"Never Give Up!" ~ A Prince's dream to become a Princess By Muto Hiromu Disclaimer: I don't need to do this, do I? I'm not gaining/earning anything from this, I don't own 'Never Give Up', the wonderful Muto Hiromu does. I'm just a fan trying to help promote her work =) Indications: Sidetext = usually a character's thoughts placed outside speech bubbles. I'll point out in brackets who the character is… it can also be a sound or action ( ) = actions or tiny texts next to character's main speech/thoughts eg) Natsu – I doubt it (really…) or Kiri: (thinks) really? Bubble = once again, usually a character's thoughts " " = usually flashbacks of what someone had said. I'll try to point flashbacks out when I see them… [note: ] = things I feel need to explain or if I feel like rambling ~ Anything else should be fairly obvous… if not, feel free to ask me! =) Notes: These are really loose translations. I realised when I was translating "Mirai no Utena" for a friend that I've focused so much on the meaning that the actual translation altogether didn't actually make much sense *sweat drops* … that didn't make much sense either, did it… oh well… I'll try to put in page numbers when I remember… enjoy! Chapter 4 (pg 109) Sidetext: (Kiri) To be able to stay by your loved one's side shouldn't really be a difficult task. But to me, even a simple wish like that is one huge challenge. Sidetext: (Kiri) Male model "Tatsuki"… That's the price I have to pay in order to stay by Touya's side. In other words, I have to cross-dress as a guy. Sidetext: (Kiri) I can't reveal my true identity. Of course, the fact I'm a girl must also be kept in secret. Akira: that is… a skirt… right? Sidetext: (Kiri) If my identity is exposed, than I can no longer be a model, nor stay together with Touya. Sidetext: (Kiri) But… Akira: does that mean Tatsuki is a girl? Bubble: (Kiri) damn it , why did I have to meet him here of all places!! Kiri: (thinks) oh-----! Akira: …. But is that possible? (because he's male) Hn? But… What's going on? (Hm? Hm?) Bubble: (Kiri) Screwed! I'm so screwed! *sweatdrops* Akira: Oh, so that's it, I get it! Sidetext: (Kiri) Panic! Akira: You're a cos-player… Sidetext: (Kiri to Akira) Punch!! Kiri:----…. Sidetext: (akira) Turns around! Akira: (deadly glint in his eyes) Tatsuki… How dare you do this over & over… Kiri: You've got the wrong person. Akira: Huh? Sidetext: (Kiri) Since we're up to this stage… Kiri: (smi…) Smile! Kiri: The Tatsuki you are talking about is that male model, right? I was mistaken for him at school today, as well. But he's not me. Sidetext: (Kiri) I might as well as see this through to the end! Kiri: I saw his photo today, & I must admit, he does look a lot like me… But to tell you the truth, it really doesn't do much for a girl's self-esteem to be mistaken as a guy. (hohoho…) Akira: I guess not… Akira: But just watching you together with Touya is suspicious enough! Kiri: You've mistaken the wrong person. Akira: How can you tell me I'm mistaken when you're sweating like that? (What kind of reasons can you give?) Kiri: (thinks) Shut up! I know the excuse sounds weak!! Kiri: ------…. Akira: Hm----- Akira: But you do look like him… your height, your complexion… (they all fit…) Sidetext: (Akira) Steps closer! Kiri: St.. stop it, it's all just your imagination! Hahaha… Bubble: (Kiri) Stop messing around & just accept the excuse! (And don't lean so close! *vein*) Touya: *vein* Mad! Akira: Oh well, doesn't matter, guy or girl are both fine with me. Kiri: (thinks) *sweardrops* what ok, what are you talking about----! Kiri: Huh? Akira: Do you want to go out with me? Kiri: *a lot of sweatdrops* HUH? Akira: A female version of "Tatsuki". I was fine with the male version, but the female version's