Episode 11: A Snow Falling Night

At Minamisato residence, in Ai's room, there is a knitting book. Ai is looking at a calendar with a mark on the 24th (December). Then, she looks to the photo that was taken on their double date (episode 3). She stands up, and moves the curtain. As she feeling a cold winter breeze, she says to herself to do it.

While walking home, unnoticed to Tsuyoshi, Ai has been following him. When Tsuyoshi stops at a vending machine, Ai quickly runs next to him. This catch Tsuyoshi totally off guard and suprises him. Ai wants to ask him something, so they go to the park. Ai asks Tsuyoshi if he remembers his promise. At first, Tsuyoshi does not seem to remember, but then, he recalls Ai's favour to take Miko home. Ai tells Tsuyoshi that she wants to date him on Christmas Eve! Ai is surprised as she manage to say that, and so does Tsuyoshi. At first, Tsuyoshi is hesitant to answer her back, but, at the end, he agrees. Ai thanks Tsuyoshi and runs away. When she stops to catch her breath, she jumps of hapiness. [Note: There is a cultural reason why Tsuyoshi was hesitant to answer Ai back.]

At school, Miyuki is still thinking about Tsuyoshi, when Ai calls her. Ai asks if Miyuki is feeling well, as she does not seem to be as usual. Miyuki asks if Ai will be doing something for Christmas, so Ai tells Miyuki about her date with Tsuyoshi on Christmas Eve. When Ai apologizes for not be with her friend, Miyuki quickly cuts what Ai was saying. Ai is surprised, as her friend has never talked her that way. Ai is worried if there is something wrong with Miyuki, but she just laughs back saying it is nothing.

However, it does not seem that way. After school, Miyuki is running with all her energy, as to trying to forget about Tsuyoshi. When she washes her face after practice, somebody removes the towel she was to use to clean her face. It was Tsuyoshi who gives it back to her. They speak a bit, but at the end, it ends up about Ai and Tsuyoshi's date. Tsuyoshi tells Miyuki she is behaving a bit strange when his date with Ai is mentioned, but Miyuki denies it. "If that's the case, I am leaving, then", says Tsuyoshi as he walks away. Unnoticed to them, there was somebody who was eavesdropping them... Haruhiko, who now has a evil plan of his own.

At her classroom, Ai is knitting a scarf, when Haruhiko calls her. He asks Ai if Miyuki is her friend, to which Ai replies yes. Haruhiko keeps pressing and tells about Miyuki's reaction whe he mentioned about Ai and Tsuyoshi (episode 10). Ai is slightly shocked that her friend is betraying her. That night, Ai decides to call Miyuki. Ai tells Miyuki of what happened earlier that day, but Miyuki says it was just a misunderstanding. However, Ai, again, says Miyuki is acting strange whenever she mentions Tsuyoshi. Miyuki tells Ai she has nothing to worry about, so Ai apologizes. Meanwhile, in his apartment, Tsuyoshi is looking at the photo of Ai and him in their double.

Next day, Miyuki is at the rooftop, when Haruhiko appears. Miyuki asks why he told Ai about what they were talking about the previous day. Haruhiko evades the question and mentions about Ai and Tsuyoshi's date, and that she is jealous that her friend has a date that day. She tries to get away, but Haruhiko stops her for a moment. Haruhiko says he could invite her on that date. At first Miyuki ignores him, but she says, then, she has nothing to lose, going on that day, so she accepts.

Eyecatch time!

In Ai's classroom, she is still knitting the scarf. A classmate cheers Ai for the present she is doing. From afar, Miyuki is looking at Ai... Meanwhile, Tsuyoshi is at a UFO Catcher trying to catch plush toy, but fails miserably. When he check his pockets for more coins, he discovers he has no money. Tsugoshi goes to Dogeza and asks Master to lend him some money, but Master will not do so. Tsuyoshi says he is cheap... (considering all Tsuyoshi has done for him regarding Miyuki! ^_^). When Minatsu asks what is going on, Tsuyoshi tells he has a favor to ask Minatsu. But, Minatsu right away says she will lend him any money. Tsuyoshi says they are all cheap! At Minamisato residence, Ai is still knitting the scarf, but worries about her friend Miyuki...

