Original subtitles

[uplifting music playing]

[music fades]

[Akane sighs]

Whoa. I like the vibe.

You can't envision a new album without camping together, right?

It's gonna be nice.

-Does that really work? -[Sho] Hmm? Can't hurt.

We're a group of solo acts. Here, carry this.

[Kazushi] Who knew you had such a nice country house?

It was my parents'. I bought it from them. Lately, I never get a chance to use it.

[poignant music playing]

Hmm?

Oh.

-[Sho grunts] -[Akane gasps]

-What's wrong? -[Naoki] Let's go in.

[Kazushi] Just take it and go.

[Akane] Why did you pack a pillow?

[Kazushi] Why didn't you?

-[laughs] Are you okay? -[groans]

This one's yours. You like it?

What? [giggles]

It's so cute!

[chuckles]

Hmm?

Ooh! [chuckles]

[sighs]

[Naoki sighs]

[dreamy music playing]

[Akane] The truth?

I knew from the very beginning.

Fighting it was hopeless.

I had fallen for him.

But…

I tried to ignore it.

[wind gusting]

Hmm.

The wind's nice.

Oh, Akane, before I forget.

-Can you set aside some time tonight? -[Akane] What?

Come up to my room later.

Huh?

Let's have a pillow fight.

Huh?

I can't wait. I've always wanted to.

We'll split in teams of two. You and I will be on a team.

Uh…

-Uh, does the losing team get punished? -Of course they do.

Great idea. And it'll be brutal.

[door closes]

[romantic piano music playing]

[bright piano music playing]

[Kai] We've got 12 TV appearance requests.

That's only the start. There's some corporate events and a residency.

I've narrowed it down to ones that align with TENBLANK's image.

-[phone buzzing] -So all we… Ugh.

Again?

Thanks for calling BEAT, this is Miyako. How can I help you?

Yes. Thank you so much.

-[Akane gasps] -[Kai] Let me confirm and call you back.

Great. Have a good day.

[Sho] Sensei said that we're going to make the album up here and send it to you.

So why are you here?

[Kai] Things have gone according to Naoki's plans so far, that's true,

but it won't take long before that changes.

Everyone's going to have their own opinion.

Some good, some bad.

And protecting you from all that is my job.

[Kazushi] What about what happened at Music States?

-You still haven't found who did it. -[Sho] Mmm.

[Kai] Exactly.

We know someone's intentionally trying to sabotage TENBLANK.

Miss Saijo was really scared. [sighs]

Right?

Really scared.

[dreamy music playing]

Are you even listening?

Oh, I'm sorry.

-[scoffs] -[music fades]

You seem so carefree right now. I don't get it.

I don't know. The way I see it, they liked my sound.

That's why they did it. I appreciate the attention. It's nice.

What?

I think they did it because

they thought we would fail if I didn't play.

That's what whoever did it thought.

That if I didn't show up, TENBLANK would be finished.

If that's true, don't you think that's great? I feel honored.

[door opens]

Okay, everybody. Can we all meet in the studio in 20?

[Sho] Sounds good.

[Kazushi] Great.

Okay.

Carefree, huh?

Hmm.

[lively music playing]

I see that underwear. What's the deal?

Oh, Eiko got me a b-day present.

It's not like there's some deep meaning.

[Momoko] Have you thought about your trip to the country?

What if there's a spark?

[Akane] No way. Don't be silly.

Naoki's a big star, Mom. He doesn't even think about me like that.

Yeah, I don't know if I'm so sure about that.

If you only ate at Italian or French restaurants night after night,

don't you think you'd crave a home-cooked natto with tsukemono?

-[Akane] Why am I stinky food? -[chuckles]

Take care of your heart.

I know you're smart beyond your years and I don't need to tell you this,

but when bandmates start a relationship,

not just bad ones, it can be good,

often it ends up destroying the band altogether.

[music fades]

[sighs]

I'm not that stupid. I know that already.

