Ririkuru Vol. 1 complete

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- Rirukuru Vol. 1: Friends in Love -
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CD Mirrors
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http://www.yamibo.com/thread-202930-1-1.html (wav, needs account)
http://www.nyaa.se/?page=view&tid=523475 (flac, all volumes)
http://www.nyaa.se/?page=view&tid=502781 (192k mp3)
https://mega.co.nz/#!fJET1BYB!Fr6bux6CjgzTifXVq2lKqhlaQ1M5GJ1227oMkIRE7y0 (192k mp3)
http://www.mediafire.com/download/bq550mbi22xcr2x/LLC1.rar (192k mp3)

TL Notes
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The character cards and chapter 1 were translated by an /a/non, the rest by me (newbie translator from /u/). There were a bunch of sentences that I couldn't hear well or were confusing to me; I had to omit or guess parts and some guesses are probably horribly wrong. I don't think it affects anything critical to the story, however. I'd appreciate it if a more experienced translator could go over this to correct the mistakes and add missing details.

I wouldn't exactly say she talks like a boy, but Ayame often uses expressions that are normally only used by males.

Just to state the obvious, the * marks indicate personal thoughts. By the way, some of the side characters in this volume are the MCs from later volumes.
All MCs and their identifiers:
Vol. 1 - Wakiyama (H)ina and Segawa (A)yame
Vol. 2 - Shiina May(u) and Shiina Ma(i)
Vol. 3 - Kugayama A(r)isu and Oribe I(b)uki

Character Introductions
-----------------------

Segawa Ayame
CV: Takamori Natsumi
"Hey. hey, Hina, let's eat lunch together! I'll feed you again!"

Energetic and cheerful girl with many friends, who creates happy mood for the class.
Optimistic, but lonely in reality.

Calls Hina her precious friend, but holds stronger true feelings for her than just friendship. Most calm when she spends time with Hina and can be herself, but she doesn't realize it.

Unlike Hina, she cares about her looks. Sometimes plays dress-up using Hina.

16 years, 1st year of high school, born 27th of July (Lion), blood type B, normal height, prefers modest style.
Interests: windowshopping of clothes and accessories (I'll buy then when I have allowance!)

Wakamiya Hina
CV: Mikami Shiori
"Oh, Ayame-chan... If you cling so much to me, I'll get all ticklish..."

Thoughtful and shy girl with a tendency to keep to herself.
Has been friends with Ayame since middle school and is in the same class as her even in high school.

Has gotten used to Ayame's cheerfulness and sociability, but that emotion is slowly transforming into special feelings towards Ayame. Since she doesn't want to lose her good friendship with Ayame, she wavers whether or not she should express her feelings toward her.

Likes her uniform more than normal clothes, because that way she doesn't have to think much about her attire. Is an indoors person.

16 years, 1st year of high school, born 16th of March (Pisces), blood type A, lower height, has her own style.
Interests: Likes reading and watching DVDs, can spend time alone in her room.

Chapter 1: We're friends, but...
--------------------------------

H: A-Ayame-chan, you know...
A: What's wrong, Hina? Your face is kinda red.
H: E-eh, mhm, I, I...
A: Um.
H: I love you, Ayame-chan.
A: E,... Hina...
H: Eeh?!
A: I know that already.
H: Eeeeh?!
A: I love you too, Hina.
H: Y-Y-you mean... in other words...
A: Well, it's not like I could hate my best friend.
H: Eh...
A: Ahh, I got nervous since you called me to the roof again.
H: Eee...
A: But, it's embarrassing to be told that once again.
H: That's not what I mean...
A: Ah, I know, that must be it. I left home sooner without you the other day, so were sulking,
H: Yea-
A: Sorry~, that day I forgot to set-up recording of a show I wanted to see.
H: Mhm...
H: *Ahh, I was so nervous. I finally got the courage and it ended up like this...
A: He he he, and you got lonely? How cute of you.
H: I-I'm not as cute as you, Ayame-chan.
A: Ahh, don't get grumpy. Here, here, I'll pat your head.
H: I-It's okay.
A: I want to touch you!
H: Eee...
A: Hi hi hi, I'm your best friend, don't hold back.
H: Ayame-chan, c'mon...
A: But... thanks, I'm glad you told me clearly, after all.
H: Really?
A: Yeah, we were pretty friendly with each other, but you didn't say you loved me. So I'm relieved.
A: I'm glad I'm so precious to you, Hina. I love you.
H: Ye-
A: Ehh, you hate that?
H: No, no, of course not.
A: So... I'm not precious to you?
H: That's not true. Ayame-chan, you're my most precious... yes, my most precious best friend.
A: Ah, right. I though so!
H: *I-It can't be helped. I really love Ayame-chan, but I'm not confident enough to correct her now.
A: What's the matter? You're not feeling well after all?
H: No, it's nothing. I'm alright.
A: Is that so? Well, let's go home.
H: Yeah.
A: And you know, wind on the roof still gets little cold when evening comes.
H: That's right. But it's quite warm during the day.
A: I guess... Wanna stop somewhere on the way home?
H: Yeah! How about the bookshop?
H: *There are many things I want to say. And many things I can't say... but I know this much. I fell in love with my precious best friend.

