Conventions:
regular text: name of speaker, and spoken lines
italics: thoughts
(in parentheses): spoken words that are hand-written or not in the talk bubbles
bold: descriptions
bold and italics: translation note
The school
Kouji: Atsushi, who seemed to have known Masami from before,
Kouji: actually didn't know that Masami was Mr. Shibata's older brother.
Kouji on the roof top
Kouji: That somehow was a shock, and Atsushi didn't seem to happy to be around Mr. Shibata.
The Infirmary.
Kouji: I don't know the direct cause of Atsushi's uneasiness, but..
Masayoshi smoking and looking out the window of the Infirmary.
Kouji: The truth is, Atsushi has missed school for 3 days.
(page)
A letter
Letter: To my dearly beloved children,
Letter: I'm hoping to get a reply from you soon. Grandma said she wants to live together with you two. As for my club, I had talked with a friend in Meguro who will be glad to take it over, so..
Masami, holding the letter and looking out the window with a sad expression.
Letter: Both of you, please, with no worries, come here. I really want to see both of your faces soon. I will be waiting for your reply.
(page)
Title: Vol. 4 Just one word only.
(page)
Kouji: at Atsushi's house what? He said he doesn't want to see anyone?
Atsushi's Mom: I'm sorry. Yesterday, he had a bit of a fever. And you came all this way.
Kouji: Is it allright if I just go up and talk with him through the door?
(page)
Kouji: knocks on the door Atsushi, it's me. Are you awake?
Atsushi is lying in bed with a slightly worried expression
Kouji: Hey, come to school, okay? When you're not there, it's so lonely.
Atsushi gets up.
Kouji: I... I'll be waiting...
Kouji: squats in front of the door, blushing and.. well.. You're probably still upset about that forced kiss.. I am really serious about-
Atsushi: You're wrong, Inagaki. I'm not upset.
Kouji is surprised to hear Atsushi's voice.
(page)
Atsushi: I'm not mad at you.
Kouji: turns around to face the door Atsushi! Um.. um..
Atsushi: I'm sorry. You cam all this way.., but I can't see you right now..
Kouji: ....
Kouji: I'll come tomorrow. Don't forget to eat and get a good rest.
Kouji and Atsushi are facing each other with the door in the middle.
Atsushi: Sorry.. Thanks...
(page)
The Shibata Home
Masami: walking into the bathroom Masayoshi... You don't have any other shirts, do you?
Masayoshi: The lower half of his face is in the mirror Oh boy.. I give up.
Masami: If you have another button that I can use, then..
Masami: surprised Woa...
(page)
Masayoshi: with blonde hair! I went back to my beautiful, original blonde.
Masami: Well, that's because you got your looks from Grandma
Masami: inspecting Masayoshi's hair What are you going to do, now that it is extremely blonde?
Masayoshi: Oh please, not that stubborn old woman..(he he he)
Masami: Did you read the letter from Dad?
Masayoshi: yeah.
Masayoshi: That old woman was also someone's child, but now that she is getting older, she is suddenly becoming afraid of everything.
Masami: leaning on Masayoshi's head Well, probably because it will soon be the anniversary of mom's death.
(page)
Masayoshi: leaning on his hand, looking down. You can't go to Norway, can you, Maa-chan?
Masami: Well, it's also the same for you, too...
Masayoshi: It's okay. dries his hair with the towel
Masayoshi: It's okay if I go there by myself.
Masami is in disbelief.
Masayoshi: If I go, then grandma will just be angry, but..
Masami: NO!!
(page)
Masami: Why would you do something like going alone??!!
Masami: putting his hand on Masayoshi's shoulder Since birth, we have never been apart. Ever! so, Why?!
Masayoshi has no expression
Masayoshi: putting on a sweater We're not children anymore.
Masayoshi: walks away I've had enough..
(page)
Masayoshi: turns around as he is opening the door to his room I want to break away from you, dear brother.
Masami: on verge of tears Masayoshi...
Masayoshi closes the door and leans on it.
Masayoshi: Sorry, Maa-chan.
Picture of Masami and Tooru smiling together.
Masayoshi: his hand over his face I'm sorry.
(page)
Scene change: Downtown Tokyo
Sign: Kabuki-town, Main Street.
Sign: Club Lush
Catherine: Owner!! What is with that hair?
Masaysohi: What about it?
Catherine: You look older.
Masayoshi: What?!