Oh.

Are these marks Sensei's when he was little?

[gasps]

Ooh! So tiny.

[chuckles] How cute.

Oh! [laughs]

Oh, who's this one?

[gasps]

Oh.

I'm done. It's too cute.

Okay. Let's tackle the song in question.

Wait, let's listen first.

[fast, jazzy music playing]

Huh?

Are you serious right now?

Would we listen if I weren't? This number's yours, Kazushi.

No joke. We definitely need this song on our next album.

If we're all on board, I'll write some lyrics and record as is. Cool?

I have a question. For this recording, you played it all?

[Naoki] Mm-hmm.

We're in a rush, so I went ahead and did it. Apologies.

-What's with the arrangement? -Don't like it?

-[Kazushi] No. -Which part?

The song wasn't like this originally.

Everything about it sounds different.

[music stops]

[Naoki] Hmm.

Your version's beautiful and delicate.

It won't translate well. Trust me.

Translate?

Let me show you an example.

What do you think will happen

when someone listens to your song like this?

[tinny music playing]

-[clicks] -[music stops]

The song I created, it wasn't made to go through a cheap Bluetooth speaker.

This is the way that everybody listens now.

The average home setup isn't designed for hi-res audio.

They hear it through phone speakers

or through some cheap gas station headphones.

We wouldn't have any business if we didn't play into what they want.

Why go mainstream at all?

I know that.

That beautiful sound you created is delicate.

[quiet, tense music playing]

It can be your greatest weapon.

I won't ever ask you to change it.

I only question what you're trying to convey.

Make it pointed and focus on one thing.

You're showing everything in a wide-angle lens.

The amount of people

who notice the treasure in a landscape painting are few.

Even when the treasure's right in front of them.

-Honestly, that's just-- -Such a waste.

Trying to tune into how people will feel when they listen to your songs?

How could anyone starting out know that?

Or do you just think that everyone's a genius like you?

[Naoki] That's right.

No one else is a genius. It's irrelevant.

[music fades]

[Naoki] You won't get special treatment.

It's the nature of music.

-[Kazushi] Let me fix the arrangement. -[Naoki] When will you have it?

[Kazushi] For this, I'll only need half a day.

That works. I'll listen when you're done.

[door opens]

[door closes]

He might talk a big game.

Honestly… it seems like Naoki views you as an equal, Kazushi.

Most likely.

As an equal? That's more of a nuisance than anything,

when it's Sensei.

[edgy music playing]

[Yukino gasps] We're here!

[doorbell rings]

Ah, right there's okay. I'll call you when I want to return.

[woman] Yes. Understood. Don't forget this.

Ah, thank you.

Ah! Hey, girlfriend! [giggles]

What are you doing here? And why didn't I know?

Naoki called and said I was invited.

Managers always think they're so important.

Ah! Naoki! I'm here! [giggles]

Excuse me, please.

[music stops]

What's Yukino Sakurai doing here?

Well, I want some female vocals on one of our songs.

Yukino is working with Isagi!

-I don't care that she's trending-- -Miyako.

It's for the album, and she has the sound I want.

End of discussion.

[birdsong]

[Yukino] Try one. These chocolates are super trendy right now.

[Akane chuckles]

I wanted to talk more when I saw you last, Akane.

Really?

Of course I did.

TENBLANK is all I listen to.

[both chuckle]

Akane, you're so talented.

Usually, pretty girls can't play like that.

-[Akane] Uh, really? -[both chuckle]

[Yukino] Hey, good morning.

[Kazushi] Still, no one's cuter than Yukino, right?

[Yukino] What? [gasps]

-I never know what to say to a compliment. -[both giggle]

It's your awful personality that's the issue.

-Uh… these are-- -I wasn't lying, you know.

You're very pretty.

A lot cuter than I was back in the day.

-[gentle music playing] -[Akane] Uh…

So I got a little work done.

For a while, I kept getting overlooked during auditions.

