Chapter 19: Secrets

SECRETS

CHAPTER 19 OF THE MANGA

Previously
One of the last activities of the summer break was when the friends went down to the leeve in the evening, and after it became dark, shot off some fireworks. Earlier that day, at a soda fountain, the friends planned out just what they were going to do. Sora and Jan Puu also attended, although they though that the friends were going to do some sort of weapons testing ! The fireworks event, like many others, bring Tomari and Yasuna together socially. This time, Yasuna bears her soul to Tomari in a somewhat lengthly statement about her shipping with Hazumu, and her relationship with you, Tomari. However, things go well, and the two girls come to an amicable, albeit temporary, friendly peace. The three girls end the evening by playing with sparklers. Sparklers that get stuck together, giving off a wonderful metaphor.

Chapter Overview
Today is the first day back to school, but is there more to this particular day ? Hazumu attends school, but today is only a half day. She meets Tomari and Yasuna in class, but the two of them are absorbed in doing something else. At the end of the half day, Tomari and Yasuna head on out. But Hazumu is burning with curiosity to know what they are up to, so she tails them. Asuta decides to tail Hazumu, too, but is chased away by a dog. The two girls go downtown to a department store.

In the store the two friends browse the teens' department section. They look at many things, then admire the display of wedding dresses. Hazumu is still secretly following them. Two teen boys try to 'hit upon' Tomari, but come away bruised and sorry for their efforts. Hazumu gets distracted from her shadowing the two girls, and loses them. Dejectedly, Hazumu goes home. But a huge surprise awaits her at home by family and friends---Happy Birthday! So that is why everyone was avoiding Hazumu. All day long they did not want Hazumu to catch on, and spoil the surprise party.

This Chapter's Story
The summer sure passed by quickly. Now it is the first day back to school. Hazumu is all dressed in her clean, crisp school uniform, and Mom is straightening the bow at the front collar of her shirt. Dad tries to say something about today, but a backhanded fist from Mom finds it's way smack into his face. Hazumu goes outside, but only Asuta is waiting for her. He explains that all of the other friends have something else to do right now. Asuta thinks that this is the perfect time for some quality one-on-one time with Hazumu, but Hazumu's mind is elsewhere, worrying about her female friends.

In the class homeroom, Hazumu finds Tomari and Yasuna talking together. But when Hazumu approaches their desk, things get real quiet, real fast. Hazumu states that the first day, today, is only a half day, and so why don't we all do something this afternoon ? Surprisingly, the two girls reply that they both have something important to do. Sorry! Asuta is free this afternoon, but again, Hazumu is thinking only of her female friends.

At the end of the half day, just after noontime, Hazumu is at the lockers. She notices that both Tomari and Yasuna have come and gone. What the heck ? Hazumu decides to tail them, to see what is so doggone important that they have to do ? Following the two at a distance, Hazumu sees the two meet up with Ayuki. The three girls talk for a while, then the two leave Ayuki, with Ayuki saying that she will see them later. Unknown to the girls, Asuta is stalking Hazumu, to see what she is doing and where she is going. Ayuki has her pet dog with her, as Hazumu sneaks past her while her back is toward Hazumu. But when Asuta tries to sneak past Ayuki, Ayuki sics her dog on Asuta, as he is off and running with the growling and barking dog right behind him.

Hazumu follows Tomari and Yasuna downtown, right to the large department store. There, the two go to the teen fashion section, with Hazumu tagging alone, and eventually peeking from behind a display case. Tomari and Yasuna seem to be sorting through stacks of clothing on a counter. Hazumu, still hidden, begins to think negatively of herself, saying to herself that 'normal' girls love to go fashion shopping together. But me ........ I'm not even (supposedly) a 'real girl' ! Soon, the two girls come upon a display of a beautiful wedding dress. Both stare and admire it for a long time. Peeking again, Hazumu sees the wedding dress, too, and imagines both Tomari and Yasuna wearing their own pretty wedding dresses. Hazumu sees herself in a wedding dress, but then immediately cancels that image, thinking that would be weird. Her bad thoughts continue to go downhill. She says to herself that nether one would ever be able to wear a wedding dress if they shipped with me ! A 'normal' boy, yes, but me, no ! Hazumu's unsettled thinking begins to take a toll on her. Suddenly, from behind the display case, she doesn't feel so good. She says that she is not a boy anymore, but she (supposedly) is not a girl, either. Therefore, she could never be part of those two's social circle.

Meanwhile, two nicely dressed boys in their school uniforms, begin 'hitting on' Tomari, asking her about going out somewhere with them ! But Tomari can well take care of herself. When comments get out of hand---

OUFF ! BANG ! KAPOW !!!

And both boys are down for the count ! Tomari takes Yasuna's hand, and they beat a hasty retreat from the department. Next time Hazumu looks from behind the display case, the two girls are gone ! Hazumu comes out and breaks into a run, unknowingly stepping on an already injured boy, and hightails it out of the department, too. But Hazumu never does find out just where the two girls went to.

Finally, early that evening, a very tired, lonely, dejected Hazumu wearily comes home. She goes in the front door of the house, and surprise, surprise ! Tomari and Yasuna are in the front foyer, waiting to welcome her home ! Each girl takes one of Hazumu's hands, and leads her into the family room. There, a party has been set up, with a cake and refreshments on the center table.

" HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAZUMU !!! ", is shouted from all in the room !

Mom says that she bet that Hazumu completely forgot today was her birthday. Dad says that he tried to say something this morning about this once-a-year day, but got a fist to the mouth ! Here, this is from us, as a decorative bag is handed to Hazumu, from Tomari and Yasuna. Hazumu asks if they bought it today ? Yes, indeed ! Hazumu carefully removes the special contents, and lovingly stares at it. Girl's clothes ! Actually, a very pretty and attractive dress. Hazumu questions if it is really okay ? Do the friends really not mind that she is a girl now ? Tomari wants to know why Hazumu is worried about that at a time like this ? Yasuna says of course it's okay. In fact, Yasuna likes her better as a girl ( remember, Yasuna is only into and only likes girls ). Hazumu holds the folded up dress to her face, and big tears well up in her eyes, as if she is about to cry her little heart out. Both Tomari and Yasuna express concern as to what is wrong, but Hazumu merely says that nothing is wrong. She thanks everyone for the special gift of this wonderful dress.

Hazumu goes in her bedroom, to change out of her school uniform, and change into the pretty dress. The dress is styled for cooler weather, so it won't be long before Hazumu can wear it outside to go places and do things. The dress even has a more mature look to it, making Hazumu look like a mature young lady, instead of a crazy teenager. Hazumu, wearing her new dress and back with the group at the party, begs Tomari and Yasuna to take her clothes shopping sometime soon. She wants to become skilled in picking out clothes for her teenage girl friends.

Tomari lights the candles, and everyone again shouts---

" HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAZUMU !!! "

__________________________________________

Later that evening, after the party has concluded, the Alien Being is alone, looking at computer monitors that have appeared in the space around him. They are levitating in front of and to the side of him, with him sitting in a suspended chair not touching the floor, as he meticulously studies the information and readouts on each and every one. Eventually, he begins mumbling to himself---

" ......... is decreasing ......... approaching negative values ........... changes definitely detected in ........... hummm .................? ............... "

Chapter Lookback and Commentary
snakepit2 / 12 months ago

This is my favorite manga ever made.