Chapter 2: So glad, because you're by my side
---------------------------------------------

A: 'Morning, Hina!
H: A-Ayame-chan...
A: You bet.
H: G-good morning... but don't suddenly hug me like that, ok?
A: Eh, why?
H: It's embarassing.
A: Huh,　but I do it all the time.
H: It's always embarassing, though...
A: You can just ignore that and accept it, right?
H: Ehe, that's asking a bit too much.
A: What's that, now. I ran towards you like crazy because I thought you were feeling lonely, you know.
A: Now I feel lonely.
H: Even if you say that...
A: You... dislike it?
H: No, that's not it...
A: Honestly?
H: Yup.
A: I see, I'm glad to hear that.
H: Ayame-chan, you're always so kind, but you can be really bothered by these kind of things, huh?
A: Well, yeah. I don't want to do something you don't like, after all.
A: And you know, I realized it's fine as long as you are happy. That'll make me happy too.
A: So I was thinking I could make you happy by hugging you~
H: Whaaa, it tickles... you made me very, very happy, so you can stop now!
A: Really?
H: Really. It makes me glad when you're having fun.
A: Oh, you!
H: What?
A: Aah, you truly are cute...
H: What　are you getting at?
A: It's unfair, you know.
H: What is?!
A: Girls want to show their cute side to girls they like, right?
A: At this rate, I'll end up being the only girl who likes you...
H: Ah...
H: *When Ayame is talking about "being cute" and "liking", she doesn't mean it in a special way, I suppose...
A: Mmm... I'll hug you more~
H: H-hey, that again?! You're heavy, haha.

U: Uhm...
H: Whaa-?!
U: Excuse me, could you let me pass?
A: Whoops-
H: We're sorry.
U: Making a ruckus in front of the school gate may bother people, okay?
U: Being such close friends is a good thing, but it looks like you're becoming the center of attention.
H: So sorry!
A: We'll be careful.
U: All right then. Goodbye.
H: Aah... that was embarassing.
A: Ahaha, sorry, sorry.
A: Mayu-senpai has it good, huh? She's beautiful, gentle and insanely popular.
A: I kind of understand the feelings of all the boys she turned down.
H: Ayame-chan... do you desire to be more like Shiina-senpai?
A: Hmm, I wonder... I think I could use some of her sense for fashion.
H: Ayame-chan, you're fine as you are.
A: Eh, what? You're saying those kind of things wouldn't suit me? I know, but...
H: No, that's not what I mean! I was just thinking you're very much yourself right now... and I like that Ayame-chan.
A: So that means... if I won't stay true to myself, you'll stop telling me that you like me?
H: I won't go that far, but...
A: Ehehehe.
H: What is it??
A: I don't want you to stop saying that you like me, so I'll just stay like this.
H: A-Ayame-chan...
A: And you'll just have to put up with my lack of fashion sense!
H: Haha, that again.
H: *"I mean a different kind of 'like'". If I say that right now...
H: *But I was so close to Ayame-chan's ears when she hugged me just now. Back then...
A: Hina, is there something on my face or what?
H: Eh? No, there's nothing at all!
A: Hmm, I got the feeling you wanted to tell me something.
H: Uhm... I was thinking you're amazing, Ayame-chan.
A: What, you mean my boldness?
H: If you have something on you mind you say it right away.
A: Well, yeah, if there's something on your mind you have to convey it by properly talking about it.
A: No matter what it's about.
H: Uhm, about us... uh, you see...
A: We're best friends, right!
H: Y-yes...

A: Oh, crap. That was the class bell. Let's move, Hina!
H: Good idea.
A: Run, run!
H: Hey, wait a sec!
A: Hina, my hand!
H: Ah!
A: Come on, come on!
H: Eeh-
A: Are you okay, do you have your bag?
H: Yeah.
H: You're so fast, Ayame-chan!
A: You're just slow!

H: *Ayame-chan's hand is firmly holding mine.
H: *She always takes my hand like this when we're running off together.
H: *Ever since that day, when we met for the first time...
H: *It was the spring of my third year in middle school, after I transferred schools.
H: *Ayame-chan was the one who reached out to me when I felt lonely and out of place in my new class.
H: *"Let's have a talk over here", she said with a smile.
H: *At that time, she took my hand just like now.
H: *It may not mean much to her, but to me, it's a precious memory.
H: *When we entered high school we were in the same class again.
H: *Even since then, she's been constantly leading me by the hand.
H: *Before I knew it, I had developed a special kind of feeling towards her.
H: *I started "liking" her...
H: *But not just as a companion or even a close friend.
H: *Something much more intimate, always wanting to be together... that kind of "like".
H: *My feelings failed to reach her, though.
H: *Ayame-chan keeps treating me like a close friend, as it's always been.
H: *Maybe I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable because of that.
H: *Are things really okay like this?
H: *Should I try to convey my feelings one more time...?
H: *But Ayame-chan might not share my feelings...
H: *This feels weird... do I just like her as a friend after all, without realizing it myself?
H: *I'm so confused...
H: *What should I do? Ayame-chan...

