Ijuin-senpai, is this the picture that you submitted in the spring contest?
Yeah!
I'm spring-ish, aren't I?
Well, I feel like Senpai's happy feelings create the spring feeling...
I know, right?!
We're done with "spring"...
You get me, Yamashita Dog!
"Dream" is the next theme, huh?
Are you okay, Pin-senpai?
Y-yeah...
Is something wrong, Hajime-chan?
I-I got it...
You got it?
Do you have a stomachache?
Did you eat something bad?
N-no!
This!
HINA-san's ["Innocent" HINA's First Photo Collection] Book Launch Meet and Greet Winner Notification
I won this!
"'Innocent' HINA's First Photo Collection Meet and Greet Winner Notification"?
Thank you, God!
Tada Never Falls in Love
Chotto matte kocchi muite
Finder wa itsumo kimatte
Kimi ja nai to pin to konai
Boku wa douka shichatta no kai?
"O-tomodachi" o toorikoshite
Surechigai no koibito-miman mo
Sore wa souzoushii sekai
Ki ga tsukeba, marude niji no you sa
Kisetsu yo tomare
Kimi to kiritotta jikan ga, shashin no naka de
Are mo kore mo sore mo dore mo kagayaiten da yo
Nee kimi ni, kimi ni hitotsu tsutaetokitain da
Mou tomaranai, kakushi kirenai, omoi ga koko ni an da yo
Baby, omoide to iu film no naka e kimi ga tokete shimau mae ni
Todoketai kotoba ga an da yo
"Ima kimi ni koi shiteru yo"
I'll Pretend I Didn't See This...
That great, Pin-senpai!
"Great"?! This is not to be taken lightly!
Do you guys even know how amazing this is?!
No...
Not a clue!
HINA-san is the Rainbow Shogun of the gravure idol world, right?
Wakadoshiyori Sobayonin Roju Metsuke Ometsuke
Shogun
I suppose...
You are correct, Teresa-kun!
R-right...!
HINA is the top of the top in the gravure world, and she's not only a model...
She's also very much in demand on commercials!
Yeah, we've been seeing her in sports drink commercials a lot lately.
I heard she was even chosen as the poster girl for the 114 Building, the high school girls' fashion mecca.
I'm waiting for summer!
There was also buzz about her on TV the other day.
But HINA has never appeared before anyone until now!
I am getting the rare opportunity to meet her!
Wow! Congratulations!
Thanks!
What's more, this is limited to a hundred people, Pin-senpai?
You're so lucky! This is super rare!
Lucky?
It is destiny which brought together two people in search of each other!
HINA, why are you HINA?
Isn't it because she's HINA?
Her clear skin, her big round eyes, her supple legs, and most of all...
HER BUST BREAST CHEST!
But listen up, my friends! It's not about her chest size!
Behold the soft curves of this HINA's breasts!
The gentle curves that start from her collarbone are especially beautiful!
Right...
What?
Hajime-chan, stop it.
Why?!
When all of us were babies, we were held to our mother's bosom and were given love!
Breasts give people a sense of security!
Huh?!
Therefore, we must return that love to breasts!
I-I see!
No matter what path of suffering awaits me,
I will forever pursue my romance of the feminine figure, and I'm going to photograph it!
Well, Senpai says that stuff, but when it's time for him to photograph in front of a girl,
he gets so nervous that he can't take a picture.
Th-that's not true! I've taken pictures of girls! Right, Tada?!
Uh... I guess...
if you mean someone who resembled a girl.
Someone who resembled a girl?
Yeah, he did take pictures of one when you guys were trying to get new people to join the club.
Yes, she was undoubtedly a beauty.
The Photography Club is recruiting new members!
Nice! Nice, Miss!
Look up at the sky more and throw your chest out confidently!
Okay!
Like this? Tee-hee!
Thanks for the encouragement, everyone!
These are pictures from then.
Welcome, Newcomers!
Why would you tell such a blatant lie?
Hmph...
Will you be okay going to the meet and greet like that?
Yeah!
HINA is going to appear before you in the flesh!
Are you gonna get so nervous that you end up feeling sick, Pin-senpai?
What are you talking about? Everything... everything is going to be just fine.
Then, please pretend that HINA is here and give it a try!
Okay.
That's no good.
It's no use.
All of you come with me to the front of the meet and greet venue on the day of the event!
Huh?
No way!
Hell no!
Tada...
Why don't you practice meeting HINA before then for the time being?
Practice?
Yes!
I took ballet lessons a long time ago,
but I learned that the only way to ease my nerves before a performance was to practice.
Teresa-chan, that's some good advice!
I see, I see. Practice, huh?
Another thing, Pin-senpai...
First impressions are important, so pay extra attention to your outfit!
And it's important to mind your manners!
Don't touch her anywhere other than her hands!
And taking pictures is, of course, unacceptable.
Yes, I understand.
Well then, Ijuin, be my practice partner immediately.
Me?! Argh! It hurts for some reason! My headache hurts so bad!
Then, Yamashi-
Sorry! It hurts! I'm aching all over, too!
