Original subtitles

Why have I never thought

that Ichiko could also have an affair?

Today is the third Thursday of the month.

The one night out of the month

my husband sleeps with his lover.

And today

marks the very first time I'm visiting a brothel.

BASED ON THE MANGA "1122" BY PEKO WATANABE

1122: FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE

Congratulations.

Thank you very much.

-Congratulations. -Thank you. It's so nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you too.

I saw it.

You made a wonderful website for that store in Uehara.

-You showed her? -Sorry, it was so good that I had to.

-How embarrassing. -I thought it was so cute.

Thank you. It was a struggle to finish it.

-Really? -The store is really nice too.

You should visit it. It's really cute.

Are you Ichiko Yamane?

Otoya Aihara?

-Did you know each other? -Yeah.

Wait, you two are acquainted? From work?

Yeah, she made my company's website.

And I was in the same club as Taro in college.

So, you were in the same club.

Otoya, you actually have a job, huh?

What did you think I'd do?

Let me ask you, what did you think I'd think you would do?

Of course I have a job.

Hey, Otoya. It's been a long time.

Yeah, it has.

This is Ichiko Yamane, a web designer.

-Nice to meet you. -Hello.

I'm Aiko Mizuno. I'm an editor for Koensha.

I went to college with Otoya.

Actually, Otoya, what do you do?

I work for a stationery brand.

What's it called?

White Bambi.

Never heard of it.

Didn't you want to work in media or TV?

I probably said something like that.

Not "probably," you did.

You haven't changed a bit.

You've always been forgetful and wishy-washy.

On top of that--

Otoya, there's someone over there who wants to say hi to you.

Shall we go?

Sorry, Aiko.

Sure.

This is a beautiful place, but they have a small drinks menu.

What?

So, where is that person who wanted to talk to me?

That was a lie.

-What? -Sorry, I just couldn't stand it, so…

I was getting annoyed and angry just watching you two.

Well, she is my ex.

I see.

I'm sorry you saw something ugly.

No, it's not a big deal.

You shouldn't listen to that without saying a word.

That might be true.

It was a messy break up,

so I thought she might still be mad at me.

And that made you happy?

Oh, no. That's never going to happen.

-Anyway, you're too nice of a person. -No, I'm just indecisive.

And I'm also

forgetful and wishy-washy.

I guess she cut you deeply.

Ichiko, want to get out of here and have a drink with me?

It's on me.

Yeah.

This is…

Are you familiar with this area?

Not really.

Is there a place you know?

Kind of.

"Kind of."

How about this one? I've been meaning to try it.

Let's go in.

-Are you sure? -Yeah.

Okay.

-To a good night. -To a good night.

-Cheers. -Cheers.

-It's good. -Yeah.

Have you been together for long?

-What? -What?

Your relationship.

-No. -We're not dating.

-My apologies. -No, it's okay.

Since you look good together.

Thank you.

Thank you.

This is embarrassing.

-Yeah, it is. -Yeah.

That day, I was a little excited.

Otoya, a man I met through work,

asked me out for drinks.

-I was kind of attracted to him. -Why did you get into your line of work?

-My job? -Yeah.

But I think it's fun.

So, I probably like what I do.

That's great.

-You think so? -Yes.

Ichiko was so pretty and cheerful.

To me, she was sparkling beautifully in that dark bar.

And now,

here I am.

And now,

here this is.

-Just how did we get here? -Just how did we get here?

Ouch.

Oh, no. Ouch.

Ouch.

Crap. Ouch--

Shit. This is bad.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

Ouch. Shit.

Coming.

-Good evening. -Good evening.

-Sorry to make you wait. -No.

Wow, this is amazing.

It's so big. There's even a canopy.

Ichiko, thank you for getting such a beautiful hotel room.

You're welcome.

Shall we sit first?

Yeah.

This is for you, Ichiko.

It's from a Kyoto candy maker.

It's so cute.

Thank you.

Here.

Is it good?

Yeah.

I'll answer any questions you have. So go ahead and ask.

Since it's your first time.

Rei,

what do you do?

