Itazura Na Kiss: Thrice And Again
(Because This Is the Fourth Time Naoki Is Having A Rival)

From Last Episode:
Naoki suspected that Kotoko is pregnant and stopped her from drinking
the
flu medicine.

Continued Version by Sharon, suzaku_1987

Chapter 1

Then, the whole family was so shocked and could not utter a word. Then, Mama
quickly asks Naoki to go and take Kotoko to the hospital to check if she really is pregnant.

At the hospital, Naoki and Kotoko were sitting at the waiting section for
their turn. Kotoko ask Naoki what is he thinking about, as Naoki was far too
calm and did not show any sense of excitement or emotion. Naoki replied that
he is thinking about their future. What they are going to do or plan for the
baby, if there really is one. Just when Kotoko is going to ask further, the
nurse called out to them and said it is their turn. After much examination,
the doctor confirmed that Kotoko is really pregnant! Naoki, hearing this
showed a sign of happiness on his face and Kotoko was dreaming about how the
baby would look like. The doctor said that the baby is 1½ months old already
and it is growing well.

Out of the hospital, Naoki did not speak a single word. Kotoko thought to
herself if naoki was feeling vexed about the baby or what. Just when Kotoko
was imagining about things, Naoki give her a kiss on the cheek and said that
he was very happy about his future fatherhood life and promised that he
would be a good husband and father. Kotoko was shocked although, as Naoki
would never say these mushy stuff but at the same time, Kotoko was glad at
Naoki’s promise.

At home, the whole family was overwhelmed by the news of the baby and busy
celebrating. Mama was so happy that she danced around and sang. Even Yuki,
who never seemed to show interest in this sort of Mama Plan celebration,
enjoyed himself too. After the celebration, everyone went to bed. Kotoko and
Naoki too were in bed but somehow; both could not get to sleep. Kotoko took
the initiative and spoke to Naoki. Kotoko asked if Naoki is really ready for
the baby and that it is a girl or boy Naoki hoped the baby would be. Naoki
replied that he is already ready for fatherhood since the last false alarm
(In the earlier part, mama suspected that Kotoko was pregnant but it was a
false alarm). He also mentioned that a boy or girl does not matter as long
as the baby is not of the same ‘specie’ as Kotoko (which means, stupid).
Kotoko could not understand Naoki’s words and ask for an explanation, but
Naoki said Goodnight before she said anything and went to sleep (Naoki was
faking sleep again).

The next day, at the hospital the couple was working at, a new trainee
doctor came for a half-year practical training and Kotoko was assigned to
him as his assistant nurse. The new doctor called Sano was very handsome
looking, perhaps better then Naoki and had a very charming voice as he
spoke. He is one month older then Kotoko and five months younger then Naoki,
so they are of the same age. All the nurses in the hospital were vying to be
the doctor’s assistant nurse but Kotoko, was chosen by the head nurse as the
head nurse think that Kotoko, being married to the great Irie Naoki, would
not be act shamelessly in front of Sano as the other single nurses would as
that would ruin their reputation. Sano however does not know anything about
Kotoko being married and was slowly attracted to her because of Kotoko’s
silliness at work and also for her caringness towards the patients. Kotoko,
however, being her silly self, does not know anything about the Sano’s
admiration towards her. But, Naoki, being in the same hospital had heard
rumors about Kotoko and Sano, was feeling jealous and angry at the same
time.

(Note: Sano does not know anything about Kotoko being married as no one ever
mentioned it to him and Kotoko never spoke about Naoki and her relationship
at all as she thought Sano known already as Naoki is so famous. Another
reason is that Naoki seldom go home with Kotoko together as he has been
preparing for a medical seminar and it is really important, as he is the
representative for the hospital. Also, even when Naoki goes home with
Kotoko, Sano is always not at the scene to witness it)
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Chapter 2

One month after Sano’s arrival, as Kotoko was going home, Naoki appeared at
the hospital’s gate, apparently waiting for Kotoko. Kotoko was very happy
that finally she could go home with Naoki after three weeks. As they were
walking home, Naoki tested Kotoko about how she felt about Sano by asking
her lots of questions here and there. Kotoko was feeling funny about Naoki
as he talked so much that day but still answered his questions truthfully.
Naoki asked how Kotoko felt about Sano and she answered that he is a nice
guy, caring, considerate… (As Kotoko was saying these praises for Sano,
Naoki felt angrier and angrier, but hid his emotions in front of
Kotoko)

The next day, as usual, Kotoko and Naoki went to the hospital together but
today was an exception as they met Sano on the way. Sano quickly greeted
them and asked Kotoko if Naoki is her brother as their surname is the same.
Naoki quickly place his hand around Kotoko’s waist and announced that Kotoko
is his wife. Sano was shocked but his facial expression remained the same
and said that Naoki is very lucky to have Kotoko as his wife. (At this
point, Sano was having lots of ulterior thoughts in his mind; hoping that
Kotoko and Naoki would get divorce, Naoki would die of accident; Kotoko
would fall for him and dissert Naoki…) Naoki then said that he and Kotoko
got to go and Sano quickly “came back to the reality”.

