Original subtitles

[Keep Out]

- Good to see you, Mr. Yabu. - Morning.

Right this way.

The victim is a student from Toei University, Ken Sagae.

He was found stabbed in the chest, and likely bled to death.

And the weapon?

We haven't found it.

But we do have a promising witness.

He claims he saw the victim quarreling with a young man here last night.

A young man...

Any other notable features?

Only that this individual supposedly had a bushy hairdo.

A bushy hairdo?

[Day 1]

A fellow Toei University student?

Yes sir. His name is Totono Kunou...

Sorry, it's such a weird name.

He lives right by the park.

Does he have an alibi?

No sir. His story is that he was making curry alone.

It's about time we get acquainted then.

Sounds good.

Is this the man you saw yesterday?

Yes, that's him. I'm sure of it.

Kunou. You were in the same class as Sagae in high school, right?

That's right. In our third year.

Why didn't you say so earlier?

As I said, we weren't very close.

What did you think of him as a person?

He was a spoiled rich kid.

His dad was a CEO, and his relative was a member of parliament.

He had lots of pocket money

and was shallow, flashy, popular ─

For not being very close, you know a lot about him.

And you speak about him with such malice.

Did you hate him?

He wasn't the kind of guy I wanted to get close to.

He didn't approach me either, so we never interacted.

We have a witness.

- A witness? - At 10:00 P.M., the time of the crime,

you and Sagae were spotted arguing at the park where the body was found.

That wasn't me. They mistook me for someone else.

You think? I'd say your bushy hair is quite unique.

Maybe that was simply my long-lost twin.

Do you have a long-lost twin?

No sir.

That park... Was it Saigouzaka Park?

Considering it's such a dark place, they saw me very clearly.

What were they doing there? What was I wearing?

Say, are you people very familiar with this witness?

- What? - Of course not. They're a genuine third party.

Then they're in the same position as me, right? You don't know anything about them.

In that case, why do you think they're telling the truth, and I'm lying?

This guy's a pain!

There is no benefit in coming forth and lying -

There might be.

They could be privy to some personal or financial benefits.

For someone suspected of murder,

you're quite calm.

That's because I don't think the police are stupid enough to falsely accuse me when I'm innocent.

Or are you that stupid... Mr. Yabu?

He picked a fight with Mr. Yabu!

- And your name is? - Aoto.

Same goes for you, Mr. Aoto.

So we're done, right?

Then I'll be heading home.

Kunou.

Unfortunately, this investigation is going to last until nightfall.

You'll come back tomorrow, right?

What?!

[Letter of Resignation]

So... I'd like my cell phone back, please.

Excuse me.

- Yes? - I'm leaving. Could I get my phone?

Right, of course!

[Letter of Resignation]

- Is this the one? - Yes.

Then please sign this form here.

Okay.

Furomitsu! Where are those copies?

I'll take care of it right away!

Don't dilly-dally!

I'm sorry.

I heard the news, you know. Your pet dying is no excuse to be late.

- Yes sir. - You damn girls, always getting coddled!

Man, that college guy back there was nuts!

Those guys have it so easy!

So do you, Ikemoto.

- That's not true! I'm going to be a dad soon. - What?

It's true! Me, a dad! I can't believe it...

[Day 2]

- Aki Katano. - Here.

- Kouki Kitajima. - Here.

Tonou Kunou.

Is Kunou absent today?

- Hiroyuki Koike. - Here.

- Ren Sagara. - Ren Sagara, reporting for duty!

You're as chipper as ever.

Thank you sir.

- Furomitsu. - Yes?

Take Kunou's fingerprints.

Yes sir.

Hello, I'm Ikemoto.

Furomitsu.

First things first, please allow us to take your fingerprints.

- My fingerprints? - Your cooperation is much appreciated.

Pardon me.

[Scanner Error: Please check the scanner and the computer]

[Scanner Error: Please check the scanner and the computer]

- Sorry. - Hey.

Come on. What's going on?

I'm sorry.

Do you know how to use this?

Thank you.

So your pet died?

[Police Officer Seiko Furomitsu]

H-How do you know that?

I happened to overhear it.

That's right.

It died the second she took her eyes off it, and now she's all depressed.

Mr. Yabu didn't even get a final moment with his wife and kid, you know?

"The second you took your eyes of it"... Was it a cat?

Were you with it all the time because it was ill?

Yes.

I see...

I'm sure it loved you very much.

Your cat didn't want you to see it pass away.

That's not only a cat's nature at work...

It's also because it really loved you, Ms. Furomitsu.

That sort of behavior isn't exclusive to cats either.

When my grandmother was hospitalized, someone was always with her.

Yet she passed away when no one was around, as if on purpose.

My mother grieved, but I saw it as my grandmother's will.

She was a strong and kind woman...

So she didn't want anyone to see her die.

That was a result of my grandmother, and your cat's, pride and thoughtfulness.

Woah, hold on now!

There's no way someone can control how they die!

- It's just a coincidence. - I would hate to be arrested by you.

What's this?

Have you done something to justify an arrest?

- Furomitsu! What's the hold up? - Yes?!

- I'm sorry! - Don't be skittish!

- People will look down on you. - Yes sir.

This is why they say we don't need women on the force.

- Hurry up! - Right!

Well then...

Let's begin the interrogation.

Where were you two nights ago, at 10:00 P.M.?

Answer me. What were you doing?

- Hello? - How many months along is your wife?

Don't change the subject, answer me -

Did you two have a fight?

H-How could you tell?!

Your shirt isn't ironed and your shoes are dirty.

But you changed clothes, so it doesn't look like you stayed overnight.

Yesterday you were more well-dressed.

[Police Officer Yuuto Ikemoto]

It's true, I've been busy.

I haven't been able to go home. Maybe I have been neglectful.

But Mr. Yabu didn't go home for months, no problem!

That's just what it's like for police officers.

