I've been asking Chicchi for advice since she's doing science.
Yeah, I'm gonna be a doctor.
Wow.
Since both my parents are doctors and all.
Have you seen the news?
About the admission fraud at that medical school.
Uniform Point Deductions for Female Applicants: Nitto Medical University Accused of Arbitrary Manipulation
About the university docking points from female applicants?
That makes me so mad!
Anyone would lose hope.
Being denied admission just because you're a girl? That sucks.
I'll never let it go...
Never! Not ever!
Anyways, now you know what happened.
I think it broke her.
She hasn't been to school since.
Kant argued that it's rational for humans
to act upon duty, calling it "true freedom."
Please stand behind the yellow line.
Journal with Witch
Chiyo-chan, it's been a while.
Episode 13 Morning Is Here
I know. I've missed a lot of school.
You okay?
Yeah, I am. I'm okay.
Actually, not really. But it's fine.
What's that?
Oh, this?
Three-Year Journal
It's my mom's journal.
Oh... You okay?
That's funny.
We both just asked each other if we're okay.
I mean, are we okay?
So, what's in that journal anyway?
Um...
Sorry, I didn't mean to...
I guess it's mostly about how important I am?
It's, like, mainly stuff she wrote to me.
Huh.
But honestly, it kinda feels like I'm being lectured.
I've gotten a bit tired of it.
Three-Year Journal
I get that.
It can be hard to believe stuff people tell you.
It could be a lie.
How would I know?
Doors will open on the left.
My concerns are nothing compared to yours.
I don't think that's true.
Everyone's problems matter.
Concerns don't have a hierarchy, huh?
I wonder.
Tomorrow...
I'll be singing. In the school concourse.
For the band, right? That's great.
I was hoping, Chiyo-chan... that you'd come listen.
How come?
Just 'cause.
Just 'cause, huh?
Takumi, can I ask you a rude question?
Did you think your life was over?
I don't think that!
It's not over!
Because I'm alive!
You're tough.
Chiyo-chan... Ugh!
Please step back and tap the panel again.
Well, I'll be going.
Huh? Wait, why?
No! Don't go!
Chiyo-chan!
Chiyo-chicchi!
Hey, promise you'll come?
I'll stop by if I can.
Isn't this where we're supposed to, like, shake on it or something?
Morning!
Morning. You're late.
Yup.
Oh, Morimoto-san...
Morning.
Oh my gosh, Chiyo!
Sup?
What, that's it?
Morimoto.
Thanks for messaging me.
Sorry I held on to this so long.
It's fine. Sorry I was gone for so long.
Listen, I found this petition online last night.
I'm thinking about sharing it with my friends too.
It's not right to make this a women's-only issue.
You think they're dating?
Nah, I doubt it.
But Togo-kun's practically in tears.
He's nice, but it's not like Togo can change the world.
That's true.
I'm home!
Welcome back.
Is that your new book?
Yup. They want signed copies.
Wow, cool.
What kind of fan wants an autograph?
There you go again...
Say, Makio-chan, who did you write that novel for?
What Color Is a Crescent Moon Onion in Love?
Makio Koudai
Why are you making that face?
You know, I get asked that in interviews too.
Were you really expecting an answer?
Huh?
I swear, everyone must be a little too fixated on their own fantasies.
Huh? What do you mean?
I don't write for anyone else.
I mean, does anyone actually spend their time for the sake of others?
Novelist or otherwise.
But then... what about you deciding to take me in?
Wasn't that for my sake?
Th-That's... different.
It wasn't for you. No, I mean...
If it worked out in your favor, then great.
But I wasn't trying to be selfless or anything.
I just couldn't stand what was happening before my eyes.
Why are you scrambling to make excuses?
Jeez, kid... You've become pretty defiant.
"Kid"?
I'm not saying this to break your spirit, but...
No matter what you do for others,
it's very unlikely you'll ever change their heart or actions.
Most of your efforts won't bear fruit,
let alone earn acknowledgment or gratitude.
The world isn't so easily changed.
You should keep that in mind.
For a professional novelist, you're pretty pessimistic.
Doesn't that just make me more credible?
Granted, I do think...
that acting when you know it's futile is what makes it so precious.
At least, that's my take.
Welp, time to start making dinner.
You're being complicated again.
Besides, we might change jobs again.
So true.
Man, time flies.