A: Hina! Class is over, you know?
H: Eh?
H: Were you spacing out or what?　I think that's happening a lot lately...
H: I'm fine, really!
A: Hm, okay then. Shall we go to the roof and eat our bentou?
H: Yeah, let's. What kind did you bring?
A: Oh, you want to know? Take a look. Made in solitude, a frozen food frenzy!
H: Well, some of it looks rather tasty, so maybe it's not all that bad.
A: Yeah, I suppose.
H: Eh, I... thank you for always inviting me.
A: Huh, what are you saying all of a sudden?
A: It's just because I want to, you don't have to worry about it.
H: Okay!

A: It's hot today, isn't it?
H: It sure is.
A: Fortunately this bench at the edge of the schoolyard was free.
H: Indeed.
A: This place really has the best view.
A: It was pure perfection at the time the cherry blossoms were falling.
H: Yet people hardly ever come here, huh.
A: well, sometimes they do. Couples being all lovey-dovey and such.
H: Ah, is that so?
A: So let's be bold and do some flirting ourselves~!
H: Eeh? Is there really a need for that?
A: It's spring, so it's fine!
H: I don't get it...
A: Ah, that looks good. I know your homemade omelets are really tasty!
H: I'll give you one. I'm full, anyway.
A: Really?! Whoo! Aaaan~
H: Seriously? You can eat it by yourself...
A: Aaaaaaaaaan~
H: A-alright then... here you go.
A: *ham* *chew* *gulp* -- It's perfect!
H: Ehehe, thanks.
A: Having your belly filled like this makes you feel like lying down for a bit, huh.
H: Eh?
A: I call upon the lap pillow.
H: Sigh. If mine is all right with you, come over here.
A: Yay!
H: H-hey, you'll flip my skirt...
A: It's all right, it's all right. Aah, I want to take a nap like this...
H: But lunch break will end soon.
A: I'll skip class.
H: Did you eat too much? Aren't you feeling well?
A: No, I'm really energetic. I already took a good nap in the infirmary.
H: You can't just do that!
A: Hmm, I suppose... *fumble fumble*
H: Aah, that tickles!!
A: Mmm, Hina's lap feels so soft...
H: Eh? It's not like I'm fat or anything... probably...
A: Hrm. You're fine like this, Hina.
H: Ayame-chan...
A: I won't let you go on a diet behind my back!
H: Eh?
A: Ahahaha.
A: Somehow, I really want us to stay this way.
H: Yes, I think so too. Always like this...

Chapter 3: But I just want us to be together...
-----------------------------------------------

A: See you later, Sacchi. Bye!
A: There I am again!
H: Welcome back. What was that about?
A: Oh, nothing important, We were talking about our rooms and such.
A: Then I remembered I still have a heap of manga that I'd borrowed from Saiuchi, you see.
H: I see. But there's still some break time left...
A: It's all right, it was a conversation you can pick up any time.
A: Getting you to cheer up again is more important, agreed?
H: Aren't you busy, teehee~
A: By the way, it'd be nice if you joined in.
H: But I'm not good at socializing like you are, Ayame-chan...
A: Don't say things like that. I've always been glad that you are my best friend.
H: Huh?
A: You see, I can truly relax when I'm with you, that's very precious to me.
A: Also, you often help me with my homework... and teasing you is fun!
H: Ugh... Ayame-chan...
A: Ahaha, sorry. But you really are my best friend.
H: Hmm.
H: *Come to think of it, I wonder why Ayame-chan is so close to me?
H: *I'm not stylish or outgoing at all... am I really worthy of her?