So you've left everything at home to your wife?

I take out the trash!

She could thank me for the help...

You take out the trash? From where?

From where?

Well... From our place to the dumpster.

How many trash cans do you have?

Trash cans?

Let's see... Two.

No... Three?

Taking out the trash starts by collecting trash around the house.

You separate the trash, replace the bag,

drain the food scraps, clean the drain, check your supply of trash bags,

and then you finally gather the trash together.

All that is the hard work.

Well...

I just take out what's prepared...

And you want her to thank you for that? Isn't your wife pregnant?

That's a lot of strain on her body.

Ikemoto.

Go and gather more information.

Yes sir.

Can I go home now?

I have class, and my professor won't give an "A" to anyone that misses even once.

That's too bad.

I'll ask you one more time. Where were you two nights ago, at 10 P.M.?

I told you. I was at home.

You're stubborn.

You're one to talk. How long are we going to do this?

That depends on you.

Haven't I already told you?

I didn't do it.

Alright.

Then you'll come back tomorrow.

I can't get a read on what he's thinking.

He's definitely our culprit.

You don't usually make that call this early.

Do you have a hunch about him?

Yeah.

I won't hand him over, even if the head office insists. I'll make him crack.

[From Mizuki: "Got it!"]

That's not only a cat's nature at work…

It's also because it really loved you, Ms. Furomitsu.

[Day 3]

Nope, not at all.

So you weren't close, then?

Right, we weren't close.

- Thank you for your cooperation. - Of course.

Mr. Amatatsu! Morning!

Morning, Sagara. Were those police officers?

Yeah. They asked about Sagae.

Jeez, that look they gave me... Cops are terrifying!

Were you friends with Sagae?

Nope. We were at the same drinking party once, but that's all.

Get this! He's Ken Sagae, I'm Ren Sagara. Similar, right?

Are they?

I pointed out the "Saga" prefecture in his name, but it totally bombed.

So then I asked him what time period he'd go using a time machine.

An odd question, as usual.

Say, where would you go, Prof?

Can I come back after?

Is it a one-way trip? Are there risks?

- It seems riddled with issues, so I'll decline. - Come on!

It's just a fun hypothetical!

You're totally ruining the vibes.

You're always so secretive, Sir. As your pupil, I'm hurt.

My apologies.

So? What was Sagae's answer?

"Sometime recent".

Then he asked me, and I said the time of the dinosaurs!

And then he called me childish!

I guess I act like a kid. Darn it!

Did you tell the officers this?

No. I didn't want them to think I'm an idiot.

You're aware people might think that?

Yup!

Well, they asked me what Sagae was like,

so I told them I had no idea, but I appreciated that he treated everyone to drinks.

A job well done.

This assailant could be targeting students. Be careful, alright?

Okay! I'll be fine though.

See you around, Mr. Amatatsu!

So you were classmates with the victim in high school.

Excuse me.

Mr. Ikemoto, Mr. Aoto would like to see you.

Just a minute.

Good day then.

- Ms. Furomitsu. - Yes?

Are you not going to interrogate me?

No, I...

Are you making fun of me?

What?

You think I'm incompetent, don't you?

Do they tell you that?

Don't look down on me because I'm a woman!

I'm not looking down on you.

If anything, I think your wariness should be aimed

at the men in this station who do.

I think that's your reason for being here.

My reason for being here?

Yes.

What does that even mean?

Am I to be the laughing stock? The station's mascot?

The odd-jobs girl? Maybe just a space-filler.

What else is there?

Well...

I may be biased and often absurd,

but I think old men, especially those in power,

love to form cliques and do terrible things.

They'll conceal anything inconvenient, collude in secret,

and even exchange dirty money.

So if there's a woman in the mix, it's harder for these men to act.

Why? Because she won't support their wrongdoings. She disrupts their malicious solidarity.

I'd say that's the reason you're here, Ms. Furomitsu.

To keep an eye on these old men.

I know you're struggling to work with these men, who cling to their own supremacy.

But there's nothing superior about them.

You're a totally different being.

So keep being different.

What is this, the break room?

You're in the way. Move.

Kunou, do you own a fruit knife? One with a sneath.

I do, but I never use it.

It's still in a drawer in my kitchen.

That's a lie. Your fingerprints are all over this fruit knife.

- The blood on it was a match with the victim as well. - What?

You threw it out at an apartment building several blocks away, didn't you?

Unfortunately for you, that place has a nit-picky old lady

who checks the garbage.

The knife was in a bag from your local mart, also covered in your fingerprints.

So I'm an idiot?

What?

I stabbed Sagae with a knife covered in my fingerprints,

without wiping them off or using gloves,

and then threw it away in a bag with my bare hands?

That's how it is. You do things you normally wouldn't do.

Logic and reason go out the window when committing murder.

But there are two trains of thought here, aren't there?

The first is that I used my own knife to kill Sagae.

The other is that someone stole my knife and killed Sagae with gloves on.

The results of those two situations are the same.

So how can you tell the difference?

You annoying shit. Quit prattling already!

We have evidence! You did it.

You did, didn't you? Out with it! Confess!

- Mr. Yabu, my memory is quite good. - What?

If I get arrested, charged, and put on trial, I will speak up.

I will tell them exactly what you said and did to me.

I will arrest you for this.

I already told you, I didn't do it.

Mr. Yabu, we have the search warrant.

The search warrant?

- We're going to search your apartment. - What!?

- At last, he panics. - Why are you jumping to that? I don't want you to!

- And why not? - Why not? For a lot of reasons!

Don't just barge in!

Why not? Do you grow pot in your closet?

Is your laptop's search history full of horrors? I can't wait.

- Ikemoto, let's go. - Yes sir.

- Furomitsu, you drive. - Yes sir.

You seem to be trying to win over Ikemoto and Furomitsu, but it's useless.

Mr. Yabu runs this ship.

He works like a man possessed, doesn't he?

