Pride episode 1
This is winter classic you cannot miss! Also one really important dorama for me cause this is how i started liking Takuya Kimura.
Meet Satonaka Halu(Kimura Takuya), the captain of hockey team Blue Scorpions. The game is about to begin so he ignores tv crew(there to take interview with him) and psyches his team before leading them into rink. Two girls rush over to take seats in cheering crowd while making third girl hurry up. She is Murase Aki(Takeuchi Yuko), being first time on a game so little lost on what to do. Especially when girls start screaming Halu's name as soon as it is announced. On the ice, though, when other teams' captain complains about girls being loud, Halu retorts that they are like flowers: strong on the inside but weak and pretty outside. He grabs his captain mark and all of the fans in the dome follow. He further points how flowers only think about the weather.
Halu: That is why they look at me, cause i'm their sun.
It is cocky but not without ground. Aki stands mesmerized without realizing her hand is still on her jacket.
Later, in little bar called Face Off filled with Blue Scorpions trophies, pictures and whatnot, guys relax after successful game. Goalkeeper Yamato Hotta(Kenji Sakaguchi) beating everyone in arm-wrestling, rookie Makoto(Ryuta Sato) jumping here and there and second-in-comand Tomo Ikegawa(Somegoro Ichikawa) being soaked for his playboy ways. Just usual. Tomo wonders why Halu never gets water in the face for sleeping around which Halu explains is cause he lays rules of the game clearly. Tomo on the other hand thinks it is cause all his girls are easy but Halu begs to differ. In second it escalates to a bet: Tomo will choose a girl for Halu to try his "game" on.
Meanwhile, girls are in the same bar and though Aki is not interested, her friends and colleagues, Yuri(Noriko Nakagoshi) and Chika(Megumi), urge her to talk to some men. She tries to refuse on the basis of being in relationship but Yuri wont take non of that. Guy hasn't contacted her for two years, why would she wait for him?! Besides they had to work hard for those tickets cause they knew she wouldn't go to gokon(group dating party). Aki starts to explain how even though he doesn't call and dates other girls she can't do that, but her friends are already talking with some guys.
Watching from above, they catch Tomos' eye and though Yamato cautions that girls are from their company, guys are set on them. Besides
Tomo can't stand Halus' fangirls so this is even better. They first point Chika but Tomo decides she is his type(having great body), then Yuri(being princess-like) but Yamato is absolutely against it cause she is pure making guys mock that she maybe looks like his first love which he totally admits. Lol. Tomo loses no time and runs down to talk to them. Yamato follows having no idea what to talk about but determined not to let Makoto go. Halu observes. Girls smile brightly and introduce their third friend, Aki, who was half-hidden behind pillar but now turns to greet them. She is beautiful and right away catches Halus' eye. He comments under breath that she is "someone from last century". As he looks, she takes her purse and gets out of the bar. That does the trick and Halu rushes out giving quick instructions to his teammates. I am left to wonder if they did this a lot since "1-2-2trap" is enough to put them in motion. Anyway, Aki barely gets out of the bar when guys trow Haly out. They make it sound like quarrel about game and one guy punches Halu. Tomo, who just saw the glimpse of Halu running out, rushes to help by making "mad" guys return to the bar. Halu, sitting on the ground, motions for one more punch and on 3, Tomo delivers it with loud "Respect me more next time". Pft, these guys are awesome! Of course, our golden heart Aki can't stand and watch injured man so she offers her handkerchief(which he declines), bringing him to hospital(he declines), helping him stand up(declined) and excuses for not knowing the area so she cant go to pharmacy for him. That is more than enough for him to ask for her mail. I mean, he ought to thank her for taking such good care of him. It is for that reason ONLY, no other thought crossed his mind, nope. HA!
