ‘in between’ ^^]

Hibi Ryuusei is just a reverse wherein Suiren is the lead of HnR and Suzume is the lead of HC. Briefly, Suzume enters school and makes an impression of loving food since she brought lots of onigiri to school. She manages to easily make friends. She meets Kawasumi and offers him onigiri. A hoodlum type of guy messes up with Suzume’s onigiri-s. Kawasumi and Ryosuke intervene and Suzume helps them beat the guy up. In the end, she joins the karate club with them with hopes that Kawasumi and Suzume enter the Nationals =P And that is the start of her high school’s sport life.. Meanwhile, Shishio tries to pick up Suiren but he frightens her off. She feels nervous over how seatmate Mamura is glaring at her. She finds high school scary. She writes a letter to Aya about it being two days since entering high school. Her uncle Yukichi calls out to her that the melon pans are done. While eating the bread, Suiren thinks that just by looking at Yukichi, she feels at ease and that is the start of the forbidden love.. =P

Hibi Chouchou [Chapter 53]

Flashback: During a karate match in a tournament, Kawasumi is fighting against Atohira. Later on, by the door, Kawasumi is sitting while looking at his 38th place medal in the Nationals. Ryosuke told him not to be too disappointed. Then, Atohira, together with Ichi, called out that it turns out that he’s[/they’re] there and that the 6 o’ clock competition has ended. Kawasumi stood up and congratulated Atohira for winning the championship. He smiled and said that in the end, Atohira is quite amazing. Atohira told him that he cannot go to Shuei High. Looking away, he said that he already decided to go to Chijou Technical [School]. Ryousuke said in surprise that place doesn’t have a karate club. Kawasumi isn’t reacting as Atohira looked at him. End flashback. While the others are breathing hard, a guy asks Ryousuke what’s up with Kawasumi who is still jogging when practice is already over. Still catching his breath, Ryousuke says that is a man’s war[/conflict]. While washing his face, Kawasumi thinks that it was still the first time he dueled with Atohira since that official tournament. “Cannot lose.” He puts on his school uniform and goes to his class. He looks at Suiren who is chatting with Meguna. Then, he blushes a bit. Kawata calls out his name that Kawasumi exclaims in surprise. Kawata wants to see his English homework which Kawasumi quickly gave him. While Kawata is busy copying, Kawasumi is relieved that he wasn’t seen by Kawata. He doesn’t want to cause any problems for Suiren in class. While Meguna is showing something cute on the magazine, she glances at glum Suiren then at Kawasumi.

Hibi Chouchou [Chapter 52]

Aya walks Suiren to school then Suiren goes to her classroom alone. She takes her seat and recalls Kawasumi telling her that for the time being, he won’t be walking her home because of a duel that he doesn’t want to lose. She had told him okay, understood, goodbye. She looks at her phone for two minutes from 22:05. As she lies down on the bed, she thinks that it is okay if they cannot go home together. It is also okay that there are something that [he?] is totally captivated about. She wasn’t able to say a ‘gambatte’ [/good luck] and they just hang up like that. She really wants him to call again, wants him to ask her if it’s alright. End flashback. She feels quite lonely. Then, she sees Kawasumi by the classroom’s door. He sees her. He smiles and nods. This made her blush as he casually passes by. Fanboys start to cause a ruckus over Kawasumi exchanging meaningful glances with Takane [no hana]-chan. Kawasumi ignores them as he just sits on his seat. The fanboys furiously warns him that even if they are in the same classroom, it is forbidden to do that kind of thing from today on. They were interrupted by Meguna who tells them that like that, those two’s love will be more intense just like Romeo and Juliet. A fanboy exclaims that it is beauty and the beast. Meguna tells them to look, they’ve made Suiren’s mood bad and it is because they didn’t notice a bit so they are unpopular guys. She says that Suiren is quite pitiful, guys are detestable and do they have an ailment. The fanboys are aghast and surprised by what she said. A crying fanboy points at Kawasumi and shouts that it is already happiness that one can just watch Suiren but that guy stole her away. Kawata, Kawasumi’s friend, says that if it is Kawasumi, it is a bit.. Kawasumi angrily calls his name. Meguna gestures to Suiren and tells the fanboys to look at this side. They are shock to see Suiren trembling and looking aghast. Irked Kawasumi says how noisy[/wordy]. While the fanboys are turning into shock-ghosts, Meguna rubs it in by saying that they obviously don’t have a girlfriend. Shigeno-sensei comes in and tells everyone to sit down. He starts doing a roll call. Suiren thinks that they are in the same classroom, in the same section, even if she’s very happy, but it is somewhat suffocating. Seeing Suiren’s expression, Meguna asks what it is, love trouble, she’ll listen to that. Suiren thinks that when she turns around to look at Meguna, she deliberately look away [from] Kawasumi [who is seating at the back]. Probably at the classroom, they can have a relationship as classmates.