Part 129: Rhapsody in Blue

Update 117: Rhapsody in Blue (Act 3, Scenes 8-9)

Sex scene this update.

Katawa Shoujo OST ~ Passing of Time



(Silence, Rain Sounds)



After being woken by a sound, I open my eyes with a measure of reluctance. Turning my head to the left, I find the rain outside sweeps against the windows loudly. Spray after wind-blown spray lashes against the glass, as if trying its hardest to make up for the summer's previous heat. I sit up in the futon, holding the back of my neck to try and subdue the pain from my awkward sleeping position. By all accounts I should be lamenting the turn in the weather, given that this is our last day here. The events of yesterday refuse to stop flooding my mind, though. The feeling of holding Lilly's crying body in my arms. The rush of lust and hormones that flowed through us as we spent the night together. It seems almost futile to try and rationalize everything that happened.

In an attempt to distract myself, I groan and lean over to retrieve my bag without standing. Pulling out one bottle after another, I take the daily regimen's worth of pills from their containers and swallow them without further ado.

It took a surprisingly short amount of time to get used to swallowing pills without water. That said, I suppose the same thing goes for getting used to living in a school for disabled students. Remembering Yamaku, I become all the more grateful for having the chance to get away, even if it's just for the shortest of times. I appreciate the chance to spend time alone with Lilly and Hanako, away from the bustle of school life, even considering the latest complications. I never thought I'd say it, but the idea of living away from the city in a nice, tranquil area is an inviting one. It's a thought that, barely a year ago, would have seemed simply ludicrous.

A flash of pink, no doubt Hanako's gown, peeks from around the corner. Realizing I must look a sight since I've only just woken up, I slap the remaining pills into my mouth and run a hand through my hair.




HANAKO: "Good morning, Hisao."

(Rain Sounds Stop)


HISAO: "Ah, go— ack!"

I reply to her completely forgetting that I'm in the middle of swallowing a particularly large pill. Coughing and spluttering, I violently gag on it.


HANAKO: "Ah, Hisao!"

After sputtering loudly and tapping my chest a couple of times to force it down, I manage to recover.


HISAO: "I'm fine. Sorry, forgot I was swallowing."


HANAKO: "Sorry, I didn't mean to—"

Katawa Shoujo OST - Fripperies (Rain Sounds)

I hold my hand up, gesturing for Hanako to stop.


HISAO: "I gagged. It's my fault. 'Morning, Hanako."

She pauses a moment before bowing in reply.



Walking, no, staggering in behind Hanako is the familiar figure of Lilly, also dressed in her pajamas. With her eyes full of sleep and hair bedraggled, she's a sight to behold.


HISAO: "Hi, Lilly."


LILLY: "Good morning... Hisao."

For a while, a silence hangs in the air as neither of us knows what to do. Given what happened last night, we both have more than enough reason to be finding the situation awkward; just how are we meant to react to meeting each other after something like... that? The best course of action would probably be to talk to Lilly alone, to set things in order.


HISAO: "Um, I'll... start making breakfast."

Lilly evidently catches on to my train of thought.


LILLY: "I'll help. Hanako, could you set the table?"

She nods, her head disappearing into a cupboard as she quickly goes about her assigned task.



I rub a little more sleep out of my eyes as I wander over to the fridge and take out some milk, and Lilly grabs various brightly colored boxes from some of the lower cupboards to my side. While we make the rather bland-looking meal, I whisper somewhat more quietly than usual. Knowing Lilly's hearing, she won't have any trouble catching what I say.


HISAO: "Are you okay, Lilly? After last night..."

She gives a delicate nod, her expression weak. Though her tiredness surely plays a part, she seems genuinely unsure about what's happened between us, and how to move ahead. I can't say I blame her, considering my feelings are the same.


LILLY: "I'm sorry, Hisao. I wasn't thinking straight yesterday. I never stopped to consider you or Hanako, and I even went as far as..."

She's winding herself up. With her hands and voice both tightening, I give her a gentle bump to try and lighten up the situation.


HISAO: "You don't have to apologize. I said I liked you as well, after all."


LILLY: "But I..."

As her composure begins to falter, it becomes obvious there's no alternative. Turning to Lilly, I gently embrace her tall frame. She offers no resistance at all, thankfully pulling back, just, from the edge of her emotions.



Despite our reassuring embrace lasting only a matter of seconds, I notice Hanako wordlessly watching. The plate in her hand hovers inches above the table, her action halted midway by the sight.

