Strobe Edge News!!!

To all fans of Strobe Edge,

We all know that this coming chapter is the final curtain call!!! Yes, the very last chapter of Strobe Edge series. I have it from a very reliable source that this chapter will have lots of unforgettable lovey-doveyness. Are you curious? I am. I will only get my copy of the Betsuma magazine tomorrow.

To help ease your waiting or whet your appetite for more, Fujioshi has kindly agreed to give you a teaser of the much-awaited chapter. She will post it up tonight. Look out for it! Afterwhich, I will post a detailed summary of the chapter.

I think that is a great way to say goodbye to this wonderful series we have come to love!

http://fujioshi.blogspot.com/

Strobe Edge Poll

Dear Strobe Edge Fans,

The additional chapter and possibly the last entry for Strobe Edge will be out on 13 September (Monday). I'm likely to be able to get it on the same day, if the delivery is not delayed. According to Betsuma Website, this chapter will detail Ninako and Ren's first date. Ahhhh... I'm so looking forward...

Sometime last month, I asked what were your thoughts about their first date and where should they go. I have given my thoughts and some of you have listed your thoughts. Some were not ready then to give their thoughts. I thought to open it up for more to describe. Below are the entries I have received thus far. Let me know your thoughts. : )

Ankemaybe said...

Being an ardent fan, I've been imagining the likely first date of Ren and Ninako. I have a vision of Ren and Ninako walking hand in hand, going to a dessert shop and sharing sweet desserts. Ren likes sweet stuff but could not eat them when he was dating Mayuka out of consideration for her trying to maintain her weight as a model. I imagine a scenario where there will be lots of staring at each other and blushing... That will up the saccharine level between the two. Yummy!! : )

Anonymous said...

thanks for all of your hard work! i love strobe edge. i imagined the same thing. in ch 11 ren and andou were on the train and before the door closed he got off since ninako fell. they had to wait for the train and ninako was saying its nice that a guy liked sweets. dreaming out loud about a date at a cafe asking for separate cake sets and then splitting them with each other. i think this would be a cute first date for them.

Anonymous said...

Maybe Sakisaka sensei will totally surprise us. I wonder if it will be a date or not...but it has to be right? To be honest I think strobe edge is unpredictable and I love the way she tells it. Whenever I dream up a situation to satisfy myself (because I'm waiting for her brilliant next chapter) it never turns out right and I'm always waiting for your summary, haha. But your scenario sounds so cuute ~!

Priscilla said...

I do hope to see their 1st date. Kind of weird to see Ninako dating, but I'm happy it's gonna be with Ren. If sensei does show their 1st date, I too hope it will be dessert shop. Thank you for all of your hard work!

angelmiz said...

I want their first date to be in an amusement park, so that I can see Ren having fun with Ninako. =) They're so cute together!! They can still eat sweet stuff like ice cream or cotton candy there.

Anyway, I hope the Mangaka would fulfill our wishes and not have further obstacles for the couple. It's about time...

Thanks for your blog btw, Ankemaybe! I luv SE and Mi Shounen Produce. Can't wait for the upcoming chapters...

Freesiane said...

Sweeeeet :D I can't believe I haven't thought of this!

Actually, it's still a little too soon for me to imagine how their first date could be. So I've rather been imagining how they'll spend their first day at school as a couple :)
Some little Ninaren moments like Ninako observing Ren in class, when suddenly he turns his head back to look at her :D. A classic one, I know, but with Sakisaka Io's magic, any 'little moment' can turn out to be intense and gorgeous.

Another example: Ninako has always been impressed by Ren's handsomeness, hasn't she? (She teared up once when she saw his hair turn into glowing orange under rays of sunlight. At that time, she felt he looked like a 'god' if I'm not mistaken.)
So what do you think happens if, at the end of the day, Ren walks Ninako home and when they are about to part, in a sudden moment of boldness, Ninako stretches out her hand to touch his handsome face? xDDD

Haha, I know, I'm incorrigible! But I can't help it! One month's a lot of time and my imagination has no limits!

Ankemaybe said...

Anonymous: I do agree that Sakisaka Sensei is a great story teller and she has surprised me many a times. However, if Sakisaka Sensei creates an interruption and prevents Ninako from declaring her feelings to Ren, I may just strangle someone...

angelmiz: : )) I wonder how Ren will react to the rides at the amusement park.

