Episode 5

## Ripples

**Ripples** (波紋, *Hamon*?) is the fifth episode of the *My Happy Marriage* anime series.

## Synopsis

Miyo is busy preparing to entertain Kiyoka's subordinate Yoshito, who helped her reunite with Hana. However, there are people who peer into her happy state.

Kanoko, who hates Miyo's biological mother, is trembling with anger, and Kaya has been raised to always be "above" her older sister. Minoru plans to use Kaya to get Miyo...

## Summary

Keiko delivers the new kimono's Kiyoka Kudou picked out for Miyo Saimori. Miyo is touched by this thoughtful gesture and loves how the kimono reminds her of her mother's cherry blossom kimono.

Meanwhile, Minoru Tatsuishi informs Kaya Saimori that Miyo is doing exceptionally well with Kiyoka and shows her a photo of the two together. Seeing the photo, Kaya realizes that the man she saw leaving the Saimori estate the other day was Kiyoka and begins to feel jealous. When Minoru reveals that he had originally intended for Miyo to marry his eldest son Kazushi Tatsuishi, Kaya decides to go to her father to make a request. Minoru inwardly thinks that Kaya's actions save him from unnecessary trouble.

Miyo prepares a meal for Yoshito Godou as a way to thank him for helping her reunite with Hana. Kiyoka drives Yoshito to his house after work, and when they arrive, they are greeted by Miyo, who stuns Kiyoka with her appearance in the new pink kimono. Miyo blushes when Kiyoka praises her, which momentarily makes Yoshito feel left out. Miyo quickly apologizes and invites him inside. Kaya, using a familiar to spy on them, witnesses this scene and becomes angry that Miyo appears happier than she is.

Inside the house, Yoshito appreciates the meal and compliments Miyo on her cooking. He tells Kiyoka that he's a lucky man to enjoy Miyo's cooking every day. Miyo expresses her gratitude sincerely, even though Yoshito's role in their reunion was small. Yoshito playfully suggests that Miyo should marry him instead, causing Kiyoka to choke on his water. Miyo takes the joke seriously, apologizes to Yoshito, and reaffirms her desire to be with Kiyoka. After dinner, Yoshito leaves, and Miyo thanks Kiyoka for the evening.

Kaya is upset when her father refuses her request and even advises her to forget about Miyo. She argues that she's a better match for Kiyoka, but her father dismisses her pleas. Remembering her mother's words about always trying to outshine Miyo, Kaya visits Kouji Tatsuishi and asks if he would prefer to be engaged to Miyo instead.

Miyo falls asleep at the dining table and has a strange dream where she sees Grotesqueries advancing toward her. In the dream, she's kicked from behind and falls into a storehouse, where she is scolded by her stepmother while Kaya looks on. Kanoko closes the door and Miyo is locked inside. Sensing something is wrong, Kiyoka checks on Miyo and detects remnants of an ability. He wakes Miyo up from her nightmare and assures her that she can always rely on him and is never alone.

The following day, Kouji notices some men entering a vehicle in the back alley of the Tatsuishi estate. He recalls Kaya's words from the previous night when she mentioned speaking with his father about helping them. Kouji becomes suspicious of what Kaya and his father might be planning regarding Miyo.

Miyo prepares lunch for Kiyoka and intends to deliver it to him with Yurie. Yurie gives her a blue pouch that Kiyoka had Keiko make for her to match her blue kimono. They leave the house, unaware that the amulet Kiyoka gave Miyo is still in her old pouch.

Kouji visits his father's office and finds Kaya there. Kaya explains they are going to "exchange fiancés" with Miyo, but Kouji insists that it won't happen, as Shinichi, the head of the family, has already disapproved of it. Kaya devilishly points out that the situation changes if Miyo is the one who agrees to the arrangement. Kouji becomes concerned about his father's plans and asks him for clarification. Minoru assures Kouji that he will understand everything soon.

On the porch of the Special Anti-Grotesquerie Unit station, Miyo presents Kiyoka with the meal she prepared. Kiyoka expresses his gratitude and asks if she has the amulet he gave her. Miyo assures him that she has it with her and promises to keep it close. Not wanting to interrupt Kiyoka's work any longer, Miyo and Yurie leave. However, Miyo later realizes that she left the amulet at home, which upsets her as she had promised Kiyoka that she would always carry it with her. Suddenly, a car stops beside them, two men who Kouji had noticed earlier grab Miyo, throws her in the vehicle, and drive away.

Kouji confronts his father and Kaya about their plans regarding Miyo. Kaya explains that they intend to have Miyo withdraw from her marriage arrangements with Kiyoka. After she departs for the Saimori estate, Minoru tells Kouji that they must secure Miyo and do whatever it takes to ensure the prosperity of their lineage. Realizing that his father had known about Miyo's abuse all these years and never helped her, Kouji becomes furious. His anger intensifies his telekinetic power, causing furniture in the room to fly towards his father. However, Minoru easily stops the objects and overpowers Kouji. He restrains Kouji and instructs him to wait until everything is settled before leaving by car. Fortunately, Kazushi arrives and frees Kouji, encouraging him to save Miyo.

Yurie rushes back to the station to inform Kiyoka about what happened to Miyo. Kiyoka is unsure about where to begin searching for Miyo when Kouji arrives and requests his help in rescuing her.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

* Keiko
* Miyo Saimori
* Yurie
* Kiyoka Kudou
* Kaya Saimori
* Minoru Tatsuishi
* Yoshito Godou
* Shinichi Saimori
* Kouji Tatsuishi
* Kanoko Saimori (dream)
* Kazushi Tatsuishi