Original subtitles

Excuse me!

KOREAN BBQ RESTAURANT

My name is Taiga Takamori.

Please sit down.

Thank you!

Why do you want to attend this school?

I used to dream of being a train conductor.

SHIBUYA GENERAL BEAUTY COLLEGE

Excuse me?

But railway companies

don't hire people without a high school diploma.

So, you know, how can I put it…

I guess you could say I hit a brick wall. So, I've decided to become a hairstylist--

"You could say"?

Yeah.

One of the reasons is that I can earn a high school diploma from this school.

But have you ever been interested in the beauty industry? I doubt it…

This industry is very demanding.

I'm aware.

My mom was a hairdresser once, but she was too weak-willed to continue.

Which is why I had decided I'd never be a hairdresser, but…

I don't care now that we've cut ties.

Hang on a minute.

You cut ties with her?

Wait, did I not tell you?

I told her I'll never see her again.

I am worried about Yuki, but…

I've had enough of her bleeding me dry.

I guess it was my fault for giving her money.

I see…

Show me.

I do think that helping people to become beautiful is exciting.

I'm also great at knowing what women want.

Not women, customers! Be careful during the interview.

Yes!

Good.

And the entrance exam consists of…

An interview, an essay, and an academic achievement test.

Academic achievement test… Nice, okay.

But it's a multiple-choice test,

so even if there's a question you don't understand,

you can make a guess.

Wait. So you mean it's like a bet?

A bet?

I guess that is one way of looking at it.

That's great! Alright then!

I will bet everything I have!

If I don't pass…

that's it for us.

What an awful joke!

I do have good intuition!

-Rock, paper, scissors, go! -Go!

-See? Try again. -Oh, wow.

-Rock, paper, scissors, go! -Yay!

-That's amazing! -Right?

-I have a sixth sense. -Wait, let's try again.

Rock, paper, scissors, go!

-See? -Again! Rock, paper, scissors--

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

HOLLYHOCK CLASS

I have something to tell you.

Regarding Ms. Ogawa, she has resigned due to family reasons.

-What? -She resigned?

I will be your homeroom teacher from this term.

It's so sudden…

Quiet! I will be supporting Mr. Sakura as Head of Grade.

So no need to worry.

Ms. Ogawa left this student file here.

I will be taking over while honoring how Ms. Ogawa felt for you all--

She ran away.

Family reasons?

I think that's a lie.

It's totally a lie.

-This is ridiculous! -Be quiet!

-Let's go. -Sit back down!

-We're going home. -What are you talking about?

Sit down!

Is it possible for Ms. Ogawa to speak to her students one last time?

I cannot invite someone who has resigned into our classrooms.

Half of the students are 18 years old.

They should be treated as adults.

I think lying will have a negative impact on them.

Mr. Sakura.

Do you think Ms. Ogawa can set a good example for the students?

Are teachers only allowed to set good examples?

I think teachers should show students

that even teachers can make mistakes and be unsure about things.

There's a limit to what we can teach by pretending to be completely righteous.

Um… Never mind.

Wait…

Can't they meet as long as it's not in a classroom?

Start!

Okay, 21… So 21 times 105 is…

105 is… Oh, I know!

A champagne tower and a tequila Ferris Wheel…

That's 150!

PIETAS GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL

Ms. Ogawa!

The students are waiting.

Okay.

Hey, girls! What are you doing?

You need to gather around!

There she is. The coward's here!

Why did you resign?

I mean, I don't really care but tell us the truth!

You got fired because of Kaoru, right?

Calm down, everyone!

-Listen to her-- -You're wrong.

I did something irresponsible as a homeroom teacher,

so I decided to resign by my own will.

I feel awful for putting you through this.

I am truly sorry.

Apologizing won't do anything.

That means nothing to us.

It was so fun to mess with you.

We can all study on our own, but we needed someone to vent to!

In that case, how about you vent it all out now?

