Original subtitles

(Yumi's sleep-talking, like humming)

(Yumi) And so, senpai successfully disappeared.

(Game music)

(Luka) I'm home.

(Yumi) Ah, welcome back.

(Sound of door closing)

(Luka) Sigh... I'm so hungry.

(Yumi) Huh? You didn't eat anything at all?

Didn't you say you'd eat with the leftover dorm fees?

(Luka) Ah... I forgot they raised it by 1,500 yen starting this month.

Damn it...

(Yumi) 1,500 yen is a lot of money.

Everything's getting more expensive lately.

- (Luka) Sigh... - (Yumi) Brrr...

Maybe I should take on a second part-time job...

Sigh... Now I can't even afford to rent a studio this month.

You'll definitely burn out in like two weeks.

Didn't you just get fired from the call center after snapping at someone?

But they kept yelling, "I spent 30,000 yen on gacha and still didn't get the character I wanted, go die!"

It was nonstop...

Ugh... I wish I had the talent to work five days a week.

(Yumi) Talent is needed for everything, huh?

Customer service, cheerful workplaces, early shifts...

- (Yumi) Nah, my spirit's already broken. - (Luka) Sigh...

(Yumi) I'll make something for you to eat.

(Luka) Ouch...

Investing in an uncertain future feels so hollow...

(Sound of microwave door closing)

(Sound of microwave door closing)

Speaking of investments, shouldn't we finally buy a new rice cooker?

Speaking of investments, shouldn't we finally buy a new rice cooker?

I found one at Don Quijote the other day for 6,000 yen.

Split between us, it's only 3,000 yen each.

(Luka) But wouldn't we fight over who keeps it when we move out?

(Yuzumi) Ugh—I hate this... feeling like we're nickel-and-diming ourselves.

With all the money we've spent on pre-packaged rice versus buying a 10kg bag...

We could've definitely bought one by now.

(Microwave beeps)

Sigh... If only we'd replaced it right when it broke.

Sigh... If only we'd replaced it right when it broke.

3,000 yen is still expensive.

Half the cost of a rice cooker...

Here.

(Luka) Whoa!

Huh? Tempura rice bowl? What's this?

(Yuzumi) Heh heh heh...

(Game music)

(Game music)

(Luka) Thanks! Let's dig in~!

So good!

You're not eating, Irisu?

Oh, no worries. You have it, senpai.

Are you an angel?

Huh? What's this? There's nothing inside.

Yeah, it's just tempura scraps and sauce.

(Luka) Hm? But this tail...

Oh, that's from the shrimp fry I had for lunch.

I dug it out of the trash corner.

Don't worry, I washed it!

I just wanted you to at least *feel* like you were eating it.

Is it good?

Are you stupid?

(Yuzumi) Huh?

Oh, shichimi pepper... here we go...

(Luka) Ah— Wait, wait... stop...

- (Luka) Please stop. - (Yuzumi) Sorry.

(Game music)

Wake up, wake uuup!

Yuzumi-chan, I'm hungry.

- (Luka) Mmm... - (Yuzumi) Hey.

How long are you gonna sleep?

How long are you gonna sleep? Get up already!

(Luka) Shut up...

How long are you gonna sleep? Get up already!

How long are you gonna sleep? Get up already!

What about dinner?

Hey, there's nothing but gyoza in the fridge.

- (Luka) Ugh... - (Yuzumi) We gotta go to the supermarket.

You go by yourself.

Huh? I'll be lonely.

Let's go together.

(Luka) Annoying...

Just go to the supermarket by yourself.

Supermarket alone?

(Luka) Ugh— You're the one who woke me up.

You should take responsibility.

What do you mean "take responsibility"?

It means owning up to it.

Band slang?

Are you mocking me?

Actually, why don't we just call him? That guy.

Um... the sugar daddy?

You mean Taguchi-kun?

(Luka) Yeah, probably him.

Sugar daddy... It's not like that.

Oh, hello? Taguchi-kun?

Hey, I wanna drink right now, so bring some food and booze over.

Senpai? Yeah, senpai's here.

Yeah.

Tell him to come by car.

(Yuzumi) Hey, can you come by car?

I dunno. Don't you wanna go somewhere?

Huh? Booze? Oh, I have some.

Yeah, okay, thanks~

That guy likes you, right?

(Yuzumi) Ah—so that's what this is about.

Well, yeah, pretty much~

I see... Hmm, well...

Right... Right...

(Luka) Yeah, you okay? Did you lose your mind?

No, listen— The other day in English class,

we had to quiz each other, like some kinda conversation exercise.

We had to pair up for it,

and he guessed everything—my favorite food, favorite color—

completely right. He nailed it.

Well, apparently it's 'cause I talk a lot,

but still... remembering trivial stuff like that?

This is totally that kind of thing, right?

Ah, yeah.

Like, he actually sees me for who I am? Or... as a person?

It's not just about being kind, right?

More like seeing eye to eye?

No, but guys like that... aren't really common, you know?

No, is that... love?

Is that love?

That's what it is, right?

That's what it is, right?

(Luca) Yeah. That's probably it.

(Taguchi) Good evening—

(Luca) Alright— food's here—

(Taguchi) Oh, senpai, by the way, I watched that "Nemuru Baka" video.

(Luca) Seriously?

(Yuzumi) Ah, sushi!

(Taguchi) Whoa, it was so cool!

Ah, right, the first one!

(Phone: ♪ "Nemuru Baka")

This first shot of you, Luca-san, was super cool.

(Phone: ♪ "Nemuru Baka")

(Phone: ♪ "Nemuru Baka")

(Luca) Don't play it, idiot.

(Phone: ♪ "Nemuru Baka")

(Phone: ♪ "Nemuru Baka")

(Taguchi) Oh, uh...

(Taguchi) Oh, uh...

- (Taguchi) Sorry... - (Yuzumi) Hey, I said I hate sushi,

back in English class, remember?

(Luca) Wow~ sushi, sushi!

There's chicken too. You like this too, right, senpai?

Here.

(Luca) Ahh—

Huh? Chicken and sushi...

(Luca) What? Are you rich or something?

Here.

(Yuzumi) Where's the japchae I like?

There's no japchae here.

I'll go wash my hands real quick.

(Sound of can opening)

So good!

You mean... intentionally holding back?

Like a strategy to lower expectations first?

(Luca) Yeah.

That might be the plan, right?

(Taguchi) Mmm~

No, seriously, "Nemuru Baka" is a masterpiece.

Uh... what language is that title in?

Sounds African to me.

Secret~

(Taguchi) Ehh~

I'm getting drunk...

I really think it deserves to go viral more.

Easier said than done though. Going viral isn't everything...

Ah— no, I mean... like a wall?

After reaching a certain level,

there's this incredibly hard, thick wall, you know?

- (Taguchi) A wall... - (Luca) Yeah.

Everyone struggles to climb over it, right?

But sometimes, these so-called geniuses appear

and effortlessly scale that wall.

Maybe... they were born

on the other side of that wall to begin with.

When I think about it that way, it just feels ridiculous.

Love is kinda similar, don't you think?

Don't lump them together.

With love, you just gotta throw open the window

and shout "I love you!" with all your might—

I see.

I see... Wait, no.

If it's one-sided, the wall is thick.

Well, I hope my love for music isn't one-sided, then.

(Taguchi's snoring)

(Taguchi) Mmm... Nn...

(Sound of turning over in bed)

I'm just gonna borrow this for a bit.

I'll spare you the loose change.

(Unlocking sound)

(Engine starting)

(Luca) Where to go... Anywhere's fine, really.

(Car audio booting up)

(Car audio: ♪ "Nemuru Baka")

(Car audio: ♪ "Nemuru Baka")

(Luca) Huh? Wha—?

Wait, wait, wait... Huh?

(Tapping navigation screen)

(Music stops)

Why did you buy CDs...?

(Navigation booting up)

(Luca sighs)

(Navigation booting up)

(Navigation voice) Good evening! I'm Naviko!

Long time no see! I missed you~

(Luka) Huh?

(Naviko) Where would you like to set as your destination?

(Luka) What the hell is this...

(Sound of car driving)

(Naviko) Perfect day for a drive, isn't it!

Just give me directions already.

(Naviko) Okay! Over there—this way!

Huh? What? Where and which way?

(Naviko) Aah~ It was the road back there...

(Luka) *Sigh*

Tch... What is this thing?

