Floating Bubbles...
Hey, listen to my voice,
this voice with which I'm shouting...
I am here.
I've turned my blood into a voice,
and I'm shouting at the ends of the earth...
I am a mermaid princess.
A mermaid princess who can never return.
A little mermaid who will vanish in a sea of bubbles...
Did you read it? You read it, didn't you?
I-It's not what you think! This is just, uh...
Right! It's not a poem or anything!
The words just come pouring out of my mouth on their own, that's all...
Moron! I hate you! You suck! Unbelievable! Don't read it without asking!
Actually, why was it on the ground, anyway?
I don't get it.
So your name's Marie-chan, huh?
Cute...
Hey... Cut that out, will you?
It's kind of creepy!
She's not a student at our school, is she?
Is she a friend from your old school?
That's it!
Hey, you just jumped on that, didn't you?
Do you like it?
It's a specialty around here, steak kabobs.
It's really weird...
It's tough and hard to chew...
It was delicious.
Oh, you thought it was delicious.
It sure didn't seem that way at first...
She faked us out.
W-Well... If you liked it, then fine!
What's this, green and red?
Green and red?
Well, but we can't deny it.
I'm not saying anything mean. You look good.
Th-Thanks...
So that was a compliment!
She's a nice girl...
No question about it.
Listen, you and Marie-chan... Uh, are you guys going out?
No, not at all.
I knew it!
Great! Without you, this would never get off the ground.
My "Up Close and Personal" Plan!
"Up Close and Personal"?
What do you mean, "Up Close and Personal"?
Kanji, you're still too young to know.
Why is that? Because I just got over an illness?
No, because you can't get a license yet at your age.
Riding double with a girl,
and having her press up from behind like a squeeze play!
That's all you need to know about the Up Close and Personal Plan.
Scooter License Study Guide
But wait... You can't ride double on a scooter.
What the...?
Did you know about that?
Yes, I knew.
Why didn't you tell him, then?
Because Yosuke was really enjoying himself.
I don't need that kind of thoughtfulness!
Anyway, this is a huge snag that could totally ruin my plan!
He's consumed with thoughts of a squeeze play, huh?
Let's leave him be...
I don't care! Even if it's just a scooter!
Just having a motorcycle makes the girls come running,
so that's all the advantage we need!
Is that how it works?
You don't have a clue!
A motorcycle is a surefire item for increasing a man's pheromones!
F-Fillet mignon?
No, not fillet! Who's talking about steak? Is it Satonaka?
Yosuke... sorry.
I need to be somewhere.
Oh, right.
Anyway, we're getting our licenses, so even if the squeeze play's not happening,
the Up Close and Personal Plan is still on, okay?
Sure, let's do it.
Without the squeezing.
Jeez, what kind of plan is that, exactly?
Well, that was a short-lived dream, Yosuke.
You like watching TV?
Not really. I just...
...wondered if you could watch in that room, too.
As long as there's an outlet.
Got it. I'm going to tell The Nose.
To put in an outlet.
Because I could die of boredom in that room...
Good luck with that.
If I can plug it in, I can watch Heckler Entertainment Updates, too, right?
You don't know that show?
Heckle, heckle!
Heckle, heckle?
Hey, Narukami-kun?
And Marie-chan, too?
It's Red and Green again...
We do look weird, don't we?
No, it's not weird. But it's such a waste.
Humans can change, can't they?
So you should try on all sorts of things.
Is that all there is to it?
But I never know what to pick...
Yeah...
I know!
Marie-chan, want to go shopping for clothes with us?
Why?
Well, you're so stylish, Marie-chan. Right, Yukiko?
Yes! You should join us, too, Narukami-kun. What do you think?
Sure... In that case...
All righty! Then it's a done deal!
Marie-chan, when are you free?
If it's not raining... any day's okay.
What about you, Yukiko? I know you're busy helping out at home.