In that case, Tada... I can't see you as a girl.
Sorry.
Then...
No thanks.
I've got no choice. Class Rep, then.
You come with me.
Absolutely not!
Photography Club
HI-HI-HI...
Hajime-chan?
If you're nervous, take deep breaths.
Inhale deeply through your nose, then exhale through your mouth.
I see.
HI... HI... HI... HI...!
God, I can't say a word after all! And my hands won't stop sweating!
Do your best, and stop sweating.
I can't stop sweating! When I think of HINA, I get nervous!
Then... try imagining that it's me and not HINA.
I see. Okay.
Hi-Hinako-san!
I said it!
That's my name, that's why...
Hasegawa-san was really reluctant. Will she be okay?
She'll be fine. Once you fall in love, you lose.
"Lose"?
"Once you fall in love, you end up doing whatever you're told."
Really?
That's what it said in "Sunflower Express: A Police Blotter in Love."
I see. Hasegawa-san...
HI-HI-HI-HI... I can't say it!
I can't stop feeling nervous even when I take deep breaths!
Then, why don't you write down the things you want to say when you meet her?
I see...
I love HINA's breasts.
I love when she smooths down her hair.
I love that the Girdle of Venus is shown clearly in the lines of her palms.
By the way, the Girdle of Venus is the line right here.
About five percent of people have this line.
I see...
Yeah, and I love how the helix of her ear is nicely curled, and I love how she looks jealous.
By the way, the helix is right here.
Huh? What's wrong?
What? It's nothing.
I mean, I don't think any girl would be happy to hear those things.
Really?
I need to go now.
Okay...
When you can't help but feel nervous, write the character for "person," then swallow it.
I really think that will work best.
That's right... Wait, you should've told me that to begin with!
It's important, so I saved it for last.
Here it comes!
Got it!
Let's go, Tada!
You're amazing, Tada-kun!
All of his plays are out, though.
Yeah!
Tada!
I'm sorry!
Oh, no! Sorry!
Got it!
Teresa?!
Ow...!
Are you two okay?
I'm fine... Sorry about that.
No, I'm sorry.
I hope the swelling goes down before the meet and greet.
Yes, this is noth...
Uh... Huh?
The meet and greet?
Why won't you say that you're HINA?
Hasegawa-san is HINA...?
What?!
N-no, I'm not! There's no way I could be HINA!
I thought it was obvious...
Really?!
Yes. I could tell from the moment I saw her.
His favorite "gravure idol"?
Why can't anyone tell?
What? What?!
Thanks for inviting me.
Come on in.
This is a lovely place you have.
You're our very first guest, Hasegawa-san!
I was a stand-in in the beginning.
ALWAYS MAKE YOUR HEART
RAINBOW
My aunt works for a modeling agency.
It was just a one-time deal for me to take the place of a girl who couldn't make it due to a sudden illness.
I wear new clothes and become a brand new me
But before I knew it, I was modeling.
I could no longer bring up quitting after working for so long.
ALWAYS MAKE YOUR HEART
RAINBOW
I'm shy, so I wondered if this was an opportunity for me to change.
But I don't have any confidence, and it seemed like HINA was quickly taking on a life of her own.
And then, Hajime-chan told me he became a fan of hers.
So, I couldn't reveal myself to him.
Isn't it a good thing... that that creeper with glasses doesn't know?
Huh?
While he says that he loves women's breasts more than anything else,
he doesn't grasp the intrinsic qualities of women.
He doesn't notice the woman he worships even when she's right in front of him.
He is an unfortunate man.
Alec...
He isn't unfortunate!
He might stupid and a little perverted, but Hajime-chan is very shy, sensitive, and gentle at heart.
Woof! Woof-woof! Woof! Woof!
If push comes to shove, he'll protect me.
So, you do like him after all.
We're just-
...childhood friends.
You're not just childhood friends.
So, you might as well tell him that you're HINA.
The thing is, Hajime-chan will be disappointed, that's why...
Huh?
But I think the cat will be out of the bag, since you'll appear before his very eyes tomorrow.
Still... I wish he'd show interest in the real me, if possible.
The real you...
Ah!
I think HINA-san is a part of the real you, Hasegawa-san.
A daifuku is a daifuku.
It's delicious!
Thank you.
Okay!
HINA-san, Thank you for being born!
Really, thank you!!
Now, it's perfect!
Jubei-chan Cup Yakisoba Want a bite?
All that's left is...
TSUCHIYA BOOKS
Pin-senpai is running late.
He called us here. What's with him?
And the Class Rep still isn't here.
Oh! Hasegawa-san said she has some errands to run today.
Sorry to keep you waiting!
P-Pin-senpai...?
Wh-wh-what's with your fashion sense today?!
What...?
Why did you come wearing that?!
He's a creeper with glasses through and through.
And what was your concept?!
Is it really okay to see her with such ordinary clothes?
Would you like to switch our clothes back?
No, no, no, no, no, no, no!
We don't have time to buy you some new clothes, so this is the best option!
15 minutes ago
Okay, loser has to swap clothes with him!
Rock!
Paper!