Tasuku: Extreme Blonde!
Rena: It's so cool!
Masayoshi: Oh. Good, good.
(page)
Tooru: Boy, did he go back to his "golden" roots. Even a quarter Nrowegian and it shows. Masami, your hair isn't even that bright.
Masami: ...
Masami: Tooru, have you ever been to Norway?
Tooru: I don't want to brag, but I can count the times I've been on a plane on one hand.
Masami: I also have never been to see my mother's grave.
Masami: ... My dad.. told Masayoshi and I to come up to Norway.
Tooru is shocked.
(page)
Masami: Masayoshi said he would go, but..
Masami: As brothers, we have never been apart, so..
Tooru: covers Masami's hand with his so.. what?
Tooru: Whatever Masayoshi wants to do, whatever makes Masayoshi happy..
Tooru: You are always thinking of Masayoshi first. That is your good point and your bad habit.
Tooru: What do you want to do?
Tooru: Please put yourself at the top of your list.
(page)
Tooru: smiling As for me,.. well, If I come in the top 5, I'll be happy. hehe.
Tooru: I'm such a pushy fellow.
Masami blushes slightly and takes Tooru's arm and leans into Tooru.
Masami: closes his eyes yeah...
Masami: I love you,... Tooru.
(page)
Tooru blushes and swallows hard.
Tooru: ( That was a..!! )
Tooru wipes his mouth and then places his hand on Masami's chin.
Tooru and Masami lock hands and are about to kiss....
(page)
Masami's eye opens slightly as Tooru's hands are slightly shaking.
Tooru turns around to find the Club Lush members intruding on his private converstation
Tooru: Get out of here!
Masami: Eh? Ah!
Catherine: So close!
Kayako: That's so nice. No matter the place,..
Masayoshi is leaning against a wall overhearing the conversation.
Catherine: If you really want to "enjoy yourselves", use the karaoke room? It's private!
Masami: Catherine!!
Masayoshi exhales a puff of smoke from his cigarette...
Kouji: hey..
(page)
Kouji: What did you do to Atsushi?
Masayoshi doesn't reply
Kouji: It must of been something serious to make him cry like that.
Masayoshi: Even if it was the truth that made him cry, it still hurts my reputation, eh?
Masayoshi: Kouji, your first love was Arisawa right>
Kouji: Yeah, but what does that have anything do with this?
(page)
Masayoshi: That person over there is Arisawa's first love and first broken heart.
Masami smiling
Kouji: Eh?!! Masami?!
Masayoshi: And I was mistakened for him.
Kouji: How did he mistake YOU for Masami?
Masayoshi: I also want to know.
Masayoshi: I will finally settle this and then maybe I can rest. I wonder what the principal will say...
(page)
Kouji: Are you sure that's it?!
Kouji: Are you just fulfilling your duty as a teacher and that's it?!
Masayoshi: Don't get me wrong. Arisawa is a student, and I am a teacher.
Masayoshi: smiling It's rare for a teacher to be able to do more.. Inagaki-kun.
Kouji: looking at Masayoshi talk with Masami ( You're the one not acting like a teacher.. )
Kouji: ( That was strange... That smile...)
(page)
Kouji's thoughts with a picture of Masayoshi
Kouji: (That lonely expression with a smile was so strange...)
Scene change: The School
Someone knocking at the Infirmary door.
Masayoshi: Come in.
Masayoshi looks back and sees Tooru.
Tooru: I want to talk with you. Is it okay?
(page)
Two cups of coffee.
Tooru: Masayoshi, are you going alone to Norway to see your father?
Masayoshi: Oh about that... Yeah, I'm going. takes a cigarette
Masayoshi: What about it?
Tooru: pissed ...
Masayoshi lights his cigarette and Tooru stands up.
Tooru: I won't do anything...
(page)
Tooru grabs Masayoshi by the shirt and punches him! HARD!
Tooru: I don't mind the way you speak to me since even little insects have bad days, but...
Tooru: Have ever thought of Masami's feelings??!
Masayoshi is on the floor, his mouth is bleeding.
Tooru: The person who thinks and worries about you over anybody else!!
(page)
Tooru: Just tell Masami the truth! If you're gonna be like this forever then, I am going over to your house in the morning to take Masami away!
Tooru leaves and we see the coffee was spilt.
Masayoshi: Ow... Damn! That was a powerful punch.. That hurt..
