迷雾中的蝴蝶/Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru Chapter 22 (or Chapter 24 according to Chinese scans)

This is the newest chapter printed in Cheese! Magazine. Finally, we are at Chapter 22 (no more 21 part infinity). I guess this marks the beginning of a new arc... Well, I can't really tell from this chapter...

Anyways, I love the pose. Aki with Crude Play.

Crude Play posing beside a jet with reporters snapping their photos.

As the reporters were snapping their photos away, the members were talking about the price of charting the private jet and it was an exorbitant price. Apparently, the the jet was rented for a week. However, it was sponsored. They were amazed that Takagi knew a variety of people whom he could convince to spend their money. Shun commented that as such, they would have to appear at talk show, sports paper, etc.

Shun commented that if they have the look of them in the plane for the bonus DVD footage for their new song's which get them the publicity, it was unexpectedly cheap price to pay.

One of them asked whether Shinya was doing anything to decide about the "S" job for the debuting band. The other asked:"Which "S" job?"

Shun replied:"The one that Mari had to do." The other member asked whether that is the reason why Takagi did not come along.

Shinya was thoughtful.

The reporters asked the members to all face the camera for one last shot.

Scene switched to the sports field at the school.

Riko was with one of her female classmates watching the boys playing soccer. The female classmate commented that Yuu was goodlooking. At that moment, a soccer ball headed towards Yuu's direction. One of the guys shouted for Yuu to kick the ball. Yuu jumped up to use his head to hit the airborne ball. He missed...

Both girls were shocked at Yuu's lack of aptitude for sports. Sniggering at that sight, Riko commented that Yuu was very bad in sports. At that moment Souta dribbled skillfully past. Looking at Souta dribbling the ball, Riko cheered for him. Yuu was upset...

Scene switched to Takagi walking along the school corridor. He was flanked by a camera man. The students wondered who he was.

Meanwhile the soccer match has ended and Yuu was washing his face. Riko came from behind and attacked the back of his knees. He fell forward, wet his head and cursed Riko who burst out laughing.

Riko laughed at the sight of soaking wet Yuu. Yuu sighed...

Over the PA system, an announcement was made for the whole school to gather at the Sports Hall at beginning of the 5th period of class.

Riko was changing in the changing room when she received a call from Takagi...

Takagi told Riko to pay extra attention to beautify herself after learning that she just had Physical Education Class. Riko wondered why...

Scene switched to Nagahama (the Director for Mush & Co.'s new album). One of her colleagues asked whether she was going to Tokusawako's place.

Nagahama mentioned that she had many things to do. At that moment, she called a Chikada sensei to design the original logos for Mush & Co. She told him to have the designs ready within the week.

Scene switched back to the school and the announcement was made for all the student to gather at the sports hall for an impromptu meeting.

Riko cheered that there was no Maths class and was not concerned why they had to gather at the Sports Hall.

Suddenly, Yuu hit the back of Riko's knees and caused her knees to buckle. Souta hit the back of Yuu's head and called him childish.

Yuu commented that Takagi had called him awhile ago. Both Yuu and Riko found out that they received the same call from Takagi to ask them to pay extra attention on their appearance. Souta wondered why he did not receive such a call from Takagi.

Meanwhile, the school principal addressed the students...

He called Riko, Yuu and Souta to the stage. Yuu wondered whether the news of their debut had leaked out, thus they were called up to the stage to receive their punishment. He wondered whether they would be asked to stop school cos it was not summer break yet and they took on the singing job.

Riko, on the other hand, was excited on hearing that. Riko:"This is the work of magic!"

Souta, the only cool-headed one, figured that it was not likely that the school was gathered so that the school master could exact his punishment on them.

As they stood on the stage facing the student population, the lights shone on them. Riko turned around and saw a picture of herself projected on the screen behind them.

Riko was portrayed with earphones. Yuu was portrayed playing the guitar. Surprisingly, Souta was portrayed eating...

Finally, at the end of their photo display, was the line:" We are Mush & Co." Photographers snapped their photos...

The announcement was that Mush & Co. would debut this summer.

Scene switched to Aki.

Takagi sent a sms to Aki, asking him to take a look at the Yahoo website...

Logging to the website, Aki saw a news article on Riko and her new band.

Aki called Takagi...

Aki asked Takagi whether he intended to crush the newcomers. Takagi questioned when he did that. He was only thinking about selling albums. Aki was not happy with the method Takagi employed to sell the albums of the new band.

