Episode 16: Otoko No Ketsudan. Nacchan, Yamenai de!

"A Man's Decision. Na-chan, Please don't quit!"

Miki's on her bed crying, still hurt from Meiko's words. She doesn't know what to write about in the exchange diary because nothing like this had ever happened to her before. Miki remembers when she first met Meiko...

Miki: The first time I met Meiko was at the Jr. High entrance ceremony... (We see Jr. High Miki looking at Meiko for the first time) "Wow, what a pretty girl. I wish I could be her friend" Miki continues... She had perfect facial features and a mature look. Among the other 7th graders, Meiko was outstanding. We got into the same class and became close friends. I was so happy because I admired her. Miki remembers the fun memories of Meiko. "Meiko never talks much about herself but she was always kind and cheerful. But maybe I was bothering her all along." Miki starts to cry in her pillow again and asked why the old Meiko turned away from her.

Meiko is also thinking in her room. "I went to Sensei...I didn't have any choice. If Sensei wasn't in my life I wouldn't know where to turn." Meiko starts to cry because she wouldn't know what to do if "Sensei" got fired. She goes to her bed and looks at a picture of her and Miki and remembered what she had said. "I probably hurt you...I'm sorry Miki... Perhaps Miki doesn't know the whole story." She listens to her parents argue from her room. They are blaming and yelling at each other for what Meiko has done.

The 4 parents knock on Miki's door and they tell her that if she is troubled she could talk to them. Miki opens the door to see 4 worried faces. Miki starts to cry and she tells them the story of Meiko and Na-chan in the kitchen. But instead of them comforting Miki, they all get excited about it. And how "Exciting" it is and stuff. Miki is hella mad. She should have known that they weren't going to help. She goes up to her room and sees You. "Slow learner aren't you?" He says. "Don't you understand the low level their minds are in?"

Miki continues to walk towards her room. You tells her, "Everyone has secrets they can't share with others. It can be painful to tell your deep secrets but it can also hurt to hold them in"

They say a 'good night' and before Miki goes inside her room, she tells herself that You understands Meiko's problems a bit better than she does because of what he said but, "You sounded like he was talking about himself...I wonder if he wants to tell me something but can't."

At school, everyone is talking about Meiko and Na-chan. As Miki walks in, Ginta asks her about Meiko. Miki looks down saddened and before she could answer, Kyoto-bitchy-Sensei comes in to put an order to the class. They ask her about "Na-chan". She asks what the deal is with the "Na-chan" business because there's a more proper way to address a teacher. She tells them that it was because of that, that something deplorable happened. "You've crossed the line in teacher-student relationship."

Ginta stands up and tells her straight out that Na-chan is very much respected. That everyone trusts him. That though he was surprised about the scandal, she shouldn't call it deplorable. Kyoto tells him that he shouldn't raise his voice like that to her and that everyone's rude behavior was all influenced by Namura-sensei.

At the Principal's office...the Principal is trying to talk Namura out of resigning because the students admire him. Namura says, it's the ONLY solution. It's his ONLY choice.

In the teacher's office, others are talking about Namura. Ryouko sits in her desk solemnly. She tells us her story...

(Circa..1987, 1988...)

Ryouko: In high school, I went steady with Kijima-san but always beside me was Namura-kun. That's why were always together. But then...my feelings gradually moved towards Namura-kun. (Young Kijima is shown watching young Ryouko looking at young Namura playing tennis) Kijima-san's parents were transferred to America. He looked depressed the day he left. I think he knew what I felt for Namura-kun....One day, I received a letter from Kijima..."Be happy with Namura."

Flashback to their college years....

Ryouko and Namura are in a bar with friends. Namura tells all of them that he chose Toryo because he wants to really teach and encourage his students like the teachers that he had. A friend asks Ryouko what she wants to do after she graduates. Namura answers for her saying that she'll probably find a handsome guy to marry... The friend agrees because Ryouko is beautiful. Namura teases her by wondering why she still doesn't have a boyfriend yet. Ryouko tells him to leave her alone. She blushes and laughs... Ryouko continues with her story..."I couldn't express my feelings. Three years ago, Kijima-san came back to town. Due to the power of the medallion, he had gotten married. Still he knew I hadn't been able to speak my heart."

Kijima: Ryouko, if you never tell him your feelings, he'll never know. He's probably waiting for you to tell him.

Back in the present...

Ryouko: I never thought it would turn out this way.

Kyoto-bitchy-sensei comes in and tells the teachers matter of factly, that if a teacher is corrupt, then the students are too. She tells them that Namura and the Principal are discussing the situation. There might be a 'dismissal' for Namura. Ryouko hears this and can't believe it. She doesn't want him to get fired. She goes to the Principal's office, telling him that he shouldn't fire Namura. That he cares very much about his students. It was always his dream for a very long time to become a teacher.

Namura tells her that it was him that decided to quit and resign. Ryouko is surprised. As Namura is leaving the Principal's office, Ryouko grabs his arm to stop him from walking away. She asks him why he quit. "What are you going to do now?" Namura answers that he is going to Hiroshima to help out in his parents real estate business. Ryouko asks him about Meiko and he says firmly that he is doing this for her sake.

Ryouko: Why
Namura: I can't make her happy. Disappearing from Akizuki's life is the best way I can express my love
Ryouko: Do you have to sacrifice your career to fulfill your responsibility to her?
Namura: Please understand my reasons. You know me...
Ryouko lets go of his arm and walks away.

Miwa is listening from the hallway. He steps out after Ryouko leaves.

Miwa: Are you quitting for Akizuki? I think not. I think you're a coward.
Namura: Miwa...How long have you been there?
Miwa: Not long. I didn't mean to eavesdrop...But what you're doing is a deception of justice. You're trying to look innocent of impropriety. But it's better for me if you leave. It'll be easier for me to approach Akizuki.
Miwa leaves him standing there.

Miki returns to class after calling Meiko from a payphone. She was checking in on her but the maid tells her that Meiko wasn't allowed to have phone calls. Miki says that she's really worried about Meiko after she hung up the phone... "But it's probably not my business anyway"

Ginta asks Miki where she has been. Miki says, "Nowhere in particular"

Namura comes into class. He tells his news about resigning. Miki, Ginta and You are all shocked.

Miki: No way...Na-chan's..Quitting teaching?

------> Episode #17