Go ahead!

I'm not your teacher anymore.

-Say whatever you want! -You're always so annoying!

A pushover who just says yes to everything!

She said we can say whatever we want, let's do it!

Miss, your classes were incredibly boring!

Your small talk was even more boring!

You only ever stated the obvious.

You can't take jokes.

It was so obvious you wanted to be liked!

You're so lame!

So lame!

-Sorry… -Your fashion is also lame.

-So lame! -Your hairstyle and makeup too!

I'm sorry…

I wanted to keep ignoring you.

And make you cry…

You're the worst!

You're the worst person I've ever met!

-The worst! -Yeah, the worst!

How dare you quit like this!

-Thank you. -You're being irresponsible!

-Irresponsible! -You're a coward!

-So uncoordinated! -Thank you…

-Don't quit! -I hate you!

You taught us nothing!

Thank you.

Miss…

This isn't fair.

It looks so messy!

MY GOAL I WANT TO BE A HAIRDRESSER WHO MAKES…

What is this kanji?

"Happy"…

Period! Yes! I did it!

Miss…

Miss, this is so tough!

Miss!

I don't think I can do this!

Like this…

Huh? It's so warm.

I THINK THIS JOB SUITS ME

There! Another sentence done!

Wait, what?

It's been eight hours, and I've only done this much?

I'm so hungry!

Four hundred characters is so long! It'll take a lifetime to finish it!

I think there's no need to use difficult words.

Just write from your heart.

But I did quite well on the achievement test!

Wow, you do have good instincts!

My issue is I don't have enough time to read the questions.

Yes, about that…

You can request reasonable accommodation.

-Reasonable… what? -Reasonable accommodation.

People who have difficulty reading

can ask for a time extension or to have readings on the kanji!

No, thanks.

I want to pass this without special treatment.

Oh, wow…

How beautiful!

Wow! This is great!

Oh, I almost forgot!

I found this article the other day.

What?

The Miura Beach Fireworks Festival is back!

It's back!

Shall we go retrieve that sun umbrella?

The one I left at the restaurant?

They've probably thrown it away! It was a cheap umbrella!

I bet they're keeping it safe for us.

I bet that you're wrong!

Fine! We can go check who's right, then!

All right! The one who loses the bet buys dinner!

Fine, we can do that!

Your face is dirty.

Applicants, this way! Good morning!

Applicants, this way please!

All right! Whoa!

-Good morning! -Sorry.

Good morning!

Good morning!

Please start.

TAIGA TAKAMORI

2025 ENTRANCE EXAM

Quiet.

It's started.

God, I feel nervous too.

I feel like a mother with a kid going through exams.

I never would've thought a day would come that I'd be worried about Kaoru's exam.

-I'm not worried at all. -Really?

He studied so hard for this.

I'm getting sick of you bragging about him.

Oh, it's Mr. Kawahara.

Kawahara what's-his-name?

-Is he stalking us? -No way!

-I'm going to pick up. -Okay.

-Hello? -Sorry to call you out of the blue!

Are you doing well?

I am, thank you.

And you?

I'm getting transferred to another branch.

I wasn't sure if I should call you, but I just wanted to tell you myself.

I'm going to the New York branch.

New York branch?

That's so far.

It will put me on a good career track, so I'll do my best.

I know it's quite a boring life,

but I do want to climb the corporate ladder as high as possible.

It's not boring at all!

Do you really think so?

However, if you ever feel like you're losing yourself,

please don't push yourself too much.

That's very compelling, coming from you.

Okay. I'll bear it in mind.

Take care, okay?

You too, Mr. Kawahara.

See you.

MANAMI OGAWA DELETE THIS CONTACT

You can do it, Kawahara!

You can do it, Yoji!

You can do it, Kawahara!

You can do it, Yoji!

You can do it, Kawahara!

You can do it, Yoji!

Click!

I did it!

You seem very happy.