I go to college during the day.

So you're a student.

Don't worry, I'm definitely over 20.

Yeah.

Oh, right.

I've been practicing my massage skills.

Want to give it a try?

Sure.

Come over here.

That feels good.

Your neck and back are stiff.

Do you strain your eyes at work?

I use a computer.

I knew it.

Shall we go to the bed?

Yeah.

Hold on to me.

Here we go.

Can I kiss you?

Yeah.

You taste sweet.

It's okay. It's just a text.

Okay.

Sorry. I'll put it on silent mode.

Okay.

Everything okay?

Yeah.

My…

My husband threw out his back.

Okay.

Is he okay?

Looks like he's resting at home,

but he sounds like he's in pain.

I see.

That's worrisome.

Ichiko, what do you want to do?

I'm sorry.

I'm just worried about him.

Of course.

I'll leave the money here.

-No need. Since I didn't do anything. -No, I can't.

Anyway, it's too bad, but there's no helping it.

Hey.

Yeah?

Kiss me again.

Sure.

Ichiko.

I don't need the fee for today,

so I hope you'll book me again.

Okay.

Thank you.

Yeah.

I'm home.

Otoyan.

Otoyan?

Otoyan.

Are you okay?

Ichiko.

How is your back?

It really hurts. So much that I went numb.

And the hospital?

I went. They gave me pain meds and pain relief patches.

Did you eat?

Nope.

Want a banana?

Yes.

Wait a second.

Ichiko.

Thank you for coming back.

Sorry, I know you're busy.

It's okay.

Hey, Ichiko.

Yeah?

Never mind.

-That's cold. -Sorry, sorry, sorry.

Okay, wait. What is it?

I was thinking that

it's so reassuring to have someone who knows me well

be there for me when I'm in pain or feeling bad.

I'm really grateful.

We're married.

That means we're a team.

-Can you put your feet down? -Yeah.

Okay, feet down. Oh, yeah. Here?

One, two, three.

Ouch, ouch, ouch.

You good?

-Hands up. -Okay.

Okay.

Is this what happens when you get old?

I'll take really good care of you.

Then I'll be counting on you when it happens to me.

Yeah.

-Okay. -All right.

-You okay? I'll take that. -Yeah.

You can do it. Yeah, you can do it.

Okay.

You did it.

Yeah. Thanks.

No problem.

You okay?

I know this is not love.

But you know what, Otoyan?

I can kind of understand

what you must be feeling falling in love with someone else.

But this is

my own little secret.

You went to a brothel?

Hey, you're too loud.

Sorry. I'm sorry.

I'm so, so sorry.

What do you think about me going to one?

It's good. A great idea.

Wait, how was it?

What kind of man was it?

Well,

he was gorgeous.

-Seriously? -Like a work of art.

Art?

So it wasn't an urban myth.

But he was urban-myth-level hot.

And?

How was it? In bed?

Actually,

Otoyan threw out his back right at that moment.

I left right away.

What?

Wait, so, do you have regrets or not?

Both, I think.

I wasn't so sure about it and felt kind of guilty.

-Guilty? Because of Otoya? -Yeah.

Why? He's doing whatever he wants,

so wouldn't it be considered fair by the Aihara rules

for you to exercise your right to have an affair?

It technically is,

but I don't want Otoyan to find out.

-About going to a brothel? -Yeah.

I think a person's sexuality is something completely personal and private,

even if they have a family or a lover.

So it's too embarrassing if he knows all the little details.

Otoyan probably feels the same way,

so whether we're having an affair or not,

our sex lives are our own private lives.

So I thought we could keep things separate

if we gave each other permission to have affairs, but now…

Then it's impossible for you to be open about your affair?

You'll stop?

Well,

I'm testing it out.

Then you'll continue it?

Because I might find the answer

to a stable and long-lasting marriage through all this confusion.

Marriage is hard.

Yeah, it is.

Confusion, huh? Isn't it too chaotic?

It might be a little too chaotic.

Welcome.

-Sorry I'm late. -It's okay.

-It's so cold today. -Yeah.