Then I realized it was looks, so I fixed it.

I knew that my singing definitely wasn't the issue.

I just…

[sighs]

I love my sound whenever I sing.

I'm addicted to loving myself more.

I'm sure I'll love my voice on the next song I'm about to sing.

Even more so… a song with Naoki Fujitani.

Thanks for waiting. You ready?

Oh, finally! [giggles]

I was waiting for so long.

[sighs]

She's got it all.

She's so cool.

[Kazushi] You're cool leaving them alone?

Huh?

[playing slow, jazzy melody]

Sorry to throw you right in like this.

You ready?

[in Japanese] ♪ I wanna sing with you ♪

♪ Closer by your side ♪

♪ I wanna sing with you ♪

♪ Feeling the heat from your body ♪

[both] ♪ I wanna sing with you ♪

♪ No rush, taking our time ♪

♪ I wanna sing with you ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪

♪ Oh, ah ♪

♪ Mmm ♪

♪ Our blushing faces ♪

♪ Reflected in cups full of tea ♪

♪ Who are you looking at? ♪

♪ Pretending you don't know ♪

[both] ♪ Our gazes cross Full of warmth ♪

♪ Every time I trace The day we first met ♪

♪ A refreshing squall Falls smooth passing through ♪

♪ Dried-out macaroni tells the time ♪

♪ A refreshing squall Leads us toward our goal ♪

[Yukino] ♪ A teasing scent Brushes over pale skin ♪

[Naoki] ♪ I wanna sing with you ♪

♪ Closer by your side ♪

-♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪ -♪ I wanna sing with you ♪

[both] ♪ Feelin' the heat from your body ♪

♪ I wanna sing with you ♪

[both] ♪ No rush, taking our time ♪

[Naoki] ♪ I wanna sing with you ♪

[both] ♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪

[music fades]

[playing rock chords]

How are they doing?

They seem happy.

[tuts and sighs]

[sighs]

[sighs]

[fast drumming, muffled]

[drumming getting louder]

[drumsticks clatter]

[sighs]

What's the big deal? I'm giving up on that anyway.

[sighs]

[woman singing in Japanese]

[sighs]

Oh.

♪ No matter what else happens ♪

♪ The moon will be found by the sun ♪

♪ I could never bring myself to tell you ♪

♪ It's the same for you and me… ♪

I'm so sorry.

I never knew you could sing. You're really good.

I was supposed to sing with Naoki on this.

What?

Until he told me that it was better if he sang it on his own.

It's okay, don't worry. I'm fine with it now.

-Let me help. -It's okay.

The one thing I'm good for here is making dinner.

[Akane chuckles] That's not true.

Naoki's a master at vocals.

It's obviously the right decision.

I put TENBLANK first.

Strategically, it's better for the band if he sings alone.

No matter what, I'll ensure TENBLANK is successful.

[sighs]

If it isn't…

then my broken dreams will keep me up at night.

I'll help you out.

[Kai] I got it.

-[Akane] No, I'm helping. -It's okay.

-[Akane] It's no trouble. -You don't need to, really.

[Akane] Uh, so, where do we start?

[gentle piano music playing]

-[Yukino] Ah, it's hot. -[Naoki] Mmm.

[Akane] I got you a drink, Yukino.

-[Yukino] Thank you. -[Akane] Sure.

[Yukino] I love barbecues. This is everything. [giggles]

[Sho] You sure you don't wanna take over the grill?

I respect the Japanese pork. It deserves better, I promise.

-[Sho] Oh really? -[Yukino] Mmm. I'm loving these sausages.

-[Naoki] Here, round two. -[Yukino chuckles] What a gentleman.

[Naoki sighs]

[Yukino] Mmm. Mmm! [giggles]

Oh.

[Yukino laughing] It's so good!

Your meat's finally ready. Special delivery.

You can't get the creative juices flowing if you don't feed that brain of yours.

[chuckles]

Wanna listen?

Can I?

