Robert Kwong
23rd January 2005, 05:51 PM
Hello,
I recently had the chance to check the archives of this newsgroup and
found that I did not finish posting the remaining books of my series! Only
the Prelude, Book A, and Book B chapters are in the archive. I figured I
better post the remaining books before anything bad happens to my storing
site. It's been a long time since I posted my stories to this newsgroup,
so I hope I'm doing it correctly. If it works, I'll continue posting the
rest. Thanks for your patronage.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
H A R D
|< O R
interlude Edition
K i m a g u r e O r a n g e R o a d
F a n f i c t i o n
by Robert Kwong
ver 1.0
Finished: June 05, 1998
Based on characters from the Kimagure Orange Road Series created by the
venerable Matsumoto Izumi.
As you can see, this is fanfiction harkening back to the old Kimagure
Orange Road Series. In the Prelude edition, it outlines the events
following the breakup of Hikaru and Kyouske which sets the stage for Shin
Kor and HARD Kor series. These stories were written in the attempt to
clarify certain details assumed and to provide clues for future Hard Kor
episodes. Book A and Book B chapters provides the events after Shin Kor I.
This Book C will bridge the gap between Shin Kor II and Shin Kor III.
HardKor Web Site (With Disclaimer and back-stories:
Book A and Book B and Prelude chapters)
http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/HardKor.html
My SuperPage for the General Kimagure Orange Road enthusiast
http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/Kor.html
My contact email address for comments or further correspondence:
rk@soda.berkeley.edu
Feel free to email me your impressions and suggestions for the series.
Beta readers always welcome. If you want new stories emailed to you,
please e-mail me at the above address.
Thanks for reading my stories and making it one the most popular KOR
fanfic on the web! I hope you enjoy reading it as I did writing it. Thanks
again.
Robert Kwong
Ark Productions -98-
Legend:
AK=Akane Kasuga
KK=Kurumi Kasuga
MK=Manami Kasuga
KM=Koji Muroke
[] - denotes scene changes
() - indicates person thinking to himself
(**) - indicates action or special effects.
Interlude Book C: #1: Return to Heroes
Author's Note: Hi Everyone! I'm back writing the series again! Hopefully,
I'll have enough time to finish it in a timely fashion. The style of this
book would be slightly different. The initial few chapters will have the
feel of the PRELUDE chapters while the later chapters will recapture the
serious nature of HARDKOR. I will also be mixing in a few familiar
characters from other series, but hopefully, it would be seemless so it
doesn't affect the overall story. Hope you have fun reading it!
And now, the story:
-Autumn 1994-
Dear Okaasan,
Just sending you this handwritten letter. Pretty neat huh? I just
wanted to let you know how I am doing. I know I usually don't
write at all, and even I feel awkward doing this since I spend
most of my time communicating through electronic mail. But I guess
it gives me a chance to practice my penmanship. What do you think?
As for my summer job in Tokyo, it has been quite an experience!
Things were very tense at the beginning. Especially with the weird
likes of Nagasi (She's the director) and JADE. (yes, the same one
in the news) A deep personality conflict. Lots of personnel
turnover also. Very bizarre. I felt sorry for Haroken-san for all
the trouble he had to put up with. At least it wasn't all bad. I
made friends with one of the dancers. Her name is Hikaru and she
came all the way from New York in America. She appeared to be a
well-traveled and experienced women. I even gave her some lessons
on using the computer. (something I need to teach you and otousan
when I get back). I think she and the Master had something going,
but I couldn't be sure. However, thinking about it certainly made
life at the office much more interesting. Don't worry; she's too
old for me anyway. Too bad she had to leave mysteriously.
I also met another nice girl at the office. Her name is Manami and
she was the office assistant to Haroken-san. She's a great office
organizer and she brews a wicked green tea! At least she was much
nicer than her brutish sister Kurumi (I think.)
As I am about to depart for college, I find it sad that things
don't look too good for the play. After Hikaru left (she became
the female lead), there has been costly delays and rewrites to the
storyline all due to the fickle personality of Nagasi-san who is
in control of things now. I wonder if this play would ever get off
the ground. Too bad, because I had wanted to see it in full
production before I left. Guess I'll never know.
Speaking of which, I've already made all the arrangements, so
don't you worry about it. Through #1's connections, I was able to
land this really cheap place close to Tokyo U. I just hope it's
not some dump with cockroaches or in some seedy neighborhood. I'll
let you know once I get there. By the way, don't call me at my old
number. I'll let you know the number once I move in.
Last, #1's doing fine in his own oddball sort of way. Plus I'll
meet up with Shijama-chan later so you can tell his okaasan not to
worry.
That's all for now.
Your Loving Son,
Muroke
"There. All finished!"
(* Knock Knock Knock *)
(#1 peers throught he door)
#1: Ready yet?
#2: Yes, just finishing up this letter to my okaasan. Just need to put the
stamp. My bags are already packed and ready to go.
#1: Jeez, why don't you just call her up and tell her directly?
#2: It's more personable writing a letter. And besides, I feel bad racking
up the long distance charges on your friend's long-distance bill.
#1: That? Don't have to worry; I'll handle him. He's a good guy about
these things. I'll talk to him later when he returns back from his trip
this afternoon.
#2: Good. Be sure to give him my deepest thanks for lending his apartment
suite for us to stay in these past few months.
#1: (indifferent) Sure. If you want to. Now let's get going now!
#2: Rogai!
[At XYZ Offices]
(*Buzz, Buzz*)
"Yes?"
"May I come in for a moment?"
"Yes, please do."
"Thank you Haroken-san."
(walks in)
(Ryusei leans back into his black executive chair)
"What can I do for you?"
"I just wanted to let you know that I filed away the last of the receipts
and other papers and that everything is in order."
R: I almost forgot that today is your last day, isn't it?
MK: Yes it is sir. I just wanted to let you know, on behalf of my sister
Kurumi who couldn't make it here today and me Manami, that it has been a
pleasure working for you. Thank you for giving us this opportunity. (does
a polite bow)
Ryusei: Please, Please. It should be I thanking you for your help in
Sorting out the paperwork mess that Nagasi-san left behind. I commend you
for that. You will be very hard to replace. Are you sure you won't
reconsider my offer to work here part-time?
MK: Although your offer sounds very tempting, I'm afraid I have to put my
education first and work at it full-time. But I really appreciate the
offer.
Ryusei: Well, at least I tried to persuade you. I don't lose too often.
Usually I can convince people to change their minds, but you have a strong
will. And I like your resoluteness. Are you going to Waseda University?
MK: Yes I am.
Ryusei: Good for you.
MK: If nothing else, I'll gather my stuff now.
Ryusei: There is one more thing. I forgot to give you this.
(Hands her a silk envelope)
MK: What is this?
Ryusei: A little bonus of sorts, to reward your hard work.
(opens it up to find a wad of yen!)
MK: (stammers in shock) I-I-I can't take this!
R: Is something wrong? Is it too little?
MK: Nooo. Quite the contrary. It's quite excessive!
R: Come now. It's only money. Please accept it as a token of my
appreciation.
MK: But...
