Original subtitles

Nice to meet you. I'm Kusunose Rin.

What? You don't believe me?

It's the same one that I put on social media. I'm the real Kusunose.

Are you the one who stopped the printing press?

That's very perceptive of you.

We don't have much time, so I've written an interview article.

Am I thoughtful?

Oh, right.

In the meantime, let's take some candid shots.

Take pictures.

Why are you doing this?

You're the one who asked for the interview, right?

You've been hiding your identity and living as a masked writer all this time.

What will happen to you when the interview article comes out?

Don't make it sound too flippant.

People will find out anyway.

If that's the case, I'd prefer Most to be the first place to reveal my identity.

Please protect Most.

Come on, say hello.

Hi. I'm the vice president.

You said that so easily!

No way!

Stop!

How rude of you.

You look great in the suit!

It reminded me of the 7-5-3 festival.

Oh, for God's sake, Aunt Ranko.

Can you use your power as vice president to prevent the discontinuation of Most?

Well...

I asked my dad before,

but he said he couldn't overrule the board's decision.

I'm sorry.

Connecting to the answering service center...

I've read your interview article.

I can't sacrifice your life to Most.

(From a Mysterious Masked Writer to a Symbol of the Literary World)

(Kusunose Rin: Interview Article/Delete)

(A week later)

Good morning.

Good morning. Thank you for your work.

Thanks.

Excuse me.

(An Exclusive Interview with Kusunose Rin)

(From a Mysterious Masked Writer to a Symbol of the Literary World)

Yes, Mr. Higuchi has brought the data for the cover and the replacement article.

He said he's already talked to you, Deputy Editor.

What?

Higuchi is Kusunose Rin...

I can't believe it.

What's this? Who wrote this article?

I don't know!

Call Mr. Higuchi in room 2001, please.

Mr. Higuchi checked out this morning.

(Higuchi)

The phone number you have dialed is no longer in use.

Please check the number...

I grew up in an orphanage.

When I made my debut as a novelist in high school,

the publisher marketed me as a lonely boy.

I was bound by this image,

and somehow I was unable to move.

I knew that I would be ruined if I continued like this,

so I made my debut again without revealing my true identity,

and I was finally able to write freely.

Not so long ago, I cherished myself the most.

But as life has progressed, there are more things that I cherish.

I feel that by exposing my true self, I can move on to the next stage of my life.

The common theme of my novels is "enjoying life".

I will continue to convey that message.

Ah! Higuchi!

Thank you! I had a great time. Adieu!

He's very lighthearted even if it's the end.

That's just like Higuchi.

(From Higuchi) To Editor-in-Chief: Thank you for all your help.

I've been trying to keep quiet about it.

Well. Sales of the latest issue are expected to surpass those of Luna Japan.

The board of directors has just decided that

The Most will not be discontinued, and its survival is officially confirmed!

Great!

Let's all do our best for Higuchi as well!

Yes!

Ah, wait!

Oh, Bunta!

For Higuchi.

- For Higuchi. - It's okay! That's fine.

I didn't think it was possible,

but it was a big surprise.

I guess I can't underestimate the elite from the home country.

Thank you for your help in the short time I was there.

Thanks to all of you, I've had many valuable experiences!

I will continue to support Most as always.

Thanks.

Come to visit us again anytime!

Let's go for a drink sometime.

Okay!

It's such a waste. You've grown so much.

Do your best in the General Affairs Department!

Thank you. We had a great time.

Adieu.

Miyagi...

Vice President, you're still here?

Because this is where I feel most comfortable.

I feel like I'm sending off my daughter.

Okajima...

You did a great job, starting from not knowing anything at all.

Thank you!

You'll be fine wherever you go.

Be confident. Good luck!

Yes!

We're gonna miss you.

- Yeah! That's right. - We'll be so lonely!

♪We can go anywhere♪

♪Find me♪

♪Take your own steps♪

♪Even it's a failure or a mistake♪

♪I won't mind being exposed♪

♪I'll be laughing like a child♪

(Finale) =She Was Pretty=

♪Dreaming on a summer afternoon♪ I can't believe that fat boy Sosuke

♪Dreaming on a summer afternoon♪ has become such a great man.

Yeah.

You liked meat, didn't you, Sosuke?