even better! *heart* Arrow: (Hand on her shoulder) Kiri *sweatdrops* n…no… this is… Akira: What is your name? When's your birthday? Where do you live? Tell me your three-sizes! *heart* Sidetext: (Kiri) Noooo----- (sob) Touya: *vein* ----… *vein* School-girl A: Hey? Isn't that kiri? (over there!) School-girl B: Hm, yeah. School-girl A: Huh? Wait a minute, is that "Akira" with her over there!? School-girl B: Oh----! *heart* It is! (Ah, Touya's there as well--- *heart*) School-girl A: (Aah---- Lucky!) He's so tall, so handsome! *heart* School-girl B: Don't you think that Kiri looks really feminine there with him? School-girl A: Hm… She does feel… (pg 114) School-girl B: They make a good match, ne? (Don't you think so?) Touya: -------… Sidetext: (Touya) Turns! Touya: Hn! (sound of footsteps) Natsu: … Sidetext: (Natsu to Touya) Grab! Touya: !! Natsu: KIRI! Akira: (Kiri?) Natsu: (holding Touya back) Sorry for making you wait! What, let's go! (hey--- *heart*) Kiri: Ok, I'm coming! Bubble: (Kiri) I owe you one, Natsu!! (Thank the gods!) Kiri: (to Akira) Then I'd better get going, see you! Kiri: (thinks) Run! Akira: (Ok, see you!) Kiri: ----… Akira: Ha…. "Kiri", huh? Sidetext: (Kiri) He didn't… seem to believe… he's definitely still suspicious. Sidetext: (Kiri) I'd better be more careful… (Kiri's house) Kiri: Hm? This… Sunday? Kiri: Work… as in modelling? Kiri's mum: yep, for Mano sensei. Kiri: ---- then… why would he use me? Kiri's mum: God knows, he formally told me today… he wanted to use you & Touya, Kiri: Wait a minute, is Akira…? Kiri's mum: how would I know? I guess he should! (He is his son, & a famous model as well.) (sound of chair knocked down) Kiri: No! I strongly refuse!! What would he try to do, after what happened last time!? Kiri's mum: So you refuse? But Touya already agreed! (the miso soup is a bit too salty!) Kiri: ………………………………………………………….. (I'll do it…) Sidetext: (Kiri) sits down quietly…) Kiri's mum: (oh?) For some reason, Touya seem to have something against Akira. He agreed as soon as I mentioned Akira's name. Kiri: Hn? Sidetext: (Kiri) Touya? Kiri's mum: Speaking of which… It's not exposed, is it? (The fact you're a girl.) Sidetext: (Kiri's mum) I'm full! Kiri: *sweatdrops* Huh!? Kiri's mum: ------…. "Huh"!? *vein* Kiri: N, no! Of course not! Isn't that obvious! Sidetext: (Kiri's heartbeat) Thump! Kiri's mum: Oh? That's good, because if it is exposed, you won't be modelling together with Touya anymore. (You better be prepared) Sidetext: (Kiri's heartbeat) Thump! Kiri: *sweatdrops* yes. Sidetext: (Kiri's heartbeat) Thump! Kiri: (thinks) I'm sorry, but Natsu already knows, & now Akira's suspicious~~! (But I can't tell her that… *sweatdrops*) Sidetext: (Kiri) In order to sty by Touya's side… In order to continue modelling… (swallow!) Bubble: (kiri) I have to keep this a secret! (Sunday) Kiri: ----… Sidetext: (Kiri) -----… this… (pg 118) Kiri: (thinks) only us three----!? (*sweatdrops* Ahhhhhh!) Akira: Here you are! *heart* Hey, Tatsuki. Kiri: Hello… nice to meet you again. Mano sensei: Whoaaaa! Touya! I was waiting for you! Akira: Oh come on, stop it with the formalities, I'm not an outsider anymore. (glomps Kiri) Kiri: Hahahaha! *sweatdrops* Kiri: (thinks) you ARE an outsider! Stupid! *vein* Sidetext: (Kiri) But… (sees Mano-sensei glomping Touya) Kiri: Mad! Mano-sensei: (You are so cute---- I just want to eat you---- *heart*) Sidetext: (Kiri) can this… Sidetext: (akira & touya) Sparks! Sidetext: (Kiri) can this… Bubble: (Kiri) actually continue successfully!? *sweatdrops* (silence from everyone but Mano-sensei, who's humming & has… his hands… in… um… inappropriate places… ) Kiri: (thinks) Touya seems to be in an extremely bad mood as well!? Akira: Mwahahaha, he's glaring