Avalon Anthology TL by boke ### TL notes indicated by hash tags like this: ### ### Page numbers indicated by —XX for example, page one is: —01 ### Panel numbers indicated by -X for example, panel one is: -1 ### sfx- means the following is a sound effect. ### hw- means the following is handwritten text. ### Unless otherwise noted, panel and text balloon flow is from upper right to lower left. ### This TL indexes on file number in case the page numbers don’t match. ### Sometimes my comments are snark or color, so feel free to ignore those. ###Some of these story have been either scanlated or translated elsewhere. I’ll notate which ones. —01 -1 Heading towards happiness. Yuri Anthology. Another collection of jewel like yuri short stories. Initially published on the web, we bring you a specialty imprint of yuri! ### on left Special yuri imprint Girls x Garden Comics Avalon series [Avalon] Issue #2 ###white circle It’s because I’m with you that we can have our best future, no one else will do! —02 -1 Desiring happiness. Yuri Anthology. Also on sale now!! Authors Kippu / Ohisashiburi Sakuraba Yuki / Shigureui Satou Yumi / Sorakura Shikiji Takishima Asaka / Mikanuji —03 -1 Heading towards happiness. Yuri Anthology. —04 -1 Kippu [Blooming Day] Comic Yorumo Resonant Blue Shikureui After Leafing Through the Pages Kumosuzume A Star on the Sidelines Yodokawa The Spinning Song For The First Storm Yoshida Bana You’re Not Alone Konoyama Kata Still Two Hearts Takashima Asaka Once Your Feelings are Heard Sudo Yumi Needle and Thread Afterward —05 -1 ###Resonant Blue: this story has been scanlated and is up on Dynasty —47 -1 From Sakuranami High School… -2 Contestant #1, Tachibana… -3 After Leafing Through the Pages Shigureui —5 Twaaang Thwap —48 -1 Kaname-chan, you’re really something! Hm? You just entered the club, and you’re already primed to make the team. I’m just happy that I can help out. -2 But you just came to Tokyo, right? Weren’t there schools with a good Kyudo team back home? ### Kyudo is Japanese archery hw- And you’re so smart too sfx- Clang hw- Thats not it… The daughter of my mom’s acquaintance is here. -3 So are you staying with that person? No. —49 -1 Actually it’s more like I’m the one taking care of her. -2 Yeah, Yuuhi-sensei lives right next door. But she’s totally useless without me. -3 Yuuhi-sensei… Are you still alive? Aah… sfx- Ka-cha -4 hw- Tears sfx- Duh-dun —50 -1 Yeaaah… Sorry ‘bout that. -2 It’s bad for my heart, so can you stop sleeping on the floor? But it’s so nice and cool… -3 So. Your manager shot down the plot you sent over yesterday, right? H-how do you know…? —51 -1 You’re not getting any plot ideas accepted. hw- You going to be ok? I-I’ll be fine! Even if I don’t get a plot idea accepted, I’m still an author! -2 When was the last time you had something published? sfx- Urrrg T-two years ago. -3 Don’t look at me like that! -4 But! But I get short stories published in monthly magazines! Mmph And I have fans too! -5 See? —52 -1 What’s that? Fan letters! -2 For each scene they liked, they wrote their impressions on a sticky note. sfx- Bump -4 So you have some pretty dedicated fans. -5 There’s criticism as usual, but they’re like a proofreader! hw- “Your reasoning’s a little weak here” hw- That’s a little harsh… So, does that make you happy? Bingo! —53 -1 But for how much they criticize me Their kanji characters are kinda cute, huh? hw- Heheh -2 The main character’s actions need a different explanation I like this scene. I’m glad it’s not a blow to your self esteem. -3 sfx- Flip -4 “I’ve made comments all the way through, but I really feel the warm personalities of your characters, Yuyake-sensei and I like them.” sfx- Whaddya think about that? -5 Hmm… Good for you. Hey! Be happier for me! sfx- Couldn’t care less ### what do you bet that she’s actually fan #1? —54 -1 They call me “Yuyake-sensei”. That makes me kinda happy. ### Yuyake means sunset, and is a play on Yuuhi’s name When I publish a new work, I wonder if they’ll write me another fan letter. -2 As long as they haven’t forgetten Yuyake-sensei. Oh, don’t be so mean. —55 -1 Bloop Bloop -2 The flavor’s just right. But maybe I made too much. -3 Well, she eats a lot anyway. sfx- Lots! -4 Ding dong -5 Whumpa whumpa whumpa —56 -1 Ka • Na • Me-chaaan! My plot got accepted! -2 Wha? sfx- Glomp sfx- Wah -3 Ka-thump —57 -1 I can’t believe you! Seriously! I’m sorry! -2 In any case, it’s awesome your plot got accepted. Yeah, and curry for dinner2! So happy! Ah, there’s eggplant in it! I fried it for you. Wow! You really know what I like! Ah! hw- Right! -3 I’ll have midterms starting next week. Oh. So we’ll both be busy. So then… —58 -1 We won’t see much of each other next week. -2 sfx- Clack That’s right… -3 For High schoolers, the amount of subjects on the test is pretty broad, huh? Ah, maybe I should help you with your studies! No. -4 I’ll be ok, since I’m pretty smart. So just take care of your health and focus on your draft, please. So not cute! sfx- Whaddya think about that? -5 Ah… -6 What’s the matter? sfx- Ziiip —59 -1 Here. sfx- Jingle -2 A spare key. -3 Huh? A spare key? Yup! -4 When I’m in the trenches in my office, I might not hear the doorbell. So just come over anytime. -5 You always hear the doorbell, right? Well, yeah… -6 But, y’know… ### But, y’know, I wanna jump your bones… —60 -1 Thank you… sfx- Clench -2 Ding dong -3 Kaname It’s individual practice today. What are you going to do? —61 -1 Sorry! I’ve got to go home early today. Oh, is that why you went to morning practice so early? Yup! -2 See you! Let’s practice together next time. -3 Tug -4 Steam -5 Hmm —62 -4 Shff -5 Klang —63 -1 She’ll notice, right? sfx- Glub bub bub -2 I don’t want to bother her. -3 Boom Waah Waah -4 It’s been a while… Since I ate alone. —64 -1 Ding dong -2 Ah -4 It’s nice to meet you. I just moved next door. Tachibana-san, right? I heard about it from my mom. Please be good to me. -5 I’m sorry if I’m interrupting your work. Nuh-uh. Not at all! hw- Thanks for the cookies! -6 I was just thinking about going to the convenience store to buy dinner. Dinner…? hw- It’s morning, you know… —65 -1 My schedule’s topsy turvy. Don’t let my mom know, ok? -2 Yuuhi-san, are you eating properly? I am! But it’s mostly convenience store meals, though… -4 Um… -5 I always make too much when I cook. If it’s ok with you We could eat together. —66 -2 I hope Yuuhi-sensei finishes her draft soon. —67 -1 Thank for the meal! Yuuhi -2 It would be awesome if we could have Mapo Tofu tomorrow. Yuuhi I loved today’s meal. Please make another for me Yuuhi -3 Good luck on your tests! Yuuhi -5 I might be able to finish my work this month! I’m awaiting a feast! Yuuhi -6 Yay! —68 -1 Kaname, did something good happen today? Huh? -2 Do I look that way? You do. You’re all smiles. Is it about that useless neighbor? Mmm… I guess so. I’m making dinner for her every day. -3 Today she’s finishing up a really busy stretch. -4 You’re totally her wife! hw- You’re waiting on her Wife…? No, no… She just doesn’t have her act together, and I’m a worry wart. -5 Sounds like she can’t get along without you. No, I mean, she is an adult after all. —69 -1 But it seems thats how you think of her. Eh…? -2 You think? -3 Kaname, what are your feelings towards her? -4 M… My feelings? -5 She’s just a neighbor, ok? -6 Even though it sure doesn’t look like it? —70 -2 Well… hw- Mmm It has been a while since we’ve seen each other… ###bold and italicize “has” -4 Clench -6 Creak —71 -1 It’s dark… and quiet… Maybe she’s not done yet. -2 Peek -3 Click -4 Clicka clack —72 -3 Ka-tump —73 -1 Finally done! -2 It’s already 1am. That really took a while. sfx- Ka-cha -4 Zzz -5 She’s so thoughtful. She went out of her way to not disturb me. Strange to see her all defenseless like this. hw- Cute! -6 She must have been studying. Lemme just sneak a look. —74 -1 “The menu this week for Yuyake-sensei”. The menu this week for Yuyake-sensei 19th (Weds): Niku Jyaga 20th (Thurs): Lemon chicken, Salad 21st (Fri): Summer veggie curry, Salad A new work! So happy! Sensei got her plot accepted! Congrats! 