Next day, Halu goes to Hospital to visit his former Coach, Kengo Anzai. Man is in hospital due to heavy drinking induced by injury that unable him to continue playing hokey though he was great athlete. Man is obviously very affected by it and really glad to hear Halu has no proper girlfriend citing falling in love the worst thing to happen to iceman. Yeah, thanks for healthy advice, not! Even worse if he gets a child cause then he has reason to fear, gets defensive and gets injured. He is even suspicions of his wife Youko having someone for he was once shining brightly and now reduced to this state, blah, blah, blah... I must admit was judging him for this self-pity parade. Halu, on the other hand right away defends her, he can't believe Youko-san, though still young and beautiful, to be having someone in her life besides Coach. But guys part with positive attitude. Halu finds Youko-san and makes her take some money(hospitals are expensive and he is solo). She thanks him and they agree that Coach has too much pride. Though when Halu leaves, Youko-san seems conflicted with money she got.
As soon as Halu gets in his car he takes his phone out... and it is lunch break for girls so they gather to eat and chat. Chika outs that Aki got message but not answered it and that herself got to hotel with Tomo. Yuri calls it losing but urges Aki to get even by going out with Halu. Aki is about to say she gives up cause she is taken but Yuri harshly tells her that "that man" will not come back! She steals Akis' phone and replies "Ok" to Halu. While her friend freaks out, Yuri wonders why she was not asked on a date. She liked guy and he is probably rich cause he had sucha expensive car... Which Yamato just then returns to Tomo. HA! Guys get ready for practice and Yamato reveals of not taking girls email OR even asked her name which Halu finds very rude. But then, they may bump into each other since she works for company AND it may even pique her interest. Chat is cut short by introduction of new Coach, Yuichiro Hyodo(Koichi Sato). You can right away see that there is trouble cause Halu doesn't stand up to greet him. Hyodo doesn't take offence though and instructs him to keep patching his club as he was. But then destroys good impression by saying that their up-till-now tactics were awful and they will have to do everything over again. Halu opposes this and doesn't want to acknowledge Hyodo who then informs him of being given authority to fire him. He spits on Anzais' plan and trows it on the ground. Halu collects it and deposits it to trash bin with comment: It is here, right? With this, he takes his jacket and leaves the room followed by Yamato who tries to make him return. Halu refuses stating that Anzai knew that best way to attack is straight, Yamato as goal keeper should know that.
Next thing we know, he is at the date place where Aki is already waiting. He opens door for her to enter his car but she struggles to explain she was not the one to send message. He doesn't pay attention because bus driver impatiently signalizes for him to MOVE and just rushes her in. But it doesn't stop her from making it clear, once she is in the car, that she didn't give him mail for any particular reason. It is like saying name(actually this is same thing Tomo said to guys before). Speaking of which he already knows her name, introduces himself and asks about her boyfriend status all in one breath. She is vague(her boyfriend may or may not exist) so he asks if she hates him? Or beginning to like him? Maybe. She points how bold he is but he clarifies that it actually shows lack of self confidence which totally confuses her. Changing subject she wonders where they are headed to.
Halu: Love hotel.*grin*
Actually open ice rink. Ha! Poor Aki struggles to stand on skates grumbling that Halu did this to show off which he says is not the thing. He just missed practice and wanted to skate. And he couldn't have come alone cause all around are couples. Well, he is right.
Aki: Isn't there someone else you could ask?
Halu: They may or may not exist. Lol!
But then poor girl looses balance and ends up bum on the ice. Halu takes her in his arms like she is feather and though she finds it embarrassing, he doesn't let go saying it is fine. He carries 60kg every practice. Please, she obviously doesn't weight that much! Off they go and she can't help but enjoy herself which obviously makes him enjoy also. But then she asks if he does it with everyone. His answer?
Halu. Only those who weight under 60kg!