(Silence, Rain Sounds)

The clatter of utensils against plates is the only sound to be heard as we silently eat. Whereas before only two of us may have been unsure of ourselves, the entire situation has changed. After weeks of blissful friendship, whiling away the days with shared meals and chatter with little meaning, the relationship of Lilly and I, no, that of all of us, has irreversibly changed. I can't take this.


HISAO: "Lilly..."

She solemnly nods, gently laying her spoon onto the plate in front of her. Neither of us knows exactly how we regard each other, let alone how Hanako would view us.


LILLY: "This might seem abrupt but... I've confessed to Hisao."

For a moment, Hanako looks almost confused; precisely the reaction I'd thought she would have. She eventually nods, her spoon still in her mouth as she does.


HANAKO: "Did you accept?"


HISAO: "I did."



She gives a smile so large, and so earnest, I find myself blushing. I think it's the brightest I've ever seen her expression look.


HANAKO: "Then I'm happy. I'm really, really happy."

Katawa Shoujo OST - Lullaby of Open Eyes (Rain Sounds Continue)


LILLY: "I'm sorry for not telling you anything about it before. Things have been..."

Hanako shakes her head from side to side emphatically, apparently forgetting in her rush that Lilly couldn't possibly notice. She begins fiddling with her fingers, looking a little more nervous than she did before.


HANAKO: "To be honest, I began to think you might like each other a while ago. At first I didn't really know what to think about it... but I... I decided in the end that... if my friends are happy, then I'm happy. I was really glad to have another friend when we met Hisao, so you finding love through him is even better... right?"

A feeling of relief at her acceptance of our relationship falls over me like a wave. The same happens to Lilly, judging by her expression.


LILLY: "Thank you, Hanako. I really appreciate you being so understanding."

Lilly's voice still sounds slightly apologetic, or at least unsure. This doesn't escape Hanako, who appears lost in thought for a few moments before turning to me.


HANAKO: "Hisao, do you mind if me and Lilly go outside for a bit?"


HISAO: "Ah, no, feel free..."


LILLY: "Hanako?"

Hanako gets up from her seat, taking Lilly's hand and almost dragging her from the table in her excitement. Considering Lilly's typically slow and steady pace, Hanako's haste makes her footing awkward and she almost loses her balance a couple of times. It's a pretty amusing sight, leaving me wordless as I watch them disappear out the door.

(Silence)

It's only now that I realize the rain's stopped, being replaced by a sky seemingly all the more vivid and bright to make up for the morning's drab gray expanse. For Hanako, this must be a pretty big revelation. Lilly and I are really the only people she associates with, almost as if we were parents in her own's stead. I suppose that might well be the best way to describe the relationship we share. A father, mother and daughter, all playing around in our little make-believe family as if it could last forever. It might be a strange dynamic, and one that certainly can't last for long... but maybe, just for this one small moment, it's okay.

As I stand from the table and go to join Lilly and Hanako in the fields outside, I nod to myself in affirmation. This one small moment of happiness, no matter how brief, will last with me, with all of us, forever.

Katawa Shoujo OST - Raindrops and Puddles



It’s impossible to screenshot properly, but there’s a steam effect that periodically blurs parts of the background.

Submerged deep in the hot water, I let a drawn-out sigh escape my lips. The feeling of seemingly every muscle in my body relaxing is euphoric. I have no idea how long it's been since I had a genuine hot bath, but right now I can hardly be bothered trying to remember. Maybe I'm giving the simple fact that for once I get to have a real bath more credit than it's due; the chance to just calm down, allow myself to unwind and have some time to myself is a welcome one.

Hanako, Lilly and I wandered about outside, exploring the extent of the surprisingly large tract of land surrounding the house. Then we spent the majority of the afternoon resting, watching television, reading, and playing cards. It may not have been the most exciting finale to the trip, but such tranquil peacefulness is something to savor. Even after we return to the school tomorrow, I think I'll remember this little house in Hokkaido for a long time. It's a pity we only have a couple more hours to spend here before going to get the train back. All I can do is yawn contentedly while I watch the steam slowly rising from the clear water's placid surface, my eyes eventually locking onto the ceiling.

Our exams are imminent. I've barely studied at all for them. On top of that, I don't even know what I'll do after graduation. Passing exams is all well and good, but to what end? Also now, of all times, I'm getting into a relationship.


HISAO: "What the hell am I doing?"

…

...I guess I shouldn't think like that. What's done is done, and maybe this could be viewed as just another aspect of my new life that I'm working on. I enjoy being with Lilly, and there's more to life than school and a career after all.