(Naviko) Well, let's relax, take it slow, and enjoy the journey!

Don't you have a normal navigation system?

Ugh... You're so annoying.

(Naviko) Ugh, those kinds of people really get on my nerves.

Do they think they're invincible or something?

What's with the sudden rant?

(Naviko) Oh! It was that right turn earlier.

(Luka sighs)

(Car horn honking)

(Naviko) We've arrived at your destination~!

(Luka) Where even is this?

(Naviko) Wah-wah~!

Naviko made a mistake~ Sorry~!

(Sound of navigation turning off)

As an apology...

(Luka) *Sigh*

*Sigh*...

(Sound of engine starting)

(Luka) Huh?

(Sound of engine starting)

(Sound of waves)

(Luka) Aah! I'm going... Ugh...

Worst... Worst ever... Aah...

(Birds chirping)

(Knocking)

(Yuzumi) Senpai...

(Luka) Hmm?

How did you know I'd be here?

Well, you wanted me to come find you, right?

Your hint was way too obvious.

What hint?

You left money on the table, didn't you?

1,360 yen.

If you take the bus from the dorm for exactly 1,360 yen, you end up here.

Senpai, you planned such a cute runaway.

No, that's not it...

I also think "Nemuru Baka" is a masterpiece.

Why did you run away?

(Yuzumi's sleep-talking, like humming)

If you don't want to talk, here's a secret I've never told anyone...

I'll tell you why I started hating sushi.

What?

Long ago, I went with my parents and a childhood friend

to a fancy Japanese restaurant, like a high-end ryotei.

And... unlike the usual conveyor-belt sushi places,

it looked really expensive,

so I tried eating seafood I couldn't even handle.

"I can eat sashimi too!" I thought.

And... the moment I ate raw scallop...

I went "BLEGH" and threw up right there.

Raw scallop sashimi was just too much for me at that age.

And... while I was wondering what to do about it...

that childhood friend boy totally oblivious...

(Boy) If you don't want the scallop, gimme it!

(Chewing sounds)

(Chewing sounds)

So good!

(Chewing sounds)

(Chewing sounds)

(Yuzumi's father) Lucky him~

From that moment, I couldn't handle that childhood friend or

any kind of seafood anymore...

(Luka) Pfft... That childhood friend was totally the victim here.

That's why even yesterday's sushi...

Ugh, just remembering it makes me queasy! So gross...

(Luka) *Sigh*

Somehow... everything just feels pointless now.

- (Luka) Let's go home. - (Yuzumi) No...

We're going to the hospital first.

We're out of gas anyway, let's walk to the bus stop.

(Door opening sound)

(Luka) Mmm~

(Birds chirping)

(Taguchi yawning)

(Yawn)

(Footsteps)

(Yuzumi) Glad it wasn't anything serious, really.

(Luka) Yeah...

(Taguchi) Aah~

Ah... You're still here.

(Taguchi) I love you—

Senpai Luka, I love you—!

(Luka) Huh?

- (Yuzumi) The worst! - (Luka) Whoa...

Whoa, ah, ah... Aah...

(Luka's pained groan)

(Taguchi) Huh? Senpai?

Huh? Ah? Huh? Ah... Did you hear that?

(Luka) Ugh...

Um... What is this?

(Old Man) Can't you tell by looking? It's a VHS tape.

Ah... This is my first time seeing one.

How much is it? 5,000?

Surely not 10,000, right?

Uh, our place... can't handle anything except DVDs and Blu-rays.

B... Blu-ray...

You don't know the beauty of the time it takes to rewind a tape, do ya?

That waiting time is what makes it special.

What are you talking about?

What, just 'cause you got streaming, you don't watch tapes anymore?

Ugh— I hate that stuff.

Streaming this, streaming that... Everything these days, seriously...

Sigh... No weight to it.

I didn't say anything though...

Here, hold it.

Huh...

Just try holding it once.

Sigh...

Heavy, right?

Yeah...

This weight is the weight of cinema!

Right? Streaming just doesn't have this heft!

That's true.

Oh, absolutely.

What, you think this is funny? Huh?

Yes.

Fine, I'll admit defeat.

Here, you can have this, sis.

Huh? Defeat? Oh... no, I don't really need it.

- (Old man) Ever seen one before? - (Yuzumi) No.

Of course not, right? Huh?

No worries, no worries! Check it out— this is gonna be hilarious, I swear!

Ahh, man... Doing something good just feels great.

Today, I'm splurging— Coco Ichibanya and beer!

Lately, that's become my greatest joy in life.

Today, I'm splurging— Coco Ichibanya and beer!

(Yuzumi) Huh? Wait...

Today, I'm splurging— Coco Ichibanya and beer!

Today, I'm splurging— Coco Ichibanya and beer!

Huh? Wait... This is a problem.

Today, I'm splurging— Coco Ichibanya and beer!

Huh? Wait... This is a problem.

Huh? Wait... This is a problem.

Ha ha ha...

Whoa!

(Sound of VHS tape falling)

(Nakazaki) That was rough, Yuzumi-chan.

Yeah... well...

(Nakazaki) Man... Those old guys are scary, huh?

They'll definitely ask for your thoughts.

Wait, this is "The Millennium Files," right?

I don't usually watch dramas like this...

Oh, by the way, I post summary videos on YouTube.

If you want, you could check those out?

Here, look.

(Yuzumi) Huh? Nakazaki-san, you do YouTube?

(Nakazaki) Well, you know, there's still demand for analyzing old dramas.

Plus, there's less competition—

So you're aiming for a blue ocean?

Oh, "blue ocean" means...

(Yuzumi) Wow, you've got a lot of subscribers.

Oh, "blue ocean" means...

Well, around 6,000, I guess?

Lately, even watching at double speed, I can't get through everything.

Preserving these cultural heritage pieces that aren't even streamed anymore...

It's kind of our duty as the younger generation, right?

Younger generation?

But using raw footage like this...

Doesn't it violate copyright laws?

Anyway, Yuzumi-chan, what time are you off today?

Huh? Oh... 5 o'clock, but...

Then, how about I teach you a few things?

I know a nice café.

We can have a cultural sensitivity session over Taiwanese castella.

No, sorry, I have a senior's live performance after this.

Huh? Your senior... is it a guy?

No, it's a woman.

Ah~ I see. Hmm.

Oh no... No, no. Either way, it's no good.

Oh right, I was supposed to upload a video today.

Ah crap, that's right.

(Yuzumi) Oh, then you should focus on that instead.

(Nakazaki) Wait, senpai's live—is it a girls' band? What's it like?

(Yuzumi) Oh, but... it's indie...

Ah~ indie. I've seen them in Shimokita.

Yeah yeah, I know, I know. They're good, right?

(Yuzumi) Someone's at the register.

Ah—a customer? I should go then.

(Yuzumi) Yes.

Welcome! This is a one-week rental.

(Customer) Okay.

(Spray sound)

(Nakazaki) That'll be 150 yen.

- (Mory) Hey, the other day— - (DAN) Yeah?

(Mory) I made khao man gai at home, and it turned out pretty good.

(DAN) Oh~ From scratch?

(Mory) Yeah, there's like... a base or something.

It tastes just like the restaurant's.

What was it... retort? Pouch?

Frozen food these days is so good, huh?

Restaurants might go out of business.

(DAN) Hahaha... Yeah, maybe.

(Gantetsu) Sounds nice.

Me? The other day, I hoarded dried noodles at the supermarket.

Then I realized it comes out to like 10 yen per meal.

So I've been eating dried noodles ever since.

(DAN) Dried noodles? Like ramen?

Heh, no. Udon.

(DAN clicks tongue)

So... with udon,

if you keep eating it for a while,

even if you try changing up the flavors, eventually, no matter how good it tastes,

it just... comes out of your mouth.

(DAN) What comes out?

(Iwatoru) I mean, no matter how delicious it is when you keep eating,

it just comes out.

And... since it comes out, once it's out, there's nothing you can do,

so I'd chop it up real small

and pretend it wasn't udon, just to keep eating it.

That's a pretty gross story.

Why does everyone end up talking about stuff coming out of their mouths?

Like the other day, when I went to Yayoiken after ages and ended up crying.

Pfft...

"It's so warm..."

The staff must've been weirded out.

The signal's bad here.

But I really want them to receive it properly.

Customer service is like a mirror, you know.

Oh, wanna hear? My "customer service mirror theory."

Hey, is there a Don Quijote around here?

