03x04 - To Work You Have the Right, But Not to the Fruits Thereof

[bunniefuu]

♪

[birds chirping]

[clacking]

♪

Hm?

[groans]

Huh.

Hm.

"I'd like to meet up with you after class today and talk.

Also, what are you calling me about? Curious."

Does this guy have any idea what day it is?

Ugh.

I don't know.

I just got the sudden urge to call you,

but it's nothing serious.

Anyway, I'm down to meet up,

but the earlier we do it, the better.

[beeps]

♪

[chuckles]

[indistinct chatter]

-[groans] -Huh.

[MATSUSHITA] Who all have you given it to?

Hey, Ayanakoji!

Did you get any V-day chocolate yet?

Chocolate?

Lemme translate here.

He wants to know if you got any chocolate

from Horikita, specifically.

Shut up! It's got nothing to do with Suzune!

So? Did you get any yet or what?

Haven't gotten any.

Don't expect to get any.

[indistinct chatter]

-You serious? -Deadly.

Yeah, good call!

Why would she ever give you any, y'know?

Hm.

Chocolate is nothing.

I have higher priorities than the attention of women.

Calm down, Ego Man.

Wait, you changed your tune.

What about operation Young Lust?

I'm on a journey of discovery.

Our recent meditation training led me

to a massive personal breakthrough.

Allowing me to see what is truly import--

[IKE] How about you, Hondo?

Hey, I'm sharing my heart here!

Zero for me.

If I don't get at least one, I might throw up.

From Shinohara, we know.

What are you even talking about, dude?

Why would you specifically bring up Shinohara?

[HONDO] I mean, you two are always talking and stuff.

Shinohara's got a soft spot for you, right, Ike?

We're not always talking!

It's not like that.

Come on, why don't you just admit it, man?

You really like her.

[IKE] Nuh-uh! I do not!

Maybe. the girls are just feeling shy,

so they haven't even started handing out

-their chocolate yet. -You're right!

So, you're sayin' there's a chance for chocolate?

[gasps] Oops!

[sighs] Good morning, everyone.

[all gasping]

For real?

Well, crap.

Guess the girls aren't just feeling shy.

He breaks up with Karuizawa and immediately gets this?

[SATO] So, what about you, Matsushita?

Did you bring chocolate for anyone in particular?

What now?

So then, how're things with Kushida?

What do you mean?

How's the progress on your budding friendship?

I'm not sure.

I'm still focused on improving my relationship with her.

Are you interested in helping at all?

No, I was just curious.

How like you.

Anyway,

Kushida's, well, let's just say she's changing.

She agreed to meet me at the Keyaki Mall cafe

today after class.

In the past she would turn me down flat immediately,

no matter what I proposed.

That so?

I think that's a sign that she'll be rational.

[AYANOKOJI] I'm glad to hear it.

Your tone belies your words.

It concerns you, too.

[SHINOHARA] Now I see why you didn't bring any chocolate.

-[SUDO] Suzune? -Huh.

What do you want?

Oh, uh...

I, um...

was wondering if you could help me study.

You're being uncharacteristically

assertive today.

Oh, am I? Weird.

Just trying to stay in school.

So, anywhoo, whaddaya say, today after...

No.

But we can begin after clubs conclude,

-that's plenty of time. -Huh.

Yeah, okay.

[all sigh]

[indistinct chatter]

[AYANOKOJI] According to Karuizawa's report,

Ichinose stayed home again today.

Hm.

♪

[NAGUMO] I was wondering who that was.

First-years? Having a secret meeting at this hour?

♪

Move.

[NAGUMO] I've a certain fondness, you know,

for people like you.

Though I'm sorry to say you wouldn't fit

in my student council.

-Hm. -Hm.

♪

Now, then, Horikita,

to get down to brass tacks.

You want to do this in front of the first-year?

I don't see any problem with that.

I'd like, for you to sit out the exam tomorrow.

And I'm sure you already know I can't do that.

Oh, come on, don't tell me that you've failed

to anticipate my next move.

Although, it does make sense,

there's not a single student in this school

who can predict what I'm thinking, after all.

And that includes your personal favorite.