That's right. That man has sacrificed everything to catch criminals.

He's every detective's role model.

Mr. Ikemoto told me he didn't get to see his wife and child when they died.

That little...

Was it an accident?

One summer three years ago, his wife and 11-year-old son were involved in a hit-and-run.

Mr. Yabu, who was on stakeout, couldn't leave to see them.

Who did it?

They haven't caught anyone yet.

So did you do it, Kunou?

Sir, could you let me leave?

I have an appointment at the hairdresser's today.

Hairdresser? So that's a perm?

Sorry, but it's natural.

It explodes if I leave it alone, so I need a hairdresser to subdue it.

That just made me remember something.

About when you stabbed Sagae?

No, about your face.

In my second year of junior high, I saw it in a magazine at the hairdresser's.

You were exposed of falsely accusing someone, weren't you?

[Police Inspector Nariaki Aoto]

You were at Division 1 at headquarters at the time. Were you demoted?

I remember... there was a serial killer murdering young girls. [The Young Girl Slasher]

You arrested an innocent man.

Are you going to make a false charge again?

It wasn't a false charge. Even now, I believe he did it.

I simply couldn't expose his lies.

He can't be charged again for the same crime,

but I will arrest him one day.

If you're responsible for this murder, it'll be the same for you.

No matter how many lies you tell,

- there's only one truth. - What?

"Only one truth"? I can't believe you'd say something straight out of a TV drama.

- What? - There is never only one truth.

Don't be ridiculous.

It'd be more strange if there were two or three truths!

You think so?

For example... let's say there's person A and B.

One day they collide on the stairs. B falls down and gets hurt.

B was always getting bullied by A.

B claims this time they were pushed on purpose as well.

But A never considered themselves a bully, and thought they were just playing.

A says this incident was just an accident.

Neither is lying. So what is the truth in this case?

Well... A wasn't bullying B.

B had the wrong impression. They simply ran into each other, and B fell.

Do you think so?

Really?

The only one who thinks there was no bullying, is A.

A's assumption is just as wrong as B's.

People can only see the "truth" in a subjective manner.

If another person, C, saw the whole thing,

there may even be another perspective.

Without a god-like third party, we can't see the whole picture.

That's why opposing sides of wars and conflicts have different versions of what happened.

Even if neither is lying nor exaggerating, they'll have different stories.

To A, A's version is the truth. To B, B's version is the truth.

So you see, Mr. Aoto. There is not only one truth.

There aren't even two or three truths.

There are as many perceived truths as there are people.

However, there is one actual truth.

In this case, A and B collided and B was injured.

That's what the police should investigate, not the perceived truths of people.

You fail to carry out justice because you're obsessed with this abstract "perception" of truth.

What the hell are you talking about?

I didn't do it.

[Certificate of Debt]

There was a certificate of debt template on your laptop.

It's not signed. You were going to borrow money from Sagae, weren't you? [To, Ken Sagae]

That explains your quarrel.

We also found a note in Sagae's apartment indicating he lent money to several people.

It's time you end your charade.

Sagae was a rich, boastful, and obnoxious guy, right?

He didn't have a bad reputation, but you've hated him since high school.

I didn't like Sagae because he was cheerful and popular.

He wasn't exactly boastful... he was generous.

It didn't seem like he was lending...

Were you jealous?

Envious of him?

He was popular with the girls too, right?

His parents always got him expensive things. In our third year of high school...

What's wrong, Kunou?

Whatever.

You're spending the night here.

[The Tokyo Serial Murder of Young Girls]

[Regarding the Tokyo Serial Murder of Young Girls...]

There are as many perceived truths as there are people.

Man, I'm beat!

How are things with Kunou?

He's all quiet.

Did someone tell him about his right to remain silent?

No, he's still here voluntarily.

He should be reaching his limit soon.

He's probably lost the will to prattle on.

- Will he confess? - I'll make him.

Even if he doesn't, we have more than enough evidence to warrant his arrest.

That's true. Almost too much evidence, in fact.

So it's finally decided, right?

I guess... Kunou did it after all.

Yes.

You know, this morning I tried to do all the garbage chores.

Pardon?

Well, Kunou said I couldn't say I'd taken out the trash if I had only "carried" it.

He said it was a lot of work for my wife.

So?

Man, I had no idea...

I'd been throwing papers away with staples in them!

You have to separate envelopes and small boxes too.

Including the ones for bottles and cans, we had seven trash cans in our house!

I realized my wife had been doing everything all this time.

When I told her we were running low on trash bags, so I'd get some on the way home,

she started crying! Such a tiny thing made her that happy!

But when I saw her looking happy, it made me happy too.

It's just that simple.

That's great.

Yeah.

Hey, what's up?

To me... he doesn't seem like a murderer.

Well... I have a hard time believing it myself.

[Day 4]

[Odonari Police Station]

I just wanted to check.

When you searched my house, did you find a fruit knife in my kitchen drawer?

No, it was most likely the one used as the weapon.

Was there any signs of lock picking or forced entry?

Did my landlord let anyone in when I was out?

Please look into their alibi as well.

Are you wondering if someone stole the knife from your apartment?

Yes. Someone is trying to frame me for this crime,

so I will resist.

Please help me.

I understand.

There wasn't anything unusual with the lock or windows.

The landlord didn't let anyone in without permission, and his alibi was solid.

Really?

Maybe a friend or girlfriend came to hang out, and snuck it-

I don't have any friends or girlfriends. No one has ever come over to "hang out".

What's with that look? I live a very pleasant life.

Unfortunately... it doesn't look like anyone stole the knife.

What is it?

Well, what if he dropped his keys and someone duplicated them?

Did you?

A little over a year ago, yes. But they were quickly delivered to a police station by the university.

I assumed nothing serious had come of it.

- I knew it! - Hold on a second there!

So someone who happened to pick up your key, happened to want Sagae dead,

and happened to frame you? And from a year ago?

