Chapter 7: Confession

WHAT MIKI DOES AFTER SCHOOL

CONFESSION

CHAPTER 7, AND THE CONCLUSION, OF THE MANGA

At school one day, Itsuki is daydreaming. But this is a very special, intimate daydream. A daydream of profound importance. Itsuki is *daydreaming about Miki!* He thinks back to when he fist saw Miki dressed in the school's female school uniform, this, of course, was after school, out in public. The sailor suit, with the pleated mini-skirt, really suited her. So many things have happened from then up 'till now! He remembers buying Miki her first bra. How Miki was talked into wearing a maid's cosplay costume. How Miki wore a pink leotard and a white frilly apron. When Miki approached himself after the Cultural Festival, Miki still dressed in her cheerleader outfit, and was trying to say something to him. This is the first time he has seen that particular expression on her face. Sorta of half melancholy and half fatalism. Just what did Miki want to say to me that time? She never finished her thought......

Later in the school day, after classes, Itsuki and Izumi are almost alone in a deserted classroom. Izumi is sitting at a desk, and Itsuki is standing behind her, with his hands on her shoulders, so intimate like!

"So you're telling me all this.....", remarks Izumi.

Itsuki has 'spilled the beans' to Izumi concerning his relationship with Miki, and that he wants to 'feel out' the possibility of advancing it. Itsuki pleads with Izumi just to 'ask' Miki on his behalf. After all, you are close to Miki, right? Itsuki begins to rub Izuki's shoulders. Wonder what I shall do, muses Izumi.

Later that day, in the early evening, Itsuki is once again standing in back of Izumi, with his hands on her shoulders. But this time they are in a casual restaurant, and Izumi is just finishing up enjoying a scrumptious parfait. Itsuki asks her why does she think that he is treating her? Because he wants to go on a date with her? *Die a thousand deaths!* says an annoyed Itsuki. Izumi wants to know why Itsuki is so concerned about Miki? Itsuki retorts that something 'feels off' about Miki and himself, and that it is only normal to be concerned about something like that.

"Would that 'something' that feels off be " I LOVE YOU???", interjects Izumi, "I mean what else would you say when it is just the two of you alone? It would have to be a Love Confession, right?"

" Miki is a *perceived* boy! ", barks Itsuki.

" But didn't you two kiss? ", inquires Izumi.

" That was just *the heat of the moment!* ", cries Itsuki.

" Watching you work so hard for 'his' sake, wouldn't 'his' heart go " Pitter, patter? ", coos Izumi.

" Is that how it is? ", retorts Itsuki.

Unknown to the two debaters inside the restaurant, Miki, wearing as she always does after school her female school uniform, is watching all that is transpiring through a window, from the outside sidewalk. Miki can't hear what is going on, but it sure looks like a date between the two. Miki only stands there, with a mournful and sorrowful look creeping across her pretty face.

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Next day at school, an angry and upset Hasegawa confronts Itsuki. Hasegawa loudly demands to know Itsuki's relationship and intentions towards Miki! Hasegawa insists that he has to know this, because he already knows for a fact that Miki is intimately interested in Itsuki. Also on his mind is that he knew that Itsuki and Miki has spent many a day after school together, and so what is this tripe about the fact that Itsuki and Izumi 'went on a date together'? Hasegawa next grabs Itsuki's vest with his hands, and shakes him! "WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME BEHIND IN THE GOSSIP LOOP?", belts out Hasegawa.

A little while later, Miki, dressed in the male school uniform (she has to do so at school for the time being), shyly approaches Hasegawa. How did it go with Itsuki? Hasegawa is disappointed, as all he could get out of Itsuki was that Izumi and Itsuki enjoyed eating cake together. That is not the piece of information that Miki wants to know about or understand. Hasegawa goes on to say that Itsuki told him that he, Itsuki, views Miki as a good friend. Sorrow and disquieting thoughts come across Miki's face. Does Miki not like the fact that Itsuki views her as his friend? Miki says it is not that, it is just that she views Itsuki as not just a friend, but a very special person that she wants to know personally and intimately. Itsuki is so, so special .......! Itsuki is actually just around the hallway corner, and is hearing every word spoken by Hasegawa and Miki. When he hears Miki's true, heartfelt intentions toward him, his eyes go wide open, and he turns 50 shades of red with embarrassment!

