Chapter 47: Mahiro and the Sunny Girl

Asahi, the sunny girl. Her name means sunshine.

### Social Setting

Around and about the neighborhood of Mahiro's home. A burger joint that Asahi likes.

### Transition Development

Mahiro now has almost no problem going out in public and presenting as a teenage girl.

### Skills Learned

Mahiro's stamina is less than desireable and needs improvement, if she can't hardly keep up with Asahi.

MAHIRO AND THE SUNNY GIRL

CHAPTER 47 OF THE MANGA

## Previously

Although their individual personalities are almost polar opposits, nevertheless, Mahiro and Asahi have been friends for quite a while now. Recently, during time at school, Asahi traded a few of her prized bread stickers to Mahiro, to get her interested in sticker collecting. But now the spring break has started. Mahiro would like nothing better than sleeping until past noon, then spending the rest of the day in her bedroom playing video games. Asahi is, of course, the opposite. Asahi would like nothing better than to be outside, exploring and enjoying all that she can find to do. On this particular day, Mahiro is conscripted to do an errand for Mihari. On her way home, Mahiro runs into Asahi. What adventures are waiting to happen for Mahiro when she is invited to spend the day with Asahi ?

## This Chapter's Story

One day during a break from school, Mahiro is trying to do what she likes best---sleeping late until after noontime ! However, Mahiri is about to put the kibosh on that ! She gently but forcefully wakes up Mahiro, telling her that she has an errand for her to run. Mahiro, realizing that resistance is futile, wisely accepts the assignment of going to the dry cleaners to pick up a package, as well as acting all 'cutesy' for being asked to do so.

Leaving the dry cleaning shop with her package, Mahiro tells herself that she is not so afraid of going outside and being in public like she used to be (see Chapter 11). Nevertheless, she relishes the idea of going home and holing up in her bedroom playing video games all day, and not going outside at all for anything. Suddenly, something or someone slaps Mahiro on her backside, thus scaring the living daylights out of her. She scoots behind a telephone pole, then tentatively looks around to see what is going on ? Why, it's Asahi, out for her morning walk ! Mahiro explains that she is on an errand, and is heading back home. But Asahi is full of excitement and adventure today, and wants someone to share this with her, so she grabs hold of Mahiro's hand, and drags Mahiro with her as she begins her day's activities.

First off is exploring trash cans. However, Asahi becomes overcome with the horrible odor that occurs when she opens the lid of one can. Mahiro has to escort (drag) her away from the noxious mess. Next, the two find a kitten up a tree. Asahi, of course, has to climb the tree and rescue the kitten. This she does. However, when the kitten is offered to Mahiro, it scratches Mahiro, greatly upseting her. Fortunately, the scratch was only of a very minor nature. Many other adventures were realized before noontime, yet by then Mahiro is all worn out and has to sit down on a park bench. All of the fun has made Asahi hungry. Mahiro, for her part, just wants to go home (remember, she was on an errand). Yet Asahi convinces Mahiro to join her for lunch, as she knows a great place to go for good food. Mahiro reluctantly agrees.

The 'Great Place to Eat' is nothing more than a fast food burger joint, but one the Asahi likes a lot. Once inside, the pretty lady at the counter asks if the two girls will be eating inside, or 'to go' ? Shock and surprise go all around, as the pretty lady *is Kaede*, and Kaede immediately recognizes Mahiro and Asahi. Asahi pipes up that Kaede is Momiji's Onee-chan (lit. Big Sister), and therefore she should treat the two with free meals. No dice, only free drinks, affirms Kaede. Mahiro apologizes for Asahi's apparent snooker of Kaede. Mahiro also cajoles Asahi, saying that this place is your idea of good food ? It's just burgers and fries ! That's just junk food, ya know. Nevertheless, Kaede says that all is okay, as she has known Asahi since she was a little girl. Kaede sets up the burgers and drinks on a tray. Cola okay ? Asahi says that is her favorite.

Kaede sets the loaded trays on the counter. Mahiro takes hers, but when Asahi picks up her tray, she is careless, and jiggles the tray, causing the drink to spill. Horror of horrors, the drink tilts toward Asahi, and splashes the entire contents on her shirt and shorts. A real soaking ! Asahi screeches that it is 'divine punishment', yet she is the only one to blame for mishandling the tray. Kaede comes from behind the counter with a towel. Asahi wails that she is soaked right down to her underware. Mahiro immediately sees what has to be done. She hands the dry cleaning package to Asahi, and tells her to take it and the towel to the girl's room, dry herself off as best as she can, and change into the dry clothes that are in the package. The put your wet clothes into the package, and come back to the table. Kaede comments to Mahiro if it is okay to leand her the clothes ? Mahiro only says that the important thing right now is to help Asahi. True !

Eventually, Asahi comes out of the girl's restroom, and what a surprise. Both Kaede and Mahiro are awed and overjoyed to see Asahi wearing the clothes that came from the dry cleaners. Why, Asahi is wearing ***a pretty dress***, maybe even for the first time in quite a while. It's styled like a light blue sailor dress, with a ruffled white sailor flap in front and back, and a huge white bow in the front. The dress has a short, above-the-knee hemline, with white petticoat ruffles peeking out from under the hemline. The hardcore tomboy is dressed like an adorable little teen loli ! So, so cute ! Volumious paise come from both Kaede and Mahiro, as Asahi confesses that wearing this ultra-girly style is 'knocking her for a loop' ! But she is okay with it ! After the meal is done with, Asahi gives thanks for the food, then tells Mahiro that she will wash the dress and return it to her. And now that we are done eating, it is time for more adventure ! Mahiro remarks that Asahi never changes. Asahi remarks that Asahi is Asahi, after all !

Later that afternoon, Mahiro finally returns home, flopping down as she is again throughtly exhausted. Mahiri takes the package from Mahiro, but is so surprised only to find a wet shirt and shorts inside. What gives ? Mahiro only nonchalantly inquires if Mihari can wash these clothes for her ?

## Chapter Lookback

The English Translator comments on how much Mahiro has gotten over her shyness in going out in public, especially as a teenage girl. Also, it looks like Mahiro is learning how to manipulate her cuteness and innocence as a teen girl. See the lower right panel !