I've heard she's quite the terror.
If you stare into her eyes for more than three seconds...
I've heard of her.
Misfortunes come to haunt you in seven days, right?
That's the rumor.
How terrifying!
Oh, and I heard that Yuka stared into her eyes and went down with a cold.
She has to be real!
Umm...
You dropped this...
I'm sorry!!!
You can keep it!!!
For some reason, I always find people apologizing to me.
I hear she can sense ghosts and even summon them.
And her name is also Sadako, like from The Ring.
You have to give it to her parents for giving her such an appropriate name.
Feel free to use this stall. It's open now.
I'm sorry for not living up to your expectations, but I can't see ghosts...
And my name is Sawako, not Sadako.
My name means "Lively Child".
For some reason, people are always afraid of me.
I just want to be friendly.
I'll really try my best today.
I heard that a lot of celebrities show up there.
Hirano-san... Endou-san...
Seriously? Hirano-san... Endou-san...
That's what I heard! Hirano-san... Endou-san...
That's what I heard!
Good morning...
I think I was able to greet them cheerfully.
Morning!
Oh, you walking to school?
It's Kazehaya-kun!
Amazing...
He's always at the center of attention, not to mention how cheerful and lively he is.
Morning, Kuronuma.
What a kind soul!
I can't believe he'd greet me the same way he does others!
G-Good m-
Yo, Ryu.
Hey.
Did you do your homework, Kazehaya? PLACEHOLDER
Kazehaya-kun is the complete opposite of me. Did you do your homework, Kazehaya?
Of course not. Kazehaya-kun is the complete opposite of me.
Figures. Kazehaya-kun is the complete opposite of me.
PLACEHOLDER Figures.
We're in the same boat. PLACEHOLDER
Everyone gathers around Kazehaya-kun, We're in the same boat.
Everyone gathers around Kazehaya-kun,
and it's almost as if people form a circle around him.
The day of our high school entrance ceremony...
U-Umm...
If you're looking for Kitahoro High, it's that way.
Thanks!
People are always apologizing to me, but he smiled and said "Thanks".
Since that day, I've aspired to be like Kazehaya-kun.
I hope that someday, I'll be able to act like him.
And so, we're going to hold an event to test our courage on the day before the closing ceremony.
You going?
I'm going to put up this sign-up sheet on the board, so be sure to sign up if you want to attend.
It'd be great if everyone could make it.
"Everyone"? That means...
I wonder if Sadako's coming, too.
I bet if she shows up, real ghosts would come along with her.
I-I can't live up to their expectations!
I wonder if people would be disappointed if I went, but no ghosts appeared...
Well, you'll all be in summer vacation once the closing ceremony ends.
Which means... summer classes.
What?!
I need a volunteer who'd be willing to take some time off from their summer to help me prepare for the classes.
It won't be very long.
If no one wants to volunteer, I'll just pick someone.
N-No one wants to do it...
Umm...
If it's okay with you, I wouldn't mind doing it...
Oh, really?
Then I'll put your name down, Kuronuma.
Teach!
Kuronuma's always getting stuck with jobs like that.
No way...
I don't think it's right to give her all the jobs people don't want to do.
Then would you like to take her place, Kazehaya?
Huh?
No choice.
I guess I'll do it.
He noticed?
That I've always been working?
Umm...
Please, let me do it.
I don't really have anything planned for the summer, so I'll be bored.
Very bored.
I live close by, and I'll be really bored.
Well, if you insist... I live close by, and I'll be really bored.
Well, if you insist...
That was close, Kazehaya. PLACEHOLDER
I can't believe he noticed... That was close, Kazehaya.
I can't believe he noticed...
Even things that were being done by a quiet girl like me...
What a nice person!
That really made my day...
Sadako!
Shino-chan!
It's been a while!
Yeah, we're in different classes after all.
How are you getting along with your classmates?
There's no one from your old schools, right?
Yeah. But...
Well... There's someone called Kazehaya-kun, and...
Oh, that lively one?
"Lively" is an understatement!
I'd say one hundred percent liveliness.
No, it's actually more like he's made out of liveliness itself!
Kazehaya-kun!
This is bad! He totally heard that!
You should apologize.