She makes a fuss, he looses balance and they end up, pile on the ice. He is too busy hurting all over(he was at the bottom) but she notices the proximity and hurries to get off of him. Luckily they are both fine and he asks her to call him by name, no honorifics(implying closeness), also asking if it is fine to call her just Aki. She says it is fine but when he again asks if she is ok using her name she doesn't say his name and again uses polite form(desu). Later they are off to dinner and she can't help but ask why is he looking at her all the time. It is a habit cause he always has his eyes fixed on defense. He noticed that she doesn't like peas. She calls a bluff saying she actually likes it and he tempts her to swallow one but she can't. Atmosphere is light till trough window Halu spots Youko-san in some mans' car on drive by, smiling. Aki notices change but he negates something wrong. After he drives her home and she thanks him, day was fun. He copies her way of talking by adding desu on the end of sentence. Calling her by name he wishes her good night and waits till she utters "Halu" under her breath, but it is enough to make him smile.
Next day, Halu goes with Youko-san to take out her son and asks about last night. She doesn't hide anything saying guy is manager in her company and they go out sometimes because she needs advice. Nothing else. The truth is Anzai is drinking secretly and sometimes looses his temper. Halu says he always saw her as perfect home maker, always happy with kid. She tears up saying she is still a woman and what is wrong with enjoying herself once in a while. Halu apologizes obviously affected with what he heard.
Aki and Chika are on triangle bridge with red O. Chika admires Aki for being there every Sunday as per agreement she had with her boyfriend, the one who never contacted her for 2years. Aki says it is a bridge designed by his company so they agreed to meet there on Sunday morning when he gets back. She believed it at first but after 2-3 months of not a word from him it just became habit. Chika thinks it is still better than Yuri going out only with rich guys but Aki reveals that Yuri was really poor when growing up and watching her mother struggle to make ends meet she vowed not to end up like that. It is all too sad for Chika who likes to be positive: people do call her easy but she doesn't mind, she enjoyed the night too! Ha, i like her! Aki admires her nature and girls are off to hokey game.
Guys are gathering to prepare for the match and Makoto alarms Yamato that Yuri is waiting in the hall so he gets out to greet her and she hands him homemade cookies saying they can go riding in car anytime. He starts saying that that car is not actually his but Makoto and other boys are standing in the hall like watching a movie so he gets distracted and she gets off wishing him luck. In the changing room, Tomo is totally fine borrowing his car whenever. Yamato is troubled by it, Makoto eats cookies and Halu is in bad mood. Sure enough, as soon as Aki and Chika find Yuri in the crowd, Halu starts brawl and in second it escalates. Hyodo watches, disapproving. Aki looks worried. Halu sits on the ice looking really sad.
Ice rink is empty, there is only Halu practicing his shooting on empty goal. Aki appears smiling that they let her after showing company card but Halu is in no mood for company and tells her not to be friendly cause he never intended on being her boyfriend. That is not what she wanted but he doesn't listen and calls girls easy. Also shoots puck on her and though plastic partition is there it is awfully disrespectful. He adds more by asking if everyone who holds her hand when she is lonely is called boyfriend. That is enough to rile even gentle Aki and she asks when she ever said she was lonely? Even if she was that is no reason enough to love someone, which is also another thing she didn't say that she feels for him! She still likes her boyfriend! And believe he will return for he is nice, gentle person unlike Halu. She only came cause it seemed like he was crying... But he claims he was laughing. Voice filled with disgust she calls him worst adding that she hates him which he finds good, problem would be if she liked him. She heard enough and leaves. Is that disappointment Halu? Maybe it is but then he finds her company card.
Next day, Halu and Makoto visit Anzai. He claims to be better and wants to sneak out to see Halu practice. Halu is not sure but off they go. And what a practice that is! Even when Makoto can't go any longer Halu works faster, stronger, harder, which obviously makes Anzai glowing out of happiness. Unfortunately what they don't know is that Anzai lied. He doesn't have much time, Youko-san informs Yamato, and there is nothing anyone can do. Anzai knew that and it is probably reason why he escaped. When Yamato manages to get Makoto on the phone they are on beach. Makoto went to get water and runs back to the car to inform Halu(who was stretching) what Yamato told him. But Halu shuts him up for he will "wake up" Anzai. With tears in his eyes and bow, he thanks his Coach for everything saying he is peacefully sleeping. Sad.