A: I'm a bit late, sorry!
H: Oh, that's okay. Was there something you had to take care of?
A: Not really. I was chattering with some people from the class next door and got a bit too excited.
H: Ah, so that's what it was.
A: Anyway, listen to this! The boys were doing something naughty in the classroom, but it seems they got caught by a teacher.
A: Geez, don't those idiots have anything better to do?
H: Teehee, that sounds amusing.
A: Yeah, I enjoy talking with everyone. It's great fun.
H: I see... then, isn't it boring when you're with me?
A: Eeh? Why are you saying that...? It's different when I'm with you. How do I put it...
A: Being with you is the thing that calms me down the most. You're the one who looks out for me the most.
H: Is... that so?
H: *As it is now, I'm always just watching her, and clinging onto her all the time.
H: *But if she really feels like this, that's not what I'm supposed to do, is it...
A: I-I'm the one getting embarassed now, ehehe...
H: Ehehe... I think you're having fun.
A: Uh-huh. Well, let's go home!
H: 'kay.
H: *Well, we do have a strong bond.
H: *But maybe I should try taking the initiative more often?
A: Hey, Ayame-chan. Next time-
H: Sorry, I've got mail.
A: O-okay...
H: *She's with me, yet another person interferes again... Wait, wait, that's not weird at all.
A: Ah, it's from Mika. Let's see... She's inviting me for karaoke, there's a discount up to today.
H: Oh, is that so.
A: So, what whas it?
H: Oh, nothing.
A: But you said something, right?
H: It was nothing, really.
A: But if there is something, I'll listen, okay?
H: I'm fine, really! There's nothing at all.
A: O-okay...
H: Yeah...
H: *I would like Ayame-chan to get excited only with me. In truth, I want her to be only with me.
H: *But there's no way I can say something like that!
H: Why don't you take up their offer?
A: Then what will you do, Hina?
H: I'll be fine. I don't know many songs anyway, and I'm not really in the mood today.
A: If you won't go then I w-
H: It's fine, it's fine! Just go, I don't mind.
A: Hina... are you sure you're not forcing yourself?
H: Yeah, I'm all right, so you can go.
H: *It's always like this, acting like only she knows what's best. But I'm feeling this way because of her...
A: Hina?
H: *Aah, this isn't working out... I've got this really unpleasant feeling. It's not supposed to go like this...
A: Maybe I shouldn't go after all. If you want to stay together then I don't care about the ka-
H: I'M FINE! I'm saying you should go... who you hang out with is none of my business.
H: I'll be all right even if you don't always stay by my side.
A: Ah... is that how it is... sorry.
H: Wait, I didn't... ehm...
A: You're right, it's not like you don't have any other friends to turn to if I wouldn't ask you over all the time.
H: No, it's not like that... thanks to you I was able to approach other people.
A: That's right... you're not the shy transfer student from back then anymore, huh...
H: Ayame-chan!
A: I'm sorry. Maybe I've been in your way too much...
H: No, that's not it!
A: It's okay, don't mind me. I've been careless...
A: Thinking that you needed me, would be lonely without me... that was just my careless one-sided judgment.
A: Maybe I've been taking care of you too much even though it wasn't necessary.
A: I'm really sorry for making you feel like this...
H: Wait...
A: Let's just go home for today after all.
H: Ayame-chan, wait!
H: Ayame-chan...
H: *If she's saying all these things, why did she stay with someone like me all this time...?

Chapter 4: Please just face me properly
---------------------------------------

H: A-Ayame-chan...
A: Hina... good morning.
H: Good morning. Uh, well then...
A: *Aah, what's going on? I can't get a conversation started at all. What should I do...?

?: Hey, Ayame-chan. What'cha doing?
A: Groan... Not much...
?: Is your desk that delicious?
A: Whaa!!
?: Did you oversleep, maybe?
A: How should I put it... uhm...
?: I don't really get it, but lunch break will be over soon, got it?
A: Hmm, I'm kinda hungry, but I...
?: If you keep being soggy like this it'll be bad for the beauty of your face, you know?
A: Oh, shut up. I have a relatively delicate face, anyway.
?: What's that, even though you're much cuter than me. Are you being sarcastic or what?
A: The guys you hang out with are pretty good-looking.
?: Is that supposed to be a compliment??
A: Ahaha- Maybe I actually envy you a bit. You're popular with the girls.
?: You envy that??
A: Well, either way, I'll always be me.
?: Did something happen with Hina-chan?
A: Eeh? Not really... Why did you suddenly start talking about Hina?
?: Well, you two are always together, but it looks like you aren't talking at all today.
A: Uh, it's not-
?: Hina-chan went to the school cafetaria all alone today.
A: I'm saying-
?: I would've sworn you two are seeing each other.
A: Gasp!
?: Your closeness is definitely on that level.
A: A-ahaha-
?: What happened all of a sudden? I'm curious, obviously.
A: Ngggg... It's all you guys' fault...
?: Huuh?? What is?
A: It's all because you're such good guys.
?: Uh, what are you talking about?
A: Even though I'm the one with more intimacy...
?: Ugh. I seriously don't get you.

