Original subtitles

I feel like I've finally caught you.

Mizuki.

What are you doing out here?

Ms. Kumi.

Ms. Kumi?

I believe what is most important of all, is to acknowledge that this is your life to live.

Is she an acquaintance of yours?

She's the person who gave birth to me.

So, she's his mother?

Let me introduce.

This is Ms. Yukino Katsuragi.

She is my significant other.

Yukino Katsuragi. It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am.

I see.

So you are...

It was nice seeing you, Mizuki.

I'll call again.

More on Ms. Kumi?

Yes.

I couldn't help but be curious after all that.

Would you mind telling me more about her?

Well, I honestly don't remember much of when she was around.

She apparently left when I was six,

because things weren't going well between her and my dad.

Meanwhile, my dad got remarried so often,

I didn't exactly have a clear idea on what a "mother" was.

That's when she introduced herself to me, two years ago.

Mizuki.

And you are?

You don't recognize me?

I am... your mother.

I've missed you dearly.

She must've been searching for you.

Were you happy to see her?

Not at all. I was frozen in shock.

Mother or not, to me, she's practically a stranger.

She's hysterical whenever we meet. Honestly, she's just trouble.

Then why do you still associate yourself with her?

I don't know.

I bet it's because you have a kind heart.

Huh?

I mean, I certainly wouldn't have the patience to humor someone who went into hysterics every time I visited.

I hope your mother understands that someday.

Your kindness isn't something she should take for granted.

This is the first time I've confided in someone about this.

Can I? No one's looking.

You're testing your luck...

Sorry. I couldn't help myself.

I've got to stay on my toes.

[Snack Bar Reiko]

Thank you, dears.

Come again, and take care!

Good night.

- Oh my, Yukino! - Good evening.

- Come on in. - Thank you.

Good evening.

Where's Mizuki? Or are you alone today?

Yes. I had something I wanted to ask you two.

- Of course, dear. - Come, sit.

I see. So you've met Ms. Kumi.

Yes.

From what I see, Aoshima struggles with his mother.

When the divorce was underway, Mizuki was the one who decided to stay with his father instead of her.

He chose his father?

Why?

His father claims it was because Mizuki thought his mother

could make do alone.

When I first met Mizuki, he acted mature for a middle schooler.

He was quite the perceptive boy.

Yet he was never good at respecting his own boundaries,

and kept accidentally leading girls on in high school.

His inclination is always to please other people.

The definition of "considerate", really.

You must have been surprised to hear he wasn't thinking of marriage, yes?

I was.

Mizuki grew up with divorce as a constant in his life.

I think he struggles to understand what it means to "become family".

Thank you all for your contributions.

It's been an honor leading this project, and may "Black Strong Coffee" be a roaring success.

- Great work, team. - Great work.

- Great work to you too, sir. - Great work.

Great work out there.

Likewise.

[Fully Booked - Manraitei Izakaya]

We've truly accomplished great things, everyone.

Here's to our success. Cheers!

- Cheers. - Cheers.

- Boss. - Yeah?

- Could we get three highballs and pig's feet for us over there? - Coming up.

It's a night to celebrate, so eat up!

Will do.

Enjoying yourself, Katsuragi?

- Don't worry about me, go relax with your Osaka team. - It's fine.

Tell me, how did things go with Aoshima?

I still don't know what our future holds.

But we'll take it one step at a time in our own way.

- I see. - Yeah.

Well, you'll manage. If nothing else, you'll stay alive and kicking.

Was that supposed to be a compliment?

Ouch...

Missus Katsuragi!

- Come hither! - I've been summoned over.

- Boss, could I get another glass? - Sure thing.

Mr. Fujiwara, could I have a minute?

Sure, what's up?

I owe you an apology. I'm sorry.

What spurred this on?

I was jealous of you.

You're a suave, mature adult, capable of work.

Not to mention Ms. Yukino once had a thing for you.

Jealous? I'm honored.

But rest assured.

From now on, I will protect Ms. Yukino for the rest of our days.

How reliable.

No wonder Katsuragi's able to relax.

Unlike when we were together, she's actually enjoying herself.

I suppose I owe that to you, eh?

Sorry.

Honey, what's up?

What?

Yeah.

I'll call again later.

Holy cow.

What's the matter, my man?

My wife's due with our second.

Congratulations!

How? You were having an affair.

How? Because we're husband and wife, that's how.

- Congrats! - I'm speeding back to Osaka.

See you all around!

You looked surprised to hear Mr. Fujiwara's news.

Long story short, stuff happened between him and his wife.

Let's just say it took me for a loop.

I suppose married couples come in all sorts of configurations.

Not like it's something I fully understand, though.

It's definitely a tricky thing to figure out, that's for sure.

We're here.

Will you be staying over tonight?

Sorry, not today.

I have some work I need to wrap up by tomorrow.

I see. Good luck on that.

Ms. Yukino.

- Yes? - What do you think about moving in together?

Huh?

If our "home" is the same, we can spend more time together.

I'll respect your need for time alone, of course.

Moving in together is a big deal.

It's not something I can act on just yet.

- Sorry... - No, that was my bad. Forget everything I just said.

Thanks for seeing me back.

Anytime.

Well then... good night.

Night.

I put her on the spot, again...

Oh?

Are you moving out, Ms. Kimura?

Well, I've been thinking of tying the knot with my boyfriend.

Big steps.

