Original subtitles

Are you okay?

Were you still asleep, Doctor?

Fuki. Good morning.

Thanks for coming with me to the vet the other day.

No problem. How's the cat doing?

Oh, that one's fine. But this time…

This one's in heat.

I never imagined getting seduced at this age, you know?

That's true.

Still, plenty of men keep their libido until the very end.

If anything…

So, he's been chatting over tea

for nearly an hour this early in the morning?

An old guy she met on a dating app for seniors

asked her to have sex.

Seriously?

Man, I guess even seniors are like that these days.

Well, at least she kind of understands what our clinic does now.

True.

That old man the other day just came in for a cavity.

This place used to be a dental clinic, so it's bound to happen.

Yeah. But still…

Maybe they already know, and just find an excuse to talk to him.

Huh?

Even just cuddling up to each other

can deepen intimacy and help you feel safer.

SHIMOTORI

WE DID A FEATURE ON THIS PLACE. I WANT TO CHECK IT OUT ON MY DAY OFF.

WHEN ARE YOU FREE?

The end of the line is here.

The end of the line is here.

This way, please.

Man, oshikatsu has really gone mainstream.

A four-trillion-yen market which is bigger than gaming.

The global market is worth 200 trillion yen.

That's bigger than the national budget.

I miss when they just called us "otaku."

Wait, you're an otaku?

Let's start interviewing those people over there.

Got it.

How do you usually hear about events like this?

Well, mostly through X and Instagram.

I see. How did you all meet?

We actually met for the first time today.

For the first time today?

What kind of oshikatsu do you usually do?

Well, we travel around…

We take photos with our acrylic stands and plushies.

I see.

Look at all that merch!

Did you buy them with your allowance?

Some of these are rewards for studying hard.

I see. Your oshi motivates you, huh?

How can you study so hard?

Because I love my oshi.

If you don't tell someone you love them, they won't know.

Don't you think so?

You're right.

So you blocked her on LINE.

Even if you get into a deep relationship with someone,

it doesn't mean that tragedy will repeat itself.

The same applies even if you have sex with them.

It's disgusting, imagining myself having sex.

So instead of connecting with others, you get invested in your patients?

You need a close partner,

an X, whom you can truly connect with.

Don't run away.

You should get deeply involved with someone.

Someone who isn't your patient.

I'm heading out.

Have a good night.

Have a good night.

Good work today.

Where do you buy clothes like that?

Thrift shops mostly. Or I make them myself.

-Wow, with a sewing machine? -Pretty much.

-See you. -Have a good night.

You can head home too.

Right. Have a good night.

Have a good night.

I MADE DINNER!

I'M STARVING!

Hot pot in this heat?

Are you okay?

Not feeling well?

I'm okay. Just stomach cramps.

SORRY. GO AHEAD AND EAT WITHOUT ME

It's lavender and chamomile herbal tea.

-It helps with period cramps. -Thank you.

Mio Inoue, 17 years old.

And her guardian?

I contacted her mother and got her consent.

She's on her way now.

Your first menstruation was last year?

Yes.

That's pretty late, isn't it?

Don't worry.

Some people get their period later than others.

Mine was late too.

I got it during P.E. in high school.

I was so embarrassed I totally panicked.

Really?

But your cycle is irregular,

and the pain gets so bad you can't even walk.

That's a little concerning,

so let's consult a gynecologist and monitor your condition.

If anything worries you, please come talk to us anytime.

Sex therapist?

I specialize in sex and sexual concerns.

Gross.

Huh?

Sex is gross. I'm not interested in it.

But if you're an expert on that kind of stuff,

can you tell me how I can have sex with my oshi?

S&X

Fairy Café?

It’s a kind of concept café.

The staff probably dress up like fairies and serve customers.

Not exactly the kind of place you'd know, Professor.

As if I'd ever go there.

Apparently, she works there part-time for fun and extra cash.

For fun and extra cash?

To get closer to her 2D oshi,

she's trying to become like a 2D character, she says.

So she prefers 2D characters to real people, huh?

I hear things like that a lot from the students in my lab.

"Relationships aren't worth the effort,"

or "My oshi would never betray me."

Nowadays, each year, hundreds of people hold weddings

and even fill out marriage certificates with fictional characters.

Man, I'll never understand that.

You won't know if you understand it until you experience it.

Right?

Runerune firifiri moyamoya rin.

Here's your magic powder.