(Ryusei rises up and firmly pushes the envelope into her hands. Finally
Manami nods in agreement)
(As she turns around to leave...)
MK: One more thing sir. Do you know if #2 will be coming in?
R: No; yesterday was his last day. Was there something you wanted to tell
him?
MK: No,...not really. Thank you again.
[In the streets of Tokyo...]
#1: We're here.
#2: Thanks for the lift. Now where am I suppose to be headed towards?
(#1 points up to a 3 story wooden complex)
#2: You mean that? You've gotta be kidding!
#1: Nope. That's it.
#2: I didn't know such buildings still existed in Tokyo!
#1: It hardly does; Only a few remain. School tradition.
#2: Gawd it looks so old!
#1: Live with it. I'm going now. Ja!
#2: Hey! Wait a moment! How am I suppose to contact you? I don't even know
where you're going to live now!
#1: Don't trouble your head about it; just hit the books. If I need you,
I'll be in touch.
#2: But...
(*ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM*)
(the car races away towards Kan-etsu highway)
#2: Damn it! The nerve of that guy sometimes. Well I better go in and see
how bad it is...
[At the building complex]
(reads the lettering: Ryokurin Ryou)
KM: Name seems normal enough. I wonder if Shijama made it in already...
(enters the "lobby" and looks around)
KM: (Why is it so empty? Where is everyone?)
"Hello? Anyone in here?"
(a middle-aged woman peers out from a cubby hole)
"You're talkin' to me?"
KM: Yes, hello there! I'm renting one of the rooms here.
"Oh, another one of the boarders. I could tell from the looks of you. And
you're late!"
KM: Late? Late for what? There isn't anyone here!
"All the folks are gathered for the orientation. You better go immediately
before you miss any more. It's bad luck for a student to be late,
especially in the first year. You go now. I hold your bags in my office.
KM: (I didn't know of some orientation) But where is it?
"You do not know? Why it is at Ryokuto High right across from here.
KM: Ryo- what?
"Ryokuto High. Now get going! You're already late!"
(KM is pushed out into the street)
KM: (Ryokuto High. Strange place to be holding a rental orientation. I
Wonder why they don't hold it at the place itself.)
[Back at the Twins house]
(Manami enters)
Kurumi: Hiya sis! You're back. Bring lunch?
MK: No. I guess I'll make some.
"Make enough for 2 more."
MK: Akane! You're here.
Akane: Yep. Me and my cretin brother are here.
MK: Kazuya, what are you reading?
Akane: He didn't start on his summer homework until last week and now he's
rushing to get it done.
Kazuya: Will ya all be quiet? I'm trying to work here.
Akane: S-O-R-R-Y!
Kazuya: Try not to think deep thoughts. Got it?
Kurumi: What?
Kazuya: Bingo!
[Ryokuto High School]
(#2 sneaks into the crowd)
KM: Gomen for being late. Did I miss much?
"Nah. Just the administrators going over policy."
"...we expect each one of you to do your part in making this place a clean
and healthy environment for all. This includes performing daily cleaning
of the rooms and the surrounding grounds. This lets you actively
participate as one unit to build up the spirit and cooperation of
teamwork."
KM: (This seems a little odd request to make of the borders. Why the
elaborate pep talk?)
"...Be respectful to one another. Help each other out. You will be here
with each other for 4 years. Make it a pleasant experience for all. It
would be a challenge in the beginning. Towards the middle would be the
grueling, toiling years. You will need to exert your best effort just to
keep up. At the end though, it would be all worth it."
KM: (This is sounding stranger and stranger by the minute. How is he know
if we're going to stay that long?)
"...now in conclusion, we will divide each of you into your respective
groups and visit your respective rooms."
KM: (Finally about time!)
(One of the guides) "Alright everyone! Split up accordingly to the class
you're in! I'm taking count of Class D people. Class A to C is to the
right of my line. Else go towards the left sides.)
KM: Class? I didn't know that getting a room was like getting an airline
seat!
"Hey, you look kind of lost. Need some help?"
KM: I don't know what "class" I'm suppose to be in.
"They didn't send you the room assignments?"
KM: Apparently not. By the way, I'm Koji Muroke.
"Please to meet you. I'm Tatsuya Youta."
KM: Hi Tatsuya-san. I am a little confused.
"About what?"
KM: I find it perplexing that they have different grades of rooms.
"Different grades? What do you mean?"
KM: I assumed that everyone would be getting the same quality room. I
didn't know that there were deluxe rooms and regular rooms. Makes me feel
like living in a hotel.
"What does the quality of the room have to do with anything?"
KM: It makes a lot of difference, in terms of studying and relaxation. You
could get one with a view or one that is too noisy and a whole lot of
other stuff.
"I suppose so. I never thought about it in those terms."
KM: At least I hope I get a nice, soft bed to sleep on.
"Beds? You won't find beds in the classroom. You must be talking about the
dorm rooms. I happen to live there as well."
KM: Classroom? So this whole orientation was about this school?
"Yes. What do you think it was?"
KM: Dorm orientation.
"Oh, so you live in the dorms too. So do I. Actually, they haven't given
the orientation yet. If we're in the same classes, maybe we can be in the
same study group there."
KM: But I don't attend this school.
"You don't? You certainly look like you can."
KM: Wait a minute. Are you saying that Ryokurin Ryou is the dormitory for
the students attending Ryokuto High?
"Yes. People tell me that it's been like that for nearly 75 years now."
KM: What? A high school boarding house!
(Oh my god! I made a big mistake! #1, I'm going to kill you!)
[During Lunch]
Kurumi: (mouth all greased over) (*puts down plate*) Mmmm! Good!
Manami: Glad you enjoyed it!
Kazuya: Yeah, much better than the food poisoning I have to gulp with my
sis's cooking.
Akane: Ignore the ignoramous monkey boy. He is representative of his
species. Speaking of which, can I count on your support in gathering up
members? Tomorrow is the big pledge drive for all the clubs on campus.
MK: For what club?
Akane: Why my Women's Libertion Club of course!
Kurumi: Do we get to beat and pound people?
Akane: Uh...maybe so. We could make you the enforcer of the club if
anybody gives us any trouble.
Kurumi: Goody! Then count me in! I'll put any troublemakers in my patented
Super Kurumi Headlock!
Akane: O - K ! How about you Manami?
MK: It sounds interesting but I...
Kazuya: She doesn't want to say it but she doesn't want to join your baka
club!
MK: Kazuya-chan!!!
Akane: Hey, is that right? I don't want to pressure you into helping your
fellow women and all so if you don't want to do it...
MK: Oh, alright! I guess I have no choice now.
Akane: (smiles) Good! Meet you two at 8:00am sharp! You can help me with
the banners and pamphlets.
[Back at Ryokurin Ryou]
(#2 angrily storms back in muttering)
KM: (I knew it was too good to be true.)
(He sees Zumi-san talking with a purpled-hair girl. Shijama sees him and
excuses himself.)
"Hi Muroke! I see you made it in! How are you doing?"
KM: Lousy. Gomen Shijama for dragging you into my mess.
Shijama: Now what are you talking about?