Oh, yeah, that's right, you were in the same group

as that first-year, were you not?

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji.

[gasps]

[HASHIMOTO] He's the guy Manabu Horikita

thinks most highly of.

And if Ayanokoji was involved

in Ryuen's downfall, then that must mean...

Maybe I'm overthinking it?

He doesn't look like a man with many layers.

-[shivering] It's so cold! -Huh.

Why did you insist on us meeting all the way up here?

There've got to be better places!

[HASHIMOTO] Karuizawa?

Well, we can't exactly meet up in the lobby.

Even if you have broken up with Hirata,

it could lead to unsavory rumors.

You wouldn't want that now, would you?

I guess not.

But doesn't sneaking around seem even fishier?

I mean, what if we get spotted?

You wanna talk about rumors?

No worries there.

Sheesh, you're cautious about some things

and not at all about others.

Fine.

Ugh, still, it's freezing out!

Like, why can't it just be summer already?

Then when summer comes, you'll be like,

"It's too hot, why can't it be winter?"

Ugh. Well, that's just how I work, so get used to it!

[HASHIMOTO] What are they talking about?

So she's the one Ayanokoji's been contacting in secret?

Karuizawa? Really?

So? Why'd you want to talk to me?

And today of all days?

It could have been any day, actually.

Oh, yeah?

I thought there might be a specific reason

you asked to see me today, but fine, I guess not.

There's not, I just wanted to confirm something

as soon as I possibly could.

Wow.

[AYANOKOJI] Does this number ring any bells for you?

[KARUIZAWA] [sighs] Who could that be?

It's not anybody in my contact list.

Why don't you just call them back and ask?

Yeah, I tried to, several times,

but their phone was off.

Well, is it important?

Do you need me to dig around?

It is.

That's what I wanted to speak to you about.

But please, don't be careless about it.

Yeah, I won't.

So, is that all you wanted?

-[AYANOKOJI] Um, actually... -[gasps]

What else?

How are you feeling about finals coming up soon?

I expect them to be rather difficult.

Huh? For real?

Well, would you mind tutoring me?

Or not?

Well, I can't allow you into our study group, but...

Maybe one on one?

How 'bout late night sessions?

It's better than getting expelled, I guess!

Agreed.

Right, let's get those on the books.

Sure, you've got it!

Okay. See you later.

-Uh, hey, wait! -Hm.

So, um...

Can I give you a little quiz?

A quiz?

Do you know what today is by chance?

The answer's so obvious,

I feel like I am going to get it wrong

even though I'm sure that I'm right.

[KARUIZAWA] Don't overthink it.

Just give me your first impulse.

-[AYANOKOJI] Valentin... -[KARUIZAWA] Yep, that's right.

Is that for me?

Well, technically no,

because I originally brought it for Yosuke,

but there's no need for that now.

So, it was for Hirata, ah.

So, what? Problem?

No.

I was thinking that you must prepare

for Valentine's Day, really far in advance.

I-I just like to be prepared, okay?

I'd decided to break up with him,

but there was a chance

that I might still need it, you know?

Is that how this stuff works?

Well, since you don't have any romantic experience,

I'm sure you wouldn't understand.

Suppose not.

And here I thought you'd chosen today

'cause you were hoping I'd give you some chocolate.

[AYANOKOJI] Sorry, I wasn't thinking about that at all.

Just curious, did you get any from anyone else?

-Oh, no. Not even one. -[gasps]

Zero?

That makes sense, you are so cut out for zeroes.

Maybe so,

but are you sure about this?

If you give it to me, then I won't have zero.

Yeah, that's true, which is still pretty pathetic.

Think of me as your emergency backup.

Oh, and feel free to give me double as thanks!

Is that really how it works?

Yep, you bet that's how it works.

[HASHIMOTO] Valentine's chocolate, huh?

If it's all romance stuff,

I guess that's about as interesting as it'll get.

No, wait.

-Hey, by the way. -Hm.

-Huh. -Hm.

[gasps]

Well, anyway,

guess I'd better head home.

[HASHIMOTO] Yo!

What's up, guys?

♪

[chuckles]

And, um...

