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"Chapter 4", stylized as "code. 4" in Japanese, is the fourth chapter of given.
Cover description[]
On the cover, Ritsuka Uenoyama (right) is visibly strained and flustered as he grips a box with both hands. Dressed in a delivery uniform with a cap pulled low, he's sweating and wincing as someone just outside the panel points directly beside his face, indicating where the box should go. His eyes are looking ahead, and his expression shows some discomfort, suggesting he's feeling strain due to carrying the box. To the left, Akihiko Kaji holds a large box and watches the interaction with a look of mild irritation. Also in uniform, with a towel slung around his right shoulder and a cap shading his sharp gaze, he seems to imply he's either about to speak up.
Summary[]
Ritsuka invites Mafuyu to join his band after being deeply moved by his voice, but Mafuyu declines, feeling he lacks the ability to express himself. His bandmates, Haruki and Akihiko, laugh at the rejection but emphasize the need for better communication. While Ritsuka is unaware of Mafuyu's part-time job interview, Haruki reveals Mafuyu had only messaged him, highlighting the disconnect between them. Ritsuka’s classmates also notice his strange behavior, especially after Mafuyu’s refusal.
After the interview, Mafuyu meets Ritsuka on the street, but the encounter is interrupted by someone from his past, reminding him of Yuki and triggering overwhelming emotions. Mafuyu runs, and Ritsuka chases after him, confronting him about his avoidance and disbelief that he can't express himself—especially after hearing his song. Mafuyu explains his emotional numbness but sings again when Ritsuka insists. Though still grieving and unsure, Mafuyu begins to open up, taking his first steps toward connection through music.
Plot[]
Mafuyu walks alone, clutching the guitar that someone he can never meet again once treasured. Remembering a particular winter morning, he tells himself he isn't lonely, even though that person is gone. He hasn't found the words to say it yet—but until then, he'll keep holding onto what remains.
Meanwhile, Haruki spots Akihiko Kaji pulling up to school on his motorbike, helping a girl—Yayoi, Haruki's younger sister and Akihiko's admirer—get down. Akihiko fusses over her hair, while Haruki fumes quietly at the interaction. Irate, he says nothing until Akihiko brings up a message from Ritsuka about Mafuyu possibly joining their band.
Haruki admits he saw the message and isn't surprised Ritsuka asked, just that he asked so soon. They were supposed to wait and observe Mafuyu's progress with the guitar. When Akihiko messages Ritsuka for his reasoning, Haruki scolds him—Akihiko already knows Ritsuka is interested in Mafuyu, so why ask? Ritsuka's cryptic reply—"You'll get it when you listen to him"—doesn't help.
In class, Ritsuka's friends, Shogo and Kasai, notice he's been acting strangely. Shogo learns that Mafuyu declined Ritsuka's offer to join the band. He offhandedly remarks that Ritsuka probably didn't expect to be turned down—only to get attacked with a broom. Kasai watches closely, noting how personally Ritsuka is taking the rejection.
Later at band practice, Ritsuka shares what happened. Both Akihiko and Haruki laugh, loudly and unhelpfully, at his crushed expression. But Haruki quickly turns serious, reminding them that Mafuyu probably isn't avoiding Ritsuka—he has a part-time job interview today. Ritsuka is surprised Mafuyu didn't tell him. Haruki awkwardly realizes he's the only one Mafuyu texted.
Akihiko tries to soften the mood, admitting he doesn't have Mafuyu's contact info either. Haruki urges Ritsuka to communicate better with him—"Music is about that, right?" he says. His words hit home, though he later wonders if he said too much. Akihiko ruffles his hair, telling him to be strict—he's like the older brother of everyone here. Haruki retorts that Akihiko isn't two years younger than him.
After his interview, Mafuyu bows in gratitude upon learning he got the job. He walks home relieved—until he sees Ritsuka waiting on a street corner, calling his name. Mafuyu runs over, reminded of a small dog, bright and eager. He tells Ritsuka the interview went well and he starts next week.
Their conversation is cut short when an old friend of Mafuyu's calls out to him from behind Ritsuka. Mafuyu's expression changes to dread as the man approaches, asking questions he can't answer—why he's here, if that's Yuki's guitar. Mafuyu clutches his jacket, silent, paralyzed. His mind spirals—"It's always like this. I don't know how to react."
Overwhelmed, Mafuyu runs.
Ritsuka chases him down, grabbing his arm and pulling him to a stop. Brushing his hair aside, he asks if Mafuyu is crying. Mafuyu shakes his head but offers no answers—neither about the man nor Yuki. Instead, he finally explains: people say I don't care about anything—and sometimes I think that too. I'm not good at expressing myself. That's why I can't be in a band.
Ritsuka, stunned and frustrated, takes hold of Mafuyu's clothes and shouts at him. That's not what he saw or heard. Mafuyu's voice shook him to the core. Ritsuka asks to hear it again, telling him he likes that song. He wonders aloud if meeting Mafuyu has turned him into a mess.
Moved, Mafuyu sings.
Unseen, Akihiko watches the scene from a distance, having come across them by chance. He doesn't interrupt, but is struck by what he hears. It's unexpected.
Later, Mafuyu stands alone again. Despite everything, despite not being able to cry or laugh like others, he still holds onto what was precious. He still hasn't found the words—but he's trying.
Characters[]
Other characters[]
References[]
- ↑ (2025, April 12). "シェリプラス 2013年 フユ Vol. 11 - 株式会社新書館 (Cheri + Winter 2013 Vol. 11 - Shinshokan Co., Ltd.)". From 株式会社新書館 (Shinshokan Co., Ltd.). Archived from the original on April 12, 2025.
