Hopeless Romantic

MEMORY - 30 Days Shipping Challenge - Day 7

I mentioned on my previous blogs that as much as possible, I’d try to do this 30 days challenge in consecutive days. But I failed after day 6 so I’ll try again starting here with day 7. BEWARE OF SPOILERS

Day 7: The most heartbreaking scene.

For today’s challenge, it took a bit of my time to decide. In fact, after a lot of thinking, I only managed to narrow down to two pairs. But after a self-debate, I decided to talk about Yano Motoharu and Nanami Takahashi of Bokura ga Ita.

If I am not mistaken, I was around grade five (10-11 y/o) when this was aired on a local anime television. On the commercial, Bokura Ga Ita was described as one of the famous and best selling shoujo mangas in Japan. The plot wasn’t really discussed but the information given is that it’s about a sweet couple’s life.

I had no idea on what this anime was about but because I found the art rather cute, I decided to watch it. But because I had school and the airing time is within school hours, I wasn’t able to. But luckily after a year, it was re-aired. Finally able to watch it, it was one of the best moments of my life.

This is one of the anime that I got myself addicted to. I found myself thinking about it every second of the day. Praising the characters, smiling, tearing up on sad scenes and waiting for the episode to be aired the next day. Back then, we had no internet yet so the only thing that gave me BGI is the television (thank you great anime channel!).

I waited each day just to watch it’s episode. And I just grew to love the series.

Yano Motoharu. Popular and handsome. He gives off a playboy vibe and at the same time, a carefree and lovable guy vibe. Yet despite these vibes, he’s in a dilemma of trust. His attitude did not impress me at first but soon found them justifiable after learning about his past. (ex-girlfriend; trust issues)

Nanami Takahashi. Not the most beautiful, smartest or the most outcast in the series. Just your typical girl; unlike any other stereotype female protagonist in other shoujo series. She’s described as cute and baby-faced. She shares the same name as Yano’s ex-girlfriend. She dislikes Yano at first but soon falls in love with him after circumstances and interactions.

The couple didn’t start smoothly. In fact, Nana was rejected at first. She just decides to be by his side even not as a girlfriend, but as someone who cares about him. But Yano realizes that he’s already fallen for her. And finally, they go out officially.

The two deal with adjustments and problems. Adjustments within themselves, to each other and to everyone else in their background. Problems arise, when more of Yano’s past was revealed regarding his ex-girlfriend Nana, his ex-girlfriend’s sister Yuri, and when Yano’s bestfriend fall for Nanami.

Honestly, when I reached the part of Yano’s past, I had a hard time even if I wasn’t in the situation and even if I was at a young age back then. For some reason, I felt myself standing in Nana’s shoes and getting a stab on my chest. That’s why I understood why they had a cool off.

As each episode airs, I feel myself getting more and more engrossed. It amazes me how Nanami and Yano are willing to improve themselves for each other. They are not perfect. Nor are they perfect for each other. But they are determined to be with each other.

Now… for today’s theme? Why this pair?

I remember this episode when Yano and Nana were talking about memories. And I believe this is one of the things that made Yano a unique and deep character. Nana says she thinks memories are wonderful.

And Yano says, “Human memories are too vague. Thinking something has color when it doesn’t, making things more dramatic than they really are, glorifying things… It gives new greater meaning than was actually there. That’s why I don’t believe any of this talk about beautiful memories.”

Another is “I’ve always been asking myself this question. Am I a memory? or is the memory… me? Are we nothing but a collection of memories?”

Enter, episode 26, finale - We were there.

For some reason… before this episode aired, I had a bad feeling. On episode 25, giving the next episode preview, finally the meaning of Bokura Ga Ita was revealed to me. It meant “We Were There”

And I just… found it rather sorrowful. We were there meant something that’s already in the past. I started thinking… does that mean Yano and Nana’s relationship is something in the past?

The next day… I finished the series and I swear, I cried buckets of tears.

The episode shows Yano and Nana’s inevitable separation. Yano has to leave. Nana has to stay. And what were Yano’s words? “Ever since I met you, I believe, I was meant to meet you.”

