Part 71: September 24 - September 27: A Prayer for Happiness

-The Path is Open-


The initial draft of Yukiko Amagi's design. Here she is drawn wearing a rather retro-looking sweater.



-Specialist-


Mrs. Nakayama: Japan developed its own mathematics called "Wasan" that originally crossed over from China. Wasan, by the Edo period, developed so much that they could calculate 41 digits of pi. At the height of Wasan's popularity in the Edo peroid, a book came out titled "Math Girl." I guess there must have been math nerdettes back then, too. But, it was just a drill book written by a girl. I was a bit of a nerdette back in my youth, too. I'm just a boring housewife now...Time is cruel. Even Wasan has disappeared...Trying to make money the right way feels so stupid. Er, anyway, let's move on to the workbook...Oh, look, more practice problems.

-Heartbeat, Heartbreak-


Let's go to a hot spring.
Huh...? T-The hot springs!? J-Just the two of us!? Th-That's fine...It's been a while since I went to someone else's hot springs.
Just keep in mind that we'll be in separate baths!

-Like A Dream Come True-




Um...Sanzo-kun? Oh, great, we can talk. I'm the only one on this side, so it was getting a little lonely. But wow...it feels so open and free here. I guess it's good to go to other onsen every once in a while...



-Sky Full of Stars-


His recent growth spurt is thanks to all the dinner you keep bringing him. If he was human, I'm sure he'd be ready to move out and start his own family soon. I shouldn't think such things. It saddens me...

Akihiko is on Genji Beetles now. I only have two left from Tanaka and I can't catch any more yet, so he won't be leaving the nest for a while.



-Signs of Love-


Wanna go shopping with me today? I'm in the mood to buy something.
Sure.
Cool. Don't be late.

-Like A Dream Come True-

> Okina Station...Ai dragged you all the way here.


It's kinda expensive, though...Could you buy it for me?
Sure.
Wha...? I-I'm just kidding! I wanted to see what you'd do, that's all.
But thanks anyways.

> It promises to be an entertaining day. You spent some time with Ai.




My Teddie sense is detecting danger...It's a red alert! But it's almost time for work, and I can't leave without passing through here...Hrghh...What should I do!?
Give it everything you've got.
All right! I won't hold back an inch!
Wait, so what am I supposed to do? I still don't get it...
But man, this feels worse than a Shadow...Hrghhh, how awful...!


You're not getting away from me today...!



> It's about a young woman who discovers she has the power to kill anyone just by sending a particular text message...

-Like A Dream Come True-


Hm? A movie? That means it would be at Okina, right?
Yeah, I can make it. What great timing. I was just thinking of something to do. I'll see you there.


...Huh? Is it just us? O-Ohh...I see.
Shall we go inside?

> You and Yukiko take in a movie together. You felt a constantly smoldering dread from watching the heroine gradually go insane from the curse...You enjoyed watching the movie with Yukiko. Something inside of Yukiko changed in response to the movie...




I love how they never explain why the power to curse people to death ended up in peoples' cell phones! This slight irritation level is just right! It keeps you intrigued!

> Yukiko seems to have really liked the movie...

That was a lot of fun. If you want, I'd like to go out again sometime.

> You decide to go home...

-Tanaka's Amazing Commodities-





> The model has been completed! Obtained Orange Scooter. You should put it on your shelf.





> Rise forced herself under your umbrella...

Sheesh, this wind! I just bought a new umbrella and it's already broken.
But...I guess there was a silver lining.
Hey, Senpai. If you don't huddle in a little closer, your shoulder will get wet.
You don't think people will talk?
So what if they do? Is there a problem?
I don't mind if rumors get started, as long as they're about you and me.

> Rise is giving you a Significant Look...

Ugh, this humidity is ruining my hair. It's taken some abuse from all the magazine photo shoots I've been in, so it's a little fragile...

-Like A Dream Come True-

> Tatsuhime Shrine...Yukiko brought you here, saying she wanted to pay her respects.


For everyone...
...I see. That's so like you.

> Yukiko looks happy.

I'm wishing for everyone's health. For Chie, for you, for the others...And everyone at the inn, too. And...
I'm wishing to become a woman worthy of you...
Finally I wish for everyone to be able to smile together...Let's begin our prayer.


I've decided not to leave Inaba.
I never really objected to being the inn's manager per se...I just didn't like the fact that it wasn't up to me...I felt that my life was on rails. And I thought running away was the only choice for me...
But no longer. I want to protect the family inn. After all, it's near to my heart...
Um...Thank you. I think it's because of you that I realized this. Because you were always by my side...

> Yukiko is smiling gently. Yukiko's determination makes her look more mature...


U-Umm, I wanted to ask you this before...
Wh-Why...Why are you always with me...? I-Is it okay...for me to ask...?


I see...
Y-Yes, precisely! Oh, I just remembered...I have an errand to run! I'll be going now...

> Yukiko ran off...You decided to go home.
Welp.