#22 Beautiful
Everyone arrives at Hazumu’s house a bit later than usual, to take her to school. At school they try their hardest to stay up beat and positive around her but as the day progresses it becomes difficult for them not to break down into tears in front of her. Even Hazumu is having a hard time fighting back the tears.
#23 Concert
Tomari seems to be having the hardest time accepting the tragic news about her best friend. She no longer walks home with Hazumu instead she races home and jumps into bed hiding under the sheets.
Meanwhile the alien starts apologizing to Hazumu for telling her about her impending death. Where he is from such news is normal to express to an individual with no negative consequences. He is sorry that he did not account for her “human” emotions. Hazumu (being ever so polite) says it’s no big deal. She has accepted the news and now everything around her seems that much more beautiful and precious.
At school, Yasuna is working hard knitting a scarf (it’s her first time knitting). Hazumu seems very impressed by Yasuna’s new skill. They then make plans to walk home after their school activities.
After school in the ensemble room, a couple of music students ask Yasuna if she will perform a solo during their upcoming Christmas concert. Yasuna happily agrees. The girls proceed to tell Yasuna that they have noticed a change in her (she in no longer standoffish). They ask her if there is someone special in her life. She informs them that yes there is someone special in her life.
Hazumu later shows up in the ensemble room a bit late. Yasuna tells her about the Christmas concert and Hazumu is happy for Yasuna opportunity. Yasuna then asks Hazumu would she like to hear her perform a musical piece. Hazumu eagerly says yes and Yasuna performs a lovely piece for Hazumu that brings tears to her eyes (it always happens whenever Yasuna plays her flute). Afterwards, Yasuna asks Hazumu if she will be attending her Christmas concert. Hazumu hesitates a bit (a shocked expression moves across her face) but she inform Yasuna that she will try to attend the Christmas concert.
Yasuna thinks to herself that Hazumu will be there at the concert because she believes in Hazumu.
#24 False Strength
This chapter begins with Tomari telling herself that she is strong and that she will continue to protect Hazumu as she has always done.
At school she notices how Yasuna has been handling the news quite well while she on the other hand seems to run away and cry. Even Ayuki notices the bags under her eyes. She also informs Tomari that her relationship with Hazumu has moved back to square 1 while Yasuna’s relationship has progressed.
During lunchtime while they wait for Hazumu; Yasuna, Tomari, and Ayuki take a look at the Bento Box Hazumu has prepared for them. Yasuna goes on about how Hazumu made enough lunch for everyone and how she even took up knitting just like her. Tomari unexpectedly shouts WHY but quickly becomes embarrass and makes up an excuse that the girl who just arrived on the rooftop was from her track team and had some important information to tell her. So Tomari excuses herself and takes off with the girl. Yasuna tries to stop Tomari from leaving but with no luck. Even Hazumu, who is just arriving on the rooftop, is curious as to why Tomari is leaving. Tomari quickly explains that “track stuff came up” and she rushes down the stairs with the girl.
In the hallway the girl informs Tomari that their regional track meet won’t be held until December. Tomari shudders at the thought because Hazumu won’t be around to watch the meet.
Later that day Tomari begins thinking about Hazumu and some how wanders to the garden club on top of the roof. She spots Hazumu and hides. She observes Hazumu talking to the plants. Hazumu is telling the plants that she is worried about Tomari and asks that the plant keep a watch over Tomari since she won’t be around much longer to do so herself.
After hearing that, Tomari takes of running with tears gushing from her eyes. For Tomari, it has always been her responsibility to protect Hazumu forever and she wants to tell Hazumu this but for some reason she can not do it. Tomari gets all tripped up, lost in her thoughts and goes crashing into a puddle of water. She doesn’t know what to do about Hazumu or her feelings.
#25 Hazumu’s Feelings
Hazumu has a job and she decides to spend her first paycheck on her friends. The gifts that she will purchase for each of them will be little memento to remember her by. She gives Yasuna a beautiful headband, Ayuki a white lab coat, and Asuta 5 toe socks. She waits patiently for Tomari to arrive at school so she can give Tomari her present. As she is waiting, Hazumu starts to recall how much she relies on Tomari and how much she enjoyed watching Tomari run.
Tomari enters the classroom and Hazumu hands her her gift. She tells Tomari that it’s track shoes and how she bought them with her first paycheck. Tomari slaps the gift out of Hazumu’s hand and screams “WHY DO YOU INSIST ON DOING THIS CRAP!?” Needless to say Hazumu is shocked by Tomari’s sudden outburst (so is the rest of the group).
#26 The Tortoise and the Hare
Tomari refuses to take Hazumu’s gift. It won’t make her happy or ease the pain of losing Hazumu. Throughout the day Tomari refuses to take the gift from Hazumu. Hazumu decides to place the gift inside Tomari’s desk. Tomari sees it and starts to cry. She grabs the shoes and takes off running (to avoid seeing Hazumu).
She ends up going to the park where she finally opens the package and starts crying again. She’s upset because for her it seems as if Hazumu doesn’t need her anymore which means Hazumu no longer needs her protection.
The lack of sleep and endless tears catch up with Tomari and she falls asleep. When she wakes up she discovers Hazumu sitting right beside her. Hazumu tells Tomari that she doesn’t’ want to fight anymore and eagerly wants to know what she had don’t wrong. Tomari tries to explain but instead lunges at Hazumu and the two of them embrace with tears streaming down their cute little faces.
#27
Let’s Play
The gang enjoys a pleasant day picking grapes and playing with one another. Even the alien and Jan-puu come along and enjoy in the fun. The alien informs Ayuki that Hazumu doesn’t want anyone to know about her situation unfortunately Hazumu’s instructions occurred after the alien had already told everyone (Hazumu doesn’t know he did this of course). Ayuki says it is better that they all know the truth. It would have been some serious, damaging & tragic effects had they all not had the opportunity to say goodbye. The way things are now they all have the opportunity to make memories together that will last forever in their hearts.
#28 The Two Sides of Farwell
Yasuna has a great opportunity to go to New York to study music. It’s news that spreads quickly throughout the school. This news causes Hazumu and the others to get a bit concern especially when Yasuna doesn’t show up for class and by the fact that she didn’t personally tell them about her news.
Yasuna finally
arrives for 6th period. After school Hazumu and Yasuna walk home together. Hazumu wants to know the truth about the rumors but wants Yasuna to bring it up first. They arrive outside of Yasuna’s home. Hazumu grabs Yasuna and asks her for the truth about New York. Yasuna explains that yes she was accepted to a school to study music but she turned them down. Hazumu asks why and Yasuna replies, “Oh, that’s easy because you’re not over there Hazumu-kun, You’re here.”
Hazumu starts to realize how awful goodbyes really are especially when a person keeps them to themselves. Hazumu thinks about her situation and understand that goodbyes don’t belong to 1 person only.
Hazumu embraces Yasuna and they kiss.
Special #4 TheAsuta Show!
This special is made up of a daytime fantasy Asuta creates consisting of his best friend Hazumu as his girlfriend.
Read the next chapter – Chapter 5 of KashiMashi
