Ouran Koukou Host Club Drama

I am sure by now fans of the manga series "Ouran Koukou Host Club" know that it has been adapted into a drama series.

At first, my reaction was rather lukewarm to say the least. Firstly, I like Ouran for its ditzy fun. I love its anime version and definitely the manga series. I wasn't very sure the drama version will be able to pull off the fun and humour.

But I was pleasantly surprised. It is quite a good live adaptation of the manga. I particularly LOVE Yamamoto's version of Tamaki. He steals the show! I feel like pinching his cheeks and keeping him close by after watching each episode.

If you have not jump on the Ouran drama bus, you need to get on it now!

Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru Chapter 25

Chapter 25 opens with the scene at Narita Airport Terminal 1. A man stretched out his hand to hail for a cab. He got into the cab and his luggage placed in the boot.

It was Shinya that got into the cab. He told the driver to head towards Ebisu (a temple). He changed his mind and called Riko and directed the driver to head towards Fukagawa.

Scene switches to Riko with Aki at Starbucks. Aki's phone rang. It was Shun and Aki excused himself to answer the call. Shun told Aki that he's back from his trip and he bought some gifts for Aki.

Meanwhile, Riko's phone rang. Before Riko could answer, Aki knew it was a call from Shinya. He ended his conversation with Shun. Aki stopped Riko from answering and took away her phone. He confirmed it was Shinya who called.

Aki asked Riko: "What do you think it means for a man to call you immediately after returning from overseas?"

Riko was taken aback and blushed as she thought about Aki's question. Looking at her response, Aki commented that Riko seemed to understand. He went on to tell Riko that he dislike seeing Shinya and Riko together, he dislike Riko singing Shinya's song and dislike the make-up she has on now. (Sigh... this is not going help you score brownie points. A strict no no in any relationship, even when you are hurting, the last thing you should do is to hurt the person you love. Sigh... Aki is so immature...)Upon hearing that Riko teared...

Aki saw Riko's tears streaming down her face and he panicked. He told her that he was just joking about the makeup. He apologized and told her that he actually thought she was very cute in the new make-up. He expressed that he was behaving this way because he was jealous. (At least you have some sense to know that, Ok. I forgive you for hurting Riko)

Riko with tears in her eyes expressed that she had no choice. She did not know what to do.

Aki took out a CD from his bag. With a serious expression, he told her that he wanted her to listen to this. Riko replied no.

Aki persisted that he wrote this song especially for her. Riko was equally insistent that she would not as she did not want others to think of her as someone who became famous because of her relationship with Aki. She noted that most of such singers did not last long in the music industry.

She emphasized that she did not want others to remember her as Aki's girlfriend, thus she would never sing his song.

Aki asked:" Even if we were to break up?" (Oh man! Why did you keep doing that? Just when I am starting to feel a teeny sense of pity for you...)

Riko was speehless. Tears streamed down her face again... Aki immediately apologized and said that he was joking with her.

Aki thought to himself: "I am frightened by my strong desire." (I suppose here it means Aki's desire to have Riko sing his composition.)

Scene switches back to Takagi. Takagi ordered a bottle of champagne. The waiter asked what's the occasion for such celebration. Takagi smiled. He turned to Nagahama and asked what she thought of Riko's lyrics.

Nagahama replied that she thought Riko's lyrics were fantastic and she was puzzled why did Takagi reject it. Takagi expressed that he knew it was great and only a fool would think otherwise but he rejected it because he felt that Riko would be able to write better. Takagi seemed to believe that Riko has great potential to write superb lyrics. (Sigh... I don't understand why Takagi must choose to belittle the person for him/her to be creative? I thought praises work well too? Takagi must have a very sad childhood...)

Takagi ruminated that he must be a fortunate guy as he discovered another talent in Riko. He thought that Shinya fit the bill... One day, Riko would also compose her own music and at this present moment, she needed to sing songs that she could "abuse". Nagahama was puzzled by Takagi's used of word. Nagahama: "Abuse?" (Poor Shinya. To have his existence relegated to a stepping stone for someone, first Aki now Riko)

Takagi explained that as Riko sang Shinya's songs, she would be inspired to change the songs and know what to do to improve on each song. He felt that if Riko was to sing Aki's music, she would be too careful.

Scene changes to Riko's house. Her father was glued to the TV set calling for Riko's mother to see Riko's first TV appearance via the Pepsi commercial.

Scene switches back to Riko and her bandmates. They were leaving the train station when they saw that their faces were plastered on advertistment dotting the train station. All of them felt that their lives seemed to have changed at that moment and things would never be the same again.

Scene switches back to Aki. Aki's thoughts: "I am still as unhappy as I was in the past... In the past, I fought to run away from music. Now, my wish came true and I am still unhappy."

(Scene switches to a poster of Mush & Co with Shinya's name as the composer)...