How's your back?

Much better.

But it's still hard to sit for a long time.

-Oh, okay. -Yeah.

Then let's go home early today.

Welcome.

I'd like a lemon tea.

It will be right out.

What was the flower for today?

Dendrobium orchid and golden willow.

The teacher looked sad that you missed the class.

You think you can go next week?

Yeah. I think I'll be better by next week.

Actually,

sorry about today.

For what?

Since we can't go to a hotel.

It's fine. It's not important.

I mean, it's important,

but were you worried about that?

A little.

Then let's take it slow next time.

I'm fine if we can't do it for a while.

But it was a little hard

not being able to help you when you're hurt.

Thank you for waiting. Here is your lemon tea.

Thank you.

It's natural since we both have our own families.

This is the first time I regret

that this is an affair and that we're not married.

Otoya.

Yes?

Is it okay if I ask you an absurd question?

An absurd…

Go ahead.

Is it impossible for me, my son,

and you…

For the three of us to live together?

Mitsuki.

I don't

want to pry into your family life, but…

did something happen with your husband?

No.

Nothing happened.

Sorry for surprising you with that.

It's not like anything special happened.

I've been stressed out lately.

About Hiro, and…

You can't talk with your husband about it?

Yeah.

He's busy

and doesn't seem to have the time.

I see.

I was thinking about going back to work.

Part time.

-Really? -Yeah.

Hiro seems to like his class,

and things have settled down,

so I was thinking about changing my environment a bit.

Yeah. I think it's a good idea.

You used to live abroad, and didn't you used to be a translator?

But it's really hard, you know.

I'm not a professional and haven't worked for five years.

Your experience will be a benefit.

I'm sure you'll find a good job.

Yeah.

Thanks.

I'll help you in any way I can. Just let me know.

Okay.

Then, first is

your back.

It needs to get better.

You're right.

It must have taken a lot of courage for her to ask,

but I couldn't give her an answer.

Being with Mitsuki

would mean divorcing Ichiko and starting a new life.

A new family from zero with Mitsuki, and Hiro as a stepson.

I don't have enough determination to do that.

Sorry.

Was it only lust and attraction?

No, it's more than that.

I also like her for who she is.

I do, but

that kind of responsibility is too heavy for me.

Wait.

What?

Hold on.

Doesn't that make me

a piece of shit?

Otoya couldn't give me an answer.

No, he was put off by my question.

My husband is six years older than me.

We worked at the same company.

That was the plan, but they said it couldn't be done.

He's good at his job,

but he was quiet and unfriendly.

Some of the women had a crush on him,

but a lot of them also said

his attitude was too cold.

We met when…

Miss Sasazuka?

A stalker?

Yeah. He is someone I know.

It's not rare for stalkers to be a friend or someone you know.

Should I take you home?

-What? -It looks like he's still out there.

Let's leave through the back exit.

As long as you don't find me bothersome.

You're not a bother, but…

I'll answer it.

Hello? I'm Shiro Kashiwagi. I work with Mitsuki.

If you do this one more time,

I'll report you to the company, the police and our security company.

What?

He hung up.

Let's go.

Thank you.

Worried about me, he would take me home when he had time.

Hello.

Have things gotten better?

Yes. Thanks to you.

He hasn't called me at all lately.

That's good to hear.

Yes.

So I'm fine going home by myself.

Thank you for walking with me even though you're so busy.

It's fine.

I'm glad it helped.

Tell me if anything happens.

-I will. -Good night.

But…

Can you go home with me today?

What? Is he--

No, that's not it.

Well…

Would you like to have a cup of tea at my place?

What?

Come in. It's a little small.

Thanks for inviting me.

-Here. -Thank you.

Thanks for the tea.

Have some of these too.

What is this?

Mochi and red bean cookie.

There's mochi and red bean in this?

This is pretty good.

1938?

What? That old?

Wow.

Seven years before the war ended.

Yeah.

Can I have one more?

Sure, go ahead.

Be sure to lock up.

Yes.

-Have a good night. -Good night.

Thanks for having me.