I can't believe it's been ten years.
Oh yeah. By the way, Asa...
The sun's out.
Ugh... What if I screw up?
This again?
It's all about self-affirmation.
Tell yourself everything will be fine.
Your brain will wire itself that way.
Although, I can't say I recommend that approach.
Why not?
Hmm?
In my line of work, there are novelists who search for themselves on the internet.
Wait, which type are you, Makio-chan?
That's a secret.
Aw!
Anyway, listen...
Writing novels and having readers is one thing.
But being disliked for your work is totally different.
Even if it's enough for you just to be able make a living writing at first,
eventually you can get greedy and want to be liked on top of that.
It might be lame, but getting hurt constantly wears you down.
So instead, you affirm and consciously desensitize yourself.
Desensitize?
Dull your senses and numb your feelings.
After a while, you numb yourself enough that it dulls your heart.
Then your heart is moved by nothing, neither good nor bad.
Unfortunately, I don't feel sad at all.
So in that sense... I don't want that to happen to you.
But maybe that's just me projecting my fantasies onto you.
Just because you're a child, you don't need to be all pure.
Can you speak Japanese?
I've noticed something, Makio-chan.
You only use difficult words when you're talking to me.
You're much more casual with your friends.
Huh... I don't mean to be that way.
But I guess maybe it's so that I don't rub off on you.
I wonder how long I'll be able to remember these ordinary moments between us.
Actually, that's me pushing my own agenda too.
Hmm... It's not like I'm condescending to you.
Huh? I don't follow.
Think of a better explanation.
You're becoming quite a smart aleck.
Which is a good thing in my book.
What? What do you mean?
That question didn't cross my mind back then.
Hmm... I'll think about it.
Please and thank you.
Just as we might eat whatever is served to us,
I enjoyed each moment without giving it much thought.
I wonder when I began looking back on those days so dearly...
I'm off!
Your show...
This concert of yours... Good luck.
How do I stop feeling so nervous?
Don't think.
Huh?
Didn't you tell me to think harder the other day?
Yeah. You think and think, and finally, you stop.
Your advice never comes in handy.
I'm off!
Have a good day.
Journal with Witch
Did you watch that stream yesterday?
Sure did. That was crazy.
Testing, testing! Mic test, mic test!
What's that?
Hi, we're the band club!
The band club is performing, apparently.
Huh.
Who's up next?
I'm still not convinced.
At least tell me why.
Then I can give up on you.
Seriously?
I have to explain it to you?
Emiri! It's about to start!
See ya.
I'm getting super nervous.
What are you, her mom?
Did you eat lunch early as planned?
I did...
Oh man, nerves?
You're fine. Do it just like we practiced.
I'll cover for you either way.
Takumi, you were great at your audition.
You said you're ready to be the type to stand out.
Any other goals? For today, I mean?
Goals...
No matter what you do for others,
it's very unlikely you'll ever change their heart or actions.
Most of your efforts won't bear fruit.
Wanna know mine?
To recruit ten new members!
Sounds good.
Hey, there they are!
You got this, Takumi.
Good luck, Asa-chan!
Counting on you, boss!
Yeah, we're good.
I'm filming!
Okay, let's do this nice and relaxed.
Senpai, you're the coolest!
Think.
And think.
And then stop.
Asa.
Be whoever you want to be.
Well, just do what you want to do.
Then I'll pick for you.
As long as it's within reason, I guess.
You've got to learn how to make choices on your own.
Make sure your mother won't scold you.
What matters is that you did your best.
I guess... you stood out.
It's too bad you didn't win.
Takumi, did you think your life was over?
My aunt's a novelist, my parents are dead, and I've got it so hard!
I might as well struggle.
I should have all the pieces to write some deep lyrics, so why...
Acting when you know it's futile is what...
So why am I still so plain?!
So in that sense... I don't want that to happen to you.
No! I want to be who I want to be!
Oki-senpai...
Hmm?
My goal is to sing to my friend who's feeling down
so she can feel better.
Love that.
Okay, then are we ready to roll?
When I awoke from my slumber,
I found myself alone, standing on an open page.
No matter where I look, I can't see.
There's no path nor exit.
That's when I heard that sound...
The sound of your voice calling my name.
So I walked, with these fumbling words of mine.
It may not be in perfect rhythm,
but when I hum this tune, I hope you listen.
The soaring sound of the world softening itself...
