So what’s the yuri anime scene going to be like after Strawberry Panic and Simoun? Based on this invaluable Airborne Early Warning post by Omni, Otome wa Boku ni Koi Shiteru looks like a possible candidate – except for the existential problem of the protagonist actually being a guy. While an argument can be made at the metaphysical level for this to be considered yuri (the girls think he’s a she), reality and something else will rear its head when the girls urm try to get into his panties.

Further down the horizon, StoPani might have paved the way for more imitators. We might see the yuri eroge Sono Hanabira ni Kuchizuke wo (To Kiss That Flower Petal) by the doujin game circle, Fuguriya, as a mainstream anime in the future. But it’s early days as the download version of the game was only release this month and the packet edition goes out in October.

[hanabira2.jpg]

I first saw some preview images on danbooru under the tag “sonohana” but I think the website itself abbreviates the game as "hanabira" so I’ll be using that instead. Also I know that づ can be rendered as “du” but since I’m using “zu” for Kannazuki, I’ll stick to that here too.

Hanabira doesn’t seem to be your standard Chase Different Girls and Screw Them eroge and more of a visual novel – there seem to be only two main characters, Nanami Ota and her senpai Yuuna Matsubara with the story revolving around their romantic relationship. And in StoPani fashion, this isn’t MariMite-style yuri by women for women but squarely aimed at the LFB demographic. The game is described as: “Love-love, very ecchi, yuri-yuri love comedy ♪” LOL Might work on translating more of the site when I can stop laughing while trying to read the webpages.

©2012 hontou ni sou omou?. All Rights Reserved.

Rin and Asa receive Kaede’s blessing for their relationship. Asa feeds Rin a cookie, mouth to mouth and also gets Rin to feed her lunch. More hot Rin-Asa s3xx0r. However Asa’s illness rears its head. Rin learns more about why Asa is so insistent about not using magic and is forced to take drastic measures to break Asa’s inhibitions towards magic in order to save her life.

13/8 (Fri)

It’s the evening and Rin was out to buying a magazine. He meets Kaede and Asa – both look listless and Rin is uneasy. They go to the fountain at the park.

Asa apologizes to Kaede. Kaede replies that it is ok because Rin made the choice, saying so with a smiling face. And also because she has decided. Not whatever what happens, she will continue to love Rin and she can’t erase that feeling for Rin.

Asa: Kaede… (sounding sad)

Kaede says that she has really been unfair. Asa denies that it’s so. Kaede says that everyone does not know that really she… her voice fades off and she then says she is happy that the person Rin likes is Asa. Because if it’s Asa, Rin will definitely be happy. (Her voice is slowly starting to show the strain of holding back her emotions.) Asa says that she thinks that she will also find happiness with Rin. Kaede remarks that Asa must really like Rin.

Asa says that she is surprised. Kaede says that Rin has always been suffering because of her so she asks Asa to ensure that Rin’s happiness. Kaede’s voice is really shaky. Rin reflects that he does not dislike Kaede and seeing her like that pierces his heart.

Kaede says however to allow her one selfish thing to say. Just to watch, it’s fine. Because she loves Rin and has always loved him. She starts to apologize for being unfair and her speech more or less breaks up into particles. She says she understands Rin and Asa-sempai’s feelings. Even so, she still loves Rin.

Asa apologizes sadly to Kaede, saying that she was the one who was really being unfair and she tries to comfort Kaede is rapidly losing her composure: I love… I love… you… Rin-kun.. Rin-kun… that’s why… before completely breaking down and bawling her heart out.

Rin recalls that he has only seen Kaede cry so badly twice. The first time was when her mother was killed in the accident that also claimed the lives of his parents. And the second time is… now. Rin thinks about all the time he spent together with Kaede and how close they were and how much he enjoyed that, especially her smile. And his promise to her.

Rin apologizes to Kaede. And thinks about how he has broken his promise (that he will always be by her side) to walk a different path, with a different person. He looks up at the sky at the lonely cloud. The sound of tears and the pain in their hearts.

19/8 (Thu)

Rin meets Asa in the park. Lots of description of park activities and scenery. Asa says that now that she thinks of it, this is their first date together. Asa has made cookies, saying that she normally doesn’t make cookies for guys, even her dad so the cookies are reserved just for Rin. She asks why Rin is spacing out. He replies that it’s because he is really happy.