At the hospital, it seemed that Sano had not given up hopes but instead, his
hopes of getting Kotoko to be with him was raised intensively (partially
because his opponent is Naoki) At the canteen, Kotoko, Koko/Miki and some of
Kotoko’s close nurse friends was having lunch there. Sano happened to be
having his lunch too, saw Kotoko and quickly rush over and ask if he could
join them (his butt was already on one of the empty seats). Kotoko and
friends said of course and glad to share too. The nurses was busy talking
and admiring Sano (he is even more handsome than Naoki, remember? And he is
a bachelor!) Sano, of course was putting all his attention on Kotoko. Being
uninterested in the admiration business, Koko/Miki could sense Sano’s
intention and was wary of him. Just then, Kotoko, who is busy chatting and
eating, was choked on the sushi she was eating. Sano quickly patted her on
the back and showered his concerns over her. Coincidentally, Naoki was also
walking into the canteen and saw this. However, Kotoko did not notice him
but Sano did and purposely showed more concern over Kotoko. Koko/Miki saw
this and know what is going on.

Koko/Miki quickly asked Naoki out and ask him about his plan. Naoki, at
first did not show any respond but spoke after a while. Naoki said that Sano
can try as hard as he wants but he has full trust and confidence in Kotoko.
Koko/Miki was angry at hearing this as this means that Naoki is not going to
do anything. Koko/Miki explained that his opponent this time is different
from Kinnosuke, Takendo or Keita. His opponent this time is of the same
calibre as him or even better. Naoki was sort of awaken by Koko/Miki’s words
this time. Naoki then turned to go and stop, replied that he would settle
this himself and thanks to Koko/Miki for reminding him about his
opponent’s
capability.

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It was a scene at the hospital, at the canteen.
(Note: Exactly the same scene as the one when Naoki proclaim his love to
Kotoko in front of Keita and other nurses. I think Naoki is thinking about
using the same technique to win Kotoko back from Sano, proclaiming his love
in front of everybody)

Sano, Kotoko, Keita, The whole Irie family and Sai (Kotoko’s father) and the
whole hospital was present. Naoki and Sano were in a battle of words and
Kotoko was in the center. Sano as usual said the same thing about Naoki not
loving Kotoko enough and not giving her happiness (nearly the same copied
version from Kinnosuke and Keita). Naoki said that Kotoko is pregnant with
his child and that the one she truly loves is him. Normally, at this time,
Kotoko would step in and say, “Naoki, I love you” and hug him and cry. But,
this time, instead of doing that to Naoki, Kotoko walked towards Sano and
asks if he mind that the baby is not his. Sano replied of course he does not
mind and hugged Kotoko and started to walk away with her.

Naoki was shouting and pleading with Kotoko to come back but she turned
around and said: all these years, I have loved you with all my heart but
what you did was to break it into pieces. But now, I have a better choice
and I regret staying with you for almost 6-7 years, wasting my youth away.
Sano and Kotoko then disappeared into a mist and the rest of the hospital
stuff laughed at him for being unable to persuade someone like Kotoko to
stay. Mama, Papa, Yuki, Sai then came in front of him and Mama said: you
deserve all these for not treasuring Kotoko and I felt disgraceful for you
so you are not allowed to come back home. Papa, Yuki and Sai all agreed and
then, all the people (hospital stuff and family) also disappeared into the
mist and Naoki was left alone in the canteen. Naoki shouted: I don’t want
this!!!

“What’s wrong Naoki?” Kotoko asked. Naoki woke up and was in cold sweat. He
quickly hugged Kotoko who was next to him and thought to himself that it was
just a dream and for the rest of the night, Naoki was laying on the bed,
unable to go to sleep and thinking about the possibilities of Kotoko going
together with Sano, what will happen to him if Kotoko leaves him. So, for
the rest of the night till daybreak, Naoki thought about all these and felt
scared instead of being angry with Sano for attempting to take Kotoko away.
As he was thinking, he looked at the sleeping Kotoko and felt at that moment
that he really cannot live without her and that she is the only one closest
to him and whom he can share his happiness and woes with, and perhaps he
would marry no one except her cause she seems to be the one and only in the
world.