It soars across the air.
Morning is here.
I wave to you, standing in the future looking back at me.
And so I paddle your way, paddle your way.
Where shall I go? Anywhere I long...
Back then, I hadn't a clue what I myself would never let go of.
Nor did I have any concept of what that despair might look like.
But still, as silly as it may be...
I thought that maybe, just maybe...
She's so good!
We're the band club!
my small act could change the world.
That, say, in ten years' time, it would be enough for me...
...to move...
...the world!
Wow...
That was pretty cool.
I should send this to Makio-san.
Her aunt?
Yup, yup!
Hi, everyone! We're the band club!
There isn't a single thing in the world that's completely irrelevant to you.
Is this what she meant?
We'll be playing five more songs.
So I hope you stick around!
Ready for the next number?
I'm not sure.
Let's go watch.
But even if it's ten years from now...
I hope I've reached somebody, anybody here.
Even for a moment.
I wish I could change the world...
Reach...
Reach!
Reach them!
That's it from us! We're the band club!
We're playing again after school and tomorrow.
Feel free to stop by practice too!
Takumi.
Over here.
Oh, Chiyo-chan!
Good job.
I witness you.
What was that?
That was so cool!
She's growing up so naturally.
Each day is such a battle, but so fleeting at the same time.
To think she's done this for fifteen years, from such a fragile age...
Sis, that's pretty admirable.
Believe it or not, one thing led to another
and I've been living with something akin to a dog for a year now.
I'd long contemplated welcoming a new member,
but for better or worse, this dog fell into my lap one day.
Everything feels so new that both me and the dog find ourselves perplexed.
Sometimes, the dog brings its doggy friend over to the house.
As someone who's never had a pack, I'm constantly taken aback by the company.
It's strange to have another creature in your territory,
especially a developing creature with its own will and intelligence.
With packs come the potential for both safety and danger.
Perhaps like me, you don't acclimate well with any pack.
Or rather, perhaps you think it's noble to spend your life
searching for a pack that suits you.
The vocalist was so cool. I want to be able to sing like her too!
Club Application
The vocalist was so cool. I want to be able to sing like her too!
You may feel lonely no matter what pack you belong to.
Or you may feel most at peace with no company at all.
The dog in question is still a pup, so who's to say?
Keeping in line with my analogy, the dog is maybe two or three years old.
To influence a pup of such young age terrifies me.
Still, referring to this member as "the dog" doesn't sit right.
So let's call it "Ashita."
I'll end today's entry with a beautiful poem: "Pippa's Song (Haru no Ashita)."
Essay Series The Fern Frond Makio Koudai
And to be clear, Ashita was not born to me.
Is this about me?
Web Hokuto: Makio Koudai's Essay Series "The Fern Frond"
I'd prefer you not read my work
Web Hokuto: Makio Koudai's Essay Series "The Fern Frond"
I'd prefer you not read my work
Why not?
Because it's awkward
Who cares?
ASA@Band
Is this you?
Can I block you?
What do you mean?
Either way, please don't tell me if you read my work
What's for dinner?
I'll pick something up at the bakery and some sausages
Oh, and I'll whip up some soup with tomatoes
Need anything?
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday, dear Mom and Dad.
Hajime & Minori
Happy birthday to you.
What was that for?
Just snapping a beauty's profile.
You idiot.
Good night.
Good night. See you tomorrow.
See you tomorrow.
Oh yeah, by the way...
Remember when you sang in the school concourse?
Was that ten years ago now?
No, don't remind me. How embarrassing.
I can't believe you remember.
Well, yeah, it was awesome.
Ayaka and everyone was in awe of you too.
I still have the video.
What?!
Yikes!
Didn't this get you a bunch of new members?
Yeah. Makio-chan complimented me on my singing too.
Oh, how's Makio-san doing?
Fine, I think.
Aw, man, I'm getting nostalgic.
Hey, should we go visit her?
Let's see how she's doing.
Seriously?
You mean right now?
Come on, I wanna see her. Give her a call!
I dunno if she'll answer.
She might be a zombie from deadlines again.
Like always.
Hey, we should buy her some beer on the way over.
Sure.
Hey, Makio-chan?
I was just wondering if...
What? I haven't even said anything yet.
Did I say that?
Hi, Makio-san!
We're coming over!
Hey, now! Come on!
See you in a bit!