She prepares to feed him a cookie but notices his embarrassment. Fu-fu-n, she says mischievously – How about this! she says. Sitting down on a bench together, she feeds him a cookie MOUTH TO MOUTH (as they might say in FLCL). Rin panics, his heart racing. Asa prompts him again, cookie in mouth: Ummm! As Rin receives the cookie with his mouth, they kiss. [The cookie thing is used in Ep 20 but they don’t kiss in the anime as they’re not a couple yet and Rin hasn’t gotten his act together yet.] Later Asa, blushing, says that while it was her wish to do that, it still sure was embarrassing but it was a really delicious way to enjoy food and asks how about they do it again? [Not sure about this part at all] Rin tells her this is all making him rather randy and Asa’s gaze goes southward which confirms this. She says it must a guy thing and laughs nervously.

31/8 (Tue)

Rin arrives at Asa’s house. Ama-san is just leaving the house. Rin thinks to himself that Ama-san is a perfect example of immortality research.

Ama-san asks if Rin is here to see Asa. Yes, Rin replies, has she woken up yet? Of course, she replies, oh, that’s why Asa woke up early today to bake a cake and that she is really feminine. She apologizes that she won’t be able to give Rin proper hospitality as she won’t be in. [Ama-san also uses “boku” for her “I” pronoun.] And that there’s so much she wants to talk to Rin and ask him about but as there’s no choice, she will entrust Asa to him today and to enjoy each other’s company slowly and thoroughly. She takes her leave, giggling rather cutely.

Of course, with Ama-san away, Rin and Asa have mad s3xx0r. Innovative use of her hair ribbon. -_-;; Afterwards Asa says she doesn’t mind having Rin’s baby and Ama-san is really happy that Rin is going out with Asa.

1/9 (Wed)

Asa and Rin arrive at school at the same time. It’s the end of the summer holidays. They are greeted first by Kareha. When Rin asks, Kareha says that she has really enjoyed her work at Café Flora and then asks if he would like to see Asa in the Café Flora waitress outfit. Rin says hell yeah. Asa says that Rin is really such a bloke. Kareha remarks that the two of them are very suitable together.

Rin asks how Kareha knows. She says that Asa told her and that she is really happy. She wants to hear the full story sometime. She congratulates both Rin and Asa. The guys are all cheering that Rin has finally chosen a girlfriend. Many cries of Banzai! But afterwards all of them come back angry, cries of Kill! Kill! Kill! resound through the hallways. Itsuki and Mayumi explain that the three princesses of the school say that their feelings for Rin will not change. Gomen nasai! It’s the Big Confession Ceremony of the Three Princesses!

2/9 (Thu)

Rin is accosted by Eustoma and Foebeshii outside his house. They have heard that he has chosen neither Lisianthus nor Nerine. Some melodrama as Rin apologizes and reflects on the eight years that both of their daughters have been waiting to see him. But luckily neither are angry and instead heartily congratulate him. Eustoma was actually starting to worry that Rin had no interest in women. LOL. Foebeshii also says that Rin need not worry and that it’s really excellent. They try to get him to drink.

And then they ask him to also marry their daughters anyway [I think]. Rin is shocked. Eustoma says that one man can have many wives in the Shin world. He himself has three wives. He goes on to say how interesting it would be to be married to a human, Shin and Ma and be combined ruler of both demon and god worlds! Foebeshii agrees. [O_o] Eustoma says it’s no problem to do that if he holds his marriage in the Shin world. Foebeshii says he would happily pass his throne to Rin if that’s done.

Rin asks them to stop saying these things…

8/9 (Wed)

Rin meets Asa, Kareha, Itsuki, Mayumi, Sia, Nerine and Kaede on the school roof. The girls start asking Asa something about cookery. Mayumi says that after all, if there’s anyone to ask, it’s the double aces of the cooking club, Asa and Kareha. Nerine asks if they can teach her how to cook [parallels Ep 4 when Asa teaches Nerine how to cook tamagoyaki] because she is hopeless at cooking. Asa is happy to help and promises that Nerine will learn quickly. Kareha points out what a good cook Kaede has become under Asa’s instruction. Sia wants to know whose bento Rin finds tastiest. She tries to feed him from her lunch box. Rin panics but Asa just laughs and gives him permission. Then it’s Nerine and Kaede’s turn. Rather more awkward than Sia’s carefree exuberance. And when it comes to Asa’s turn, she decides to do something different. She gets him to feed her!

