I can speak on behalf of a lot of readers who were not satisfied with the ending. I wrote an ending in ) to get off my chest on how I wanted to see this series end. Here is how I envisioned the end and epilogue of the series; note at the following events happen right after Aoshima asks Wagatsuma for her number:
Note: I made lots of edits to flesh out the ending more.
Climactic Chapter
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Before Wagatsuma could answer, she was interrupted when a familiar figure arrived. Seki-bun appears behind the party, to everyone's surprise, with a relieved look on his face. He tells Wagatsuma that Aoshima has made many sacrifices, and that his love for her saved her life. Wagatsuma suddenly understands and asks, "So, you knew what was going to happen also?" He nods and says, "I thought every path for your future was closed. But thankfully, I was wrong." The rest of the party is talking amongst themselves, wondering what those three were talking about. Seki-bun then congratulates Aoshima for doing what he thought was impossible. As he walks away after bidding them farewell, Aoshima runs after him.
Aoshima catches up to Seki-bun and asks him to wait. As Seki-bun stops and turns around, Aoshima asks him if he also meant to save someone by going to his particular point in time. Depending on who Seki-bun truly is, these would be his following response:
Response A: "I did before. I gave up after so many tries. But after seeing you succeed, you've renewed my hope. Thank you very much, Aoshima." He continues walking. (Seki-bun is another time slipper as he claims he is, and continues trying to alter his fate)
Response B: Seki-bun grins at Aoshima and cryptically says, "I already have." He walks away, to Aoshima's confusion, and then sudden epiphany. (Seki-bun is a distant future Aoshima who has mastered time slipping and tries to save himself from heartbreak, but instead helped present Aoshima discover a way to save Wagatsuma)
As Aoshima stands in awe, he's unaware that Wagatsuma is right behind him, sarcastically responding that no man should ask for a woman's number and walk away before getting an answer. As Aoshima is trying to form words, she grins at him and says, "Well, my answer is no...." which sends a proverbial dagger through Aoshima's heart. But then Wagatsuma follows up with, ".... at least not until we have dinner and catch up first!" Aoshima sighs with relief and accepts. Unfortunately, the DX Corps, Silvia and Ran overhear the conversation and gets on Aoshima's case about wanting some dinner and time with him themselves. Wagatsuma chuckles as Aoshima's flustered reaction tries to come up with an answer.
At this very moment, another familiar figure appears before them. To everyone's surprise (and the girls' confusion), an old man greets them and says, "Wow, it's been years! You boys are still rowdy as ever!" All of the guys freak out as they only barely recognize their old friend, a much older but otherwise healthy looking Yama-chan! He tells them he has made amends with his family, became part of the family business he once left, and is making it big! He takes everyone out for dinner that night. As everyone is drinking, Yama-chan declines and has oolong tea instead. He states it's due to his 10th consecutive year of sobriety, and thanks Aoshima for being such a good friend to him. Meanwhile, Wagatsuma overhears their conversation and smiles as she dotes on Aoshima.
After the festivities end, everyone parts ways, but not before reminding each other about the high school reunion in a few months. Aoshima is finally alone with Wagatsuma as he escorts her to her place. They catch up with each other on the things they've done in their lives, as well as Aoshima's current status as an award winning drama writer. As they arrive at her place, Aoshima is thinking of what exactly to say next and really wishes he could have a time slip at this moment. Instead, Wagatsuma speaks, "Well, I had a great night. And I guess I should give you my phone number. But under one condition..." Aoshima wonders what she would want from him. In that moment, Wagatsuma moves in and kisses him. Aoshima holds her, and the couple embraces each other in the last panel of this chapter.
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Epilogue (Bonus Chapter)
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It is now the high school reunion. Everyone remarks at how different (or same) everyone is. Dobashi still lives normally as a popular guy instead of a pariah thanks to Aoshima. Komatsu bumps into Yoshiko Tanaka again, and the two have a romantic moment together. Fuji-Q arrives with his teacher-wife and untold number of kids. Itou is trying to get panty shots, but is physically restrained by Silvia. A whole crowd of people are surrounding Ran asking for autographs or various other manga-related questions. Ono, aka Mat-2 (the pedo) is ogling the young daughters of his former classmates. Akamoto (aka Electric Medusa) is there via tablet of course. And finally, Aoshima and Wagatsuma show up, hand in hand, to everyone else's surprise.
As everyone gossips about them still being together, the principal is on stage and welcomes everyone with a speech. The speech, of course, is boring drivel and lulls Aoshima to a nap, and conveniently, a brief time slip that he hasn't had in years. In this time slip, he and Wagatsuma are having a picnic in a field full of cherry blossoms. Aoshima asks Wagatsuma about where her next trip will take her, to which she gets flustered and responds, "Actually honey, I cancelled the trip a month ago." Aoshima is bewildered, wondering why she would do that because she was especially looking forward to it. She then hesitatingly responds, "Well.... because I have something else to look forward to now....." She guides Aoshima's hand across her stomach. Aoshima is confused, then hit with a ton of bricks: They're expecting their first baby!!! With tears rolling down his eyes, Aoshima tells Wagatsuma how much he loves her and embraces her with a kiss. Wagatsuma tells him it almost feels like yesterday since the high school reunion. Aoshima doesn't understand, to which she responds, "Don't tell me you forgot? It was the day you proposed to me, silly! It was such an unforgettable moment!"
Aoshima's time slip ends abruptly with Komatsu nudging him. Komatsu claims he knew this reunion would be off to a boring start, so he and the other DX Corps members organized another guerrilla band meet. Aoshima is confused to where all the instruments are, to which Itou replies, "We planned it all in advance. Follow us Laputa!" As the principal's speech continues, the curtain behinds him reveals the DX Corps Band! The principal is shocked at the interruption, but is blasted off stage as the band plays! The once quiet crowd has now erupted in noise and excitement! After the band is finished, Aoshima takes the mic and thanks everyone for their cheers. He then says, "I wanted to dedicate this moment to my girlfriend, Ai Wagatsuma!" The crowd cheers and whistles as Ai shyly covers herself. "I wanted to recite a poem to her tonight. I was going to tell her this in secret, but what the hell!" He pulls out a piece of paper and recites his awful poem from the first volume. The entire audience was surprised that it was Aoshima that wrote the ridiculous poem and cannot contain their laughter! In spite of that, Aoshima smugly bows, to some scattered applause.
Aoshima jumps off stage and walks towards her with mic in hand. He speaks as he walks, "From the moment I laid eyes on you, my heart was always yours. I loved you then, and I will continue loving you for the rest of my life." Aoshima drops down on one knee, holding her hand, and says, "Ai Wagatsuma, will you marry me?" Wagatsuma is overwhelmed with emotions and leaps into his arms.
The final panel of the manga has one large speech bubble with two birds flying towards the horizon: "Yes!"
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Like my ending or no? Feel free to comment! |