Donki? Is there one?

If we walk, we'll find one, right?

Right? If we walk, Donki's gotta be somewhere.

Feeling like making khao man gai?

Huh? What brought that up?

Oh, it's almost time.

Whew... half-price rice cooker.

Let's do it.

(MORI & others) Wheee!

(DAN) Ah... ah, it's fine

Drinks 600 yen...

(TAGUCHI) Whoa~

(Noise sound)

(Rhythm music)

(LUCA) Oh right, hey

Not "dun dun dun dun"

"Dun dun dun dun!" is better "Dun dun dun dun..."

(MORI & others) 'Sup Yeah, okay, got it

Okay, okay

(Door opening sound)

(Cheers and applause)

(Crowd) Luca! Luca!

Look this way! Luca!

Luca! Luca!

(Guitar and bass sounds)

(Tuning sounds)

(LUCA) Hello

(Cheers)

(LUCA) Hello

(Cheers)

(Cheers)

(DAN) Brain noise—!

(DAN) Brain noise—!

♪ "Noise in my brain"

♪ Brain noise

♪ Coming coming coming to my head

♪ Everybody castrate

♪ North

♪ Fair weather ZOO

♪ Ready, charge!

♪ Lies, distortions, and slander

♪ The world's easiest stress-relief method!

♪ Drowning in culture, leaving time to spare

♪ Arrogant terrorists

♪ Selfish interests and aggression

♪ Dressed up in the name of ethics

♪ Strike a pose of self-deprecation

♪ And you'll get patted

♪ You'll get fed

♪ With a list of lies in hand

♪ Setting fires everywhere

♪ Chimpanzees!!

♪ Stop thinking and just go

♪ The road to hell paved with good intentions

♪ Having nothing means fearing nothing

♪ Close your eyes, cover your ears

♪ The freedom within my approval

♪ The equality by my standards

♪ My town alone, my town alone

♪ Attention! Sing along!

♪ Brain noise!!

(Cheers and applause)

(Crowd) Luka! Whoa! Luka!

♪ "Sleeping Fool"

(DAN) Oh, come on, no need to divide it so strictly

Drink, drink, drink Let's take a hit first

Hit, hit, hit

(Iwatori) Today, it'd help if we go "bird-first"

I'll take just this much

(Mory) Ah, I'll take this.

- (Luka) Here you go. - (Iwatori) Got it!

(Luka) Hup... there.

(Salaryman) That was amazing~

(Youngster) Mister, is this your first time today?

(Salaryman) Ah, no... Well, actually, it is my first time.

(Yuzumi) Ugh, my ears...

No, I just happened to be about to head home when I saw the flyer.

No, I just happened to be about to head home when I saw the flyer.

Heh... No, really...

(Pickup guy) Huh? You're super cute!

Hey, wait— Mind if I hit on you?

(Yuzumi) Sorry. No, thank you.

Hey, wait— Mind if I hit on you?

(Yuzumi) Sorry. No, thank you.

(Yuzumi) Sorry. No, thank you.

I mean, "hit on" isn't even the word— I'm already totally smitten.

I mean, "hit on" isn't even the word— I'm already totally smitten.

If anything, you should take responsibility and give me one chance.

Just one drink with me, please. I'm begging you.

Please, seriously... One shot, one shot... Come on!

Where you going? Sugar daddy hunting?

(Luka) Shut up.

Senpai... Wait, what about the after-party?

It all went into this.

A rice cooker? Isn't that kinda old?

Don Quijote was too far, so I bought a used one at Treasure Factory.

Treasure Factory... God-tier! *scoff*

Sigh~ Senpai really has it good, huh.

(Luka) Hm?

(Yuzumi) The live was... ‎just absolutely incredible.

Honestly, I was really shocked,

and the audience was ‎totally hyped up too—

everyone was chanting ‎your name, like...

"Luka! Luka!" ‎Ahahaha...

(Luka) Yeah...

It made me realize we live ‎in completely different worlds.

*Sigh*...

If we didn't, you wouldn't be drinking ‎at a cheap izakaya like this.

(Yuzumi) *Hmph*...

I'm right here with you now,

so don't say we're in different worlds.

Senpai really is the best...

So, what do you wanna eat?

Oh! A paper menu!

- (Luka) Paper? Paper? ‎- (Yuzumi) Yeah, a paper menu.

Paper menus are way easier ‎to read, right?

I love paper menus.

The other day, I went to that place ‎with the cat-shaped robot.

- (Yuzumi) What?! The one on TV? ‎- (Luka) Yeah yeah, yeah yeah...

So, is it actually fast at delivering food?

Nah, it's slow as hell.

The staff just walked alongside it ‎and handed the food over anyway.

- (Yuzumi) That's pointless! ‎- (Luka) Completely pointless.

And after customers left, ‎it was just left there,

endlessly going, ‎"Please take the plate, nyaa~"

- (Yuzumi) So sad... ‎- (Luka) So sad...

(Background music in the bar)

(Background music in the bar)

(Yuzumi) Cheap sweaters are itchy... ‎They prick like hell, huh.

This song again...

No matter where you go, it's always playing. So annoying already.

I used to like it at first, but now... I hate it!

- (Ruka) Stop it. - (Yuzumi) Ahahaha...

It's so overplayed, right?

If it were senpai's songs, I wouldn't mind though.

Even the same song on endless repeat?

Yeah.

- (Ruka) Really? - (Yuzumi) Yeah!

Truthfully?

Truthfully, I'd rather listen to Mao Abe or something.

- (Ruka) Ugh~ Betrayed! - (Yuzumi) Ahahaha...

Senpai will always be senpai, right?

Huh?

Watching the live performance somehow... made me feel lonely.

(Yuzumi) Ugh...

(Ruka) Ah... Water? Water?

Uh...

Whoa, hey hey... You okay?

(Yuzumi) Hmm?

What time is it now?

(Ruka) 3 AM.

(Yuzumi) All-nighter...

Ah... I forgot to submit my report...

I feel sick... Ugh...

(Ruka) That's one puke you owe me.

(Yuzumi) Mmm...

- (Ruka) Don't you remember? - (Yuzumi) I want water...

I don't want to live a degraded life, you know.

I want to keep things proper.

Sigh... and yet...

Both body and soul feel so sluggish already...

Even my speech is getting sloppy

(Yuzumi) Oww...

Wait, did you get rich from the live concert earnings?

Opposite, opposite! I'm doing side jobs because I'm broke

Got this job from a maid working at some mansion

We polish everything and send it back

I'll help as an apology

Then you handle that part

So I'm beneath the senior maid who works under the rich family's head maid

I'm fully aware I'm at the bottom of the ladder

I know that

But I can't find any ladder to climb up

Then if you help me with half of it

I'll give you half of the pay

Really?

(Ruka) See? You just leveled up

(Yuzumi) Eh~ Is it really that simple?

Then I won't give it~

No no, I need it! Okay!

(Yuzumi) Heave-ho... Apparently it's a parting gift from the previous person

(Ruka) Why a video?

(Yuzumi) Let's watch "Millennium Files" while working

Since we have the chance

(Ruka) What chance?

What's this? A gift?

(Yuzumi) More like a forced gift

Today's practically over anyway, let's watch it

What is this? Is this the right one?

There are too many cables, I can't tell which is which.

(Luka) Huh? Just plug the same colors together, right?

Ah—this one, see? The yellow and white are reversed.

(Yuzumi) As expected, guitar players are on another level.

(Luka) Hey now, you're making fun of me, aren't you?

(Yuzumi) Not at all. It's pure respect, I swear.

(Video audio)

(Video audio)

(Yuzumi & Luka) Ah...

(Video audio)

It was really fun to watch, "Millennium Files."

- (Old man) Oh, you watched it? - (Yuzumi) Yes.

It moved along quicker than I expected and was really entertaining.

Right? Older dramas actually have surprisingly fast pacing.

(Yuzumi) Huh...

Wait, there was an episode filmed in Osaka, right?

(Yuzumi) Yes.

Well, I actually made a tiny cameo in that one.

What, really? That's like a keepsake, isn't it?

Are you sure it's okay for me to take this?

Ah...

Well, the thing is, I've been hospitalized for a bit.

And, well, you know how it is...

I've had to start sorting through things, you see.

(Yuzumi) Mhm, mhm, mhm.

(Old man) Honestly, I'm even thinking about maybe moving out.

(Yuzumi) Wow...

