Sunday morning, Teppei's still asleep when the phone rings. Barely awake he answers it "Yes" "Right now a psychological test is being performed....there's a big, delicious looking onigiri right in front of your eyes....what's in it?" "karashi mentaiko (spicy cod roe) ........who's this?" Riko on the other end of the line says "You've forgotten?! This refreshing voice echoing....Good morning....morning........" Teppei mutters "It's you....it's Sunday today!" "Today is the Shinoyama Fu-zu meet! At the Tamagawa ground....meeting at 9!" Teppei sits up in bed remembering "That's right!" scrabbling out of bed. Riko mutters "Really!" & hangs up "Where on earth would I have karashi mentaiko...." She sees the tarako (cod roe) in the kitchen "Tarako! Add chilly to tarako....might taste the same...." 

Teppei dressed in a suit runs to the Tamagawa ground....everyone's getting ready....Teppei says to his colleague "Sorry" "How could you be late! You're supposed to be in charge!" Others come running up to him "What are you doing? Everyone's waiting for you!" Riko comes running out bringing a track suit "You're wearing a suit!" & then sees toothpaste on Teppei's face. She touches it "What have you got on your face?! Toothpaste?! Disgusting! Get changed!" throwing the track suit at Teppei. One of the guys ask "What's with you Riko-chan? You're being really sweet with him....like a wife!" Teppei & Riko deny it , Riko says "Nothing of that sort! If you say that he will get really smug!" Teppei asks "Where do I get changed?" "Here of course! There's no time left!" "Here?" You're kidding!" Everyone holds up a sheet to hide him. Teppei sees Riko & pulls it "What are you looking at!" One of the guys tell him "Remember Katagiri....today all of us cannot lose to Shinayama fuuzu no matter what....understand?" "Yes I do" "Have to beat the customers....this is the business departments' instructions?" "Yes...." Another guy says "Katagiri, the style of your underpants aren't bad! What brand are they?" "Calvin Klein...." Riko peeps "Let me see!" "Don't look!" Kurosaki calls them "Oy! What are you doing? It's time!" They all answer "alright!" & run off with the sheet, leaving Teppei half dressed shouting "Wait!" Riko looks at him & says "You'll catch a cold!"

The games start....Riko announces "The next race is the one adult, one child combination '2 person 3 legged' race. In this race, the president will be participating with his son Shinoyama Kenji. Kurosaki at the starting line greets everyone & says to the president "Shachou, (company president) go for it!" Going to Teppei he says "Come here for a sec...." "What?" "You understand don't you...." Teppei says "Yeah I do....let the president win...." Going back to the starting line Teppei sticks out his hand at his young partner "Yoroshiku" but the boy merely answers "Will still lose in the end...." "Eh?" "Shinoyama's president's son....he's good at his studies....also good at sports....runs really fast...." Teppei nods & as he ties their ankles together with a strip of cloth asks "How old are you now?" "10...." "If at 10 you've already given up, the rest of your life you'll lose for sure....when there are people stronger than you, you have to think of a way to win! Otherwise there's no future....no?" The boy nods & takes Teppei's hand.

Kurosaki shouts "On your mark! Get set!" fires the gun & everyone's off down the track. Teppei & the boy are way ahead of everyone else. When Kurosaki sees what's happening he shouts "Idiot! Katagiri!" & goes after him. Riko sees & runs down as well. Teppei turns around to look, runs & then trips with the boy falling down. They get up but the president & the boy run past them, winning the race. Kurosaki goes up to the president "Congratulations! You're first!" Going up to Katagiri he says "You did well, thank you!" The boy hears & says "You just said that just now & then you lost on purpose!" running off upset. Teppei says "Don't misunderstand....wait!" Teppei sees Riko watching....