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At school that afternoon, Itsuki visits Izumi in the Infirmary. Izumi hangs out quite a lot of the time in the Infirmary, as many of the students, and a few of the teachers, can not accept the fact that she was born perceived as a male, but goes about school dressed in the female school uniform, as befits her as a trans girl. Such disapproval and prejudice! Both are sitting on the bed, with Izumi giving Itsuki her impressions and report about Miki's intentions toward him, as he had asked her to do earlier. Izumi has a 'I told you so' tone about her, as she empirically states that Miki deeply 'likes' him! After hearing that, Itsuki pleads with Izumi to continue to 'run offense' for him with Miki, beginning anew this afternoon. Izumi bluntly declines, as she indicates that she will be busy this afternoon after school. Izumi then drops a bombshell, telling Iksuki that this afternoon she agreed with Hasegawa to go out on a date with him! Given that happening, Izumi tells him that he is 'on his own' as far as Miki is concerned, and to do his best by himself. Tears come to Itsuki's eyes, as a sorrowful expression bolts across his face.

Itsuki then drops a bombshell of his own. He asks Izumi if she is prepared to tell Hasegawa that she was born perceived as a boy, but is a trans girl now? (Itsuki some time ago tried to tell Hasegawa about Izumi, but was suddenly interrupted, then dropped the attempt.) This indeed catches Izumi by surprise, as she reacts with annoyance, asking Itsuki just why did he come to that conclusion regarding revealing her transgender status? Itsuki spits out that he thought that she would do it that way, since she never asked him to approach Hasegawa on her behalf. (Itsuki and Hasegawa are best male friends.) Izumi declares that 'no way' would she ever ask him to do that! And for that matter, why is Izumi so 'worked up' by Itsuki's suggestion of 'coming out' to Hasegawa? Izumi becomes distressed and looks away from Itsuki. She painfully states that as more and more of the students and teachers come to know that she is a trans girl, the more and more she is disliked, even hated, at school. Yet, a few of the students, and several of the more compassionate teachers, have shown her empathy and kind consideration, such that she feels that she can be liked for who she is after all, at least by those ones. She does not want to give that up, not just now. "Why are people like that.....?", asks Itsuki.

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"GOODNESS, I'M SO HAPPY TO BE ON A DATE WITH IZUMI-CHAN!!!", shouts out Hasegawa, outside after school has ended for the day.

However, Izumi insists to him that this ISN'T A DATE. The only reason she agreed was because he was so persistent, and she would never have had a peaceful moment to herself. Izumi lays down the ground rules---*"You're treating me to cake!"* Suddenly, Hasegawa's name is called out. It is two other girls from their homeroom class. What gives? The two girls want to be introduced to Izumi. Huh? Hasegawa explains that since Izumi has spent so much time alone in the Infirmary, he thought it would be good to also invite the two other girls to go with them, so that Izumi, as well as everyone else, could become good friends with one another. But Izumi does not see things that way. She shouts out that Hasegawa lied to her, regarding the terms of the 'date' with her. Hasegawa, on the defensive, says that he was doing this for Izumi's sake, and for her own good. Izumi's reaction is swift and sure---

"THAT'S WHY I TOLD YOU THAT YOU WERE **SUCH AN ALMIGHTY NUISANCE** !!! You don't know the first thing about me!"

"......Izumi-chan......", Hasegawa practically whispers to the group......

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Miki and Itsuki are doing their own thing after school, too. Itsuki is standing guard at the door to a public men's restroom, while inside Miki is changing into her usual sailor suit school uniform. Itsuki tells himself that after hearing Miki's unbiased comment earlier in the day, being alone with her feels awkward. He wishes that he could just leave and go about his own business. Itsuki hears his name called, and steps inside the restroom. There, Miki has her girl's panties and pleated mini-skirt on, and her sailor top around her shoulders unbuttoned, and her bra on, but is having trouble fastening the back of her bra. The tiny hooks are slightly bent. She asks for Itsuki's help. An embarrassed and conflicted Itsuki mumbles and he-haws around, finally spiting out for Miki to somehow do it all by herself. Miki immediately apologizes, however, Itsuki states that he is leaving right now. He wants to think things over all by himself right now.

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Also this afternoon, Hasegawa is searching the neighborhood to find a 'Missing in Action' Izumi. He comes upon a children's playground, with part of it blocked off with barriers for remodeling. Inside the barrier area, Hasegawa suddenly notices a teenage girl sitting by herself on a park bench. IT'S IZUMI! She is sitting with a sick and tired aura, and with a sorrowful and mournful look on her distressed face. Hasegawa comes up to her, approaching her backside with a smile on his face, and nonchalantly mentions that she surprised him by running off, but he doesn't mind, so all is good and fine. Izumi's facial expression changes to one of annoyance and distrust. "....alright", implores Hasegawa. He tactfully sits down next to Izumi on the park bench.

"Then let's not do anything!", he speaks with a congenial tone in his voice.

" EH...?"

