Kirarin Revolution, episode 22

(きらりん☆レボリューション) 2006

Kirari (voiced by Koharu Kusumi of Morning Musume!) is a middle schooler who LOVES her food. So much so that it's scary! While girls her age swoon over idols, Kirari swoons over her dad's cooking, and couldn't care less about the life of a celebrity. But when she saves the pet turtle of Seiji of pop group SHIPS and falls in love, she decides to become an idol herself so that they can be together (or so she hopes).

The contest that Kirari agreed to take part in will have 3 rounds (getting two of the three guarantees an overall win). The first of these rounds involves modeling, which everyone believes to be an unfair advantage for Fubuki. How can you pit an "ordinary" girl against a professional model in modeling? But it has to be done. Upon hearing the instructions as read by the chairman, Hiroto makes the comment that if Kirari's involved, there will always be a solution, and Seiji agrees. SHIPS has also been asked to come, the reasons for it unknown. The theme will be announced at the event.

Time passes and we are shown the boys getting ready, dressed in fancy tuxedos. Hiroto doesn't understand, but Seiji calmly explains that they are supposed to be grooms. Seconds later, Kirari shows up in a pink and white gown, unaware of what she's supposed to be until she spots the handsome lads. From the second he sees her, Hiroto simply cannot stop staring, blushing like crazy, and doesn't break out of it until Kirari talks to him (Seiji was blushing, too, but Hiroto definitely had things going through his mind). Obviously flustered and uncomfortable, the fake groom demands an explanation for all this. It's then that Fubuki walks into the room, expressing just how much she loves herself in her own wedding dress. Not surprisingly, the theme chosen is "A Girl's Dream Wedding Couple," and SHIPS must play the partners. It doesn't matter who goes with who to the people in charge. But the winner of the round will be determined by audience members, online, and through phonecalls, so they have to make it convincing. Fubuki decides to be "gracious" and allows Kirari first pick.



You'd think the decision would be easy, but you would be wrong. While at first the most sensible choice is Seiji, suddenly a picture of him in her mind dissolves, and Hiroto takes his place. She just can't bring herself to say Seiji's name, and this really befuddles her. Seeing Kirari's struggle, Hiroto takes it into his own hands and walks up to Fubuki, volunteering to be her partner. His excuse is so that things won't be awkward for Kirari, but it hurts her to see him paired off with the beauty. What's worse, Fubuki now thinks Hiroto has a thing for her fine self. Caught up on her emotions, Kirari can't think up with her and Seiji's "act" will be, even when it's time for them to go on the big stage. But Seiji is ready, and presents Kirari with a ring, which he slips onto her finger. The audience flips and says it's like a real wedding, which inspires the fake bride to throw her bouquet for a grand finale. The hardest part isn't over yet, however - at least not for Kirari. Now it's Hiroto and Fubuki's turn, and Fubuki doesn't believe in a innocent presentation. She has Hiroto pick her up bridal style, and locks lips with him behind the bouquet. Kirari nearly dies inside. While resting in the break room, she can't look at Hiroto, and makes the excuse that she's going to get drinks for everyone in order to leave. Seiji comments that Kirari acting strange, and Hiroto decides to follow.

Unable to defend herself now, Fubuki laughs and says that Kirari obviously admits losing to her and Hiroto's wonderful acting abilities - she ran away and can never hope to win. The ever-kind Seiji tells Fubuki that Kirari has survived many challenges as an idol, and this certainly won't be an exception. Meanwhile, Kirari has an angst fest by the soda machines, thinking about the kiss and wondering if Hiroto likes Fubuki. When Hiroto catches up with her, they compliment each other on their performances. Kirari, flustered and blushing, tells Hiroto he must have been happy to work with such a pretty girl - especially since they shared a convincing smooch. Before he can answer they are interrupted and told to hurry back, since the winner was going to be announced in a few minutes time. As they are about to follow the man who came to get them, Hiroto taps Kirari on the head with a juice can, and tells her they never kissed - they faked it from behind the prop. The reason unknown to her, Kirari feels relief.

Fubuki wins round one by about 100 votes, and fully expects Kirari to react with sorrow. Instead, she congratulates her and proclaims that she'll win next time. Fubuki is furious - how can that girl lose, and be happy about it? Kirari herself isn't sure.

This episode was just so... cute. This is the stuff that I love about shoujo. I'm a little confused, though, as I thought idols weren't allowed to date or socialize unsupervised with a male. I guess the fact that Kirari "kissed" Hiroto for the TV drama should answer my question.