22nd (Sat): Fried rice with with octopus. Miso soup. Bell pepper and chikuwa sweet and sour stir fry. Does Yuuhi-sensei like bell pepper? Ask next time. Sun): Salmon meuniére. Tomato soup. Caesar salad with hard boiled egg and broccoli. : Ginger pork. Carrot kinpira. Miso soup with eggplant. -2 Whaaa…? She does all this? With that poker face? -3 She’s even paying attention to what I don’t like. -4 She’s never open with her feelings… So diligent. Truely. —75 -2 Blink -3 sfx- Whish Wah -4 Wakey, wakey! Did I surprise you? sfx- Smile Smile Smile So you came out here? Wake me up, then! You were just too cute to do that. -5 So you finished? Congratulations. -6 Sfx- Smile Smile Smile What’s with you? You’re freaking me out. -7 hw- Well… As long as you’re enjoying yourself, I guess… —76 -1 I have dinner for you. What do you want to do? I put in in the fridge… -2 And I made a bunch, so… —77 -1 Wha…? Y’know, Kaname-chan… When you write the character ”き”, You have a habit of connecting the two horizontal lines. -2 And? So? Take a look on the desk. -3 Wha… What the…? Sorry. I discovered this. ### leave the two books untranslated this time —78 -1 N-no… There’s all sort of people who write like that. Reaally? -2 I only told you about the “Yuyake-sensei” thing recently. And you knew it waaay before that, it seems. -3 That’s… So answer me. -4 Ok? —79 -1 Do you like the warm personalities of my characters? Fan of mine, who goes by the name of Nishime-chan? —80 -1 I also love you, Kaname-chan. —81 -1 Kiss -2 Nn… Did you think I was going to kiss you? -3 You did! On my cheek! Eheh… Heh… sfx- Grab —82 -1 You’re the one who crossed the line first, Yuyake-sensei. You better take responsibility for it! The End —85 -1 In my hometown you can really see the stars. -2 A Star on the Sidelines Kumosuzume On the days I got especially good scores on a test. On the days when club was really hard. On the days I fought with my mom. On normal, everyday days. The stars always embraced me. —86 -1 Takka tak tak Can you input this, please? -2 Takka Takka Tak Tak hw- Well, now… Iyou-san, you’re really knocking your work out fast today. Do you have a date or something? -3 Klack -4 A date…? -5 You must be kidding! Today is the super moon that I have been dying to see! I’m going to leave on time today to see the moon! sfx- Whish —87 -1 By yourself? Ahaha But I like observing the moon by myself. -2 It’s the one time where no one disturbs me. I think that’s how it will always be. -3 I’m sorry to interrupt your fun chat, but… Oh, no… Iyou-chan, I have more work for you… -4 Chief! You just heard what I said, right?! That’s why I’m apologizing! Please, Iyou-chan! —88 -1 sfx- Huff Huff Gotta hurry! Todays the full moon! -3 Flap Flop -4 Thump Tink -5 Sliiide —89 -2 Since there’s not many streetlights around, I can see pretty clearly from my home every night. -3 I knew it was the right thing to move out of the city! Beer on while watching the moon is just the best! -4 Phsst -5 And I got my side dishes half off! My moon watching power just leveled up! sfx- Pwaaaah! -6 Snerk —90 -1 Bwahaha Moon watching power? ‘The hell? -2 Oh, crap! That’s a guy’s voice. So the person next door is a guy…. -3 S-sorry… -4 Oh, don’t get all bashful on me now. That was cute. Wha?! sfx- Blush -5 sxf- Shff Don’t go poking fun at your elders! Ahaha Sorry, my bad! I’ll share some of my Tsukimi mochi with you, so please forgive me. ###Round mochi that is traditional to display and eat while watching the moon. See: https://guidable.co/culture/otsukimi-the-autumn-tradition-of-moon-viewing-in-japan/ —91 -1 Hnn… That bag… that’s the place in the neighborhood that sells the delicious mochi… sfx- Bam Usagi Japanese sweets ###bag Yep! After all it’s to celebrate the full moon. -2 I thought you might be out here tonight as well, so I bought extra. -3 Tonight…. as well? So that means… -4 Ever since you moved in, you’ve been watching the moon every night, right? I can hear you. hw- Just kill me now -4 I’ve been so busy since starting college. Before I knew it I was stressed like crazy. -5 But since you seemed to be having so much fun, it reminded me that what sold me on this apartment was the fact you could see the stars from the veranda. So thank you. -6 “Thank you”… huh? Outside of the standard polite garbage said at work, when’s the last time anyone’s thanked me for anything? sfx- Shhf —92 -1 Wow, it feels like I’m actually living for the first time in a while. -2 If time allows, let’s watch the stars together. We can bring snacks. Ah! My name is Subaru -3 Ah… um, I’m Iyou. Subaru…san. -4 Iyou-san, you’re older than I am, right? so just Subaru is fine! -5 I always thought I’d be watching the stars by myself. Subaru… —93 -1 Who would have thought I’d be watching the stars together with some guy on the other side of a wall? -2 Bam! -3 I got paid today, so I bought some really nice cookies. I got carried away… -4 Yay! Uh, Iyou-san, your hands are cold! sfx- Tap -5 Should you go back in? Well… my hands are always cold. sfx- Th-thump They’re always like that, so it’s ok. -6 Oh, no can do. Here, gimme your hand! —95 -1 Just what is this? I just started talking to this guy yesterday and now he wants to hold my hand? -2 Gulp He must do this kind of thing to everyone, not just me. -3 Ah, come on… What am I getting worked up about? sfx- Slump Iyou-san… -4 If you don’t like it, I’ll let go right away. I really would like it if you went back in before you catch cold, but… for just a little longer, maybe? -6 Ok, than if you please… —95 -1 So warm… -2 The gap is narrow, so we’ll have to do one at a time. His hands are just a bit bigger than mine. But his finger are slim enough that any girl would be jealous. —96 -1 He seems to be avoiding leaving at the same time. -2 Ka-chak -4 Slam -5 So it’s pretty cute how excited he is about chatting over the fence. Well, that’s what I thought but, after this happening two or three more times… -6 I want to see what Subaru looks like! —97 -2 Creee -3 Make some footsteps sfx- Click Clack Clack -4 sfx- Slam And fake leaving! -5 Silence -6 There we are! sfx- Ka-cha -7 Whoosh —98 -1 Iyou…san… She’s… -2 Ah. Judging by the expression on your face, looks like I gave the wrong impression. She’s…! Um, I didn’t mean to fool you or anything… -3 She’s a girl! A girl! A female