Kareha: Asa is so demanding!
Sia: Aaah, heart pounding!
Nerine: Heart pounding…
Kaede: Asa-sempai… is so bold!
Mayumi: Wow, this kind of attack, what do you think of it, Midoriba-san?
Itsuki: lots of blah blah. Basically compliments it as a most powerful move.

With some prompting from Asa, Rin feeds her and she finds it delicious. She compliments Kaede on her cooking. Kaede thanks her and says that she will work hard to live up to Asa’s training.

12/9 (Sun)

Asa comments that the weather is really nice. Rin and her are on a date. If it rains, they would definitely share one umbrella as Rin has only one umbrella and it’s a trick worthy of Midoriba, says Asa. Rin is shocked and I think a bit insulted.

They go to Café Flora and meet Kareha in waitress mode. They chat. Asa asks if Kareha has someone she likes. Kareha answers that she does! Rin and Asa are “Eh….?” Kareha confirms it. Asa can’t believe it and asks from when. Rin asks as well and Asa says that as best friend, Kareha should not be shy and share it. [Not sure about this – Kareha’s speech is quite formal.] Some blah blah – think it’s Rin. There’s no direct admission but it revolves around something about how Asa should also understand. [Anyway…] Asa panics and tries to end the conversation on this topic and grabbing hold of Rin possessively. Kareha asks Asa not to worry. Asa asks her best friend (and now rival!) what does she mean in puzzlement. Kareha happily replies that in the Shin world, a man can have more than one wife! Asa: …… Rin: …… [Well, I was actually rather hoping that Kareha liked Asa! Heheh. My only complaint about SHUFFLE! is that there’s no yuri at all.]

After leaving the café, Asa grumbles about how Kareha can be so strange. And she also grumbles that Rin didn’t seem too adverse to the idea. Rin replies that because Kareha is so beautiful, it’s impossible for a guy not to like her. Asa says she didn’t want to hear that and notes that Rin is surrounded by so many good girls. Halfway through the conversation, Asa has an attack and collapses.

When she awakens, Rin is carrying her (as Asa puts it “princess style” – Edit: Rin carries her this way on the merry-go-round in Ep 18), she apologizes, assures him that she is ok now and that it was because she was just a bit tired.

17/9 (Fri)

Primula arrives in school to pass Rin the books and bento that he had forgotten to bring. General all round pleasant blah blah conversation. Mayumi comes running, saying that she heard from Kareha that Asa has collapsed and is in the sickbay.

Rin goes to see Asa who laughs weakly in embarrassment. Kareha leaves the two lovebirds alone. Rin asks if Asa is really ok. Asa replies that Rin has a really scary face. Rin says it’s been barely a week since her previous collapse. Asa says that she thinks today’s collapse is related to Rimu-chan (who was just in school). Asa speculates that because the magic within Primula is so powerful, the magic within her own body reacted to it. Rin notes that Asa has met Primula several times before and it was ok. Asa guesses that it might have to do with because Rin is present, neither she nor Primula have a strong reaction.

Rin realizes that he can’t be with Asa all the time to protect her from such things from happening and tries to persuade her to use magic so that she can control and use up the excess magic within her.