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Chapter 3

The next day, Kotoko wakes up and could not find Naoki. Mama says that Naoki
went to work earlier then usual and said that somebody had arranged to meet
him. Kotoko felt strange and quickly went and got changed and rushed to the
hospital. In fact, Sano was the one who made an appointment with Naoki. They
had arranged to meet at the back of the hospital where people rarely go
there. Sano was already waiting there when Naoki got there. Naoki first
apologized that he is late but Sano replied that he was early. Naoki than
asked Sano what he wants and Sano said, KOTOKO. Naoki was shocked and Sano
replied that he is the type of person who doesn’t beat around the bush when
saying things. Naoki then replied that he too and that what makes him thinks
that he could have Kotoko.

Sano replied that he never fails in getting what he wants and Kotoko would
definitely be happier with him. Naoki than turn around, seems to be walking
away but stopped and said to Sano that he if that’s all he wants to say, he
shall not waste his time on him further. Sano, hearing this was very angry
and said, it is just a matter of time when Kotoko would become mine. Naoki
hearing this was feeling a threat to himself and continued walking off.
Unknown to the both of them, Kotoko had overheard their conversation and was
shocked that Sano likes her but, what shocked her most was that Naoki did
not put on a fight with Sano but walked off instead. Kotoko was standing
there and thinking how she is going to face Sano. “ Should I avoid him or
just act as normal?” These few words were constantly floating in her mind.

“Kotoko. Kotoko?” Sano called while tapping on Kotoko’s shoulder. “Ah!
Doctor Sano!” Kotoko yelled and quickly stood up from her seat. “Calm down…”
Sano told Kotoko (But, with the incident this morning, how can Kotoko calm
down?). (Note: Scene now is in the canteen and Kotoko is having a bowl of
hot Wulong noodles as breakfast as she skipped hers when in a rush to the
hospital to look for Naoki) Kotoko quickly asked what she could help him
with and Sano replies that just by letting him have a seat to eat would be a
great help. Kotoko looked around and said that there are plenty of them and
why must he seat here? Sano quickly said that he wants to have a chat with
Kotoko too while eating and asked whether if Kotoko finds him and nuisance?
Kotoko quickly replied not as she is thinking of something and would not
have the mood to chat with him. Sano replied that it is alright as he just
wants her presence.

Kotoko was puzzled by his words. (Actually, another reason Kotoko does not
want Sano to sit with her is that she is afraid that Naoki would
misunderstand her and thinks that she is having an affair) with Sano sitting
next to her, Kotoko of course could not think straight and kept staring at
him and thinking why such a person would like her. Suddenly, Sano looked up
(he was eating his noodle so his eyes were down) and asked Kotoko if
anything was wrong. Kotoko was shocked and quickly hid her embarrassment by
eating her noodles. Sano, on seeing her actions (Kotoko was simply gobbling
up her food, very un-lady like of her), gave out a heartily laugh. Naoki who
was walking into the canteen (he was being told by Miki/Koko that Kotoko was
in the canteen and went to look for her and also to have his breakfast) saw
this and was very unhappy.

Naoki did not go and look Kotoko up but went back to his job on empty
stomach. For the rest of the day, Naoki was pretty grumpy and scolded
several nurses under him because of small matters or what we can say is that
nothing seems to please him in any way. Miki/Koko saw Naoki’s behavior and
immediately guessed what had happened (Miki/Koko is working under Naoki so,
she knew what was happening) and confronted Naoki. Knock. Knock. “Come in,”
said Naoki. Naoki by the way was not doing any work but dazing around and
thinking about Kotoko as well. Naoki asked Miki/Koko what she wants and
Miki/Koko state her purpose and ask Naoki whether there is a problem with
Kotoko and their relationship. Naoki quickly scolded Koko/Miki that what is
the problem with him is none of her business and she should just do her job
as a nurse and nothing else.