Teppei's sitting by himself when the little boy comes up to him "Here!" holding out a box. "Huh?" says Teppei. The boy tells him "You didn't lose on purpose...." "uhm" answers Teppei taking the box from him. "Although it didn't work out today, don't give up on life!" Teppei is surprised, looking at the little boy as he walks off. Riko nearby sees & hears everything. Teppei opens the box, sees the onigiri inside & puts it down. Riko asks "Wait....why aren't you eating?" "What?" "This!" Teppei looks at her "You made these?" Taking one out he laughs "What is this? Looks like a baseball!" Riko says "Irritating! I base on taste to decide!" "What's in it?" "Your hope of karashi mentaiko....didn't have any but this tastes like the original thing...." "No thanks...." "What? You're always saying that I can't cook! I tried hard to do this! Don't complain!" Riko forces Teppei "Eat it!" Teppei stops her shouting "What! It's not karashi mentaiko!" when one of the guys say "You're not eating? If you're not then may I?" The rest of the guys come up & take them from Riko. Kurosaki comes up "Any left for me?" but the box is empty "What a pity...." He looks at Teppei holding one & Teppei hands it to him "Kachou, here...." "Is that alright?" "It's alright, I've eaten....it's should be good...." "Then alright...." says Kurosaki taking it.

Riko shuts the box with a snap & Teppei asks "Why are you mad about?" Riko pouts "This is the first time in my life that I've made onigiri....wanted to leave put one on the kamidana (household Shinto altar) for display...." "That's ridiculous! It's only onigiri!" "You don't know fear of food backfiring on you....in history, there was a war that started over one onigiri...." "What's that?" "Sarukanigasen" (literally war of monkeys & crabs....) Teppei stares at her "You should go to the hospital....there must be bugs in your head...." "Is that the way to speak to someone who helped you? (literally, benefactor) To make it up for it treat me dinner on the way home or something!" "Huh?" "Treat me to dinner!" "Sorry, I can't do that." "Why?" My grandmother said never to eat with strangers." "Grandmother?! What are you saying?! I was the one that called you this morning or you would have slept til the afternoon....& then gotten another tongue-lashing from kachou! 'Katagiri! What do you think you're doing!'" Teppei finally says "Alright! Alright! Treat you to dinner! Treat!" "Full course French dinner...." Suddenly they hear Kurosaki shout "Hot!" The guys give him some beer "Here, here!" "What sort of onigiri is this?!" Teppei sees & says to her "You'll be fired...." Riko just smiles.....

(-= CJ =- What war of monkeys & crabs??!!  I agree with Teppei....Riko te sa, atama no naka, kitto mushi ha iteru ne....)

At the Indian restaurant below Teppei's apartment, Riko asks "You call this a full course dinner?" "Of course full course! Three types of curry, rice, salad & even yogurt for desert. However you look at it, it's a full course dinner. Ah, try this tomato soup....it's really delicious...." Really?" "Try it!" "Itadakimasu" "Please...." Riko takes a spoonful when the waitress comes by "How does it taste?" Riko says "Delicious...." Teppei adds "Said it was...." The waitress puts a plate of pudding on the table "Here, this is service for Teppei. It's your birthday soon, no? Day after tomorrow...." Teppei replies "Sorry, you're really observant...." "Enjoy your meal...." she says. Riko says to Teppei "You're really popular (with the ladies), your birthday's the day after?" "Yes, that's right. Ah, just in time, you can treat me to a full course French dinner." "That's too expensive, I can't afford it! What are you saying?! Ah, I'll show you some magic tricks." "Magic tricks?" "I learnt it before...." "You're really talking nonsense, in general, who on earth learns magic tricks?" "It's true! Even the teacher asked if I wanted to become a pro at it. " "No matter what you say, you just don't want to lose...." "You're the one that won't admit to losing....Don't know how you were brought up!" "How I was brought up....who has parents by their side like you?" Teppei mutters. Riko goes "Hm?" The door slams & Teppei says "Ho!" Riko goes "What 'ho'?" & turns around to look. Yoshimoto comes up to the table "Hello" "Hello" replies Riko. Teppei tells him "Sit down" & then to Riko "How can you sit on two chairs...." Yoshimoto puts a package on the table "I came to return this...." "Huh?" "I saw the two of you in here by chance so....I'm....uh....going home...." Teppei says "Wait! What is he doing?! Yoshimoto!" going after him as he's crossing the road. Outside Teppei calls "Yoshimoto, what are you doing?" Yoshimoto says "Although you & Riko are always arguing, the two of you look like you have a good relationship...." "A good relationship? Don't misunderstand!" Teppei laughs "If I really like her, why would I bring her here for curry? I'd go to a fancier place!" "Really?" "Really!" "The (traffic) lights are blinking....come!"