college student! She’s a female college student with a husky voice! —99 -1 Since you started talking to “Subaru on the other side of the fence”… I worried that you wouldn’t talk to me if you found out I was a girl. -2 That’s not…. -3 My bus is going to arrive, so I have to get going. But have a good day a work, Iyou-san! Ah… Yeah. Have a good day too, Subaru. -4 Um… So tonight… Can we talk while watching the stars together? -5 You bet! Whew! -6 sfx- Wave Wave Ok, at our usual time! —100 -1 Yeah. -2 Slump -3 “Subaru on the other side of the fence”, huh? -4 Just what was she thinking as we were hanging out? It’s not going to just end tonight, right? -5 I thought I was just fine being all by myself, but… But now I’m… —101 -1 Thumpa Thumpa -2 Huff Huff -3 Haaah -5 Shove —102 -2 Iyou-san, you there? I’m here. About this morning… I’m sor… Um, y’know, Subaru… -3 I thought about it all day. To tell the truth, I thought you were a guy, so I was surprised to find out that you are a girl. -4 But, I found I did want to talk with you after all, so here I am. —103 -1 Man? Woman? Doesn’t matter. So don’t apologize. -2 sfx- Flap Ok, then. Here! -3 Ah, this the for the park in the next town over. You can really see the stars there. It’s famous! hw- Cool! -4 It says you can really see them this time of year. You drive, right Iyou-san? So let’s go! Park ###brochure. Don’t think you need to bother typesetting this. -5 This kinda feels like being invited out on a date! sfx- Ehe Buuut, I know you just want me for my wheels. -6 Subaru? hw- You asleep? You’re gonna catch cold… —104 -1 So are you going or not? -2 I’ll go… sfx- Thump Thump Thump Thump sfx- Haah Haah -3 Ok, so keep next weekend open for me, ok? I’m going to avoid working this weekend if it kill me! —105 -3 J-just was a sec… how long does this staircase go on for? What do you mean? To the observation platform, of course. -4 Don’t tell me you’re out of breath, Iyou-san… -5 Don’t look down on office work. There’s no one that can surpass me in being out of shape. That’s scary! Observation Platform: 1 ###sign —106 -1 Amazing! It’s just like the picture! You can’t see a view like this back home! My feet hurt. I wanna smack myself because I got carried away and wore cute pumps. -2 It really is amazing. I think that’s Venus. It’s really shining. -4 Since she’s been on the other side of the wall, I couldn’t tell, but… Ah… —107 -1 Hm? That’s how she looks while looking at stars. Nothing. Like a kid. It’s cute. -2 Aren’t you cold today? As if. It’s been a while since I exercised like that. I’m kinda warm. -3 Clasp -4 Squeeze sfx- Whaaa? Huh? Are you cold? My hands aren’t cold at all, so…? -5 Well, let’s just pretend your hands are cold. -6 C’mon… I told you, don’t make fun of your elders, right? —108 -1 If you react like that, you’re gonna make me think I have a chance. A chance? -2 A chance to do things like this. -3 Oh, crap. -4 Thump Thump Thump At this distance, she’s going to hear how crazy hard my heart’s beating. -5 Iyou-san, your hands are sweaty. What’s up with that? Are you nervous? -6 Hey! You’re the one who set up this mood, don’t just go tearing it down now. Sorry! Sorry! -7 So… —109 -1 If this was a date… what would you do? -3 Ah… I get it. hw- Heh Heh -4 I’m not the only one feeling uncertain. —110 -2 Your ears give everything away. Can you not? -3 Ok! How about this? You get your license and then take me out on a date somewhere. Got it! It’s a promise! —112 -2 sfx- Zzz Well, call it a date or not, there was nothing like a confession. hw- She’s sleeping -3 …I love you. -4 Me too. -5 Hey! You mean you were awake?! The road! Iyou-san! Eyes on the road! The signal’s green! The end —113 -1 ### I have already translated this Yodokawa story. It’s collected in his volume of one-shot’s called Men Men Musubi and is being scanlated by Sappho Scans. —147 -1 ### This story is already scanlated and up on Mangadex, but I translated it for fun anyway. I’m not crazy about the existing translation as well. You’re Not Alone Yoshida Bana -2 Ah, hey… Look over there… She’s here… sfx- Murmer -3 Tachibana-san… —148 -1 Meal Tickets -2 Shwff -3 Hey… -4 You dropped this… Ah, thanks… -5 Hya! sfx- Jolt -6 Sorry! Take this! Just don’t take my life! Um… sfx- Whish —149 -1 Right, then! Hey… -2 Whoa, Tachibana-san just mugged the otaku dude. That’s “Demonslayer Tachibana” for you… I heard she beat up someone at another high school. sfx- Whisper Whisper You never know what’s gonna happen if you get near here! -3 Crap! She’s looking this way! Let’s get! sfx- Doooom You’re Not Alone Yoshida Bana —150 -3 Not again… sfx- Sigh sfx- Clang -4 Thanks to this fierce face I inherited from my father, people have always been afraid of me. -5 I’ve never had friends, can’t even get people to speak with me… You can’t say that… Sensei, Chinatsu-san is scaaary -6 Okay! ###small outside of bubble Everyone buddy up! sfx- Fidget sfx- Huh? -7 Ah, I better greet the sempai… Hello… sfx- Shiver Eh… Grim… Hello! Chinatsu’s image ###box -8 And before I knew it, I was saddled with the nickname “Demonslayer Tachibana”. sfx- Whisper Whisper “Demonslayer”? ‘The hell? —151 -1 If I ever get reborn… -2 I wanna be like someone as lovely and harmless as a lollypop. To be born as someone warm and cute. For example, -3 Like her… -5 C-crap! Our eyes met! sfx- Mutter Mutter… She’s gonna get scared of me… —152 -1 Ding Dong -2 Eating alone yet again… -3 You’re my only friend… sfx- Hisss -4 Hey! You shitty stray, we’ve been eating together for just how long now? ###bold or italicize “how” Eh? -5 Wha? -6 A kitty! So cuuuute! —153 -1 Just why is she coming back here? I went out of my way to find a place no one comes to… -2 Are you caring for the cat? -4 Eh? No… Uh… I just feed it, so… sfx- Looks away Hmm? What’s with her? Talking to me as if it were normal… -5 So you don’t keep it at home? No… My mom’s got an allergy… So we can’t… I see. sfx- Looks away -6 I’m trying to find a home for it… but haven’t found anyone yet… -7 Actually, it’s that people avoid talking to me… She’ll do the same, right? Hmm? —154 -1 I have one more question… -2 Why have you been avoiding my gaze? -3 Um… It’s not… -4 I’m not good at looking people in the eyes… -5 Nothing good happens if I look people in the eyes… -7 Hmm… That’s a shame. A shame? —155 -1 I’ve got a complex about my droopy eyes. Everyone tells me I look sleepy… -2 So that’s why I think eyes that look sharp are cool. I think. -4 Ah, you’re looking away again. -5 So… you’re not scared of me? -6 Wha? What with that line? Sooo funny! sfx- Giggle —156 -1 I’m not scared or anything. -2 Hey, I won’t say anything to anyone, so can I come see the cat tomorrow too? -3 Not like you have a right to say no. Right? Well, I’ll also bring some food tomorrow. -4 She’s… weird… -5 I guess she just likes cats. —157 -2 Cute, huh? sfx- Just chillin’ -3 It took two weeks for me to get kinda close to it… sfx- Nice kitty Nice kitty sfx- Bong -4 Wha? She loves being petted, see? sfx- Purrrrr -6 Crap! A teacher! Wha? —158 -1 So it’s you two. The students who have been feeding this cat. -2 It’s me… -3 There’s been a rumor that a cat was living behind the building here. But I wouldn’t have believed it to