H: Sigh. She didn't talk to me at all this morning.
H: Even though she's usually always spontaneous, chattering with everyone, skipping her homework...
H: Oh Ayame-chan, you dummy.
H: But I did fall in love with that Ayame-chan.
H: Hyaa-!
R: Aight, this place will do.
R: Eh? Wakamiya-san?
H: Kugayama-san!
R: Uhm... ehm... can I sit here?
H: Sure.
R: What a chance meeting, huh.
H: Yes, indeed.
R: What are you doing in this kind of place?
H: I wanted to be alone for a while, to think. How about you?
R: Ibugo is in a gloomy mood, so...
R: B-but I just happened to pass by here, that's all.
R: More importantly, you said you were overthinking something. Did I interrupt you?
H: Oh, no. In truth I was just spacing out, staring at the sky.
R: What's up with that...
H: You see, this is a (not-so-)secret spot that Ayame-chan introduced me to.
H: We come here to chat, eat our bentou...
H: And not many people come here, so it's also perfect for thinking things over when you're troubled.
H: That's why I often come here when something has happened.
R: Are... you troubled by something?
H: Eh? Why?
R: You said it yourself, right? "I often come here when something has happened".
H: Hmm, did I...?
R: You just won't make yourself clear, huh?
H: I suppose so... Ayame-chan told me something like that too.
R: So something happened between you and Segawa-san.
H: Yes...
R: I'm not trying to pry or anything. It doesn't have anything to do with me.
H: Ok...
R: But if you really want to talk about it, I suppose I could listen.
H: Ehe, thanks. But I don't really understand it myself.
H: What I want to do, what I want to say... I don't know anymore.
H: But I think I do know that... I don't want to be disliked.
R: "I don't want to be disliked"... doesn't that normally mean you like someone?
H: Probably... Is that strange, I wonder...
R: If you like someone then that's that, no?
H: You think so? I doubt it's okay for me to think like that...
R: Well, it's not like I would know.
H: Hehe, I suppose.
R: Anyway, it may be rather complicated, but that doesn't have anything to do with your own feelings.
H: Ah...
R: I have someone who's always close to me, and that's how I ended up thinking. B-but enough about me!
R: I don't think it's weird or anything. If you follow your own feelings it'll probably be fine.
H: I see, that's how it is. I think something got cleared up just now.
R: There's not much more I can say. You'll have to work it out by yourself somehow!
H: I will. Thank you, Kugayama-san.
R: It's not like I... more importantly, would you stop calling my by my surname?
R: It's kind of stiff, I don't like it.
H: Ah, I'm sorry. Will Arisu-chan be fine?
R: T-that's all right. Wait, why are you grinning all of a sudden?!
H: Oh, you see... I had the impression you were rather hard to talk to.
R: Hnng, sorry for being unsociable...
H: Don't worry about it, I don't think so at all. I'm always the one who's clumsy with conversations.
R: You don't have to be polite. Even when Ibu is not in the way, I don't have much any people to chat with.
R: Uhm... That's... because I'm anxious around people I don't know well.
H: Then we have that in common.
R: Y-yes. Not that it matters much.
H: Teehee.
B: Milady, where are you?!
R: Ah, she's here!
B: Found you! In a place like this, no less.
H: Ehehe, looks like you're in a difficult position.
R: I'm already used to it though. Shall we head back to class?
H: Okay. And thank you.
R: Uh-huh.
B: What's this, milady? What where you doing with your friend while leaving me all alone?
R: Oh, shut up. It's none of your business, Ibu! Let's go.
B: Aaah, wait for me!
H: ehehe~
H: *Maybe I should have her call me by my first name too, next time.

I: Hey, Hina-chan. Are you about to go home?
H: Yeah. I aksked a teacher some questions so I'm a bit late.
I: Is that so? How diligent!
H: N-not really. I was also looking for Ayame-chan and all.
I: Ah. I think Ayame-chan went home already.
H: Eh? I see...
I: Right after fifth period she was all like "Oh, my stomach is killing me!"
H: Seriously? Oh, that Ayame-chan!
I: Did you cheer up a bit?
H: Eh?
I: Oh, I just think it's relieving to snap once in a while if someone's going too far.
H: No, you've got it wrong. I'm the one who's got something to apologize for.
I: Ooh? By the way, I'll let you in on something. I'm about to ambush Onee-chan.
H: Uh, don't you just mean you've agreed to meet here?
I: Something like that, I suppose.
H: Are you always going home together?
I: No, but I'm free from club activities today, so I thought I'd take the opportunity.
H: I see. You two seem close.
I: I wonder about that...
H: Eh? You're not?
I: Well, we're having fights all the time, and we don't talk easily. It's been rather cold lately.
H: I thought sisters would be able to talk about anything and everything.
I: Ahahaha. That's definitely not how it is. Even though you're always near each other, conversing is often harder than expected.
H: So that's how it is. Shiina-senpai is an amazing person, isn't she.
H: I suppose even you get a bit tense around her, Shiina-san.
I: Ehehehe. You could say that.
H: Even Ayame-chan said she was impressed by her when she saw her recently.
I: Eh? Aaaah. Ahaha. Oneechan certainly stands out, huh.
I: But Ayame-chan probably didn't mean that the way you think she did.
H: Is... that so...?
I: But you're probably better of asking her directly!
H: Y-yeah...
I: Ahaha. Well, my poking into your affairs ends here!
I: Heey, Oneechan!
U: Mai?
I: You're late! I waited like forever. Let's go home.
U: I'll do that even if you don't tell me to, sigh.
I: Wha- Ah, eh-
U: After seeing your message I replied you could go ahead, didn't I?
H: Uh, I'll excuse myself then...
U: Ah! Wakamiya-san, was it...?
U: You kept this one company, huh? Thanks.
I: What'cha mean, "this one"?!
U: Speaking of which... I wonder what you've been talking about?
I: "We'd sure like Onee-chan to share some of her grades with us!", that kind of thing.
H: Yes, something like that!
U: I see. My grades aren't anything special, though... you'll embarass me like this.
I: Uh, what about ranking at the top of your grade?
U: Don't start saying unnecessary things, now.
I: Fiine...
U: Well then, goodbye, Wakamiya-san.
I: What's up with her... Anyway, goodbye, Hina!
H: Bye-bye.