Impossible! No way!

That's exactly what happened, Mr. Ikemoto.

This wasn't a happenstance.

What do you mean?

There's no way it happened by chance.

Either someone took it on purpose, or they pickpocketed me.

Ms. Furomitsu, please find out who picked up my key.

Okay!

Ms. Furomitsu?

How did it go?

I was shocked.

The person who picked up your key was...

I knew it.

Ms. Furomitsu...

Could I ask you one more favor?

[Day 5]

[Odonari Police Station]

Mr. Yabu, there was something I remembered.

That you killed Sagae? That you borrowed money from him?

Neither. It's that Sagae got his driver's license in our third year in high school.

His license?

He boasted about the ridiculously expensive car his dad got him.

After summer vacation, I overheard him talking with his friends.

Sagae, what happened to your car?

My dad took it away because my mock test scores dropped!

This all happened in the summer, three years ago.

I'm guessing...

that Sagae caused an accident that summer.

But it wasn't made public.

There weren't any rumors about it at school, because no one knew.

The car was disposed of in secret.

It was probably arranged by his father.

What are you getting at?

Sagae ran over people.

Enough of this. We're in the middle of an interrogation-

The people Sagae ran over...

were your wife and son, Mr. Yabu.

One summer three years ago, his wife and 11-year-old son were involved in a hit-and-run.

[Deputy Inspector Kanzou Yabu]

I had my first suspicions when I asked if you knew the witness well.

Say, are you people very familiar with this witness?

Mr. Yabu gasped.

It was clearly different from Mr. Aoto's reaction.

I thought, "Oh, he has to know them."

Then when you talked about the apartment where the knife was found...

Unfortunately for you, that place has a nit-picky old lady...

You said "that place", not simply "there".

It's like you know the place, and perhaps old lady too.

Then when you said you were going to search my apartment...

Do you grow pot in your closet?

Is your laptop's search history full of horrors?

How could you be sure I have a closet and a laptop these days?

It's because you've been inside my apartment before, right?

Stop speaking nonsense. That can't be -

I dropped my key one year ago.

The one who delivered it to the police was you, Mr. Yabu.

That's ridiculous. Who -

I asked Ms. Furomitsu to look into it.

Is this true?

It is.

You made a duplicate key, broke in, and stole my fruit knife.

Then...

you killed Sagae, didn't you?

As revenge... for your family.

So people do laugh in these scenarios.

I see it a lot in dramas.

When people are suspected of murder, the innocent get upset, and the guilty laugh.

I always thought it was fake, but I guess it's real.

Did Sagae admit to the hit-and-run?

Mr. Yabu...

Did he admit to it?

- Don't say anything. - What did he say?

Don't say anything.

He denied it.

Don't say anymore. Mr. Yabu! Not another word!

Sagae did not admit to his crime.

That's not all...

He...

Listen up. Stop making these weird false accusations.

I can have my buddies make you disappear.

You just want money, right? How much?

Answer me! I'll give you as much as you want!

Come on, answer-

So I killed him.

If he had admitted and apologized, I would've taken him away alive.

Even though you prepared the knife?

I would've never even considered this, if I didn't pick up your key.

So it's my fault?

When I went to his college to see him...

You had briefly acknowledged him.

After that, you dropped your key.

I didn't think about how I was going to use it, but I made a copy anyways.

I thought up all sorts of things while I looked at it.

I used the key to get into your apartment.

I stole the fruit knife, as well as a shopping bag.

[USB Drive] [Certificate of Debt]

Then I planted the evidence on your laptop

and prepared the witness.

I don't regret it.

I think my wife and son... would be happy.

Sorry, Aoto. I'll leave the rest to you.

Mr. Yabu...

It never works out as planned, does it?

Was it fun?

Was the revenge fun?

What?

From what I hear, you devoted your life to your police work,

and rarely ever went home to see your family.

You probably never attended any events for you son either.

Even after the hit-and-run, you didn't rush to the hospital.

I was in the middle of a stakeout.

You were scared, weren't you? Of seeing their deaths.

You were scared to face reality.

Countless others could have taken your place on the job, but you ignored that.

Your job was that important to you, but you could throw it all away for revenge.

So revenge was worth making time for?

I don't know how you tracked down Sagae, but it must have taken a lot of time and effort.

And all this, on top of your work.

You couldn't spare the time to be with them when they died, but you took time for that.

Because the vectors of work and revenge are the same to you.

You deemed them both worthwhile.

I suppose being with your family while they were alive wasn't worthwhile enough, was it?

Kunou, enough.

How many times have you said your son's name in your life?

You said your wife and son would be happy, but is that true?

If I were your son, I would think...

"It looks like Dad is having fun."

"He always said he was so busy."

"That his police work was more important than anything."

"That he sacrificed everything for it.

"But Dad was only busy, because he didn't want to see us."

"Now that we're dead, he's not so busy anymore."

Kunou!

Mr. Yabu!

What would you know? You don't know a damn thing!

You're no different than Sagae.

Shallow, cocky, and self-important!

You're sponging off your parents and living a carefree life!

Have you ever worked a day in your life?!

You've never even had a wife or child...

What the hell would you know, huh?! Tell me!

But I don't know.

You only know your truth, Mr. Yabu, and I only know mine.

I've sponged-off my parents, never worked, never had a wife or girlfriend, and I've lived a carefree life.

And yes, I've never had a child either, but I have been one.

Maybe you forget when you become a parent.

What I say is from the perspective of a child.

Mr. Yabu... I remembered one more thing.

Something Sagae said after that summer vacation.

Sagae, what happened to your car?

My dad took it away because my mock test scores dropped!

For real? That sucks.

Whatever. My club seniors have borrowed it so many times, I've never even rode it myself.

Was Sagae driving the car?

Is he actually responsible for the hit-and-run?

What do you mean?