(Old man) Or maybe I won't move after all.

(Yuzumi) Ah...

(Nakazaki) Good work today.

(Sound of perfume spray)

Please be careful not to get it on the merchandise.

(Nakazaki) Ah, the scent of osmanthus... You don't like it, do you?

- (Nakazaki) It makes you feel melancholic, right? - (Yuzumi) Excuse me.

(Nakazaki) Oh, right. The live show you mentioned going to the other day—

what was it for again?

- (Yuzumi) Oh, it's an indie band. - (Nakazaki) Ah, that one.

I actually know a lot of people in the music industry.

Maybe I could introduce you to that indie band.

Yuzumi-chan, which song of theirs do you like the most?

"You're So Annoying."

(Sound of tapping a smartphone)

Skip, skip.

Sigh... They're totally looking down on us.

Just to watch one video,

how many pointless ads do we have to sit through?

- (Yuzumi) Two Chinchiro Highballs, please. - (Staff) Sure.

If you pay, those ads go away, right?

That! Making everything pay-to-remove is just exploitation.

(Luka) Haha...

You seem to have a lot of things you hate—must be fun.

(Staff) Here's your Chinchiro.

(Sound of dice rolling)

(Staff) Too bad.

Even here, we're getting exploited...

(Sound of dice rolling)

(Bell sound)

- (Yuzumi) Whoa~ - (Staff) Congratulations!

(Bell sound)

(Bell sound)

Mega is free

As expected... Even here, the senior is better

That's why I said there's no "above" or "below" You're way too sulky

Actually, haven't you been drinking too much lately?

I drink to forget the failures caused by drinking

- (Ruka) Ugh, I'm at my limit - (Yuzumi) Limit! Limit!

Senpai Ruka, I love you! *Hahaha...*

- (Ruka) Ew— - (Yuzumi) What's with this hand?

- (Yuzumi) Try it - (Ruka) No way, I won't

I won't do it I don't do stuff like this

- (Yuzumi) You did it before, teach me - (Ruka) No, it wasn't like this

(Yuzumi) Please try it Show me once

(Ruka) No no

- (Ruka) Hurry up and give it back - (Yuzumi) What's her deal?

Huh? She suddenly snapped

(Ruka) Ah~ I kinda wanna eat ice cream

(Yuzumi) Wow~ So sinful

(Ruka) I don't like it when you call food "sinful" like that

I don't like it

(Yuzumi) Huh? Then I won't say it

(Yuzumi and Ruka chatting)

- (Ruka) Rock-paper-scissors - (Yuzumi) Here?

- (Ruka) Start with rock - (Yuzumi) Ugh...

(Yuzumi & Ruka) Rock-paper-scissors—shoot! It's a tie

- (Yuzumi) Yes! - (Ruka) Ugh...

(Ruka) Huh?

Wait, why are we eating with that pretentious indie guy?

(Yuzumi) Well, Nakazaki-san quit his part-time job

Apparently he's getting a full-time job

When I heard that, I figured since he's leaving anyway...

I thought it wouldn't hurt if he treated me to a meal just once.

(Luka) You don't usually wear makeup like this, do you?

It's armor so people don't look down on me.

Do I look like a tough girl?

(Luka) Ah... yeah.

Hey...

Well, never mind.

Oh, senpai, I've washed the rice,

so you can go ahead and eat this, okay?

- (Yuzumi) Ah! Ah... - (Luka) Ah...

- (Yuzumi) I'm sorry... - (Luka) You're kidding, right?

(Yuzumi) I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I'm sorry...

(Luka) Tissue, tissue... Ouch...

Ah... this is pointless.

(Yuzumi) This house doesn't have a rag.

(Luka) Guess not...

(Yuzumi) Oh no, it's already time!

Wait... ah...

I'll clean it up when I get back, so please leave it like this.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry...

I'm sorry, oh, excuse me.

Excuse me, ah—excuse me.

Oh, sorry, here we go...

I'm off.

(Man) Art history, you know, is a history of battles.

(Shutter sound)

(Man) Art history, you know, is a history of battles.

(Shutter sound)

(Shutter sound)

Look, everything here—all of this is a history of battles.

Look, everything here—all of this is a history of battles.

It's enough to make you cry, right?

(Shutter sound)

(Nakazaki) This place has a great vibe, doesn't it?

(Yuzumi) Ah... Yeah, it's really nice.

The owner, like, opens the shop for artists... or maybe you'd call them "creators."

...to showcase their work, I heard.

- (Yuzumi) Creators... - (Nakazaki) Exactly!

Hey, what if we asked to display your senior's CD here too?

I can put in a word for you.

(Staff) Sorry for the wait.

(Nakazaki) Wow...

(Staff) Please take your time.

(Nakazaki) Not bad at all.

(Yuzumi) No, thank you. I appreciate the thought, though.

(Nakazaki) Why not?

If you don't put yourself out there in places like this,

you'll never spread your wings, you know?

Sharing ideas in a space like this could...

help your senior reach even greater heights, don't you think?

Well, I'm sure my senior has their own way of thinking...

(Nakazaki) Yuzumi-chan, you eat so elegantly.

I really like people with refined table manners.

(Chewing sounds)

Anyway, I just wanted to say how important connections are.

Heh, I even ended up buying this after your senior recommended it.

I mean, if you're not wearing at least Giorgio Armani,

people just don’t take you seriously, you know?

Haha... Giorgio Armani.

(Shigaki) How's it looking?

(Nakazaki) Mr. Shigaki! You've been working hard~

Oh, this is the owner of the shop

- (Yuzumi) Hello - (Shigaki) Hello

So? What do you think?

A piece created by one of our performers Title: "Apocalypse"

This is seriously amazing

You can really feel the intensity

(Shigaki) Thanks

Well then, to celebrate Nakazaki-kun's new beginning

and for his girlfriend's future, here's a song...

(Nakazaki) Wait What do you mean "her future"...

Please listen

A never-before-heard original song "Legend"

(Nakazaki) Whoa!

(Phone: ♪ "Legend")

(Phone: ♪ "Legend")

♪ When you come back, you're welcome

♪ Out of nowhere, what's this?

♪ But you already know, my friend

♪ We're the strongest

♪ But from here, it's an ensemble drama

♪ Crescendoing into legend

♪ Attending without expectations

♪ Don't worry, I'm watching

♪ I can see everything even from here

♪ You're the first star

♪ Shining precisely because of this distance

♪ If you run away Your family will be the ones comforting you

(Nakazaki) Still though

Senpai's original song Really hits deep

I thought to myself I should try harder

Yeah, somehow I feel this surge of energy

Yuzumi-chan, you too Use today as fuel to keep pushing forward

Everyone has something—

At least one talent that stands out more than others

These days, you can do anything with just an iPad

Not doing anything is such a waste

Talent, huh...

(Nakazaki) Huh? Who's there?

Yo, what a coincidence! Heading home?

(Yuzumi) Senpai...

Oh, well then, good work today

Huh? Wait, hold on—

She's my junior

Thanks for walking her home

(Nakazaki) Huh?

Wait, we're not going to the second bar?

There's this place that serves movie-themed cocktails!

(Luka) Let's run for once

(Yuzumi and Luka laughing)

Hah... So youthful

(Phone vibration sound)

Yeah, yeah

Huh?

So... that "artsy" place

Was creepy and totally awful That's the story

(Luka) Sounds like a "bad cycle"

"Bad cycle"? What's that?

(Luka) My made-up word

Just going in circles without moving forward at all

It's about a "bad cycle."

It's when supply and demand are balanced within a closed loop.

A bunch of self-proclaimed artists get together and just...

watch, praise, create, and get praised— on repeat.

(Yuzumi) I see.

They even called themselves "expressers" or something.

Oh—"expressers," "creators," whatever you wanna call it.

Those so-called artists...

They do just enough practice to have fun, but...

They never put in the grueling work that actually hones their craft.

They might hold solo exhibitions where they can showcase freely,

but when it comes to formal judgment— competitions, contests...

They'd never enter, because it'd expose their actual level.

(Yuzumi) Huh...

(Luka) Well, as long as their "bad cycle" pals keep hyping them up,

They start deluding themselves into thinking they're talented.

That kind of thing exists in many forms.

Not just with self-proclaimed artists— it's everywhere.

Probably even here...

(Yuzumi) Hearing that makes them sound kinda pitiful, huh?

(Luka) Yeah.