From this, Miki/Koko immediately knew she was right. Miki/Koko then said
that if that attitude is the way Naoki thinks could beat Sano, he would lose
Kotoko for good. Naoki was enlightened again and he apologized to Miki/Koko
for throwing tantrums and asked her to go out first. Miki/Koko was glad that
Naoki had a clearer head now and said GANBATTE to him before going out.
Naoki was thinking hard and realized that since Kotoko had not discovered
Sano’s admiration for her, she might not discovered it at all and he might
be worrying for nothing and what’s more is that Kotoko is now carrying his
baby and she is his registered wife while Sano is just a colleague or just a
friend to Kotoko. After sorting his thoughts out, Naoki was back to normal
again.

At home, when Naoki was about to sleep, Kotoko asked Naoki if he love her a
lot or very little. Naoki was pretty surprised why Kotoko asked this
question out of the blue and answered, “Don’t be silly, go to sleep”. Kotoko
continued to say; “I heard your conversation with Sano today!” Naoki was
shocked at how Kotoko knew about their meeting. “Naoki, you seemed
unbothered by the fact that Sano wants to be with me! It seemed to me that
you don’t care about our marriage at all. (Remember that Naoki walked away
and… if you can’t, go back and read again!) Naoki fought back by saying that
if that guy could win over Kotoko so easily, then she is not the Kotoko whom
he married! Kotoko ask Naoki one more time if he is going to fight for her
and tell Sano off, Naoki replied No and he is not going to do such silly
thing. Kotoko then shouted out to Naoki that Naoki does not love her enough
and ran out of the room in tears and said that she is going to find Sano!
But, Naoki did not run out and chase after her but shouted out at Kotoko
that she can go to Sano if she likes and he is not going to care. Kotoko was
even more hurt after hearing this and ran even faster.

Unknown to Naoki, Mama, Papa, Sai and Yuki heard their conversation and Yuki
quickly went after Kotoko while Mama, Papa and Sai went into the room and
talk to Naoki. Mama quickly reprimand Naoki for making Kotoko angry and sad
and that Naoki is in the wrong as he made Kotoko feel insecure. Mama
continued saying that if a woman’s husband does not show that he minds
another love rival, that means that the husband does not mind sharing his
wife and that of course makes his wife sad and disappointed. Before Papa
gets his turn to speak, Naoki quickly chase the three elders out of the room
and say that he can handle his own problems and tell them not to worry.

After the outsiders went out, Naoki thought about Mama’s words and felt some
sense and was rather regretful.

On the other hand, did Kotoko really go to Sano’s place? Or did Kotoko seek
refuge at Chris’s? Be sure to catch the next episode of Itazura Na Kiss:
Thrice And Again! Please write to meet: sharon_tan87@hotmail.com for
comments on improvements or ideas on future story development and
complaints
too! (I hope that there won’t be any!)

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Chapter 4

Kotoko now, could not think of anywhere to go and went to the park. Yuki saw
her and ran towards her and asks Kotoko to go back. Kotoko says that the
person who should be running after her should be his brother and not him.
Kotoko, when saying this could not hold back her tears further and cried in
front of Yuki. Yuki, seeing this told Kotoko not to cry as he cannot stand
women crying but instead, Kotoko cried even louder and ask Yuki to lend her
his shoulder.

(Note: At this point, Yuki actually sort of pity Kotoko and seeing her
pitiful face, his heart actually soften and start to console Kotoko not to
cry anymore and that he will help her get back at his brother. This shows
that Yuki has a soft side too!)

After a while, Kotoko stopped crying and wiped away her tears. She quickly
apologizes to Yuki for wetting his clothes and Yuki said there has been
worst, so, this is alright (Yuki is back to his old self again and this
sentence means that Kotoko has done worst stuff than this and this wetting
of clothes means nothing in comparison). Kotoko then tell Yuki to go back
home, as it is already late. Yuki tells Kotoko to go back with him but
Kotoko replied that she is not going home to face Naoki and will be going to
her friend’s house to stay overnight. Yuki saw Kotoko insistence, so he
decided to go back home first and leave the rest to Kotoko.

“Ding Dong…” Kotoko pressed the bell of Chris’s house but no one came to the
door after a long while. Kotoko thought Chris must have slept already and
decided not to disturb her. Kotoko, now homeless, had nowhere else to go.
“Ah!” Kotoko remembered Miki/Koko and that since she is still single and
stays by herself, Kotoko decided to seek refuge at her house. “So, have you
decided what to do about it?” asked Miki/Koko, while serving Kotoko a cup of
hot green tea. Kotoko replied that she doesn’t know and her mind is in a
terrible mess and dilemma. Kotoko had told Miki/Koko the whole story from
head to tail, not forgetting a single detail about how her fight with Naoki
came about.