Takagi wondered the out loud about Aki's reaction. Covering up, Aki quickly replied that it was because he was going to write their songs. He went on to tell Takagi that he had heard the song and he thought it was not good.

To which, Takagi was curious to know from whom and when he heard it. Aki told him he knows the answer and yet he asked him... Aki ended the conversation abruptly and threw the phone away and onto his bed.

Aki took awhile to compose himself and went back to writing the songs. Doing that, he recalled Shun's warning that Takagi was not a simple person to comprehend.

Scene switched back to Mush & Co. at Takagi's office. Takagi asked whether Riko had written lyrics for love songs.
Riko was puzzled. Takagi pressed on and asked whether she has a boyfriend. Blushing, Riko admitted to having a boyfriend. In reply, Takagi mentioned that her boyfriend said that he would write the song.

Riko was surprised. Yuu was shocked.

Takagi: "What kind of music will come out? This is interesting..."

I apologise for the short summary. I have tons of work, thus thought to write briefly so that I could get it out fast.

Anyways, Takagi has a way of getting information. Also, he has a way of getting people to do things.

I wonder how this will affect Riko's and Aki's relationship knowing that Riko had rejected Aki's offer to write songs for Mush & Co. I wonder what role will Yuu play in this.

Namida Usagi - Seifuke no Kataomoi Chapter 8

This is for the fans. This is chapter 8 from Vol 2 of NUSnK. Although this series is rather shoujouish, there are unexpected turns and a tinge of melodrama. I was thinking this would be an easy read and my brains would be clouded by shoujou fluff. But I was wrong... I was surprised by the turns. End of Vol2 marks a significant turn and Vol 3 is the start of a wee bit of melodrama... Enough of preparing you... ^_^ Let's begin.

Momoka and Narumi were sitting at a park. Narumi asked Momoka what her wishes were when they saw a shooting star. Momoka was just thinking about wanting to be more than friends with Narumi when Akutsu dashed out from nowhere and confessed his feelings for Momoka.

A shocked Momoka recovered and thought that Akutsu was teasing her again. (I love the mangaka's chibi drawing of shell-shocked Momoka and Narumi. Kawaii desu neh!) She chided him for playing with people's emotions.

Frustrated, Akutsu grabbed Momoka's hand and asked to speak to her alone. Momoka grimaced in pain.

Narumi put himself between them and told Akutsu off from handling Momoka roughly. Ooohhh... Nice pose. Note the leaves falling and breeze blowing...) Akutsu apologised for his eagerness. Narumi wondered what business Akutsu have with Momoka. Akutsu reiterated that he wanted to have a private conversation with Momoka and promised not to do things she dislikes. It dawn on Narumi that Akutsu meant what he said and that he probably would want to confess to Momoka. Narumi excused himself and told them that he would head back to his tent. Momoka was thinking to follow Narumi as she wanted to spend more time with him. However, Akutsu held her hand to prevent her from leaving...

As Momoka turned to face Akutsu, he put on his most earnest look:" I like you!"

Momoka being as dense as a block:" Please stop joking..." (Sigh... Girl, 1+1 = 2)

Akutsu tried to convince her that he was serious and he really like her. It was only then, Momoka realized that Akutsu's voice and hands were shaking.(Seriously, girl, the boy has to go thru much to convince you of his feelings)

Momoka told him gently that she was in love with someone else...

Akutsu was so dejected to hear Momoka's rejection. He recovered somewhat and told Momoka to give him time to get to know him before rejecting him. Looking at his dejected face, Momoka agreed to consider carefully first. (KAWAIIIIIII!!!! Looking at his expression, I would have serious trouble rejecting him directly too... I'm with you Momoka...)

Early next morning, Momoka remembered Akutsu's confessions of feelings. She could not helped but blushed profusely. She wondered how she would react when she sees him later.

As she flipped open the tent to get ready to wash up, she saw Narumi! Momoka freaked out that she looked so unkempt in front of him. Narumi greeted her and was about to ask her about Akutsu when...

Akutsu appeared from no where and lunged towards Momoka. He hugged her tightly looking all besotted. Narumi, turned and walked away with a pained look.

The teacher announced that it was time for a treasure hunt. The teacher told them to get into groups of 2. He added that this game has helped to pair off many couples over the years. All the students were terribly excited at that prospect. Akutsu was very excited thinking that he could partner Momoka, Kairi was thinking that she could be with Amano. Momoka fearing for her own safety asked for them to leave it to chance to find their partners. It is almost like tossing a coin (can't think of an English equivalent for this sort of method)

Anyways, Momoka found herself being partnered with Narumi!