As I busily attempt to rationalize all that's happened, I hear a series of raps on the door. I pick myself up and sit upright, trying to figure out the source. Three, no more and no less. Light yet assertive in their tapping, and timed regularly enough to tune a metronome. I'd be extremely surprised if it wasn't Lilly.


LILLY: "May I... come in?"

Yeah, it's Lilly.


HISAO: "I'm still in the bath, I'll be out in a sec."


LILLY: "...I know."

(Silence)

The voice coming from the other side of the door freezes me. After a second's thought, I rest on the side of the bath and let my arms dangle over the side. Despite trying my best to play it off, I can't help letting my mind wander.


HISAO: "S-sure, come in."



With that she opens the door, slowly walking into the room and closing it behind her. She looks oddly calm, countering my racing heart.


HISAO: "Ah... h-hey... Lilly."


LILLY: "Do you mind if I take a bath with you?"


HISAO: "I don't mind. Go ahead."

Katawa Shoujo OST - To Become One

With a small nod she begins to lift her sweater off her shoulders, baring her chest little by little.


HISAO: "I could do that for you, if you'd like."


LILLY: "Refused."


HISAO: "Why?"


LILLY: "..."

Her face shows she's still not overly comfortable with letting me attend to her. I can't say I blame her.



She strips, somewhat awkwardly; the narration makes it clear this is no striptease, she’s just trying to get ready. After a bit of banter (she makes a sight joke, he flusters her by calling her beautiful), she gets in with him. They cuddle in the warmth.


LILLY: "You run your baths quite hot, don't you?"


HISAO: "A bit. Do you want me to run some cold water to cool it down a bit?"

She gives a small shake of her head.


LILLY: "No, this is fine."


HISAO: "Okay."

The conversation comes to an abrupt end, silence taking over. A very long, and very awkward, silence.


LILLY: "Maybe this was a bit too..."


HISAO: "Don't worry, it's okay."

The situation only becomes even more awkward. As if to distract herself, Lilly runs her free hand over her legs while holding one over her breasts for modesty. I sit idly watching the wall ahead of me and the rising steam, every now and again stealing a glimpse at her body. The white of her skin glistens as she keeps sliding her hand over her legs, their length and tone all the more obvious."


HISAO: "You know, compared to Akira, you look a lot more foreign."


LILLY: "I took after my mother's side, genetically. Akira took after my father's more."


HISAO: "I guess that makes sense. How on Earth did a native Scot and a Japanese businessman meet, anyway?"


LILLY: "My mother was a journalist. She met my father while he was at a conference in Inverness."


HISAO: "Ah, I see. Taking after your Scottish side would also explain your height, I suppose."

I look back down at her as she nods, and sigh at the ridiculousness of the situation.


HISAO: "This really is too much, isn't it?"


LILLY: "You're enjoying it though, aren't you?"


HISAO: "In some ways, yes. I guess things turned out okay, in the end. Everything's settled down, Hanako took our relationship well, and we'll be going back to school tomorrow."


LILLY: "Indeed. It's a shame to be going back so soon, but we'll still have our memories of this place."


HISAO: "Memories, huh? I suppose so. We'll have to see how everything goes once we get back, but for now... I'm just glad you like me. I've been winding myself up for weeks about that, so I'm thankful for things turning out like this."

She nods, leaning into me as we share the warmth of our bodies. I'm not sure whether she'll be okay with it or not, but my temptation rapidly begins to get the better of my self-restraint.


HISAO: "Hey, Lilly?"


LILLY: "Yes?"


HISAO: "How was it? Last night, that is."

She pauses in thought before looking down slightly. A delicate smile finds its way onto her lips as she blushes, her body becoming more relaxed. It's more than enough to answer the question. Even as I give a small nod in response, thoughts of last night run through my mind. Considering the situation, I don't really think anyone'd blame me.

And so things proceed apace. The two have a second encounter, this one considerably more… Sophisticated? Let’s go with that.


HISAO: "That was... good..."

She takes a gulp of air before replying, steadying herself as she nods.


LILLY: "Mm..."

She bows her head down to give me a small kiss, my hand reaching up to hold strands of her disheveled hair as we once again sit in blissful silence.

Katawa Shoujo OST ~ Passing of Time



Most of the time, these time skip animations are identical: they start with a black background, and the background of the game’s logo (a beige heart with a pair of crossed Band-Aids in the corner) fades in with a clockwise wipe. Then the text of the logo (the game’s name in both English and Japanese) wipes in clockwise, and the whole logo wipes out clockwise too. This time, we start on a white background, and the black background only fades in with the text wipe. This is the only time this happens.

