Skip Beat! Vol 17

Summary:

Reino suddenly appeared behind Kyouko, shocking her. But no, our Heroine was not scared, because now she has a powerful weapon with her, one favored by the gods themselves........Ren??? Lolz. Kyouko woke up (looking very cute, I might add) with Ren looking at her from below (remember our pillow lap session)....poor Kyouko...but lucky Ren (hehehe). Anyway, Kyouko confesses that eversince Ren came, he seems to give her confidence & courage which she lack to face the stalker. This made Ren soooo happy!!!! Meanwhile, the spy from Shou's group sent a message to the Beagles informing that he can no longer pass on anything to them. Later, Yashiro could sense that some "development" had happened with him & Kyouko. Although Ren sounded and look passive about it, somehow, he could not stop his building desires from his heart.

The day for Kyouko to finally return to Tokyo (how it rhymes!!) arrives. On her way to say goodbye to Director Ogata, she bumped into Shou's manager who vaguely inform her that Shou music is developing and that he will be a massive superstar. She even mentioned that she thinks this development is thanks to Kyouko (hint hint...hehehe), which Kyouko denied. After parting, who should appear next if not Reino? (Kyouko's bumping into everyone except the person she's suppose to be meeting!!)....A confrontation ensues and Ren came to the rescue!!!!! (again with the rhyming....what am I doing??) Touching Ren, Reino (who has ESP) could see his dark past, which was why Reino quickly backed off as he couldn't stand Ren's touch. Here we found out that "Tsuruga Ren" is just a stage name. After leaving, Kyouko suddenly froze, remembering Reino's words previously about how Corn would have died by now. She started crying, and Ren (who IS Corn) was so touched that he hugged her (and she allowed him to hug her!!!!!!!) and said that since Corn is a fairy prince, of course he would not be of this world and he's surely have grown to be a proper adult by now (how sweet..........). Elsewhere, Reino got a call, informing that the Beagles will be leaving for NY City.

Somewhere, Ren is "auditioning" for a movie role of a cold-blooded murderer. He was brilliant and was immediately invited to join the cast. Kyouko herself was talking to the director of her new drama series (her character's name is Natsu). He told her to not worry and just act like Mio. This does not please Kyouko at all. Further work offers from Sawara-san (since Sawara-san is something like her manager, any work offers for Kyouko will go through him) shows her that all the characters that are offered to her in the dramas are Mio-like role. This does not sit well with Kyouko at all (who dreams of acting in princesses roles!) because she does not want to get confined in a particular type of role and could not expand her skills.

When Kyouko discussed about her problem with Moko, she got support from her. However, Moko mentioned about Kyouko might lose. Not understanding, Kyouko ask what is she suppose to lose at? Flustered, Moko started talking nonsense before finally getting Kyouko distracted (by mentioning that she wishes to eat ice-cream with Kyouko like high school friends...lolz). Moko was relieved that Kyouko did not find out (something) about Fuwa Shou!
President Lory suddenly appear (in style, as usual) with work for the LoveMe section!

At DM set, Director Ogata came up to Ren looking very happy. It seems that the famous Japan actor, Kuu, will be coming back from America next month for some movie promotion. Kuu, whose former name Hozu Shuuhei (yup, the guy change his name for some god know reason) is the previous Katsuki in Tsukigomori. Back to Kyouko and Moko, it turns out that their LoveMe job this time is to take care of a SuperVIP! No prizes for guessing who that is!


Review:
I especially love the part where Kyouko woke up with Ren looking at her from her lap. Her reaction is soooooooo cute!!!!!!!! It's the 2nd time now Kyouko had a dream about Ren....hehehe

There's alot of unsolve mystery in this volume. The part where Reino & Ren touches, we get to see flashback to Ren's mysterious past. blood on his hand, my guess is that he murdered someone. Furthermore, Ren (in his audition as a killer) was really scary. He look so realistic and seems to be comfortable with using the gun. And the part where he seems shocked with the homecoming of Kuu, what is their relationship? How is the president involved in this matter? And why does he wants Kyouko to be involved as well? We'll see next volume!