Whole team is present at the funeral but it is hardest on Halu and Tomo is really worried. He asks Yamato to stay by his side. Not an easy task since after standing by the grave till it starts to rain, Halu hands Yamato keys asking him to take care of his car. He lies that he is going to his girl to have some fun, acting like his old self. But he is not fooling Yamato so he drops it and with "buy-buy" walks away. Yamato trails him asking if he will leave his team and insisting that pride is the thing which makes human and animal different. Halu is to carry Anzais' iceman pride onto team! It really seems like Yamato is saying anything to make Halu stop. Halu turns to look at him and after few seconds just says "i'm sorry". Looking at his friends' back, Yamato yells at him for being idiot and how he was wrong about him. But then crumples on the ground crying, saying that he is there because of Halu.
Maybe Halu did not lie when said he is going to meet girl. Akis' doorbell rings and he is there. At first she opens her door just a little to take back her company card(he obviously used it as an excuse to come) but she realizes he is all wet and opens fully in time for him to pass out on top of her. And no, not face down. She struggles to move him off and realizes he also has a fewer. Nurse mode on. Halu is dried up, rolled in blanket, supplied with medication sitting on her couch while she grinds apple for him wondering why. Halu asks about picture on her nightstand wondering if it is her boyfriend and she rushes to remove it but he doesn't mind. He apologizes for last time saying he was wrong but she counters with being all her fault for trying to go on bench, giving sumo as example of girls not being allowed to enter athlete space. Pft. Girl he is apologizing, TAKE IT! He again calls her Women from other century and wonders if that is why he came. In fact when he is all broken he can never think of any pretty girl with nice body. She fake apologizes for not having nice body adding that she is not his follower wich he also tops with having a boyfriend. She agrees, he will certainly come back so Halu can mock all he wants. But he surprises her by saying he will come back cause with her he can recharge batteries. For Halu, there is not much places he can do that so he would most certainly come back when beaten and weak. She remembers her boyfriend said that once. Though it seems like she wanted to say something else his head starts to get heavy from medication and he asks to be let to sleep right there on her couch. Before she can even say anything he nods off and there is nothing more for her to do but cover him with a blanket.
Next morning they are on triangle bridge and she tells him her boyfriend is architect and for that reason went to New York. After moment of silence, Halu has proposition for her: he can't fall in love for real(he promised Anzai) and she already has a boyfriend(who isn't present in her life) so they can play a game. He usually does it with girls but this is perfect cause she is already taken. Aki glares at him saying it IS perfect for her but what about him? He takes some browny points by saying he slept well by her side, there is nothing more needed. She cautions him that she won't take care of him if he falls seriously for her or become lonely. He retorts that he never felt that way which she doesn't seem to believe but ok. It is a deal and he wants to seal it with a kiss and she asks if he does it with everyone but he again jokes that it is just for those "under 60kg". He leans forward but being solo for 2years this makes her flustered so she clasps hand over her mouth. Gently removing it he makes her take a deep breath before leaning again. She chickens so instead on lips he plants a sweet kiss on her eye. He smiles at her surprise and with his "Maybe" leaves her.
Blue Scorpions are losing by one point, guys are pretty down. Suddenly they all stop in their tracks when seeing their Captain. He doesn't waste any time coming straight to Hyodo and apologizing. After few long seconds and Assistants' plea, Halu has a green light to enter game. Oh, yeah! Guys are beyond happy and Halu prepares to get on the ice but also searches the crowd for someone. Just then, Aki enters. Their eyes meet and... hear that? CHEMISTRY. You can practically hear them talking!
Him: You came...
Her: Well i had some free time...(fixing her hair nervously)
Him: I am so glad you are here!*grin*
Her: You are?
Him: If you were near i would kiss you but have to do it like this...ect.
Actually they don't need any words...
Now he has to concentrate before steping on ice. To show her support, Aki shouts his name. No honorifix and he heard it. Energy level: A LOT! He steps on the ice...
