Kimi ga Uso o Tsuita/ You told a lie

Over the weekends, I bought 2 volumes of this series. I LOVE it. Although, this is not my typical shoujo romance type of mangas (which I love), I was first attracted to this series because of the cover page. The art style looks good. Upon reading it I was hooked. Now I can't wait for the 3rd volume. This manga is serialised in Dessert magazine. Sigh... I'm so tempted to get the magazine...

Here is a brief summary of the 2 volumes.

Saki was from a single-parent family. She was raised by her mother. As a young child, she seldom saw her dad. He lied to her that he would come and visit her often but he did not. She found out later from her mother that her father was a married man and had his own family. She was the mistress' child. Saki could not forgive her dad for abandoning them and for lying to her. From then on Saki hated liars.

During 2nd year of high school. Saki was confessed to by her senior, Miyake, and they went out as a couple. One day, Miyake invited Saki to watch a movie. However, in school, her close friend, Namie told her that Miyake left her a message and he would not be able to meet her due to some urgent matters at home. Thus, Namie and Saki went to Saki's home to play. At home, Saki received a call from Miyake. She was surprised to know that Miyake did not leave any message with Namie and that he was waiting for her at the theatre. Saki ran out of home leaving Nami alone and begged her mom to drive her to the theatre. Along the way, they met with an accident.

After the accident, Saki gained the special ability to tell when a person is lying. When a person lies, in her eyes they will turn black. Saki's mother died in the accident. Her mother also left her a huge some of money. Saki had no idea how her mother came to have that amount of money. Her relatives, upon knowing about that huge some of money, fought to take care of Saki. Saki could see through their lies and knew that they were not truly concern of her well-being but were more interested to get their hands on her money.

Suddenly, a handsome young man, Midori, appeared. He claimed he is Saki's step brother. Midori told everyone present that he would take over the role of Saki's guardian and would take care of her. Saki followed him as she could see that he was not lying and was genuinely concerned for her.

Volume one ends with Saki discovering the reason why Namie lied to her. (Read Mangafox to get the details).

Volume 2 opens with the introduction of a new character, Kou. Kou was the son of a restaurant owner where Saki worked part time. Kou was a seasoned liar and womaniser. However, he fell in love with Saki and wanted to turn over a new leaf for her.

Also in Volume 2, Saki realized that she is in love with Midori. Volume 2 ended with Kou's ex-girlfriend accidentally pushed Saki over the roof top wall and Midori rescued Saki but was hurt instead. Moreover, Saki accidentally found her childhood photos in Midori's room. Saki began to wonder who really is Midori and whether she can trust him. She approached him and he told her he is her brother and they are blood-related. Saki could see that he was lying as he turned black. Furthermore, Kou approached Midori and expressed that he is in love with Saki. Midori told Kou to take Saki away from him before he hurt her...

What a cliffhanger! Sigh... Who is Midori? Why does he have Saki's childhood photos? Why and how would Midori hurt Saki? He obviously cares alot for her cos he risked his life to save her. How did Saki's mom come to have that huge some of money? Another curiosity is that Midori will always appear when Saki needs help, is that coincidence? So many questions... Sigh... I'm so tempted to get Dessert magazine!

Faster than a Kiss Chapter 37

Hi All,

This is a brief summary of Chapter 37 for all the FTAK fans out there. : ) Hope you enjoy it.

The last chapter ended with Maakun and Fumino running away. They arrive at the Ferris Wheel and take a ride in it. There are only two of them in the cabin. Fumino expresses her displeasure that Maakun has torn Shouma's shirt that she's wearing.
Maakun is upset at the mention of the shirt. He takes the shirt of Fumino and throws it away. Fumino frets that the shirt must be very expensive and she will have difficulty paying for it.

Whilst quarrelling over the shirt, Fumino suddenly asks Maakun how he came to know about the kiss. Maakun explains that Teppei saw the incident and told him about it.

Fumino wonders whether they really did kiss. In tears, Fumino says:"..because I don't remember ... I fell asleep."

Upon hearing that, Maakun is shocked. He hugs Fumino and apologises for being angry. Maakun:"You can't do anything when you are attacked in your sleep."

Fumino cannot help but feel regretful that her first kiss has been taken away. She asks Maakun to kiss her.

Maakun refuses. In anger, Fumino shouts at him that she has asked him many times to kiss her. She explains that she wants Maakun to kiss her in case Shouma has really taken away her first kiss.

