Mahito still
protests about the decision but the producer was firm for Mahito’s parents
are in debt. Mahito had borrowed money and had signed the contract for him to do
everything what the agency thinks is most beneficial for them. The producer tells him that as long as the account is not settled, he cannot leave the
company. Mahito cannot do anything but hit the wall in frustration.
In school, Ayanna exclaims that it is fate that Kazuomi is her classmate
again for the third straight years and that it must have meant for them to be
together. Kazuomi groans why he didn’t change his section. Kazuomi tries to
get away from Ayanna as Ringo comments to Michiyo that Ayanna is sure coming on
strong.
Kazuomi makes an alibi that he needs Ringo to buy some things after
school, so that he can ‘escape’ Ayanna. Ringo isn’t quite thrilled over it
because Ayanna is making a jealous face at her but Kazuomi pushes Ringo to the
door and bids Ayanna goodbye. Ayanna was furious and swears that she will get
back at Ringo so that she can get Kazuomi.
On her way home, Ayanna notices that she is being followed lately.
Shiroyama, Ayanna’s father confronts the stalker who immediately told
Shiroyama that he only wants to talk to Ayanna. The stalker was Mahito’s
agent.
While shopping, Kazuomi asks Ringo what she wants to eat for dinner.
Ringo quickly tells him that she wants ‘bamboo shoot rice.’ Kazuomi
suspiciously asks if it was the recipe for the next show and Ringo sheepishly
said yes. Kazuomi says that they will make something like it. Kazuomi suggests
that they buy foods that are in season like peas, clams, sweet potatoes,
mushrooms and others to remind people of what season it is. So, the topic for
the show will be “Food Taste According to the Season.”
Kazuomi comments that he is happy to help her. Ringo raves that they
would have a rarely discussed topic and that she cannot wait to meet Mahito
again. She wonders if Mahito will help him with the topic. Kazuomi is quite
jealous and quickly comments that he doesn’t know. Ringo wonders why Kazuomi
is angry.
While going to the studio to talk of the new season for the program,
Ringo happily thinking about working with Mahito again after two years and that
she will try her best. After greeting the staff, she notices that Mahito isn’t
there yet. Director Watanabe tells Ringo that Mahito cannot make it for the day
and he might be busy. Ringo is a bit disappointed so she gives her topic for the
program to Watanabe who decided to fax it to Mahito.
The staff then tell Ringo that there is a new cooking show called
‘Sweet Cooking,’ which will be shown on Friday night at 6pm. From the
format, the new show will rival their own show. Ringo tells them not to worry
for they have Mahito so they will not lose. Somewhere, Watanabe was talking with
another man about Mahito can no longer be used. They are negotiating if there is
still time to prevent it from happening and they will only tell the others the
last minute in case something good happens to reverse the situation.
On Friday night, Ayanna calls Kazuomi telling him to watch a cooking show
at 6pm and asks Ringo to watch it with him. Kaede, Kazuomi’s mom, asks him who
called and Kazuomi told them what Ayanna said. Ringo immediately open the
television to know their new competition and to her shock, the hosts of the new
program are Ayanna and Mahito. Kazuomi was also surprised by it and asks what is
going on. Kaede quietly tells her son that it seems that Ringo doesn’t know
either. Then, Ayanna tells the viewers that their topic is “Food Taste
According to the Season.” Kazuomi is quite angry for it was their topic. Ringo
is still puzzled and stunned over what has happened.
The next day, Watanabe asks Ringo if she saw the new program and then
tells her that Mahito had already left their show. Watanabe suggests that
another announcer would take Mahito’s place for the mean time. Ringo replies
that she can do the show on her own so he shouldn’t be worried. As they
prepare for the taping, Watanabe asks Kazuomi how Ringo is taking all of this.
Kazuomi says that he doesn’t know what she was thinking for she is still
stunned. She does not cry nor smile.
During the taping, Ringo tries her best to greet the television viewers
as cheerful as she can. She pretends that everything is okay and thinks she can
do it on her own. The new topic is to make a spring salad without the use of a
knife. At one part, she unconsciously called out Mahito to agree with her. When
she looks at her side, Mahito is not there. Nevertheless, Ringo keeps up with
her charade and ends the show. After the show, Ringo quickly holds Kazuomi’s
arm as Kazuomi pats her head. Everyone was glad that today’s taping is
finished.
On the way home, Ringo asks Kazuomi how she did in the show. Kazuomi says
that she did great. Ringo was telling Kazuomi that she even forgot what was she
doing when she sees Mahito waiting for her at a corner. Mahito bows and
apologizes for what had happened. He explains that he was forced to let the
program go because he had a contract. Ringo realizes that it is about his
parent’s debt.
Kazuomi shouts at Mahito that it is not a reasonable excuse for because
of him, Ringo is deeply hurt. Ringo shouts that it is alright then calmly says
that she is grateful for all the help that Mahito did for her but since it is
time for him to help his parents, it is okay with her so she hopes the best for
him.
Ringo tries to smile and understand but her emotions are overflowing that
she covered her face to cry. Mahito tries to comfort her but Kazuomi shouts for
him to go away and never try to meet with Ringo again. Kazuomi hugs Ringo as he
thinks that Mahito had betrayed Ringo. Mahito looked downcast.
To be continued.....