My Thoughts:

I like this chapter. To me it is the answer to some questions I have about this manga. I get a picture of each characters' intent and can roughly guess how the story is likely to develop. Nice.

Finally, Aki realized that he cannot run away from his music... How can both he and Riko keep their music, develop their talents and yet stay together?

Koi dano Ai dano

Koi dano Ai dano

This is another new series that I have been reading! So happy to be able to read interesting manga series....

I have in my collection the prequel to this series, Warau Kanoko sama and I love it. You may want to read the prequel before diving into Koi dano Ai dano.

This series is relatively new, 2 volumes thus far in Japan. Mangafox has posted 3 chapters.

Story Outline:

Kanoko, a plain girl who wears glasses, thinks she is a loner and spends most of her time observing people. Due to her parents' occupation, during middle school, she was transferred from school to school. However, at the start of High School, she decided to put a stop to this and requested for her parents to allow her to stay on her own. Due to her brilliant academic results, she was enrolled into Takara no Tani High School. Tsubaki, Kanoko's 98th middle school classmate, was enrolled into the same school and class. Tsubaki, with his good looks, was immediately noticed and people wondered why the two of them were always together.

I like the series for its sense of humour and interesting characters. The heroine, Kanoko, reminds me of the characters of Tonari no Kaibutsukun (And I really love Tonari no Kaibutsukun!). She is a combination of Haru and Shizuku. Clueless when it comes to relationships but brilliant in other aspects. If you are looking for a good laugh (cos there are plenty of funny characters in the series), I highly recommend this series.

Let me know how you feel.

Hana no Kishi

Dear All,

I will not be covering chapters 23 and 24 of Kanajo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru. You can find it at Kat's blog. Will cover Chapter 25. Have it with me now. Will post when possible. ^_^

Btw, I have been reading another series. Hana no Kishi (see cover above). Love it. Ran Kurono is the First Knight of the next head of Ohtori family, Sei Ohtori. On the outside, Ran looked every bit the dashing knight and all the female students in St Rogress Academy (where Ran and Sei study) falls heads over heels in love with Ran. However, Ran remains faithful and committed to protect and serve Sei. Unbeknownst to all, Ran is actually a female in disguise! Ran's older brother was killed protecting Sei. For centuries, the Kurono's family has served the Ohtori family as the First Knight and thus Ran took over her brother's role and dedicated her time to perfect her skill so that she can one day become the First Knight of Ohtori family.

Both Ran and Sei are tested at the St Rogress Academy. Ran is constantly being challenged to defend her title as the First Knight. 11 other Knights with ulterior motive of taking control of the Ohtori family's fortune vie for her position as the First Knight. Sei, at the same time, is being tested for her suitability as the head of the Ohtori family.

Enters Ibara, Sei's fiance. In a chance encounter, he found out Ran's secret that she is a female. On the outside, he seemed carefree and clueless to Ran's and Sei's concerns. However, he was always around when they needed a helping hand...

I like the series for it's interesting story line. I cannot help but feel the chemistry between Ran and Ibara. I wonder whether anything will develop from there...

Mangafox has scanlated 27 chapters. Read and let me know whether you enjoy the series!

Hiyo Koi

Thank you for those who have posted their concerns and well-wishes. Much appreciated. ^_^

I am thankful that the accident, although scary and I am still wary of driving again (reckless drivers abound), but God's grace is sufficient. I am thankful.

I have a few chapters of Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru to catch up with. Please be patient. Need time to collect magazines.

Meanwhile, thought to share another new series I have been reading recently.

Hiyo Koi (ひよ恋). It is drawn by the assistant of Stardust Wink mangaka. I found the art very similar to Stardust Wink . I like the art work. Kawaii desu ne! The story is a mix of Kimi ni Todoke and Strobe Edge. Shoujoish and very innocent, although the female lead can get a wee bit annoying.

Hiyori, the female lead, is a small size (140cm) girl. Due to a car accident on the first day of school, she was absent from school for quite a while. This accident compounded by her timidness and extreme shyness, made her dragged going to school. On her first day of reporting back to school after missing almost a whole year of school, she met her classmate, Hirose (male lead). He is tall and big (190cm). He has a big heart to match too. He was gentle and kind towards Hiyori. He played an important role in helping her make friends in school. The story details Hiyori overcoming her shyness and willingness to face her own growing feelings for Hirose.

Mangafox has scanlated 16 chapters of it and Chinese Scanlations has updated it to Chapter 21.

NEWS!

Dear All,

I apologise for the lack of posting recently. Was involved in a traffic accident, and am thankful that no one is seriously injured. However, due to that, I have less time for posting. Will not be likely to post anything for the next 1 month or so. Hope to be back in action soon. Take care all!

Namida Usagi - Seifuke no Kataomoi Chapter 10

Chapter 10 for the fans.