Apologize?
What?!
I was complimenting him, but I guess they misunderstood me?!
Hey, what you said...
How should I interpret that?
As...
As a compliment!
Huh?!
Roger.
I'll be over there in a second, so wait there.
We've never really had a chance to talk.
Aren't you happy, Sadako?
I heard that Kazehaya-kun can't stand it when a student can't fit in with the rest of the class.
I can rest easy now.
See ya!
What an... What an amazing person Kazehaya-kun is!
He believed me when I told him what I really meant.
He took my word for what it was!
I'm so glad!
I always thought you didn't like me.
D-Dislike?!
N-No, you have it all wrong!
I've always dreamed of being lively like you!
Always...
But seriously, I'm not as lively as you think I am.
No way!
You really are.
Even your name.
Speak for yourself.
"Sawako".
Your name is Kuronuma Sawako, right?
No one... ever calls me that...
This... may be the first time that I've been able to clear up a misunderstanding.
But you were able to speak your mind when you tried.
He's... amazing...
Amazing... this is the first time someone from school has called me by my name...
And the first time anyone's made me feel this way...
You'd better come to that event, okay?
The first time in my life...
I guess I'll go put my name in secret...
Huh? Sadako?
Yeah!
I bet the event will be so much better if someone were to play a ghost.
I'm sure Sadako will be able to scare people off just by standing there!
Umm...
H-H-How long have you been standing there?
Umm... I was wondering...
Could you let me be the ghost?
Huh?
You don't need to force yourself.
We'd feel kind of bad if you didn't actually want to do it.
But you were able to speak your mind when you tried.
I've... never done anything I didn't want to do.
I've always just wanted to get along with everyone, but I haven't been doing those chores because I didn't want to do them.
It's just that it makes me happy if I could be of some use...
Also, I'm sorry I can't live up to everyone's expectations, but...
What is it?
I can't summon ghosts.
What?
I can't sense ghosts or anything.
You can't?
No.
Not at all?
Nope.
And it took you this long to admit that?!
And what do you mean, "expectations"?! You're such an odd one!
Seriously, that's so weird!
Don't you agree, Chizu?
Why are you crying?
I'm a sucker for brave girls like her...
You're weird, too...
We're counting on you to put on the best ghost act of all time, Sadako!
I'll keep this a secret between the three of us, so go scare them as you please!
Thank you so much!
I was able to get through to them...
Even if it was just a little bit, I feel like I was able to change.
Kazehaya-kun...
This is all thanks to you.
Every ten minutes, a new pair will head out!
Looks like almost everyone is here.
I guess Sadako is the only one who didn't show up.
Oh, Sadako is actually-
Didn't I say it was a secret?
I want everyone to have a great time!
I'll do my best!
It's so dark...
I'm actually starting to get scared...
A ghost!!!
I think they liked it!
W-What are those screams?
What's going on?
Good job.
I'm so happy...
I'm actually being useful to everyone!
Maybe I'll hold a lock of my hair in my mouth next time.
Kuronuma?!
Kazehaya-kun!
W-What are you doing here?!
P-Playing a ghost for a bit...
What the heck...
You should've told me.
I'm the coordinator for the time being, after all.
I thought you weren't coming.
I didn't want to make you look less cool...
Huh?
What are you talking about?
Aren't you scared being out here all by yourself?
I enjoy the nighttime.
Especially summer nights.
The air... the scent...
The sound of the wind rustling through the leaves... the insects...
You're right.
It feels pretty good out here. Can I stay here with you?
Huh?
But... what about the event?
Because a certain someone didn't show up, there was an odd number of people, and I had to go alone.
*no flashlights* *SUCKS TO BE YOU!* *go out there alone!!* Because a certain someone didn't show up, there was an odd number of people, and I had to go alone.
*threesomes aren't allowed* *no tagging along with another group* *no flashlights* *SUCKS TO BE YOU!* *go out there alone!!* Because a certain someone didn't show up, there was an odd number of people, and I had to go alone.
*no flashlights* *SUCKS TO BE YOU!* *go out there alone!!* *threesomes aren't allowed* *no tagging along with another group*
It's scary out here alone. *no flashlights* *SUCKS TO BE YOU!* *go out there alone!!* *threesomes aren't allowed* *no tagging along with another group*
What's happening right now?