at me, he's glaring at me! *heart* (Kiri tries to remove his arm around her) Kiri: ----…. Akira: Hm? Kiri: How long are you going to stick to it for----!! *vein* Sidetext: (Kiri to Akira) Hit! Akira: Whaaaa! Akira: hohohoho….. it seems to be becoming a habit… *heart* Kiri: *sweatdrops* Pervert! (whaa----!) (pg 120) Kiri: (thinks) Don't come near me…. (from all perspectives…) Akira: Oh, yes, yes, speaking of which… Akira: I met someone who looks exactly like "Tatsuki' last time *heart* She's a girl, too. Akira: She's really cute, & her name's "Kiri"---- Kiri: (elbows him for draping his arm on her) re…really, that's nice. Akira: Hn? What? Kiri: Nothing! Sidetext: (kiri, notices Touya staring) Oh! Touya: ----… (turns away) Sidetext: (Kiri) No, Touya----!? Mano-sensei: We'd better start shooting. Akira: (hums) Yep! Sidetext: (Kiri) Depressed…. Akira: (to Touya) you don't seem to be too happy, is it because of me? (hohoho!) Akira: Oh well, try your best, "Princess"! (hums) Touya: ---… Mano-sensei: Ok--- let's start----! Sidetext: Wow! Wow! Camera-man: Tatsuki, you seem to be in good form today, keep it up. (Akira's perfomance is good, too!) Kiri: Hahaha! *sweatdrop* Kiri: (thinks) most likely because this is likely to affect my future. (which is why I'm trying so hard.) Camera-man: Hn… Touya, what is it? Nervous? Relax, relax a little---- Sidetext: (Kiri) Hn? Touya…? Camera-man: One more---- Sidetext: (Camera) Click! Sidetext: (Mano-sensei)) What's wrong with him? Camera-man: Touya, what's wrong? You're still stiff. Don't worry, take it easy. Sidetext: (Camera) Click! Sidetext: (Mano-sensei) why is he… Sidetext: (Camera) Click! Sidetext: (Mano-sensei) he's not his normal self…? (Hm?) (pg 124) (clap, clap) Mano-sensei: Let's take a break! Sidetext: (Kiri) oh… Mano-sensei: Please meet back here in an hour. (I'm going to get a cup of coffee) (sound of door closing) Kiri: Touya… are you okay? It's fine… ! Akira: What do you mean "It's fine"? The photo-shoot had to be interrupted, & you are saying "it's fine"? Kiri: b…but, it's not all Touya's fault…! Akira: Hm? Not his fault? If there is any other reasons, I'd like to hear them. Akira: Involving personal emotions at work will only bring trouble to others. Akira: is it because you don't like the looks of me? Or are you not feeling well? Too bad all these can't be taken as reasons. I don't know what you are thinking, but everyone gathered here are professionals, & since you've accepted the job, then you're one too. As long as a single person brings his private life to his work, there will be trouble for those working around him. Please remember that. Akira: But for those who are favoured for their looks & physique, & are only mucking around, might not understand that, ne? Sidetext: (Kiri) he has gone way overboard… why does he have to speak like that… why in front of everybody… Sidetext: (crowd) chatter…. Kiri: I think that's enough…! What right do you have to speak like that!? Do you have the rights & liberties to say such things!? Do you yourself follow everything you just said!? Touya has been trying his best! But there are some things that just can't be achieved at a given time, okay!? Akira: Aiya aiya, so the prince has stepped in, has he? Kiri: But you…! Touya: ENOUGH! Kiri: Touya…? Touya: He's right, you know? Why do you have to get so mad? Sidetext: (Kiri) oh… Touya: It's none of your business! Sidetext: (Kiri) What do I do… (pg128) Sidetext: (Kiri) My tears are about to… Sidetext: (Kiri) and then--- they did fall. Kiri: He hates me. Sidetext: (flashback of what Touya said) "It's none of your business!" Kiri: Sob… Sob, sob…. Sob, sob… sob, sob…! Sidetext: (Kiri) This is the first time I've seen Touya so angry… Kiri: Maybe I'm too