It's kind of annoying.

Manami, you finally found your true love.

Jeez! I'm so envious!

Out of all the people, I did not want to lose against you.

What do you mean?

You're so ditsy and awkward.

Watching you boosted my confidence.

I knew it.

But I think I've supported you enough through many frustrating events in return.

You worry so much about others' opinions and self-destruct,

and it's all because you're overly protective of yourself.

You seem cool and collected,

but you're just really scared of getting hurt.

I'm not the same anymore.

I love him and that's enough.

I have to live in the moment.

Acting all high-and-mighty now, are we?

You're teaching me how to love, huh?

Yeah.

Fine then!

I will not act like your mom anymore.

We're done.

I'll pay for everything.

Thank you, but you can just pay for yourself and go.

You leave first, then.

Why me? You leave!

Hey. A bite?

Right…

I BELIEVE

Is that okay?

CAREER PATH AFTER GRADUATION

TAIGA TAKAMORI STRONG ROAD AFTER GRADUATION

What a stupid mistake!

Oh, no. I don't have much time!

-Jeez! -Quiet, old man!

Old… man? Huh?

Yuki!

Miss.

Were you reading?

-Yeah. -What will we do with Yuki if we split up?

-I'll bring him up! It's better than you-- -You selfish woman!

There, we'll have lunch soon, okay?

-Okay. -Good.

Wait upstairs.

What can I do for you? My son has cut ties with me, you know?

He's taking an entrance exam for a beauty school right now.

Really?

Can I ask him to let you know if he passes the exam?

There's no way he'll be accepted!

I believe in him.

You need to be realistic.

When he was young,

I watched him struggle with schoolwork and I felt like it was my fault.

As if God was saying it was my fault that he's dumb because I'm dumb.

It made me not want to see his face.

I'm an awful mother.

But I'm sure you'll feel the same someday.

That's the reality.

One day, you'll want to run away from everything.

If that happens, we'll run away together.

Don't leave him.

Please take care of my son.

Mom?

Don't worry, I'm okay. These are happy tears.

Thank you.

Such a good boy. Thank you for comforting me.

Time's up!

Please pass the answer sheets to the person in front of you.

-Hurry… Sorry, one second! -You there, in the middle!

-The time is up! -Oh, I'm sorry.

Oh, no. I'm done for…

As long as you do well in the interview, you'll be fine!

You're right.

Thank you!

-Quiet! -Huh?

It says here you're 23 years old now. What were you doing up until now?

I was in nighttime hospitality.

And what made you want to become a hairdresser instead?

It's a very demanding job.

I understand.

Being a hairdresser is all about satisfying the customers.

I've dealt with hundreds of customers in my previous job.

-So I know how to make them happy-- -Hundreds?

Yes, at least.

How did it go?

Well…

I could only write half of the essay.

Don't worry too much.

-I'm coming now! -I'm not worried.

Also, you don't need to come here!

But…

I'm here already.

I think I was able to cover my shortcomings with the interview.

I'm so glad.

So you did perform well!

Well, I wouldn't say that but…

-I gave it my all! -What?

All right!

It's all thanks to you! Thank you so much!

You've got this!

SEPTEMBER 19 TAIGA TAKAMORI

SEPTEMBER 15 GOOD LUCK TOMORROW!

TAIGA TAKAMORI

The person you called cannot come to the phone right now.

Aren't the results announced today?

-Did he pass? -Sorry, I'll call you back later.

I don't think he passed the exam.

Gosh, the passing rate is supposed to be over 85 percent.

He did try hard to show us his sincerity, though.

I see.

Now you're on his side too? He's a skilled host, I guess.

He's someone Manami cares about dearly.

She can do much better than him.

I can't be with you anymore if you can't support

our daughter's choices.

What on earth are you saying?

-You know well how much I've done for her. -All you did…

You only took advantage of Manami.

I admit it's partially my fault.

I really tried.