A: Aah, tired...
A: *What's this... I wouldn't have thought it'd affect me this much.
A: *I've been depressed all day long, thinking of nothing but Hina.
A: *Now that I think about it, this is probably the first time something like this happened.
A: *We've been so close ever since the third year of junior high, after I met her when she transferred here.
A: *Before I knew it I was taking Hina's company for granted, always glad that she was by my side, always having fun.
A: *To think that I'm feeling this lonely just because we haven't been able to talk for a while... I didn't see that coming.
A: *I'm so careless...
A: *I got the idea that I could have Hina, who's ever so thoughtful of me, all to myself.
A: Wha-! Oh, a message? I-it's from Hina!
A: Calm down, calm down. It's just a message, nothing special.
A: Maybe it's not important at all.
A: Let's see... "Sorry for behaving weirdly yesterday, okay? I'd like to talk it out tomorrow. Is that fine?"
A: Huh, what's with that, its so...
A: Maybe, just maybe, Hina also... just like me... No, that's ridiculous.
A: Even more so because we're talking about Hina here.
A: We've always been so close. But if I try to go any further, I can't be a good friend to her anymore.
A: Maybe she'll even tell me to leave her be.
A: No no no, that definitely won't happen with Hina.
A: I'm not yet sure whether we'll be able to talk properly... but I do want to see her.
A: I have to talk with her and make sure.
A: Hina...

Chapter 5: I long to convey these feelings
------------------------------------------
A: Hnnnnnnggggggg....
R: Uhm, Segawa-san.
A: Wha-!
R: I can't enter the classroom because you're standing right in front of the door.
A: Ah, sorry. Here you go, milady!
R: Thank you. Wait, forget that! Will you stop that already?
H: Good morning, Arisu-chan.
R: Good morning, Wakamiya-san.
H: Hey, I didn't get around to asking this yesterday, but... would you call me by my first name, too?
R: You'd like that? Well, I'll do that, then.
H: Okay!
A: H-huh? How did these two get so close suddenly...?
H: A-Ayame-chan!
A: Hina...
H: Ayame-chan, good morning.
A: G-good morning.
H: Did you read my mail yesterday?
A: Yeah...
A: *But the real question is, why is Hina acting so normally?
H: Uh, about that...
A: *Aah, this is bad!
A: Hold it!
H: Eh? Ok...
A: Can it wait until after I visit the toilet?
H: Eh? But homeroom is about to start!
A: It's an emergency!!
H: Ayame-chan!
H: Oh... sigh.