KM: This place. We rented the wrong place! It's for high school students!
Shijama: I know. Kisaragi-sempai was telling me just now.
KM: You do? Then why aren't you hopping mad at me?
Shijama: Why should I? We can still live here.
KM: Are you out of your mind? This is not the right school!
(purple hair girl approaches them)
"Is something the matter? You look agitated."
KM: Who are you?
"My name is Kisaragi Shun. I'm one of the coordinators in this house. Can
I be of assistance?"
KM: Yes there is a problem! Me and my friend here made a big mistake
renting from this place. We have no intention of attending the high school
across the street and would like our money back!
"Ah, I thought you looked like one of the regular high school dorm-ers but
you and your friend must be one of the 'special' group."
KM: Special group? What special group?
Shun: This house is one of the first of its kind to accomodate both the
neighboring high school occupants who want to live here and now university
and college students!
KM: A mixed environment? I never heard of such a thing! What would such a
high school of tradition do such a thing?
"You do it if that's the only way you can survive."
Shun: Suka-chan!
"Hello there. You two must be part of the new group of students coming in.
Allow me to introduce myself. Hasukawa Kazuya at your service."
(they shake hands and exhange their names)
"Please to meet you fellas. Shun and I and a couple of others are acting
as the coordinators for this house. Our jobs will be to act as the buffer
between the high school students living here and your group. We're were
here during our high school years and decided to stay on when they
instituted the new plan. So we have been on both sides of the fence.
Hopefully, your experience here is good. Welcome to Ryokurin Ryou."
Shun: That's so long to prounounce! Shouldn't we tell them to use the
nickname Gr...
"Don't mention that name! It has no meaning here anymore. (pause) I best
be going. Ja."
(hurriedly leaves)
Shijama: What's up with him? He sounded like a bored travel agent.
Shun: Oh it is something personal. But never mind him. He'll get over it.
Do you have any other questions to ask me?
MK: Yeah. I thought this was suppose to be an all-boys dorm. Why are you
living here? Are you his girlfriend?
Shun: (sigh) Here we go again. Please read this and it may explain the
whole thing.
(passes them 2 pieces of paper)
MK: (reading) I know it seems that I appear to be a girl...
Shijama:...but I am really a boy instead. I know that it is hard to
believe...
MK: ...because of my long hair and high-pitched voice...
Shijama: ...but trust me, I'm am all male on the inside.
MK: But please do not make me prove it...
Shijama: ...for it can be quite embarrassing.
MK: ...thank you for your understanding.
Shun: (collects the paper) Thank god we got that out of the way. You don't
know how many times I have to explain my condition to everyone here.
MK: But I...
Shun: If you guys got your bags ready, I can show you to your rooms.
[Back to the penthouse apartment]
(A women wearing a straw hat and wearing a lei and carrying several bags
storms into the apartment.)
(#1 is sitting peacefully on the couch with his feet up on the table)
#1: Oh hello Kaori! I see that you made it back safe and sound.
"Where the hell were you!?! You were suppose to pick me up at the
airport!"
#1: I wanted to, but I had to send off #2 to his new boarding place. And
you know how long the drive to Narita is. I didn't want to get stuck in
traffic going against the traffic. make you wait and worry.
(mockingly) "Oh, how considerate of you! But I did wait. Took me 4 hectic
hours to get here. And you know how expensive the cab fare is!"
#1: Still your our old whining self.
Kaori: Whine? Who are you calling a whiner? I don't whine. Not a bit. Not
in the least bit.
#1: Yes, yes. Whatever you say. So did you enjoy your trip to Hawaii?
Kaori: It should be I asking you what you did when I was away you
lecherous boy.
#1: You know I was a good boy this time; I had work to do, being part-time
babysitter.
Kaori: That's right! Can't ruin that innocent boy by bringing over all
that bawdy women you know.
#1: He'll be ruined soon enough by the looney house he's in now.
Kaori: What did you do to that poor boy?
#1: (flashes a devilish grin) I sent him to a house of wackos!
[Back at dorm house]
(In a very crowded room on the third floor of about 100 people)
"Welcome to Ryokurin Ryou boarding house. My name is Kisaragi Shun. I
will present our little orientation about this house. We are known as the
'gold' group of tenants here. The whole third floor will be your domain.
The other two floors will still cater to the students of the high school
of which this house was originally built for. But as a result of changing
times, this house has finally relaxed its regualations and have started
and will continue to open its doors for continuing lowerclassman,
including college and university attendees. We hope this environment would
be enriching for both sides. I myself and my roommate and fellow
coordinator, Hasukawa Kazuya can speak from experience since we have been
boarding here since high school. Because we are sharing the facilities
together among a diverse range of students, there are certain rules to be
followed. Because this was orginally an all-boys dorm, we do not allow any
females to stay overnight. Also, in keeping with the policy, only
upperclass males will be allowed a chance to board in this house. But I'm
sure you are know that already. A strict curfew will still be enforced for
the lowerclassmen, but it will be slightly relaxed for us "gold" tenants
because of our senority and demands of our studies. Make sure you all are
back in the dorms by 1am, for that's how long our fore-basaan is willing
to stay up before she closes the gate. Other than that, there is no other
strict regulations other than to be courteous to one another and get a
chance to know each other. And what better way than to have lunch
together! We will be holding an informal buffet downstairs in the
courtyard!
(Upon the mention of "buffet", everyone races out of that tiny room
downstairs towards the free food!)
(As the crowd quickly empties out, Shun takes a chance to stop by Room 204
where she sees Haskuawa staring blindly into a TV and operating a console
control)
"Suka-chan! Lunch is ready! Please come join everyone."
"Not now Shun. I'm in a middle of a fight with Locke. And I'm not hungry."
Shun: (Gosh Suka-chan. Why have you been so distant? Stop beating yourself
up.)
[Back to the penthouse apartment]
"I'm bushed!"
#1: You still haven't told me how your trip went.
"Hawaii was nice, but it was a business trip. I didn't have much time to
have fun. Around the clock survelliance is hard work! "
#1: I bet you did some survelliance alright, surveying and scoping out all
the oiled, tanned muscle-bound adonis at the beaches.
Kaori: You wish! Mostly old sagging skin elder folks baring all to whom
would dare see. No, I did not engage in voyeuring, like you would.
#1: So you didn't do anything at all while in Hawaii? What a waste
Kaori: Hey, I did have lots of time to work on my tan.
#1: Next time, I'll show you how to have a good time.
Kaori: You mean me watching you have a good time. But enough about me.
So what did happen when I was gone?
#1: You wouldn't believe it. Loads of crap that me and #2...I mean Muroke
that we had to go through. Idiotic people and situations we had maneuver
around.
Kaori: So it was your typical Ryo situation.
#1: Yep. Too bad I attract that type of stuff.
Kaori: That's not the only thing you attract.
#1: Jealous still?
Kaori: As always and more so. I'm keeping an eye on you from now on since
I'm back.
#1: We're see.
[In the courtyard where there are tables with food on it]
(Muroke is sampling some of the suishi when he notices someone familiar
out in the streets)
(as he approaches the 2 figures, they both jump back in shock)
"WWHATT!! IT'S YOU"
Muroke: What the hell are you two doing here!?