You said Sagae would lend out money, right?

Did you find any promissory notes?

No, just a memo.

It just had initials and amounts.

So maybe he wasn't lending money, but getting extorted.

Upperclassmen pestered him for money and forced him to lend them his car...

It's possible.

There was a rumor like that going around?

Not that I've heard, no.

Sagae looked like a spoiled rich kid from the outside,

and that he'd never faced any hardship.

But maybe that was just his pride.

Maybe he only seemed superficial and carefree.

Ultimately, I don't know what Sagae was like as a person.

I don't know his truth.

Is...

Is that possible?

Mr. Kunou!

What is it, Furomitsu? Where were you?

Right... It's just...

Did you find them?

I did.

Found what?

Mr. Kunou asked me

to get in contact with the upperclassmen from Mr. Sagae's club.

Upperclassmen?

And... one of them fessed up.

He said he ran someone over with Mr. Sagae's car.

It can't be...

After Mr. Sagae got killed, he got scared and was thinking of turning himself in.

That summer three years ago,

he ran over Mr. Yabu's wife and son.

I brought him with me. He's here right now!

Amazing...

You normally would have investigated this far, right?

You lost your composure, I suppose.

I had my son late in life.

So if an old man like me went to his events...

I assumed he'd be ashamed.

If you don't tell people these thoughts, no one will know them.

You're right.

Let's go.

Mr. Yabu, are you a Scorpio?

Most likely a November birthday too, hence the topaz tie pin.

Your tie is always dark red. That's the color of Scorpio, right?

Was it a present from your wife?

You also wear stomach and ankle warmers under your clothes.

They're not new.

Your wife got them for you, right?

Your wife prayed for your safety and worried about your health.

Have you ever done something like that for her?

Do you put her favorite flowers at her altar or grave?

Do you offer your son his favorite foods?

Do you even know what he liked?

Have you ever put thought into those things, instead of seeking revenge?

Why not start there?

You can still learn these things about them.

Inside your home and pictures, you can find their favorite things.

Apparently topaz signifies the beginning of a search.

I feel awful about all that!

As you should.

Kunou... Who on earth are you?

I'm just a university student.

I mooch off my parents, have never worked, stolen, or murdered, but I got locked up anyways.

I'm just a student that missed a hair appointment, lost an "A," and has barely had any curry.

Sorry. Really.

Please don't shelve this case, Mr. Aoto.

Of course not.

Has anyone told you that you have a terrible personality?

Says the man who keeps making false accusations.

I haven't given the press your information.

Because I never thought that you did it.

Anyways, never come here again.

But we're the ones who summoned him here, Mr. Aoto.

And one more thing, for good measure.

This is in regards to my past false accusation.

It seems I may have made a huge mistake.

It's as you said. Their stories are different, even if no one lied.

I'm going to change my perspective and review everything again.

That has nothing to do with me. Good luck.

Ms. Furomitsu.

Y-Yes?

Thank you very much.

If I ever commit a crime, I'll have you arrest me.

Right.

Goodbye then.

He seemed to be speaking from a grudge against his own father.

Kunou... You'll become an old man one day too.

[Letter of Resignation]

[Letter of Resignation]

[Letter of Resignation]

[Trash]

I have to call the hairdresser...

Oh, class!

I wonder if the curry leftovers are still good...

[University Student's Murderer was an Odonari Police Detective Investigating the Case]

An officer was the culprit?!

No way...

Kudou, may I have a moment?

Yes sir.

An officer named "Aoto" from the Odonari Police called.

Mr. Aoto?

He explained that his investigation put you in a troubling situation,

and asked for my leniency if your grades suffered as a result.

Well, that's probably not going to happen. But he did apologize.

Why apologize to the school, and not me?

Especially considering all the insults he hurled at me...

What?! You should contact me about these things!

I'm your advisor, and I know several lawyers.

There was no reason for you to tolerate such injustices.

Sorry sir.

I was so shocked and annoyed, I wanted to deal with it myself.

No need to apologize. That mentality is very much your nature.

Still, that sounds like it was rough.

- Lobsters... - Lobsters.

Are known to be aggressive.

That's why their claws are always restrained when caught.

But of course you'd resist if you were caught.

Labeling that as "aggressive" feels unfair.

- And bonitos... - Bonitos.

Are horizontally striped when fished up.

Their stripes turn vertical upon death.

Additionally, they're not striped at all in the waters.

In other words, they only become striped when aggravated.

I'm just a fellow bonito.

That officer must've had a headache trying to frame you.

What do you mean?

Oh, nothing really. More importantly, are you alright?

Are you feeling low?

Any flashbacks? I can introduce you to a good counselor. They're a former student.

Thank you sir, but I've been eating and sleeping just fine.

Even so, this has effected you.

It may manifest physically down the line. If anything feels off, let me know.

I will, thank you.

You won't get an extension for the paper though.

Merciless.

- See you later, Kunou. - Likewise sir.

Maybe he was right about those "effects"...

Someone's looking downer.

'Sup, I'm Ren Sagara!

Remember me? We're in Amatatsu's class together!

Right, Sagara.

Just call me Ren.

Mind if I call you "Totono"?

- I suppose. - Aw, don't be so stiff!

Some people I prefer to be polite with.

Then take me out of that category! Okay?

Woah... This must be what it means to be socially adept.

Would that sort of hairdo work on me?

Nope. Only in my imagination.

Totono, were you listening? Lemme ask again.

Where would you go using a time machine? It's for a survey.

Can I come back? Is it a one-way trip? Or unlimited?

I'd be too terrified to go.

You people are no fun...

Then what excites you more: space, the center of the Earth, or the seafloor?

The seafloor, I guess? I like underwater bases and tunnels and stuff like that.

You like tunnels?! How about underwater drains?

Underwater drains are equally as exciting.

Awesome! I can tell we'll get along.

Wanna take on a weird part-time job together?