be true. The students are complaining… It’s a problem to keep a cat on school grounds. -4 For now, I’ll take the cat. —159 -1 What will you do if we hand it over? -2 We’ve put in a call to the Public Health dept. who will take care of it. Leave the rest to us. Public Health… -3 No way. I will absolutely not hand this cat over. Now look… Tachibana-san, was it? You know you have a reputation, so… You don’t want thing to get worse, so just hand the cat over like a good girl. -4 Just how do I have reputation? -5 Come now, settle down. sfx- Jolt -6 Ah… —160 -1 Ok, I’ll keep the cat. -2 Wha? -3 That will solve it, right? —161 -1 Whooshhh -3 The cat’s gone. I’m totally all alone now. -4 Starting today, I really am eating all alone. sfx- Rip Thanks for the meal… -5 Heya! Uwa! sfx- Twitch —162 -1 The cat’s not here, so you came anyway? Yeah, I decided on a name, so I came to tell you. sfx- Thump -2 Look, it’s Momo-chan. -3 Ah… But that’s great. Seriously. Yeah. Mom loves cats too, so she was happy. If so, that’s great… -4 Hey, I wanna send you cat pics. Give your Line ID. Line? -5 You don’t use Line? -6 I’ve never felt the need. —163 -1 That’s ok. Gimme your phone a sec, I’ll install it for you. -2 No, I don’t have a smart phone. Wha!? -3 I’ve never felt the need. -4 Got it… So I’ll just come to show you pictures everyday, ok? Wha? -5 No… You don’t have to… sfx- Glance What is this girl planning? -6 You wanna see them, right? Why’s she pressuring me? —164 -1 Since then it’s been everyday. -2 Even in bad weather…. -3 At lunch time, she really does come everyday. -5 Hey, you… Why do you come here everyday? Hm? The cat pics are nice every once in a while, tho. —165 -1 ‘Cause we’re friends? -2 Fr… -3 Do friends need a reason to be together? -4 Friend… Just what is a friend…? -5 And it’s not “hey you”. My name’s Anna. Ok, Chinatsu? -6 Why do you know my name…? Friends know things like this, ok? —166 -1 Just when did I become friends with you? -2 Wha? It’s not a question of “when”. If you think someone’s a friend, then they’re a friend. -3 But by that logic, you’re not my friend. Hey! That’s mean! -4 Don’t just go shitting on what I said… sfx- Plop -5 OMG —167 -1 Hey, just what happened… Aaaaah! -2 My precious limited stock melon bread! ### it’s called that because of it’s appearance, not it’s flavor. -5 It’s nothing to laugh about! It’s so tough to get your hands on the chocolate chip flavor! No… Sorry… —168 -1 When you shouted like that, I just couldn’t help it… -3 What? -4 That’s the first time I’ve seen you smile, Chinatsu. —169 -1 Wha!? I’m not smiling or anything… Hmmm -3 Seems like she’s pleased as punch about it. -5 Yakisoba bread ¥180 Chocolate Chip Melon Pan ¥150 Apple Pie ¥120 —170 -1 What the? There’s chocolate chip melon bread right there. I guess you don’t have to line up for it? No one’s able to get in line. ###box sfx- Murmur Murmur ###right She’s the real deal! ### handwritten sfx- Twitch ###left -2 I’ll buy her a melon bread to make up for it. -3 Maybe it’ll make her happy… -4 Just thinking about her yesterday is still funny… —171 -1 Hey, hasn’t Anna been distance recently? -2 Ah, haven’t you heard? She’s been seen hanging out with Tachibana-san. Wha? Seriously? That Tachibana-san? ###bold or italicize “that” -3 Are they her friends? -4 Do you think Anna is like that? ### bold or italicize “like that” I just don’t wanna tangle with Tachibana-san. Anna might be in trouble too, right? -5 We better think about if we wanna hang with her… —172 -1 How could I have forgotten? -2 I mean… Ah, hey… wait up… Tachibana-san’s there… Eh? I’m not someone people should associate with… -3 Ah, there you are! -4 Since you’re late, I came to find you. -5 What’s wrong? —173 -1 Heeey? -4 You’re a pain. —174 -1 We’ve just talked a bit and now you think we’re friends? -2 We’re not friends. We’re strangers. -4 Don’t talk to me. —175 -2 What’s with her? Who does she think she is? Don’t pay it any mind, Anna. Seriously! She sucks. It’s great you’re not hanging out with someone like her anymore! —176 -2 I’m back to being alone. -3 Yeah, I’m more suited to being alone… It’s back to how it was just a little while ago. -4 The weirdness is over. Things are just back to the way they were. —177 -1 If things are going to disappear… -2 It’s better if I never had them to begin with. -3 Yeah, being alone is just easier… —178 -1 You’re so stupid! —179 -2 If you’re were gonna cry over it, you should have never said it to start with. —180 -1 Wh… -2 Why…? -3 Why? That’s what I want to know. Throwing that in my face all the sudden. -4 I don’t want to cause problems for anyone… —181 -1 Who said anything about a problem? -2 No one said anything, but… -3 Let me say this… You think you know what other people are feeling, but you’re just coming up with your own conclusions. Whether you’re being complacent, or rude, it’s a huge pain in the ass. So don’t I get a say in this? Really, you suck at communicating. -4 I’m pissed, I want you to know… —182 -1 I’m sorry… -2 A insincere apology like that is not going to soothe the hurt in my heart. So what should I do…? -3 So I’m not your friend? I want to be friends with you… -4 You don’t like me? That’s not true… -5 So you like me? Yeah… Huh? Uh… —183 -1 So can you say just what you like about me? Huh? -2 Surely you can look me in the eyes and say it, right? -3 And then I’ll forgive you. Uh, that’s a little… —184 -3 sfx- Grin Go ahead. —185 -1 Eh… That’s… Uh… -3 …how nice you are.. —186 -1 That’s all!? -2 Ah… and your face… is cute… and… you’re voice… is cute… But your personality is bad… and your really stubborn… Half of that is complaints -3 Well, fine. I forgive you. Whumpf -4 Thanks… —187 -1 Y’know, I… Hm? -2 I like how you have no friends besides me. -3 That’s also a complaint… No, I’m praising you, ok? -4 Aah, Getting mad has made me even more hungry. Let’s each lunch. -5 Wha!? —188 -1 There’s chocolate chip melon pan here! Ah… -2 That’s for you, Anna. -4 What? -5 Noooothing! The end. —189 -1 Still Two Hearts Konoyama Kata That girl… She failed to crack the top 10% on the midterms again. Kawase Kokoro ###name on the test papers I wonder what’s wrong? Did she not feel well? —2 Kawase san’s always studying during recess too. Crazy, huh? People who get SSR in the parent lottery, really have an advantage, huh? ### Specialty Super Rare -3 Kawase-san, of course you going to take the advanced class, right? -4 Kokoro, you are a member of the Kawase family, after all! My mom and dad excel. -5 So everyone thinks I should be able to as well. My parents, my teacher, my classmates… None of them know how I feel… Yes… —190 -1 Whooooa, it’s rare for you to cut school, Kokoro! -2 What’s wrong? -3 …you don’t have to follow me, you know. —191 -1 Wha? It’s all good, right? It’s more fun when it’s the two of us, hm? -2 Test prep getting you down? -3 Just a bit. -4 The school you’re aiming for? Pretty tough. Do you have to aim for the top High School? -5 My parents say I definitely have to go there… Hard core! I just chose someplace based on their uniform! —192 -1 The test is almost upon us, huh? —193 -1 Ah, We can get down to the beach here! Whoa… -2 Wahoooo! The sea! sfx- Whish -3 Hmm? -4 What kind of