Neighborhood Story

A Love Prayer! Happy New Year (1x16)

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While prosecuting a frenzied wardrobe configuration, Mariko has it explained that her parents will arrive in Japan with her little brother Shintaro the next day and that Shuuichi has parked his car outside. Fortunately, the excited and tremulous Mariko successfully resolves her wardrobe imbroglio and takes note of his new car while en route to Shuuichi's house. No sooner does Mariko find her courage after recalling Tsutomu's counsel to her than Shuuichi arrives with his somewhat childish college classmate Yuka Matsuyama. While the heartbroken Mariko hastily packs her things in preparation for her return to Tokyo, a worried Yuusuke reminisces over his encounter with the departing Mariko as he wonders about the epilogue while waiting for Jiro to finish cooking. The data Yuusuke discovers when he can no longer stand the anxiety sends him on a journey to Mariko's apartment where he realizes that he would be of no utility even if Mariko did allow his comfort. Yuusuke is not done with Mariko, though; after summoning Mikako and Tsutomu as his wingmen, Yuusuke's bold confrontation of Mariko's anguish over Shuuichi ultimately sets the stage for Mikako prosecuting some cerebral compare-contrast analytical concourse over why Mariko seems to do much better socially with guys and comprehends what makes Mariko tick before demonstrating her culinary skills as she prepares dinner for everybody. Mikako and Tsutomu's prayers while prosecuting the New Year's shrine ritual detail their vastly different maturity phases.