Chapter 10 continues from the previous chapter with Narumi grabbing Momoka and running off. As Momoka follows, thoughts of wanting to spend the last night of the camp alone with Narumi fills her mind. She wants to create special memories with Narumi.

Narumi stops running, turns around and checks on Momoka. Momoka replies she is fine. She blushes when she recalls her friends' comments on Narumi liking her and that she should confess her love to him.

Staring at the blushing face of Momoka, Narumi blushes as he misinterprets her response. He apologizes for dragging her out suddenly. He thinks Momoka must be embarrassed by his actions.

Momoka quickly denies that. She tells him that on the contrary she is happy as now she can spend time alone with him.

All of a sudden, both of them realized that they are still holding each other's hands. Awkwardly, they drop their hands and look away uncomfortably. Narumi breaks the silence and tells Momoka that he has a reason for taking her out.

Momoka braces herself as she thinks that Narumi is about to confess his feelings to her...

Momoka lowers her head and blushes furiously as she awaits his confession. Narumi:" I want to show you these children."

Huh? Momoka is disoriented to say the least. She turns around and sees little rabbits surrounding the grass patch they are standing on. Momoka:"Waaahh! Little rabbits!" Narumi reminds her to lower her voice as the rabbits are easily startled.

As Narumi watches Momoka cuddles the rabbits, he tells her that he has been wanting to show these rabbits to her since he first discover them as he knows she will like them. Although she is touched by his thoughtfulness, Momoka cannot help but feel disappointed at the turn of events. Momoka whispers her thanks to Narumi. Narumi tells her to come closer as she was too soft. As Momoka inches closer and leans forward to speak into Narumi's ear (note sudden appearance of the numerous stars in the sky)...

Encouraged by the surrounding, Momoka places a kiss on Narumi's ear. Shocked at her own behaviour, she apologizes to Narumi. Afraid that the rabbbits will scuttle off, he places his hand over her mouth and tells her to keep quiet. Nevertheless, the rabbits run off (I will run away too if I'm the rabbits. Who wants to be in the way... hehehe....)

With a shoujouish posture, Narumi stretches out his hand and tells Momoka to chase after the rabbits with him. (sigh... gosh... why can't they just leave the rabbits and get on it...)

As they chase after the rabbits, Momoka wonders about the reaction of all they have left behind in the camp. She wonders whether the teacher in-charge is fuming mad searching for them and whether her classmates are gossiping about their sudden leaving. Whatever the case, Momoka is happy to spend this time with Narumi alone...
As Momoka catches sight of one of the rabbits, she runs after it but trips and falls. Narumi falls too when tries to help her. Both of them lie on the ground and stare at the sky. Momoka apologizes for causing him to fall. Narumi tells her that he is glad to hold onto her hand. Still holding onto each other's hand, they turn and look at each other. Both of them burst out laughing...

At that moment, they are reminded of the time the spent together in junior high school. Narumi confesses to Momoka that he used to hate school then. Then he only cares for his camera and his good friend. However, when Momoka who sat besides him greeted him in the morning because she understood him, he was filled with joy. Because of her, he began to love coming to school.

Holding both her hands in his, Narumi thank Momoka. Momoka begins to tear as she is touched by his words. A sudden breeze reminds Narumi that they have to leave as it is getting colder. Narumi takes off his jacket and put it over Momoka. Momoka wants to confess her feelings to him...
Again, the sudden appearance of the starry night, signals another great opportunity for the confession. Momoka calls out to Narumi. He turns and stares at her. She fumbles...

All of a sudden, Akutsu appears. Kairi apologizes for not being able to keep Akutsu away from the couple. Disappointed that the perfect moment was interrupted, Momoka holds onto Narumi's sleeves...

She asks him to wait for her after school on Monday as she wants to speak to him privately.

Narumi smiles at her and agrees to meet her after school.

Kairi praises Momoka for trying her best and promises to cheer for her.

Momoka approaches Akutsu and apologizes for not being able to reciprocate his feelings. She tells him that if she has known him earlier things might be different but now, she can only think about Narumi.

Looking at the tearing Narumi, Akutsu chooses to cheer for her. He tells her to be courageous. At that moment, a shooting star appears. Momoka makes a wish that she will be able to convey her feelings to Narumi...

That's the end of Chapter 10. We will get Momoka's confession in the next chapter. How will Narumi respond... Stay tuned.

Namida Usagi - Seifuke no Kataomoi Chapter 9

Here's Chapter 9 for the fans. The cover for this chapter is the 3 bishounens in Momoka's life. ^_^

The previous chapter ends with Narumi asking Momoka to spend time alone with him at night. Both of them will try to sneak away from the crowd to do so. Narumi tells her that when the campfire ends in the evening, he will meet her at her tent. Turning a shade of red, Momoka agrees.

