Ai Ebihara

Oh, it's you...
Hey, you wanna ditch class? Don't worry,
we'll be back before the last bell.

Really... Alright, then meet me at the
shoe lockers.

Figures. See ya.

> You accepted Ai's invitation and
decided to skip afternoon classes.

> You declined Ai's invitation.

...Oh. It's you.
Feel like ditching class? Don't worry,
we'll be back before school gets out.

See you soon, then.

> You accepted Ai's invitation and
decided to ditch class.

Figures. See ya.

> You declined Ai's invitation.

> Okina Station, Croco Fur...

Today I feel like getting something
that's easy to slip into.

Hmmm, doesn't look like they've gotten
anything new in. I already have all of
this...

Because I hate wearing a uniform, that's
why.

> Ai frowns...

I'll get something next time, but I want
something today, too. I came here to
buy, not to look.

> Ai looks enthusiastic...

Come on, it's one of the only pleasures
I have.

> Ai looks annoyed...

Hey, I'm thirsty.
Buy me an ice latte.

Oh yeah, add a shot of caramel, okay?

> Ai ordered like it was second nature.

Huh...? Did you seriously just say that?
You're probably the first guy who's ever
taken that tone with me.

> Ai is surprised...

Huh? But I wanted my own...
Oh well. I guess you'll have to buy a
grande then.

> Ai smiles mischievously...

Oh, Ai-chan! You're back again?

...Well, yeah?

Are you looking for anything in
particular today?
Oh, we got a purse in that's just your
style! The guys'll be alllll over you!

...That's all right. I'm not shopping for
purses today.

Ooh, is that your boyfriend? He's quite
a handsome one! Are you gonna introduce
him to me?
I've had the worst luck with men lately!
We were at the bar the other night--

Sorry, we've really gotta get going.
I'll be back.

> You returned to the station...

*sigh* I hate salespeople.
I'm the one keeping them in business,
why do they have to pounce on me every
time I go in there?
They should get rid of all salespeople
and put in vending machines. Press a
button, and out come your clothes.

Isn't it? I don't need all that
pointless banter.
I can see right through it... There's
no such thing as a relationship without
ulterior motives.

> Ai looks somewhat sad...

You think so? But what's the point of
all that petty small talk?
I can see right through it... There's
no such thing as a relationship without
ulterior motives.

> Ai looks somewhat sad...

I don't know why, but I got a little
annoyed when she was talking about you
back there.
She said you were handsome. Good for
you, I guess.

> Ai looks like she's pouting...
> You feel like you understand Ai a
little bit more now...

Let's go home. It'll be dark by the time
we get back.
Not like I have any reason to hurry...

> You returned to Inaba with Ai and went
home...

> Fog has enveloped the area...

> Okina City, in front of Okina Station...
> You came here because Ai insisted...

Hmmm... I don't really feel like buying
stuff today.
What should we do instead?

What? You mean YOU want to go shopping?
Wellll, I guess that could be interesting
once or twice...

> Ai seems willing enough...

What? You mean you don't have any kind
of plan? Sounds boring...
Oh, well. Maybe you'll be able to
make it interesting.

> Ai seems willing enough...

You got a problem?
What's there to complain about? You get
to be with me!

> You hear the conviction in Ai's voice...

You know, it's pretty funny...
If I didn't sign up to manage your team,
you wouldn't be here with me now.
Looking at it from your perspective,
I'd say you got pretty lucky.

Haha, I guess you should be thanking me.

> Ai looks almost happy...

Haha, are you still all butthurt that
I made you skip class? You should be
thanking me! You're a real rebel now...

> Ai smiles mischievously...

It was your advisor who put me
on your team.
He said something like, "Ai, being on a
team should teach you something about
putting someone besides yourself first!"
I don't understand people who play sports
in the slightest...
But I guess it wouldn't kill me to go
cheer you on every once in a while.

> Ai smiles with self importance for
some reason...
> It seems she's begun to like you a little...

H-Hey, u-um, Ai-san!
U-Um, us meeting here like this...
I-It must be f-fate, right!? So, um...
Y-You w-wanna go o-o-out with me
sometime!?

Ha, are you kidding me?

Have you looked in a mirror recently?

> Ai rejected him without a second
thought....