Maakun takes Fumino's hand and covers his mouth and he kisses her through the hand.

Fumino thinks to herself that she really loves Maakun...

Maakun's licks Fumino's hand...

Fumino screams... Maakun apologises for getting carried away...

Maakun calls Shouma over the phone and asks him to meet them near the riverbed.

Maakun asks Shouma:"Did you really kiss Fumino?" Shouma asks Fumino:"What did you tell brother?" Maakun tells Fumino to stand behind him. Looking at Shouma, Maakun asks Shouma to answer his question.
Shouma:"What if I say I did..." Maakun raises his fist and throws a punch... He misses him... This continues for awhile...

Maakun asks Shouma whether he likes Fumino. Shouma denies.

Fumino tells them to stop fighting as Teppei is looking at them.

Shouma:"I did not kiss her." Upon hearing that, Fumino attacks Shouma, screaming. Maakun holds her back.

Before they part, Maakun tells Shouma that if wishes, he can try to take Fumino away from him fairly and directly...

Maakun tells Shouma that he will meet the challenge with all his efforts.

Back at home, Fumino kisses Maakun on the neck to thank him for all that he has done for her today.
Maakun's reaction is so hilarious. : )

Sigh... I thought that the chapter will detail out a new level of their relationship but it seems like they have not moved forward. They are back to square one. I wish the mangaka will not drag this out too long. Also, I wonder what role Shouma will play in the later chapters. Will he really challenge Maakun for Fumino's love or not?

Kinkyori Renai/Close Range Love Chapter 22

This Chapter is entitled Uni's Wish. We pick it up from the previous chapter. If you recall, Uni was resting in the infirmary. She asked Azusa who was beside her whether he was the one who saved her. Azusa, who was in love with her decided to lie and told her that he was the one who saved her. Uni was heart-broken as she thought that no matter how she called out for Haruka, he would not respond to her anymore...

Chapter 22 opens with Uni's academic position in school sliding down to Number 2 in her cohort. Saki is Number 1. Her good friend, Nami, expresses her disbelief. Uni stares at the grades and comments in her heart that it is her English that pulls her down. She scores 52 for English.

Haruka walks past and tells her to see him in his office later as her grades for all have remained the same except for English and he wants to talk to her.

Meanwhile, Azusa looks on and decides to speak to Kou Sensei to find out more about Haruka's behaviour. Kou is shocked to learn that Haruka has broken up with Azusa. Azusa tells Kou that he knows that Haruka is still in love with Uni but he doesn't understand why he did what he did.

Kou tells Azusa that she used to be in love with Haruka when they were in the university. He seemed so cool and distant and was always surrounded by girls. Even so, he seemed aloof and private and didn't want to talk about his past or himself. Kou heard some rumours that Haruka is estranged from his father and has been staying alone since 17 years of age. However, she noted that his personality has changed drastically since he going out with Uni. He smiles often and seems really happy.

Kou asks Azusa:" Don't you want the person you love to be really happy?"

Azusa:"You mean you want me to tell Uni the truth?"

Kou tells him she prefers he gives Haruka a punch as she believes... (the scene switches to Haruka and Uni sitting in the career counselling room).

Haruka tells Uni that he is concerned of her grades and if she has any questions she must approach him. All Uni can think of is that Haruka is smiling at her. At that moment, Azusa barged into the room and pushed Haruka to the wall. Azusa calls him a coward and that the reason for him to hide his love for her is because he is afraid that she will leave him for another person. Haruka leaves Uni first so that he can prevent himself from getting hurt in the future. Azusa confesses to Uni that Haruka was there to save her too during the sports meet.

Upon hearing that Uni assures Haruka that she will not like anyone else. Haruka maintains that he doesn't know what they are talking about and he leaves the scene.

Uni tells Haruka that she will confess her love to him everyday. (the rest of the scene depicts Uni's hilarious methods of confessing her feelings)

On the last day of school before the winter vacation, Uni goes in search of Haruka to confess her feelings. One of the staff tells her that Haruka has left for the train station to take a train back to his home town. Uni is hurt and discouraged to know that Haruka has gone home to avoid her. Azusa seeing her despondent look decides to help her get to the train station on time. With Uni sitting behind him, Azusa cycles to the train station as fast as he can. Along the way, Azusa asks her for the cat clip he has given to her. He tells her that he fell in love with the girl who was so happy to receive the clip from him. He wants to see her with that smiling face again.