He really left after a cup of tea.

The first time he touched me was a long while

from that day.

-Welcome back. -I'm back.

Wasn't it cold? You didn't have dinner, right?

Yeah.

Mitsuki, can you get me a bottle opener?

Sorry.

-Here. -Thanks.

Mitsuki.

What is it?

The company announced my transfer today.

I'll be transferred to Singapore in May for at least three years.

I'll be counting on you to arrange for Hiro's classes there,

our house and other things.

Mitsuki, you've got a scary expression.

Sorry.

I was surprised.

Didn't I tell you there was a possibility I could get transferred?

You did.

But isn't this too sudden?

Really?

Even so, it has already been decided.

-Hey. -Yeah?

Can't you go alone?

Why?

Shouldn't my family support me at times like this?

You're right.

But this is an important time for Hiro.

Changing his environment right now will be too much for him.

He finally got used to his class.

But…

is this really about Hiro?

What?

It's a good place to live, with a great education system.

You can find facilities, schools, and teachers that meet Hiro's needs.

Over there, we can hire a maid to do the housework,

so things would be much easier for you.

Isn't it you who doesn't want to leave?

Using Hiro as an excuse.

I'm not going alone.

You already know that, don't you?

I've never restricted what you can do or complained about it.

Because I trust you.

Be someone who can proudly call herself a mother.

My husband knew…

that I was having an affair.

With no job and an affair, if I get a divorce,

I could lose custody of Hiro.

This is an act of compassion from my husband.

My infidelity will go unquestioned if we end things now.

If I don't end things…

Otoyan.

So, what do you want to do for your birthday? Any food you want?

Oh, yeah.

What's good? Sushi?

Sushi is good. At Kitamori?

Good idea. But can we get reservations?

It's still a month away, so it should be okay. I'll call them.

Thanks.

How's your back? Is it better?

It hurts a little when I get up from bed.

MITSUKI KASHIWAGI GOOD MORNING.

CAN I SEE YOU THIS AFTERNOON?

THERE'S SOMETHING I NEED TO TELL YOU

My husband is getting transferred.

I think we're moving to Singapore in May.

Really?

Yeah.

I wanted to tell you in person.

And…

I'm sorry. I know you're busy.

It's okay.

But…

I see.

Yeah.

Wouldn't it be hard for you?

With Hiro and everything?

Yeah.

It will.

Hey, Otoya.

Yeah?

Can we stay together a little longer?

Of course.

That's good.

Thanks for coming out today.

It's so sad and lonely.

I'm sad to hear she's leaving Japan, but it's sadder and lonelier

to think I wasn't very shocked

about not being able to see her anymore.

A part of me was even relieved when she told me.

YAY! I GOT RESERVATIONS FOR KITAMORI NEXT MONTH.

I'M SO EXCITED!

YES! THANK YOU!

It wasn't pretty today either.

Not at all.

For real?

-I think your arrangements are pretty. -No way.

Your arrangements are always so beautiful.

When March came,

the days started to smell like spring.

I'd have tea with Mitsuki for an hour after the ikebana class.

That's how we continued our relationship.

We were both cautious and ignored the major issue.

It was like we were really good friends.

Otoya, I will quit the ikebana class after next week.

What?

Oh, right. Yeah.

I want to be together with you one last time.

Sure.

Me too.

Then let's go to our usual place next week.

Yeah.

I'm looking forward to it.

I'm home. Sorry for coming back late.

Welcome back.

Hey, Ichiko.

What?

It's about next Thursday.

Your birthday? I'm so excited about it.

Oh, yeah, I'm paying for dinner.

About that.

It's okay. I'm getting my tax refund.

No, it's not that.

I'm sorry.

Why?

You even made reservations, but I'm sorry.

I have a client dinner that I can't reschedule.

I see.

It sucks, but there's nothing we can do about it since it's work.

I'm really sorry.

To make up for it, let's make new plans and you pick the place.

I'll make the reservations and pay for it.

Think about where you want to go.

I will.

Then I'll go take a bath first.