Yes... But I'm sure I can get a day off sometime...
What's wrong?
I don't get it. I've never made plans before, so...
It feels kind of strange...
I see.
What? You got it already?
Driver License
Yu Narukami
Yes.
Listen, Yu...
Of all things...
Vegetable Garden
Are you fighting?
No... We're just talking.
Yu got himself a motorcycle license, see.
A motorcycle?
Big Bro, that's so cool!
Seriously, if something happens, what am I supposed to tell my sister?
I won't do anything dangerous.
And I'm going to work part-time to buy the bike.
So...
Guess it can't be helped...
Thanks for waiting!
Man, this is one awesome ride!
Just get off already!
What's this?
That's my baby.
I had her fixed up in the shop.
All you gotta do is fill 'er up and you'll be set.
She's got a lot of mileage, but she's a beast.
She's yours.
Take good care of her.
Thank you very much!
This is an awesome bike...
It's me.
Uh, wait! I-Is this your cell phone, Narukami-san?
This is Narukami.
D-Don't scare me like that! Really!
Listen, we're doing that thing next Wednesday,
and we're meeting up in front of Okina Station, at a shop called Croco Fur.
That thing?
We talked about it, remember?
Not sure that I do...
That's the only day that Yukiko can take off.
Well, anyway, we're looking forward to it, so say hi to Marie-chan for me! Bye!
Next Wednesday, huh?
It's me.
And who's that?
What's up?
That plan... I'm thinking of setting it in motion.
You got a motorcycle, didn't you?
Yeah, I'm all set.
All right! I've managed to get some wheels of my own, too.
Okay, so how about we head to Okina City on our new bikes?
Okina City?
It's the biggest shopping district around here.
You know, since this town isn't big enough for us!
I see. That makes sense.
All right, so how about next Wednesday?
I mean, that's the only day I can get time off work, so...
Sorry, next Wednesday I have...
The reason you and I never got ourselves girlfriends till now was because we didn't have motorcycles.
Yosuke, listen...
In other words, as of now, we have no shortcomings!
Throughout my sixteen years, I've never even been asked by a girl to go shopping with her.
Like, just following a girl wherever she asks you to go... who would do that?
I mean, isn't that pretty lame?
I-I guess so...
But starting now, the rally is on!
After all, we've got our motorcycles!
Uh... yeah...
So anyway, let's get pumped up for next Wednesday!
Oh, man, I can't wait!
Romance is right round the corner, partner!
Yosuke Hanamura
That's the only day I can get off from work...
That's the only day that Yukiko can take off.
Romance is right round the corner, partner! ...Partner! ...Partner!
I've never made plans before, so...
It feels kind of strange...
Yahoo!
Such a smooth ride...
It feels fantastic.
Hello, Okina Station!
Hey, on a bike, it's not such a long haul!
Feel those looks we're drawing already?
Like we've already emitted some bike pheromones!
I'm double-booked, but this is the plan for today.
Yu Narukami
Up Close and Personal Plan! YU/YO/KAN
First, at three, the Up Close and Personal Plan gets underway.
I'm meeting up with Marie and the others at four.
Travel YU
Girls / Shopping Time! YU/CHI/YUKI/MA
By 3:55 pm at the latest, I need to bail out of the Up Close and Personal Plan, and get going.
Then from four, I'm going shopping with the girls,
but I need to get home by six, or Nanako will have to have dinner by herself.
Dinner With Nanako YU/NA
That would be unforgivable!
Travel time should be about one hour,
Going Home - Return to My Home - YU
meaning that I'll have to bail out of shopping and leave Okina City by five at the latest.
In other words, the most time I can spend on the Up Close and Personal Plan
and shopping with the girls is just under one hour each.
This way, no one will get hurt, and I'll be able to accomplish everything today!
It's perfect.
Hey, someone's motivated!
Seriously, you followed us?
It was a breeze!
Two guys getting used to their scooters are no match for me!