Meet Satonaka Halu(Kimura Takuya), the captain of hockey team Blue Scorpions. The game is about to begin so he ignores tv crew(there to take interview with him) and psyches his team before leading them into rink. Two girls rush over to take seats in cheering crowd while making third girl hurry up. She is Murase Aki(Takeuchi Yuko), being first time on a game so little lost on what to do. Especially when girls start screaming Halu's name as soon as it is announced. On the ice, though, when other teams' captain complains about girls being loud, Halu retorts that they are like flowers: strong on the inside but weak and pretty outside. He grabs his captain mark and all of the fans in the dome follow. He further points how flowers only think about the weather.
Halu: That is why they look at me, cause i'm their sun.
It is cocky but not without ground. Aki stands mesmerized without realizing her hand is still on her jacket.
Later, in little bar called Face Off filled with Blue Scorpions trophies, pictures and whatnot, guys relax after successful game. Goalkeeper Yamato Hotta(Kenji Sakaguchi) beating everyone in arm-wrestling, rookie Makoto(Ryuta Sato) jumping here and there and second-in-comand Tomo Ikegawa(Somegoro Ichikawa) being soaked for his playboy ways. Just usual. Tomo wonders why Halu never gets water in the face for sleeping around which Halu explains is cause he lays rules of the game clearly. Tomo on the other hand thinks it is cause all his girls are easy but Halu begs to differ. In second it escalates to a bet: Tomo will choose a girl for Halu to try his "game" on.
Meanwhile, girls are in the same bar and though Aki is not interested, her friends and colleagues, Yuri(Noriko Nakagoshi) and Chika(Megumi), urge her to talk to some men. She tries to refuse on the basis of being in relationship but Yuri wont take non of that. Guy hasn't contacted her for two years, why would she wait for him?! Besides they had to work hard for those tickets cause they knew she wouldn't go to gokon(group dating party). Aki starts to explain how even though he doesn't call and dates other girls she can't do that, but her friends are already talking with some guys.
Watching from above, they catch Tomos' eye and though Yamato cautions that girls are from their company, guys are set on them. Besides
Tomo can't stand Halus' fangirls so this is even better. They first point Chika but Tomo decides she is his type(having great body), then Yuri(being princess-like) but Yamato is absolutely against it cause she is pure making guys mock that she maybe looks like his first love which he totally admits. Lol. Tomo loses no time and runs down to talk to them. Yamato follows having no idea what to talk about but determined not to let Makoto go. Halu observes. Girls smile brightly and introduce their third friend, Aki, who was half-hidden behind pillar but now turns to greet them. She is beautiful and right away catches Halus' eye. He comments under breath that she is "someone from last century". As he looks, she takes her purse and gets out of the bar. That does the trick and Halu rushes out giving quick instructions to his teammates. I am left to wonder if they did this a lot since "1-2-2trap" is enough to put them in motion. Anyway, Aki barely gets out of the bar when guys trow Haly out. They make it sound like quarrel about game and one guy punches Halu. Tomo, who just saw the glimpse of Halu running out, rushes to help by making "mad" guys return to the bar. Halu, sitting on the ground, motions for one more punch and on 3, Tomo delivers it with loud "Respect me more next time". Pft, these guys are awesome! Of course, our golden heart Aki can't stand and watch injured man so she offers her handkerchief(which he declines), bringing him to hospital(he declines), helping him stand up(declined) and excuses for not knowing the area so she cant go to pharmacy for him. That is more than enough for him to ask for her mail. I mean, he ought to thank her for taking such good care of him. It is for that reason ONLY, no other thought crossed his mind, nope. HA!