Well, but that person had 6,000 subscribers, so...

Maybe they were satisfied with that?

(Luka) Wait, what's this about?

(Yuzumi) Huh?

"Account frozen for copyright violation— compensation demanded."

(Luka) What?

"Film studio demands 500 million yen in damages over 'fast movies.'"

Looks like they got hit with a 500-million-yen lawsuit.

(Luka) Wait, seriously?

It's true.

Whoa, it's trending. You're famous.

Can they even pay 500 million yen?

No way they can.

(Nakazaki) "I told my followers about the account freeze too."

"Everyone's really frustrated."

"Sorry about this."

"I won't be able to do movie reviews anymore."

"I'll never forgive these outdated laws."

Using internet slang at a time like this is so cringe.

What? I don't get it.

Huh? You know, the Switch scalper thing?

Besides, you worked at the same part-time job as him.

You should be more worried.

Nah, it's his own fault.

Whoa, random people are totally roasting him...

Even here, the keyboard warriors are like "pffft..."

(Luka) I hate seeing it used like that.

(Yuzumi) Hehe...

(Luka humming)

(Door opens and closes)

(Luka) Hey! Stop looking at my stuff without asking!

- (Luka) Ugh~ - (Yuzumi) Well...

You left sticky notes all over it—of course I'm gonna read them.

Hmph...

Apparently, someone from a magazine happened to be at the live show~

(Yuzumi) Wow, that's amazing, right?

Ahh~ Feels like my senpai is drifting away...

(Luka) Dummy, it's not like that at all...

I have to go much farther than this.

Lately I haven't even been able to make music...

If I got arrested right now,

they'd call me a "self-proclaimed musician"...

Self-proclaimed... self-proclaimed...

Sigh... I wanna be famous...

(Yuzumi) But even calling yourself that is impressive.

Isn't it amazing? Being a self-proclaimed musician.

I don't even have anything to call myself!

Self-proclaimed, self-proclaimed, self-proclaimed... Booze, booze, booze...

(Luka) Drinking already?

(Yuzumi) Shut up. This sound is reviving me.

Over and over again.

(Sound of can opening)

(Luka) Stop it, you alcoholic mess, Mitsui.

(Yuzumi) Haaah...

(Luka) You're gonna puke again.

(Yuzumi) The way you're eating looks more likely to make you puke.

(Luka) Agh—!

No way... This is the worst~

(Yuzumi) See? This is what happens when you do that.

No way... This is the worst~

No way... This is the worst~

Seriously...

No way... This is the worst~

(Taguchi) No read receipt...

Sigh...

(Ito) Iriusu Yuzumi...

(Taguchi) Yeah...

(Ito) Thanks.

When did you send this?

(Taguchi) About two days ago...

But it got blocked, right?

Blocked, huh...

Anyway, if you like your senpai, why not just ask her out directly?

Nah, I can't ask her directly— that's why I've always met her through Iriku.

Through...

Then it's kinda like a marathon.

- (Taguchi) Marathon? - (Ito) Yeah.

It's a battle of endurance.

'Cause you don't even know why she's mad, right?

It's like waiting for a dog to bark itself tired.

- (Taguchi) Dog? - (Ito) Yeah, a dog.

You know, the kind that bites.

What are you even talking about? Too many metaphors, I don't get it.

Speaking of Iriku...

There was a goddess with that name in mythology.

Goddess?

Ah, that has nothing to do with what we're talking about.

(Taguchi) Aah~

Maybe yelling in the girls' dorm was a bad move...

Did you get scolded after that or...?

Or maybe the sushi?

Oh, does she hate it when you take her senpai?

Ugh, even if I see her at uni, she just ignores me...

Other people's love drama is so fun.

(Sound of splashing water)

See? Even the carp are happy.

See? Even the carp are happy.

(Taguchi) Hey, listen properly.

I'm seriously asking for advice here.

(Ito) I'm listening.

(Taguchi) You've got headphones on.

(Ito) Huh? Oh.

This?

What, magic tricks?

(Ito) Back in the day,

there was this girl I liked who always had her headphones on, listening to something.

I used to wonder every day what she was listening to.

That kind of mystery—I'm offering it to a girl who'd fall for me.

Has anyone ever asked what you're listening to?

Well, that girl ended up eloping with her music teacher, got divorced,

and now she's apparently a Self-Defense Force officer.

What kind of story is that?

Irido Yuzumi— wonder if she's free today.

Well, I heard the situation,

and I thought maybe Irido-san was hurting.

So... Taguchi said he had something to talk about.

Uh, since we're here, don't hold back—just ask.

(Yuzumi) Let's order everything from the expensive pages, senpai.

(Luca) All the grill items, then? And champagne.

(Yuzumi) Tiramisu ice cream—by the box.

T543...

- (Luca) Excuse me. - (Yuzumi) After the meal or before—

(Waiter) Yes.

- (Luca) Excuse me. - (Yuzumi) After the meal or before—

(Waiter) Yes.

(Waiter) Yes.

You can actually choose—amazing.

You can actually choose—amazing.

(Waiter) Yes, please wait a moment.

(Ito) Hey, We're waiting for you to speak up.

I... I liked Irisu,

Huh?

But after talking and hanging out a lot,

Irisu kinda... felt like I could see through her?

See through?

And... when we drank at her place, I met the senpai from the same room...

Fell in love at first sight,

Even sneaked out to watch her live performances...

She had real dreams, and it made her seem so cool.

Yeah, but then, well... Irisu started feeling kinda...

How do I put it...

Hmm... She started seeming dumb to me.

So I kept seeing the senpai through Irisu...

Sorry for using Irisu as a middleman...

Dude, you're apologizing way too honestly! At least choose your words better!

Did you even think about how she'd feel?

Well, I did feel bad about using her...

But I just... didn’t get it...

"Didn’t get it"? Seriously? Are you Shinji or something?

And what’s with "see through" and "middleman" and "dumb"? Who do you think you are?!

(Ito) Okay, okay, calm down...

Taguchi, come on...

I mean... what even... what even is this...

"See through" in a good way...

So, uh...

Not like a glass, more like a bowl...

(Ruka) What are you even trying to say?

- (Ito) A bowl... - (Yuzumi) This is hell...

"Middleman"...? Are you a delivery service or what?

Senpai, I mean...

Luka-san...

What do you... think of me?

(Luka) *Hmph...*

Using Irido as a middleman? Yeah, no way.

(Taguchi) Huh? What do you mean "no way"...?

I mean dating you is a no-go.

Oh... Ugh...

Ah... Ah... Oh... Uh...

(Yuzumi) *Sigh...*

(Waiter) Sorry for the wait.

Here's your Napolitan pasta.

(Taguchi) Oh...

(Waiter) Ah, my apologies. This is the Caesar salad.

(Ito) Let's eat.

(Waiter) And here's the demi-glace hamburg steak.

Please enjoy.

(Luka) Random, but... who are you again?

(Ito) Oh, I'm Taguchi's friend. Name's Ito.

He showed me your live performance videos.

You've got a unique worldview.

(Luka) Is that supposed to be a compliment?

*(Toy sound effect)*

(Luka) Here, cheer up with this.

*(Toy sound effect)*

*Hahaha...* That voice is ridiculous.

*(Yuzumi sniffles)*

*(Yuzumi sobbing)*

He's not worth crying over.

Can't even play an instrument, and his money's just his parents' anyway.

It's a waste of brain space to even think about someone like him.

That's not... the standard I'm judging this by.

I just...

It's not about being dumped or used as a rebound...

How do I put it...

(Punch sound)

- (Yuzumi) Hngh! - (Taguchi) Oww! That hurts! Ow—

- (Yuzumi) Hngh! - (Taguchi) Oww! That hurts! Ow—

(Ito & Ruka) Whoa!

- (Yuzumi) Hngh! - (Taguchi) Oww! That hurts! Ow—

(Taguchi groaning in pain)

(Ito) You okay? Let me see.

(Ruka) What the hell are you doing?!

(Ito) You okay? Let me see.

(Yuzumi) Justice served...

- (Taguchi) Ow, ow, don't touch it! - (Ito) Let me see, let me see!

(Taguchi groaning in pain)

(Ruka) Nah, that was just plain violence.

(Ito) Oh, you're bleeding.

- (Taguchi) No way? - (Ito) Yeah, really.

- (Ito) Oh, here too. - (Taguchi) Agh, ahh...