And this little scene with the bullet train doors closing right between them? Nana chasing the train… Yano running back… and the last scene with Nana unable to do anything but to stare at the train? It was the most heartbreaking scene I’ve ever witnessed. Until now… nothing has matched the pain and sadness I felt back then. Why? Why do they have to separate? They are both in love with each other right? They are committed to each other. But why?

They learnt everything together. They managed to be who they are because they had each other. They accepted whatever each other’s flaws.  Past, present, decisions, everything… but why?

When credits were shown, everything just got back to me. Their beginning, neutral moments, falling in love, when they became a couple, their happy moments, sad moments, and lastly… “We were there…”

Suddenly everything started to make sense. Yano’s beliefs, words, feelings, everything. And all I could do back then was to not accept that my favorite anime’s ending is like this. I did think I was a bit over acting considering that they aren’t even real. But I don’t regret those tears. This story, fiction o nonfiction, real or unreal, it touched my heart.

Months later…

I found myself crying again. Not because I still couldn’t get over but because, there is a continuation. Since we finally have internet access, I found the continuation. And up to this time, I managed to finish this piece when Yuuki Obata-sensei finally ended it.

Truly Bokura ga Ita is a masterpiece. Several years ago, I thought episode 26 is the official ending of Bokura Ga Ita. But I am just so joyful that it had a continuation. And yet despite the happy ending of this series, the train scene? It’ll always be in my memory. And it’ll always be the most heartbreaking scene.

Day 7 - Yano Motoharu x Nanami Takahashi - MEMORY - Challenge 7 done

(I teared up after typing this :))) reminiscing this piece truly made me emotional)

WARM - 30 Days Shipping Challenge - Day 6

BEWARE OF SPOILERS for those who haven’t finished the series

Day 6: The best kiss

A kiss is not really new especially in shoujo manga. Usually, we fans just wonder when the kiss will happen because we just know that it’ll happen. Most shoujo manga, end the series with a sweet kiss. But for this blog, I think the best couple for this day’s theme, is  the pair: Ryuuji Takasu x Taiga Aisaka of Toradora.

At first, I didn’t really think I’d enjoy Toradora. Well first, we have a tsundere with the the common tsundere look. The personality, the height, the chest (yes it adds to the insecurity) and the violence. And we have a guy who’s misunderstood because of his looks. And when they’re together, the guy is usually bullied.

Though that was at first. I just thought that it seemed all too typical. The girl beating up the guy. But soon after a past is discovered, a certain form of understanding and empathy comes between them and voila, they’d be in love.

But when I finished the series, I had no regrets. If I did, I regretted giving it a judgement.

Ryuuji. The tall guy with a delinquent’s features. Misunderstanding is in the air cause of initial judgement by appearance. Beneath that appearance, is a really calm guy who’s independent and is good at domestic work (due to family issues). Initially, he likes Minori, Taiga’s bestfriend. But as the series progresses and he interacts with Taiga more, he falls for her.

Taiga. The tsundere. The palm-top tiger. Clumsy and violent. A personality she developed through her childhood; feeling unloved and not cared for. Though beautiful and cute, her hormonal development still adds to the insecurity she feels. Guys confess to her but she rejects them though Kitamura’s is the one she regrets.

Ryuuji and Taiga’s relationship is something that can be compared to some kind of alliance; not exactly friendship. They both formed plans to help each other in winning each other’s bestfriend’s hearts, though their plans usually failed.

Though throughout the series, the alliance formed turned into a deeper relationship and into love.

This pair is pretty predictable but I liked it. Even though it is, I think their progress is smooth. They looked good together. Not because they had a lot of interaction, but because in everything they did, I saw them not hiding anything but being themselves. Let’s say Taiga and Ryuuji have the chemistry.

The kiss. Why is this the best kiss for me? There are a lot of shoujo manga there. But why them?

When I browsed the 30 day challenge for this day’s theme… I actually had a hard time thinking who’s the couple with the best kiss because… I was thinking… “the kisses were pretty ordinary… cheesy music, pink lights, bubbles” but nothing actually struck me… until I remembered this pair.

This was a rehearsal for their wedding. And we see Taiga insulting Ryuuji’s lips. Ryuuji kisses her and she starts insulting him again but… “Just like I thought… it’s dry… like dry wilderness…” Ryuuji makes a face but his face warms up more when she says…” but it was warm… really warm.”