Next day, Halu goes to Hospital to visit his former Coach, Kengo Anzai. Man is in hospital due to heavy drinking induced by injury that unable him to continue playing hokey though he was great athlete. Man is obviously very affected by it and really glad to hear Halu has no proper girlfriend citing falling in love the worst thing to happen to iceman. Yeah, thanks for healthy advice, not! Even worse if he gets a child cause then he has reason to fear, gets defensive and gets injured. He is even suspicions of his wife Youko having someone for he was once shining brightly and now reduced to this state, blah, blah, blah... I must admit was judging him for this self-pity parade. Halu, on the other hand right away defends her, he can't believe Youko-san, though still young and beautiful, to be having someone in her life besides Coach. But guys part with positive attitude. Halu finds Youko-san and makes her take some money(hospitals are expensive and he is solo). She thanks him and they agree that Coach has too much pride. Though when Halu leaves, Youko-san seems conflicted with money she got.
As soon as Halu gets in his car he takes his phone out... and it is lunch break for girls so they gather to eat and chat. Chika outs that Aki got message but not answered it and that herself got to hotel with Tomo. Yuri calls it losing but urges Aki to get even by going out with Halu. Aki is about to say she gives up cause she is taken but Yuri harshly tells her that "that man" will not come back! She steals Akis' phone and replies "Ok" to Halu. While her friend freaks out, Yuri wonders why she was not asked on a date. She liked guy and he is probably rich cause he had sucha expensive car... Which Yamato just then returns to Tomo. HA! Guys get ready for practice and Yamato reveals of not taking girls email OR even asked her name which Halu finds very rude. But then, they may bump into each other since she works for company AND it may even pique her interest. Chat is cut short by introduction of new Coach, Yuichiro Hyodo(Koichi Sato). You can right away see that there is trouble cause Halu doesn't stand up to greet him. Hyodo doesn't take offence though and instructs him to keep patching his club as he was. But then destroys good impression by saying that their up-till-now tactics were awful and they will have to do everything over again. Halu opposes this and doesn't want to acknowledge Hyodo who then informs him of being given authority to fire him. He spits on Anzais' plan and trows it on the ground. Halu collects it and deposits it to trash bin with comment: It is here, right? With this, he takes his jacket and leaves the room followed by Yamato who tries to make him return. Halu refuses stating that Anzai knew that best way to attack is straight, Yamato as goal keeper should know that.
Next thing we know, he is at the date place where Aki is already waiting. He opens door for her to enter his car but she struggles to explain she was not the one to send message. He doesn't pay attention because bus driver impatiently signalizes for him to MOVE and just rushes her in. But it doesn't stop her from making it clear, once she is in the car, that she didn't give him mail for any particular reason. It is like saying name(actually this is same thing Tomo said to guys before). Speaking of which he already knows her name, introduces himself and asks about her boyfriend status all in one breath. She is vague(her boyfriend may or may not exist) so he asks if she hates him? Or beginning to like him? Maybe. She points how bold he is but he clarifies that it actually shows lack of self confidence which totally confuses her. Changing subject she wonders where they are headed to.
Halu: Love hotel.*grin*
Actually open ice rink. Ha! Poor Aki struggles to stand on skates grumbling that Halu did this to show off which he says is not the thing. He just missed practice and wanted to skate. And he couldn't have come alone cause all around are couples. Well, he is right.
Aki: Isn't there someone else you could ask?
Halu: They may or may not exist. Lol!
But then poor girl looses balance and ends up bum on the ice. Halu takes her in his arms like she is feather and though she finds it embarrassing, he doesn't let go saying it is fine. He carries 60kg every practice. Please, she obviously doesn't weight that much! Off they go and she can't help but enjoy herself which obviously makes him enjoy also. But then she asks if he does it with everyone. His answer?
Halu. Only those who weight under 60kg!