Yes.

You can have this if you want.

It's hot! See?

It's good! This is the very dish her mom is proud of.

Let him eat what he wants.

But to see each other again as colleagues... The world is really small.

Oh. Was it for Sosuke that you started to become stylish?

No, that was...

What has changed Ai's attire is her awareness of fashion work.

I respect Ai for her sincerity and dedication in everything she does.

Did you hear what he said?

That's so nice of you to say! All right! Let's drink!

No, he can't drink.

Then I'll just have one glass.

Huh? Wait!

I told you he couldn't drink.

It's your day off tomorrow. You can stay the night.

Oh...

Dad, Mom. Do you have a minute?

Today...

(Ordinary Bankbook)

(Ordinary Bankbook) I came to give you this.

(Ordinary Bankbook)

I'm getting a decent salary now,

and I've finished paying off my scholarship.

I hope you can use the money to buy a new printing press.

We can't accept your money. It's too valuable.

Accept it. Let me be a little filial.

Then...

If we have to accept it...

You can take this.

What?

(Fixed deposit/Sato Ai) It's your wedding fund.

We're sorry it's mere chicken feed.

What? I can't take this.

It's a mutual thing.

Take it.

Thanks.

Thank you as well.

Thanks, Ai.

Sosuke!

Are you all right?

Yeah. I'm sorry I bothered you.

Not at all. My family looked like they were having fun.

You have a nice family.

I'm back!

Ah, welcome back!

What are you doing?

I've decided to sell all of these on a flea market site.

I thought I'd add to the fund.

Oh, for moving out?

Yes. And tuition.

Tuition?

Ai, I've made up my mind.

I'm going to graduate school.

What?

I figured it out.

I really liked my job as a restaurant manager, after all.

Yeah.

That's why I want to learn more about business management.

And I want to open my own shop someday.

Wow! That's amazing!

It's not that great. Nothing's started yet.

It's great. It's so good to have a goal!

I've never felt this way before, and I'm a little excited.

Make that dream come true! I'll be rooting for you.

Thank you. Good luck with your new job, Ai.

Try our best!

(Fundamentals of Business Administration)

I've been wanting to look you in the face and apologize.

I'm really sorry.

Don't apologize anymore.

Right now, I'm rooting for the two of you from the bottom of my heart.

I mean it.

Because I definitely want Ai to be happy.

Thanks.

Please take good care of Ai.

Bye.

This is Hasebe.

I wanna thank you for completing this mission.

Everything is... Thanks to all of the staff.

I have a proposition for you.

(General Affairs Department)

(You've got a new message.)

Ah! Chikage!

You've moved to a different department. How are you doing?

In fact, I'm making a fresh start.

I've decided to start working on picture books again.

What?

I remodeled my house and opened my studio.

- Please come and visit me if you like! - Excuse me!

(Where's the Goal)

Welcome. I've been expecting you.

It's kind of like a dream.

I'm so happy to hear that you're going to draw picture books again.

Thanks to you, Sato.

Huh?

You brought me back to the world of picture books.

Oh, I didn't...

How is your new job?

Do you like it?

I'm just grateful to have a job...

Actually, I need to talk to you about something.

Huh?

Do you want to come work with me here?

What?

You said you dreamed of being a picture book author, right?

I just need a few more hands.

I thought it might be a good idea for you

to learn many things while working as an assistant here.

Thank you very much. But I don't know if I can do it.

You don't have to answer right away. Just think about it.

Okay!

So what do you think?

Her studio was very nice.

There were many picture books on display,

lots of art supplies I'd never seen before,

and she was so sparkling...

I think it would be fun to work in a place like that.

But...

To be honest, I'm not sure.

Why?

I don't know if I can do it since I have no experience. And I'm not confident enough.

But you want to do it, right?

Well, I wish I could, but...

But she said I didn't have to answer right away.

I'll think about it more.

I see.

That's right. I'd like you to return to New York immediately.

You've been asked to go back by the home country?

Don't tell me you're not sure.

No, I'm not. I'm going to take the offer.

Then why do you look like that?

Because of your girlfriend?

Yes.

Actually, we're thinking of getting married.

I'm so happy! Did you propose? How was it?

No...

I wanted to propose as soon as we decided to keep Most.