They share more kisses. And we hear Taiga say “Once more… one more…” the scene shifts to their toes, in which Taiga stands on her tip-toes just to reach him.

I just thought this scene was so cute. I remember that day when I reached this episode and I was all teary-eyed watching this scene. It made me feel warm all over inside. I couldn’t explain it very well but of all the kissing scenes I’ve seen in anime, this has to be the cutest. This has to be the most romantic. This is definitely the best kiss.

For the whole scene, you can watch it here

Day 6 - Ryuuji x Taiga - WARM - Challenge 6 Done

CHOICE - 30 Days Shipping Challenge - Day 5

Here’s a blog that might get a lot of negative reactions? Anyway SPOILERS ahead for those who haven’t finished until season 2.

Day 5: The pairing with the least chemistry

For day 5, I’ll be choosing Morita Shinobu x Hagumi Hanamoto as the talk of the day. Because I ship Shinobu x Yamada (I will post this pair on Day 21 or Day 25)

In line with my Day 4 blog (which is the pair with the most chemistry), chemistry is found in couples who form understanding with each other though not necessarily vocally/verbally stated. Wavelength is also something I mentioned in which the two people seem to find themselves in the same wavelength, is somehow the same with having chemistry as they say.

And the lack of chemistry… for me is something I found in these two. I admitted above that I ship Shinobu with someone else but that is not the reason why Shinobu and Hagu lack chemistry for me.

Morita Shinobu. He’s the weirdo of the group. Weird decisions, personality, creativity or whatever you may call; Shinobu is a mystery. No one particularly knows what he’s thinking or why he does things. He has his own reasons on why he does things. And even his expression of love, is weird itself.

He falls in love at first sight with Hagu but like stated above, it is expressed in very odd ways, like taking pictures of her and uploading it in the internet. Calling her a mouse, and various funny scenes we all have witnessed. But deep down his weirdness and expression, is a thoughtful person who truly cares for his friends and of course to Hagu.

Hagumi Hanamoto, aka Hagu. A gifted artist, isolated by her love for art. Even at the age of 18, her figure is that of a child’s which is used as a gag in the series in most occasions. Raised by an easily-irritated grandmother, Hagu develops her skill in art by herself through isolation. That’s why her socializing skills are below average. It is only when she met Takemoto, Shinobu, Ayumi and Mayama that she finds true friends, that she can even consider family.

Hagu treats both her love pursuers as friends. But later develops her own affections on Shinobu. She was clearly unaware of it at first. She was unable to understand why she felt embarrassed… why she felt odd.

The ending is one of the things that made Honey & Clover popular. And as we all know, even though Shinobu and Hagu loved each other, the relationship didn’t pursue. It was Hagu’s choice to go with her uncle. Most fans were terribly hearbroken-ed by this. First, because of Shinobu and Hagu’s unfulfilled love, second is for Takemoto’s unrequited love and third is the fact that Hagu chooses none from them and goes to her uncle.

The lack of chemistry. Like I said, I believe chemistry is a form of understanding between two people. A form of bond that makes two people comfortable with each other, point the negatives at each other, but still with respect. Not necessarily two people sharing the same exact thoughts or personality but rather, two people who understand each other even beyond their differences. We all know that no two persons are exactly the same. And chemistry is not about being the same but about a special connection of two people and as if saying “we can work out together.” Take note of the word together.

Love and chemistry are two entirely different things. And no one says that love can only be felt with those you have chemistry with. And for this pair, even though they are in love, they aren’t in the same wave length. They have different goals, dreams, thoughts that just won’t work out together.

Maybe it will, but one side will have to sacrifice. In this case, Shinobu has to sacrifice. Since Hagu got in an accident, he has to sacrifice his time, his life. Of course, love is about sacrifices, but remember, I’m talking about chemistry. It may be sad, but as much as fans hoped, that is how Honey & Clover ended.

Just an ender, I just want to say that I don’t hate this pair but I don’t particularly adore it either. Maybe one of the reasons is yes, I just don’t see the chemistry in them. I also want to say that at the start of the series, though Shinobu fell in love at first sight with Hagu, I really wanted Shinobu with Yamada haha. 