Why do I have to do this trial job?

The manager said fairies don't have genders.

What?

No. That's not the problem--

Shh!

Koropokkuru, fairies don't raise their voices.

Right.

Koropo?

Welcome, little lost one!

Here. Fairies love apples, right?

I'll give you one. Do that thing again.

-What? No way. -That spell thing.

-Enough. Go home! -One more time.

Would you like to come in?

Hello.

Give me a break.

They're even making me mop floors!

Sorry.

But you can keep the pay.

Obviously!

Anyway, this place feels kind of shady.

How so?

Well…

Some of the staff get asked out by customers.

Here.

Without the café knowing.

Okay, then…

I'm off next Saturday, so I'll see you there.

Got it.

-Good work, Koropokkuru. -Good work.

Thanks. Same to you.

I asked the manager to let you do the trial job for three days.

What?

Three days?!

We might learn something, so hang in there a little longer.

Huh? Wait a minute…

Wow.

Good morning.

-Hello. -Hello.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Mitarai, I watched the oshikatsu footage.

-I liked it. -Thank you.

This is amazing.

According to a national survey,

nearly 20% of students have had feelings for a fictional character.

That really surprised me.

How about this as our angle?

"Real love for 2D characters."

Right? People will eat that up. Write it down.

-"Real love"? -Yeah.

Instead of framing it casually like that,

what if we focused on the darker side of oshikatsu,

like people selling sex or becoming victims of sexual abuse?

That might be a bit too serious.

Even the news needs a more upbeat angle.

Upbeat?

Otherwise, we won't pull ratings.

Besides, sex and stuff doesn't suit your image, Ichinose.

Right?

Well…

How about Ms. Ichinose comments at the end

to raise awareness about those issues?

I see.

Either way,

if we're covering this, we need more concrete examples.

Not just outside speculation.

Concrete examples. Yeah. Okay.

Anyway, I think "Real Love" will resonate with people.

-Let's go with that angle, Mitarai. -Got it.

But keep it light.

-Okay. -I'm counting on you.

Thank you.

Next up, the omurice.

CAN WE TALK FOR A BIT?

You said you'd listen to me anytime, Shimotori!

Here.

Thank you.

I'll try pushing for it again.

You gave me a chance on your show, and yet…

I'm sorry.

Still, you're amazing,

speaking your mind like that.

I just follow the script exactly.

Well…

You're busy, after all.

I use that excuse on myself too.

That's why, when I see you, I get a little discouraged.

I'm the same way.

My juniors are always passing me by.

Miku too.

Well, she was pretty much the big new star hire.

But you know, reporters only grow out of diapers after 30.

You're just getting started.

See you.

And… a heart!

MICCHI

All right.

UNDINE

It turned out super cute!

Wow, I'm so happy!

Here you go.

Thanks.

Ready?

You lost!

-Yay! -I lost?!

-You lost! -Ugh, no way!

Please save me, Hijiri!

Shukuchi!

Damn! You bastard!

Sorry I'm late, Kaya. Are you hurt?

Hijiri!

Hijiri, you bastard! You understand, don't you?

Laying a hand on the Shukutai means defying the emperor emeritus!

In other words, you're raising a blade against this country's god!

If it's to protect her,

I'll cut down anyone, even a god!

Kaya, don't worry.

I promise--

Ichinose.

Hey, how have you been?

Wait.

Can I come in?

Of course. Come in.

Thanks.

Wow.

Do you take care of all these?

Oh, no. Our office staff, Natsume, does.

I haven't done anything.

We got the plants from the previous owner.

You could say Natsume works here because she likes them so much.

Have a seat.

Shoot.

Sorry for dropping by.

I couldn't get in touch with you, and I got worried.

I took the plunge and came by.

Well…

Things have just been busy.

Ow, that's hot!

Can I take your word for that?

Huh?

It's just…

I thought you hated me.

That's not it.

Not at all.

That's good then.

-Are you interested? -Huh?!

In Kenseikitan.

One of my clients likes it, so I've been studying up on it.

-Here you go. -Thanks.

I see.

It's really popular, isn't it?

Is Hijiri-kun their oshi?

You know about it?

We're covering it right now.

I see.

Like this.

Hijiri-kun's fans bought out a digital billboard for his birthday.

That's amazing.

I think they're lucky

to be able to devote themselves like that to someone.

Even if it's a 2D character,

I wish I could love someone that sincerely.

