Neighborhood Story

The Nervous Body-ko (1x27)

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Mariko's rekindled jealousy vendetta against Ayumi quickly gives way to having it explained that Shuuichi has signaled an interest in spending time with both Shintaro and her; while Mariko computes her response to the news and Shintaro's teasing, Mikako and Tsutomu have learned to nullify Noriji's teasing as they prosecute their school commute to gather the other Akindo members for the upcoming flea market which goes smoothly until Mariko expresses her reluctance because of the scheduling conflict. Yuusuke's rescheduling remarks quickly bring things to a head; a participation affirmation for both Nakasu siblings later, the class intermission ends. Tsutomu encourages Ayumi to take part in the flea market and attend the next Akindo meeting at Mariko's apartment where Mariko fiercely repulses Shintaro's »Please reconsider this« entreaties when the other Akindo members arrive for their meeting with Ayumi in convoy. Throughout the visit, Mariko's frustration at the Akindo members' complacent attitude toward the significance of her hospitality continues to build and eventually ruins the meeting; after having explained the »no can do« given to Shuuichi, Mariko ultimately lashes out at Shintaro for his incendiary but candid discourse while Mikako realizes the root cause of Mariko's hostility toward Ayumi and fears that the rising love triangle in her midst will break up Akindo.