Why? There's no way I'd go out with him,
so why get his hopes up? Wouldn't that
be even meaner?

> Ai shrugs...

Why? Even if he's a nice guy, I'm not
attracted to him at all. Then I'd be
getting his hopes up for nothing, right?

> Ai shrugs...

What's that supposed to mean?
......

What makes you think you have any right
to be mad at me?
Y'know... At the very least, I've never
judged you for who you are.

I'm going home.

> You rode the bus home with Ai without
exchanging a word...

Well, a guy has to look at least on par
with me before I'd consider him.
That, and he has to click with me,
I guess... Besides, I'm not interested
in dating anyone right now.

> Ai speaks with indifference.

*sigh* I'm bushed. Let's go home.

> You returned to Inaba with Ai and
went home.

> Fog has enveloped the area...

> Yasogami High shoe lockers...
> Ai told you she would be right back...

Hey , whatcha doing?
Our class had a presentation today, so
we were at the auditorium.

What's up, ?
Our class had a guest speaker in the
auditorium today, so...

Oh yeah, you guys are both on the
basketball team, right?

Oh yeah, you guys are both on the soccer
team, huh?

Hey... Isn't Ai Ebihara your manager!?

Seriously!? Damn, now I'm jealous!

It's not like she comes to practice...

Ai Ebihara...? Oh, her. She's never around.

Heh, probably because she's always on
the prowl for guys.

Yeah, I heard she's pretty loose. And
doesn't she look like she's got a sugar
daddy or two?

Yeah, she's stacking the paper.

I wonder how much she gets paid...?

Damn, dude, don't hold back or anything!

You think it's a cheaper market out here
in the boonies?

I don't know man, this is premium grade
high school tail we're talking about...
And with a body like that?

Seriously, just look at her hips...

> The conversation is getting more and
more vulgar...

> The conversation stopped abruptly.
> It seems Kou was also offended...

> The conversation stopped abruptly.
> It seems Daisuke was also offended...

Cut the crap, guys. You don't even know
if that stuff is true.

Knock it off, guys. Maybe someone should
spread some rumors about you, and we'll
see how you like it.

Alright, alright... Aw shit, I'm gonna be late
for the meeting!

Sorry, . I know you and
Ai-san are pretty close, right?
But those guys aren't usually that bad.
Don't hold it against 'em, all right?

> You sense Kou's consideration...

See ya.

Sorry about that... Sounds like they've
got the hots for our manager.
They were talking like that at practice
too... But don't worry, I'll yell at them
later, man.

> You sense Daisuke's consideration...

I'll see you later.

......

They were practically yelling.

Are you just gonna pretend all that
didn't happen...?

Not that... stuff like that really
bothers me.
I expect it.

> Ai's sad expression betrays her...
> You feel as though you've seen a new
side of Ai...

It's not like... that kinda stuff really
bothers me.
I expect it.
They don't even know me. Why should I
care what they think...?
I'm fine...
But... thanks.

> Ai blushes happily...
> You feel like you understand Ai even
better now...

I'm gonna head home...
......
And you're gonna walk with me.

> You walked Ai to her house and
went home...

> Yasogami High rooftop...
> Ai yanked your arm all the way up here...

H-Hey. Umm...
Th-Thank you for that, last time...

You know... at the shoe lockers. Those
stupid guys were... talking about me.

> Ai looks embarrassed...

I was... you know, happy.

> Ai looks embarrassed...

No, you did...

> Ai looks embarrassed...

I-I'm...
I'm in a weird mood...
Every time I think about what happened,
I can feel my heart beat faster, and
I hardly sleep at night...
Wh-What should I do...?

I...
I think...
What should I do? I think I'm... in love.
It's funny, isn't it? Like... why now?

I just keep thinking back on that day...

It's Kou-kun...

And about Daisuke-kun...

D-Do you know if he has a girlfriend?
Do you think maybe I'm his type? O-Or
do you think he hates... people like me?

Y-You think so...?

> Ai looks depressed...

Y-You're right!

> Ai nods seriously...

I-I see. So you don't talk to him...
about that kind of stuff?

> Ai looks distressed...

H-Hey, say something, would you?
I'm freaking out here...

> Ai's hands are trembling...

I-I'm not used to things like this...
You're the only one I can turn to...