Have you

never had someone like that?

I wouldn't say never.

But I don't think I've ever had a real romance.

A lot of people approach me because I'm on TV a lot.

And I learn the hard way.

Sometimes I get serious,

but once we sleep together, they ghost me.

So I became scared of love.

You take trains, huh?

What?

You're a public figure though.

Of course I take trains. I'm still just a company employee.

But just in case…

There.

What do your patients come to your clinic for?

Things like ED?

We do get a lot of erectile dysfunction cases.

If you include mild cases,

they say 18 million men in Japan have it.

That many?!

Do you have female patients too?

Yeah. Not that many though.

I'm glad.

Huh?

They have someone they can talk to.

Women have sexual concerns too.

And sexual desires.

If you ever want to talk, I'm here.

Do you mean it?

You haven't even read any of my messages.

I mean it. I'll reply properly from now on.

I'm kidding.

Women have sexual desires too.

Don't run away.

You should get deeply involved with someone.

Someone who isn't your patient.

YUMI ICHINOSE

UNBLOCK? CANCEL / UNBLOCK

UNBLOCK

YOU HAVE UNBLOCKED YUMI ICHINOSE

Hey, Yuta?

Are you ever gonna work at your family's hospital?

Why would I?

There's no way.

I've cut ties with my parents and my brother.

Your brother's running it now, right?

Even if I asked to work there,

he wouldn't want me there.

Not that I'd ever ask.

I see.

That's a relief.

Yeah?

I like living in Tokyo.

Anyway,

I'm glad you got transferred to dermatology.

Back when you were in psychiatry, you looked completely overwhelmed.

Plus,

it didn't seem like you had time for this stuff.

Yeah.

I can't tell her I'm working for a doctor who's basically a weirdo,

doing work that's turning me into a weirdo too.

We have a customer who's a fan of yours, Koropokkuru!

Really?!

Now, little lost one.

I'll cast a spell to make it extra tasty.

Here! Runerune firifiri moyamoya rin!

Here's your magic powder!

Hey, old man.

I'm Koropokkuru.

Why are you working here?

W-Why?

Stay away from Mio.

What?

I said stay away from Mio!

Huh? Mio?

You're an Undine fan?

Then come when she's working. She'll be here later--

I don't care! Just quit already, old man!

O-Old man?

Fairies don't have ages either.

Manager…

A guy friend came on to you, and that's what got you into this?

We're in the same grade, and we're both into anime.

We even went to events together.

Then one day, he said he wanted to come over.

I wanted to show him my collection and stuff, so…

And then…

All of a sudden,

he kissed me

and started touching my chest.

I got scared and told him no, and he said,

"Then why did you let me in?"

If I'd had sex with him back then,

maybe we'd still be friends now.

I kept thinking that over and over.

And that was when you really got into

Hijiri-kun?

2D characters will never look at me that way.

Even without touching each other,

we can still feel connected.

That said, I do look at Hijiri that way.

But deep down, I understand.

After all,

my periods started late.

I'm still just a kid.

I have to step into the real world someday to grow up.

No. That's not--

Crap! My shift!

All right. These are for you.

Are you sure?

Yeah. Take care of them, okay?

Oh, Micchi's coming by today.

Micchi?

He's become my fan lately.

I used to be all about oshikatsu,

but being someone's oshi is actually pretty fun too.

I talk too much in here.

I'd better go!

Thank you.

Take care of them, okay?

Yay, I gave them to him!

This is for you.

Next time…

You're meeting outside the café?

Yeah. But we're just going to a Kenseikitan event.

-Really? -I thought you didn't do outside dates.

I did too.

I figured Micchi might be okay.

Well, he's a really big fan of yours.

But just stick to the event, okay?

No karaoke or anything.

Private rooms are a no-go.

Yeah. I know.

By the way, Micchi's cute, right?

-You think so too? -Yeah.

Is he older than us?

He said he's a fourth-year in college.

-Oh. -He's smart!

I'm heading out.

Natsume.

You mentioned that you sometimes make clothes, right?

Yes.

Do you think you could make something like this?

Undine.

Or should I say, Mio?

Did you wait?

All right. Let's go.

The end of the line's that way.

Not there.

I came here by car, so let's go for a ride.

But…

I don't wanna get into a car.

Really? But the line's huge.

And it's hot here.

Shukuchi.

Sorry to keep you waiting, Mio.

