Chapter 5: Hazumu's Heart

HAZUMU'S HEART

CHAPTER 5 OF THE MANGA

( Anime Cross-reference ? )

Previously
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Chapter Overview
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This Chapter's Story
During her track and field practice one afternoon, Tomari, dressed in a polo shirt and a baruma, stops to get a drink of water from the outdoor basin. After refreshing herself, she stares off into the sky, and becomes lost in thought, as she often does. . . . . . ..

Nearby, Hazumu, in the center of a group of girls, is recounting the chivalrous knightly deeds done by Tomari as she slayed the 'fire-breathing dragon' news reporters. Overheard by Tomari, she walks over to the little group of girls and states that it 'didn't necessarily happen that way' ! Ayuki joins the group with a tasty tidbit of gossip---Tomari has received a love letter from another girl ! A couple of the girls are enthralled, and embrace Tomari, telling her that if she were only a boy, they would instantly marry her ! Tomari is dumbfounded ! Asuta now comes by to supposedly walk Hazumu home. But then a wild soccer ball from the nearby game smacks Asuta in the face, and he is down for the count !

At the Osaragi home, mom and dad greet Hazumu, Ayuki, and red-faced Asuta. Hazumu is pressed into service to model several more outfits that mom has bought for her, and that dad wants to photograph. Ayuki and Asuta are also conscripted to be the audience for the impromptu fashion show. But when Hazumu models a cute/sexy Gothic/Lolita outfit ( complete with a Lolita 'feminine napkin' style hairband ), dad swoons over her, and mom must immediately administer needed correction and punishment. Hazumu sits on the floor, and falls into a melancholy, bemoaning that she has had her body changed, but what about the needed change in her heart and soul ? Ayuki tactfully asks her if she is still in love with a girl. Hazumu, with a mournful sigh, says that she just does not know.

Next day at school lunchtime, Hazumu, Tomari, and Ayuki are eating together. However, Hazumu is still in a funk and quandary about her heart's desire. Tomari says just to give it time. Later, Hazumu is at her very favorite place at school, the flower garden. She talks to the flowers about Tomari, and about herself. A soft, peaceful voice startles Hazumu---it is Yasuna ! She remarks on the beauty of the place, and asks if she can have a few flowers and plants for herself. Sure ! Yasuna remarks that she can see the flower garden from the window of the music room, and how green and lovely it looks. She tells Hazumu that she has the power to make the world more beautiful. Hazumu tells Yasuna that she can sometimes hear her practicing her flute with she is in the garden. Yasuna now deftly approaches Hazumu, placing her hand on Hazumu's upper arm, and as Hazumu is gently backed into a chain-link fence, she draws in close to Hazumu's face for a kiss. However, the divinely romantic mood is broken with Asuta's voice calling for Hazumu. Yasuna backs away just in time to see Asuta approach Hazumu, she grabs his arm, and is lead away. A scornful, but sad expression crosses Yasuna's face. A single tear wets her face as she watches the departing couple with a frustrated heart.

Asuta escorts Hazumu to the afternoon classroom, and as she sits down, a blank, pale expression floods her face. Conflict still rules her heart. Tomari picks up on that, and states that if she is not feeling well, to go home early. Hazumu responds that she is okay. The teacher begins the English language class in her usual drama soaked style. Hazumu's attention, however, is fixed first on baleful Yasuna sitting at her desk, and then to a concerned Tomari also sitting at her desk. Hazumu ponders if she can ever begin again to find love. The teacher stumbles and falls to the floor, as the Alien Being and Jan Puu, levitating just outside the window, look on in amusement.

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