I don't get why it's even a competition for you.
All right...
Senpai, are we hanging out here for a while?
You got somewhere to go?
Well, uh, I want some yarn...
Yarn?
Never mind, it's nothing.
Anyway, what difference does it make?
I have an errand to run!
And I'm going.
Even if you stop me, I'm going!
See ya!
Nobody's stopping you...
So what's the plan now?
Well, of course, girls will be drawn to us even if we don't do anything.
After all, we've got our motorcycles.
Is that how this works?
Marie-chan!
Sorry, did we keep you waiting?
I don't mind. I have nothing to do anyway.
Just have to wait for Narukami-kun now, huh?
I don't get it.
I can feel everyone's eyes on me...
And it's such an awesome bike...
Sorry!
I'm late... Huh?
You came up empty, then?
Isn't it obvious?
This isn't the plan, but time to go, huh?
Yosuke...
Senpai, give me ten minutes, will you?
I can't stand by and do nothing when you've been shut out like this.
I'm gonna go avenge you both!
Avenge us? Wait, what are you gonna do, hit on some girls?
In a situation like this, what else am I gonna do?
Hold up... Calm down, Kanji!
How the hell can I calm down?
We've got motorcycles, and we're still striking out,
so what makes you think you can avenge us?
If you give it some time, you might get lucky with a few!
Now you've said it. Okay, then let's make this a contest!
How many numbers you can get in an hour!
New - Showdown! / Pickup Contest YU/YO/KAN
All right, so starting now, over the next hour...
Make it three minutes.
I bet I can get it done in three minutes.
Showdown! / Pickup Contest YU/YO/KAN
We're wasting time. Let's get started!
Way to go, Senpai!
Okay, if I lose, I'll run the town marathon in nothing but my shorts!
If I lose, I'll do the same wearing gag glasses!
If you're gonna take it that far,
then maybe we should let Nanako-chan see you in just your shorts and gag glasses!
Big Bro...
I can't afford to lose!
Let's meet up here again in an hour, okay?
- Right! - Yo!
Let's go... Pickup Contest, ready... go!
Hello.
I'm Yu Narukami.
Nice to meet you.
Is there an election, dear?
So I struck out...
No, it's still too early. I don't have to panic just yet.
We have an hour to compete.
Cont. - Showdown! / Pickup Contest YU/YO/KAN
If I can manage to hit on someone during the shopping spree,
I should be able to turn this around!
You only reached for it after me!
Sorry I'm late...
So what do you mean by that?
Would you mind not making false accusations?
Huh? Who's accusing who?
I grabbed it first!
What happened?
Oh, Narukami-kun...
You were too late, so don't make stuff up!
Well, it seems that Ebihara-san also likes the skirt that Chie picked out,
Doesn't make any difference.
They only have it in this size, so give it up!
and there's only one left in that size.
You wouldn't look good in this anyway!
Then she said that Chie wouldn't look good in it anyway,
Oh yes I would!
and now Chie's having a fit...
Not in a million years.
Calm down, both of you...
Who are you to talk, you're always dressed like a loser!
Is this person... Could she be a "gyaru"?
How dare you! You're so stuck-up!
What did you say?
No eyebrows. Shiny forehead. Really pungent.
What the...? This is a brand-name perfume!
Are you trying to pick a fight?
No, I'm not. It suits you well.
Hey, don't take it out on Marie-chan!
Shut up!
If you're going to be that stubborn,
let's make it a Coordinating Contest to see who has the right to wear this skirt...
You're on!
Narukami-kun! Will you be our judge?
A guy should judge something like this, or else there's no point.
Now play fair, okay?
H-Hold on a second. I...
We'll take an hour to compete.
We'll pick out a theme, and coordinate ourselves head-to-toe. Okay?
You betcha!
Round 1 will be Conservative Mode!
I'm not sure what that means, but I'm in!