Doctor…

Who the hell are you?

She's a minor. Where do you think you're taking her?

If it's to protect her,

I'll cut down anyone, even a god!

Wow!

What the hell? You creep!

Doctor, how did you…?

Well, Saikawa--

I mean, Koropokkuru told me.

I was so scared.

It's okay.

I got carried away with being someone's oshi--

Don't come near Mio dressed like that, you creep!

-It's pathetic! -Takeru!

Stop, Takeru!

He's a doctor from the clinic! He helped me!

Could you be…

Ow…

Thank you.

No problem.

You were keeping an eye on the Fairy Café, right?

That place

had shady rumors about girls sugar dating outside the café.

Just like Hijiri-kun would,

you were trying to protect Mio from danger, weren't you?

I wasn't…

Instead of protecting her, I ended up hurting her.

I like 2D characters too,

but it's not like I'm not interested in real people.

I thought Mio felt the same way.

I figured it was okay since she let me into her room.

You ended up lashing out because you were embarrassed.

But after that, I looked into a lot of things.

I learned what "sexual consent" is.

You learned that being alone in a room with someone

doesn't mean they're consenting to sex.

Yes.

Mio…

I'm really sorry.

I hope we can go back to being friends.

You don't have to give your answer right now.

I know it's kind of late to ask,

but why are you cosplaying as Hijiri-kun?

Listening to you talk about him,

I became a fan too.

Dressing up like Hijiri-kun

gave me a little more courage than usual.

Then…

Starting today, the three of us are oshikatsu buddies.

Huh?

Why don't we go inside, since we're already here?

Drink it up. You too, Doctor.

Okay.

Come on. Do you want liquid sugar?

I'm okay.

I found my first real-life oshi.

What?

Thank you, Doctor.

-Doctor, scoot a little closer. -Oh, okay.

I should be thanking you.

Love can take many different forms.

I think you taught me that.

Ready?

-Yes. -Yes.

Even without a physical relationship, people can still connect emotionally.

You gave me a prescription, Mio.

A prescription?

You had it rough,

Koropokkuru.

Seriously, stop calling me that.

It's crazy how invested the doctor gets in all this.

Yeah. It's a problem, huh?

It's frustrating.

Okay, that's enough.

No. I'm taking about myself.

I'm frustrated with myself.

He drags me around, but I end up seeing his point.

And I'd get a little emotional too.

You two might actually make a good match.

I see why Professor Kurusu recommended this place for you.

Please stop.

I'm gonna find something else to do and quit being a nurse.

Oh, yeah?

Saikawa, Natsume, you can head out now.

Thank you for today.

Because I love my oshi.

If you don't tell someone you love them, they won't know.

Don't you think so?

Oh, a feature on Hijiri-kun?

You're right.

You're really into it now, huh?

Oh, yes.

-Who was this reporter again? -Huh?

Ichinose?

Oh, that's right.

She's pretty, isn't she?

Totally my type.

Saikawa, Natsume, you can head out now.

Wait a minute.

Wasn't the lady who called the doctor also named Ichinose?

-What? -Oh, you're right.

Good work today.

Huh? Wait. No way.

There's no way.

No, absolutely not.

So, how is he doing?

I can't say due to patient confidentiality.

Patient? Isn't he more like an experiment to you?

Don't say that. You make it sound scandalous.

Well…

I'll be watching to see how this plays out.

Shimotori?

Yes. This is Shimotori.

You called me.

Um…

If you're okay with it,

I was hoping we could meet again.

Even without a physical relationship, people can still connect emotionally.

I wonder if the prescription I gave might work on me too.

I'm impressed.

People actually talk about things like sexual consent.

With all that in mind,

some people might think love isn't worth the effort.

But I think there's that much value in love.

-Sorry. -Sorry.

We got soaked.

I shouldn't have insisted on going to another bar.

It's okay.

This guerrilla rainstorm came out of nowhere.

Localized heavy rain.

What?

Localized heavy rain.

"Guerrilla" isn't really a nice term.

Just what I'd expect from a former weather presenter.

Stop it.

Here.

Thanks.

What should we do?

We might catch a cold.

That's true.

I'll go get a taxi.

If you don't tell them,

they won't know.

Shimotori!

Sorry.

Even for a kiss,

you need sexual consent, right?

I…

I like you.

I liked you back then,

and I still do.

So…

So…

Subtitle translation by: Yuki Asami