Asa apologizes and says that she will not use magic. She says that in this way, she is the same as Kaede. In that they both have a reason not to tell Rin that they love him. Both Kaede and Asa have done a great injustice to the person they now respect most, Rin and Ama-san respectively. Asa talks about how she hated her mother in the past [this is dealt with in Ep 14]. Rin is shocked. Asa compares it to how Kaede had hated Rin. Asa tells Rin about how her body was so weak when she was young that she collapsed very often and had to be confined to bed – the powerful transformation magic affected her relentlessly and her body was too weak to cope with it. Asa, as a child, thought why did she have to suffer so much pain and she couldn’t bear it. She told her mother clearly: “It’s your fault that I’m going to die! You’re your fault that because you’re not normal, I have to die from this.” Asa feels terrible even now when she thinks of it. But she finally understood her mother’s feelings as Ama-san wholeheartedly cared for her during her sickness. Realizing how heavy a burden of care and guilt that her mother carried, Asa felt ashamed. That’s why Asa has decided that she is a human. She wants her mother to forget that she is a product of the Artificial Life Experiments which caused her so much pain directly and then indirectly through Asa’s suffering and anger. Asa reasons that if she can live like a normal human, her mother can let go of that past. If she uses magic, then she will no longer be human. That’s why she will remain human to the last and not use magic. She does not want to cause her mother any more pain.

Asa then tries to reassure Rin that she is not going to die on him. It will just be a small hardship that she can endure. Rin finally understands Asa’s thinking on this and feels terribly uneasy. He thinks that there must be some way to solve this problem.

18/9 (Sat)

Late in the day, outside the school, Rin runs into Ama-san. She says that it is rare to see him at this time and place and asks why he isn’t with Ah-chan. Rin asks to speak to her. She agrees and Rin tells her what he heard from Asa yesterday.

Ama-san looks saddened. In response to Rin’s question, Ama-san confirms that she is a product of the Artificial Life Experiments and has survived and continues to live here only because of a miracle. She also confirms that Asa’s condition is a result of the transformation magic forced into her body which has transferred into Asa.

Rin asks what will happen if Asa uses up the transformation magic by using magic. Ama-san says that it will probably be ok and help to solve the problem. She says that the problem is not the power of the magic but its quantity.

Rin says that Asa refuses to use magic and so her condition can’t be tackled. He blames himself for not having the power to help someone when the need is there. Ama-san doesn’t think so. She says that her husband couldn’t use magic or even understand magic very much either but that he still saved her. That’s why she believes that as long as Rin is determined to save Asa, it will be ok.

But Asa is very stubborn about not using magic, says Rin and that he understands her determination. To that, Ama-san asks him whether he knows what she and her daughter want most in the world? Ama-san just smiles silently.

Rin realizes the answer after a while. As he does, Ama says that the person Asa needs the most right now is not her but Rin. She then entrusts Asa to Rin. Aa-chan no koto, onegai ne. Rin asks what should he do? Ama says something that something that no one else other than he can do. Ama-san says that even if Asa refuses to use magic, there are situations where she may feel she has no choice but to use it. Rin thinks hard and tries to think of something that will touch Asa’s heart in a way that she will use magic.

Ama-san wishes him all the best. Ganbatte ne, otoko no ko.

Rin declares that he can do it, because he is a guy. Rin laughs bitterly but Ama-san smiles with satisfaction.

19/9 (Sun)

Black screen. Long introspective from Asa’s POV. I won’t cry. I won’t hurt. I won’t suffer. It’s my own pain, I won’t let my mother feel pain. … I’m not afraid to die, I’m not afraid to live. I don’t want to be the result of an experiment, of a transformed demon. Only death beyond the failure of the experiment. Only death.

But blown, flying into this world, on the wings of the magic of demons and gods, meeting that one person, falling in love and bearing a child. The first time encountering happiness. After suffering so much, such a kind hand. Who loved me without reservation and whose love protected me. Who was always there with a kind word and loving smile. I love my mother. I respect my mother. That’s how I see my mother. That’s why I bought the same ribbon as her but it doesn’t suit me on my arm, I tie it on my hair instead. It’s become my trademark. The ribbon supports me and it feels like my mother is right next to me, supporting me.

That’s why I won’t cause my beloved mother any more pain. I won’t cry. I won’t hurt. I won’t suffer. Because while I bear my own suffering, it is my mother who has suffered most. That’s why I won’t see my beloved mother who gave me birth in any more pain. I won’t cry. I won’t hurt. I won’t suffer. That’s why I won’t see my beloved mother who gave me birth in any more pain. Not a demon, not a god, not a human. The child of an artificial life produced by experiment – never before in the history of the three worlds. [i.e. Asa is really one of a kind.]