Miki/Koko told Kotoko not to worry as she can stay for as long as she likes
but she must know when to go home. Miki/Koko also mentioned that Kotoko can
use her uniform for work tomorrow and told her not to think about any more
things but to sleep early, as she has to work tomorrow. Kotoko, hearing
Miki/Koko words was touched and grateful to her and felt that friends are
great. During the long night, Kotoko simply could not fall asleep but
thought about the problem between Naoki and her. Then, Kotoko had a flash
back where Naoki said he is not going to care if Kotoko is going to look for
Sano. Kotoko started to sob and her sobs woke Miki/Koko up. However, the
latter pretended to be sleeping, as she knows that Kotoko is trying to be
strong in front of others and thought it would be good for Kotoko to have a
cry to vent out her emotions.

The next day, when Miki/Koko woke up, she could not find Kotoko in the room
and was worried that Kotoko might do silly things (suicide). Miki/Koko
quickly rush downstairs but instead, found Kotoko preparing breakfast in the
kitchen. Miki/Koko heaved a sigh of relieve. “Ohaiyo!” Kotoko greeted
Miki/Koko with a smile. Miki/Koko was in doubt if Kotoko’s breakfast is suit
for human consumption and samples the food in small bits and found out that
Kotoko had added excessive sugar and the meal was inconsumable. The duo
quickly got dressed and went for work at the hospital. On the bus, Kotoko
who was dazing, nearly miss the stop as Miki/Koko was sitting in front got
down first.

Luckily, Miki/Koko turned back to see if Kotoko was alright and quickly wake
her up from the daze. (The stop is opposite the hospital so Kotoko and
Miki/Koko have to cross over) On their way, some nurses were wondering why
Kotoko is with Miki/Koko instead of Naoki. Some nurses who are fans or
admirers of Naoki even deduce that Naoki and Kotoko are going to get divorce
soon; Naoki is having an affair outside; Kotoko is a lesbian and disserted
Naoki because of Miki/Koko… Kotoko was utterly hurt by their words but still
put on a brave front and continue to work. Naoki also knew what was going on
and was rather guilty and upset for he was the one who cause so much pain on
Kotoko.

Sano who saw this thinks that if he is going to surround Kotoko with his
care and concern, Kotoko would definitely fall into his arms. But, after
much thoughts, Sano remembered that one should fight in the open and not
have sneak attacks behind his enemy. He then decided that he should show
care and concern for Kotoko only as a friend and nothing else (A true
gentleman act!) “Kotoko, are you alright?” asked Sano. Kotoko then replied
that she is alright but Sano insist that they have a talk while Kotoko was
scared stiff and immediately cooked up an excuse to get away.

On the other hand, Naoki was also not concentrating in his work as well and
made several blunders at work. Naoki’s superior, Yukoto, who also like
Naoki, went and talk to him. “May I come in?” asked Yukoto who was at the
door. “Come in” said Naoki coldly. When Yukoto came in, Naoki was rather
surprised for her sudden visit and Yukoto ask Naoki if there is any problem
with his marriage in a caring tone. Naoki replied frankly that indeed there
are some problems but he can settle them himself and he thank Yukoto for her
concern and said that if there is nothing else, he wish to get back to his
work. Yukoto had no choice but to leave.

At home, Mama was very worried about the situation and was thinking of plans
to help the couple. However, Yuki stopped her and said that she will ruin
things instead of helping. At the hospital, Kotoko was looking at the notice
board, which says that nurses can apply for overseas training courses if
they pass two tests, a practical and theory. They duration for the training
overseas is five years; food and accommodation would be provided. Kotoko is
now wondering if she should go for it. Two reasons being that; test the love
between she and Naoki, another is to enrich herself with more knowledge and
experiences overseas so that she will be able to help Naoki in the future
and not always slack far behind Naoki.

Kotoko than went to see the head nurse who was the person-in-charge of this
exchange programme/training programme. The head nurse was shocked that
Kotoko is interested in it and asked, “ Kotoko, do you know that the
exchange this time does not involve doctors but only nurses?” Kotoko
answered that she knew and that was exactly why she wanted to take part in
it. The head nurse was stumped by Kotoko words, as it was a fact that Kotoko
always stick to Naoki and why did she choose to part with him. Kotoko ask
the nurse again and she replied that Kotoko could join but she advises
Kotoko to think twice and discuss it with her family.