Uni manages to get to the station just to see the train leaves. She rushes up to Haruka and with tears in her eyes she tells him that she loves him today and will continue to love him tomorrow. Although she cannot promise she will love him forever, but she knows that by his side she can conquer all difficulty. As the train departs, Uni shouts after it telling Haruka that she will wait for him to come back to look for her.

Days past and Uni has not received any news from Haruka. On Christmas day, Nami asks Uni to help her sell cakes to earn some part time income. Nami asks Uni whether she is will be going out with her mysterious boyfriend later on. Uni tells her that he has not contacted her for a long time. Uni thinks that Haruka has given up on her. Overwhelmed with emotion, Uni covers her face with her hands as she cries. Nami tries desperately to calm her down. Suddenly, a hand reaches out to uncover Uni's crying face. Haruka looks at Uni and tells her he is back.

Nami, unaware of their secret relationship, thinks that Haruka is here to buy cakes from them. Haruka asks Nami to be quiet and he apologises to Uni for lying to her and hurting her. He asks her to take him back into her life. Nami, in shock, stares at Uni. Uni slaps Haruka in a desperate attempt to prevent their relationship from being exposed. They start to call each other names. Nami is too shock to react. Finally, Haruka holds Uni's face in his palms and tells her that he is afraid of losing her. He did what he did because since he was born, he lost things he really wanted. He says he believes what she said and he will believe in them.

Uni is touched. She asks Haruka:"Nami is in shock now. Is it alright for her to know about us?"

Haruka:"I'm ok. Come here."

Both Uni and Haruka hug while a shocked Nami looks on.

Ok. That ends chapter 22. A sweet chapter. I like it that Haruka, a cool guy on the exterior, can lose confident when it comes to relationship. I like it that he has opened up to Uni and is beginning to tell Uni about his past. I believe Haruka's past will be an obstacle for them both in the later chapters. I like Uni's straightforwardness in expressing her feelings towards Haruka. I like Azusa's sweetness too. : ) I like this chapter.

迷雾中的蝴蝶/Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru Chapter 17

Isn't this cover page cute? I like the slogan. "No Mush, No Life." : )

Narration by Aki: My ears are good and sensitive at picking sounds... therefore...

...I expected the sound coming from the TV in the living room to be audible...

The compare in the TV:" The last song for this evening, performed by Mari, is 'Missing'." One of the Crude Play member asks if she will really sing the song tonight (suggesting that she doesn't sing live and her songs are usually edited).

One of the Crude Play members is surprised that she is singing live without editing. He thought she dislike her songs unedited.

Shinya comments that Mari seems strong but she is acutally rather cowardly. Shinya wonders what stress Mari has faced to force her to sing live. Shun comments sarcastically that the very person who stressed her is talking nonsense. Shinya responds that as usual Shun sees everything. Others respond that they are impressed by her quality of voice...

Fans were impressed... Shinya comments that Mari will have difficulty singing the next bar. He wonders what will happen... Shun stares at Shinya...

Suddenly, Mari stops singing... They wonder whether she has forgotten the lyrics...

Shun stands up and comments: "Someone has to be responsible for finding fault in her work and pushes her to improve." He walks towards Mari...

Scene switches back to Aki and Riko... Aki pulls apart from Riko and stops kissing...

Aki:"I did not do what I promised (that is to keep to one kiss)... I seriously very much want to kiss you..." Riko blushes.

Riko:"It is good you can't do without it..." Aki is surprised at Riko's honesty. He sighs... (I think he is going to have a serious issue in controlling).

Scene switches back to Mari. Mari faints in Shun's arms.

Narration: Live broadcast studio is about 6 km from my home. It takes about 14 mins to reach there by train. At the same time when Mari faints, and my friend makes a move for my sake, I'm at home indulging in kissing Riko.

Takagi telling the reporters :"It is low blood pressure. Not to worry."

Reporter:"Is she pregnant?"

Takagi thought reporter was talking about Mari having Shun's child and he told him the thought is too ridiculous. Reporter flashes a photo of Mari with Aki at the restaurant and asks why they have a meeting in such an open place. He asks:"Isn't that Crude Play's Aki?"

In a serious note, Takagi tells the reporter that the truth of matter is simply that Mari fainted and Shun moved in immediately to help her. He tells the reporter that he is relying on him to report this.

Scene switches to Shun and Mari at the hospital.

Mari: "This is the worst..." Mari tries to light her cigarette but she can't. Shun offers to light hers using his.