A weird part-time job... together?

- Yup. - You lost me.

See, look. I found it on a student jobs page.

"Part-time, one day only".

"Requirements: Can read and write, has flashes of inspiration,"

"is good at concentrating, and is serious, not boisterous."

And the pay is 10,000 yen!

No way! It doesn't even say what the job is. It'll end up like one of those murder games.

Totono!

Do you have a girlfriend?

No.

A boyfriend?

No.

- So ask me too! - Huh?

Ask me if I have a girlfriend.

I'd rather not pry...

Glad you asked. I do have a girlfriend.

- Is that so. - Yup, I'm taken.

Since her birthday's coming up, I wanna treat her to a nice meal.

Then why not take on this job with her or your friends? Why me?

I could never put her in such danger! And everyone else said no.

So you recognize the danger.

We'll be fine! If anything happens, you'd work it out, right?

And you suspect something will happen.

- This is where we'll be working? - Yup.

But isn't this Hakodate's...

Yup. It's the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward. Well, a replica of it to be exact.

A rich person from Hakodate had it built post-WWII.

The real one recently had preservation work done to it.

To be honest, I've always wanted to visit!

There's something I just have to see.

- There is? - Yup.

Oh, I also heard this was a school until a few years back.

Alright, time to kill 'em all and get the prize!

The interior isn't the same.

You're well-informed!

- I've visited the real one before. - That explains it.

- They're filming us, too. - Right,

The listing said it's to "keep record". But it won't be made public.

Keep record...

But why?

Thank you all for coming out here today.

I am Sakamaki, Director of the foundation who currently manages this building.

10,000 yen will be paid to you all,

regardless of whether you stay, or leave this instant.

For real?

To begin, I have a task for you all.

Kirie.

Kirie!

Why are you dawdling? Pass the handouts around to everyone!

Yes ma'am. My apologies.

This is my secretary, Kirie.

Feel free to ask him for any clarification you may need.

- Here. - I'd like you to read this handout,

and write your thoughts about it in the space below.

"Tuesday, September 5th. It's been raining since yesterday. How dark and dreary."

"Our cellphones won't even ring. Melancholic indeed."

"Yet the maple leaves have moved. Hopefully our memories go untouched."

"Oh, will my dream come true? Possibly, though I do worry. Excited I'll remain,"

"Since they'll probably understand. Light shines down from above."

A diary...?

[Write your thoughts on this passage in the space below.]

"Write your thoughts"...

I'm leaving.

We'll still get paid if we leave, right?

I'm... going to leave as well.

Kirie, their payments please.

Yes ma'am. Right this way.

- Here you are. - Thank you.

And yours.

Thank you for coming.

You have thirty minutes. Please remain once you've submitted a response.

Thank you for participating.

Thank you.

[Self-serve]

So good!

I wonder what that was all about.

A test of sorts, I suppose...?

Either way, it's suspicious. I'm not eating anything they offer.

Totono, do you eat your favorites first or last?

I choose to start with what I dislike, so it gets out of my sight.

That means you always clean your plate!

- I also save reliable foods for last. Like omelettes, for example. - Interesting.

If you could pig out on anything, what would you eat? I'd go for grilled meat.

Condensed milk.

- Huh? - Morinaga condensed milk.

No one's stopping you, go for it!

I crave the discontinued canned kind. A real shame.

Thank you all for your patience.

Only those I call shall remain. Otherwise, we kindly ask that you leave.

That's a load of people gone...

I've only chosen those who took this task seriously.

You all had some interesting discoveries to make.

Who here is "Sagara"?

That's me.

Please explain to us your take on this.

My first question was about the date, "Tuesday, September 5th".

To be exact, I wanted to know which "September 5th's" were Tuesdays at all.

Turns out they were in 2017, 2006, 2000, and 1995.

Anything before that I ignored, since cellphones didn't exist.

Of those dates, it rained on the 5th...

In 2000. Not only that, but it had rained for four days prior.

That checks out with this passage about "rain yesterday",

meaning this is most likely a real diary.

That's all.

- Woah... - Impressed?

A fine discovery indeed.

Next, I'd like to call upon...

Suzuki?

Yes ma'am.

If you read the first letters of each line left to right,

you get "M-Y-H-O-P-E-S".

"My hopes".

- You're right. - See?

I noticed that as well. But that's only possible by skipping letters.

So that's not it.

What interested me more, are these colors.

Colors?

"Dark" signifies black, "melancholic" blue, "maple leaves" red, and "light" is white.

Those are the colors of the cardinal directions in Chinese philosophy.

I suspect that's no accident.

Kunou, you also allude to this hidden message about "hopes".

Could you give us your take on it?

The lines in this passage are all quite odd, most likely to create this message.

In other words, this diary was written to be shown to others.

Though this may look fabricated at a glance,

why then, does it mention "maple leaves" specifically?

It's as if there was significance to the maple leaves.

In short, this could very well be taken from an old diary.

But... What's the point of writing a diary to show to people?

Truth be told, this an excerpt from my husband's journal.

A journal?

From this school?

Yes.

This establishment use to be a private school for kids of every grade, until a few years ago.

Every year, the graduating students would create a time capsule.

They would then ceremoniously open it here, fifteen years later.

However, one capsule has remained missing for thirty years.

[Graduating Class of 1991]

Thirty years ago, my husband - a graduate of that year -

buried the capsule alone.

The journal entry you all read was written eight years afterwards.

Wasn't he a graduate by then?

Yes, but he was a fellow Director of the school,

so keeping a journal would've been no difficulty.

Then, two years after my husband wrote this entry,

he forgot the location of his class's time capsule.

He forgot?

Yes. He was afflicted with early-onset dementia.

Nevertheless, he continues searching for this time capsule.

I want to find it for him.

This capsule, filled with his precious memories...

KIRIE! Don't just stand there, hand out the necessary materials!

Yes ma'am.