By the way, I couldn't decide between this outfit and that one.
Thank goodness you chose this one.
Still, Tada-senpai is the only one who can pull that off! He looks good in everything!
I'm going to take a commemorative picture! Please look this way!
Senpai, you're so scary!
Smile, smile!
Woo! You're scary cool!
Will I be able to leave some sort of lasting impression on HINA with this?
Come on! You better hurry or you're gonna be late!
HINA [innocent] 1st Photo Collection Book Launch Official Goods On Sale
Okay. Then...
HINA Photo Collection Non-standard A4 Size, 128 pages / 2,500 yen TSUCHIYA BOOKS
I-I'll be back!
Today's recommendation!
Mystery!!
You know, when you look at her from here, doesn't HINA look like someone?
You think so?
Who does she look like?
Uh... I'm not sure who she looks like...
Still... I wish he'd show interest in the real me, if possible.
I think HINA-san is a part of the real you, Hasegawa-san.
HINA-san, it's time.
Okay!
Hajime-chan, I've made up my mind. I'll meet you properly, face-to-face.
GUIDE
I'll always be a fan of yours! Please do your best!
HINA [innocent] Photo Collection Book Launch MEET & GREET
Thank you so much.
Okay, time's up.
I'll come by again!
Next person in line, step right up!
See you later!
Did you notice that it's me, Hajime-chan?
C-calm down... Deep breaths.
I-I had made note of the important things.
Ugh! It's not there! It's not there!
The things I was going to say went missing!
Thank you for always supporting me!
R-right!
Calm down!
What do you do when you can't help but feel nervous?
What...?
When you can't help but feel nervous, write the character for "person," then swallow it.
I really think that will work best.
Did you realize who I am, Hajime-chan?
Okay, time's up.
What? W-wait, I haven't said any...
Ah!
Th-thank you for being born! Really, thank you!
O-kay!
The exit is that way!
Thank you! Thank you!
"For being born"? What?
Tada Coffee Shop
Thank you for today, my friends!
Thanks to all of you, I was able to tell HINA my feelings!
I even squeezed her hands!
For real?!
Wow!
I won't ever wash my hands again!
What?! That's gross!
So, what did you say to her?
That's a secret!
What?! Please do tell!
I wanna know! I wanna know!
HINA-san, Thank you for being born! Really, thank you!!
I'll pretend I didn't see this.
So, this day has become an anniversary for the day that HINA and I had our fateful encounter!
Well, there are misunderstandings when you're in love.
It's not a misunderstanding!
"Love is a house of mirrors. It's an illusion."
That's Yoshiko Yamamura Poiron's famous line from "Sunflower Express: A Police Blotter in Love" volume 5!
Yes!
It's not at all an illusion!
Tada Coffee Shop
Are you mad? Are you mad, Senpai?
Hajime-chan
Hajime-chan?!
Hello?
Hey.
Hey... What's up?
I mean, what an amazingly beautiful girl...
You were amazing.
What?!
When I wrote "person" on my hand like you told me to, everything worked out fine.
I see...
Did you get to say everything you wanted to say?
Yeah, and, um...
Thank you.
Hinako Call Ended
You there!
Could you come with us?
It seems Hajime-chan didn't realize it was me after all.
But I think, for now, this is for the best.
"If you like him, then you must explicitly tell him! Men are obtuse, no matter where you go."
That's what it said in "Sunflower Express"!
Are you okay with him never realizing that it's you?
Good point...
But I'll tell him once I have a bit more confidence in myself.
I want to save what's important for last.
Okay!
The day that Pin-senpai learns the truth will come eventually, huh?
Is something the matter?
I was just thinking about how I didn't tell everyone the truth.
What good would it do to tell them?
One day, we'll be saying goodbye, once our study abroad is over.
That's true.
Love is a complicated thing, huh? You feel joy, pain, and sorrow...
Have you ever fallen in love, Alec?
Well... no, never.
You have, haven't you?
No, I have not.
Have you smiled so far?
I have not!
Oh!
I never have!
Honestly, Miss Teresa, I mean it!
Itsumademo tsuzuite yuku to, boku wa zutto omottetan da yo
Ano hi kimi ga kirei sugiru wake o, boku wa nani mo shiranakatta
Kamisama tte hito ga kimi o tsuresatte
Ni-do to wa aenai to boku ni iu
Doko ni ikun da yo, boku wa nani mo dekinakatta yo
Utsukushi sugita hito yo
Aitakute, aitakute donna kimi demo
Negaigoto ga moshi hitotsu kanau naraba
Imasugu ni, imasugu ni dakishimetain da yo
Zutto kimi no soba ni dake itakattan da
Kokoro no naka wa namida no ame no melody
Kimi to sugoshita hibi wa wasureru nante dekinain da yo
Alec, what month were your born in?
September.
So, you're a Virgo?!
I suppose.
Then, do you believe in ghosts?
I don't know.
Next time: Episode 5, "It's Okay. They Don't Exist."
It's Okay. They Don't Exist
Even if you tell me that, you have zero persuasive power.
How so?!
Please look forward to it!