ENTER PASSCODE

EXCITED FOR NEXT WEEK

ME TOO. I'LL CHECK IN FIRST

IT'S CROWDED TODAY SO TAKE YOUR TIME

SHOULD WE GO SOMEWHERE ELSE?

Right now,

I probably look like a wife who discovered her husband is cheating.

-Ichiko. I'm going to bed first. -Yeah?

Okay. Good night.

Be sure to take a shower.

I will, I will.

-Then, good night. -Good night.

We're both adults, but we promised to celebrate our birthdays

as a day to show our appreciation for each other.

We made sure to do it every year.

At least until now…

How could you, Otoyan?

CONTACT US - RESERVATIONS

YOUR MESSAGE: I'D LIKE TO MAKE A REQUEST

CAN I MAKE A RESERVATION WITH REI

FOR NEXT THURSDAY, MARCH 21?

I ANSWERED "NO" TO GOING ALL THE WAY

IN THE QUESTIONNAIRE,

BUT I'D LIKE TO CHANGE IT TO "YES."

SUBMIT YOUR MESSAGE

YOUR MESSAGE HAS BEEN SUBMITTED.

Ichiko.

I'll be late today, so go to bed without me.

I have a meeting, so I might be late too.

Okay.

Otoyan.

Happy birthday. Have a good day.

Thank you. I will.

Our marriage isn't moral or proper.

It's warped and full of contradictions.

And it might stay like this for a while.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

But isn't that okay?

Since we both want to stay in this marriage.

Thank you for everything you've taught me.

Mitsuki.

Keep arranging flowers, even on your own.

I will. Thank you.

Take care.

I will.

Thank you.

-We'll miss you. -We'll miss you.

-Thank you. -Thank you.

-It's going to be lonely without her. -Yeah.

I'm going to miss you.

Really.

Ichiko definitely knows that I'm seeing her tonight.

Ichiko, does it make you sad?

Are you fed up with me?

Sorry I'm late.

Either way, Ichiko, this will be the last time.

It's been a while, Ichiko.

Yeah, it has.

You look pretty today too.

Thank you.

Ichiko.

I need to ask to avoid any future issues.

I can go all the way today, right?

Yes.

Please.

Okay.

As expected, Rei is really good with women.

I'm not as nervous as I was last time.

Okay. I've decided.

I'm going to really enjoy myself.

I won't even think about Otoyan today.

This is a present for you.

What?

Thank you.

-Can I open it? -Of course.

Scissors and a kenzan flower holder set.

Thank you.

Otoya.

Thank you for everything.

This is our last night together.

Yeah.

Otoya.

Let's have sex.

Mitsuki.

Let's stop…

doing this.

What?

I'd…

be happy if I could be friends with you.

By friends, you mean…

As friends, well…

we listen to each other when we're having problems

and support each other.

No, I mean…

Mitsuki.

Things have been a little weird between me and my wife.

It's not only because of our affair.

But I think that's a big part of it.

So I want to fix my relationship with her.

So, both you and I,

let's start putting our own families first.

And face what is really going on in our families.

I hope we can be friends who can talk with each other

about our problems.

What do you think?

Mitsuki?

Does it feel good?

What?

Does it feel good making a pledge…

to rebuild your marriage?

Feeling relieved?

That's not what I mean.

Sorry.

Did I say something weird?

Mitsuki?

NEXT EPISODE

Even after we break up, I don't want you to have sex with anyone else.

When Otoyan was stabbed in the genitals,

I was having crazy hot sex

with a gigolo from the brothel.

Fuck, it hurts.

A HUSBAND WHOSE LOVE ENDED WITH PAIN

I'm really happy I did it.

A WIFE WHOSE HEART AND BODY WAS SOOTHED

I think you simply hate it, right? That your husband has a lover.

AFTER THE AUTHORIZED AFFAIR

We have to change, both you and I.

Will it still function properly?

COMES THE CONSTANT LIES

I finally realized I hated the idea

of you having a relationship with someone else.

AND UNSPOKEN TRUTHS.

THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION.

Subtitle: Annie Chen