- Here you are. - Thank you.

- Here. - Thank you.

These contain school journals, floor plans, and photos of the time,

as well as reports from various graduates.

They may serve as hints for locating this capsule.

Hints?

We've tried deciphering them and searched ourselves, to no avail.

That is why we decided a third party perspective was necessary.

To those that have remained, I beg you.

Please find us this missing time capsule.

Pardon me, but time capsules aren't usually buried by one person, right?

They're typically buried ceremoniously by the staff and students.

- So that year was an exception? - Woah!

This is a map of this place!

I love maps!

There's a ton of dirty spots here though...

Wait, I see four circles!

Could it be...?!

What is it?

Only the thing I've been dying to see!

I'm so hyped!

That's definitely on my itinerary.

We also got...

photos from thirty years ago? [March 8th, 1992]

They're photos of the building's exterior and lawn.

Here are the reports from the graduates.

Yeah,

I'm pretty sure the Student Council President buried it.

I've already totally forgotten, though.

I don't think our capsule was buried in its usual location,

because of on-grounds construction.

The Student Council President might've buried it somewhere unexpected to surprise us 15 years later.

And this "Student Council President" is your husband?

Yes...?

Indeed. Our Council President was both driven and playful.

- He was beloved by all. - Huh?

Mr. Kirei, you're a fellow graduate?

Indeed.

I was a fellow classmate of the Council President.

Are you alright?

Mrs. Director! You must be tired.

- Please rest in your room - - Don't touch me!

I can manage alone!

Apologies ma'am.

Please lend us your aid in this search.

She's so harsh on him.

Like... right? Makes me feel bad for Mr. Kirei.

I wonder if he's alright.

"Tuesday, March 3rd."

"Where should I bury it? Grounds are being renovated. Maybe somewhere unexpected...?"

"We'll have a blast in fifteen years. I'll leave hints. I know that person will catch on".

"Spring on Spring, 'Heaven-Heaven'. Summer on Summer, 'Heaven-Earth'."

"Autumn on Autumn, 'Heaven-Left'. Winter on Winter, 'Heaven-Heaven'."

"All back in place."

Is this a hint...?

What's all this "Heaven" and "Earth" business?

Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter...

"Back in place"? Put what back in place?

"Friday, March 6th."

"How about I keep it a Secret from my friends? Ultimately I'll Ride the vibes,"

"Cause I know it'll be a hit. You know, Maybe it's time I opened up. I'm sure It'll come across."

I found another message. Read the tops left to right.

"M-Y-C-R-U-S-H".

It says "My Crush".

You're right! The last two lines don't fit though.

Guess he's just a careless guy.

[I know that person will catch on.]

Who was he talking about...?

This lunch definitely costs at least 2,500 yen.

They're really putting all their money on us.

They most certainly are.

I wonder, is finding this capsule really their goal?

Meaning?

Maybe they gathered us here as a diversion

to do something more questionable.

- Like what? - Like digging a hole to rob a bank.

Or maybe these hints lead to treasure that's buried somewhere.

That's funny!

I knew it, you're fun to be around.

Is your head always filled with these weird thoughts?

That's not true.

I only think about anything that bothers me.

For example?

- For example? - Yeah.

Well, why is there a "crossing over", but not a "crossing upward"?

This all started because I watched a documentary

where a narrator described a plane flying upward

as "crossing over" land.

Technically, it's "crossing upward", in the North-South direction.

But I suppose if you looked at it from land,

then it would be "crossing over".

Which raises another question. Why is it "North-South", not "South-North"?

As expected of a guy who has double the "notes" in his name.

Pardon?

Switch around "Totono Kunou". No-u-to, no-u-to. Two "notes"!

I never realized...!

Name and nature often agree, you know?

In that case, Sagara -

Just Ren is fine, I told you!

Then, Ren. Since you're "Ren Sagara"...

Your name has "Renga (Concrete)" in it.

That's not so exciting!

Then how about "Sanga (Land)"? [T/N: referencing the phrase, "The land outlasts the king"]

- "Outlasting the king"? - Yes. [T/N: referencing the phrase, "The land outlasts the king"]

As in mountains and rivers?

- Yes. - That's much better!

It sounds nice and spacious.

Thanks!

Hey, would you rather be eaten by a lion, shark, or bear?

None of them! What's the point of asking that?

To figure out what you'd avoid.

I guess I'd avoid a bear then? It sounds painful.

A bear, huh?

I would hate to be eaten by an anaconda as well.

The snake?

They constrict their prey.

When you exhale, they squeeze

until you can't breath anymore because your lungs can't expand.

Exhale, squeeze, repeat.

Eventually, you suffocate.

Then they swallow you whole. I hate even thinking about it.

Thanks for taking my question so seriously.

What are you two going on about?

I think I've stuffed myself full!

Everything was too good.

Now if anyone needs me, I'll be outside. There's something I have to see.

See what, exactly?

Manhole covers!

Manhole covers?

The covers here are real famous among us manhole maniacs.

- Manhole maniacs... - Since this place is closed to the public, they're super coveted!

Let's see here...

Found it!

What a beaut... It's even colored!

These babies depict each of the four seasons.

Since this one has cherry blossoms, it must be "Spring".

Found another!

Dahlias, for "Summer"!

Let's see...

Huh? It's not here.

Found it!

Bamboo stalks represent "Winter".

Excuse me, there's a manhole cover missing here...

It was moved a long time ago when they changed the sewerage route.

To where?

Yes! Finally!

Maple leaves?

"Yet the maple leaves have moved."

The maple leaves have moved...

Like this manhole cover?

Yeah... it has to be!

The journal was hinting at these seasonal covers.

If we dig at its original spot, the time capsule could turn up!

- Unfortunately, we've already tried. Nothing was found. - For real?

These covers don't exist at the Hakodate location, right?

You are correct.

Embarrassing as it is to admit...