Going back into the restaurant, Teppei gets Yoshimoto into his seat "Sit here!" & says to Riko "This guy hasn't eaten" & then back to Yoshimoto "The Tandoori Chicken is the specialty here, don't put soy sauce!" Reaching for his bag "I've got something to do, the both of you enjoy your meal" walking off. Riko grabs him "What? What do you have to do?" "It's no big deal, besides I don't have to tell you anything...." Teppei leaves....outside, he lights a cigarette....

At the meeting the next morning "Alright, that's all for today....kachou, do you have anything to add?" Kurosaki says "Thanks to everyone for their cooperation during yesterday's sports event....not entirely due to that but early this morning, we received a call from the president of Shinoyama Fu-zu that they will sign a contract with us...." The guys cheer, Teppei doesn't look all that impressed but claps anyway. Getting up from the table, Kurosaki says to Teppei "Katagiri! Thanks to your help in the 2 person 3 legged race yesterday....otsukaresama!" Teppei acknowledges with a weak smile & goes to get some tea. Riko comes up next to him "Actually ran & lost the race, & then take all the credit!" Teppei looks at her "What? In a bad mood...." "Yesterday! Said you'd treat me to dinner, didn't even pay & left!" "Wait!" "What?" "Free tonight?" "What's that? All of a sudden...." "If it's ok, let's Fu-ra....not to make up for yesterday but...." Riko stares at Teppei "I guess asking you now for tonight isn't possible...." Teppei walks back to his desk but Riko answers "I'm free" "huh?" "I....don't have anything on...." "oh!" Riko smiles........

Just before going off, Riko goes to the ladies........

Teppei looks at his watch, starts packing up just as Riko comes back into the office. Teppei says "I'm off" & Tiko says "I'm going off to.... One of the guys says "How come the two of you are leaving together?" "Date?" Riko's about to say something but Teppei steps on her foot on purpose "Ouch!" goes to his desk "Cigarettes....it's here!" Teppei turns to go saying "Bye! " to the guys. To Riko he says with a straight face "Are you alright?" Riko says "Bye!" & limps out, the guys teasing "Bye! Next time go out on a date with me...." Coming round the corner Riko says "Wait!" & tries to take revenge on Teppei but he's quick enough to avoid her. "We're not in a rush for time you don't have to follow me!" "Just because the guys tease a little bit you get angry (mind)! Really, just like a normal salaryman!" "Shut up!" mutters Teppei walking off, Riko following, & the colleagues staring like idiots at the two of them!

Arriving at Fu-ra, the DJ greets them "Teppei! There's room on the counter...." Riko has his arm in Teppei's & he shrugs her off "What are you doing?!" & tells the guy "It's oki, I'll go below...." Riko says to Teppei "What's wrong with holding hands? You're afraid someone might get the wrong idea?" Teppei ignores her looking around & finally sees Yoshimoto "Yo!" Yoshimoto comes over "Hello" To Riko "Thanks for yesterday....how are you? I just saw you yesterday, fine huh...." Yoshimoto's a little flustered. Riko says "Excuse me...." & goes over to Teppei "What?" "You called him?" "Huh?" "You decided from the beginning that the three of us would be meeting?" "Actually...." Yoshimoto comes up & says "Not three, four...." "Four people?" "What are you saying?" Riko & Teppei ask....Teppei turns to look "Ah, she's here....Mizuhara!" "Yoshimoto!" says Mizuhara. Surprised to see Teppei she asks "Yoshimoto, the person you wanted me to meet....is Te-chan?" Yoshimoto says "Teppei! Aren't you please? You're always saying that you want to meet Mizuhara...."

