Check out that guy!
Isn't he, like, so hot?
Totally. He seems like the type who goes clubbing, too.
Let's go talk to him! Maybe he'll take us out!
I'd almost forgotten what it was like to always have you with me
You were always by my side
Giving my life meaning
Goodbye until we meet again
I'll say thank you with a smile
Oh please, keep being the person closest to me
My heart only needed you to be strong
I know that my path to tomorrow
Is right here with you again
"Fruits Basket"
Well, winter break is over, and the third term has begun.
I continue to have a fun life at the Soma house.
--Thank you for wait-- --Bring it on, girly-boy!
Step outside and let's do this!
We're already outside, stupid cat.
E-Er...
Hey, Honda-san. Thanks for shopping.
I'll carry that.
I-I'm sorry, I bought a little too much, so they might be heavy...
I don't mind.
You came along, stupid cat, so make yourself useful.
Stop calling me stupid!
Give me those! I'll carry both of them!
--You'd break the eggs if I let you carry them.
--And Soma-kun and Kyo-kun continue to not get along.
--You're the one who told me to carry stuff!
--Shut up, rude cat.
My first-sunrise wish was for them to get along,
--but...
--Why do I have to go on an errand with you, anyway?!
You could've stayed home.
You should've stayed home!
Would you shut up already?
--Why don't you try making me, girly-- --P-Please don't fight, you two!
Kyo-kun! A-Are you all right?!
That should quiet him down a little.
Oi!
I'm done with the bath. Why don't you go next, Yuki-kun?
Mm, I'll pass today.
OMG! You're not bathing? You dirty boy!
I'd like to hang this guy from the roof.
I feel a cold coming on, that's why.
What? O-Oh no, this is serious!
You're a little feverish.
The first day of a cold is the most important, you know!
Take some medicine and go to bed early.
I think you should stay home from school tomorrow.
That's overkill. I'll be fine.
B-But tomorrow is the long-distance run!
In this chilly weather? You kids have it rough.
This old man is impressed.
"Long-distance run," you say?
--Long-distance run... Marathon... --Huh? U-Um, Kyo-kun?
I don't like where this is going.
A race run in groups...
Which means...
...a competition!
--All right! Tomorrow, I'll be showing you who's fastest!
--Yep, I was right.
--All right! Tomorrow, I'll be showing you who's fastest!
--Kyo-kun, aren't you freezing in that t-shirt?
W-Wait, Soma-kun has a cold--
A cold?
He'll be fine if eats, takes a bath, and goes to bed.
Kyo-kun looks really enthusiastic...
It's on! You better not run away!
Seriously, though...
We transform when we're physically weak. Don't overdo it.
I know.
I'm worried.
I'd much rather he rest,
but then Kyo-kun would probably be angry...
Oh, I hope nothing goes too wrong tomorrow...
Be sure to warm up, or you'll hurt yourselves!
They're so good.
--Yeah. --They're just so fair and slender...
Yuki-kun's bare legs!
Soma-kun?
How are you feeling? You didn't eat much at breakfast.
It's all right.
I think I'm okay to race.
Plus...
...he'll complain forever if I don't.
By the way, where are Uotani-san or Hanajima-san?
Uo-chan said she was skipping. Hana-chan is he--
Well, hello, Honda-san! What are you talking so familiarly with Yuki-kun about?
The girls' race is about to start!
Time to go! Let's get moving!
H-Honda-san...
All right, we'll start with the girls!
Tohru-kun? What's wrong?
Oh, nothing...
--Ah. That's all right, then.
--It's her!
--Hana-chan, let's do Uo-chan's share of the running, too!
--Ah, yes, it's them! Yes, they are coming!
--Hana-chan, let's do Uo-chan's share of the running, too!
--Wh-Who is "them"?!
--Yes. I'm not much of a runner, but I'll do my best.
--Wh-Who is "them"?!
--The 12 emissaries of our King
--Yes. I'm not much of a runner, but I'll do my best.
--shall descend from Heaven!
--Yes. I'm not much of a runner, but I'll do my best.
--Snap out of it!
On you mark!
Get set!
Alas...
--Woe is me. --Hana-chan! What's the matter?
I'm sorry, Tohru-kun.
I can't run any farther.
I'll simply have to walk from here.
Yes. I will walk.
Hana-chan!
Hanajima. Walk, crawl, or whatever you're going to do, but get started.
The boys are next!
Everybody ready?
On you mark!
Get set!
I'm gonna beat Yuki and win!
Be quiet.
I'm gonna win! Win! Win!
Those two are crazy fast.
This isn't the 100-meter dash...
I'll win!
Will Soma-kun really be okay?
Is that...?
Oh, no!
Honored grandfather! What's wrong?!
I-I'm so sorry! You have such snowy white hair,
I thought you were an elderly gentleman in trouble!
Hey.
Have you heard of the Soma family?
You mean... Are you a Soma yourself, by any chance?
Yeah. So you know us?