(Ito) Oh, sorry, that was just a pimple.

Just a pimple, huh?

(Taguchi) Ugh, it hurts...

(Yuzumi) I'm sorry.

Well, at least Navi-chan wasn't broken or anything, so it's fine.

(Navi-chan) Hellooo!

Navi-chan~

Man, you really love that thing.

If we just go home now, things will just stay awkward between us.

Just drive somewhere random.

Oh, sounds good!

I'm off today too, so let's go.

(Luka) Don't say "off."

(Ito) Huh? Why?

(Taguchi) Navi-chan, where to?

(Saxophone playing)

(Taguchi) Isn't this amazing?

(Ito) It really is.

(Yuzumi) Senpai, what were you like in high school?

(Luka) Hmm... I played in a band during the school festival.

But we disbanded right after.

(Yuzumi) Aw, I wish I could've seen that. You must've looked so cool.

(Taguchi) I wanted to see it too...

(Yuzumi) It's amazing to already know what you want to do in high school.

That's really impressive.

You can still start doing what you want now, right?

Hmm... What do I even want to do?

What do I really want, I wonder...

A part-time job that's easy and pays well.

Oh, same here.

For now, maybe collecting all of Navi-chan's skins.

I mean, not just short-term stuff like that.

Well... I just read trending manga, watch YouTube,

and before I know it, the day's already over. That's my default.

I guess that's how my whole life will just pass by.

Wow, that's way too real.

When I was little, I used to say I wanted to run a takoyaki stand

or an udon shop.

At least that had some realism to it.

I used to say I wanted to be a hero.

Well, that hasn't changed even now.

(Transformation belt activation sound)

Well, that hasn't changed even now.

(Transformation belt activation sound)

Pervert.

(Luka) I don't get it.

(Taguchi) He never makes any sense.

(Luka) No, I mean—

Don't you ever feel anxious living so aimlessly every day?

(Ito) Anxious about what?

Huh?

I mean, like... don't you have some kind of purpose?

Or a reason to live?

You must have something, right?

From your perspective, people like us might seem weird.

But from our perspective, you're the alien here.

Alien... why?

At your age,

it's rare to meet someone whose goals haven't wavered. You're lucky.

I just do it because I like it.

Isn't that how it's supposed to be?

Saying you have nothing you want to do—

isn't that just running away?

Senpai, if you check your phone,

you'll see big shots saying big things and getting praised.

It makes you realize early on

exactly where someone at your level caps out.

Even if you vaguely know

you won't achieve anything great, isn't it just inefficient to keep trying?

Cost performance...

You already know the truth, don't you, senpai?

The level of my music

How far will this take me? Where will the limits be?

I kind of knew it all along, but putting in the effort... It's just exhausting, you know?

Not being able to work hard is also a privilege, you know.

(Luka) Blah blah, blah blah... Shut the hell up!

(Ito) Whoa...

- (Taguchi) Whoa... - (Yuzumi) Hey, senpai?

- (Taguchi) Huh? - (Luka) Ouch...

(Taguchi, Yuzumi) Wait, wait, wait, wait...

(Ito) Both of you are really violent, huh.

I'm just a guy who talks big but never does anything.

I'm so pissed off!

(Transformation Belt activation sound)

(Ito) Oh, good. It's not broken.

I was shocked by what you said, senpai, but you went too far just now too.

Just say "Do your best" like normal.

(Ito) Phew...

That guy just doesn't get it.

(Taguchi) Huh?

There's a difference between those who have something they want to do and those who don't.

I want to do something, but I don't know what to do.

There's a category called...

I think about 80% of people belong there.

(Yuzumi) *sigh* Maybe I should aim to run a takoyaki stand too.

(Luka) What's wrong? All of a sudden...

Yeah, that's right.

It's like in Taguchi's mind, I'm just some insignificant character.

In the end, it's like I wasn't even seen as a human being.

Will I always just be... an ordinary person A?

That's what I keep thinking...

Idiot.

Don't underestimate your own worth like that.

You matter to me.

(Taguchi) We're here~

Thanks, see ya.

(Taguchi) Bye~

(Phone notification sound)

Huh?! Wha—?

(Ito) What's wrong?

Navi-chan...

"Service will be terminated... as of this month."

- (Ito) Discontinued... - (Taguchi) Ah...

Ugh... I still have to...

Damn it, what's with today?!

(Car horn)

Aghhh... Aaaah...

Aghhh... Aaaah...

This shitty life! Aah...

(Car horn)

This shitty life! Aah...

Do you know how much I spent on in-app purchases?!

Aaah...

Can we drive a bit longer? Wanna go to Kamakura or something?

(Taguchi) Let's go...

So you *do* have a heart.

(Ito) Huh? What's that supposed to mean?

(Taguchi) Ah...

(Luka) Hot hot hot... So hot...

Ouch ouch ouch...

(Yuzumi) Oh~ A hot water bottle?

(Luka) Alright, I'm going to bed with this.

(Yuzumi) Ah, Senpai, what about your bath?

(Luka) It's too cold, I'm not taking one.

(Yuzumi) That's gross. I can't stand people who get into bed without bathing.

(Luka) Shut up. You can't even go to the supermarket alone.

- (Luka) Hey hey, don't take it. - (Yuzumi) Sticky sticky.

(Luka) What do you mean "sticky sticky"?

Hey hey, foot, foot. Foot's out, foot.

Ah— Scary scary, scary scary... Scary scary...

(Yuzumi) Ahahaha... I get it, hahaha...

(Phone vibration sound)

(Luka) Mmm~ Hello?

(Hair dryer sound)

(Yuzumi) What's up? Did you finally take a bath?

(Hair dryer stops)

(Luka) Ah, sorry, did I wake you?

I don't really get it, but someone from a record company wants to meet.

(Yuzumi) Eh? That's amazing, isn't it?

Is it about debuting or something?

(Luka) Well, I'll go without getting my hopes up too much.

(Yuzumi) Eh? Aren't you gonna dress up or something?

(Luka) Because this is the nicest thing I have.

(Yuzumi) Even though it's cold...

How have you been living until now?

(Luka) I've been living as hard as I can.

(Yuzumi) Hey, wait wait wait, hey hey.

I wonder if I'm doing this right.

It's my first time wrapping it around someone, hmm?

It's so warm...

(Yuzumi) Mmm... there we go.

This is my favorite one, so please don't lose it, okay?

Okay!

(Yuzumi) Mm-hmm.

(Luka) Alright then, here we go.

(Receptionist) Hello.

Um... ah... I'm Kujirai from Peat Moss.

Oh, uh... I'm supposed to meet someone named Arabiya-san...

Please.

One moment, please.

Mr. Kujirai has arrived.

Yes.

(Sound of phone being hung up)

Please have a seat on the sofa and wait there.

(Luka) Oh, uh... okay.

Maybe I should buy at least one suit...

Today... sushi? Or maybe meat?

I'm so hungry—

I wonder if we can play at summer festivals...

(DAN MORI) Whoa~

(Iwatori) Things are about to get busy.

With big names like this, we should probably go greet them first, right?

I'm not really good at greetings, though...

- (DAN) Good morning! - (Iwatori) Shut up, you idiot!

Act more confident.

- (DAN) Isn't this too stiff? - (Iwatori) Doesn't feel very band-like.

(DAN) Hahaha...

Hey, what are you—? What are you doing? What are you doing?

What are you doing? Don't put it out!

They might say something like "explode with energy," you know?

Oh, that's true.

(Guitar and bass playing)

(DAN) Whoa!

(Music stops abruptly)

Hey, what are you doing? Seriously, stop it.

Hey, what are you doing? Seriously, stop it.

(Footsteps)

(Arabiya) Kujirai-san...

Good morning!

(Arabiya) Good morning, yes.

Oh, thank you for coming all the way here today.

Thank you.

I'm Jill Sander.

- (Iwatoru/DAN) Ah... - (Luca) Jill... Jill San...

That would be me. I handle the talent division at OT Records.

My name is Arabiya. Pleased to meet you.

Oh... Sorry, I don't have business cards or anything...

(Arabiya) Oh, no, don't worry about that at all.

Honestly, those things are just a nuisance anyway. Yes.

Uh... I'm Kujirai.

And... the members...

(Arabiya) Ah, thank you for accompanying them here. You really didn't have to~

It's such a dangerous world these days.

- (Arabiya) We appreciate it. - (Luca) Accompanying...?

(DAN) Good morning!