Day 5 - Shinobu x Hagu - CHOICE - Challenge 5 Done

WAVELENGTH - 30 Days Shipping Challenge - Day 4

Late upload. I actually forgot typing a blog today. Good thing I remembered haha :DD

BEWARE OF SPOILERS for those who haven’t finished reading.

Day 4: The pairing with the most chemistry. 

Chemistry is such a big word.  Before deciding on a pair, I actually researched about what chemistry really is for I’ve always heard of the word. I have grasped it’s meaning through observations but I really haven’t given it a lot of thought.

So according to what I have read, chemistry between two people is a sort of understanding between them. Having chemistry with someone is finding someone right in the same wavelength as yours. So for this blog, I’ve decided to talk about Moritaka Mashiro and Miho Azuki of Bakuman.

This blog may be short compared to the other 30 days shipping challenge blogs for I have blogged about this pair (Only Kiss) especially the ending. So in this entry, I’ll be talking more about why they have the most chemistry.

For me this pair is perfect for the word chemistry.

Mashiro. He’s your typical guy with typical decisions and a practical way of thinking. He draws as a hobby but doesn’t consider it as a dream to pursue for he knows that it isn’t as easy as it seems. His world changes when he meets Takagi but his dream is only fueled when he finds out that Miho wants to be a voice actress.

Miho. Mashiro’s classmate (and became a seatmate) and his long time crush.  She dreams of being a voice actress but keeps it a secret. She pursues her dream after the confrontation with Takagi and Mashiro saying that they will create their own manga.

Mashiro caught in the moment, proposes a wedding when their manga becomes an anime. (And she will be the voice of the main female character).

Surprisingly, Miho agrees. Unknown to him, Miho all this time has always liked him as well. Though her agreement has the condition that they won’t see each other until they live their dreams to be able to focus and will support each other through email/text messages and occasionally, calls.

Chemistry. Wavelength. In reading Bakuman, there was hardly any physical contact between the two of them. Not much of holding hands, hugging, and kissing, often found in most love stories. And yet, until the end, they proved their love to each other after ten years of plainly communicating through messages. (Of course there were exceptions such as when Mashiro was hospitalized.)

Most people can’t take long distance relationships. But these two… it wasn’t only a simple LDR. They are the ones who decided and approved of not meeting each other.

As we also know… these two are both the shy types. I can’t remember a scene of them actually describing and introducing themselves to each other. They both managed to know each other through observations. Through looks. Through their feelings. It was pretty silent. That’s why it amazed me that they managed to get this far in ten years with no petty fights or whatsoever most couples face.

Seeing them together up until the end just made me all teary-eyed. I know that they’re not even real people to shed tears of happiness on… but they shared an inspiring story to all of us.

Romance is not only physical. It does not depend on dates. On pick-up lines. On the number of gifts. Number of hugs. Number of kisses. Not only is there trust and faith in their relationship. There’s love. A love that’s so strong, it gave them the perfect wavelength.

Day 4 - Mashiro x Miho - WAVELENGTH - Challenge 4 Done

NATURAL - 30 Days Shipping Challenge - Day 3

I am very overwhelmed that people are liking my Day 1 and Day 2 blogs TT^TT I am encouraged with this challenge (though I still have 27 more haha)

Day 3 - A pairing that needs to happen now

Now? Means now. So for this blog, I’ll be talking about another famous shipping: Monkey D. Luffy and Nami of One Piece

Well one thing I would like to admit is that I just recently started One Piece (I know am such a loser :l). I never had the chance to start it before because I was a bit reluctant with the art style. But then I was always curious about why people love it. So despite the reluctance, I added it to my to-watch/read list.

But because my list is a really long list, I was left behind. This vacation is the only time I have to actually read it. Been reading it for a week or so and am currently at Chapter 500 so I guess I won’t be talking about the timeskip yet.

Nami. The cute (she and almost everyone claims that) and very skilled navigator. Loves orange, money, treasures and of course the people important to her. Dreams of completing the world map.