Yes. I'm pleased to meet you.
--I'll win for sure! --My name is--
--I'll win for sure! --Oh, I hear them now.
Don't you dare slack off, got it?!
I said be quiet.
Er, what are you doing?
--Got him. --K-Kyo-kun!
Are you all right?!
Huh? Honda-san?
What the hell was that for?!
You wouldn't have stopped for me otherwise.
Haru?!
Don't try this at home, kids.
It's very dangerous, and anyone but Kyo would wind up
with more than just a scrape.
Don't do it to me, either!
So it's your turn, Haru?
Everyone's coming to visit.
But don't you have school?
Eh...
I left home on Sunday,
but somehow I wandered into a neighborhood I didn't recognize,
and then somehow three days had passed.
--A mystery... --Just admit that you got lost.
Should we take this conversation somewhere else?
Agreed.
Honda-san, this is Hatsuharu Soma.
He's a third-year junior high student, so one year younger than us.
Haru, this is Tohru Honda.
Oh, you are?
Nice to meet you.
Oh, it's my pleasure!
Hatsuharu-san is polite, and he seems much more grown-up than his age.
So what are you here for, exactly?
A fight.
Huh?
I was gonna challenge you at New Year's, but you skipped out.
So I came to you.
Now let's go.
Whoa, hold on. I'm in the middle of an important race right now!
I traveled three whole days for you.
No, you just got lost!
Come on, let's fight.
I'll fight you as much as you want if you go home!
Don't wanna.
--This could be bad. --Pardon?
Oi, Kyo. I think you should let Haru have his way, or--
I said no! Go home already, Haru!
Too late.
Quit your whining.
If you're a real man, kitty-cat, then you accept any fight.
Fight and die!
No dying!
You damn brat!
--What did I ever do to you that you wanna interrupt me now?
--Great, he summoned Dark Haru.
--That didn't even sting!
--D-D-Dark what?
--Are you listening to me?!
--Haru's usually a space cadet,
--What, is that all you've got?!
--but when he snaps, he's out of control.
You bastard!
--We call that version Dark Haru.
--C'mon, kitty, punch me some more.
--I told you, I'm busy!
--I see... So he's like Kagura-san?
No...
...he's far worse.
Don't just stand here and watch, Yuki. Today's the day I make you mine.
And do what with me?
--Now stand up, Kyo! --I'm already standing!
--Let's fight!
--Honda-san, this looks like it'll take a while.
--Not until I race Yuki!
--Honda-san, this looks like it'll take a while.
--Cut the bullshit!
--You can go on ahead.
--You cut your bullshit!
--B-But...
When did you get so spineless, Kyo?
You are seriously messed up when you turn Dark.
Oh, cheeky.
If you don't hurry up and fight me, I'll make that girl mine, too.
What the hell does that mean?!
I'll do certain things to her! Maybe even uncertain things!
What are you even saying?!
He'd get lost on the way to the can when we were kids, so I always walked him there,
and this is how he repays me?!
What kinds of things did he mean by "certain things," anyway?
I don't get it, but girls have nothing to do with this!
Nothing... but...
...I'm kinda pissed now.
You damn brat!
Kyo-kun?!
That's what you shoulda done from the start, you coward!
Keep talkin', bastard! I'll make your back teeth rattle!
This looks like it'll take a long while. You really can go.
B-B-But...
"Summer Sigh"
Oi, Hanajima-san!
At least run a few meters!
Try landing a punch, loser!
Enough trash talk! I've seen through all your moves!
--Oh, yeah?! --We're in a martial arts movie for some reason.
--We're in a martial arts movie for some reason.
U-Um...
Just leave them to it, Honda-san. Best to let them wear themselves out.
Also...
...I refuse to get caught in their crossfire.
I-I see...
You know, Kyo-kun seems really strong today.
Yeah, Kyo is probably the stronger of the two.
They've both studied martial arts since they were kids. They seem to enjoy it.
Didn't you study it because you enjoyed it, too?
Maybe.
It's hard to say.
Soma-kun? Soma-kun!
What's wrong, Soma-kun?!
--Soma-kun! Soma-kun! --Yuki! Another attack?
You're burning up.
I'll call the main house and--
You don't want that, huh?
Kyo.
Is it okay if I take a rain check on our fight?
Huh? Sure...
Let's go to Sensei's house, then. We could call a taxi...
No, that'd be trouble if Yuki transformed.
I'll come with you!
I'll do anything!
You know, I think I'll take you up on that. You're pretty cute, after all.
Huh?
I'm saying if I'm gonna hug someone, I'd rather she be cute.
Wha... Wha-Wha-Wha-What?!
He's got some nerve.
It'll be easier on Yuki if I carry him this way.
You keep holding on to me so I don't turn back.
It's here.
It's here at last...
Now I can say without hesitation...
It's a royal straight flush.
Gah, seriously?
Why do you always get such good cards?
If you three aren't going to run, go home!