(page)
Change of Scene: Atsushi's home
Atsushi's mother: Oh my, the homeroom teacher! I'm sorry if Atsushi has troubled you with his behavior..
Atsushi is at the top of the stairs looking down at Masayoshi who has dark hair.
Masayoshi: You're looking better..
Atsushi: What did you come here for?
(page)
Atsushi: Go home!
Atsushi's Mother: Atsushi! Stop it!
Atsushi's Mother: to Masayoshi I'm sorry about my son..
Masayoshi: May I speak to him?
Masayoshi knocks on Atsushi's bedroom door.
Masayoshi: Arisawa..
Atsushi: I don't want to talk so go away!
Masayoshi: I'm sorry... for breaking your dream..
Atsushi: Whatever!
Masayoshi: I will be..
(page)
Masayoshi: leaving Japan. I am going to see my father in Norway.
Atsushi: in shock (Eh?!)
Masayoshi: Maa-chan will still be in Japan, so please talk with him.
Masayoshi passes a photo under the door.
Masayoshi: Wake up early tomorrow and go to M-park, okay?
Masayoshi: That is where Maa-chan does his sketches.. See ya..
Atsushi: Ma--!!! ( Why?!)
(page)
Atsushi leans on the door.
Atsushi: (Is he not going to give any good reason or anything for leaving?)
Masayoshi leaves the house and takes off a black wig. Atsushi is looking at the photo.
Atsushi (I don't understand..)
Masayoshi is walking away from the house, loosening his tie.
(page)
Atsushi is sitting in his bed thinking.
Atsushi: ("Go to M-park..")
The next morning.
Atsushi's Mother: Oh! Atsushi! Are you okay? How is the fever?
Atsushi: I'm fine.
Atsushi: putting on his shoes I'm gonna take a little walk.
Atsushi's Mother: That's fine, but watch out for cars.
Atsushi: I understand.
(page)
As Atsushi walks down the street, he reflects back on what has happened.
Atsushi: ("No! I'm not your Maa-chan!2)
Atsushi: (He did say it.)
Atsushi: Kouji introduces Masami ("This person is Mr. Shibata's brother..")
Atsushi: Masayoshi tries to explain ("Arisawa, I am..")
Atsushi: (He was about to say it... That he wasn't Maa-chan)
(page)
Atsushi: ("Don't touch me! You're the lowest! I hate you!")
Atsushi: Masayoshi apologizes ("I am leaving Japan.")
Atsushi: After the basketball game. ("You want to cheer on people who give it their best, right?")
Atsushi: (That's wrong! I didn't want to make Mr. Shibata quit his job!)
Atsushi: holding the picture (I just wanted him to tell the true story.)
(page)
At the Park
Atsushi: (I didn't plan to corner him like that!)
Masami gets up from the park bench to face Atsushi.
Atsushi: (I took the memories of Maachan I had and twisted them to be what I wanted, when Maa-chan was here all along.)
(page)
Atsushi: (He was here all along.)
Atsushi: crying Maa -chan...I.. I've said some horrible things...
Atsushi runs into the arms of Masami.
(page)
Masami: Let's talk it all out, okay, Akkun?
Atsushi: ( Yes. I must tell Mr. Shibata. )
Atsushi: wiping his tears. okay.
Atsushi: (I must tell him "sorry" and "thank you".)
Masami and Atsushi sit on the bench and talk.
Atsushi: (There are many things I must tell him.)
(page)
The School
Tooru: Masayoshi?
Masayoshi: huh?
Tooru: Are you really going?
Masayoshi: jokingly What? I don't get any parting gift?
(Note: "Senbetsu" is a farewell gift, usually money, given by friends or co-workers when someone goes on a long vacation or trip.)
Tooru: Nope. punches Masayoshi's open hand
Tooru: I heard everything from Masami. There really is no reason for you to go.
(page)
Masayoshi is packing away his stuff
Tooru: You knew about me and Masami. If you told Arisawa..
Masayoshi: Stop! That's enough. I want to go to Norway, so I am going!
Tooru: Masayoshi..
Masayoshi: What?
Tooru: Sorry for hitting you.
Masayoshi: Well, you better apologize for this.
(page)
Masayoshi: If you ever make Masami, then next time, I will punch you! Be prepared.
Tooru: I haven't done it.
Masayoshi: leaving his office And don't try it either!
Masayoshi: See ya. Good Luck, Mr. Hagiwara!