(Silence, Train Sounds)



After a chaotic dash to the station and finding our seats in the otherwise deserted carriage, we promptly crashed. Looking at the time - close to midnight - it's little surprise that few take this particular train. Hanako is fast asleep on Lilly's shoulder and I can only barely muster the energy to stay awake. The excitement we had a while ago probably didn't help. I'd probably be pretty depressed about going back to school if my brain was actually working. As it is, though, the sight of the night-time scenery scrolling by is surprisingly beautiful. My loud yawn is nearly wholly drowned out by the clacking of the train tracks and the old carriage's rattling.


HISAO: "So tired..."

Katawa Shoujo OST - Comfort




LILLY: "And whose fault is that, Hisao?"

She really does toe the line between insulting and amusing sometimes, though I manage to wring out a weary smile. I look back out the window, my reflection just visible on the clear pane. Truth be told, she's perfectly correct. If it weren't for that little interlude a few hours ago, both of us would have a lot more energy. On top of that, we both had to take another bath, very nearly making us late for the train's departure.


HISAO: "Yeah, yeah, it was mine. Still, getting into a bath with a guy is a dangerous thing to do."


LILLY: "Evidently."


HISAO: "Sorry. I guess I kind of took advantage of the situation back there."




LILLY: "Well... I didn't exactly hate it..."

As she trails off, I look back to her. My eyes narrow as I see her slightly reddened cheeks and small grin, her mind obviously elsewhere.


HISAO: "Say it."


LILLY: "I... knew the possibility of it happening... was there."


HISAO: "I knew it. You're just as dirty-minded as I am."

She quickly coughs into her free hand, making her disapproval crystal clear.




LILLY: "That's a rather crude way of putting it."


HISAO: "Oh? And you would suggest?"


LILLY: "I merely have a healthy adolescent sex drive."


HISAO: "So in other words, dirty-minded."

Almost seeming to sense the moment, Hanako mumbles quietly as she furrows her brow in Lilly's lap. Lilly's look of disapproval melts away as she gently smiles and strokes her hand on Hanako's long, dark hair. All I can do is watch. Watch and smile.

If someone were to ask me when I fell in love with her, I wouldn't be able to answer. The best I'd be able to come up with is “it just happened at some point, but I didn't realize it.” If someone were to ask me why I love her, though, then I could answer much more easily.


HISAO: "You really love Hanako, don't you?"

She gives a deep nod, smiling warmly.




LILLY: "It's a pity we have to return to school. She seemed to relax so much while we were all away."

>Talk about Hanako.
>Talk about school.

We just took another step closer. Several steps at the same time, in fact; I know a lot of routes have their sex scene start earlier, but I bet new readers weren’t expecting Lilly to jump Hisao’s bones not once, but twice in the space of the weekend. “Healthy adolescent sex drive” became a meme shortly after release for a reason. But we didn’t just get closer to Lilly. Remember how Hanako, miss “I’m so emotionally closed off and isolated I talk to like two people ever”, expressed such genuine happiness when she learned her two friends were dating she made Hisao flush? This relationship is a package deal. We aren’t just Lilly’s boyfriend, we’re Hanako’s friend, too, and while that relationship may not be romantic it’s certainly more than just a casual friendship. At this point, she’s nearly family. So why not treat her as such?

=>Talk about Hanako.


HISAO: "I wouldn't worry. Hanako's been gaining confidence thanks to you, at least for as long as I've known you two."

She gives a self-deprecating sigh.


LILLY: "I think I merely provided her with company and support. Since she came to know you she's opened up much more, even to me."

I get the feeling she's understating her influence on Hanako, especially given that before the two came to know each other, Hanako had no friends to speak of. The friends I'd had in my previous school fulfilled what I'd have expected of them, for the most part simply being there for idle chatter, but in Hanako and Lilly there really feels to be more to their relationship. A part of me envies it, but another can't ignore the fact that the school year will eventually end. After graduation, I really have no idea what Hanako will do. This trip has shown me just how much we've all come to depend on one another. Indeed, we're all going to have to make decisions. Maybe that's the reason why, despite our return to school also heralding a return to the normalcy of everyday life, I can't help feeling a little restless.


HISAO: "On the bright side, it won't take long for the summer holidays to arrive after our exams are finished. We could come back here during the summer holidays if you want."

For a moment she thinks on the notion, her face becoming somewhat distant. I can only guess she's reflecting on all that's happened here.


LILLY: "That would be... good, I think."

I nod approvingly, smiling at her. Summer, together with Lilly. This idea seems like the perfect way to spend our holiday.


END OF ACT 3