(Mory) Well then, let's get started...

(Arabiya) Hmm? Right now?

(Guitar and bass playing)

(Arabiya) Haha...

(Clapping)

(Arabiya) You're really good.

It's like elementary school kids' level of closeness, isn't it?

I think it's nice. That kind of thing, yes.

Ah, well then, shall we get started right away?

Um... are you hungry?

- (Luka) Ah, yes... - (Arabiya) Then let's go.

Let's go.

Let's go.

(DAN) Ah, it's fine. I'll do it, I'll do it. It's okay, I'll handle it.

- (DAN) I'll do it, I'll do it. - (Iwatoru) Hurry up.

(Luka) What are you doing?

(DAN) Ouch, ouch, ouch!

Can't you get on?

Earlier, you mentioned accompanying...

(DAN) Haha...

(Sound of hands clapping)

(Arabiya) Then, Mr. Kujirai, please get on.

Um...

- (Arabiya) Well then... - (Luka) Ah... um...

Ah, no... uh...

(Arabiya clears throat)

Well then, the three accompanying guests...

Today, carrying such large instruments...

You've gone out of your way to come all this distance...

(Luka) No... no, um...

Um... thank you very much for today.

Um... thank you very much for today.

The four of us...

Um... thank you very much for today.

Ahh... Well then, us...!

- (Iwatori) Do your best, do your best? - (DAN) Huh? Huh?

- (Iwatori) Yeah yeah, yeah, do your best - (DAN) Yeah, do your best

(Iwatori) Yeah yeah, do your best

- (DAN) Yeah, do your best - (Iwatori) Do your best

- (DAN) Take care, yeah - (Mory) Yeah

Anyway, let's smoke first Then let's drink

Let's drink, let's drink

Yeah, "Toriichizu" would be helpful~

Ah, they might have it? Since it's a chain

Should we get hot pot?

(Iwatori & DAN) Whoa~

We rarely order it

(Iwatori) Hot pot at an izakaya How luxurious

(Mory and others) Hahaha...

Are you concerned? Like, the seatbelt

Ah... No, not at all

(Luka) Ah, it's fine

Does it feel uncomfortable Or tight... Isn't it too tight?

Does it feel uncomfortable Or tight... Isn't it too tight?

Ah, not at all

Does it feel uncomfortable Or tight... Isn't it too tight?

(Uruma) Ah... Nice to meet you~ I'm Uruma, working in production

Huh? Isn't it a private room today?

(Arabiya) With girls here It can't be a private room~ Come on

Sorry about that, just Old industry habits, my apologies

- (Uruma) Private rooms are no good now? - (Arabiya) No good at all

(Uruma) Ah, sorry about that I'll make sure to study up properly

Um, today is for... that...

(Uruma) Ah— Right, right

Before we get too drunk, let's talk business first.

Haha...

(Uruma) Well, to put it bluntly...

We'd like to sign an exclusive contract with OT Records and you, Luka Kujirai.

We're hoping to make that happen.

Exclusive contract?

Yes. To celebrate your professional solo debut, so to speak.

- (Luka) Solo? - (Arabiya) Yes.

Oh, no... I'm in a band...

There are four of us, we perform together...

- (Arabiya) Pete Moss, was it? - (Luka) Pete Moss...

Yes, yes... Your entourage, right?

- (Luka) Entourage? - (Arabiya) Yes, yes...

Well, that was fine too, but...

We're thinking something more... hmm...

Our vision is...

To deliver Luka to everyone. That's the concept.

To everyone...

- (Uruma) Yeah. - (Luka) I see...

But, um, I...

(Uruma) Oh! Here we go...

Can you read this kind of thing?

- (Luka) Oh, yes... - (Uruma) Wow...

(Waiter) Sorry for the wait.

Impressive, you've studied well.

You should study properly too.

(Arabiya) Nah, no time for that.

(Uruma) If the world were full of people like Luka here...

That'd be great, but...

Unfortunately, that's not the case.

Most of the music that randomly plays

on shuffle through roadside speakers or YouTube

is actually the kind that sells.

People who can discover what they like on their own

and form their own opinions are a rare few.

Hehehe... Oh, look, it's featured!

Please, stop it already~

- (Arahiya) You're messing with it, aren't you? - (Inayama) No, I'm not!

This is so embarrassing...

It's displayed so prominently like this,

but getting people to know about it

is truly important.

Yes, for us, not being known is practically a sin.

Or rather—actually, you could call it a crime.

(Inayama) Exactly! That's a great way to put it.

So,

first, we'll use TV or whatever means to increase exposure,

get people to know Luka, then make them like her.

Do you know what comes after that?

Uh... no, I'm not sure.

She grows alongside her fans and us.

Grows...

(Inayama) Starting now, she might eat steak every day,

or today might be the first and last time.

No one can guarantee anything.

She might face a lot more hardships ahead.

But we'll give it our all and bet on her.

So, we want Luka to bet on us too.

*Sigh*... Let's do our best. Yeah.

*Chuckles*...

(Yuzumi) Oh, welcome back. How was it?

(Door closing sound)

(Luka) Yeah.

Do you want to eat? Oh, do you want curry?

(Luka) I had steak.

What?! No fair, steak?!

I was watching Hikakin eat 100,000-yen yakiniku

while having retort curry.

- (Luka) Yeah... - (Yuzumi) Don't just say "yeah"!

Huh? Wait, you're not wearing my scarf, are you?

Did you lose it?

Hm? Oh...

What?

Ugh...

Hmm...

This is so frustrating.

(Yuzumi) I'm home... *sigh*...

I bought rice, toilet paper, and some other stuff.

Convenience store prices weren't as different as I thought.

Man, daily necessities...

Why do they all run out at the same time?

Huh? What's wrong? Side job again?

(Luka) No...

I decided to drop out of college and move out.

Still in the city, though.

(Yuzumi) Huh?

Huh?

What are you talking about? No way, huh?

Huh? What? Huh? Huh?

Sorry...

(Yuzumi) This... is way too selfish of you

Huh? Wait...

What am I supposed to do with this?

I... I even bought this...

I'm sorry...

(Yuzumi) I won't help you

(Ruka) Yeah, it's fine

It's an amount I can handle alone

That's not the point...

Huh? What? Huh?

(Sound of hitting the door)

Explain...

(Yuzumi) I'll help

(Ruka) After we finish this, let's go to the convenience store

You can buy every tasty-looking thing that catches your eye

Let's drink till morning

(Yuzumi) So good!

Store-bought side dishes at this quality? This tastes restaurant-grade

(Ruka) Isn't this the ultimate luxury in life?

(Yuzumi) They even sell grilled fish and stuff here

The skills are amazing~

(Ruka) *sigh* So tasty~

(Yuzumi) But senpai, from now on won't you be living in pure luxury?

Ugh...

If I'd known this would happen, I should've gone to more places with you, senpai

(Ruka) Hmm...

We never got to have a rematch with that huge naan curry after all

(Yuzumi) Right!

- (Yuzumi) And the samgyeopsal too - (Ruka) Yeah

I really wanted to try that~

Well, but if it's in the city, there are plenty of much nicer places.

Hmm... If you find a stylish place,

you absolutely have to take me there, okay?

Your treat.

Pfft... My treat?

The other day, I thought, "Senpai's acting weird..."

And then suddenly, you're moving out.

Sigh...

What am I supposed to do now, all alone...?

(Ruka) I'd love to just keep floating along and living here too, you know.

But that's no good.

You have to do what you can while you still can.

Forever...

(Yuzumi's sleep-talking, like humming)

(Yuzumi) Ah...

You scared me.

(Yuzumi) Ahh... I was asleep...

So Senpai really is leaving... It wasn't a dream...

You were singing in your sleep.

(Yuzumi) Haha... Just now in my dream, I was watching Senpai's live performance.

I was singing along too— "Sleeping Fool."

(Ruka) Pfft... "Sleeping Fool," was it?

That was totally off-key.

(Yuzumi) Senpai looked so happy in the dream,

but now that you're awake, you have such a sad face.

I... don't have any talent, do I?

What are you talking about?

If you had no talent, you couldn't make such great songs.

No one would ask you to become famous.

(Ruka) "Sleeping Fool" wasn't written by me.

(Yuzumi) Huh?

It's the song you were humming in your sleep, just like now.

(Yuzumi) What?