Sadako!
Yano-san! Yoshida-san!
Huh? What's Kazehaya doing here?
If you guys knew about this, you should've told me.
Oh my, aren't you a gentleman?
Lively guys are so amazing!
Cut it out already!
Sadako.
Looks like you've been doing a great job.
Here, drink up.
Thank you!
Th-They're so kind!
Looks like you're beginning to open up to others.
I'm glad to hear it.
Opening up?
Really?
I-It's all thanks to you, Kazehaya-kun!
I haven't done a thing.
No, I wouldn't have been able to express my feelings if it weren't for you.
I'm so glad I took this job.
You're actually pretty cheerful, don't you think?
You're really optimistic!
Cheerful? Me?
That's the first time anyone's ever said that to me.
Don't stare at me for so long!
I-I-I-I'm so sorry!
I got too carried away...
I'll try not to stare into your eyes for more than three seconds!
But the thing is, it really won't cause misfortune or anything-
That's not what I mean! But the thing is, it really won't cause misfortune or anything-
It's embarrassing...
Don't make me say it, geez...
He suddenly stopped talking, so I don't really know what to do...
It feels like my heart is a complete mess...
It's like I was reborn.
So many new feelings that I've never experienced before...
It seems like Kazehaya-kun is introducing me to many new things...
I'm... so glad I was able to meet him.
It's over!
Summer break!
Well then, let's announce the results of the test of courage before we head out.
First of all, Kazehaya, you're getting a penalty.
You didn't even finish!
You guys noticed?
Tanaka, you came in first.
Your prize are sixty scrubbing brushes.
What kind of a prize is that?!
And Kazehaya, your penalty for not finishing is...
...you get to date Sadako-chan for a week!
W-What did he just say?!
I heard you were with Sadako last night, Kazehaya.
I bet she was making a move on you.
You guys should totally hook up.
You guys just crossed the line.
I'm willing to do anything but that.
Hey, now...
That's awfully rude as a penalty.
Kuronuma's a girl, you know.
This isn't even funny as a joke.
Don't let this get to you, Kuronuma.
No...
You can't stand up for me...
Kazehaya-kun... your reputation will be...
It's a misunderstanding!
As you all say, I was indeed with Kazehaya-kun last night.
But that's not...
...anything special like you all are thinking.
It was only because Kazehaya-kun is willing to talk to anybody.
It's fine.
I know how to clear up a misunderstanding now.
But it's true I was attracted to Kazehaya-kun's kindness, liveliness, cheerfulness...
...and integrity.
That's... how it is.
P-Please excuse me.
I did the right thing.
I'm sure the misunderstanding was cleared up.
I didn't tell a single lie.
I only told the truth.
I'm sure I was able to protect Kazehaya-kun's reputation.
What? Even though it's summer vacation?
Yeah. I need to help out my teacher.
That's right.
I...
I know I did the right thing.
But...
Even so, I'm lonely.
I may never be able to look him in the eye after we get back from summer vacation.
He may never smile and say, "Good morning," to me again.
He may start to avoid me...
I thought I was used to all these things by now, and yet...
The last few days of my life have been so wonderful; I forgot all about it.
About the way I was before I met Kazehaya-kun.
I've already forgotten...
Why...
It's summer break already...
They said you were the shadow MVP.
Sorry Sadako! Forgive us! --Your Classmates
Everyone apologized. Sorry Sadako! Forgive us! --Your Classmates
The misunderstanding was cleared up, right?
You stood up for me, and then you came all this way to give this to me...
And you're still willing to talk to me...
I really appreciate it...
Hey...
I have a feeling you don't really understand me.
Don't worry about me!
I understand how you feel, Kazehaya-kun!
No, you don't!
Is it all right if I expect...
...that we'll see each other over the summer, too?
Back then...
U-Umm...
If you're looking for Kitahoro High, it's that way.
Thanks!
That feeling I felt back then...
This feeling, which has since then continued to grow...
I wonder if it'll reach you someday.
It's a new semester, and things around me are starting to change little by little.
Next time: Seating Change.