-You are? -He's Hashimoto from Class A.

We were in the same group at the training camp.

A secret meeting in a place like this?

You're more than meets the eye, aren't you, Ayanokoji?

There is nothing secret about it, okay?

Don't hide it.

Today is Valentine's Day.

Look, we weren't at all meeting up for Valentine's Day.

Come on, I can see the chocolate she gave you.

I was on my way to the library,

when Karuizawa asked for a moment of my time.

Right, I don't see any difference, really.

I'm not sure I follow.

Do you have some issue with this?

Well, it's just so strange.

Karuizawa's last boyfriend was Hirata, you know.

So, you wanted Ayanokoji so badly

you dumped a great guy like Hirata.

Naturally piques the curiosity, doesn't it?

Oh, sorry, I think you

may have got the wrong idea about this.

-How so? -See...

I was originally gonna give that chocolate to Hirata,

but throwing it out felt like such a waste.

So, I needed a random guy,

and Ayanokoji was the lucky winner.

You two seemed pretty friendly for him

to be some random guy.

Sorry, not buying it, no can do.

Huh?

So, you jump out and start making accusations?

What's your problem, anyway?

I don't have a problem,

I just want to find out the truth is all.

Okay, enough,

you might as well give it up and be honest with him.

There's no point in hiding it now.

It will just make trouble for us later.

It would be worse for us both if he thought

we were dating, wouldn't it?

[gasps]

Fine, I'll tell you,

but you'd better not go spreading this around, okay?

Cross my heart.

I'm just handing the chocolate off

to Ayanokoji to deliver it.

And then he's gonna give it to the guy

I've really got my eye on.

So, you're telling me that Ayanokoji

is just a go-between?

That's exactly right.

Do you get it now?

[HASHIMOTO] Yeah, I do.

But who's it really for?

[KARUIZAWA] Huh? You expect me to tell that

to some guy I just met?

Are you a moron?

So harsh.

Well, fair enough, I guess.

Seriously, back off already.

Hm.

Yeah, I guess I really misinterpreted the situation.

Here I thought you two had a special relationship.

Which wouldn't have been any of your concern, anyway,

so how about you mind your own business?

Well...

I wouldn't say it's not my business.

Hey, back off!

-[grunts] -[gasps]

I've had my eye on you for a while now.

You should go out with me, Karuizawa.

Huh?

I don't know who that chocolate's meant for,

and I don't care.

You haven't told him how you feel yet, right?

What are you talking about?

You really think this is the way

to get a girl to go out with you?

Fortune favors the bold in matters of the heart.

That's what makes it so much fun.

Okay. Well, I'll be going now.

-Hey, hold on! -[gasps]

Wait, I'm getting out of here, too! Bye!

Jeez, frigid much?

[KARUIZAWA] What a total creep.

Sorry 'bout that, Ayanokoji.

I came at an awkward time, huh?

Doesn't matter to me.

There's a lot of stuff I've been wanting

to talk to you about,

so could I maybe get your contact info?

Okay.

[pinging]

Thanks a bunch.

Well, I should probably be heading home now.

See you around, Ayanokoji.

Sure.

[sizzling]

[AYANOKOJI] I certainly wasn't expecting to get five of them.

It's about time to go.

[door rumbling]

[bell dings]

-[ICHINOSE] Yes? -Ichinose, hey.

It's Ayanokoji.

[ICHINOSE] Ayanokoji? What are you...

[Ichinose coughing]

[AYANOKOJI] That sounds bad.

You have a cold?

[ICHINOSE] Yeah. [sniffles]

So, it's, um, not a great time.

I thought that maybe you hadn't been eating too well.

Can you keep rice porridge down?

[ICHINOSE] It's just...

Also, I'd prefer it if no one saw me out here.

Can you at least accept a little check-in?

[ICHINOSE] Hang on a minute.

[door opens]

You don't take no for an answer.

Do you, Ayanokoji?

I don't.

-Here. -[gasps]

Thanks, I...

[both gasp]

Oh, jeez.

-Are you all right? -Yeah.

So, would you, um, would you like to come inside?

♪

-[AYANOKOJI] Feel any better? -Yeah.