So you decided to come home looking like that.
It ain't funny.
I bet people were staring!
--It was hell chasing them off! --Look, a cow! --A cow!
Moo!
He's fast asleep. Looks like this attack wasn't a bad one.
He has a fever, but he'll be fine.
Thank goodness!
Sorry about this, Tohru-kun. You can go back to school, it's okay.
No, I'll stay here and watch him.
Going to school is important, but not at the cost of abandoning someone sick!
A-And, well... colds are dangerous. They shouldn't be taken lightly.
I know my mother would agree.
Well, then, I suppose I'll go pick up everyone's things at school.
Oh, you don't have to go to the trouble!
Don't worry about it, it's nothing.
Kyo-kun, call Haa-san.
What?! Why should I have to--
I'll do it.
Where's the phone, again?
Don't wander around naked, you disgrace!
Okay, I'm off!
Take care of Yuki-kun.
Shigure-san! Yes, thank you for doing this!
Shigure-san is a deeply kind and caring person.
Girls... Young high school girls, up close and personal!
Got it. Thanks.
What did Hatori say?
He chewed me out for some reason. A mystery...
Well, you did disappear for three days.
So what now? Rat-boy seems to be doing better.
You wanna finish the fight?
Eh... Nah, no point. You're really strong, Kyo.
I'd better toughen up some more.
Hey, where do you get off putting me through all that and then just going "I'm done"?
And now you're back to Light Haru again, you brat.
--Owie. --What?
You're not Dark-san anymore?
Eh... Nope.
He's a whole different person now.
How's Yuki?
He's still sleeping. I'm going to make him an ice pillow.
Don't attack him in his sleep, Kyo.
As if I would!
I'm gonna win against him fair and square.
This is lame. I'm going back to school.
Are Yuki and Kyo getting into fistfights every day?
No. They do argue every day, though.
Huh. I guess they get along a lot better now.
What? "Better"?!
They both used to be more uptight, and they gave off "stay away" vibes.
But it feels like those have lightened a little.
Oh.
Maybe it's because you're with them.
N-No, I haven't d-done anything to deserve-- I-- No!
It's not like I've been watching you, so I don't have proof,
but as long as things are changing in a positive direction, it's all good, right?
Yuki especially...
Yuki was my first love.
I like Kyo, too... but Yuki is special to me.
I-I see...
I hated him when we were little, though.
Why was that?
Because he's the Rat.
It's in the folk tale, remember? "The Rat rode on the Ox's back."
I subconsciously resented him for that.
And the adults all around me
used to laugh and say the Ox got used that way because it was a stupid idiot.
It felt like they were saying I was a stupid idiot.
So I felt really down on myself, and I blamed it on the Rat.
I was always on edge, losing my temper at the drop of a hat.
The Dark personality happened then. Put my parents to a lot of trouble.
I took up martial arts to get rid of my stress.
But I couldn't get rid of it.
I enjoyed martial arts, but it didn't stop people from making fun of me.
Then one day, I came across Yuki.
We'd never actually spoken before.
I completely snapped, and I unleashed all that pent-up rage on him.
I hate you!
It's your fault people make fun of me!
It's all your fault for being a dirty cheater!
It's your fault I'm stupid and an idiot!
Are you?
Well, are you?
Are you really
stupid?
No.
No...
No, I'm...
I'm...
...not stupid.
I'm not stupid.
Okay.
I believe you.
After that, I lost my temper less.
Yuki helped me say what I'd been bottling up most.
He set my heart free.
I was stunned. He was totally different from the Yuki I'd imagined.
I was like them.
I'd decided Yuki was the "dirty Rat" without knowing him.
I'm glad I met him that day.
Otherwise, I'd still misunderstand him and hate him.
That'd make me stupid for real.
What a wonderful story.
I was stunned today, too, actually.
Yuki was quietly smiling while he stood next to you.
He never smiled like that while he lived with the main family.
That's why I thought you might be lightening his heart.
Um, l-like I said, I'm really not doing anything to deserve such credit!
Are you sure? Should we test it?
You think that would make him...?
Hmm? Honda-san?
Oh, you're awake?
I just remembered, I--
Please stay in bed!
How did I get home?
Hatsuharu-san became an ox for you.
Thank you.
Sure.
FYI, I gave her the full details of how much I love you.
Why would you tell her that, of all things?
What if she takes you seriously?
I am serious.
I-It was a really wonderful story, though... um...
...Yuki-kun.
You don't have to humor Har--
Hatsuharu-san, I told you I wasn't good enough.
Call him by his given name.
It's sure to make him happy.
And so the turbulent long-distance race ended without anything going, well, too wrong...
Three of a kind!
I've got a full house.
I have...
...five of a kind.
I lost again!
--She's too good... --One more round!
That night, everyone was in bed with a cold.
That's what they get for playing poker all afternoon on a cold day.
The whole family wants me to die of overwork.
"It's Valentine's, After All"
It's Valentine's, after all.