"I as about to ask you the same thing. I almost didn't recognize you
without your sunglasses. Where the hell is the other guy?"
Muroke: You mean #1? I dunno. I'm not working for Haroken-san anymore.
"Who cares. Why are you bothering us for?"
Muroke: What are you guys doing in the middle of the street
Mr...ummm...what was your names again....
"You don't recoginize hentai's finest manga artist?"
Muroke: Hentai...Hentai....Hentai...Ah! You must be Hentai Hatta!
"Ping-Pong."
Muroke: And you must be Komatsu-san, his manager.
"That's right kid. You're not so dumb after all."
Muroke: Look whose talking. You're the ones standing alone here. You could
get hit by a car.
Komatsu: No way. Besides. We doing research.
Muroke: Research?
Hatta: Yeah man. For my new manga, 'Yurushite Agerie'.
Komatsu: We heard a hot tip that this place is where the 'Touch and Go'
event occurs.
Muroke: Touch and Go?
Komatsu: Maybe you're that dumb after all. Humph! It a ritual where the
local junior high school girls go and run past the males and touch them as
they race past them.
Hatta: Oh how wonderful it would be to be touched by a bunch of junior
high girls.
Komatsu: (starts to hug himself) Oh I know what you mean! All touchy
touchy feelie feelie!
Hatta: (licking his lips) I can't wait!
(voices from the other side of the buffet)
"Hey look over there! Is that who I think it is?"
"Hmm, he sure looks like that artist..."
"Yeah, I've seem some snippets in Jumbo Comics. That must beu Hatta
Kazuya."
"I think it is him! Look at the way he wears his glasses."
"I've read all his hentai comics!"
"You think he'll sign autographs?"
"Yeah; maybe he'll draw some h-stuff for us."
"Wow! He's here? Let's go get him!"
Komatsu: (looking worried at the crowd of adolescent boys converging on
them) Uh oh.
Hatta: What is it? The girls are close by?
Komatsu: No! Worst! A mob of horny fanboys wanting to get your autograph.
And they're coming our way fast. Let's make a run for it!
Hatta: Damn it! I was hoping that a mob of girls would swarm by, but
instead I'm running away from a mob of males!
[Back to the apartments]
#1: I'm back with the takeout. Done unpacking?
Kaori: Just about. You two made a mess of things here! And what did you do
to the bathroom!? It makes me sick to think about it. (shudders)
#1: Pipe down and eat. You must be starving.
Kaori: I'm ok. I had something to eat while flying JAL. Speaking of which,
they showed a pretty funny movie during the flight; you would like it:
Pulp Fiction.
//JAL=Japanese Airlines
#1: (munches on some takoyaki) Uh huh. What's it about?
Kaori: Oh, someone similar to you. A day into the life of a hitman. Some
other bizarre things happen in the movie. You got to see it to truly
understand it. And John Travolta is sooo sexy.
#1: You're boring me with your idol talk. If you're not that hungry, why
not fill me in on some of the details you've found out already.
Kaori: Fine. You were never the patient one. Let's see...where should I
begin.
#1: Try the beginning.
Kaori: Well, for startes, the guy I was tracking works for Yamazumi
Kenetsu Constructions. Seems to be an ordinary construction worker, but
has had an inordinate amount of visits to the main administration
building. Went to the harbor to track the tankers of Kobayashi Shipping.
Nothing was fishy the first few months. But in the last month, on a weekly
basis, there is a discrepancy with the ship that was logged in and the
actual ship in the harbor. Making it more interesting is the fact that I
saw him enter one of Kobayashi's offices in my last week. I got some more
stuff, but that's dull technical stuff for you to delve into.
#1: Good girl. Sounds like you did a thorough job as usual.
[Back to the boarding house]
Muroke: (narration) After everything settled down, everyone return back to
unpack their bags and rest after a long day. For me, I instead went along
with Shijama to attend a pre-orientation session at Tokyo University of
which both of us were attending. Shijama was my best friend from high
school back in Otaru, Hokkaido. Before that, I moved out of Hokkaido just
after my gradation to get a head start for college. Of course, I graduated
early the previous fall, so I was able to work a long while with Haroken-
san, my boss. Through #1's help, I was able to find this "cheap"
alternative. I could have lived in the dormitory and nearby houses, but
the pricing for those couldn't match the deal for the rooms here. Although
I knew it was too good to be true and that there had to be some strings
attached. At least I hoped my roommate was not some crazy person from hell.
(Muroke entering Room 312 with his bags in hand)
(He sees a person there already putting something together.)
Muroke: Hello there.
(turns around) Oh hi there. You must be my roommate. My n-ame is Taku.
Taku Morisaki.
Muroke: Koji Muroke here. Please to meet you.
Taku: I wasn' sure if you'r going to show up so I took the liberty of
unpacking some of my stuff'.
Muroke: No problem. I'm pretty late in getting here.
Taku: Before you do anything else, let get the sleeping arrangements
settled. Which part of the bunkbed do you want? Top or bottom'?
Muroke: Really doesn't matter to me.
Taku: You mind if I take the top then/
Muroke: No, go right ahead.
Taku: Thanks.
Muroke: What are you doing right now?
Taku: Just puttin' togther this telescope here. Is it ok for you?
Muroke: Sure, sure. Listen, I'm going to see how my friend is doing, so do
you mind watching my stuff before I come back?
Taku: Sure thing. Don't forget your room key. (flips it to him)
Muroke: Got it. Thanks! See you later.
(pops over to room 304)
Muroke: Hey Shijama-kun.
Shijama: Hey come in!
Muroke: You're roommate didn't come in yet?
Shijama: Nope. Why are you hanging out here for? Don't you need to unpack?
Muroke: I do, but my roomie is installing something, so I didn't want to
bother him. So how do you like Tokyo so far?
Shijama: Well, it's certainy big and metropolitan. Not like we're used to
back in Hokkaido.
Muroke: Don't be spooked by it! You're get use to it. I know I did.
Shijama: Lucky for you that you had a head start.
Muroke: (low whisper) So...? Did you bring the formula with you?
Shijama: You mean that?
Muroke: Yes, that.
Shijama: I did, but I made only a small batch because it is so volatile.
I'll need access to the chemist laboratoris to grow more of it.
Muroke: Ok. I better go and let you finish unpacking. See ya.
[Later that night...]
(everyone is sleeping. Shijama is alone in his room, his roommate
apparently a no-show)
In the midst of the darkness, the door to 304 slowly creaks open to
reveal...
Shijama: (half-asleep & opening his eyes) What? Ah!!! A GHOST!
[End of chapter 1]
------------
Explanation:
------------
Ryokurin Ryou: Name of the dorm/boarding house
Tatsuya Youta- High school student at Ryokuto High and living in the dorms.
Zumi Shijama- high school buddy of Koji Muroke back in Hokkaido who is now
attending Tokyo University. (Prelude Series)
Koji Muroke: Otherwise known as #2 in the Book A and Book B series of HARD
KOR. Also makes an appearance in Prelude.