That’s why the person who has given birth to this child is the one who has suffered the most. Powerful magic in weak flesh. Powerful magic that could not be contained, going berserk in the middle of the experiment. Losing the balance of life at any time. Dying at any time. Powerful magic entering the body, breaking everything. Powerful magic surging through the body, in the midst of the experiment. Seeking a way out. Seeking release. That’s how she was saved. It was as simple as that. But I will definitely never ever use magic. For the sake of being just human. I don’t want to cause my mother any more pain.

But I don’t really want to die.

Because I am human.

Just a human.

An ordinary girl, living as a human in a human world, with her mother and father.

But I want to live for the sake of that person.

That’s why I want to live for my own sake.

Scene transition.

Rin and Asa are in the park. Rin asks Asa if she really won’t do it. Asa thanks Rin for his care and worry about her but repeats her resolve not to use magic. It’s a cool quiet autumn evening in the park. Rin says that there is no proof that Asa will be alright if this goes on. Asa counters that there’s no proof either that she won’t be alright if she won’t use magic but her voice sounds weak, afraid and confused. Rin hears in that voice that Asa knows the possibility of her own death is there if she does not use magic. That’s why he won’t leave Asa alone.

Rin says that he cannot use magic and he doesn’t understand much about magic but he has been trying to think of a way to help Asa. He tells Asa that she must use magic. She says that even if it is Rin asking, it’s useless. Rin says that he believes in Asa.

Rin takes out a brand new cutter from his pocket. He says that this is heavy handed of him but he can’t think of anything else as he draws out the cutter blade and raises his left arm. Asa is shocked as she realizes what he is about to do and then Rin slashes himself. Apparently it’s a very deep and serious wound and there’s a lot of blood everywhere. Asa tries to stop him.

Rin tells Asa that he understands that she does not want to use magic. [Rin starts to become unsteady.] And that he understands a little of Asa’s predicament and that is really like his relationship with Kaede. He asks her what does Ama-san desire most? That it isn’t for Asa to be a human. Isn’t it for Asa to survive and live on? Isn’t it for Asa to live in happiness? That Ama-san does not want to see Asa live in pain and suffering. And neither does he.

Rin thinks to himself that this is the only way, even though no one wants to hurt themselves as he is unable to stand and his vision blurs. He starts to laugh at what an idiot he is, as he loses sensation from his body and can no longer stand. He starts to descend deeper into darkness and then feels the glimmer of warmth, of a strength beside him. He manages to say out loud that he doesn’t want to not be together with Asa. All goes black.

As the world fades away into a complete and black silence, then there’s a light and a sound. Rin awakens to Asa holding him, her hair long and her hands glowing. “Baka,” she calls him softly. As the light pours onto his wound, he feels warmth and the wound healing. Rin smiles.

Epilogue

Rin is met at Café Flora by Kareha who is working. He asks about the shop’s newest famous thing that she told him about. Kareha says that she’ll present it to him shortly. Rin wonders if it is a new flavour of cake. Kareha says that she couldn’t take her eyes off it either when she first saw it. Rin grumbles about the wait. Kareha ushers him to a seat and then heads into the kitchen. Rin realizes that Kareha hasn’t told him what it is and that he’s been thinking about it all this while.

A waitress comes to take his order. Rin suddenly realizes that it is Asa! Asa introduces herself as the new waitress. Rin is shocked as Asa announces this is the start of her part-time job and asks Rin if the uniform suits her. Rin laughs nervously as Asa says that she was initially embarrassed about the waitress uniform. It’s not the same as dressing up for the Cultural Festival in school but she managed to get over it by thinking that she wanted Rin to see her in it.

Kareha chimes in saying how wonderful Asa looks in the uniform and introduces Asa as the shop’s newest attraction / famous thing. Rin applauds. Asa asks him for his thoughts. Rin says Saikou! The Best! Asa can see that he is sincere and straightforward with his answer and is really happy, saying that she’ll do her best today. Rin grumbles goodnaturedly that this is such an Asa stunt to pull. To which Asa replies, Of course!

Rin thinks that it is really wonderful to be here with the most important person to him. Summer has arrived with a sunny smile. [Remember that Asa is a Summer Girl.]

Asa: Shigure Asa is also smiling energetically today! Kyou mo genki ni warattemasu!