> Ai is looking at you with pleading eyes...
> You feel your relationship with Ai
deepen as she reveals a side of herself
you've never seen before...

C'mon, please... You'll help me, right?
All I need you to do is... ask him what's
his type. That's it.

Thank goodness...
Um, y-you don't have to do it today or
anything, but... p-please...

> You parted with Ai in silence and went
home.

......
...You know how hard it was for me to
tell you all that!?
I thought you of all people would help me...
Fine, then! You jerk!

> Ai ran down the stairs...
> ...You decided to go home.

> Fog has enveloped the area...

> Yasogami High rooftop...
> Ai yanked your arm all the way up here...

S-So, did you ask him... what kind of girl
he likes?

> You told Ai about Kou's type...
"Nice girls."

> You told Ai about Daisuke's type...
"Nice girls."

..."Nice"?
He didn't say anything about being cute?
Not even like, "a beautiful woman" or
anything like that?

> Ai looks almost panicked...

B-But, every guy wants to be with a
pretty girl, right? It's the good-looking
girls who find love, isn't it!?

Forget this, I'm tired of beating around
the bush. Just go ask him if he's got a
crush on anyone.

What are you waiting for!? Go!

> ...You don't appear to have a choice.
> You decided to check downstairs...

> Fog has enveloped the area...

Oh, hey .
Man, I've gotta piss like a racehorse.

> You asked Kou if he has a crush on
anyone in particular...

Huh? You wanna know who I like!?
Er, this is awkward...
Well, ummm...
......

> ......
> You made one more honest effort to get
him to tell you.

A-Alright, but I'm only telling you this
because I trust you, man. Don't tell
her! In fact, don't tell anybody!
......
Ch... Chie-san.
......

Chie-san, dammit! Are you happy now!?
And while I'm at it, let me tell you,
I'm goddamn jealous that you sit next to
her in class, you lucky bastard!
See ya later! I've really gotta go!

Yo, . What's up?

> You asked Daisuke if he has a crush on
anyone in particular...

Huh!? What's gotten into you?
Nah... there isn't anyone.

> ......

> You asked if he had any interest in Ai.

Ai...? Like our manager, Ai?
Not interested.

We done playing 20 questions? Haha.
See ya later.

> You feel the presence of someone
watching you...

> ...It seems Ai was eavesdropping!

Don't come any closer!

Chie, as in Chie Satonaka, right? That
frumpy girl!?
I... I got beat out by THAT? I'm a
hundred times better-looking!

He doesn't like me! He's not interested
in the slightest!
I...! I...

> Ai has lost her composure...
> You need to calm her down before it gets
any worse...

Guys like pretty girls, don't they!?
I'm pretty now! And I had to work hard
to become this way!
But if I can't be loved, then...
Then what's the point!?

*sniff* *sob*

I...
I used to be fat and clumsy... My family
was poor, and everyone at school bullied
me all the time.

They used to surround me and say I was
gross, or they called me names like
"Piggy-hara"...
The boy I had a crush on even told me
not to look at him, because I'd "give him
my germs."

Those awful memories still haunt me in
my nightmares...

About the time I entered middle school,
my family came into their money.
Everyone got so jealous of us that we
ran away... and moved here.

I knew this was my chance to start over...
It was time to show them all...
I dieted, got into shape, and read every
fashion or women's magazine I could get
my hands on.
I studied them like they were textbooks
and learned all the secrets--everything
from attracting guys to smiling better.

But...

Ahaha...

Looks like... it was all for nothing.
I couldn't be loved unless I became pretty,
and now that I am, I still can't have it.

I guess I'm doomed. I'll never be loved,
will I?
It's not like I have any other redeeming
qualities...

You're... so nice to me.
I should've fallen in love with you...

...Sure. Y'know, I'd be fine with that.

Hey... Why don't you and I just go out?

Okay.

...You're a weird guy.
You're right, I'm sorry... I'm still...
a little confused.

> Ai smiles sadly...

> You feel your relationship with Ai has
grown deeper...

> ......
> Your relationship with Ai has become
intimate.

I'm going home now...
......
Thank you.

> Ai walked down the stairs with heavy
footsteps...
> ...You decided to go home.

Haha, just kidding...

> Okina Station, Croco-Fur...
> Ai has dragged you here...

