March 2004 issue, Comptiq
Is that Kagami? Anyway, she's wearing a headkerchief and white shirt with a dress over it, and licking a whisk while also holding a bowl with mixed... well, mix in it.
one step in front
While Tsukasa eats what appears to be toast with jam, Kagami reads the paper. There seems to be an increase in statutory rape, and something about the morals of teachers. (The spoilered sections represent what's hidden by Kagami's head and thumb, respectively.)
Later, she discusses it with Tsukasa and Konata as they walk to school. Konata attributes it to too much playing of dating sims and porn games rather than morals, saying those are really common situations. (Statutory rape in dating sims and porn games? Teachers playing them? ...both?) Kagami remarks that the statement could apply to Konata herself, and warns her not to go committing any crimes. Then she finds herself wondering why Konata, a 10th grader, knows what's in those games.
valentine's
Tsukasa realizes that Valentine's Day is approaching, and talks about the air getting rosy around this time. Konata thinks about her games, and recalls that building up the trust points in the days beforehand is more important than the day itself. Kagami doesn't think there's anything unusual about the day. "The boys have too many dreams." Konata takes it that nobody was able to get the "Win Kagami's Heart" flag up. Kagami asks if Konata has something planned, but her memories of it are... of playing video games, if I'm interpreting this correctly. Kagami worries about Konata's future, and tells her to stop applying terms like "flags" and "trust points" to Real Life.
gaudy train of thought
Konata notices that there's a pattern to the sisters' lunches: one day, it'll be something like:
- rice with green peas
- mini hamburg steaks
- fried eggs flavored with fish broth
- sautéed carrots
- broccoli
- etc.
(sounds good to me, depending on the fish)
...and other days, it'll be like:
- rice with seaweed
- broiled salmon
- pickled vegetables
(that sounds good, too)
Konata finds the difference obvious. Kagami explains that they alternate making lunches. She's awful at household chores, so she keeps it simple. Konata gets excited, thinking Kagami might be the sort to blow up pots when she cooks. Kagami points out the "manga-esque filter" that Konata's brain seems to have on it, saying that people like that don't really exist.
saint valentine's
So, the day arrives, and Konata asks some of the girls about their plans. First, if Miyuki is giving chocolates to anyone. Yes, to her father and older brother. Tsukasa? Yes, to everyone who's nice to her all the time, which includes Konata. She hands them over and is thanked. Finally, Kagami, who doesn't seem to Konata to have any flags up. Kagami has no plans, and tells Konata to stop with the flags already. Konata thinks everybody's Valentine's plans sound boring, but Kagami doesn't want to hear it from someone who lives in the game world.
dreaming maidens
Kagami talks about the ticklish atmosphere, brought on by fleeing signs of tension amongst the seeming normalcy. Tsukasa claims to understand how it works a bit: if one of you confesses love for the other on that day, and finds it reciprocated, it's (according to her) especially wonderful. Kagami tells Tsukasa she's "such a maiden"... huh? I wonder what the Japanese word and its connotations are... Anyway, Kagami wouldn't go so far as to say it's a conspiracy by the confectionary industry. Konata thinks it's special, however... because she can get confectioners' chocolate heavily discounted. Kagami figures she either has no dreams, or is just cheap.
KAGAMI HIRAGI
She's eating a popsicle.
"Tsukasa's twin sister, the older twin. However, she is not like her younger sister and has very good grades. She is the type that works hard when nobody is looking, and loves to put up a front. Konata is a friend through her younger sister. Though they are in different homeroom classes, she visits the two often."
Next time: episode 4!