Both of them exchange some very shoujouish stares. (Note the sparkles~~~ I can almost imagine bells pealing...) Finally, they let go of each other's hands. Narumi breaks the silence and suggests that they head back to the camp. Momoka feels that her face must feel as warm as Narumi's hand.

Back at the camp, Akutsu and Kairi collect the most number of clues and thus they are the winning group. Akutsu, in a bid to impress Momoka, tells her that he is very capable and asks whether she is impressed with her. At the side, Kairi comments that she's the one who found most and if not all of the clues.

As a token for participating, every couple gets a handphone strap accessories. Momoka is in cloud 9 that hers and Narumi's form a set and they are rabbits.

Both of Momoka's friends note that Momoka seems to have the look of being in love. They ask her what happen between Narumi and her. Momoka quickly denies but blushes thinking about the hug... She realises that being hugged is a very significant event. Her friends, realising that she is not giving them much details, drag her away to question her...

Meanwhile, the boys have to fish for lunch for the camp. The girls are left to cook and prepare for lunch.

Momoka confesses that Narumi has asked to spend time alone with her tonight. The friends look at each other and feel that Momoka is not telling them all that has happened.

Shyly, Momoka confesses that Narumi hugged her tightly...

Meaningful looks pass between the friends. They jump up in excitement as they feel that he has expressed his feelings for her in that hug.

Momoka thinks that Narumi hugged her to comfort her because she was crying. Kairi begs to differ. She explains that people can comfort a crying person without hugging. Teasingly, Kairi ask how it feels to be hugged by someone she loves. With a flushing red face, Momoka confesses that her heart was beating fast and she could not think...

Momoka confesses that she likes being a girl and she is falling more and more in love with Narumi.

Meanwhile, back to the boys who are trying to catch fish for their lunch....

Amano has caught his 4 fish and is asking Akutsu about having grilled fish rather than cooked fish for lunch. Akutsu, instead, talks about wanting to hug Momoka and that she is very cute. Amano tells him that he cannot harbour such thoughts for Momoka. Akutsu ignores him and comments that he feels Momoka may be responding to his wooing. He noted that she blushed when she looked at him during the time the teacher gave them the phone strap accessories.

Akutsu loudly expresses that he will confess his feelings again during the campfire dance.

Akutsu, suddenly hugs Narumi from behind. He asks Narumi whether he thinks he will stand a chance with Momoka. Narumi replies that he doesn't know. Akutsu gripes that Narumi is so straightforward. Akutsu looking at Narumi asks why he seems closer to Momoka and not other girls. Narumi explains that he used to be unpopular with the girls during middle school. Girls refused to sit beside him in class. Akutsu is surprised to learn that.

Narumi explains that Momoka was the only girl who treated normally. He began to enjoy school because of her. Amano encourages Narumi to tell this to Momoka. However, Narumi refuses as he feels that Momoka understands how he feels. Amano takes the opportunity to tell Akutsu that that is why he feels Akutsu should not woo Momoka...

At the same time, Akutsu upon hearing how nice Momoka was towards the unpopular Narumi, he feels more in love with her. Akutsu asks Narumi directly why he is not head over heels in love with Momoka. Amano expresses that he is impressed with Akutsu's directness. Narumi smiles and replies that to him, Momoka is very special.

Back at the camp, the boys bring their catch with them for the girls to prepare lunch. At that moment, a girl from another class asked to speak to Narumi alone...

Momoka looking at the girl's expression feels that she is thinking of expressing her feelings to Narumi. Kairi drags Momoka to where the couple is. From where they are hiding, they can hear what the girl is saying to Narumi.

The girl confesses her feelings to Narumi. Narumi hears her out and tries to reject her. Quickly the girl asks for Narumi to try going out with her for a week before rejecting her...

Narumi turns her down again tells her he has someone he likes. Kairi thinks Narumi is talking about Momoka. Momoka wonders whether she can believe that Narumi loves her.

At the start of the campfire, Momoka is anticipating the date she has alone with Narumi.

Meanwhile, Akutsu is going around telling all the male students not to dance with Momoka as he wants to dance to her.

As the dance starts, Momoka counts the number of partners she has to dance with before reaching Narumi. Finally, she gets to dance with Narumi (notice the sparkles again...)

As they dance, Momoka cannot help but feel happy and excited. She thinks that falling in love with Narumi is very blessed. She wonders whether she can hope for more. As the music ends and their dance coming to an end, it is time to for them to part and change partner again. Narumi notices that Akutsu is eagerly awaiting his turn to dance with Momoka. At that moment, Narumi asks Momoka whether she is ready to leave the campfire with him.

At that moment, Narumi grabs Momoka and both of them turn and flee from the campfire. Momoka wonders whether Narumi has special feelings for her.

That's the end of Chapter 9. So is Narumi going to confess to Momoka?

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.