I want a divorce.

Don't be ridiculous!

You can't survive without me.

I guess I'll just die then.

Enough!

I know you're there.

Please open the door.

Even if you didn't pass this time, there will be next time!

You did your best!

I think what you did was amazing!

Can you hear me?

I'm not going to leave until--

Miss.

Could you please not embarrass me in front of my neighbors?

Sorry to bother you.

I'm not depressed, you know.

But…

it was your first ever exam.

It must be quite a shock.

REJECTED

They said they sense my enthusiasm and that I should try again in the spring.

Please sit.

I won't have to do another interview.

That's great!

We can ask them to put readings on the kanji next time!

It's nothing to be embarrassed about.

I've given up.

What?

It's not that I'm discouraged.

I just think…

this is the reality.

I…

want to end this.

End this?

Yeah.

No more exams and no more us.

I'm done.

I told you.

I will bet everything I have!

If I don't pass…

that's it for us.

What an awful joke!

You thought I was joking, but…

I was very serious about it.

I had to put myself in a desperate situation to take that exam.

-I'm sorry. -What?

But it wasn't due to a lack of effort, you just haven't learned enough yet.

-So you will pass if you keep-- -What if I fail again?

What will we do?

What will happen then?

You will probably be so disappointed.

I've always disappointed people.

Not just my mom.

Since I was little, I stood out because I was tall.

And so I got a lot of attention in the beginning,

but then they'd realize I'm just another dumb kid.

Once I got older, as you can see I became unnecessarily good-looking,

so I started getting a lot of attention from girls, but…

they'd soon tell me ''Oh, you're not how I thought you'd be."

"What a let down!," they would say.

Which is why I don't want you…

I don't care about others, but you…

I don't want to disappoint you.

I won't be disappointed.

Yes, I taught you how to write, but you taught me a lot, too.

If I'd never met you, I would've been a coward all my life.

If that's the case…

I'm relieved!

Let's have a drink!

You know…

One last toast.

Here.

What's wrong?

My name is Kaoru! Let's drink! Cheers!

Do you want to be a host again?

What's your problem?

Don't look at me like that.

Well, guess what!

I've worked hard to be successful as a host

so that I can take care of myself without ever relying on others!

It might be a trashy industry,

but there are so many people who look down on others

and make fun of people in your elitist world!

I've always suspected that you secretly…

look down on me too!

That's not true!

You've toyed with my feelings and made me look like a fool.

Just leave!

I'm not leaving.

-Leave! Now! -No!

-Just go! -I am not leaving!

-Leave me alone! -No!

Stop it! No!

Get off of me!

Taiga!

-Stop it! -Taiga!

-No way, is that Kaoru? -It is!

-I'm back! -Congratulations! You're so hot!

Bang bang!

Good evening.

Oh, Boss. Sorry for the trouble.

It's okay. What's wrong?

You're going back to being a host?

Well, I figured that I still have ten to fifteen years

before I have to retire.

So I wanted to keep going until I can't do it anymore.

Well, that is totally up to you.

I've pulled out of the host club business, and I'm no longer your employer.

In that case, can I ask you something?

What is it?

Are you…

my… dad?

What did you just say?

Come on.

Are you okay? Feeling drunk already?

But I guess,

I am the one who named you Kaoru, so I'm like your godparent.

There was a character called Kaoru in a book I read when I was in prison.

He was described as someone with beautiful eyes who always smiles.

You reminded me of that character when you joined our club.

That's all.

What a great name! Thanks!

I guess I'll continue working in Kabukicho as Kaoru with a silly smile on my face,

so I can live up to the name you've given me and make you proud.

Kaoru!

You guys should join us!

Oh look, melon! I love melon!

I'm going to use all my savings today!

Did you come to tell me, "I told you so"?

Can I talk to you?

He failed the exam.

So he wants to break up with me.

But this isn't your fault.

If we do break up, it just means we didn't love each other enough.