I recently had the chance to check the archives of this newsgroup and
found that I did not finish posting the remaining books of my series! Only
the Prelude, Book A, and Book B chapters are in the archive. I figured I
better post the remaining books before anything bad happens to my storing
site. It's been a long time since I posted my stories to this newsgroup,
so I hope I'm doing it correctly. If it works, I'll continue posting the
rest. Thanks for your patronage.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
H A R D
|< O R
interlude Edition
K i m a g u r e O r a n g e R o a d
F a n f i c t i o n
by Robert Kwong
ver 1.0
Finished: June 05, 1998
Based on characters from the Kimagure Orange Road Series created by the
venerable Matsumoto Izumi.
As you can see, this is fanfiction harkening back to the old Kimagure
Orange Road Series. In the Prelude edition, it outlines the events
following the breakup of Hikaru and Kyouske which sets the stage for Shin
Kor and HARD Kor series. These stories were written in the attempt to
clarify certain details assumed and to provide clues for future Hard Kor
episodes. Book A and Book B chapters provides the events after Shin Kor I.
This Book C will bridge the gap between Shin Kor II and Shin Kor III.
HardKor Web Site (With Disclaimer and back-stories:
Book A and Book B and Prelude chapters)
http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/HardKor.html
My SuperPage for the General Kimagure Orange Road enthusiast
http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/Kor.html
My contact email address for comments or further correspondence:
rk@soda.berkeley.edu
Feel free to email me your impressions and suggestions for the series.
Beta readers always welcome. If you want new stories emailed to you,
please e-mail me at the above address.
Thanks for reading my stories and making it one the most popular KOR
fanfic on the web! I hope you enjoy reading it as I did writing it. Thanks
again.
Robert Kwong
Ark Productions -98-
Legend:
AK=Akane Kasuga
KK=Kurumi Kasuga
MK=Manami Kasuga
KM=Koji Muroke
[] - denotes scene changes
() - indicates person thinking to himself
(**) - indicates action or special effects.
Interlude Book C: #1: Return to Heroes
Author's Note: Hi Everyone! I'm back writing the series again! Hopefully,
I'll have enough time to finish it in a timely fashion. The style of this
book would be slightly different. The initial few chapters will have the
feel of the PRELUDE chapters while the later chapters will recapture the
serious nature of HARDKOR. I will also be mixing in a few familiar
characters from other series, but hopefully, it would be seemless so it
doesn't affect the overall story. Hope you have fun reading it!
And now, the story:
-Autumn 1994-
Dear Okaasan,
Just sending you this handwritten letter. Pretty neat huh? I just
wanted to let you know how I am doing. I know I usually don't
write at all, and even I feel awkward doing this since I spend
most of my time communicating through electronic mail. But I guess
it gives me a chance to practice my penmanship. What do you think?
As for my summer job in Tokyo, it has been quite an experience!
Things were very tense at the beginning. Especially with the weird
likes of Nagasi (She's the director) and JADE. (yes, the same one
in the news) A deep personality conflict. Lots of personnel
turnover also. Very bizarre. I felt sorry for Haroken-san for all
the trouble he had to put up with. At least it wasn't all bad. I
made friends with one of the dancers. Her name is Hikaru and she
came all the way from New York in America. She appeared to be a
well-traveled and experienced women. I even gave her some lessons
on using the computer. (something I need to teach you and otousan
when I get back). I think she and the Master had something going,
but I couldn't be sure. However, thinking about it certainly made
life at the office much more interesting. Don't worry; she's too
old for me anyway. Too bad she had to leave mysteriously.
I also met another nice girl at the office. Her name is Manami and
she was the office assistant to Haroken-san. She's a great office
organizer and she brews a wicked green tea! At least she was much
nicer than her brutish sister Kurumi (I think.)
As I am about to depart for college, I find it sad that things
don't look too good for the play. After Hikaru left (she became
the female lead), there has been costly delays and rewrites to the
storyline all due to the fickle personality of Nagasi-san who is
in control of things now. I wonder if this play would ever get off
the ground. Too bad, because I had wanted to see it in full
production before I left. Guess I'll never know.
Speaking of which, I've already made all the arrangements, so
don't you worry about it. Through #1's connections, I was able to
land this really cheap place close to Tokyo U. I just hope it's
not some dump with cockroaches or in some seedy neighborhood. I'll
let you know once I get there. By the way, don't call me at my old
number. I'll let you know the number once I move in.
Last, #1's doing fine in his own oddball sort of way. Plus I'll
meet up with Shijama-chan later so you can tell his okaasan not to
worry.
That's all for now.
Your Loving Son,
Muroke
"There. All finished!"
(* Knock Knock Knock *)
(#1 peers throught he door)
#1: Ready yet?
#2: Yes, just finishing up this letter to my okaasan. Just need to put the
stamp. My bags are already packed and ready to go.
#1: Jeez, why don't you just call her up and tell her directly?
#2: It's more personable writing a letter. And besides, I feel bad racking
up the long distance charges on your friend's long-distance bill.
#1: That? Don't have to worry; I'll handle him. He's a good guy about
these things. I'll talk to him later when he returns back from his trip
this afternoon.
#2: Good. Be sure to give him my deepest thanks for lending his apartment
suite for us to stay in these past few months.
#1: (indifferent) Sure. If you want to. Now let's get going now!
#2: Rogai!
[At XYZ Offices]
(*Buzz, Buzz*)
"Yes?"
"May I come in for a moment?"
"Yes, please do."
"Thank you Haroken-san."
(walks in)
(Ryusei leans back into his black executive chair)
"What can I do for you?"
"I just wanted to let you know that I filed away the last of the receipts
and other papers and that everything is in order."
R: I almost forgot that today is your last day, isn't it?
MK: Yes it is sir. I just wanted to let you know, on behalf of my sister
Kurumi who couldn't make it here today and me Manami, that it has been a
pleasure working for you. Thank you for giving us this opportunity. (does
a polite bow)
Ryusei: Please, Please. It should be I thanking you for your help in
Sorting out the paperwork mess that Nagasi-san left behind. I commend you
for that. You will be very hard to replace. Are you sure you won't
reconsider my offer to work here part-time?
MK: Although your offer sounds very tempting, I'm afraid I have to put my
education first and work at it full-time. But I really appreciate the
offer.
Ryusei: Well, at least I tried to persuade you. I don't lose too often.
Usually I can convince people to change their minds, but you have a strong
will. And I like your resoluteness. Are you going to Waseda University?
MK: Yes I am.
Ryusei: Good for you.
MK: If nothing else, I'll gather my stuff now.
Ryusei: There is one more thing. I forgot to give you this.
(Hands her a silk envelope)
MK: What is this?
Ryusei: A little bonus of sorts, to reward your hard work.
(opens it up to find a wad of yen!)
MK: (stammers in shock) I-I-I can't take this!
R: Is something wrong? Is it too little?
MK: Nooo. Quite the contrary. It's quite excessive!
R: Come now. It's only money. Please accept it as a token of my
appreciation.
MK: But...