......

Hey, why don't you pick out some clothes
for me? What do you think I'd look good
in?

Yeah... I look best in cute outfits,
don't I?

> Ai nods...

I guess I could see that... I look good
in pretty much anything.

> Ai looks gloomy...

I wouldn't look good in that kind of
stuff at all... Are you thinking of
someone else?

> Ai looks gloomy...

Ooh, Ai-chan. Long time no see!
Oh, you brought your boyfriend along?
*giggle* You two are regular love birds,
huh?

......
Yeah, that's right, my boyfriend. We're
reeeeal close.

Isn't that right, ?

Ooh, I'm so jealous!

......

> Ai looks relieved...

Oh, he's turning red!

......

> It seems something you said has put Ai
in a bad mood...

Well, I've got some stylish new stuff in
for a lucky lady like yourself...

I'll take it. All of them. Just wrap
it up.

Y-Yes, I'll do that for you. If you'd
like, I could show you some matching
accessories...

I'll buy those too.

Shall I have them carried out for you?
To the bus station, right?

No, it's fine. My boyfriend will take
care of them for me.
He's such a great guy, you know?

Really? Well, I'll be just a sec then...
Thank you again, Ai.

...Do you think I'm pretty?

Th-That's right. I-It's only natural
for you to think so, isn't it?

> Ai looks relieved...

......

> Ai gets quiet, looking insecure...

> It seems it's not a good idea to
disagree with her right now...

......

> Ai gets quiet, looking insecure...

> It seems you can't avoid the
question...

I had fun today.
...It's good to be dating, wouldn't you
agree?

> Ai is forcing a smile...
> You feel your relationship with Ai
deepen as she reveals a side of herself
you've never seen before...

Let's go home.
...Not that I want to or anything.

> You returned to Inaba with Ai and,
after walking her home, went home
yourself...

> Yasogami High shoe lockers...
> You decided to go to Okina Station
with Ai.

... Do you love me?

Mm... Okay.

> Ai looks relieved...

......

> Ai gets quiet, looking insecure...

> It seems you can't avoid the
question...

You need me, right?

Alright...

> Ai looks relieved...

......

> Ai gets quiet, looking insecure...

> It seems you can't avoid the
question...

Alright... Let's go.

> Ai is smiling merrily...
> You feel your relationship with Ai
has grown deeper...

Hey, it's .

We're on our way to one of those
all-team meetings...
Haha, not that you really care.
Lemme know how it goes later, alright?

You guys dating or something?

You're such an idiot sometimes, Daisuke!
You're not supposed to just ask out of
the blue...

I-It's not like that! Really!

Ah...

W-Well, uh, sorry to bother you two.
We'll be off now.

> Kou and Daisuke left...

......
Sorry... I was kinda embarrassed.

I think I'll pass on the station
today...
...Goodbye.

> ...You decided to go home.

> Yasogami High rooftop...
> You climbed the steps with Ai, who
seems depressed...

You know... I've been thinking...

I think we need to... break up.

Because... you're so kind to me.
You're such a great guy, and you're so
good to people... I thought maybe I
could learn to love you...
I'm sorry...

I'm sorry... I'm so sorry.
You're such a great guy, and you're so
good to people... I thought maybe I
could learn to love you...
I'm sorry...

You mean a lot to me...
That's why I feel like I have to tell
you that... you shouldn't be going out
with a girl like me...

...I hate myself.
All I do is hurt the people I care about,
just like I'm doing right now...
I'm so worthless...

...
How can you say such nice things to ME,
of all people?

> Ai is crying...

... I...

> Ai is crying...

Me...?

> Ai is crying...

You're very close to my heart,
, you really are.
I don't want to lose you. That's why I'm
so scared of being in a relationship
with you...
I'm sure you'll eventually hate me...
and then you'll leave me.

...I'm afraid to believe you.

I don't want to imagine that...

I'm not that strong...

I know I'm being self-centered... I know
what I'm saying is selfish.
But, even though I know that... I still
want you to be by my side.

Is there any way... that we could just
be friends?

... Thank you.

> Ai looks relieved...

I see... I'm sorry, ...
Thank you.

> Ai began crying again...

... Thank you.
If you find it in your heart to forgive
me, I hope we can talk like we used to.

> Ai is holding back her tears...

