Honey and Clover II – ep 09
It’s hard to look foward to Honey and Clover these days. Part of me doesn’t want to face the pain brought about by episode. Then again, I did enjoy this episode alot, (though it was still painful). This episode was all about friendship, although it also reminded me about how tough adulthood is going to be.
On the first day that snow fell, Kaoru disappeared. Morita laments for not realising something was wrong, and that he couldn’t do anything to change things. Earlier, Morita had asked Kaoru if he wanted to go to a warmer place, to enjoy good food and the ocean. Kaoru declined, but mentions that he understand how Morita feels. Morita feels relieved, that everything is over. Kaoru understood that morita tagged along even though he didn’t want to. Even though he was disobeying what Dad said. Kaoru added that no matter what, he just couldn’t see the light that he was supposed to go towards. It doesn’t help to be told what to do by those “who haves”, and wonders what it would have been like if he was capable like Morita.
Morita goes to Shiroyama for advice. But Shiroyama simply tells him that revenge isn’t suitable for someone with the power of imagination. Shiroyama adds that Kaoru is too kind, such that he recieves back the same damage that he deals out. But Shiroyama tells Morita not to worry. Besides a very good imagination, Kaoru has a very good memory too. And the memory of Matsuda-san, the rest of the employees, but most importantly, Morita, would prevent Kaoru from harming himself.
Back at the hospital, Shuuji apologises to Takemoto and Yamada that they have to leave. Shuuji explains about Hagu’s condition, that she has refused to take any painkillers. This is because if Hagu’s nerve connections do not heal, the doctor has to operate immediately, and Hagu wants to know as soon as possible, whether she can feel pain in her hands. Just then, Hagu calls out to Shuuji, crying that she’s finally able to feel pain in her hand, but passes out almost immediately. Shuuji explains to Takemoto and Yamada that Hagu hasn’t been sleeping all these while because of the pain as well.
Takemoto and Yamada walks home in silence, with Takemoto reflecting that they were feeling pretty much overwhelmed. He remembers shuuji mentioning that next up would be rehabilation. While there is a chance for recovery, it might not heal either. “Her efforts alone might not be enough, but if she doesn’t try, she’ll lose it all for sure.”
Yamada is hopping for a cell phone the next day, when Nomiya spots her. Yamada explains about what happened to Hagu, and she hopes that getting a cell phone will help in taking care of her. Over drinks, Yamada reveals that she finally realises that she and hagu belong to totally different worlds, and she doesn’t know what she can do to help.
Nomiya admits that what yamada says is true, that they are truely in different worlds. But he thinks everybody probably thinks this way too. And Hagu’s upcoming rehabilitation will hurt the most. As such, as her friend, Yamada should stay.
Unfortunately for Nomiya, he realises that Miwako and Yamazaki have been listening to what he says. Nomiya is horrified that they heard him say such sweet and goosebump-raising things, even though he’s over 30. But actually, both of them approves of what Nomiya says. Miwako adds that even as they get older, friends get more and more estranged from one another. Miwako assures Yamazaki that such a thing won’t happen to them and that she’ll be here for them. Just as Yamazaki gets overjoyed and blushes, Miwako dashes his hope by stating that they’ll be “friends forever”. Miwako dances to the theme of friendship, while Yamazaki lies at one side, fainted.
That night, Yamada is sewing a cape for Hagu. She understands that though Hagu is here now, she’ll be gone one day. Yamada brings the cape for Hagu the next day, hoping that it’ll keep her stiff shoulders warm. Hagu points out that they are feathers over Yamada. Yamada explains that she actually made the cape using her father’s old jacket, and feathers had burst all over when she cut them open. But to Hagu’s mind, the feathers make Yamada look like an angel. Thanking Yamada, Hagu can’t help but cry.
The Doctor is talkign to Shuuji, stating that Hagu might be in too much of a shock. Shuuji reflects about how hagu was unable to have any feelings during a texture test previously.
Takemoto is browsing for flowers, but is frightened by the high cost. Yamada appears besides him, and brings him to a field filled with flowers. Yamada explains that Hagu will probably be happier with flowers that they picked themselves.
But even as they bring a bouquet to hagu, Hagu starts crying the moment she starts feeling the flowers. Outside on the roof, Shuuji explains that Hagu is unable to feel anything in her finger tips at all. But Shuuji consoles them that recovery is still possible, and asks them to cheer up, because if they waver, Hagu won’t be able to hold on to any of them. Having said that, Shuuji scolds them and asks them not to neglect their own personal lives.
Later, Takemoto asks if the guy who visisted the night before was Hagu’s father. From Shuuji’s smile, Takemoto reflects that the place Hagu was supposed to be able to return to (home) isn’t the same anymore. Takemoto understands that things isn’t the fault of anybody, that everyone is just trying their best. But why must everything just happen to Hagu all at one go. Takemoto doubts that Hagu is able to handle all these at one go.
Red bruises have been appearing on Hagu’s hands. It seems that out of stress, Hagu has been biting her own hand. One day, the spots on Hagu’s hands stops increasing, but bruises starts to appear on Shuuji’s hands as well. All these while, Shuuji has never wavered, remaining strong for Hagu.
Takemoto recieves a fax from Shin-san, about a project they are starting in Morioka, and asking that Takemoto join them in mid April.
This makes Takemoto realise that the day of seperation is getting nearer. Is it alright to leave Hagu while she’s in such a condition? But if Takemoto stays, he wouldn’t know what to do with regards to employment, yet he would be able to stay to take care of Hagu. At the moment, he’s suriving on part time jobs and money from his mother. But after graduation, it’s only fair that he earns all his money by himself. He believes that he can survive in Tokyo by working many many part time jobs, but he realises then he wouldn’t have the time to take care of Hagu.
But if Takemoto stays, what will he do after Hagu gets well. What will he be like, if he’s jobless when he’s 30, especially after spending so much money on his education. Besides, he’ll probably only be a burden to Hagu. Only now, does Takemoto understand what Mayama was talking about when he talked about having enough money for the woman he loves. Takemoto can’t even afford to buy flowers for Hagu. Takemoto realises that while he might be saying that he wants to take care of Hagu, actually he just doesn’t want to be seperated from her.
Takemoto lies on his room floor thinking… Shuuji tries to comfort Hagu with her biting his hand again… Morita sits alone in his apartment… Kaoru walks alone in the snow.
Thoughts
Hmm… about Hagu’s home. I’m guessing that the dad remarried or something, cause he brought a woman along, but nothing was mentioned about her. But hey, it’s just conjecture. Besides, it isn’t really that crucial to the story, but it’s good to know.
We’re shown that Kaoru ain’t as useless as he makes himself to be, especially as seen by others. But I guess in the end, it’s the self worth that’s count. I do hope nothing happens to him.
This whole episode touches strongly on the theme of seperation, and the scene involving Yamazaki and Miwako was kinda ironical to me. I just hate it when some girl i like tells me “friends forever”. haha. But on the other hand, I wonder when I’m past 30, who are really the friends I’ll be hanging out with. Things look bleak at the moment.
And Adulthood. We dwell deep into Takemoto’s thought process, and I’m sure it parallels that of most of us. Me? My immediate job future is secured. Even if I wanted to change it, I couldn’t. Yet I can’t get the fear out of me that once I start working, there’s no way I can keep in touch with my current friends. My future working place won’t have internet. I’ll be working from 7am – 11 pm. Bleak I tell you.
Seperation huh.