footprints are these? Aliens? -5 Gotta be a bird, right? You gotta take birds on a walk? Wha? —194 -2 Kokoro, look here! Maybe this came from China! -3 Is it precious? Can we sell it? …I doubt we could sell it. -4 Ah! A bird! And it really is walking! -5 But… That’s… -6 That’s just a crow, right? Ah, dang! -7 sfx- Shaa Shaa Uhyaaa! —195 -1 It’s not too cold? sfx- Thud -2 It’s super cold, but super fun! -3 Kokoro, you too! sfx- Whoooeeooo -4 Gyaaa! Sfx- Shiver Shiver sfx- Whooeeoo sfx- frozen ###lower right Sfx- Shiver Shiver ### lower left Aagh! Too cold when the wind blows! I’m frozen! sfx- Splish ###by foot on left -5 Snrk Ahahaha —196 -1 You finally laughed. -2 Ah… -3 Just now… I forgot about all the crappy things… Grin -4 —197 -1 This way! Wha? sfx- Grab -2 Haaaaah -3 Waaaaaah! sfx- Jolt -4 Feels great to yell! -5 Ok, now together! Wha? -6 On three… —198 -1 Heeeeya! …don’t wanna… -2 Nn? What did you say? —199 -1 I don’t want to get split up. -2 I don’t want to be separated from you, Hi-chan. -3 I dooooon’t! -4 Why? Why do I have to choose a different school from you, Hi-chan? —200 -1 If that happens, I’l… -2 You want to be a doctor, right? Pat -3 I mean, mom and dad are, so… But I don’t think I’m cut out to be a doctor. -4 I’m not good with talking with people I don’t know, and… I don’t talk to anyone besides you, Hi-chan. sfx- Mutter Mutter -5 Wave of warmth —201 -1 Oh, there, there. -2 You’ve already worked hard enough. —202 -1 You’re just a little crybaby, huh? That’s right, Hi-chan is… -2 Nn… -3 Uwaaah The only one who really sees me. —203 -1 Kokoro, You’re a little shy, but you’re friendly to everyone. -2 Those qualities would make you suited to be a doctor, I think. -4 You… think so? sfx- Flush —204 -1 I’ll totally go to a hospital where you are a doctor, Kokoro! Roar! Y… You don’t have to come… -2 Geez -3 If only I was like Hi-chan, things would be easier. -4 Isn’t it early for the stores to be closing? -5 Maybe because it’s a tourist spot? Ah, thanks ###handwritten -6 Let’s head home after we eat this. Yummy ###handwritten —205 -1 The closest station is Katase no Shima, right? sfx- Whssh -2 Hey -3 How about spending the night here? -4 Wha!? Don’t have that kind of money! ###bold or italicize “that” Sleeping out in the open would be fine. What are you saying… -5 I don’t wanna go home… —206 -1 Oh, come on! You’re acting like a kid! You want some ice cream? Don’t want any. -2 Why are you in such a bad mood? Is it that hard to hang out with me? -4 That’s not it at all! sfx- Whish —207 -1 Plop -2 Ah… -3 Wai… -4 I mean, I wanna always be with you, Kokoro! I don’t wanna be separated! —208 -2 When… I said I wanted to try for the school you chose, Kokoro, the teacher stopped me. -3 Even if I start studying now, I could make it, right? I’ve been studying my ass off. -4 I really have been trying hard… But it’s just not enough… —209 -1 Aaah! Crap! ###handwritten Just what with that shitty quadratic equation! sfx- Stompa Stompa Stomp “Infinitive”? You say that, but I don’t get it! -2 And the quota? Just match it to my ability! -3 Even if I’m dumb, I wanna system that let’s me go to the same school as Kokoro! Just make it that way, you goddamn adults! -4 H… Hi-chan…? sfx- Huff Huff —210 -3 Wah sfx- Whumf —211 -1 I mean… It’d suck if I can’t be with you, Kokoro… -2 I wanted to be like you, Kokoro… —212 -2 Oh… There, there… -3 I see. -4 Hi-chan, you feel the same way. —213 -2 I always thought you were more of an adult than me, Hi-chan. I thought you never had doubts or second guessed yourself. -3 You shocked? -4 Mm-nn. The opposite. I’m relieved. -5 sfx- Donk Makes me feel we’re the same. —214 -1 The two of us. Getting mad, crying. Like kids! -2 Aha Ahaha -3 Tomorrow, let’s face our scolding together, huh? Ugya! The end. —217 -1 ### this is the second part to this story. “I don’t need promises” was published in Avalon Bitter. It has already been scanlated and is on Dynasty. In part one, they translated one character’s name as “Asha”, but I think “Ashe” is more accurate. sfx- Stare Recently… -2 I wonder whats up with me. -3 Whish -4 What’s up, Ashe? I get all embarrassed and can’t meet her gaze. I’ve never been like this every before. Once Your Feelings are Heard Takishima Asaka —218 -1 Oh right, about tomorrow… -2 Since it’s starting to warm up, I thought I’d go out and hunt for a bit. Do you want to come too, Ashe? Not gonna. I want to, but… hw- Oh? I thought you’d be happy sfx- Flop -3 Every since you’ve been able to maintain that shape yourself, you haven’t really gone back to your real body, huh? Alyn… your mom said always staying like that was tiring. Maybe take a break? You used to like chasing bears around, right? sfx- Grr -4 sfx- Wheee! -5 I don’t do that stuff anymore! sfx- Blush -6 Ok, then… sfx- Mmph —219 -1 Do you want to go into town? You said you wanted to pick some clothes out, right? -2 I’m fine. sfx- Pout -3 Wait… are you feeling ok? You seem like you have a bit of a fever. Why didn’t you say anything? Because you always make such a big fuss. Well then, you should take yourself to bed and get some rest, right? -4 I know that. sfx- Whap Ah -6 sfx- Sigh I’m doing it again… —220 -1 “People can sleep soundly when they are at ease.” -2 What you heard before was true. Alyn called for help and died so I could be rescued. After Mom died, Claire has stayed together with me for six years. She finally was able to smile again after those events. And even though she’s so important to me… ###boxes -3 In my case, just being with Claire is enough. But for Claire to be at ease… It has to be Mom, not me. -4 Now it’s my turn to take care of you, Claire. Since you can’t take care of yourself, I’ll make up for it. -5 because I can’t put things into words clearly, I’m causing Claire trouble. Well, I guess I gotta… -6 Jolt —221 -1 hw- Hey! Claire! Wait a… Put me down! -2 I can walk, ok? -3 Slam -4 Whumf Nn… —222 -1 Goodnight! sfx- Toss -2 You’re not going to give me my goodnight kiss like usual? ‘Cause you’re not going to bed yet. -3 Hmm… I’ll put out the candles, so just wait a bit. Wha? -4 It’s something we used to do every night, and now… sfx- Creak —223 -1 Why? sfx- Thump Thump Thump Why am I so nervous? -2 Kiss -3 All done. -4 hw- Whaaa? What are you all embarrassed about? -5 I hope you feel better tomorrow. sfx- Hug -6 Good night —224 -1 Claire hasn’t changed at all. So why are things all awkward now? -3 I used to fall asleep, -4 looking at her face all the time… —225 -1 Uu… …sh… Wake… sfx- Pat Pat Pat -2 Ashe… Wake up! sfx- Tap Tap Claire? -3 You’re too heavy… Wha? -4 Whoosh —226 -1 Wha? My body…? Ah, you awake? Phweeeee Why did I end up going back to normal? Ashe, hey… Ashe… -2 Claire! Pweeee?! That helps, thanks… -3 Claire! What do I do? Uururuuu… I can’t change back! Graoow Hm? Worried you can’t change back? —227 -1 It’s okay. It’s okay. I think you just tired yourself out by staying changed. Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you like this. I guess it’s important to catch a breather once in a while. -2 It’s already late, so not much worry about you getting seen. We’ll figure something out in the morning. If I’m like this… -3 I’ll sleep on the sofa. If something happens, just wake me up. Phweee… -4 I thought I finally was getting closer to being an adult… sfx- Creak Creak Creak -5 So uncool. —228 -1 Pwheee Floof -2 My feathers! So many are… Ahhh, I get it. You’re starting to molt. -3 You’re going to get a whole new set of feathers. If you eat a lot and get a lot of rest, the process will go quickly. Nothing to worry about. -4 So they all are going to fall out? sfx- Glance -5 Ragged -6 I hate this! sfx- Dash Ashe! —229 -1 sfx- Slam Ashe… Just hang in there for a week, ok? -2 If you’re going to rest, be sure to eat breakfast first, ok? Ok? -3 Silence -4 I don’t want Claire to see me like this. I don’t want her to see how my feathers keep falling out. So pathetic… —230 -1 Hey, Ashe… sfx- Twitch -2 Once you’ve calmed down a bit… Come on out anytime. I’ll wait. -3 Clench -4 I just hope… this ends quickly. —231 -2 It’s pitch black. I must have really slept. sfx- Mmph -3 My body’s so heavy… I’m hungry. -4 It’s seems quiet out there, but… sfx- Peek -5 Is Claire already asleep? sfx- Creak sfx- Bump —232 -2 She made me dinner… -3 She’s sleeping, right? sfx- Thump -4 Claire… —233 -1 Why can’t I do this with her anymore? -2 I still love her this much after all. -3 Maybe this is also because I’m molting? -4 Creak Ka-chak -5 What a pain. -6 hw- So she was lonely after all She’s just like her mom. So stubborn once she’s decided on something. —234 -1 I’ve noticed that recently Ashe has been troubled over something. -2 I thought I’d wait until she said something, but… -3 But! I guess I was being a little naive. -4 Just like Ashe accepted everything about who I was back then… I’ll have to show her what it’s like to be accepted. -5 Right, Ayln? —235 -1 Knock Knock -3 Kaboom —236 -1 Recently it seems you haven’t liked it when I try to comfort you. And I thought I’d try to respect that, but… But this time things are different. -2 She broke the door! sfx: Clatter Clatter Is she super pissed? -3 Flutter -4 Don’t look! sfx- Whoosh —237 -1 hw- Oh, my goodness Ashe, you hate it that much? -2 I’m sorry. Please show me your face, ok…? sfx- Jolt -3 It’s ok. You’re just a little ruffled, but you’re still cute as always. —238 -1 So don’t you worry. Sfx- Fluff Back when you were a kid, you used to get covered with mud. It wasn’t a problem. -2 Ok, Ashe? —239 -1 No matter how you are, even if you never are able to become human again… The fact that I love you doesn’t change. -2 Ah… I… -3 I really love her. sfx- Ba-dump —240 -1 The reason goodnight kisses are embarrassing… sfx- Crick -2 and why I hated her seeing me all unkempt… is because I worried about what she thought. sfx- Huff Huff -3 Shwaaaa -4 sfx- Glomp Whaa It’s because I love Claire even more than before! —241 -1 Nn… Ashe, your body…! -2 Hm…? Wait a second… -3 Ashe… Did you just get bigger? Wha? —242 -1 You were so small… and cute! -2 So… I’m not cute anymore? hw- Stare hw- Rude! sfx- Grab -3 O-of course you’re still cute! But, I mean, you got big all the sudden! -4 hw- Nnnnnn I’m thinking it’s about time to sleep separately from now. Why? -5 I don’t think I take up that much more space. ###bold and italicize “that” We’ll just sleep smooshed together. Wai… Wait! What are you…! sfx- Flutter —243 -1 P… Put me down! sfx- Hmph You didn’t put me down. ###bold and italicize “me” Nngh sfx- Trod Trod -2 Whumpf -3 See? sfx- Whumpf -4 Hey, now… You’re just kicking up the dust… sfx- Creak —244 -2 Y’know… I really love you, Claire. -3 Fufu… It’s been a while since I’ve heard that. I mean, recently you’ve been a… Hey. -4 What about you, Claire? Me? -5 Of course I… sfx- Shhf —245 -3 Wha?! What did you just… What about you, Claire? —246 -1 Me too. -2 I love you too. -3 Ashe. -4 hw- Hey, hey I’m hungry. Do you want me to taste it for you? Again? At least she’s the same in this fashion… The End —249 -1 Needle and Thread Sudou Yumi -2 Nanao? sfx- skreek -3 Kei? sfx- Clack What are you doing out here? -4 You’ve come back here? I’m heading back to Tokyo soon. Nanao, you still working that job at the home center? -5 Ah… I quit that job. Just got tired of it. Hmm… —250 -1 Then, wanna come with me? Eh? -2 I went independent and just started my own brand. I have some simple side jobs that need doing… -3 If you’re free, help me out? -5 Kei….. What the? Quit your crying! Kei always rescues me. —251 -1 From that day, I decide to live for Kei’s sake. Needle And Thread: The Light Of My Life Sudou Yumi —253 -1 Wha? Nanao-san, you’ve only been working in clothing for five years?! Y-yeah. -2 No way… I thought you were more than a 10 year veteran… I’ve got a ways to go. -3 Your patterns are precise, your samples are all done so well, and you’re so fast! Th-that’s not… -4 I just want to catch up to Kei, so I give it my all. I just want to be a little useful. -5 Nanao… sfx- Whish —253 -2 Kei! What’s going on? Yeah, I think I’m going to change the sleeve here. -3 I know you just made the pattern, but can I have you update it? Kei and I have know each other since pre-school. And she’s and up and coming fashion designer. -4 I take Kei’s designs and first make patterns, then make samples. I work as a patterner. Sorry. It’s fine. No prob. I’ll have it done soon. —254 -1 I had never made a single piece of clothing. -2 Once I started working at Kei’s place, I studied my ass off ever day learning about clothing. The first year was acquiring skills and knowledge. Around the second year she had me start making patterns and samples. -3 I just worked my butt off. -4 I now know what drove me so hard. -5 What are your grinning about? Nothing in particular… —255 -1 You two are kinda like a dog and its owner. It’s sweet. hw- A dog? -2 Did she just say I’m cute like a dog? I didn’t! You’re hearing things! Go to sleep, please! -3 Kei, you really hate hearing that you’re cute, huh? It’s just the stock phrase all the normies use to insult me… Yeah, I know I haven’t grown since grade school, but… -4 Yeah, you’re more cool than cute, Kei. -6 ANYways… If I had your height, Nanao, I’d be majestic… I think you’re just fine as is. The heck?! —256 -1 Ah, right. Yesterday the sample got some nice praise. -2 From the client? Yeah. She said every one is great, so she’s looking forward to more. -3 It’s because your designs are great, Kei. What are you talking about? -4 Every outstanding designer needs an outstanding patterner. No matter how good the design is, it lives or dies by the pattern. —257 -1 If I didn’t have you, Nanao, my brand wouldn’t have gotten this far. -3 I’m so happy… I’ve worked this hard just to hear you say that, Kei… You’re so easy. You really are like a dog. -4 I’ve always been helped out by you, Kei. I don’t have any talent, no merit… Oh come off it, Nanao. You’re awesome. The way you work. Your skills too. -5 You’re a patterner that can hold her head up anywhere you go. -6 Eh? —258 -1 Kei…? sfx- Nod -2 Zzz Oh, C’mon… -3 sxf- Snrk Kei… You haven’t changed at all… —259 -1 sfx- Vreee ### or any other cicada sound Why don’t you fight back? -2 W-whatever I do won’t work… -3 My grades suck. I’m a blockhead. It’s just what I get, or… It’s just what you get? -4 Nanao, you don’t deserve… Actually no one deserve to be treated like that. —260 -1 Nanao, you’re just too