Right. So I've been hunting for an apartment for two.

I'm hoping if I appeal that the space is too big for myself,

he'll catch on, and propose.

That's some pressure you're putting on your man.

What's this I hear about moving?

Nothing's set in stone, yet...

Aoshima asked to move in together?

You must've had major karma points in a past life or something.

I didn't agree to it though.

Maybe if I was younger, I would've jumped at the opportunity.

No, I get you. It's not easy taking a plunge when there's no clear outcome.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my time with Aoshima now.

It's just, when I think about how this could lead to nothing...

Yeah, tell me about it.

What's up, Takako? You've lost your usual mojo.

Actually, I've been recommended for a promotion.

Seriously?

They want me as Head of Sales. The first woman to ever do it.

The very first? That's amazing!

Except, I'm conflicted.

Why?

My child's still young.

Can I really juggle more responsibility, and childcare?

This would be great for my career, I know that. But...

Anyway, I'm in a similar boat.

I've always been great at planning my career in the long term.

But when it comes to my personal life, I struggle even with simple choices.

I can relate.

Yeah...

I suppose Takako isn't without her own worries, huh?

Hers far outweigh my own, though.

Ms. Yukino Katsuragi?

Good evening.

I am Mizuki's mother, if you may recall.

W-Why is his mother here?

Currently working overtime. What're you up to, Ms. Yukino?

I miss her already.

I apologize for visiting without notice, [SK Total Salon CEO - Kumi Sakamoto]

but I shall skip all preamble.

Of course.

Please cut all your ties with Mizuki.

Pardon?

I've always regretted parting ways with Mizuki.

After the divorce,

I was desperate enough making a living on my own.

I worked multiple jobs,

studied business, and built up my company as it is today.

I put my whole heart into this endeavor.

Yet people are influenced by money and power. They're quick to betray.

That is when I realized I could only entrust this company to my own kin.

With all due respect, I believe this is irrelevant to my relationship with Aoshima -

Mizuki wasn't exactly displeased to take my place as CEO.

Except, he suddenly turned down my offer without any notice.

I have you to blame for his change, no?

Aoshima never spoke about this once with me.

If he wishes to join your company, it is not my place to stop him.

This issue is between yourself and Aoshima.

I am fully aware this is between myself and my son.

In that case...

I believe Aoshima is hesitating, because he remains unsure of his relationship with you.

But he stays, because he's kind.

Indeed.

And that kindness is exactly what I gambled on.

Ever since I reunited with Mizuki two years ago,

I've acted the part of a hysteric woman.

I needed him to believe there was a mother in need of her son.

I needed the idea to truly fester within him.

No...

You used Aoshima's kindness for your own gain?

I'm truly a despicable mother, no?

I hear that boy is not thinking of marriage.

Do you have the conviction to stay with him, despite that?

Well, I...

If you do decide to continue your relationship with Mizuki,

know that I am the mother you must ultimately deal with.

Thank you for the delicious tea.

I couldn't even argue against her.

Maybe I still lack the conviction to go forth with this, after all.

Ms. Yukino.

Huh?

Ms. Yukino.

Aoshima?

Did something happen yesterday?

You usually respond to my texts, so I got worried.

I can't tell him his mother came to visit...

Sorry.

I forgot, that's all.

Is everything okay?

Tell me, why the long face?

Don't worry about moving in together, if that's what this is about.

Take your time to think about it.

I mean, I'd love to move in together sooner rather than later.

But more importantly, I don't want it to stress you.

I can't take this anymore.

I never wanted Aoshima to look so sad.

Ms. Yukino?

None of this is your fault.

I just need you to give me a bit more time, okay?

Sorry.

No, I understand.

Can I make a request instead?

Since tomorrow's a weekend, let's go on a date.

A date?

This looks like I'm trying too hard.

This one makes me look old.

I can't even decide what clothes to wear tomorrow.

Do you have the conviction to stay with him, despite that?

How does one gain "conviction"?

Moving in together is a big deal.

It's not something I can act on just yet.

When you said you weren't thinking about marriage...

it honestly shook me, badly.

I've only ever been imposing myself on her, haven't I?

Pathetic.

Good evening.

I'll be seeing myself in, thank you.

I'm here thirty minutes ahead of schedule.

Guess I came a little too early.

Aoshima?

He's already here too.

Aoshima.

Ms. Yukino. You're early.

So are you.

Is everything okay?

You look a bit glum.

Are you feeling under the weather?

Nope, just fine.

Shall we?

Where should we start?

I'd say here.

Sounds good. Let's have some fun.

I'll get on first.

Are you alright?

Come on.

- Here you go. - Thank you.

Which flavor?

I'll take... vanilla.

I wanted vanilla, too.

We should take a selfie.

Say cheese.

Let's try out this photo booth.

- Together? - Yes.

No, thanks.

- Come on. - But -

Over here.

Raise your hands higher.

I just need to accumulate fun memories with him like this.

Pucker up.

Photo booths nowadays are crazy.

- Look at this. - Yeah, it definitely caught me off guard.

- Let's go there next. - Sure.

Maybe then, I'll gain the conviction I need to stay with him.

I had loads of fun today.

Same here.

Thanks for inviting me out.

This will give me the motivation I need to work hard next week.

Ms. Yukino.

There's something I need to tell you.

I...

I won't be able to see you anymore.

What?

[Aoshima-kun is a Bully!]