Hasegawa continues with a hopeful and optimistic voice, remarking that for Izumi-chan to get that angry....so....there must have been a valid reason for it. Izumi reacts with a look of surprise and guarded interest. Hasegawa tells her that he will patiently wait for her to tell him all about her concerns. Is that alright with her? Izumi turns away so he won't see her quickly reddening cheeks, and slips into abject embarrassment and mortification. "You're so persistent!", quips Izumi, as she soon becomes remarkably quite and silent for a long time. She seems to be conflicted within herself about something.

Izumi finally comes back to awareness of what is happening, as she grabs Hasegawa's hand with her own, and brings it down to just in front of her pleated mini-skirt. "Well then......touch here!", commands Izumi (Izumi, born perceived as a male, still has 'boy bits'. A hand pressing on the fabric of her mini-skirt will feel that.). "EH?" The two are holding hands, but Izumi had not yet brought down Hasegawa's hand onto her mini-skirt. Instead, she remarks that maybe he would want to feel her chest? Awkwardness and confusion crawls across Izumi's face.

"THAT'S NOT THE POINT!!", cries a rapidly becoming upset Hasegawa.

Izumi drones on, saying that all of a sudden Hasegawa wants to know all about her. Well, she thought that it would be much easier to understand doing it this way. Izumi tightens her grip on Hasegawa's hand, but still keeps it a couple of inches from touching the front of her mini-skirt. Suddenly---

**"IZUMI-CHAN.....???"**

*"AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!"*, loudly screeches Hasegawa!

Izumi turns to look behind her..... it's Miki.....what's wrong? Miki looks so dejected......

"Itsuki-kun.....Itsuki-kun hates me......", squeaks out a timid Miki.

"EH?"

Miki has the two's rapt attention, as Izumi lets go of Hasegawa's hand. Miki continues---

"After all, today he suddenly started avoiding me, and said that he did not want to go home together with me at all."

"That's so mean of Itsuki!", spouts Hasegawa.

Izumi silently wonders to herself if she 'messed' with Itsuki's mind too much in the past? Spontaneously, Izumi lovingly takes Miki's hands into her own, and states that she will help Miki make up with Itsuki! Hasegawa adds his approval, remarking that Izumi is such a nice person, after all. Shockingly, Miki declines, saying that she, herself, has to tell Itsuki what needs to be said. Only Miki, nobody else. Miki goes on to remark that even if Itsuki hates her now, her own feelings of love have not changed.

" Miki......", intones Izumi.

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Isuki, somewhere near the village children's playground, answers his iphone. It is Miki calling, talking in a panicky voice, and stating that she is at the child's playground right now, the one where they have started renovations. Itsuki says to wait right there for him, and that he will be there shortly.

**"ITSUKI-KUN....."**, comes a voice from behind him. Itsuki is visibly startled, shocked even! He spins himself around to see who it is.

"M....Miki? Why are you....what are you.....?"

Despite her heart pounding away like a punch press machine going 'full tilt', Miki has a serious and slightly defiant scowl on her face. Her cheeks are all red and flushed, but she continues on---

"Itsuki-kun! *There is something that I want to ask you!* Okay?  *It's what I wanted to say at the Cultural Festival that one time before.....!"*

Itsuki silently thinks to himself that---HERE IT COMES....THE WHOLE NINE YARDS.....THE REAL McCOY.....THE WHOLE MAGILLA!!!

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A little distance away from where Miki and Itsuki are having their heart-to-heart and soul-to-soul exchange, crouched behind a hedge of trimmed bushes, sit Izumi and Hasegawa together. So intimate like! They are watching the proceedings, a live reality show right before their eyes! Izumi compliments Hasegawa in that he did a good job luring Itsuki to come to the playground, done over the phone with such unspoken romantic vibes broadcast to Itsuki! Hasegawa replies, whispering to Izumi that after this little drama is over, let's really go out on a date together. Izumi is silent, but her facial expression tells the whole story, that of shock, surprise, and stupefaction. Hasegawa immediately picks up on the fact that he may have just 'crossed a line' with Izumi, so he deftly and coyly reacts to cover his suggestion by saying that what he meant to say is, this is probably what Miki and Itsuki must be saying between themselves right about now! Miki must be telling him something like 'let's begin dating', or something like that! Izumi turns to Hasegawa and throws off a look of disbelief, skepticism, and distrustful wonderment. Izumi is quiet for a few moments, lost in thought. She then turns to Hasegawa, and says---

" You really are.....such a dummy.....to like a person as myself......not knowing who I really was, but who I really am now.......!?!"

Hasegawa reads her like a book. He smiles like a Cheshire Cat at Izumi, with that smile speaking for him, as if to say---

"It doesn't matter. I love you no matter who you are!"