nosy… Sidetext: (Kiri) Or maybe…. He has just released all his pent-up dissatisfaction to me!? And what he meant was, "You're really annoying, don't ever come near me"--- !? Kiri: (thinks) aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah…! *sweatdrops* Oh no! My feelings are all going down the drain~~~~~~~! (A can taps her on the shoulder… well, a can carried by a hand ^^;;) Kiri: (surprised) Yahh!? Wha…!? Bubble: (kiri) Cr… crap, who is it!? Kiri: (looks up) Touya!? Touya: what are you doing here? Kiri: To…Touya… I should be asking you… what are you… doing here? Sidetext: (Kiri) Can it be… he was looking for me…? Touya: I got lost. Sidetext: (Kiri) Isn't that too much of a coincidence~~~ *big sweatdrop* Kiri: Oh… well… (Is that it… hahaha!) Touya: (tosses her the can of drink) for you. Kiri: Hm? Oh, thanks! (??) Kiri: (looks at can) coffee ? I don't remember Touya ever drinking coffee… (black coffee as well) (sound of can opening) [note: And since Kiri was still frowning over her own can, it was Touya opening his. Now, why would he buy two cans? Did he "predict" that he was going to get lost & find a distressed Kiri? ^o^ I love all these romantic subtleties!) Sidetext: (Kiri, sees Touya with his own can) and… Touya: (drinking tea, notices Kiri looking at him) What? Kiri: Oh, nothing! Thank you. Sidetext: (Kiri) He was looking for me. Touya: Weirdo. Kiri: Hm! Sidetext: (Kiri) Because he bought two cans… Touya: ----… about back there… (pg 131) Touya: I'm sorry… Sidetext: (Kiri) Touya…? Kiri: Do… Don't worry about it, it's my fault… I should be saying sorry…! Touya: Don't be a model anymore! Kiri: D…Do you hate me being around you that much…? Touya: Hey----! Don't cry! *sweatdrop* Kiri: I only wanted to be with you, only wanted to stay by your side…. Sidetext: (Kiri) that's right, I… I was only thinking of myself, I never considered that I might bring Touya trouble. Kiri: Am I… bothering you> (pg 132) Touya: I… don't like it. Rock on Kiri's head: I Don't Like It. Touya: *vein* stop being all depressed! Touya: Have you… Given up on your dream to become princess? Sidetext: (Kiri) even more depressed----- Touya: Is it okay, to take the much longer path? Soon, you'll be an old granny, & me, an old man… Kiri: (serious) I think you'd make a really handsome old man. Touya *vein* ~#~~~%~~~ *vein* (stands up abruptly) Kiri: (surprised) Touya!? *sweardrops* Touya: The point is!! Even if you're not a model, I will still stay by your side, always! (pg 134) Touya: Remember that, stupid! Touya: (turns around, very red) ---… Kiri: Touya…? Kiri: wait a minute… hn? Touya: (walking away)… Kiri: wait a minute, Touya!? Sidetext: (Kiri) -----…what… Sidetext: (Kiri) what do I do? I'm really happy! Sidetext: (Kiri) Touya's words, seem to contain magic, I feel as though I've been blessed with happiness. Hope, courage, even the future… One day, I will become a princess, & stand by your side, smiling! (pg 136) Sidetext: (Kiri) I have found the courage to continue again. Sidetext: (Kiri) After that, the photo-shoot ended successfully, & I've made my decision. (on the streets) Natsu: So you're really not working anymore? Your job as a model. Kiri: Mm, I've decided to make my previous work my last. Kiri: Even though I've only done it twice, it had been a really good experience, I feel happy. Kiri: an…and, I believe Touya… Natsu; Ah! Yeah, yeah, that's great. *sweatdrop* Natsu: (looking at a distance) ! Kiri: (smiling sickeningly) hohohoho! Kiri: Oh well, it's not like I can hide it forever, this is good. Sidetext: (natsu to Kiri's ear) Pulls! Kiri: Oww! Natsu: What is that? Is it my imagination…? Kiri: What imagination!? Stop pulling my……………………………………………... Sidetext: (Kiri) Huh? (A huuuuge billboard commercial from