She makes a fuss, he looses balance and they end up, pile on the ice. He is too busy hurting all over(he was at the bottom) but she notices the proximity and hurries to get off of him. Luckily they are both fine and he asks her to call him by name, no honorifics(implying closeness), also asking if it is fine to call her just Aki. She says it is fine but when he again asks if she is ok using her name she doesn't say his name and again uses polite form(desu). Later they are off to dinner and she can't help but ask why is he looking at her all the time. It is a habit cause he always has his eyes fixed on defense. He noticed that she doesn't like peas. She calls a bluff saying she actually likes it and he tempts her to swallow one but she can't. Atmosphere is light till trough window Halu spots Youko-san in some mans' car on drive by, smiling. Aki notices change but he negates something wrong. After he drives her home and she thanks him, day was fun. He copies her way of talking by adding desu on the end of sentence. Calling her by name he wishes her good night and waits till she utters "Halu" under her breath, but it is enough to make him smile.
Next day, Halu goes with Youko-san to take out her son and asks about last night. She doesn't hide anything saying guy is manager in her company and they go out sometimes because she needs advice. Nothing else. The truth is Anzai is drinking secretly and sometimes looses his temper. Halu says he always saw her as perfect home maker, always happy with kid. She tears up saying she is still a woman and what is wrong with enjoying herself once in a while. Halu apologizes obviously affected with what he heard.
Aki and Chika are on triangle bridge with red O. Chika admires Aki for being there every Sunday as per agreement she had with her boyfriend, the one who never contacted her for 2years. Aki says it is a bridge designed by his company so they agreed to meet there on Sunday morning when he gets back. She believed it at first but after 2-3 months of not a word from him it just became habit. Chika thinks it is still better than Yuri going out only with rich guys but Aki reveals that Yuri was really poor when growing up and watching her mother struggle to make ends meet she vowed not to end up like that. It is all too sad for Chika who likes to be positive: people do call her easy but she doesn't mind, she enjoyed the night too! Ha, i like her! Aki admires her nature and girls are off to hokey game.
Guys are gathering to prepare for the match and Makoto alarms Yamato that Yuri is waiting in the hall so he gets out to greet her and she hands him homemade cookies saying they can go riding in car anytime. He starts saying that that car is not actually his but Makoto and other boys are standing in the hall like watching a movie so he gets distracted and she gets off wishing him luck. In the changing room, Tomo is totally fine borrowing his car whenever. Yamato is troubled by it, Makoto eats cookies and Halu is in bad mood. Sure enough, as soon as Aki and Chika find Yuri in the crowd, Halu starts brawl and in second it escalates. Hyodo watches, disapproving. Aki looks worried. Halu sits on the ice looking really sad.
Ice rink is empty, there is only Halu practicing his shooting on empty goal. Aki appears smiling that they let her after showing company card but Halu is in no mood for company and tells her not to be friendly cause he never intended on being her boyfriend. That is not what she wanted but he doesn't listen and calls girls easy. Also shoots puck on her and though plastic partition is there it is awfully disrespectful. He adds more by asking if everyone who holds her hand when she is lonely is called boyfriend. That is enough to rile even gentle Aki and she asks when she ever said she was lonely? Even if she was that is no reason enough to love someone, which is also another thing she didn't say that she feels for him! She still likes her boyfriend! And believe he will return for he is nice, gentle person unlike Halu. She only came cause it seemed like he was crying... But he claims he was laughing. Voice filled with disgust she calls him worst adding that she hates him which he finds good, problem would be if she liked him. She heard enough and leaves. Is that disappointment Halu? Maybe it is but then he finds her company card.
Next day, Halu and Makoto visit Anzai. He claims to be better and wants to sneak out to see Halu practice. Halu is not sure but off they go. And what a practice that is! Even when Makoto can't go any longer Halu works faster, stronger, harder, which obviously makes Anzai glowing out of happiness. Unfortunately what they don't know is that Anzai lied. He doesn't have much time, Youko-san informs Yamato, and there is nothing anyone can do. Anzai knew that and it is probably reason why he escaped. When Yamato manages to get Makoto on the phone they are on beach. Makoto went to get water and runs back to the car to inform Halu(who was stretching) what Yamato told him. But Halu shuts him up for he will "wake up" Anzai. With tears in his eyes and bow, he thanks his Coach for everything saying he is peacefully sleeping. Sad.