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After Miki made her appearance known, Itsuki looks away in supposed disinterest and annoyance. But his heart is now pounding away, for what may soon happen regarding Miki and himself. Itsuki says nonchalantly, now that he thinks of it, you did have something to say.....?!? Miki, somehow holding herself together and keeping her heart from exploding, softly remarks---

"I....If you are not opposed to it Itsuki-kun......well......please.....(Miki looks down at the ground in stark humility).....that is.....

**PLEASE BE BEST FRIENDS WITH ME !!!** " **(\*)**

"....eh.....", chokes out Itsuki.

Miki begins to panic, but bravely continues, " Even though I always cause trouble for you, I really want to be with you (Miki squeezes her two hands together into a prayer position). Itsuki-kun, you're *so special*, so.....I'll do my best not to be disliked by you! So......please......."(Miki's eyes are closed, as tears form and begin dripping down her reddened cheeks.......)

However, Miki never gets to finish her impassioned thoughts. Itsuki approaches her, gently places his hands on her upper arms, leans forward, and sweetly and tenderly kisses a very surprised Miki on her lips!!! After the mutual rapture runs its course, Itsuki separates, although still holding onto Miki's arms.

*"There's no way that I would kiss someone I didn't like!* Right? "

" Yeah.....", Miki absentmindedly mutters, as waves of passion and pleasure continue to ripple through her mind.....

Miki becomes silent. Itsuki continues to stand in front of her, but also goes silent, letting what he just said 'sink in' to Miki's mind, heart, and spirit. Miki, for her part, begins to have some cognitive clarity slowly return to her mind, and begins to think quietly to herself.

" What's wrong with me? Even though I've kissed Itsuki-kun so many times before in the past, my heart keeps thumping away like it's a bongo drum.....I wonder why......?"

Itsuki becomes concerned by Miki's silence, and simply asks her, "What?" Miki, with a blank look on her face, asks Itsuki why he ditched her that one time? (earlier today when he would not hook her bra) "NEVER MIND ABOUT THAT, FORGET ABOUT IT!", is Itsuki's swift reply.

"...okay...." Miki now takes Itsuki's hands into hers, holding them is such a romantic way, as she intones with a serious look on her delicate face---

**" TOGETHER FOREVER, RIGHT? "**

Itsuki responds, " O---Of course!!! We're 'Best Friends'**(\*)**, right?"

"Yup!", as Miki breaks out into all smiles, rainbows, and unicorns!

(THE END)
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## Commentary and Opinion

**(\*) Best Friends**

According to the English translator, who translated this chapter from Japanese to English, the expression in English "Best Friends" actually is a rather generic term, and obscures most of what was actually said, and doesn't express the tone in which it was said in the Japanese language. The English term used, "Best Friends" is something of a misnomer, as Miki and Itsuki are already 'best friends' as seen from their relationship shown in the first few chapters of this manga. Also there is quite a lot of room for fine emotional expressions between the English generic terms of, "Friends", "Best Friends", "Lovers", and "Intimate Lovers".

In a footnote on the manga page, and at the end of chapter 7, the English translator tries to explain what Miki is saying from the original Japanese script. The opinion of the Admin of this Wiki of what the English translator is trying to say is this. Miki and Itsuki are more than just 'friends'. This is shown in the first chapter when Itsuki tells himself that he will be more than a 'friend' to Miki. In fact, he will help Miki to present herself out in public, as an authentic girl, dressed as a typical teenage girl in her sailor suit. As Itsuki then becomes more involved with Miki, this puts the couple at or beyond 'best friends'. As Itsuki continues to help and guide Miki in her transition from male to female, the relationship and shipping continues to grow and deepen. In chapter 7, when Miki is finally able to bring herself to tell Itsuki of her true nature and intentions toward him, the level of intent that she is trying to attain is more than 'best friends', but stops just short of 'lovers'. That is what the Japanese language terms brings out. Miki is so, so close to asking Itsuki to be, not just 'best friends', but to be so close to her that it is almost as if they are full-blown lovers. She comes ever so close, ever so intimately, to saying "I Love You" to Itsuki, and for them to be 'together forever' as lovers often vow to one another. That understanding is what was lost in the translation and use of the English language words.

Therefore, a rather awkward and combersome English translation of what Miki asked of Itsuki, but would be more in line with what the Japanese language says, would be this---

"I....If you are not opposed to it Itsuki-kun......well......please.....(Miki looks down at the ground in stark humility).....that is.....

**PLEASE BE MORE THAN BEST FRIENDS WITH ME !!! IN FACT, PLEASE BE THE NEXT BEST THING TO BEING MY TEENAGE LOVER !!!** "

"....eh.....", chokes out Itsuki.

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