kind, that’s all. Kei, you’re kinder… -2 Nanao, someday you’re gonna find something special other than studying. -3 Once you lock on to that, you’re gonna be amazing. -4 You just haven’t found it yet. Like your clothing, Kei? -5 True dat! I’m gonna be a super famous fashion designer. No doubt about it! You rock. —261 -1 I love you, Kei. -2 I don’t even remember when it started. But it’s fine the way things are. -3 I’m now able to work with Kei… Just carrying her exhausted body to bed makes me happy. -4 sfx- Click Good night. -5 sfx- Ka-cha —262 -1 Grumble… -2 I guess I’ll get lunch. Ah, they have oyakodon. ### chicken and egg over rice Excuse me… -3 You’re Nanao? Hah? -4 Can I talk to you for a sec? -5 Y-yeah… Who’s that? ###handwritten -6 Dora ###over door Open ###on door —263 -1 Baba Haruko-san… Um… -2 THE Baba Haruko?! The one who designs for celebrities? You have shows all over the world! Yeah, that’s how it plays out. -3 Next month I’m moving my base of operations to Germany. So this is a limited time offer. I want you to come with me. -4 Ha…? Eh?! sfx- Clink -5 Eh?! Why? That’s… I’m here to steal you away. -6 You’re the one who makes the first patterns for Kei, right? Even though you’re young, every time I see one of yours, I can see how talented you are. Eh?! No way, right? I’m still… —264 -1 I don’t have time for bullshit. -2 I saw your skill. I’m asking for your help. -3 It’s not a bad deal for you… I’m sorry. -4 I only make clothing for Kei. —265 -1 Oranges ###box -2 Satuski-chan, can you do this…? -3 Huh? My stuff… Ah, I packed it all up for you. Once you know your address in Germany, I’ll send it over. -4 Awww, I wanna drink some German beer… H-hey, wait just a second! -5 I never said I was going! Wha? -6 You’re going, alright. —266 -1 Whyyyyy?! Well, there’s no choice. A chance like this just doesn’t come around. -2 You’ll broaden your worldview and make good connections. It’ll really be something positive for you. -3 If I’m gone… Who’s going to make your clothes, Kei? The other assistant is already making decent patterns… And I’ll hire another girl. -4 No way am I gonna do it! Ah? -5 I’m only going to make your clothes, Kei… I told her that and turned her right down! —267 -1 Besides being your patterner, I want to be useful to you, Kei! I couldn’t care less about anyone else! So, that’s why… Got it. -2 Ok, then. -3 You’re fired! -4 Well, it’s up to me now. I’ll tell Baba-chi myself. Huh? -5 Slam She’s not here anymore… —268 -1 Trod Trod -2 So for Kei… I wasn’t as necessary as she said I was… -3 Kei always brought me along. I never imagined she’d abandon me. -4 No… Kei’s not thinking about abandoning me or not abandoning me… Kei’s just Kei. She hasn’t changed at all. Nanao! —269 -1 They’re avoiding you just because your name sounds like a boy’s?! -2 You just cut them off first! Tomorrow, I’m telling the teacher! -3 You failed three subjects?! -4 You just have to get good marks on the test, that’s all. I’ll teach you whatever I can. -5 You didn’t get into any colleges? -6 That’s fine. You can be a ronin or a part timer. ###ronin is a student studying to take the entrance exam the next year. You don’t have to do whatever others do. -7 Nanao. —270 -1 Come with me? —271 -1 You sure love your rivers, huh, Nanao? Makes you easy to find. -2 Have you calmed down yet? -3 Kei… If I’m gone… you’re ok with that? -5 Look, I’m telling you you don’t need to worry about work. That’s not what I’m talking about. -6 I… can’t live without you, Kei. My life up till now, and from here on out. —272 -1 I love you, Kei. -2 I haven’t been able to see you as an old friend for a long time now. -3 I studied so hard because I wanted to be with you… 
Hmm… So that’s why you always want to work with me? -4 Is that bad? It’s not a matter of bad or not. I can’t think of you in any other way except as an old friend or coworker. —273 -1 That’s fine. We don’t have to be close. -2 It’s not fine. ###bold or italicize “not” I’ve got a a problem with it. ###bold or italicize “I’ve” -3 Wha? Up ‘till now, I’ve always viewed you as an old friend. -4 But there was a moment I forgot about all that. -5 You came to work for me. You hadn’t really ever touched a sewing machine before. It was when your sewing skills kept improving before my eyes. —274 -1 I was aroused. -2 It was a Nanao I’ve never seen. -3 But I don’t feel a thing now. The feeling that bubbled up at that time has weathered away. And I hate that. -4 Nanao… —275 -1 Show me you can surprise me yet again. -5 And then who knows what might happen. Ah… Yeah… —276 -1 Kei, you’re so cool. Fufu -2 It’s a pretty easy to understand reward, right? —277 -1 Five years later -2 This is the scene at the Paris fashion show. Famous fashion designers unveil gorgeous and magnificent works this year as well. -3 This one! This one! This is the one Nanao worked on! -4 Seems that way. Hmm That rocks. As patterner, she’s influencing a lot of people. -5 That’s right. To the point where she might not work with a washed up designer like me. She doesn’t think that at all. Washed up? As if. -6 You don’t know that. —278 -1 I don’t know Nanao at all anymore. -2 Eh? -4 International Airport -5 Roll Roll Roll -7 Keiiii! sfx- Klick Klack Klick Klack Nana… —279 -1 I’m home! Uwhoa! -2 Kei, you haven’t changed at all, so I knew it was you right away! Rude! Put! Me! Down! ###handwritten I’ve grow 3cm, I’ll have you know! -3 And you, Nanao… -4 I thought you’d be a little more refined. But you’re the same as ever. -5 I-I haven’t changed…? Eh? —280 -1 I’ve tried really hard over these last five years… I guess it’s still not enough… ###handwritten I get it, already! -2 I’m properly surprised, ok? From here on out, you’ll show me the Nanao I don’t know. -3 Welcome home! The End —282 -1 Afterwards Kippu This time taking cosmetics as the theme, I was given the task of drawing the covers for Bloom and Karma. On the Bloom cover, I wanted the make up to act as a key item, giving the two of them a gentle push in the back as they walked together. Even after they grow up, I’m sure the two of them will continue to buy the same color of nail polish each year, creating lasting memories, I bet. Yorumo The things that moved me this time and that I included in the work were classic songs, exchanging letters, cumulous clouds, and summer sailor uniforms. I love it when a girl is 10 meters ahead and awaiting the one she loves while they run to catch up. Sigureui I’m happy I could draw so many of the things I love. I love adults who have it together, and kids who want to be adults that have it together. Kumosuzume Iyou is someone who can proclaim that they love what they love in a loud voice even in the workplace. As I was drawing this, I though I should learn some of that. And don’t you think a girl with a license dating a girl without one is cute? And isn’t Subaru getting a license just too precious? Its now or never for Iyou to get beyond being a paper driver. ### a paper driver is someone who has a license, but does really drive. —283 -1 Yodokawa Congratulations on getting the 2nd volume done! I’m really happy I got to participate this time! I drew this while remembering the house of a relative who was a farmer. Yoshida