THE END

[Phew! That’s done – crappy mistranslations and all! Many thanks, especially to Mentar, for the moral support in keeping this project going right to completion.

The polygamy parts were utterly ridiculous but also hilarious in how casually it was raised with Eustoma and Foebeshii being perfectly ok with Rin marrying all the girls. It’s even more shocking when Kareha also gets into the act. Edit: Lisianthus mentions this to Rin at the end of Ep 17. Just saw the AnimeU sub.

What Rin is told about Asa’s origins is also reversed compared to the anime where he finds out about Asa’s weak body and treatment of her mom in her youth first and so far (ep 18) has no idea about Ama being from the demon world and the first experimental artificial life form as well as just the barest hint of Asa’s aversion to magic. There’s also a similar contrast in the anime when Rin is not told about Primula’s origins and nature until her illness strikes in Ep 12 whereas it’s blabbered about in the game the moment he brings her home on the first day. Thus in a sense, the anime is playing its cards more closely to its chest and I think it actually makes for a better story.]

Previous SHUFFLE! game – Asa thread posts: 13/6 – 20/6 | 21/6 – 08/7 | 09/7-16/7 | 20/7-29/7 | 02/8-11/8

©2012 hontou ni sou omou?. All Rights Reserved.

Told of another collapse by a frantic Kareha, Rin rushes to see Asa in the school sickbay. She finally tells him why her body is weak and the link to the artificial life experiments. Rin, moved by her strength and courage, returns the feelings she laid bare in her confession days before. Hot Asa-Rin sexxor in the sickbay. They enjoy themselves at the beach and later Asa trains Rin to drop the “sempai” when addressing her.

2/8 (Mon)

At the school pool, Rin’s conversation with Kaede drifts to the topic of Asa. Rin recalls her confession. Kaede notices him spacing out and then points out that she hasn’t seen Asa today. Rin reflects on his feelings about Asa in the pool. He doesn’t dislike her but doesn’t seem to particularly want to get together. He doesn’t know the answer from deep down in his heart and finds it hard to think straight. His thoughts move to the weather.

Later, Kaede goes shopping on her own.

Kareha comes running to Rin in a panic. She asks him to come with her. Asa suddenly collapsed when she was going to the pool together with Kareha. She’s in the sick bay and Kareha thinks Rin should go and see her as soon as possible.

Rin arrives in the sickbay to find Asa sleeping peacefully and wonders what Kareha was panicking about. He thinks about her confession to him and that no one else knows about it.

Asa awakens and after a few groggy moments is very surprised that Rin is here to see her, she seems embarrassed. Rin tells her that it was Kareha who told him about her condition and she’s goes “That girl! Mouu!” [Another important matchmaking point for Kareha.]

Rin tells Asa that it’s ok and that he was worried. Asa looks very happy that he cared to come and see her. [There are indications of this in Ep 14 and 16 when Rin demonstrates care for Asa’s condition and she appreciates it.] Rin then asks why is this happening? It’s not the first time. [Latest that Rin witnessed was 23/7.] Asa remains silent with a pained look. Rin asks if she will better if she tells him about it.

Asa recalls the previous time when Rin learned that Ama-san was from the Mazoku. She says that it is not the complete truth. Rimu-chan (Primula) is the third artificial life form. The first artificial life form was her mother. Rin recalls what Eustoma told him about the experiments on 29/7. Asa didn’t know about the second and third tries until Primula arrived but knows for certain about the first. Because it was the first try, it wasn’t realized how difficult it would be. The objective was to strengthen the abilities of the Mazoku using powerful magic and drugs [sounds like the Extended in GS/GSD] and pushing beyond the limits. Life wasn’t created, it was to modify. The powerful magic within the body of an ordinary Mazoku went berserk. The experiment was a huge failure and the whereabouts of the young Mazoku girl, who was experimented on, was unknown. However she lived on. During the moment of the magic going berserk, she was sent flying into the human world. She met a young man, fell in love and gave birth to a child. The magic that sought to, but could not, modify; a power so strong that the body could not endure it, passed into that child.

Rin asks if that child is Asa-sempai.