(Ryusei rises up and firmly pushes the envelope into her hands. Finally
Manami nods in agreement)
(As she turns around to leave...)
MK: One more thing sir. Do you know if #2 will be coming in?
R: No; yesterday was his last day. Was there something you wanted to tell
him?
MK: No,...not really. Thank you again.
[In the streets of Tokyo...]
#1: We're here.
#2: Thanks for the lift. Now where am I suppose to be headed towards?
(#1 points up to a 3 story wooden complex)
#2: You mean that? You've gotta be kidding!
#1: Nope. That's it.
#2: I didn't know such buildings still existed in Tokyo!
#1: It hardly does; Only a few remain. School tradition.
#2: Gawd it looks so old!
#1: Live with it. I'm going now. Ja!
#2: Hey! Wait a moment! How am I suppose to contact you? I don't even know
where you're going to live now!
#1: Don't trouble your head about it; just hit the books. If I need you,
I'll be in touch.
#2: But...
(*ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM*)
(the car races away towards Kan-etsu highway)
#2: Damn it! The nerve of that guy sometimes. Well I better go in and see
how bad it is...
[At the building complex]
(reads the lettering: Ryokurin Ryou)
KM: Name seems normal enough. I wonder if Shijama made it in already...
(enters the "lobby" and looks around)
KM: (Why is it so empty? Where is everyone?)
"Hello? Anyone in here?"
(a middle-aged woman peers out from a cubby hole)
"You're talkin' to me?"
KM: Yes, hello there! I'm renting one of the rooms here.
"Oh, another one of the boarders. I could tell from the looks of you. And
you're late!"
KM: Late? Late for what? There isn't anyone here!
"All the folks are gathered for the orientation. You better go immediately
before you miss any more. It's bad luck for a student to be late,
especially in the first year. You go now. I hold your bags in my office.
KM: (I didn't know of some orientation) But where is it?
"You do not know? Why it is at Ryokuto High right across from here.
KM: Ryo- what?
"Ryokuto High. Now get going! You're already late!"
(KM is pushed out into the street)
KM: (Ryokuto High. Strange place to be holding a rental orientation. I
Wonder why they don't hold it at the place itself.)
[Back at the Twins house]
(Manami enters)
Kurumi: Hiya sis! You're back. Bring lunch?
MK: No. I guess I'll make some.
"Make enough for 2 more."
MK: Akane! You're here.
Akane: Yep. Me and my cretin brother are here.
MK: Kazuya, what are you reading?
Akane: He didn't start on his summer homework until last week and now he's
rushing to get it done.
Kazuya: Will ya all be quiet? I'm trying to work here.
Akane: S-O-R-R-Y!
Kazuya: Try not to think deep thoughts. Got it?
Kurumi: What?
Kazuya: Bingo!
[Ryokuto High School]
(#2 sneaks into the crowd)
KM: Gomen for being late. Did I miss much?
"Nah. Just the administrators going over policy."
"...we expect each one of you to do your part in making this place a clean
and healthy environment for all. This includes performing daily cleaning
of the rooms and the surrounding grounds. This lets you actively
participate as one unit to build up the spirit and cooperation of
teamwork."
KM: (This seems a little odd request to make of the borders. Why the
elaborate pep talk?)
"...Be respectful to one another. Help each other out. You will be here
with each other for 4 years. Make it a pleasant experience for all. It
would be a challenge in the beginning. Towards the middle would be the
grueling, toiling years. You will need to exert your best effort just to
keep up. At the end though, it would be all worth it."
KM: (This is sounding stranger and stranger by the minute. How is he know
if we're going to stay that long?)
"...now in conclusion, we will divide each of you into your respective
groups and visit your respective rooms."
KM: (Finally about time!)
(One of the guides) "Alright everyone! Split up accordingly to the class
you're in! I'm taking count of Class D people. Class A to C is to the
right of my line. Else go towards the left sides.)
KM: Class? I didn't know that getting a room was like getting an airline
seat!
"Hey, you look kind of lost. Need some help?"
KM: I don't know what "class" I'm suppose to be in.
"They didn't send you the room assignments?"
KM: Apparently not. By the way, I'm Koji Muroke.
"Please to meet you. I'm Tatsuya Youta."
KM: Hi Tatsuya-san. I am a little confused.
"About what?"
KM: I find it perplexing that they have different grades of rooms.
"Different grades? What do you mean?"
KM: I assumed that everyone would be getting the same quality room. I
didn't know that there were deluxe rooms and regular rooms. Makes me feel
like living in a hotel.
"What does the quality of the room have to do with anything?"
KM: It makes a lot of difference, in terms of studying and relaxation. You
could get one with a view or one that is too noisy and a whole lot of
other stuff.
"I suppose so. I never thought about it in those terms."
KM: At least I hope I get a nice, soft bed to sleep on.
"Beds? You won't find beds in the classroom. You must be talking about the
dorm rooms. I happen to live there as well."
KM: Classroom? So this whole orientation was about this school?
"Yes. What do you think it was?"
KM: Dorm orientation.
"Oh, so you live in the dorms too. So do I. Actually, they haven't given
the orientation yet. If we're in the same classes, maybe we can be in the
same study group there."
KM: But I don't attend this school.
"You don't? You certainly look like you can."
KM: Wait a minute. Are you saying that Ryokurin Ryou is the dormitory for
the students attending Ryokuto High?
"Yes. People tell me that it's been like that for nearly 75 years now."
KM: What? A high school boarding house!
(Oh my god! I made a big mistake! #1, I'm going to kill you!)
[During Lunch]
Kurumi: (mouth all greased over) (*puts down plate*) Mmmm! Good!
Manami: Glad you enjoyed it!
Kazuya: Yeah, much better than the food poisoning I have to gulp with my
sis's cooking.
Akane: Ignore the ignoramous monkey boy. He is representative of his
species. Speaking of which, can I count on your support in gathering up
members? Tomorrow is the big pledge drive for all the clubs on campus.
MK: For what club?
Akane: Why my Women's Libertion Club of course!
Kurumi: Do we get to beat and pound people?
Akane: Uh...maybe so. We could make you the enforcer of the club if
anybody gives us any trouble.
Kurumi: Goody! Then count me in! I'll put any troublemakers in my patented
Super Kurumi Headlock!
Akane: O - K ! How about you Manami?
MK: It sounds interesting but I...
Kazuya: She doesn't want to say it but she doesn't want to join your baka
club!
MK: Kazuya-chan!!!
Akane: Hey, is that right? I don't want to pressure you into helping your
fellow women and all so if you don't want to do it...
MK: Oh, alright! I guess I have no choice now.
Akane: (smiles) Good! Meet you two at 8:00am sharp! You can help me with
the banners and pamphlets.
[Back at Ryokurin Ryou]
(#2 angrily storms back in muttering)
KM: (I knew it was too good to be true.)
(He sees Zumi-san talking with a purpled-hair girl. Shijama sees him and
excuses himself.)
"Hi Muroke! I see you made it in! How are you doing?"
KM: Lousy. Gomen Shijama for dragging you into my mess.
Shijama: Now what are you talking about?