Labels: Skip Beat

Posted at 8:35 PM

Shuukatsu - Kimi ni Naitei Vol. 2 (END)

Summary:

Yuuri was fired up again and was looking around for a job, but many of the companies are not recruiting fresh graduates this time. Dissapointed, but still persevering, she bump into Manabe (this will DEFINITELY not be the only time!), and spontaneously, she asked him about his ex-girlfriend. His answer was quite honest and straight to the point (wow, quite different from the usual storyline where the guy give a vague answer or simply refuse to say anything) - "she was a normal girl, but he could not continue to be with her". Before saying anything else, Yuuri stop him (guess she couldn't bear to hear anymore).

After a short visit to Tokyo to visit an alumnus (that's a senior who has already graduated) for advice, another coincedence bump with Manabe in front of the convenience store (WHAT DID I SAY!!!). This time, Yuuri couldn't control herself and started crying. Manabe just hug her (which kinda shock Yuuri...LOLZ). She gave some excuse about crying because she's happy being praised by her senior, and Manabe walked her home.

Finally there is open positions in 2 publishing companies! Yuuri is quite determine to get a job this time (her look of determination quite surprises Manabe himself). After the interviews, Yuuri went looking for Manabe, and found him sleeping on a bench (wow, seems like for the first time it is NOT coincedence). Yuuri happily told Manabe that she passed the first round interview for both companies. Somehow, the situation turn quite serious, and Yuri actually confesses her love out loud! But Manabe just happened to be on the phone and did not hear her. A little relief, Yuuri ran off. But turns out that Manabe just pretend ignorance as he muttered to himselfm "I messed up". Yuuri crouched in front of a building crying a little when a beautiful lady asked if she's alright (a new character!!). Shiho Sakazaki, Manabe's ex-girlfriend is back!

Yuuri's friend warned her about Shiho's appearance because she might want to get back with Manabe. Meeting up with Shiho again in the university (Yuuri still doesn't realize it's HER), Yuuri chatted with her about graduating and job searching when Manabe appeared. They (Manabe & Shiho) greeted each other using their first names (showing their close relationship). Manabe informed her that the professor is looking for her. After she left, Yuuri, who's feeling insecure, started questioning him, but this time, Manabe told her to not get involve. Yuuri felt more and more how compatible they both were.

Meeting up with Shiho to return her handkerchief (which she borrowed before), Yuuri decided help Shiho meet up with Manabe. Hiding herself somewhere, Yuuri wonder if she just made the biggest mistake of her life when Manabe appeared and pinch her face! ......long story short, they ended up kissing and Manabe confessed his love for Yuuri!

Next day at lunch, Manabe announces that he don't plan to have a long distance relationship (that means Yuuri better get that job in Tokyo, or else!). At the 2nd interview with one of the companies, Yuri initially did very well, but at the final question, she did not answer with complete conviction. In the end, she did not receive the job invitation. Sensing her depression, Manabe went on a date with her the next day (she has one free day before her interview with the other company) which helps raised her spirits. In fact, she aced the interview with that company, and was offered a tentative employment.

On the day Yuuri left for Tokyo (for good this time!), Manabe surprised her by joining her in the train trip. As they kissed on the train, Manabe revealed that it wasn't the first time they kissed there! LOLZ


Review:

Ok, I think most of you guys know what I felt about the 2 main characters bumping into each other all the time, so I won't be harping on that again here (except to mention that there is at least 2 more times Manabe & Yuuri meet up coincedently but i did not include it in the summary...just can't bear to repeat the same thing over & over again!). That, in my opinion is the biggest flaw of this story. Thank goodness that after both of them finally got together as a couple, it no longer happens. I think the mangaka wanted many encounters between them but do not know how to get them to meet - and in the end just keep bumping them together!

However, I do like how the story ended with both of them on the train again, this time heading for Tokyo with a clear future ahead. It is in contrast with the beginning where Yuuri went back from Tokyo in failure. Very nice! And it is cute the way Yuuri is happy with her job work eventhough it is hard work. This shows passion. I could only wish that I could be like that. Somehow, I know that what I am currently studying is not my greatest passion at all, and sometimes I really worry that I will end up regretting.

Anyway, it is a nice manga which I will re-read again.

Labels: Shuukatsu - Kimi ni Naitei

Posted at 10:43 PM