She is a very lovable character. She may be loud. She may be overacting and violent. She may not be the strongest. But that makes her a very interesting individual. Her strength is not her best asset, but her wit is. Clearly, her skill in navigating is a very important factor in the crew. And everyone trusts her in this field.

What I really like about Nami is that we both love oranges. Haha. Jokes aside, I really like Nami because she has her own ways. Since she knows her weaknesses, she uses her assets very well in saving not only herself but also for the crew as well; very contradictory to her greedy self in comical situations.

Luffy. The strong, stretchy, trustworthy, hungry (lol) and the best captain anyone would wish for. The protagonist of the series that for sure, everyone loves. He’s a simpleton. Easily amazed and astonished by things around him. But despite being distracted, no one can stop him from his dream to be the Pirate King. The most interesting part is that, even though they say (and it’s true haha) that he’s an idiot, his crew believes that he is fit to be the Pirate King.

Most fans like Luffy because he’s strong, funny, etc. But for me, I like Luffy because of his instincts. I just love how he knows who to trust and what to believe. Sure he can be stubborn but from his quest on gathering more members, we all saw how he relied on pure instincts.

Even though Nami deceived the group, he refused to believe that Nami killed Ussop. Because he knew that she is a good person. Not only with Nami but with Robin as well. His instincts around people is great. Fit for a leader.

The pair. The part we’ve all been waiting for haha. 

Like I said LuNa is one of the most popular ships in the series despite Oda-sama’s claim that he wouldn’t put romance in the manga since it’s all about adventure.

Truthfully speaking, before I even started One Piece, I’ve always shipped them even though I had no idea what One Piece is about. When I saw them and found out their names I just immediately thought they’d look good. And reading the series didn’t disappoint me.

Of all the Strawhat members, I’ve noticed that it is Nami who’s interacted with Luffy’s hat the most.

And we all know that the straw hat is Luffy’s most precious treasure. Non-fans of the pair pointed that Luffy just entrusts it to her because she can take care of it unlike Zoro, Sanji or anybody else in the crew since they are fighting. That’s a good point but this cover is quite intriguing

Well everyone’s enjoying the beach. Luffy’s just fishing, I see no reason why his hat could be in danger if that’s what non-fans are pointing. It doesn’t look like it can be put to danger with a sea monster since this page shows a resort.

the same with this cover. Luffy’s just eating anyway. No danger at all.

If the hat doesn’t make any sense, I do find the following cover intriguing as well.

So we have a laundry day and… who’s holding Luffy’s shirt? I just find it interesting when Nami holds on to Luffy’s belongings. On a laundry day, since it is Nami with the most number of outfits, it would make much more sense to see her working on her clothes.

My love for this pair sparked more during the Arlong arc and we all know why. The arc is all about Nami’s past which is the key to her behavior and character. Who will even forget this scene?

Saving/helping someone isn’t really much of a big deal when it comes to Luffy. He’s just like that. He wants to help people especially those he already consider important for him. But…

…this one’s a winner!! In line with this scene, I loved the promise Luffy made. To protect Nami’s smile.

If there’s one thing I must really love about this pair is that they can be natural with each other. They don’t have to be somebody else in front of each other. As we can see in other stories, even if the guy is not romantically in love with the girl, he tends to say “I don’t want to look weak in front of her”. Such guys have tendencies of not wanting to look weak in front of those they protect.

The thing with this pair is that when I read a panel with Luffy and Nami in it, it just seems so normal, so typical, so natural. Because some other pairs look forced. But LuNa doesn’t seem like one even though it’s not canon.

I keep on pointing natural because I’m thinking that IF Oda-sama will fulfill LuNa fans’ wishes, the pairing would be quite accepted. Nothing to be surprised about. Like… even if people are not into romance, (if possible) seeing Luffy and Nami ending up together won’t look a rushed and forced pair.

I am still in the middle of reading but spoilers suggest that another woman is in love with Luffy (Boa Hancock) and a lot are actually a fan of her pair with Luffy. I do wish to not be disheartened. Whatever the latest chapters may bring, I shall continue to hope for this pair to happen. It must happen. (I wish)

Oh yeah posted here on tumblr as well. this picture’s really promising xD

Day 3 - Luffy x Nami - NATURAL - Challenge 3 Done