> Ai opened up to you about her true
feelings...
> No matter the result, you feel you
understand her better now...

> But there is a rift in your
relationship...

...Let's go home.

> You decided to go home.

> Fog has enveloped the area...

> The hill overlooking town...
> Ai wanted to go to somewhere quiet,
so you brought her here...

This is the first time I've been here.
Kinda silly, huh? It's so close by...
It's amazing how small my house looks
from up here...

...I still haven't figured it out.
I want to find at least one redeeming
quality in myself. Something that proves
my worth, or gives me a reason to live.
I don't understand why I'm here.
Especially after I started thinking
I'd be better off dead...

But... I did finally realize a few
things.
First, that I was just pretending to be
brave. And second, that there was a kind
soul trying to save me...

I came to the conclusion that if I meet
more people like you in my future, then
maybe it's okay to keep on going...
I felt like that in itself was a good
enough reason to live...

Still... I'm not good at being alone.
I know it's a lot to ask, but... will
you stay by my side?

Th-Thank you...
I'm sorry, I only asked because I needed
to hear you say it...

Y-You're right. It's not like a stupid
promise can keep a relationship from
falling apart...
I'll work hard. I'll try to make sure
our friendship stays exciting...

But I'd be so lonely...

Here... Take this.

> Obtained .

I've carried that thing around ever
since I decided to change who I was.
I could check myself whenever I wanted,
to make sure I was still pretty all the
time...
But now... I don't need it.

Because from now on, people like you
will be my mirror.
I'll look for my reflection in you, so
that I'll never forget who I am. I won't
be able to lie to myself anymore...
Thank you. Your eyes taught me how to
do that.
You're the only one, .
You're the only one who didn't pay
attention to the rumors flying around
about me... You saw me as I am.

> You feel a deep bond has formed
between you and Ai...

Umm, if it's okay with you... I want to
stay friends... Good friends, of course.
I'll do my best to make sure you don't
think otherwise, either.
...I sound really ridiculous now, don't I?
Let's go get some food somewhere...

> You spent a long time with Ai before
heading home.

> Fog has enveloped the area...

> Your room...
> You invited Ai here...

...It'd be way more convenient to come
over if you lived a little closer, you
know that?
Why don't you move?
......
Wh-What...? Hey, don't get me wrong!
I-I'll come over any time I want to!
......
So, um... Whaddaya wanna do?

> You passed the time with Ai.
> You feel the close bond you've formed
with Ai is something irreplaceable...
> ......
> It became dark, so you walked Ai
to her house...

Do you remember this rooftop?
You stopped me when I was thinking about
jumping off.
Thinking back on it, that was pretty dumb...

I really need to thank you, .
You stopped me, and you listened.
Thank you.
...I'm glad I was able to tell you that
before you left.

Alright, enough of this soap opera!
We should do something over spring
break. I wouldn't mind coming to your
place, ...
Contrary to how I look, I'm actually very
patient. I'm down for a long distance
relationship.
So don't worry about me, .

I... I felt terrible after you rejected
me...
But since you'll be going away, I had
to find the courage to tell you...
...I'll always remember the time I spent
with you fondly.
...Thank you.

I probably don't have the right to say
this. I know I hurt your feelings...
But since you're leaving, I have to...
So, thank you so much.
I'm sorry I didn't know how to treat
someone as precious as you...

I've been thinking about the future lately.
Not so much about college, or jobs, or
anything like that...
But that I want to become a nicer person.

D-Does that sound like a weird goal?

...I guess I shouldn't mix my dreams
and goals. My teacher gave me a weird
look when I said that, too.

I knew you'd understand.

I'm... I'm glad I met you.
I don't know what I'd be like if I hadn't...
......
Maybe I'd be totally into that Midnight
Channel. Oh, and spreading a bunch of
rumors, too.
Ahaha, I could never see that happening
to me now.
...I must have went through a pretty
drastic change.

> Ai has a beaming smile on her face...
> You feel a close bond between Ai and
yourself...

End of conversation!
It made me sooo nervous, saying all that.
I've never done it before...

Why don't you go say goodbye to your
other friends? I'm sure they're waiting
for you.
I think I'll head home. My extra class
is over.
......

No, I'm not gonna say goodbye!
I'll see you later, !