Together, they wondered into the woods to look for the clues. Momoka noted that Narumi seemed very quiet almost as if he was angry with her. She wondered what she could have done wrong. Without noticing, she almost walked into a sharp twig. Narumi came to her rescue.(naturally)

After an awkward moment where both of their faces were in close proximity, Narumi asked Momoka whether she was dating Akutsu. He asked whether Akutsu confessed his feelings for her. Before Momoka could reply, Narumi apologised for being nosey.

Upon hearing that, Momoka quickly replied that she's not dating Akutsu...

With tears in her eyes, she told Narumi that she has rejected Akutsu. Suddenly, Narumi pulled her into his arms...

"Don't cry, it's my fault."

All Momoka could think of was that this cannot be happening to her. Her heart was pounding. Suddenly, they heard Akutsu calling out:"Momoka!" Kairi:"Stop calling out! Look! Here's another clue!"

After awhile, Narumi asked Momoka:" Why didn't you respond to Akutsu's call?"

Momoka replied that Narumi kept quiet too. Both of them laughed as they looked at each other. Suddenly, they heard the announcement calling for all students to gather at the square.

Both looked reluctant to end their time together. At that moment, Narumi asked Momoka to spend some time with him alone at night.

They obviously have feelings for each other so what else can happen? Stay tuned for next chappie. ^_^

Here's wishing everyone a meaningful Good Friday. May the Good Lord's love touch all. Ciao!

Namida Usagi - Seifuku no kataomoi

I am as excited as a dog with two tails!! I had some unexpected free time in the afternoon, thus I made a bee line to my favourite place - the book shop! A particular manga cover caught my eye (thats how I usually choose my manga tankoubon) and without thinking I bought up vols 1 to 3 that were available. My! I was delighted by the story. Very shoujouish, but rather captivating.

Vol 1

Momoka (our female lead) loves everything rabbits. For the new school year, she was made to sit beside Narumi (the male lead). Narumi was an awkward, bespectacled boy with hair covering his eyes. Although Narumi has no lack of male friends, all the girls shun him and weird rumours about him fly thick in the air. Gradually, Momoka discovers the real Narumi. He is not so weird afterall and that he is this sensitive and sweet guy. To her surprise, beneath the messy mop of hair, is this handsome guy! Slowly, she realizes that she has special feelings towards Narumi.

I am thinking of summarising Vol 2 and 3. I did a little bit of looking around and realized that thus far, 2 chapters of Vol 2 have been scanlated. (Check out mangafox)

Let me know if you are interested for me to summarize this series. ^_^

Kanajo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru Chapter 21 (Part3) or Chapter 23 according Chinese Scans

The 3rd part to Chapter 21. I'm curious why the mangaka chose to break this chapter into several parts...

Anyways, this chappie, although long, doesn't tell us much... Let's begin.

ooohhhh.... I like Aki's pose. Cool... *drool*

This chappie picks up from where Aki asked whether he could be Riko's producer...

Riko's reply:" No way."

Aki was taken aback by her straight out refusal. Riko continued:" ..because I have an agreement with Shinya. Within this 3 years, be it lover, or anything, music comes first. Whenever he calls, I must respond immediately."

Aki was shocked and despondent as he considered the severity of the matter. Sighing, he replied:"Why such a risque agreement?"

Riko:"It is not risque. It is serious!"

Aki:"It is risque. It is the worst kind!"

Aki fretted and looked totally depressed. Riko was speechless...

Tentatively, she told him the song for the group was also ready...

Aki was surprised to hear that. He asked her when was it ready. She replied it was ready not long ago. Aki responded:"Not long ago?"

Thinking that the Aki was serious in wanting a reply, Riko was irritated. She told him that he reminded her of her dad. Her dad would ask her endless questions. Aki told her not to describe boyfriend as her dad.

Still upset that Riko's dad thought of Shinya as Riko's boyfriend. Aki told her that her father has mistaken her relationship with Shinya. Riko was shocked to discover that. She blushed and expressed her disbelief. Aki still feeling jealous, took offense at seeing her blush. He told her that blushing at that was inappropriate. (hahaha... Aki was seething with jealousy...)

Sighing again, he asked to listen to the song Shinya had written.

As Aki listen to the piece, he realised that Shinya had custom-made the song for Riko's voice quality.

Aki commented to Riko that the piece was written to reflect Riko's perfect pitch and wide range of musical notes. He acknowledged that Shinya had put in a great deal of effort to compose the piece to suit Riko...