Sitting at a table drinking Mizuhara says "Te-chan, you haven't told Yoshimoto about Soichiro & I, have you...." "At the next gathering (of school friends), you can announce your engagement...." "No, no...." Riko asks "Why did the both of you break up? You guys get along well, why did you break up? Teppei & Sanae-chan...." "Don't talk nonsense, there are 4 people here (outsiders)...." But Yoshimoto goes over & sits by Riko saying "Because of Teppei's fooling around...." "Fooling around?!" Yoshimoto continues "With a girl called Miki from the same class...." Teppei kicks Yoshimoto under the table. Yoshimoto looks at Teppei "sorry...." Sasaki arrives calling "Teppei!" Erika & friend come in "Hi Teppei! Wanted to see you!" Sasaki is surprised "Mizuhara!" "Sasaki?" "It's been a long time!" says Sasaki shaking her hand. Sasaki suddenly says "How come the both of you are together? Old flame rekindled?" but both of them deny "That's not it...." Sasaki says "What's this ring? Is it possible that the both of you have come to that stage?" Teppei gets annoyed & stands up "Stop it!" Mizuhara stops him "Te-chan!" & then "Soichiro!" as Soichiro walks in. Sasaki asks Teppei "Who's this?" "My brother...." Mizuhara tells everyone "I asked Soichiro to come by on the way home to pick me up...." Sasaki says "Eh? That's....ah so! Congratulations!" "Thank you" says Mizuhara with a smile. Soichiro turns to Mizuhara "Let's go...." Mizuhara nods. Soichoro says "See you Teppei!" & the both of them leave.

Sitting back down at the table Sasaki grumbles "Teppei, so it's like that, why didn't you say earlier? I said all that embarrassing things...." Riko says "Sanae gives the appearance of being a very strong character doesn't she! Was a basketball idol in school no?" Yoshimoto says "That's right! She was the most popular among the girls....nostalgic....during breaks, she'd knit a muffler....we were all wondering who she was knitting it for...." Teppei stands up "I'm going to get cigarettes...." Riko stands up to go but sits back down again, Erika goes after him instead........

Erika catches up with Teppei "Where are you going to get cigarettes?" Teppei doesn't answer & she says "You've never slept with Mizuhara even once, have you...." Teppei stares at her & then takes a pack of cigarettes out from his pocket. Erika laughs "Guys are get sensitive when it comes to this....but I think that love can start from that too....I'm pretty good at that....hey, there's a good hotel nearby, shall we go?" Soichiro's driving, Mizuhara says "I'm sorry...." "Why are you apologizing?" "Because I said weird things to my friends....I shouldn't have gone to see them....friends from high school, it's not a big deal either...." "You don't have to worry about me...." "You're not jealous?" "No, today was the first time I was jealous of Teppei....he was the captain of the basketball team....has so many good friends around him....& you as a student by him....I envy him...." The both of them look at each other & smile....

In front of an apartment building Erika stops Teppei "This is my apartment....want to come up?" "huh?" says Teppei surprised, then with an embarrassed smile, goes up with Erika....