Kotoko replied that she could decide what she wants to do without permission
from others and ask the head nurse to keep it a secret, especially from
Naoki.
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Chapter 5

(Note: The scene now is at a garden at the hospital)
Kotoko is now in a daze and thinking about the training programme. She was
wondering if she could ‘survive’ overseas without her friends and Husband’s
help. But, Kotoko being Kotoko decided that if she has the will to do it,
she could definitely succeed! (ganbatte!!!) Meanwhile, Sano has just
finished his routines and saw Kotoko there, dreaming. He went over and
tapped Kotoko on the shoulders, which made her jumped! Sano then asked
Kotoko what’s is her problem and Kotoko told him about the training
programme. Sano, after hearing this felt sad and tried to persuade her not
to go, but his plot did not work after all…L

The next day, somehow, news of Kotoko going on a course without Naoki,
LEAKED!!! The whole hospital is debating on the issue and Naoki, who just
got to know this was utterly SHOCKED! Naoki was thinking if it was Sano who
persuaded Kotoko on going overseas to get them away from each other or was
it Kotoko, who has given up hopes on him and decided it by herself?

When Kotoko arrived to the hospital, she was surprised that everyone knows
about her plan and went to ask the head-nurse and those whom she has told
her plan to if they are the ones who betrayed her. Unfortunately, the
culprit could not be found. But, the truth is the Sano is the one who
released the news, an attempt to prevent Kotoko from going abroad. (He
thought that Naoki might go and stop her, if he still treasures her very
much…)

As expected, Naoki really went and took the initiative to look for Kotoko.
He asked Kotoko for a moment to talk and Kotoko agreed.

Silence………
Kotoko: So how’s life Naoki? (Very weird but no choice, have to break the
silence)

Naoki: You know what I want to talk about don’t you?

Kotoko: You mean about the training programme?

Naoki: Why are you doing this?

Kotoko: Naoki… have you ever thought that I might leave you?

Naoki: (Very shocked that Kotoko was so straight forward and talked so
maturely, he remained silent…)

Kotoko: You haven’t, have you? You thought that I would stay by your side
forever and accept the fact that you never treasured me or probably, even
loved me, huh? (Brink of crying L)

Naoki: What makes you think that I never loved you? Just because I did not
put up a fight? I did that because I trust you. (Very guilty that he made
Kotoko so sad and felt that way)

Kotoko: (Stopped Naoki from saying further) EXCUSES! When ever have you put
up a fight? Not even once! As a wife, when your husband doesn’t even put up
a fight with a rival, do you know how devastating and humiliating it is? I
bet you don’t. Cause you always have silly people like Reiko and I to put up
a fight for you! You have never being in my shoes before, how would you know
how I felt????? (Kotoko is getting a little out of control here)

(Naoki was utterly shocked and could not say a word. He had never put
himself in others shoes before and was shocked at how Kotoko felt when a
‘rival’ appear because he finally had a taste of it himself.)

Naoki: Kotoko, I… (Kotoko cuts him off)

Kotoko: (wiping away her tears) forget it. This conversation is getting
nowhere. I think it would be a good experience abroad and don’t bother to
make me change my mind cause I have already decided. (Kotoko walks off with
tears still streaming down)

Naoki just stood there, rooted to the ground, unable to move an inch,
thinking about Kotoko’s words and his behaviour towards this marriage in the
past. Memories of Kotoko fighting for him with other girls, the times Kotoko
and him spent, came flooding through his mind. IS THIS GOING TO BE THE END
OF MY MARRIAGE? (This question was replayed over and over again in his
brain. The thought of losing the one whom he loved and cared for the most
made him shivered.) --- (Author’s note: Is this too exaggerating? I hope not
hoh! I hope that this part would be the turning point of their lives.
So, added a lot of emotional words.)

3 days after Kotoko’s test, it was the time for the announcement of the results.
“Hie!!!! Don’t push!!!!!” every one was crowding around the bulletin board
to see the results. “AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Everyone’s
attention turned to the back and knew that the voice belongs to………………
Kotoko’s!!! It turns out that she has yelled out so loudly because she was
SHOCKED that she has managed to pass and was at the 16th place out of 50
over passes. Not only Kotoko was shocked but also friends and colleagues who
known the news. Some even said that it must be the omen of Armageddon (end
of the world). Naoki, who just got to know the news was amazed that Kotoko
has passed the test and at the same time, felt that he is going to lose
Kotoko any minute now. If Kotoko could pass the test, it meant that she must
really be very determined about her decision and would not turn back.
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Sharon Tan
sharon_tan87@hotmail.com