Asa answers somewhat indirectly. There are demon-halves. [E.g. Mayumi.] But there are no halves of experimental bodies and humans. The strong magic of the Mazoku. The weak flesh of the human. Furthermore, the daughter of the experimental body with incomplete control of magic. There is no precedent for such a combination. Asa likens the situation overflowing and spilling from a paper cup. Supposing the cup gets soaked by the spilling water, eventually it will break. But no one knows what the limit of a human body is. That’s why she doesn’t know how much her body can take.

Rin speculates that as the magic spills out, it also will be used up with time. Asa replies testily that she has told him before that she is human and that she doesn’t have the ability to use up the magic. Rin asks her not to say that as her life is at risk. Asa says that it is because she has something else that is as precious as her life.

Rin is puzzled. Asa Rin [whoops! what a typo!] changes the direction of the conversation, saying that it should be alright for now and that although it causes her suffering sometimes, she doesn’t feel her life is being threatened yet. For now, she’ll just live on. She apologizes for bringing up such a heavy subject.

Rin thinks that there is no guarantee at all that she can live on and could even pass away tomorrow. He can’t understand why she won’t do more about it and what could be more precious than her life. He asks her why she didn’t say anything about it earlier and continued to unfairly suffer alone? And that to treat her body and condition, she would definitely need help from others and it’s just rely on herself.

Asa says that it have been better if she had not told Rin. Because by saying so, she’ll be thought of as cowardly. By saying that she doesn’t know when she might collapse, it is like she is asking for sympathy. Because Rin-chan is kind, after hearing this, he might be her boyfriend out of pity for her. That’s why I didn’t say. I never want to. [ In Japanese: “だから言わなかった…言いたくなかった.” There’s a reference to this phrase on 9/7 but not so complete. This is Asa’s catch phrase in the OP of the game. Kaede’s is “I love you. So please do not love me.” ] On top of that, Rin is Asa’s first love so she definitely does not want to have a relationship with him on the basis of pity and sympathy.

Rin hugs Asa and holds her in his arms. He knows his answer now. Asa says that she is really happy but he should not do this. If Rin is only going out with her out of pity, she would be even more wretched. That’s why, right now… (implied that he should release her.)

Rin says that it is not pity. He is attracted to Asa’s strength. Thanks to his own circumstances also, he knows that to smile and not be defeated, that is strength. He releases his hug and moves his face close to her and asks if she’ll allow him to kiss her and to forgive him. Asa says that there is nothing to forgive. They kiss and then move towards hot s3xx0r. It’s Asa’s first time.

Game choice: Take off her top. Take off her skirt. H-scene. Much moaning. Surprising amount of pillow banter before. [She seems a lot shier than in the anime. Lots of protestations of being embarrassed.] And lots of talk after as well. Mainly Rin teasing her until she becomes annoyed, accusing him of changing his character already.

5/8 (Thu)
The whole gang go to the beach. [Essentially this is Ep 9 of the anime without the Survivor bit with Lisianthus.] Asa loves the beach and while the school pool is fine, the beach is even better. She’s a summer girl.

As she yammers, Rin struggles to ask her something. Finally she notices he looks awkward. He asks if she is alright. Why is he asking, she asks. “That… time… Because of that…” [the copious bleeding during sex from 2/8] Asa says it’s not like him at all and tells him to spit it out. He asks if it’s ok for her to go swimming in the sea because of the bleeding. Asa doesn’t get it at all. Until a few moments later when it sinks it. Nervous laughter. She tells him not to worry about stuff like that. Rin says that he was worried. Asa says that she had completely forgotten about that as a problem and she’s happy he’s worried about her but she’s really ok and that he should forget about this topic of conversation. Roger, says Rin. “Maa!” says Kareha who pops out of nowhere and asks what Asa forgot about.

Asa is in a tight situation, she mutters that Kareha had to overhear, of all people… She calls out to Rin that he is prepared. Then she takes his hand and bolts off. Sudden attack, she shouts.