the last photo-shoot with Akira, Touya, & 'Tatsuki' has found its way on a busy street on top of some building) Sidetext: (Kiri) HUH!? Natsu: Isn't that a commercial for the fashion show, an ad for the so-called spokesperson? Sidetext: (Kiri) Hey, hey, WAIT A MINUTE------!! End of chapter 4 In a nutshell: After seeing Kiri in her school uniform, Akira makes the assumption that "Tatsuki" is in fact a girl. Kiri, fearing her mother's deadly wrath, makes the lame excuse that she merely looks like him. Akira, though not convinced, proceeds to ask her for a date, claiming that although he is alright with "Tatsuki", a female version of him is even better. Touya, well pissed by this point as Akira continues with his flirting, notices the conversation a pair of school girls has as they walk by. They commented on how feminine Kiri seems when she is side-by-side with Akira, & what a good match they make. Touya, hearing this, was about to walk away when Natsu interrupts him & rescuing Kiri as well. Akira learns Kiri's name after it's shouted out by Natsu, & walks away with a smirk, obviously convinced that "Tatsuki" is Kiri. At home, Kiri's mum breaks news of a new job on Sunday for Mano-sensei again, this time though, with only Touya, Akira & her. Kiri was about to refuse, but then hears that Touya is going, & reluctantly agrees. Kiri's mum comments that Touya seems to have a grudge against Akira, then warns Kiri not to let her disguise fall through. On Sunday, Kiri & Touya proceeds to be glomped by their respective Mano's & sparks (not the romantic kind) flies between Touya & Akira. Akira tells "Tatsuki" about Kiri, & then taunts Touya about being the princess. Due to the comment, Touya was unable to relax during the photo-shoot & Mano-sensei had to call for a break. Akira then scolds Touya for bringing his private life to work & not acting like a professional, adding snide comments here & there. Kiri gets mad, but Touya interrupts her, telling her it's none of her business. Kiri, hurt, goes away to sulk/cry. Touya appears, claiming he is lost, bearing two cans of drinks. He apologises to Kiri for his outbreak, & asks her to quit modelling. When Kiri takes the wrong way, he loses his temper & tells her that he will always stay by her side whether she models or not. He leaves, embarrassed, & the rest of the photo-shoot ends successfully. Kiri decides to stop being a model, & comments that it had been an interesting experience. Yet, as they were walking to school, Natsu points out a huge billboard, & Kiri suddenly realises that she has become one of the spokesperson for Mano-sensei's line of fashion. Translator's notes, or ramblings, or however you want to take it ^o^ : I think I'm getting too detailed… my translations are getting longer & longer… oh well, no one's complained yet ^^;; a short rambling session this time, I gotta study for my exams coming up. Anyway, has anyone picked up on why Touya was drinking milk even though he hates it? Even if you haven't, it's gonna be picked up again in later chapters. I love the way Touya expresses his feelings for Kiri with those subtle actions she almost always misses, & the way she misses them so often! They are sooo cute! And sweet. … okay, I'm one of those hopeless romantics… & yeah, Kim? Stop laughing. I know I forgot to put the side-comics in last time. There's one in this chapter as well, but I've decided to put all of them (mangaka's notes, her assistants' short comics, side-comics) as the "Extra's" at the end of every volume. Is that okay for everyone? As usual, I love feedbacks! ~Fiona muahahaha XD XD silly filau~~ ;P hehe somehow, I can't imagine you as one of those hopeless romantics~~ *glomps tatsuki* if only you weren't a girl… >_____< ~Kim