KM: This place. We rented the wrong place! It's for high school students!
Shijama: I know. Kisaragi-sempai was telling me just now.
KM: You do? Then why aren't you hopping mad at me?
Shijama: Why should I? We can still live here.
KM: Are you out of your mind? This is not the right school!
(purple hair girl approaches them)
"Is something the matter? You look agitated."
KM: Who are you?
"My name is Kisaragi Shun. I'm one of the coordinators in this house. Can
I be of assistance?"
KM: Yes there is a problem! Me and my friend here made a big mistake
renting from this place. We have no intention of attending the high school
across the street and would like our money back!
"Ah, I thought you looked like one of the regular high school dorm-ers but
you and your friend must be one of the 'special' group."
KM: Special group? What special group?
Shun: This house is one of the first of its kind to accomodate both the
neighboring high school occupants who want to live here and now university
and college students!
KM: A mixed environment? I never heard of such a thing! What would such a
high school of tradition do such a thing?
"You do it if that's the only way you can survive."
Shun: Suka-chan!
"Hello there. You two must be part of the new group of students coming in.
Allow me to introduce myself. Hasukawa Kazuya at your service."
(they shake hands and exhange their names)
"Please to meet you fellas. Shun and I and a couple of others are acting
as the coordinators for this house. Our jobs will be to act as the buffer
between the high school students living here and your group. We're were
here during our high school years and decided to stay on when they
instituted the new plan. So we have been on both sides of the fence.
Hopefully, your experience here is good. Welcome to Ryokurin Ryou."
Shun: That's so long to prounounce! Shouldn't we tell them to use the
nickname Gr...
"Don't mention that name! It has no meaning here anymore. (pause) I best
be going. Ja."
(hurriedly leaves)
Shijama: What's up with him? He sounded like a bored travel agent.
Shun: Oh it is something personal. But never mind him. He'll get over it.
Do you have any other questions to ask me?
MK: Yeah. I thought this was suppose to be an all-boys dorm. Why are you
living here? Are you his girlfriend?
Shun: (sigh) Here we go again. Please read this and it may explain the
whole thing.
(passes them 2 pieces of paper)
MK: (reading) I know it seems that I appear to be a girl...
Shijama:...but I am really a boy instead. I know that it is hard to
believe...
MK: ...because of my long hair and high-pitched voice...
Shijama: ...but trust me, I'm am all male on the inside.
MK: But please do not make me prove it...
Shijama: ...for it can be quite embarrassing.
MK: ...thank you for your understanding.
Shun: (collects the paper) Thank god we got that out of the way. You don't
know how many times I have to explain my condition to everyone here.
MK: But I...
Shun: If you guys got your bags ready, I can show you to your rooms.
[Back to the penthouse apartment]
(A women wearing a straw hat and wearing a lei and carrying several bags
storms into the apartment.)
(#1 is sitting peacefully on the couch with his feet up on the table)
#1: Oh hello Kaori! I see that you made it back safe and sound.
"Where the hell were you!?! You were suppose to pick me up at the
airport!"
#1: I wanted to, but I had to send off #2 to his new boarding place. And
you know how long the drive to Narita is. I didn't want to get stuck in
traffic going against the traffic. make you wait and worry.
(mockingly) "Oh, how considerate of you! But I did wait. Took me 4 hectic
hours to get here. And you know how expensive the cab fare is!"
#1: Still your our old whining self.
Kaori: Whine? Who are you calling a whiner? I don't whine. Not a bit. Not
in the least bit.
#1: Yes, yes. Whatever you say. So did you enjoy your trip to Hawaii?
Kaori: It should be I asking you what you did when I was away you
lecherous boy.
#1: You know I was a good boy this time; I had work to do, being part-time
babysitter.
Kaori: That's right! Can't ruin that innocent boy by bringing over all
that bawdy women you know.
#1: He'll be ruined soon enough by the looney house he's in now.
Kaori: What did you do to that poor boy?
#1: (flashes a devilish grin) I sent him to a house of wackos!
[Back at dorm house]
(In a very crowded room on the third floor of about 100 people)
"Welcome to Ryokurin Ryou boarding house. My name is Kisaragi Shun. I
will present our little orientation about this house. We are known as the
'gold' group of tenants here. The whole third floor will be your domain.
The other two floors will still cater to the students of the high school
of which this house was originally built for. But as a result of changing
times, this house has finally relaxed its regualations and have started
and will continue to open its doors for continuing lowerclassman,
including college and university attendees. We hope this environment would
be enriching for both sides. I myself and my roommate and fellow
coordinator, Hasukawa Kazuya can speak from experience since we have been
boarding here since high school. Because we are sharing the facilities
together among a diverse range of students, there are certain rules to be
followed. Because this was orginally an all-boys dorm, we do not allow any
females to stay overnight. Also, in keeping with the policy, only
upperclass males will be allowed a chance to board in this house. But I'm
sure you are know that already. A strict curfew will still be enforced for
the lowerclassmen, but it will be slightly relaxed for us "gold" tenants
because of our senority and demands of our studies. Make sure you all are
back in the dorms by 1am, for that's how long our fore-basaan is willing
to stay up before she closes the gate. Other than that, there is no other
strict regulations other than to be courteous to one another and get a
chance to know each other. And what better way than to have lunch
together! We will be holding an informal buffet downstairs in the
courtyard!
(Upon the mention of "buffet", everyone races out of that tiny room
downstairs towards the free food!)
(As the crowd quickly empties out, Shun takes a chance to stop by Room 204
where she sees Haskuawa staring blindly into a TV and operating a console
control)
"Suka-chan! Lunch is ready! Please come join everyone."
"Not now Shun. I'm in a middle of a fight with Locke. And I'm not hungry."
Shun: (Gosh Suka-chan. Why have you been so distant? Stop beating yourself
up.)
[Back to the penthouse apartment]
"I'm bushed!"
#1: You still haven't told me how your trip went.
"Hawaii was nice, but it was a business trip. I didn't have much time to
have fun. Around the clock survelliance is hard work! "
#1: I bet you did some survelliance alright, surveying and scoping out all
the oiled, tanned muscle-bound adonis at the beaches.
Kaori: You wish! Mostly old sagging skin elder folks baring all to whom
would dare see. No, I did not engage in voyeuring, like you would.
#1: So you didn't do anything at all while in Hawaii? What a waste
Kaori: Hey, I did have lots of time to work on my tan.
#1: Next time, I'll show you how to have a good time.
Kaori: You mean me watching you have a good time. But enough about me.
So what did happen when I was gone?
#1: You wouldn't believe it. Loads of crap that me and #2...I mean Muroke
that we had to go through. Idiotic people and situations we had maneuver
around.
Kaori: So it was your typical Ryo situation.
#1: Yep. Too bad I attract that type of stuff.
Kaori: That's not the only thing you attract.
#1: Jealous still?
Kaori: As always and more so. I'm keeping an eye on you from now on since
I'm back.
#1: We're see.
[In the courtyard where there are tables with food on it]
(Muroke is sampling some of the suishi when he notices someone familiar
out in the streets)
(as he approaches the 2 figures, they both jump back in shock)
"WWHATT!! IT'S YOU"
Muroke: What the hell are you two doing here!?