However... (scene switched to Takagi)

Takagi was on the line with Shinya. He told Shinya that the piece of music was nothing special. Shinya defended his piece and told Takagi that his intent was to appeal to the masses.

Takagi retorted that was the difference between a man with talent and a man without. Shinya's piece of music was technically great, written to please the masses. People may buy it but that would make him a dog who does the bidding of his master (the masses).

Scene switched back to Aki. Aki told Riko that he would love to write Riko's songs. Riko was taken aback to know this. Riko commented that Aki was being wilful to make that comment. Aki, unrepentent, told her that he was being wilful.

Again, Riko rejected him.

Mali was practicing her dance steps in a dance studio. Her assistant came in with a bottled drink. Her assistant told her that the members of the new group is currently at the recording studio. She asked whether Mali has met them. Mali mentioned that she might have met some of them but not the female member.
Mali commented that someone mentioned that the female member was Aki's friend. The assistant offered to snoop around for more details. Mali stopped her and told her not to bother.

Riko and gang showed up at Harst Records for a meeting.

At the meeting, Shinya attacked the new director, Nagahama san, for being new to the job. Unfazed, she smiled at him and told him the although she was new, she would work hard to compensate her lack of experience. Unrelenting, Shinya told her that he would prefer someone with more credentials. Nagahama asked whether that was a reflection of his lack of confidence for his own music.
Scene changed to Aki's place. Aki and Shun were playing a racing game. Shun won and Aki complained that Shun's always at his place when he had nothing to do; resulting in rumours of them in a relationship. Shun complained that he seemed distracted and playing with him was not fun because of that.

Aki asked Shun whether he was aware that Shinya and the others were meeting at Harst Records now.

Aki continued to ask whether Shun has heard Shinya's new song. Shun replied that has nothing to do with him. Aki insisted that Shinya being a member of Crude Play should warrant his interest. Shun retorted that Aki seemed unhappy. Aki denied. Shun insisted that Aki was upset. Aki could not refute.

Shun told Aki to write a song too if he was so affected. He added that Takagi would be delighted if Aki decided to write for Riko. Aki confessed that he had asked to be her producer and to write songs for her and she had rejected him.

Shun was surprised to know that. Aki asked whether Riko rejecting him without considering was normal. Shun figured that it might be good for Aki that Riko rejected his offer. Aki went on to complain that Riko was Shinya's fan. Shun astutely observed that Aki must be feeling discouraged over that. Aki pouted at that comment.

Laughingly, Shun reminded him that it had always been his desire to separate work from his personal life. Riko was connected to him via their love. Riko is connected to Shun via music (work).

Back at the meeting, Takagi interrupted Shinya and Nagahama and told them that they were gathered to prepare for the group's debut in 2 months' time. Takagi apologised for the hurry. Shinya commented that the song for the group was not ready.

They went on to discuss about the group's name. Shinya suggested the name "Crap". It was rejected as they felt it sounded like a name for submarines...

Riko told everyone that they had already thought of a name for the group....

The name they came up with was rejected by Shinya. Nagahama commented that the name they came up with sounded like a comic band's name. Souta replied that they are a comic band. That left Shinya,Takagi and Nagahama speechless... Shinya told him that he would pretend that he did not hear that. Riko went on to say that they had also prepared the lyrics for Shinya's song. The lyrics talked about them warring for success. Part of it talk about them wanting to take a pee...

Out of sheer frustration, Shinya asked Riko:"Mushroom, you've mentioned that you are Crude Play's fan..." Riko blushed as she realised that Shinya was suggesting that the lyrics seemed too immature compared to CP's. Riko told him that although she loved CP, she could never sing those angsty songs as she a straight and optimistic person.

That drew a bellyful laughter from Takagi. Offended, they insisted that they were telling the truth.

Takagi told them that the lyrics sounded good to him but they would need to make some changes to the peeing part as their sponsors are bottled drinks company.

After some discussion, Nagahama came up with the suggestion of "Mush & Co" inspired by the name Shinya called Riko.

Meanwhile, back at Aki's room, Aki was busy composing...

Sigh... like I said in the beginning. Nothing much has progressed. Riko rejected Aki's offer to be producer as well as her song writer. Shinya, although got the role he wanted, he seemed not to be able to use it to his intent. Perhaps, he will realize that no matter what, he is not Aki.

I like it that Aki is feeling threatened but that's nothing new. I wish the mangaka will hurry along and show some new developments in terms of the relationship between the two. I'm getting impatient...