Whole team is present at the funeral but it is hardest on Halu and Tomo is really worried. He asks Yamato to stay by his side. Not an easy task since after standing by the grave till it starts to rain, Halu hands Yamato keys asking him to take care of his car. He lies that he is going to his girl to have some fun, acting like his old self. But he is not fooling Yamato so he drops it and with "buy-buy" walks away. Yamato trails him asking if he will leave his team and insisting that pride is the thing which makes human and animal different. Halu is to carry Anzais' iceman pride onto team! It really seems like Yamato is saying anything to make Halu stop. Halu turns to look at him and after few seconds just says "i'm sorry". Looking at his friends' back, Yamato yells at him for being idiot and how he was wrong about him. But then crumples on the ground crying, saying that he is there because of Halu.
Maybe Halu did not lie when said he is going to meet girl. Akis' doorbell rings and he is there. At first she opens her door just a little to take back her company card(he obviously used it as an excuse to come) but she realizes he is all wet and opens fully in time for him to pass out on top of her. And no, not face down. She struggles to move him off and realizes he also has a fewer. Nurse mode on. Halu is dried up, rolled in blanket, supplied with medication sitting on her couch while she grinds apple for him wondering why. Halu asks about picture on her nightstand wondering if it is her boyfriend and she rushes to remove it but he doesn't mind. He apologizes for last time saying he was wrong but she counters with being all her fault for trying to go on bench, giving sumo as example of girls not being allowed to enter athlete space. Pft. Girl he is apologizing, TAKE IT! He again calls her Women from other century and wonders if that is why he came. In fact when he is all broken he can never think of any pretty girl with nice body. She fake apologizes for not having nice body adding that she is not his follower wich he also tops with having a boyfriend. She agrees, he will certainly come back so Halu can mock all he wants. But he surprises her by saying he will come back cause with her he can recharge batteries. For Halu, there is not much places he can do that so he would most certainly come back when beaten and weak. She remembers her boyfriend said that once. Though it seems like she wanted to say something else his head starts to get heavy from medication and he asks to be let to sleep right there on her couch. Before she can even say anything he nods off and there is nothing more for her to do but cover him with a blanket.
Next morning they are on triangle bridge and she tells him her boyfriend is architect and for that reason went to New York. After moment of silence, Halu has proposition for her: he can't fall in love for real(he promised Anzai) and she already has a boyfriend(who isn't present in her life) so they can play a game. He usually does it with girls but this is perfect cause she is already taken. Aki glares at him saying it IS perfect for her but what about him? He takes some browny points by saying he slept well by her side, there is nothing more needed. She cautions him that she won't take care of him if he falls seriously for her or become lonely. He retorts that he never felt that way which she doesn't seem to believe but ok. It is a deal and he wants to seal it with a kiss and she asks if he does it with everyone but he again jokes that it is just for those "under 60kg". He leans forward but being solo for 2years this makes her flustered so she clasps hand over her mouth. Gently removing it he makes her take a deep breath before leaning again. She chickens so instead on lips he plants a sweet kiss on her eye. He smiles at her surprise and with his "Maybe" leaves her.
Blue Scorpions are losing by one point, guys are pretty down. Suddenly they all stop in their tracks when seeing their Captain. He doesn't waste any time coming straight to Hyodo and apologizing. After few long seconds and Assistants' plea, Halu has a green light to enter game. Oh, yeah! Guys are beyond happy and Halu prepares to get on the ice but also searches the crowd for someone. Just then, Aki enters. Their eyes meet and... hear that? CHEMISTRY. You can practically hear them talking!
Him: You came...
Her: Well i had some free time...(fixing her hair nervously)
Him: I am so glad you are here!*grin*
Her: You are?
Him: If you were near i would kiss you but have to do it like this...ect.
Actually they don't need any words...
Now he has to concentrate before steping on ice. To show her support, Aki shouts his name. No honorifix and he heard it. Energy level: A LOT! He steps on the ice...