"I as about to ask you the same thing. I almost didn't recognize you
without your sunglasses. Where the hell is the other guy?"
Muroke: You mean #1? I dunno. I'm not working for Haroken-san anymore.
"Who cares. Why are you bothering us for?"
Muroke: What are you guys doing in the middle of the street
Mr...ummm...what was your names again....
"You don't recoginize hentai's finest manga artist?"
Muroke: Hentai...Hentai....Hentai...Ah! You must be Hentai Hatta!
"Ping-Pong."
Muroke: And you must be Komatsu-san, his manager.
"That's right kid. You're not so dumb after all."
Muroke: Look whose talking. You're the ones standing alone here. You could
get hit by a car.
Komatsu: No way. Besides. We doing research.
Muroke: Research?
Hatta: Yeah man. For my new manga, 'Yurushite Agerie'.
Komatsu: We heard a hot tip that this place is where the 'Touch and Go'
event occurs.
Muroke: Touch and Go?
Komatsu: Maybe you're that dumb after all. Humph! It a ritual where the
local junior high school girls go and run past the males and touch them as
they race past them.
Hatta: Oh how wonderful it would be to be touched by a bunch of junior
high girls.
Komatsu: (starts to hug himself) Oh I know what you mean! All touchy
touchy feelie feelie!
Hatta: (licking his lips) I can't wait!
(voices from the other side of the buffet)
"Hey look over there! Is that who I think it is?"
"Hmm, he sure looks like that artist..."
"Yeah, I've seem some snippets in Jumbo Comics. That must beu Hatta
Kazuya."
"I think it is him! Look at the way he wears his glasses."
"I've read all his hentai comics!"
"You think he'll sign autographs?"
"Yeah; maybe he'll draw some h-stuff for us."
"Wow! He's here? Let's go get him!"
Komatsu: (looking worried at the crowd of adolescent boys converging on
them) Uh oh.
Hatta: What is it? The girls are close by?
Komatsu: No! Worst! A mob of horny fanboys wanting to get your autograph.
And they're coming our way fast. Let's make a run for it!
Hatta: Damn it! I was hoping that a mob of girls would swarm by, but
instead I'm running away from a mob of males!
[Back to the apartments]
#1: I'm back with the takeout. Done unpacking?
Kaori: Just about. You two made a mess of things here! And what did you do
to the bathroom!? It makes me sick to think about it. (shudders)
#1: Pipe down and eat. You must be starving.
Kaori: I'm ok. I had something to eat while flying JAL. Speaking of which,
they showed a pretty funny movie during the flight; you would like it:
Pulp Fiction.
//JAL=Japanese Airlines
#1: (munches on some takoyaki) Uh huh. What's it about?
Kaori: Oh, someone similar to you. A day into the life of a hitman. Some
other bizarre things happen in the movie. You got to see it to truly
understand it. And John Travolta is sooo sexy.
#1: You're boring me with your idol talk. If you're not that hungry, why
not fill me in on some of the details you've found out already.
Kaori: Fine. You were never the patient one. Let's see...where should I
begin.
#1: Try the beginning.
Kaori: Well, for startes, the guy I was tracking works for Yamazumi
Kenetsu Constructions. Seems to be an ordinary construction worker, but
has had an inordinate amount of visits to the main administration
building. Went to the harbor to track the tankers of Kobayashi Shipping.
Nothing was fishy the first few months. But in the last month, on a weekly
basis, there is a discrepancy with the ship that was logged in and the
actual ship in the harbor. Making it more interesting is the fact that I
saw him enter one of Kobayashi's offices in my last week. I got some more
stuff, but that's dull technical stuff for you to delve into.
#1: Good girl. Sounds like you did a thorough job as usual.
[Back to the boarding house]
Muroke: (narration) After everything settled down, everyone return back to
unpack their bags and rest after a long day. For me, I instead went along
with Shijama to attend a pre-orientation session at Tokyo University of
which both of us were attending. Shijama was my best friend from high
school back in Otaru, Hokkaido. Before that, I moved out of Hokkaido just
after my gradation to get a head start for college. Of course, I graduated
early the previous fall, so I was able to work a long while with Haroken-
san, my boss. Through #1's help, I was able to find this "cheap"
alternative. I could have lived in the dormitory and nearby houses, but
the pricing for those couldn't match the deal for the rooms here. Although
I knew it was too good to be true and that there had to be some strings
attached. At least I hoped my roommate was not some crazy person from hell.
(Muroke entering Room 312 with his bags in hand)
(He sees a person there already putting something together.)
Muroke: Hello there.
(turns around) Oh hi there. You must be my roommate. My n-ame is Taku.
Taku Morisaki.
Muroke: Koji Muroke here. Please to meet you.
Taku: I wasn' sure if you'r going to show up so I took the liberty of
unpacking some of my stuff'.
Muroke: No problem. I'm pretty late in getting here.
Taku: Before you do anything else, let get the sleeping arrangements
settled. Which part of the bunkbed do you want? Top or bottom'?
Muroke: Really doesn't matter to me.
Taku: You mind if I take the top then/
Muroke: No, go right ahead.
Taku: Thanks.
Muroke: What are you doing right now?
Taku: Just puttin' togther this telescope here. Is it ok for you?
Muroke: Sure, sure. Listen, I'm going to see how my friend is doing, so do
you mind watching my stuff before I come back?
Taku: Sure thing. Don't forget your room key. (flips it to him)
Muroke: Got it. Thanks! See you later.
(pops over to room 304)
Muroke: Hey Shijama-kun.
Shijama: Hey come in!
Muroke: You're roommate didn't come in yet?
Shijama: Nope. Why are you hanging out here for? Don't you need to unpack?
Muroke: I do, but my roomie is installing something, so I didn't want to
bother him. So how do you like Tokyo so far?
Shijama: Well, it's certainy big and metropolitan. Not like we're used to
back in Hokkaido.
Muroke: Don't be spooked by it! You're get use to it. I know I did.
Shijama: Lucky for you that you had a head start.
Muroke: (low whisper) So...? Did you bring the formula with you?
Shijama: You mean that?
Muroke: Yes, that.
Shijama: I did, but I made only a small batch because it is so volatile.
I'll need access to the chemist laboratoris to grow more of it.
Muroke: Ok. I better go and let you finish unpacking. See ya.
[Later that night...]
(everyone is sleeping. Shijama is alone in his room, his roommate
apparently a no-show)
In the midst of the darkness, the door to 304 slowly creaks open to
reveal...
Shijama: (half-asleep & opening his eyes) What? Ah!!! A GHOST!
[End of chapter 1]
------------
Explanation:
------------
Ryokurin Ryou: Name of the dorm/boarding house
Tatsuya Youta- High school student at Ryokuto High and living in the dorms.
Zumi Shijama- high school buddy of Koji Muroke back in Hokkaido who is now
attending Tokyo University. (Prelude Series)
Koji Muroke: Otherwise known as #2 in the Book A and Book B series of HARD
KOR. Also makes an appearance in Prelude.