It has nothing to do with you.

It's not your fault at all!

I didn't know.

Manami.

What happened to it?

I did it.

That's awful!

Your mom wants a divorce.

However…

I'm still not convinced that I was wrong.

All I know is that you…

are not mine anymore.

I'm so sorry.

Make sure you lock the door.

Cheers to Kabukicho!

Let's go!

Come on, have a drink!

Wait, you look like you're cold!

Do you want to wear this?

You're warm now.

This is great!

I'm having so much fun!

So much fun!

So much fun…

This is the best!

The best night!

It's the best…

If that's all, could you please sign here?

TAIGA TAKAMORI

Thank you.

We'll take care of the rest.

We'll take care of the rest.

I'd like to share my favorite tanka poem as my self-introduction.

It's from Takuboku Ishikawa's poem collection, A Handful of Sand.

What do you think the word "big" symbolizes?

It can be interpreted in many ways, but I think…

"big" means "the burden of a dream that is too big."

-Welcome! -Welcome.

I left a sun umbrella last time I was here.

Oh, yes! We kept it for you!

Sit anywhere you like!

-Can I have a hot coffee? -Sure!

Are you here for the fireworks?

Kind of…

MIURA BEACH FIREWORKS FESTIVAL IS BACK!

It's been six years since it was canceled due to COVID, so I'm excited!

Here's your sun umbrella, and I was also told to give you this.

MS. MANAMI OGAWA

TAIGA TAKAMORI

Ms. Chihuahua, how are you?

I'm doing well.

Thank you for teaching me so many things.

The reason I felt so comfortable in the host club world

was because it was built on lies.

I was always scared that if I told people how I really felt,

they would leave me.

But with you, I was able to be honest.

You were the first!

Meeting you, I realized

that maybe I've lived my life wanting to tell people how I really felt,

which is so out of my character.

Which is why I'm glad I couldn't write kanji.

Because if I were able to write kanji, we wouldn't have ended up together, right?

So, I…

Sorry, is this the only thing he left?

Yes, it is.

Why don't you ask him yourself?

Right?

Yeah.

What is wrong with you?

Taiga Takamori!

You called, Miss?

What were you going to do if I didn't come?

I knew you'd come!

You can't forget about me!

You narcissist!

The letter wasn't finished.

Yeah.

I couldn't end it.

That's why I didn't use a period at the end.

I used a comma instead.

It was on purpose.

A comma.

It means the sentence will continue.

This is a period. It marks the end of a sentence.

Using a period also indicates that you're starting a new sentence.

Does it?

You should've told me that!

I'm…

planning to apply to that beauty school again.

Are you moved?

Kind of.

I thought you'd be happier than that!

Well, you didn't write my name correctly.

What? Really?

-The kanji for "Love" is missing a dot. -The kanji for "Love"?

No way! Damn it!

Not this one.

This one!

A line…

-And then one, two, three dots. -Three dots. Yes.

The kanji for "Heart."

Oh, hang on.

Was I missing a dot for "Heart"?

-Exactly. -Oh, no!

The kanji for "Love" is difficult to write.

-That's it! -Looks good!

The "Heart" in the middle can neither be

too small or too big to write it beautifully.

-But right now… -Looks good, no?

I just want to love him with all my heart.

You're too harsh!

The memory of being loved is enough to give people the courage to keep going.

Even if someday we go our separate ways.

Still, the memory of being loved

should help him move forward in life.

Straight to the end…

Done! How is it?

Very good! Passed with flying colors!

LOVE

I'm going to work!

-I'll eat when I get home! -Okay!

Let me know when you're heading home!

Right, some udon noodles.

Tomatoes and kimchi.

Tofu, and egg. Okay!

That should be good.

Three packs of udon. Is that too much?

THE REVISED ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS ACT LAW WAS ENACTED ON JUNE 28, 2025

Subtitle translation by: Emily J.