(page)
Atushi and Kouji are in the stairwell.
Atsushi: Inagaki, Did you see him?
Kouji: shakes his head I searched the teacher's room and the bathroom, but..
Atsushi: The infirmary was all cleaned out..
Kouji: Looks out the window. Ah.. eh?!
Out the window there is a car in the parking lot.
Kouji: There he is!
Atsushi runs down the stairs.
Kouji: Atsushi!!
(page)
Masayoshi got into his car and looks in the rear-view mirror.
Masayoshi: huh? he sees Atsushi and Kouji
(page)
Masayoshi: (Arisawa!!)
Masayoshi: (Oh yeah.. Today was a special school day.)
Atsushi: --on't!
Atushi: Mr. Shibata!! Please get out!! I haven't told you what I want to say!
(page)
Atushi: crying I haven't... told you the one thing I wanted to say!
Masayoshi gets out of the car
Masayoshi: Always the cry-baby, aren't you, Arisawa?
(page)
Atsushi: (I want say a lot. Thank you and I'm sorry.)
Atsushi: (But I don't have the voice for it.)
Atsushi: (Please... Just one word.. ) I... I... (One important..)
Atsushi: (Word!!) crying and smiling I LOVE you!!
(page)
Masayoshi stares blankly and then smiles.
Atsushi: (Yeah.. When Mr. Shibata smiles, he truly shines!!)
Masayoshi hugs Atsushi with Kouji sighing.
Atsushi: (I was dazzled and the tears pouring down couldn't be stopped.)
Atsushi: (Even Inagaki, who usually lashes out at Mr. Shibata, actually smiled.)
Masayoshi: (Don't get jealous.)
Kouji: (Not really..)
Atsushi: Today, for the first time, I decided to go through and graduate from the school that mistakenly entered.
(page)
The Airport
Masayoshi: waiting My stuff will be sent later..
Masayoshi: I guess I should call. Let's see, the time difference is 8 hours, so..
Masayoshi: on the phone Hi, dad. It's me, Masayoshi. I'm leaving for Norway today.
Masayoshi: What? Masami? It's only me. I am going to live there..
(page)
Masayoshi's father' voice: Screaming from the phone YOU STUPID IDIOT!!!
Masayoshi: blown away, literally, by the scream oh...
Masayoshi's father: I didn't tell you to come alone! I didn't plan on making you two split up with that letter!
Masayoshi: screams back You wouldn't be satisfied with just me, huh?!!
Masayoshi's father: Absolutely.
Masayoshi's father: In any case, even if you came, I wouldn't let you into the house.
Masayoshi: Wait a minute!!! I am at the airport! Narita! What should I do now?
Masayoshi's father: Go home. Masami is probably lonely.
(page)
Masayoshi's father: I wanted to say that when you two both WANT to come here, then come over.
Masayoshi's father: There isn't anyone you are leaving, is there? Someone who you care about?
Masayoshi's father: When there is no one holding you down, please come.
Masayoshi's father: Your grandmother thinks the same way. She is getting older, but is still having fun.
Masayoshi's father: Okay? So get your butt off the phone and go home. To YOUR home!
Masayoshi's father: But don't forget. There is a home in Norway always waiting for you.
(page)
Masayoshi: Don't forget to call sometimes too, dad.
Masayoshi's father: Yeah. I love you, Masayoshi.
Masayoshi: Thank you. Me too. I love you.
Masayoshi: Well, ... This is gonna look bad, (coming home..)
Masayoshi: He'll smile and forgive me.
(page)
At Club Lush
Atsushi: crying with Masami comforting him How cruel to leave without saying anything.
Catherine: crying (He was so kind that my belly button is itchy.)
(Note: the above line is supposed to have no meaning. She is babbling.)
Kayako: crying (Don't cry Mama)
Kayako: How cruel of Owner to do that!
The doorbell rings
Masami: Coming!!
Masayoshi: (Important people are here..)
Masami and Atsushi are shocked.
Masayoshi: (People I want to protect are here..)
Masayoshi: Walking through the door. Sorry, My dad sent me back.
Masayoshi: (That is why my home is here.)
Inset
Tooru and Catherine: I'll kill you!!!
Masayoshi: being hugged by Atsushi and Kouji looking despaired. Is anyone gonna say "Welcome Back"!!!
(page)
(End of Chapter 4)
(End of Volume 1)