Freesiane: Ohhhh... I just love your descriptions. So romantic... Io Sakisaka Sensei, please hear our pleas.

Lili said...

I can't wait for all of those things to happen. But, I'm very curious as to how Ren is going to react to Ninako's confession. I can just imagine both of them blushing uncontrollably the entire time. It'd be really nice if they end up holding hands by the end of the scene and Ren walks Ninako home.

Ollie said...

Hmmm....well.....since they like the same type of music....perhaps a concert ^^ For a first date it may be a expensive but you'll never know if Ren's parents give him 2 tickets to his favorite band ^-^

Strolling through the park hand in hand is romantic and enjoying each other company and course getting to know each other much better ^^

I like everyone's ideas too! It's so kawaiiii!!!

Looking forward to the next chapter! Thanks for your hard work Ankemaybe~san!

Usotsuki Lily

This series is fairly new.

Hinata is a 15 year-old student. Not long after school started, En, a good looking guy confessed to Hinata. Hinata can’t believe that a really handsome, well-mannered guy is confessing to her. Taken by En’s looks and manners, Hinata agreed and they became a couple.

Later on, she couldn't help but find his name familiar. He didn’t look familiar, but there is something about his name… Hinata soon found out from her friends about her new boyfriend. They were all in shock that she’s going out with Shinohara En, Class 3′s Cross-dresser!?

It was then that Hinata recalled that Shinohara En was that boy who comes to school dressed as a girl! But he was dressed as a boy when he confessed to Hinata. Hinata wondered whether she can really go out with him. The more hilarious thing was that when he was dressed as a girl, En was better looking than Hinata! In fact, he was the best looking girl in the school!

When Hinata tries to break it off with En, he looked so devastated that she felt bad. En was even willing to go to wear boy's clothes just to have Hinata stay by his side. The fact was that En hates boys. Even seeing his own reflection repulsed him. He would smashed and break mirrors when he saw his own reflection. He likes girls so much, he would rather dress like one. The interesting thing is that even though he dresses like a girl and is pretty, he feels like a boy inside. He acts like a guy too.

This story details Hinata’s unique first love relationship with her cross-dressing boyfriend, En. They go through many trials and challenges, many of them as a result of his cross-dressing.

The chapter below is the latest from Margaret, Chapter 20. I apologise for the lack of summary. It's long and I can't get over the cross-dressing. This is for Fujioshi. Enjoy.

Kimi janakya Dame nanada/非君莫属 Chapter 38

Dear Fans of this series,

Spoiler Alert!!! You are warned. This chapter is the latest from the latest issue of Margaret. The most up to date chapter posted on the Chinese Scans site was chapter 22 and on English scan sites was chapter 7. This is chapter 38. There is a difference of at least 16 chapters; so many things have happened. Read at your own risks.

The chapter opens with Aoi holding onto Nanoka's arm and kissing her. Nanoka felt paralysed. She stared at him as his lips touched hers...

A confused Nanoka wondered quietly what was going on. They are siblings! Embarrassed, she told Aoi:"Even if this is a joke, you shouldn't have done such a thing."

Aoi explained that he didn't do it as a joke.

Aoi looked at Nanoka intently and told her that for a long time, he had been thinking of touching her like that.

Scene switches back to Kou. He entered the house. He thought that the house seemed quiet. He thought that Nanoka must still be taking care of Aoi.

Scene switches back to Aoi and Nanoka. Nanoka was thinking what Aoi meant by saying that he had been thinking of touching her like that.

Aoi told her that when they met for the first time at the playground, Nanoka came up to him (he was crying), and passed him a sweet...

She smiled at him and said:"It must be painful. May you recover." That day, the little girl simplified things for him. Aoi wondered then that it was a strange feeling for a little guy like him to have; because he recalled asking his mom about a child after the parents divorced. However, his mom seemed not to know of the existence of a child. He recalled being happy about that.

Looking forlorn, Aoi confessed that for a long time, somewhere in his heart, he was fooling himself...

...And yet when a grown up Nanoko appeared before him and introduced herself as his sister, he tried to suppress his memory. But now things have changed for him. He was able to face troubles and moved on because of her. She was his miracle. Looking at her, he told her he was not going to escape from this feeling anymore.