Thanks a lot.

But you really could have just called me.

You didn't have to come over.

I wanted to talk in person.

Sorry to come over so late.

Have you seen a doctor?

[ICHINOSE] Yeah. They said it's a cold.

[AYANOKOJI] I see.

[ICHINOSE] And listen.

I'm sorry to make you wear a mask, too.

I just don't want anyone catching what I've got.

I'm feeling quite a lot better, though.

I think all the oversleeping and under-eating

is doing most of the damage at this point.

So, um, this rice porridge, did you make it?

Yeah.

Well, it's good.

Honestly, I can't remember the last time I ate.

You need to be eating proper meals.

I know.

I can't remember the last time I saw anyone in person, either.

[AYANOKOJI] No one's come by?

[ICHINOSE] Well, a bunch of my friends

did come to see me,

but I turned them away.

After that, I think they were convinced I was depressed,

so, they stopped trying.

Did you want to talk to me in person

because you were worried that I was missing school

'cause of the rumors?

If that's the case, I really appreciate it.

Thanks.

But for real,

I'd never skip school because of some silly rumors.

[AYANOKOJI] You're a strong person.

[ICHINOSE] I'm not so sure about strong.

[AYANOKOJI] She puts on a good front,

but emotional stress can have significant adverse effects

on the immune system.

[coughing]

Well, you shouldn't stay too long.

Unless you wanna catch my cold.

[AYANOKOJI] Yeah, you're right.

I'm sorry for keeping you up, too.

[ICHINOSE] No, not at all.

Thanks for stopping by.

Yeah. Don't overdo it, okay?

[door closes]

[AYANOKOJI] That should do it.

[MIYAMOTO] Hey, are you

-kidding me? -[SHINOHARA] What in the world?

[HONDO] I mean, who could have done this?

[IKE] This is nuts!

Is all this stuff true?

[YAMAUCHI] This is awesome!

[MATSUSHITA] I had no idea.

[SUDO] This is really mean, you guys!

[WANG] By the time I got to class,

it was already everywhere.

♪

[gasps]

They can't do this!

Whoa. Hey, Sato, do you really hate Onodera? Huh?

Ugh, come on, of course not!

These are all just rumors, none of it's true!

I guess I'd better ask Onodera

if she knows why someone might think that.

Don't do that!

But if it's not true,

then there's no harm in asking her about it, right?

-That's awful, Yamauchi! -Shut up!

Will you just knock it off?

What? I'm only trying to confirm

whether it's made up or not.

Hey, Hondo!

Is yours true, too?

Huh. Ayanokoji!

It says you're into Karuizawa!

I'm not.

Oh, you're not? Well, you're boring.

As usual.

[HORIKITA] The message board is awash with ugly rumors.

There's one about you, too.

Shinohara! [gasps]

-Were you really a prost*tute? -I was not! Stop!

-[chuckles] -Yamauchi, I swear if you don't cut it out!

C'mon, don't hide it!

This is stupid!

It's just a bunch of made-up rumors!

You loving all this makes me think you wrote them!

Huh? No way, it wasn't me!

Ugh, enough! Just come clean already!

Whoever wrote these rumors better admit it!

Well, you know what they say, don't you?

"Where there's smoke, there's fire."

Shut your damn mouth!

I mean, the real problem here

is the people getting written about, isn't it?

Like, seriously.

Let's talk. It's all true, am I right?

-Yamauchi! -Wait!

Yamauchi, can you just sit down and shut up?

Aw, c'mon, guys.

Shinohara's always so stuck-up,

and this is our chance to get some payback.

Payback for what?

And she said it wasn't true!

She might be lying.

It's always the plain girls like her

who have done the nastiest stuff.

None of it is true!

I didn't do any of that.

Come on, for real, stop.

How disappointing, Sudo,

I thought you were cool.

I don't know. Like, with Sato.

She really doesn't like Onodera very much, does she?

Hey, stop it, Miyamoto, that is not true at all!

But he has a point,

we don't see the two of you hanging out very often, do we?

What? Well, it's just...

This is awful.

We'd finally achieved some class unity, and now this.