Shun:"Are you still going out with him?"

Mari:"Well."

Shun:" Let's get married?"

Mari tells him in a serious tone that she refuses to talk about her private life. Shun replies that she seemed very scary. Mari retorts that since Aki likes her, she cannot be that disagreeable. Shun reminds her that currently, Aki has "mushroom" in his life and she is his new girlfriend. Mari insists that she is the one Aki loves.

Shun grabs Mari by the hand...

Scene switches to Shinya and the rest of Crude Play in their vehicle. Shinya tells them that Aki's face is likely to appear in tomorrow's paper if not for Shun who appear to help Mari. One of them asks why. The other explains that a photo of Mari and Aki meeting was taken and Takagi san didn't try hard enough to stop the reporter from reporting.

Shinya thinks that things will get interesting as there will also be rumours about Shun and Mari. He thinks that rumours will fly thick in the air as Shun, a member of Crude Play with Mari is more sensational than Mari with an unknown man. However, Shinya thinks that this, (Crude Play's Frontman's love affairs) will have an effect on Crude Play's popularity as Shun is the poster boy for Crude Play.

Scene switches back to Shun and Mari. Shun kissing Mari. Shun:"Let's get married."

Mari slaps Shun.

She tells him not to belittle her.

Scene switches back to Aki and Riko. Riko is talking on the phone with her parents. She tells them she is going home now. As Riko is talking, Aiki silently apologises to her by putting his palms together. (I like the wink)

After Riko hangs up, Aki apologises to her again. He tells her he will send her back and explain to her parents.

Riko suddenly shouts:"It is unnecessary!"

Confused, Aki asks why.

Riko: "What to say? I'm late because we kissed?"

Aki:"I can't say that. "

Riko:"Then what are you going to say?"

Aki:"I want to greet them formally and say that I am Ogasawara and I am dating your daughter. Ogasawara Aki."

Finally, I got this out. Thank you 腐女子for correcting my mistakes.

Many things happened in this chapter. Most importantly, Aki has told Riko who he is. I wonder whether Mari is pregnant and with whose child. I hope she is not or this can get quite complicated. Moreover, Aki's identity will be made known to the public. How will he deal with that? Also, I wonder what feelings does Shun have for Mari. I don't understand and see the need of him kissing her. Perhaps he is angry with her insisting that Aki likes her and not wanting to face reality or see him as a potential partner?

Tell me your thoughts.

My Creation

Summer sales and colourful, bright ensembles have tickled my creative juices. My recent shopping spree yields pretty pieces that beg for accessories to enhance them.

Beading, and making jewelry is one of my many hobbies. : ) Thus, I sat down and created this pretty ring. It reminds me of the sea and the beautiful corals. Sigh... this is indeed a therapeutic exercise. : ))

Junai Labyrinth/ Pure Love Labyrinth

This series is serialised in LaLa. I did not read it carefully until recently as its drawing style didn't appeal to me. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I decided to read through it carefully. I love the story. Funny and it has enough dramatic elements to make me come back for more.

Ogiwara Umi is a typical 16 years old high school girl. Her mum is hungarian and her father is a very busy producer in the TV station. Personally, I would think that having a hungarian mum is not so typical in Japan, right? Anyways, let us continue. However, Umi has a not so typical older brother, Ogiwara Haruto. He is good-looking as well as an up and coming star actor. What is not so common in this otherwise typical shoujou manga is that Umi is in love with her own brother. She drools over him like many of the teenage girls. She keeps sneaking into his room and sleeps on the same bed with him (nothing indecent happened but the mangaka intends for us to know that by the side of Haruto is where Umi feels most comfortable). She daydreams about going on dates with him. Interestingly, Haruto loves Umi too. Haruto, on the otherhand, tries to hide his intense feelings towards Umi. He has been feeling very guilty about these feelings. In one of the chapters, he was staring at the sleeping profile of Umi and feels a sudden tenderness towards her. Without thinking, he bent over and kissed her lips. Their grandma saw him and Haruto was shocked. However, Grandma told Haruto that she wanted to be kissed too! (Yes, this manga's shock elements make the manga rather hilarious). Grandma, went back to bed and quietly asked herself whether he knows. This made me think that Haruto and Umi may not be blood-related. (Dramatic, right?)

Enters Kishima Reira. He is the other bishounen in this manga. He was introduced into the series as the next door neighbour of the Ogiwara household. Reira is also in showbiz. He is also an up and coming star. He is a singer. Needless to say, Reira's character grows to find Umi attractive and that got Haruto jealous.