Later, Rin is quite tired. He’s resting in the water and wonders where Asa has gone. Then she returns, stooping low in the water. Here’s that wonderful scene in the beach episode (9) when she clings on to his back to shield herself after losing her top. With her breasts against his back, Rin can’t help but think about what they did in the sickbay. A lot of the dialogue has been transplanted word for word into the anime except at the end when Rin asks if Asa is enjoying his reactions, Asa replies that she isn’t but they are enjoying it together! [LOL. That was good. In the anime, she confirms that she is having fun at his expense. What follows is the same.] Asa presses her boobies against his back again, causing Rin to protest. [Asa seems much bolder in the anime and a bit less modest, really quite a bokukko. In the game, she only does this, which is not that surprising or daring, compared to how they had mad sexxor in the school sickbay just a few days earlier!] Asa clings onto him really tightly. Rin feels like he is between Heaven and Hell. Rin is really afraid someone will see this.

7/8 (Sat)

Rin runs into Kareha outside Café Flora. (Apparently, she is the only person with long blonde hair in town.) Kareha is out shopping for a present for her younger sister. Rin is surprised that Kareha has a sister. Kareha says that she will be coming to Verbana Academy next year and that she’ll introduce her to him next year. Rin is sure that Kareha’s sister will get a big welcome, especially from the guys.

Kareha asks Rin to accompany her on her shopping. She’s a bit afraid because of all the stares and stuff she gets. Rin thinks that beautiful girls have it tough too. Rin agrees. Kareha is delighted and asks him to take care of her today. She then hooks her arm around his. Rin is really surprised and his heart pounds furiously. Kareha says that it’s because Asa-chan told her that is the way to walk with a guy. Rin thinks that is such an Asa thing to say to Kareha. And this is Kareha’s first time and she feels it’s like a date.

11/8 (Wed)

Primula advises Kaede not to sun the laundry today. Kaede asks if the weather report has forecasted rain. Primula says that there is another sign. Rin has gotten up early. It’s 登校日 – return to school day – a day in the middle of summer that the students have to return to school. [Reminded me of that gag in Azumanga when Tomoe returns to school at the end of summer and tries to convince herself that it’s only Toukoubi and that the summer holidays will go on after that day, infecting Osaka in the process and Chiyo has to try her “magic” to motivate them again. Turns out that Yukari-sensei has also been infected. LOL.] Primula continues to make fun of Rin and his habit of getting up late. However Kaede notes that she is also surprised that Rin managed to get up on his own. Primula asks if Rin is ill.

At school, Nadeshiko-sensei pounds on Itsuki. Again. More reports and punishment.

After school, Rin runs into Asa. Asa comments that Rin is lucky to have Na-chan as home room teacher as she finishes up quickly. As the conversation proceeds, Asa expresses some unease about being addressed as “Asa-sempai” – Rin asks why the sudden change? Asa is all coy and embarrassed again, saying in fits and starts that their relationship isn’t simply that of senior and junior. She asks him to call her again and he says “Asa-sempai” – BATSU BUZZER – wrong! Asa doesn’t look happy at all. She grabs his arm and clings to him. Rin calls out: E~E-to… ano… Asa-sem… and gets told he is forbidden to call her sempai from now on. 先輩禁止! ^_^ She tries to convince and train him to drop the sempai habit, clinging him all the while so he can’t escape. He proposes to call her “Asa-san” and she is well chuffed. SEIKAI CHIME – right! She looks really happy and asks him to call her that at all times from now on. It takes a while though as Rin has to correct himself in mid-sentence. She makes him call her “Asa-san” again and again and again. Seems like she can’t get enough of it. So now it’s Rin-chan and Asa-san. “Companions in love,” says Asa. ^_^

[The speed of how they proceeded onto sex was faintly ridiculous. Then again, I find it only faintly ridiculous as I've probably been watching too much anime. But there was some good emotional development whereby Rin learning the truth about Asa's condition and origins, then comparing it to his own history finally bridges the gap between them, sealing their bond. Beach scene was fun, just like in the anime and the difference in Asa's response to Rin asking her if she was enjoying herself teasing him was telling. The "Sempai Forbiddden!" was one of my favourite scenes in the game - showed both Asa's girly and spunky sides at the same time. Also the way their relationship (to the evolution of honorifics) shows how interesting their pairing is. Really hope that the Asa-Rin pairing will come through in the anime and this scene will be included.]

Previous SHUFFLE! game – Asa thread posts: 13/6 – 20/6 | 21/6 – 08/7 | 09/7-16/7 | 20/7-29/7

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