New - Really Popular?! / Coordinating Contest YU/CHI
It's me.
Yo! Well, how are the pickups going?
I-I'm right on track.
O-Oh yeah?
Well, I'm totally on track over here myself!
Y-You are?
I don't see myself losing now!
Actually, I've asked for so many addresses, my smartphone's memory is crammed!
Big Bro...
Nanako!
I can't afford to lose!
Today, the world is teeming with evil spirits, and overflowing with despair...
Are you the oldest son? The second son? Do you have your own place?
Does your family rent or own? Or is it a co-op?
My sealed demonic eyes are squirming...
Here's a gas canister!
I didn't think he'd really do it!
It's totally hysterical, but...
It's me.
Hey, Narukami-kun? Where are you?
I'll be right there!
Oh, here he is.
You're late! I mean, who ever heard of a judge going M.I.A.?
Well, who's your pick? Which of us looks better?
Draw!
Okay, Round 2 will be Forest Girl Mode.
I wouldn't have it any other way!
Chie, I think you've had enough...
Draw!
You know, I don't get why you're such a mess.
You're not taking your judging duties lightly, are you?
Yes?
Hello? Big Bro?
Is that you, Nanako?
Guess what? Dad says he's coming home at five today!
So he said we should all have dinner together!
New - Dinner with Nanako (Complete) YU/NA/RYO
Nanako... Are you listening?
Yes...
Just wait for me... Nanako... I promise... I promise I'll get home...
Okay! I'll be waiting!
Yes... You both look good.
This is... Adorable...
No way... It's like I'm someone else!
You're amazing, Marie-chan!
You coordinated them both in no time!
Hey, listen. I'd like you to pick out some outerwear that would go with this.
Sure, I don't mind...
Marie-chan, would you mind picking out something for me, too?
Me, too! Find another outfit for me!
Oh... Okay.
All of you... you're beautiful.
Ta-da!
I got myself one number!
I lost...
Gag glasses for me, huh?
Are you okay, Senpai?
And I'm running late...
Nanako...
Oh, man, that was a slog!
She was a total babe, this girl.
Well, hold onto your seats!
Oh! Nice talking to you just now.
I'm the guy who wants to give you a motorcycle ride!
Hanamura-kun?
Right, it's me, it's me!
Wait, huh?
My name...
How did you...?
What do you mean?
Of course I know it...
We go to the same school, after all.
O-O-O-Otani-san! What are you doing here?
The boonies just don't do it for me, you know?
I was shopping and then suddenly you called.
D-Don't tell me I dialed the wrong number?
A motorcycle ride, huh?
Well, if you insist, then I don't mind going with you.
Hold... on...!
M-M-M-My... My... motorcycle...
Are you serious? This motorcycle's busted.
If you want to ask me out, you need to try harder.
So it's a draw, then?
Let's go home... Yu...
I wonder where Narukami-kun went off to?
I know, right? But that was fun today, huh?
Hey, come hang out with us again sometime, Marie-chan!
Why?
What do you mean, why? Because we're all friends!
Friends?
Is that right?
Wait, Marie-chan, don't tell me that... you didn't have a good time?
Did we annoy you by asking?
N-No... you weren't annoying.
Hanamura Senpai!
Ride double with me!
No, I hate to tell you, but it's against the law to ride double on bicycles, too.
What the heck are those guys doing?
There's Narukami-kun, too.
Did something happen, I wonder?
Oh, they're probably just being morons again.
Let's go, Yukiko, Marie-chan.
Okay!
Wh-What are you guys doing here?
What were you up to?
An Up Close and Personal Plan!
What's the matter, Narukami-kun?
Friends... huh?
Vegetable Garden
Welcome home, Big Bro!
You were out late.
Nanako...
I'm home...
now...
Ta-da!
He has no delicacy!
What a bigass!
You're wrong!
I'm too much!
Hey... what's youth?
I'm ready to be born, dammit!