(Yuzumi's sleep-talking, like humming)

(Ruka) I thought, "Damn, this is a great song,"

so I recorded your sleep-talking and transcribed it into sheet music.

(Yuzumi) Wait, "Sleeping Fool"? As in, a fool who sleeps?!

Ugh... You just turned it into a song without asking? Musicians are scary...

That's why it's been really tough for me.

But wasn't it you, senpai, who turned it into a song?

And wasn't it you who made everyone say it was good when you sang it?

Right, senpai?

I love that song, you know.

I really do.

(Birds chirping)

Senpai?

(Yuzumi) And then, over the next year,

I watched with my mouth agape as senpai became known to the world.

(Street monitor: ♪ "Haruiro")

(Ruka) ♪ The sound spills out, growing faster

♪ (More, the clock, more)

♪ Do you notice what the wind is telling you?

♪ (More, the clock, more)

♪ Under the same sky, we're breathing,

♪ yet even our rhythms don't match.

♪ But even the parts that aren't the same—

♪ I want to know... all of them.

(Wife) ♪ The spring colors that bloomed for you

(Old man) Hm?

(Wife) ♪ The spring colors that bloomed for you

(Wife) ♪ The spring colors that bloomed for you

(Old man) Huh? You... That sounds awfully familiar.

(Wife) Huh? It's been playing everywhere lately.

- (Old man) Oh, really? - (Son) She's been singing it nonstop.

(Old man's wife) Yeah, right?

(Wife humming the song)

- (Old man) You can sing? - (Son) Nah, I can't.

(Wife humming the song)

(Wife humming the song)

- (Old man) Can't you sing? - (Son) No way.

(Wife humming the song)

(Wife humming the song)

(Old man) You don’t have to sing, you know.

(Sound of dice rolling)

(Bell ringing)

(Clerk) Congratulations! Your Mega is free!

(Clerk) Congratulations! Your Mega is free!

(In-store music: ♪ "Haruiro")

(Smartphone: ♪ "Haruiro")

- (Iwatoru) What... what is that? - (DAN) Yo, yo...

I work at a factory making screws. Got tired and skipped out.

Just exhausted.

(Iwatoru) What are you up to?

Just doing part-time jobs and stuff... Trying to get by.

(DAN) Hmm...

- (Iwatoru) I might get married. - (DAN) Huh?

(Yuzumi) Sorry, sorry!

Amazing...

(Applause and cheers)

(Luka) A. Or human.

(Applause)

♪ "Haruiro" (Pale Spring)

(Luka) ♪ The sound spilling out grows faster

♪ (More clock, more)

♪ Do you notice what the wind is telling us?

♪ (More clock, more)

♪ Though we're under the same sky

♪ Even our breathing rhythms don't match

♪ But it's precisely those differences

♪ That make me want to know everything about you

♪ The pale spring that bloomed for you

♪ What color is it? Ah

♪ I want to be dyed by all four seasons with you

♪ Still remaining transparent

♪ Love comes to the gate of laughter

♪ Ah, could you make me ♪ Even more intoxicated?

♪ Acting so cool

♪ (You always mumble it quietly)

♪ Hidden behind that surreal face

♪ Your eyes and words ♪ I want to drown in them

♪ You more, you more, you more ♪ More, more, your humor

♪ That humor of yours ♪ Love you forever

♪ What I say when drunk is

♪ "You're the only one"

♪ But then you're a liar again

♪ (Yet I believe you)

♪ You more, you more, you more ♪ More, more, your humor

♪ Twinkling promises

♪ What does "Love you" mean?

♪ When I say it seriously, it's my full-hearted answer

♪ Hey, more you more

Thank you

♪ A skilled hawk hides its talons

♪ Will you let yourself be fooled?

(Yuzumi) Is this what...

♪ Will you let yourself be fooled?

♪ Will you let yourself be fooled?

you kept me around for...

♪ Even in natural airheadedness

you kept me around for...

you kept me around for...

♪ (You always give me the perfect straight-man retort)

♪ (You always give me the perfect straight-man retort)

just to leave me behind like this...?

♪ (You always give me the perfect straight-man retort)

♪ Hidden behind that surreal expression

Damn it!

♪ Your eyes, your mannerisms—I'm addicted

♪ Your eyes, your mannerisms—I'm addicted

♪ You more, you more, you more more·more·humor

♪ Say it? Say it? Say it?

Pete Moss's live show was

♪ Say it? Say it? Say it?

Pete Moss's live show was

Pete Moss's live show was

♪ No! You what?!

♪ No! You what?!

way funnier

♪ No! You what?!

way funnier

That was hilarious!

♪ "Only you"? What do you mean?

♪ "Only you"? What do you mean?

♪ With my all-out answer, yet again "You liar"

♪ (It makes me want to cry)

♪ You more, you more, you more ‎ More・more・humor

(Cheers and applause)

(Luka) Thank you everyone! ‎I love you all!

See you again! Thank you!

(Luka) *Sigh*

(Inoma) Good job, good job ‎One more song left!

(Arabiya) That was great, that was great ‎That was great, that was great

- (Arabiya) Guitar? Guitar? ‎- (Inoma) Yeah...

(Arabiya) What's wrong? Huh?

(Applause and cheers)

(Guitar tuning sounds)

(Arabiya) Wh... What are you doing? ‎Tuning?

(Guitar sounds)

(Luka) Just one more song

(Applause and cheers)

Lyrics by yours truly, Kujirai Luka

(Audience murmurs)

(Audience murmurs)

She said it...

(Audience murmurs)

(Audience murmurs)

She said the name

Music by Pete Moss

And... Iriusu Yuzumi

"Nemuru Baka"!

(Guitar sound)

♪ Sleeping Fool

♪ Am I still okay?

♪ It must be hard to answer

♪ So right now

♪ I'm listening

(Luka) ♪ The rotting wooden window frame

♪ A sweet, dusty scent

♪ The edges seem to blur

♪ The clinging spring air

♪ I tried standing while carrying my dreams

♪ But my footing is utterly unsteady

♪ I tried putting on shoes and stepping outside

♪ But the map is far too unreliable

♪ Through the fog

♪ I walk, walk, walk

♪ Still not understanding

♪ Should I compromise and move forward?

♪ Or should I just sing defiantly?

♪ The beer cap's already off

♪ Piling up snack bags

♪ Having pointless conversations

♪ Spending

♪ Ambiguous nights

♪ Reward me...

♪ Reward me...

(Luka & Yuzumi) ♪ Sleeping Fool

♪ Am I still okay?

♪ It must be hard to answer

♪ So right now

♪ I'm listening

♪ If I were about to eat

♪ a poisoned manju

♪ You'd tell me, right?

♪ I'm counting on you, hey!

♪ Sleepy idiot

(Yuzumi) Aah!

♪ Sleepy idiot

(Yuzumi) Aah!

(Yuzumi) Aah!

♪ Answer me...

♪ Answer me...

Senpai! Senpai!

♪ Answer me...

Senpai! Senpai!

Senpai! Senpai!

♪ Answer me...

♪ Answer me...

Senpai!

♪ Answer me...

♪ Answer me...

Aaah!

♪ Answer me...

♪~

Take care now

(Applause)

(Crowd murmuring)

(Door opening/closing)

(Yuzumi) And thus, senpai successfully disappeared

(Akira) Senpai

Good morning! Please wake up.

What time do you think it is right now?

Senpai! Seeeenpaaai!

Seriously, enough already. Please wake up.

Shut up, Akira... I'm...

I'm exhausted from unfamiliar job hunting, so don't wake me up.

Let's have a strategy meeting about what to have for lunch.

Eating fruit since morning... Yikes.

What do you mean, "Yikes"?

Even if I'm living away from home,

I still want to maintain a proper lifestyle.

Anyway, since you woke me up, it's only fair you take responsibility.

What do you mean, "fair"?

Hmm~ Well, why don't you just bring that guy you're eyeing over?

What was his name... Takahashi?

Takase-kun?

It's not like... I mean... I'm not eyeing anyone.

(Akira) Speaking of which, Senpai, something came out.

(Yuzumi) Hmm?

Ah...

What kind of CD is this?

(Sound of faucet turning)

"Pair Tomocchi"?

Pa... Pair... Tomocchi?

(Yuzumi) It's nothing...

(Akira) Wait, why are you putting it away?

We might as well listen to it.

(Yuzumi) No.

(Akira) Ah... Sorry.

Could it be... memories with your lover or something?

Who knows.

♪～

～♪