Entering the apartment Erika says "Come in!" Teppei comes in "Jamashimasu....this is cute....it's been a while since I've been in an apartment that's so feminine...." "Really?" says Erika, taking off her jacket while Teppei does the same to his. Going behind Erika he says "Wait til I show you a particular skill...." "Hold on, what particular skill?" "I don't really show it to many people but...." Teppei puts his arms around Erika's shoulders "....A thousand times in a second...." Erika says "Not here, show me over there...." Teppei goes into Erika's room "It'll be fantastic!" He jumps onto the bed & it screams "Ouch!" Riko comes out from under the covers & Erika says "Riko!" Teppei asks "What are you doing here?!" "Was drinking with Yoshimoto....missed the last train....too expensive to go back by taxi...." Erika sighs "I shouldn't have given you the key...." Riko says "Sorry, sorry, you guys want to use the bed right, use the bed....I'll go home...." Teppei goes out annoyed "I'm leaving...." "I'm leaving! Just now you dived into bed really passionately! Don't mind me....or do you want me to watch?" "That is not my intention of asking you to stay!" Teppei, fed up, leaves "Teppei! You forgot this!" Riko throws him his bag. Teppei says very nicely to Erika "Next time...." "Next time...." "Polish up skill...." mutters Teppei & then giving an irritated glance at Riko as he closes the door....

Erika looks at Riko who doesn't know where to look....Teppei walks home....

Riko sleeping on the floor next to Erika gets up & says "Hey, it's fun staying over, the two of us, just like our elementary school trips...." Erika turns to look at her "You came to stop us, didn't you...." "hm?" "You've fallen in love with him, haven't you...." "What?! With that sukebe...." "Then you won't mind if I sleep with him...." Riko doesn't answer & Erika continues "You're still young, it's ok.... I'll be 25 this year....when one gets to this age, have to be diplomatic & reserved, really a bother!" "hm?" "If you really like him, be a little more gentle, if you hold on to this pride, you won't be able to get a hold of happiness...."

Teppei is sitting out by the veranda smoking when the phone rings. He doesn't answer it & the recording message comes on 'Right now I'm unable to answer your call, to fax please proceed as usual, for messages, please leave your name & message after the beep....' A fax comes in & Teppei goes over to read it 'Teppei, I need to speak with you....please come by tomorrow, Soichiro"

Teppei arrives at the office "Morning" Riko making tea says to him "A pity about last night...." "Ah, a pity....if you weren't around I'd have spent the whole night with Erika...." "That's why I said not to worry about me & go ahead...." "Say whatever you want...." mutters Teppei. Riko asks "Do you like Erika?" "huh?" "The person you really like is not Erika is it....even so, you can just simply carry on with her? So you like big chested women huh, as long as there's a nice body like Erika's, doesn't matter who it is or about the lower half of the body........" Teppei half shouts at her "Mind your own business!" The rest of the colleagues stare at them stunned. Yoda walks in "Morning" & looks to see what the commotion is about but Teppei merely replies "Morning...." as if nothing happened. Going up next to Riko he says "In any case, I'm sukebe....maybe it's contradictory but it's my choice to do as I please....does not concern you, who are you to tell me otherwise?" Riko for a change, quietly says "I'm sorry....do as you please...."

Teppei goes to Ichiro's office, looking at the names....'Public Prosecutor Katagiri Soichiro, Secretary Kojima Kenji'. Knocking on the door he hears "Yes, come in...." The door opens & the secretary says "Come it...." Soichiro looks up "Ah, it's you" Teppei asks "What did you want to talk about?" "It's your birthday today, isn't it...." "Eh?" "I was thinking of having dinner or something with you on the way home....didn't think you'd be here so early....let's go outside & talk...."

At the office, Riko opens her drawer & takes out a paper bag with all her magic tricks stuff....

Outside in a park talking with his brother Teppei says "Although it's my birthday, past 20, don't really want to celebrate...." "That so?" "Do you know? Once one gets to this age, one should have achieved at least the lowest goal....but that hasn't happened in my life....don't know what I'm doing now...." Soichiro listens & says "It's better to be unsure about life....if one isn't, then one will never know about life's possibilities...." Taking a sit by some benches Soichiro tells Teppei "I too, wonder if I have the right to decide a person's crimes every day" "Even when you're troubled you're so serious....don't you have any frivolous worries?" "Yes I do...." "eh?....that so...." "Those sort of worries that people can't tell from the outside, the sort that one keeps inside...." "How about going for a drink later?" "hm?" "nothing, just that we haven't had a drink together....ah, but you still have to work...."in that case I'll wait for you at your place" "Then here's the key...." Soichiro passes his house key to Teppei....