He looked at her and said that:"I'm asking too much to have all of you." Nanoka blused hearing that. She thought that he should not have said that. She could not help but noticed that he was giving her such a direct gaze that seemed to expose all his feelings for her.

Overwhelmed, Aoi looked down and confessed:"I.. like.. you, Nanoka..." Shocked, Nanoka could feel her heart pounding. She stood up and excused herself to go downstairs.

Left alone in the room, Aoi scolded himself:"Idiot! Doing that with my mouth... what should I do now!?"

A confused Nanoka sat alone on the stairs and thought. Aoi is her brother... he has changed... How can he like her!?

At that moment, Kou who was observing her quietly asked her what's bothering her. Nanoko denied it and claimed she was well.

Nanoka told herself that she would not tell Kou about Aoi's incident. Kou expressed that he was worried for her. Nanoka blushed hearing that and thanked him for being concerned.

She told him that he didn't have to worry about her. Kou reached out and touched her face...

... slowly, he bent down to kiss her. Instinctively, Nanoka stretched out her hands and blocked the kiss. She said:"Wait..."

Kou:"Ha?! Wait?!"

Image of Aoi and her kissing flooded her mind. Nanoka tried unsuccessfully to explain herself.

Mistaking that Nanoka disliked kissing him, Kou stomped off.

Nanoka sat alone and thought. She couldn't do it. After Aoi's kiss, if only she could easily kissed with Kou...

Feeling frustrated, Kou muttered a curse. As he passed Aoi's room, he wandered whether Aoi's fever is still high...

As she washed her face, Nanoka thought that Aoi's confession must be a joke. She thought that the next day morning when she woke up, for sure, Aoi would tell her it was all a joke. She thought Aoi was no more that her brother.

Wow! I'm curious what happened in between. It seemed that Kou and Nanoka are a couple already (reading from his reactions towards her not wanting to kiss). I have always suspected that Aoi likes Nanoka but I didn't expect that much. Oh dear! This can be so confusing. I hope it get sorted out soon. Thoughts from you?

Kinkyori Renai/Close Range Love Chapter 23

Chapter 23 : Uni's New Year

Here is Chapter 23 of Kinkyori Renai. In the previous chapter, Uni and Haruka reconciled. This chapter begins with Uni's Dad insisting that she celebrates the new year with the family. He disallowed her to go out with Haruka.

Uni's mom and brother came up with a scheme to distract Dad. Uni's brother hypnotized the father such that he mistook a cat doll as Uni. Uni's mom instructed her to be back home in 4 hours as the effects of the hypnosis would wear off by then. (Hahaha... this part is rather hilarious cos the Dad was talking to the cat doll as if it was Uni)

Haruka was waiting for Uni outside of Uni's house. They were going on a date to the temple to make a love wish. (It is customary for Japanese to do hatsumode, or the year's first visit to the temple/shrine to make wishes or purchase lucky charms). Haruka expressed his surprise that Uni's dad was willing to let Uni go out with him on New Year's day. Uni lied to Haruka that her Dad was willing to let them go out. Haruka rambled on to say that he did not want to do things that would lead to Uni's dad distrusting him. Upon hearing that, Uni felt very guilty and mentally apologised to Haruka as she really wanted to go to the temple with him.

Haruka suggested that they take stroll to the temple. Uni made a mental calculation and decided that it would take about 40 mins to walk there. As she had limited time to spend with Haruka, she decided against it and suggested that they take a cab. Haruka mumbled that it's not romantic...

At the temple, Uni saw a large crowd making their way to the insides of the temple. She was not able to concentrate and enjoy Haruka's company as she was worried that queueing to get into the temple would take too long and they would have shorter time to do other things. Haruka expressed that he noticed that Uni seemed distracted and stressed. Uni was quick to assure him she wasn't. At the same time, Uni noticed two young men trying to cut queue in front of them. She tried to stop them by imitating a particular Japanese comedian. Not only did the two men apologised, Uni also attracted the attention of people around them. Haruka, stood aside, wondered what was going on.