[fast, jazzy pop song playing]

Uh, this is… your original song, Kazushi. Nothing's changed.

I like it. It's a really nice song.

-[music stops] -[Kazushi] Thanks.

I mean it.

I like how elegant your piano is.

The chorus hook is great.

Are you serious? Did I do it or not?

I'm sorry?

The mainstream sound he wants.

He didn't like any of that, that jerk.

I understand now.

The sound. Screws up the rest of the song.

What I created was good on its own.

It challenges your drums on the track.

The sound you've created,

it goes along with the best sections of that guy's arrangement flawlessly.

[Akane] Oh.

If we asked, you could just adjust your sound to the piano section,

but if we do, it will end up boring.

Isn't that right?

Plus, he wants you to go crazy. To unleash your drumming.

I know, I'm sorry.

[scoffs] I don't know why you're apologizing.

Joining a band isn't what I thought it was originally.

[acoustic guitar playing]

Oh.

[Naoki singing in Japanese]

[Kazushi] Look at him.

He wanted a band. That guy wasn't lying.

[Akane] Hmm.

[Kazushi] Honestly, I always thought people who joined a band were idiots.

When we met, I thought you were the queen of idiots.

[Akane] What? [laughs]

But you know,

doing all of this songwriting together…

[Yukino singing]

Man, I really like it.

That's not all.

I didn't think I'd get to cocreate

and throw my ideas at one of the best out there.

[Akane] It's unreal.

Naoki's artistry is on a whole other level.

Plus, cocreating with him is great.

[Yukino] ♪ You are always Gonna be my love… ♪

Lately, though…

[Yukino continues in Japanese]

Things are getting really crazy, ya know.

Yeah, you're right.

And it's harder when you have a crush.

Huh? No.

Hey, are you cool with that?

-[Akane] What? -♪ You are always gonna be the one… ♪

[continues in Japanese]

I'd better go.

[key changes]

♪ You are always gonna be my love… ♪

[continues in Japanese]

♪ I'll remember to love ♪

♪ You taught me how ♪

♪ You are always gonna be the one ♪

[continues in Japanese]

♪ Now and forever ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

[music fades]

[acoustic guitar playing]

-That asparagus good? -[laughs] It is.

[Sho] That's good, you're eating your vegetables.

[Akane chuckles]

[new arrangement of Kazushi's song playing]

This sound, it's not Kazushi's anymore. It isn't Sensei's either.

It's TENBLANK's sound, right?

[in Japanese] ♪ I'm overflowing with sounds ♪

♪ And words I want to convey ♪

♪ Whether or not I have rare talent Is up to me ♪

♪ Where I want to go isn't that far away ♪

♪ I'm off to find out If I've got that rare talent ♪

♪ I want to shout it out ♪

♪ This unnamed sound Resonating deep in my throat ♪

♪ I just need to shout it out Shout it out ♪

♪ Until it reaches you ♪

[in English] ♪ Just play out loud ♪

[music fades]

[footsteps approaching]

So you're in here.

[Kai] That song from earlier.

I think we should go with your arrangement.

This band is really just another vehicle for you and your sound.

I don't know why you keep humoring them.

This could be so much more if you were solo.

It makes no sense. Miss Saijo's an amateur.

She was so caught up in practicing drums she got locked on that ship.

[Naoki] Interesting.

No one said there were drums on that boat. How'd you know?

[gasps]

Simple, because…

I think our time's come to an end.

[sobs]

[breathing shakily]

I had it. [gasps]

[sobs] It was right there.

I tried. [sobs]

I had a dream and it was taken.

I had a dream of singing in the band, but it's dead.

And I pushed on. I still kept working.

TENBLANK succeeding is the only dream I have. It's the truth.

[gasping]

[sobbing] I will do anything to make sure that TENBLANK works.

I know it seems bad, but… that's the reason.

[gasping shakily]

The truth is…

I get a say on the sound I create while working on the album.

Sho and Kazushi have equal input.