Leaving the office Riko sees Teppei coming back. He says to her "You're leaving now?" "um." "Then bye...." Teppei says walking in. Riko says "Hey!" Teppei looks back. Riko looks like she has something to say but when she doesn't Teppei turns to go. "Hey!" Riko calls again. "What!" says Teppei irritably. Riko smiles "Nothing!" Teppei turns around & goes in, Riko sighs........

Teppei goes over to Soichiro's apartment & as he gets to the door he hears a shout from inside "Ouch!" Muttering as he opens the door "hm? Wait...." Going in he says "Mizuhara? What are you doing?" "Te-chan!" says Mizuhara holding on to a cabinet. "Ah, watch it! What are you doing?" "Was assembling this, but then it slipped...." "Then why didn't you wait til Soichiro comes back?" "I wanted to finish it as a surprise....Ouch!" "What's wrong? Are you alright?"

Riko goes to a bakery & outside looks at the birthday cakes 'We can put any words you like on the cakes...."

Teppei puts a bandage on Mizuhara's ankle "This is going to hurt a little....painful?" "Painful!" "Cabinet huh!" says Teppei with a laugh. "It's like you're a newlywed...." "Can't be helped, a lot of cutlery....ouch!" "ok?" "ok" Teppei says "Although you look very strong, when it come down to it, make a mess like before!" "You got hurt during basketball training, I helped put a bandage on for you." "Ah, I remembered....ah, you cut my new shirt in the process!" Laughing Mizuhara asks "What was Soichiro like when he was a kid?" "hm?" "When he as little...." "Not much difference from the way he is now....quiet...." "Really?" "Then I was a kid, I wanted to grow up fast, become like my brother....smart, tall....better than me in every way....I thought that when I got to his age, I'd be at least as good as him....but when I did, he's gone ahead...." "Isn't that good? Te-chan is Te-chan, Soichiro is Soichiro....You also have your good points...." "Really? Thanks...."

Teppei waits outside Teppei's apartment for him....it starts to rain........

At Soichiro's apartment, Mizuhara says "The rain's getting heavier...." "Uh....Soichiro's really late! I'll go home first...." Wait! I've got something for you...." Mizuhara gets a little package from her bag & as she gets up from the table goes "Ouch!" Teppei grabs a hold of her for an awkard moment. "Thank you" "Are you alright?" Mizuhara nods & then says "Here....this....Happy Birthday...." Teppei takes it "Thanks....can I open it?" It's a pair of gloves. Teppei asks "You knitted this?" Mizuhara laughs "It's a little childish...." Teppei looks upset "No, it's not that....it's not that....why are you doing this?" "What?" Teppei doesn't say anything & Mizuhara continues "You're going to be my younger brother from now on....I'll wish you every year...." Teppei interrupts "How can you say this so lightly? I don't think I can ever think of you as my sister, I've never even thought about it like this....to me you're always be Mizuhara....no matter who you marry!" Mizuhara looks upset & Teppei mutters "What am I saying...." as she shakes her head.... Teppei says "Thanks for this....say hi to my brother...." & leaves, ignoring Mizuhara when she calls him "Te-chan...."

Teppei runs outside in the rain, holding on to the gloves....

Riko now with an umbrella....waits for Teppei outside his apartment........

Teppei goes to Fu-ra all drenched & sits by himself....

Riko blows on her wet hands, trying to get warm. Turning around she sees Teppei come round the corner. She runs off & as he's about to enter the building she calls "Teppei!" "What are you doing here?" "I was at a nearby Karaoke place, thought I'd come by to see if you were around...." Teppei looks at her bag "What's that?" Riko holds up the bag "I brought this to show you magic!" "Magic?" asks Teppei with a grimace....

