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Title:  Boys Over Flowers (Hana Yori Dango) Vol 31

Author: Yoko Kamio

Publisher: Viz

ISBN: 9781421517186

May Contain Spoilers

When Tsukushi and Tsukasa find themselves alone on a luxury yacht, they wonder what’s going on.  Storms and an empty kitchen don’t make for a pleasant voyage, and when they arrive at a deserted island paradise, they’re ready to make like Robinson Caruso.  Can they find happiness on their hideaway, or will the outside world intrude again, and threaten to tear them apart?

I had a problem putting my skepticism on hold for much of this volume.  When Tsukushi and Tsukasa awaken after being tasered, they find themselves the only passengers on a yacht, heading for points unknown.  They’re all alone, the ship’s on autopilot, and a huge storm is forming, causing the vessel to lurch about on the suddenly violent waves.  Poor Tsukushi even becomes seasick!  Wouldn’t the ship be blown off course?  Anyway, it was a wonderful opportunity for Tsukushi to embarrass herself, as the power goes out while she’s in the shower.  I never knew Tsukasa was such a gentleman, as he quickly dismisses the eyeful he’s been given and tosses his shirt to the naked girl.  So maybe chivalry isn’t dead yet.

The two end up on a deserted island, and they receive a crash course in wilderness survival skills.  Tsukushi would have been in a heap of trouble if Tsukasa hadn’t been with her.  He proved surprisingly resourceful, and soon had the two of them eating like kings. If you’re a cat, that is.  Still, there’s something to be said about sharing grilled fish during a beautiful sunset, as they linger over a shell of warm coconut milk.  How can they deny their feelings for each other, especially with endearments like, “You fool!”  These two are so meant for each other!

Tsukushi is starting to stubbornly stick to her resolve.  She loves Tsukasa and she isn’t willing to give him up.  Even if he’s ready to hand her over to Rui so she can find true happiness.  He’s such an adorable lunkhead, trying to be noble for Tsukushi’s sake.  Despite his gruffness, he can be sweet and gentle as well.  Now, as things look like their relationship could be coming to an end, she understands just how much he means to her.  Sure, he can be an unfeeling jerk at times, but what man can’t be?  He still has an explosive temper to deal with, but he has really come a long way from the beginning of the series. 

Grade: B-

Rated for Teen