A: Why did I run away? Couldn't I just have talked with her?
H: Ehe. I thought you'd be here.
A: And I've been found.
H: Ayame-chan, you have a lot of friends, so I figured you'd need a place like this where you won't be noticed.
A: Are you a detective or what?
H: It's something typical of you, Ayame-chan.　You should share that much with me, you know.
A: Ugh, is that being a best friend...
H: Uhm, I think I should apologize now, before I get so tense that I won't be able to express myself anymore.
H: I was thinking only of myself, you see...
A: Aah, it's fine already! It's all because of me jumping to conclusions...
H: A-Ayame-chan, have you been sulking about this?
A: Gah! No, I wouldn't say I-- sorry, that's a lie.
H: It's okay. This misunderstanding is all my fault.
A: Aren't you just putting up a front? You've done nothing wrong, Hina.
H: Ayame-chan...
A: This feels strange, huh? We haven't ever thought of each other in this way.
A: I think it started that time, when you told me how much you liked me.
A: I became conscious of a few things, and looking back, I realized something then.
A: In reality, it's been me who's been depending on you. I've been relying on you always staying by my side.
A: But I let my self get carried away, always "doing my best for Hina", but actually, I was just pushing you with whatever I wanted to do.
H: That's... No, the reality is you were helping me out all the time. Please don't say things like that.
A: Hng... There I am again,　causing you to have that worried look on your face...
A: I'm such a poor friend.
H: That's not true! Really.
A: And yet, you're acting so kind...
A: You see, I always want to hang out with people, but that's actually just me feeling lonely.
A: Don't you see it's selfish? I'm always pretending to care about others, but only thinking of myself in reality...
H: Ayame-chan, please don't say things like that. Don't talk badly about the Ayame-chan I've come to like so much.
H: *It's very well possible things will never be the same again...
H: *But I have to express myself. I want her to know.
H: *And I want us to face each other. I won't get my feelings across unless I put them into words.
H: *Thanks to Ayame-chan I have an opportunity now.
H: At that time, you said you liked me too. You always take my hand, and I don't want you to let go. That's why...
H: That's why I'll say it once again. I don't want any regrets.
A: E-eh? W-What's this?
H: Listen...
H: The person I've grown to like is you, Ayame-chan. The Ayame-chan who is always kind, always looking out for me.
H: I like you in a way you can like one person only.
H: Not just as a buddy, not even as my best friend.
H: I mean it like falling in love.
A: Eh-? That's, eh--
H: You didn't notice at all back then... and now I've said it again~
A: T-that means--
H: I said so back then, didn't I?
A: T-that time, you meant that kind of-
H: Ayame-chan, you s-stupid!
A: Aah, I'm so sorry!
A: B-but wil you... say it one more time?
H: You're unbelievable!
H: I... I like you.
A: I- me too. I like you, Hina.
A: But- but I thought I was the only one of us feeling that way...
A: I mean, isn't it weird? A girl liking another girl and all...
A: I was imagining you as my girlfriend and getting all excited but it felt so strange.
H: But then, why where you constantly saying "best friend"-
A: That's- how could I just frankly say I like you even more than that...
A: I thought you'd just see it as a bother, and imagine being rejected... it's impossible to just get over that.
A: I was scared and convinced you didn't have feelings for me, and used that as an excuse...
H: But if this all hadn't happened... Ayame-chan, you made me realize.
H: I was able to finally say this thanks to you, Ayame-chan.
A: Hina... I'm sorry, being all like this...
H: No... No, thank you for being like this, Ayame-chan.
A: W-what are you saying...
H/A: Ehehe~
A: Sigh... Hina just confessed to me...
H: C-confess?!
A: A-am I wrong?
H: Not exactly wrong, but... I get embarassed when you repeat it like that.
A: It's been this way for all that time, huh.
H: Yes.
A: Oh, I'm glad... so glad...
H: Yes! Me too!
A: Unbelievable that I just got confessed to. I should've been the one to confess first, haha.
A: In the end, I was the one who couldn't say what I really wanted to say.
H: But wasn't that really because you were thinking of me?
H: Weren't you just scared that our friendship would never have been the same anymore?
H: We've got your hesitation to thank for this turn.
A: Eh? You're making me sound like a really good person...
H: And you are. An amazing person!
A: Ehehe.
H: Oh. First period just started.
A: But if we return together now... you know...
H: Ehe. Yeah, we'd stand out.
A: Let's slip back in during break time.
A: In the meantime, let's just enjoy the sunshine or something.
A: This is so exciting, I can't even think about school right now.
H: Ayame-chan, you're excited too?
A: Yes, like crazy. How could I not be? Our love is mutual...
H: Yeah... it doesn't feel very real yet, but...
A: But it's real, right? It's not a lie?
H: Honestly and truthfully! I wouldn't lie to you, Ayame-chan.
A: Huh. Can't argue with that, but...
H: Then... l-let's... put it to the test?
A: Eh? W-what do you...?
H: You can pick something, Ayame-chan.
A: Ah... ehm, for example, something like, uh, a... kiss?
H: Eeh?
A: I thought, you know, that'd be appropriate, or how should I say this, I'd just... like to try?
H: Then... let's do it.
A: W-wait, that's-
H: I'll do it! I want to try it with you too, Ayame-chan.
A: Wait a sec! Isn't that a bit, no uhm, that is, eh, I mean...
H: Is it taboo for friends to do something like this...?
A: That's... of course it is...
A: But if it's with Hina, with a lover... maybe it's fine?
H: Yes! We're high school students now, after all.
A: Eh, does that have anything to do with it?
H: I wonder...
A/H: Ahahahaha.
A: Aah. I like you, there's no mistake.
H: I knew that already~
A: Oh, don't talk nonsense. And don't use 'like' in that way anymore, okay? It's embarassing...
H: I'm in love with you~
A: Whaaah-! That's even worse!
H: Then, will you let me just say that I like you?
A: M-maybe I can't get around that... But only when we're alone, got it?
H: Hmm, should I leave it at that? You were the one who said it's important to speak your mind, weren't you~
A: I- I guess...
H: Well, I wouldn't want to say something like that to anyone else, anyway.
A: If your insist this much...
H: And it'll only be when we're together.
A: All right then.
H: Because you're my special someone, Ayame-chan. I wouldn't say that to anyone else.
A: I wanted to say that too... Hina, you are my special someone.
H: Then...
A: L-let's... do it?
H: Yes... please.
A: Got it... it's embarassing, so close your eyes... and be still, okay?
H: Okay...
H: Ah...
A: H-how was it?
H: That was my first one.
A: Really? Me, too...
H: But it was on the cheek!
A: Aah, as if I could go any further than that! It's embarassing.
H: Okay... I don't really get all of this very well yet, but isn't it make your heart race?
A: It really is embarassing, being told that kind of thing so frankly.
H: B-but, but-!
A: I should really have spent more time in front of the mirror this morning...
H: Can we... do it one more time?
A: Eh? Well...
H: Can I do it this time?
A: Hina...
H: Waah! Even if it's just the cheek this is feels really tense, huh.
A: Ah, I feel funny. I think my face got all red just now...
H: Yes. I think I'm getting to like you even more!
A: That's... that goes for both of us then.
H: Ayame-chan, I'll love you forever! And ever!
A: Then... I'll love you even more, Hina! Forever!
H: Yes!