In the apartment Riko opens the fridge "I'm hungry....have you got anything?" Teppei says grouchily "You're here, don't open the fridge...." "I'm starving to death! Ah! Carviar! How come you've got such a fancy thing in your fridge? Bought it cheap at a supermarket?" "I thought I'd open that when friends come over...." "Can I open it?" "Didn't you come here to show me magic?" "But before that need to eat first....ah, what's that! Can I drink this?" Riko takes up a big bottle of Champaign by the bronze statue. "Feel like drinking it...." but Teppei says "Leave that for later, if you're going to show me, hurry up!" "Alright!" pouts Riko putting the bottle back down.

Wearing the black hat Riko says "Ladies & Gentlemen, it's showtime....the best Riko magic show is about to begin!" Teppei says "Not going to change...." "Shut up!" says Riko & starts humming, paper flowers appearing....Teppei says "You hid them in your hands earlier!" "Shut up!" says Riko continuing. Taking her hat off she says "Next, I'll be taking a number of things out of this silk hat, watch closely....it's starting...." Taking a red scarf out of the hat "1, 2, 3...." & it turns into a wand. "Where's the applause?" She starts taking out Hello Kitty dolls out of the hat & throws a baby Hello Kitty at Teppei who doesn't seem very impressed with the whole thing. Riko says "& now for the main event, need help from the audience, you over there....light this piece of paper...." She scrunches a piece of paper & puts it into a silver container. "Alright...." Teppei points to himself & Riko tells him "You're the only one here....ok, light it!" Teppei lights it & it really burns "Dangerous! Watch it!" Riko covers it with the lid "Then, what's in it?" Teppei comes closer to look & Riko lifts up the lid, it's a birthday cake with the cream all messed up. Teppei tries to read it "What's this?" but Riko quickly closes it "It's ruined...." "What?" "Nothing, nothing!" "Let me see, let me see!" Teppei tries to get the container while Riko tries to avoid him. Teppei grabs her hand, feels it & asks "Why are your hands so cold?" Riko, caught in a fix says "Because....I'm sensitive to the cold? maybe...?" Teppei looks at her, realization dawning on him, "You were waiting all the while? You were waiting all the while for me to come back?" The both of them look at each other, the look on Riko's face says it all. Teppei starts to say something but Riko puts on a brave front & starts picking up the flowers "How can that be possible!? I said I was just passing by, why would I be waiting for you like an idiot?!" The phone rings but Teppei ignores it. Riko says "Telephone...." as the recording message comes on....'I can't answer your call...." Teppei mutters to Riko "If you're cold...." but Riko interrupts "....alright if you don't answer the call?" Teppei points to the kitchen "Have something....hot to drink or something...." The answering machine beeps & Mizuhara leaves a message "Hello, Te-chan? It's Sanae....sorry about just now....I didn't think about your feelings....I want to apologize....I'm really sorry...." Riko finally says "You met up with Sanae-chan? 'sorry'....what happened?" From behind, Teppei moves to hold her but Riko pulls away & yells at him "Don't make a fool of me!....I didn't come here for that...." Tears in her eyes, she grabs her jacket & runs out. Teppei sitting on the bed, grimaces....

Riko runs out of the apartment....Teppei goes out to the veranda & looks at Riko's figure running off in the heavy rain. Coming back inside, drenched, he goes to the table & opens the container. The message on the cake says "Happy Birthday Teppei" Teppei mutters self deprecatingly "What am I doing?!" sitting by the side of his bed, dripping wet....

Riko walks on in the rain....Teppei looks at the cake on the table not looking too happy with himself....

(-= CJ =- First time my heart goes out to Riko in this 'cold hands' scene....the look on her face when Teppei asks her how come her hands are so cold, is priceless....actually think she's kawaii here....)