Akane too.

Their style is not what I'm used to.

That's the essence of TENBLANK, at its core.

That being said…

[Kai sniffles]

I'm sorry.

TENBLANK won't be working with you as you are.

[solemn music playing]

[Kai sobbing]

[Naoki] Go after her, will you?

[Kai] Why are you doing this?

-I could find a ride back. -No, I got you.

Here.

This is what you wanted, right?

The second I got there, you were hoping I'd go.

[Sho] Hmm.

You don't have to be so happy tearing me down.

You're not the only one doing it.

It's Naoki too.

And that girl.

[music fades]

She has a name.

I'll tell the truth if that matters.

I really didn't plan on doing it.

I saw her.

That girl. Rehearsing the song.

It was a live broadcast, so I thought she'd be nervous,

but she was having so much fun.

The way she was sinking into herself,

completely losing herself in the sound of her music.

I recognized it.

It was like Naoki. [gasps]

I locked her in before I'd realized it.

[somber music playing]

I thought that TENBLANK would suffer with her drumming in it.

And my goal was to have her quit.

What was really going on inside…

[sighs] It was jealousy.

That's clear now.

So many people have my talent.

Any one of them could replace me, even replace Yukino.

But…

there's no one who can do what she does.

Akane.

[Sho sighs]

I wasn't gonna go against the instincts of a genius.

My opinion, though?

I thought your vocals

were impressive.

Sensei, he said that he didn't want you "as you are," right?

One thing about him is he can't read the room. It's not like him to hold back.

[sobbing]

I think he's saying that what TENBLANK needs

is a version of you that's different from who you are now.

Stop the car!

-Hmm? -Stop the car!

Miyako!

It's dark out. I'll take you to the station.

You'll only break my heart even more!

-Miyako. -[sobs]

[sniffles]

[gasps and laughs]

[music fades]

-Akane! -Oh!

[Yukino giggles]

Try this face lotion.

I recommend it. It's so fire.

-Really? Thanks, Yukino. -Mm.

[chuckles]

[Akane] Oh…

It's crazy…

TENBLANK is incredible.

Huh?

Earlier tonight, it felt so unified around the fire.

That you're really collaborating together.

I wanted to destroy it.

-Yay! -Oh?

[giggles] Pound it!

[Akane chuckles awkwardly] Yeah. Yay.

Akane, listen.

After tonight, Naoki and I will be exclusive.

[Akane] Huh?

Stay out of the way? [giggles]

-Later, girl. -Uh, hang on.

[footsteps receding]

[Yukino] Hey.

He's not in here.

And he wasn't in his room.

[sighs] I went through all this trouble hoping for a sneaky visit.

[sighs]

Oh well.

[clicking mouse]

[piano music playing]

[gasps]

What?

[gasping]

All my songs are in here.

Because when it comes to Naoki, both of us know just how your mind works.

[dramatic, unsettling music playing]

[gasping]

[music fades]

[sighs shakily]

[gasps]

[sighs]

I'm still awake.

[piano music playing]

Hmm?

Sensei.

Oh, Akane? Hi.

Is everything okay?

[Naoki] My feelings don't really matter, you know?

[Akane] Uh…

Oh, yeah. I forgot.

You might like this thing I found.

[jingling]

[rattling]

It's so cute!

Oh, that's a…

Like Schroeder's piano in person. Cute too, right?

[Akane] Hmm. Was this yours?

My foster mother was a piano teacher.

[playing]

Whoa, that's cool.

Pressing C gives you E flat.

[singing in Japanese]

As a kid, I used to always play this song.

[improvising jazz]

[playing softer melody]

[Akane] Gods, if you're listening.

There is a someone.

Someone I like.

Dear gods,

I have this gift.

It's very important to me.

In this world,

why can't everything just end with that?

That's new. Fresh today.

[silence]

[dreamy music playing]

Sensei?

Sensei.

When I think of you…

[dreamy music continues]