But this time, he...

Thanks to Kusunose Rin.

It was not my achievement.

So...

Next, I want to achieve something in the home country and gain confidence in myself.

Have you talked to her?

No, I haven't.

You've really become a human, right?

Huh?

Let me tell you something.

Women are much stronger

and more flexible than men think.

I hope you find the best path.

All right!

I've finished the equipment inventory check.

Oh, so fast! Good work.

What should I do next?

Oh. It's time. Let's go home.

It's still early.

What should I do?

Higuchi!

Huh?

Hey!

Higuchi!

Why...

Why did you just leave without telling us?

It's awful. One simple email and you're gone from everyone's sight.

I'm sorry.

I was happy. It was nice meeting you.

I had a lot of fun, too!

Oh, right. There are three things I want to say to you.

Another three?

The first one.

I love Sato Ai.

I love you as a friend and as a human being.

The second one.

At least think of me when you're mixing natto.

And the third one.

Enjoy your life.

And your answer is?

Yes!

Good!

See you. Take care.

Take care, Higuchi.

Thank you!

Thank you!

I look forward to working with you.

You're really a vice president now.

Hey! Sato!

Hi!

Long time no see. How's everything going?

Fine. Vice President, you look well, too.

I still miss Most, though, and often linger in the editorial office.

Oh. Did you know? About the deputy editor.

What?

The business magazine in the home country asked him to go to America.

That guy's amazing, isn't he?

You'll go to America?

I didn't hear anything of this.

I'm sorry. I meant to talk to you when the time was right.

Well, let me hear it now.

I'm very grateful for this offer...

I can use what I learned at Most.

As a creative director, I think I've been given a great opportunity to start over.

But...

I've been wondering what to do with you, Ai.

To tell you the truth,

I want you to come to America with me.

But...

I don't know if it's right for me to push you around like this.

Don't just make up your mind without asking me how I feel.

Now that I've asked, have you been truthful with me?

I was afraid that you would try to force yourself to fit in with me.

So don't assume anything.

It's a very important decision...

I wanted you to tell me first.

Sosuke, you've always been like that.

Even when Most was almost discontinued,

you didn't tell anyone and kept it to yourself.

No. That's not the same thing.

It is the same!

I wanted you to talk to me!

I wanted to hear how you felt.

I told you I was going to tell you!

I just wanted to get it right first.

You haven't even come to a conclusion yet, about Natsukawa's invitation.

Is it wrong that I haven't come to any conclusions?

I never said that!

I've been thinking a lot of things for you...

For me?

What good is it to me if you keep it all to yourself?

That's why we're talking now.

What more do you want me to do?

I'm sorry.

Let's both cool down a little. I'll make coffee.

I don't need coffee. I'm leaving.

Ai.

Sorry to bother you.

The person I'm dating now is going to America.

He asked me to go with him.

He is very important to me.

He and I hadn't seen each other in 16 years,

and we were talking about how we were going to be together forever.

I see.

I was really happy when you invited me. But...

I wondered if I was able to take the job...

(Where's the Goal)

This. I read it over and over, even as an adult.

I don't know where I belong.

I wondered when I would

reach the flower garden of my goal.

Even if they don't make it to the flower garden,

all these animals seem to be having fun, doing what they want to do, right?

A place where you feel happy and like yourself

is your goal and where you belong.

That's what I think.

I'm back!

Oh, welcome back!

(Managerial Work)

(Fundamentals of Business Administration)

Wow. You're doing great.

It's been a long time since I've studied, so it's hard to get my bearings.

But I'm having so much fun right now.

Do you need help with this?

It's okay. We both have to be on our own from now on.

I can't get spoiled by you forever.

I've been spoiled a lot by you, too.

I'll miss you,

but even though we're far apart, I know you're doing your best, so I'll do my best, too.

I just have this kind of feeling.

Ah! Like this...

Risa, you're beautiful.

What? I have no makeup and my hair looks like this.

Okay!

After that, I just have to remember it perfectly.

A place where you feel happy and like yourself

is your goal and where you belong.

I'm having so much fun right now.

Enjoy your life.

I don't want to lose you again.

(Where's the Goal)

Ai!

Sosuke!

Let's get married!

What?

Marry me!

- Wait... - Well...