It is Christmas Eve. At school, Tsuyoshi thanks Minoru for borrowing some money, while walking down the stairs. When Minoru notices Ai is standing waiting for Tsuyoshi, Minoru makes fun that Miss Uzuki Gakuen is waiting for him. When Tsuyoshi asks if there was any problem, Ai asks when they will meet. Tsuyoshi tells Ai they will meet at the plaza after he finishes working at Dogeza Cafe. When Ai leaves, Minoru keeps making fun of Tsuyoshi. And, Miyuki was observing everything from upstairs...

That night, Ai is smiling, waiting for Tsuyoshi. Tsuyoshi, running from Dogeza, apologizes Ai for being late. They go to a cafe, where Tsuyoshi gives Ai a present (a VERY small gift-wrap box, I might say, but great gifts comes in small packages, isn't it? ^_^), while Ai gives Tsuyoshi a bag. Ai asks if she can open it right away, which Tsuyoshi says there is no problem. Inside the box was a brooch, which Ai says it is "cute". Meanwhile, Tsuyoshi is trying to take the scarf out of the bag. He is surprised at the length of it (Tsuyoshi standing, it goes from foot to foot, loosely wrapping his neck twice!). Ai is ashamed of her "mistake", but Tsuyoshi says he is thankful as it was the first time somebody gives her something on this day. This makes Ai very happy.

Ai and Tsuyoshi are know taking a walk, when Ai suddenly stops. Tsuyoshi asks if there is anything wrong. Ai says it is nothing, but Tsuyoshi wraps Ai with the scarf. When Tsuyoshi puts his hand on Ai's shoulder, she is a bit surprised. "Let's take a walk", says Tsuyoshi. Just when they begin, a bit of snow begins to fall. They goes window shopping, and later to the amusement park. All the time, the scarf is holding them together... [ED comment: the scarf has two green tones. I wonder why Pink Pineapple they didn't make it red.]

Meanwhile, at a restaurant, Miyuki and Haruhiko is having dinner. However, Miyuki is lost on her thoughts, while Haruhiko is checking his jacket... for some keys of a hotel...

Back to Ai and Tsuyoshi, they walk to the park where they were supposed to meet on date the first time (episode 2), but Ai says it was Miyuki. Ai tells about the first time, with the sakura petals. Ai is beginning to feel cold, so Tsuyoshi says, they better have something to warm them up. When he walks some steps, Ai calls him. Tsuyoshi turns to Ai, and Ai confesses that she loves him. Ai begins to cry and covers her face with her hands. Tsuyoshi walks where Ai is standing and embrace her. At first, Tsuyoshi is not certain of his feelings toward Ai, so he says that Ai will be his girlfriend. "Girlfriend..." says Ai.

After their dinner, Haruhiko takes Miyuki to the hotel he had already made reservations. When Miyuki realizes Haruhiko plans, she slaps him and walks away... Alone in the rain

By then, Tsuyoshi walks Ai home. They just outside, when Ai thanks Tsuyoshi. Since Ai has always called Tsuyoshi by his surname, Tsuyoshi tells Ai, she should call him by his first name. Tsuyoshi moves forward as to kiss Ai, but she moves back. Tsuyoshi understands what Ai is thinking on, so it is better that he leaves. As he walks away, Ai gives him the umbrella, and thanks him.

After walking a bit, Tsuyoshi finds a familiar person. It's Miyuki, who has been crying under the rain. She rushes to Tsuyoshi and embraces him. "Why, why?" says Miyuki. "What is wrong, Miyuki", asks Tsuyoshi. "I have been really stupid, really stupid... I really..." says Miyuki weakly and then faints. Tsuyoshi touches her forehand and finds she is burning with fever. "I am sorry..." keeps saying Miyuki.

Note: All images and characters are copyright of Elf, KSS Studios, and Pink Pineapple. They are being used without permission.