Finally, it was Haruka and Uni's turn to pray and make their new year's wish. After that, Uni told Haruka that she would like to purchase a pair of amulets so that the two of them can write their wishes on the amulets and hang them in the temple. Haruka was embarrassed and told Uni that he would not write lovey-dovey stuff on the amulet like some idiotic lovers. To spite him, Uni commented that she would ask for him to be more courageous. Haruka commented that Uni was still hurt and affected by him jilting her due to his fears. Hearing Haruka said that, Uni thought of how that moment when Haruka appeared to ask to come back into her life, he mentioned something about him always not being able to get things he really wanted. Uni clarified that she was not hurt or affected negatively, on the contrary she was very touched then. As it was the first time he opened up to her and told her things about his past. Touched, Haruka leaned forward to kiss her... At that moment, Uni's phone went off. Afraid that it was her dad, Uni pushed Haruka away. She picked up the phone and realised that it was her mother who sent her a photo of her dad with the cat doll. Her mom assured her that her dad was still under the hypnosis. After that call, Uni thought that she had better ceased the day and not waste precious time. She went about doing all the customary deeds with Haruka at the temple ground like a whirlwind, trying to do as many things as possible.

Looking at her, Haruka commented that she seemed very distracted. Uni was about to disagree when Haruka pushed her away and told her to hide. It was her classmates. Uni was relieved they did not notice her. At that moment, Uni's mum called and told her to come back quickly as her father had woken up from the hypnosis and was looking for her. Her mom lied and told him she went to the convenient store. Haruka appeared and told her he had to accompany the classmates for awhile and asked her to wait for him for about 30mins. Uni told him she would not be able to do so. Thinking that Uni was feeling jealous, he tried to explain that it would be weird if he left his students immediately. Uni tried to explain that it was not that. Haruka told Uni that he understood and told her to take a cab her. Before he left, he asked her :"Uni, you don't want to be with me today?" Uni was shocked as she stared at Haruka's departing figure.

Haruka was with the students who were trying to hang their amulets after writing their wishes. One of the students spotted Uni's amulet. She commented that Uni's didn't look like wishes. What Uni wrote looked more like a declaration. Curious, Haruka bent down to take a look. Uni wrote on her amulet:"One day, I will make you feel blessed." Haruka was surprised...

Back at Uni's house, her father questioned her on her whereabouts. Uni, still thinking about Haruka's parting words, decided to tell the truth. She regretted not doing so earlier. She thought if she had done so, she would not have to lie to Haruka and thus causing him to misunderstand.

Uni bowed down and with tears in her eyes she apologised to her father and told him that she was with Haruka earlier on. Her father angrily shouted that it must be Haruka's fault for dragging her away from the family. Uni explained that she was the one who decided to go out with Haruka and lied to both of them.

Suddenly, Haruka appeared and he understood why Uni seemed so distracted during the date and had to leave earlier. Haruka told Uni's father that it was his fault. He expressed that this is the first time he wanted to spend New Year's day with someone and in the past he had no such desire. In the past, he didn' think New Year was a big deal, but now he found someone he really liked and wanted to spend New Year with her. He told Uni's father that he was the one who had been looking forward to this date. Uni's dad was furious. He shouted at Haruka and told him that he would never approve of him.

At that moment, Uni's mom ticked the father off. She told him that he was a hypocrite for saying such things as he made her pregnant when she was 17 years old. Uni's dad was shocked that his wife exposed his past. He lamented that now he had no right to control Haruka. Uni's mom declared that the matter was resolved.

Outside of Uni's house, Uni apologised to Haruka. Haruka told Uni not to be think too much of it. He told her he was very happy as he saw something that touched him alot. He bent down and told Uni:"You must make me feel blessed." Blushing, Uni claimed ignorance to Haruka's words.

In a more serious tone, Haruka asked Uni whether she knew of the actor by the name of Haruka Reo. She answered yes. He told her that man was his father and that one day he would tell her about his dad and his past. Afterwhich, Haruka kissed Uni passionately much to her discomfort as it was outside her home...

Back in school, Uni met Nami along the corridor. She greeted Nami but was ignored. Uni wondered what was going on...

Ok. That ended chapter 23. I love this chapter. Very sweet chapter. I like Uni's straight-forwardness. This is one key reason why I like this manga. Also, it is no wonder Uni is such a breath of fresh air, in fact, I find her family members hilarious and interesting. Her father, who seemed the most normal and ordinary person in the family, but when placed with the family, he seemed like an odd ball. : )

Last but not least, Haruka finally is ready to face his past with Uni. I wonder what is it about his past. I believe his past will be an obstacle or another hurdle for them to clear.

Do you like this chapter?

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?