Chapter 6: In love through unity
--------------------------------
H: Ayame-chan! Sorry for the wait.
A: It's okay, I just got here too.
H: Meeting here like this is a first, so I lost my way for a moment.
H: And I couldn't decide what to wear...
A: Hm. It looks good on you.
H: Aah, I'll go change!
A: Wh-why?!
H: That's- It's not something you picked for me.
A: You picked this, right? There's nothing wrong with that.
H: Maybe you're just giving compliments to please me.
A: Oh come on, that's not true at all. I think these clothes look really cute on you.
A: Is that... wrong?
H: No, it makes me happy!
A: Phew. Hey, how about me? Do I look good in these clothes?
A: We're finally dating, so tried to give it my all.
H: Yes, and they're a great fit with your hair. I think I like it!
A: Really? I shouldn't have done this or that differently?
H: Eh? I think you look cute this way.
A: Aah... Say that again!
H: Eh?!
A: Hina telling me I'm cute doesn't happen often!
H: B-but I don't have any sense of beauty...
A: I just want to know what you think about me, Hina!
H: Uh... Ayame-chan, you're insanely cute!
A: Ehehehe. I doubt I could get any happier than this, but we're only just getting started.
H: Let's get going!
A: Yeah!
H: Uhm, can we hold hands?
A: Sure!

A: Hey, check out this lip balm. It looks interesting.
H: Why are you holding two of them?
A: It seems they come in different flavors.
A: "Put this on your lips and your kiss will have a special taste!", it says.
H: Eh? You're going to-, to use that?
A: Why not? Let's try it sometime.
H: O-okay...
A: Hey, come check this out!
H: Ah, this lace...
A: Nice, huh? Wouldn't it be a perfect match with your outfit?
H: I think it'd look great on you, Ayame-chan!
A: Okay, I'll go buy it then! You're done here, too?
H: Sure.
A: Is there any place in particular you'd like to go next?
H: Hrm... as long as I'm together with Ayame-chan, anywhere is fine!
A: In a way that's rather worrying...
H: Is that so? Well, no problem. I'd love to see more of Ayame-chan's worried face.
A: I don't even...
H: Just kidding. I want to see your many other faces, too!
A: Uhm, eh...
H: Ehe. Isn't this great fun?
A: Oh, you. But you're right, I'm really enjoying this!
H: What shall we do next?
A: Did you get hungry yet?
H: Yeah, kind of.
A: Ah, I want some ice cream!
H: Eh? Jumping straight to the dessert?
A: You... don't want to?
H: Sure I do!
A: Okay, wait here for a sec.

A: Here you go, Hina. Open wide~
A: Is it good?
H: Absolutely. This is embarassing though...
A: Don't worry, no one will notice a couple here.
H: It's just that this may be a bit excessive...
H: I wonder if this is really okay, us being both girls and all...
A: What are you saying? Of course it's all right. It's okay because it's you and me.
H: Yes...
A: Say, when did you fall in love with me?
H: Good question. I think it just came to be while spending all this time together, before I even realized it.
H: Ayame-chan, how about you?
A: Let's see... hrm... it's a secret.
H: Eeh?
A: It was love at first sight, right from when you transferred schools.
H: You can just say so!
A: As if it's that easy!
H: From now on, there won't be keeping anything from each other, right?
A: Of course not. Wait, are you implying I just kept something from you...?
H: I was saying that because... were dating now, aren't we?
A: I guess so.
H: I don't really know how I'm supposed to handle that, but...
A: One bit at a time. We'll figure it out together.
H: That makes sense.
A: I can't rationalize it either... but we like each other, so it's all good. That's how I feel about it.
H: But I don't just like you, Ayame-chan. I like you with a passion!
A: What?! Then I like you even more!
H: Ehe, I know. I'd like to learn lots of things about you, Ayame-chan.
A: I'd like you to teach me lots of things about yourself, too.
A: Eventually, I want us to understand each other like no one else ever could.
H: For example?
A: Ehm... things, you know? Various things.
H: Tell me, tell me! Is it that embarassing?
A: ...you don't get it?
H: Nope.
A: Tsch. Then I don't have a clue either!
H: Maybe it'd be best to find out little by little.
A: Sounds good.
H: Because from now, we'll be together, Ayame-chan. Right?
A: Yes. Together, with Hina!

A: A lot's happened, and I guess all kinds of things will happen from now on.
A: But this one thing I can say with certainty. I fell in love... with my precious best friend.