Reira and Haruto could not get along. They behave like natural enemies when they meet. However, during one performance, both Haruto and Reira were made to sing together. Fans went crazy. That was the first time, Haruto sang in public. Not only was his singing well-received, the fans like to see two of them together. Hehehe... of course this allows for more opportunities for Reira to show his interest towards Umi and getting Haruto all jealous.

Currently, this series is at chapter 14. I will start summarising Chapter 15. Look out for it.

Faster Than A Kiss Chapter 36

For the fans of Faster Than A Kiss. This is a very brief summary of Chapter 36, the latest chapter of the series. I like this chapter. Hilarious and I like to see Ma kun losing self-control and getting all jealous.

Fumino has not told Ma kun about Shouma's kiss. She has decided that she will not tell Ma kun about it. She chooses to see the whole incident as a childish prank.

Whilst Fumino is in class during Ma kun's lesson, Shouma appears and asks her for a date. Fumino is shocked. Not knowing how to handle the situation and fearing that Ma kun will be affected, Fumino grabs hold of Shouma and runs, shouting (at the same time) that it is hot and they shall go to the library.

Alone with Shouma, Fumino tells Shouma to quit harassing her as this will affect her relationship with Ma kun. Choosing not to respond to that, Shouma tells Fumino he has tickets to the amusement park. Fumino is frustrated that Shouma doesn't seem to understand that she doesn't want him around her. She tells him she is not going.

Shouma expresses his surprise that she has not let Ma Kun know about their kiss. Fumino tells him that she has no intention of letting him know.

Shouma tells Fumino that one day, she will be by his side. (He seems very optimistic).

Fumino laments that Shouma doesn't understand at all.

Meanwhile, back home, Fumino and Teppei welcome Ma kun back home. Ma kun pins Fumino to the ground and asks her about the date with Shouma. She tells him that he suggested to go to the amusement park. Ma kun wonders what weakness she holds towards Shouma...

Fumino feels trapped. She can't tell Ma kun what happened. Seeing her expression, Ma kun gently kisses her forehead and tells Teppei that they are going to the amusement park. Teppei is very excited. He suggests that Megu chan and Shouma come along. Fumino hesitates...

At the park, Ma kun thank Shouma for the invitation. Fumino feels extremely uncomfortable. Shouma asks Fumino who suggests and how did the date become a group meeting. Both Shouma and Ma kun grab Fumino's hands at the same time. Shouma looks at Ma kun and tells him that the amusement park is near school. He loudly proclaims that Ma Kun is holding his student's hands. That comes as a shock to all and Shouma takes the opportunity to run away with Fumino.

Throughout, Shouma tries to keep Fumino with him and away from Ma kun. Out of frustration, Ma kun expresses that he observes that Megu chan seems rather calm given the situation. Megu chan replies that she agrees and it is obvious that Shouma is in love.

Megu chan tells Ma kun that she thinks he is amazing to remain quiet seeing all these.

Ma kun replies that it is not true at least since knowing about his wife's kissing incident.

Shouma takes Fumino to the haunted house...

Ma kun finds out from his students that Fumino has entered the haunted house. The house is set up to help couples come together or to make couples. On hearing that, Ma kun's face turns dark. Ma kun asks Megu chan to take care of Teppei...

Ma kun shouts for Fumino. Shouma tries to hide her behind him and prevents Ma kun from getting her.

Somehow, Ma kun reaches behind Shouma and carries Fumino away... He opens a cabinet and tells the actor (who hides there to scare visitors) he needs to borrow the place. Ma kun's facial expression is much more scary than any of the actors or props of the haunted house.

In the cabinet, Ma kun tells Fumino that he is angry that she does not sense Shouma's feelings even though they are often in contact. Fumino wonders whether he is angry and upset with her.

He tells her she is not to put on Shouma's T-shirt (I suppose that means when Shouma hid her behind him in his shirt), she is not to be surrounded by him...

...She is not to be kissed by him! Fumino realises that Ma kun knows about the kiss.

Fumino cries thinking that Ma kun must be so hurt... Ma kun sees her tears and apologises to her. He tells her gently that they will go somewhere...

Shouma thinks to put an end to his feelings for Fumino...

I think the next chapter should be an interesting one. Finally, Fumino's and Ma kun's relationship will progress to the next level. : )