Bana Congratulations on publishing the anthology! While drawing this, I ate way more melon bread than I needed. I hope you enjoy the story! Konoyama Kata Because this was set in Enoshima, I went to there to gather research. All alone I gathered sea shells, frolicked in the waves, and ate seafood rice bowls. If you happen to go to Enoshima and remember this story, even the tiniest bit, I would be super happy. Sudo Yumi Congratulations on volume two! I’m looking forward to reading a variety of yuri stories again! Takishima Asaka I’m really happy I could draw these two again, but on the other hand, I’m sorry that the human aspect was not as much as the previous story. But yuri with different species also has it’s charm, I think, so please bear with me. —285 Kippu Short Story Blooming Day “Anna, look at all the amazing shops! It’s sooo Paris, right?” Nina’s voice was ringing with excitement, and her soft, candy colored hair, cropped to shoulder length, was swaying about as she took in all the beautiful and refined wares up and down the street. Her eyes glittered. Along with the varying display cases with their impeccably displayed cosmetics, were shoes with a shiny luster, and plants and flowers on display. A mannikin wearing a one piece dress of comfortable fabric was posed in a fashion designed to lift the hearts of the gentle people walking by. Sweet smells drifted out of cute, pastel painted shops. We were two country girls, seeing a new world for the first time, and we couldn’t contain the excitement in our hearts. “I’ve been taking notes, just for this day!” Nina said. “I totally want try the macaroons from this shop, and then hit that shoe shop, and the nail salon next door! These brands seem like they are for people older than us and so I’m nervous to go in. I’m really happy you’re here, Anna!” Taking a note book decorated with a floral theme from her shoulder bag, Nina started checking out her reflection and hair in the shop window. “Do you think my outfit is ok?” “Nina-chan, you have always been a cutie since you were little. And you always know the right thing to say, so you’ll be fine,” I said. While telling her that, I reached over and picked off a flower petal that had settled onto to Nina’s hat. I could feel my pony tail swing and I gave her a gentle smile. “And, if for some reason, you are nervous, we have our magic charm. Gimme your hand,” I said. Our voices rang out in sync, “If we’re together, we are invincible! Nina and Anna!” Checking each other’s faces to see if their anxiety had faded away, they both burst out laughing. Nina and I were born in the same hospital, and we have been together since childhood. Around town, the adults had observed how close Nina, who’s tomboy-ish, and me, the bookish, intellectual type, were. They’d often say, “if it’s the two of you, you’re invincible!” Over time, that became a charm we have used to pick up our spirits. We gazed through the shop window together. Nina was wearing a wide brimmed straw hat, like an actress would have, and that was also all the rage now. She wore earrings with colorful stones. On top of her uniform she had wound an orange scarf. Her watch matched the color of her bag, and every detail detail of her outfit was carefully chosen. Everyone’s told her she’s beautiful since she was a child, and that got her interested in fashion. Before we knew it, she became even more beautiful. And since she was also naturally cheery, she became the town’s madonna. On the other hand, I’m someone who always glances away quickly when I look at myself in the mirror. I braid my red hair to deal with all the unruly cowlicks, and I try to hide my freckles with big, round glasses because I have a complex about it. I sometimes think it’s just unbelievably good fortune that Nina would hang out with me and my plain, unattractive self. Nina is totally as bright and splendid as anything on the shopping street. But I also get the feeling that eventually she’s going to quickly climb up to some fantastic level that I myself will never be able to attain. “And when that happen, I all I can do is watch her walk away while I just cheer her on,” I thought. And as that thought flitted by, I suddenly felt like crying. Pulling my hat down, I fussed with my glasses. “Stop it already, ok? Anna you’re sooo smart, but sometimes you’re so dumb.” Nina, who should have been walking ahead, was hunched over, peering into my face. “I’m not dumb, okay? Anyway, you should have been preoccupied with shopping, so why are you staring at me?” Not wanted to see the expression on her face, I covered her eyes with my hand. “It’s because you were beating yourself up again. I bet you were imagining that you and I would go our separate ways or something, and were working yourself up again. You seemed like you were going to cry.” Bulleye. I could feel my face getting red. All I could sputter out was “That’s not true…” while I pushed my glasses up. “It’s… it’s not like that. I was just thinking how this whole city seems like it’s there just for you, that it would be so cool for you to spread your wings here,” I said. “Yeah, but you’re shoving your glasses up. Ever since you were little, that means you’re feeling lonely or anxious. I mean, I know everything about you, Anna!” “Oh…” I muttered. Nina’s always been the one I idolized. The one I’ve always wanted to follow in their wake, yet she’s the one who can see parts of me that ever I can’t. The way I think about Nina? That’s the way she thinks about me. It’s just that simple. “I guess I really am kinda dumb,” I said. “Ok, here! Something for the little worry wart.” She replied. Nina held out a small pink bag as she spoke. She grabbed my hand and started to walk, as if to hide her embarrassment. “What’s this…?” I asked. Peeking inside, there were all sorts of little square and rectangular boxes of assorted sizes, each with a simple logo that I knew from… somewhere. “Anna, you just don’t know how beautiful you really are,” Nina said. “I’m sure you’re too embarrassed to wear these back home, but I figured while we are out on our school graduation trip…” Cautiously, I removed one of the boxes. Inside was a bottle of orange nail polish with cute silver cap that slid into my hand. “It’s the orange one! The one you always use, Nina!” “Well, you’re so stubborn, Anna, I figure the chances are high that you wouldn’t use any other makeup, so I thought I’d start you on that,” Nina said. “We’ll have the same nails!” I said. “It’ll be like we’re holding hands even if we’re not holding hands.” “Right?!” Nina exclaimed. “This will be a brand new magic charm for us. If we flash our hands together like this, it’ll be ‘we are invincible! Nina and Anna!’” In that moment, laughing innocently, she wasn’t the fashionable madonna of our town, but the same old Nina that I had known forever. “I’m happy,” I said. “So, so happy! Thank you so much! I love you, Nina!” The happiness flooded into me and I dropped Nina’s hands just to grab them again with all my strength to tell her how much her kindness meant me. “But you bought so many for me… what can I do to repay you? We already had macaroons, so…” “ Well, it’s obvious. Just never let go of my hand!”