And I got you a ring!

This one's yours. Give me your hand.

This is mine.

Yes! Now we're married!

Just give me a little more time!

I believe that you're the only one who can marry me.

But...

I still want to work for Chikage.

I'm not sure how much I can do, and I'm not sure if I can really handle it.

But...

I want to cherish the feeling of loving picture books.

It was the first time that I found something that I wanted to do.

So...

I can't go to America.

Yeah.

Thank you for telling me your true feelings.

I wanted to be beautiful.

People look so beautiful when they are doing what they want to do.

I want to be like that.

I want you to see how beautiful I am.

Yeah.

But I don't know how long it's going to take for me to feel beautiful about myself.

Maybe I'm being selfish.

I'll wait.

I look forward to the day when I can marry a more beautiful Ai.

Thanks.

But I didn't expect you to beat me to it.

I was actually going to propose to you today, too.

I didn't know when it would be, but I wanted to make sure I promised.

Sosuke.

Oh, no. I've got the best plan!

Really? What's your plan?

It's too late now.

Come on, tell me.

It's too late. Well, we're done talking about this.

What? Just a little bit is fine. Even if it's just a touch!

Sorry! Tissue...

I have a dishcloth in the kitchen.

I'll go get it.

There it is.

I'm sorry!

This is what I was gonna do.

Wait a minute. What's that reaction?

Because Sosuke is...

You're so cute!

Forget it.

No. Sorry. I'm sorry.

Forget it.

It's beautiful. I'm so happy.

I love you.

I love you, too.

See you.

Do you have to go home?

Well... Oh!

It's late and I have laundry to do.

I also need to water the plants.

I see.

Ai?

On second thought,

I could do the laundry tomorrow.

I could water the plants in the morning...

(2 years later)

What are you doing?

I'm working on my novel.

I just finished reading Kusunose Rin. It's really good.

You dropped something.

Oh, you got me.

I guess reaction is universal.

All right.

(Fiore of Memories/Kusunose Rin)

(To my best friend, Jackson.)

What do you think, Sato?

I think warm tones would be better here.

I think it's easier to convey Kawauso's feelings.

You're right. That's important. Okay, let's use that then.

Okay!

These are done printing!

Thanks!

I'm so excited.

How's your thesis going?

Well, it's almost done.

What did you buy?

A baby shower gift. Old colleagues of mine had a baby.

Your colleagues from Most?

Yeah! They had twins!

Wow! So cute!

Right? I want to give them our picture books these days.

Did you send the books to America?

Yeah. He complimented me.

You're still in touch every day?

Yeah. He's on a business trip to London right now.

Oh, here he comes.

Hi.

Hello, Shuji.

Hello.

So you're with Ai.

You two can take it slow. I'll be waiting for you somewhere.

It's fine. I have to go back now, too.

Bye. I'll contact you.

Bye.

I'll take this.

Thanks.

It's heavy.

It's okay.

Hi!

Ai? Are you all right now?

Yeah. How's London? How's the weather?

It's a little chilly here.

It's getting a little cold here, too.

Oh, I bought a baby shower gift for Satonaka's family. I'll take pictures later...

Excuse me.

You'll catch a cold in those thin clothes.

Huh?

Sosuke? Why?

I'm back. I wanted to see you.

So you were not in London?

I'm sorry. I was just trying to surprise you.

You did surprise me.

I guess I...

I need you to stay by my side.

Huh?

I've applied for a transfer. The work there is finally on the right track.

(Hasebe Sosuke, Editor-in-Chief, The Most Japan)

(Hasebe Sosuke, Editor-in-Chief, The Most Japan) Most...

Editor-in-Chief?

I'm right where I want to be.

Ai.

You've become so beautiful.

It's so beautiful.

It's been a while since I've seen this view.

Yes.

It's raining. Will it clear up tomorrow?

It's happy with you, sunshine or rain.

Yeah. We'll be together forever, right?

(5 years later)

Mio, be careful with the puddles!

Okay!

(A Lovely Rainy Day/Author: Sato Ai)

(A Lovely Rainy Day/Author: Sato Ai) You'll drop Mom's book.

Let's put it in your bag.

Okay!

Okay.

Okay, go ahead!

Let's go.

(This drama is fictional.)