These covers are designed after my very own kirie-papercut art pieces.

Though I only pursue it as a hobby, I happened to win the honors.

So Mr. Kirie does kirie?

Ah, yes.

Names and natures do often agree.

It's getting quite chilly. Lets head indoors and warm up, yes?

There you are.

Excuse me, Mrs. Sakamaki. May I ask a question about the job?

Pardon me.

Mrs. Sakamaki...?

Those are videos of us from this morning.

Ma'am, incredibly difficult as this is to ask,

do you know your husband's crush from high school?

Asking them is our best bet.

Your husband believes they'll catch on to his hints.

It's as if finding the capsule, was meant for that person alone.

Ma'am?

What are you doing?

They're calling for us.

Oh, sorry.

I wouldn't have minded school life here...

- Take it all down. - On it.

We've consolidated your personal belongings and works of art.

Thank you. The chairs and desks will stay.

Yes sir.

Thank you for your efforts.

Sadly, we're only allowed here until 5 P.M. today.

The whole building is being sold off,

meaning our search will have to come to an end.

I only wanted to find this capsule before then...

and see her happy again.

"Her"?

Sir...

Yes?

What was the purpose of recording us this morning?

Though dementia may deteriorate one's memories,

I thought it'd be nice to show these halls come to life once more.

The Director... Both Mr. and Mrs. Sakamaki

continued to work here as staff, even after graduating.

I'm sure leaving will be hard on them both.

Only two hours remain.

Please lend us your wisdom a moment longer.

This job...

I see. We were just the extras.

Isn't it fun having someone you love in your life?

Wanna tour a sewer with me sometime?

Tour a sewer?

In order to aid our search, could you tell us the truth?

I figured it out!

- Ren. - Oh, 'sup?

Did you find the manholes?

Sure did.

You know, I'm a building appreciator, a manhole lover,

and, of course, a sewerage enthusiast too.

Wanna tour a sewer with me sometime?

Tour a sewer?

That's a thing...? Huh.

Yup! It's to study the infrastructure.

Oh, the infrastructure!

Then I'm interested.

Yes!

So long as there are no crocodiles.

You're the only one I've managed to convince.

Do you have no friends?

Speak for yourself.

Well, that's certainly true.

Hey, ready to quit the chit-chat and help us out?

Is this thing even still buried?

Maybe someone already dug it up.

Time capsules seem to go missing quite often.

Is something wrong?

This picture feels... off.

I can't figure out why though.

Try to if you can.

Will do.

I still think the manhole covers are relevant though.

Take a look.

There's one for spring...

Summer...

Autumn...

And winter.

I knew it.

The four colors of Chinese philosophy are the hint.

Each one is associated with a season and cardinal direction too.

I also confirmed that the Autumn themed manhole

was moved eight years after Mr. Sakamaki graduated.

- Eight years? - Yeah.

The journal entry you all read was written eight years afterwards.

See?

That's why he wrote another hint!

- Right? - Right!

- It's totally relevant. - Totally!

Wait, I forgot.

Mr. Kirie said nothing was found where the Autumn manhole use to be.

No way... Really?

Besides, the ground around manholes are damp.

Would anyone bury a precious time capsule there?

Did he tell you anything else?

Hm...

Turns out these covers are based on Mr. Kirie's kirie papercut art.

Mr. Kirie's... kirie.

How is everyone doing? I've brought some coffee if you'd like.

- Thank you sir. - Thank you.

Here, I'll pass them out.

A cup for you.

- Here. - Thank you.

And another.

- Here you go . - Thank you.

Excuse me... Mr. Kirie.

In order to aid our search, could you tell us the truth?

When Mrs. Sakamaki called you "Kirie" this morning...

Kirie.

You didn't react immediately.

Kirie!

You faltered, as if you'd never heard the name before.

"Kirie" is not a name, rather its the art of paper-cutting.

You didn't think she was referring to a person, let alone yourself.

How is that possible?

My apologies if I am incorrect.

The one with dementia isn't Mrs. Sakamaki's husband, is it?

Yes, you're correct.

The truth is... she is one with dementia.

In fact...

I am her husband.

So the Student Council President who buried the capsule is...

Yes, that would be her.

She's also the one who wrote those journal entries.

Guys! Who's down to play basketball?

She was a popular girl, with a mischievous side to her,

who loved giving people a good time.

She is someone I looked up to.

I'm sure she buried the capsule someplace unexpected, as a surprise to everyone.

[Graduating Class of 1991]

Everything was so we could be excited, opening it in the future.

She doesn't exactly give off that impression now.

given how harsh she lashed out at you.

Is this because of her condition?

Yes.

She's a kind woman.

She's bright, cheerful,

and truly cares from the bottom of her heart.

Yet it seems her beauty

is exactly what's taken first.

Even so, she cares about the time capsule.

I wanted to find it for her.

I truly did.

I only wanted to find this capsule before then…

and see her happy again.

"Her"?

That explains who you were talking about.

Pardon me, but do you know who her "crush" may have been?

They may know where this capsule is.

I have no clue.

I was in a different class.

All I could do was look from afar.

You see, our marriage was set up by our parents.

There were plenty of people out there more suitable for her.

So you're also a "Sakamaki".

Yes, I took on her last name.

But, why did she...?

Her story changes with the day.

This morning, her husband had dementia.

My husband… forgot the location of his class's time capsule.

He was afflicted with early-onset dementia.

I was shocked when she called me Kirie.

Nevertheless... I'm sure she's long forgotten

both stories by now.

She seemed to enjoy watching the footage from this morning earlier.

Yes.

After all, she loved this school.

Perhaps she felt as if her life had been put back in place.

Back in place...?

Kirie...?

Let me borrow your floor plans.

- Thanks. - S-Sure?

Why?

I knew it. Your floor plans came with these black specks too.

Yeah, I wondered if it was a printing error.

So did I.

But I think they're actually a pattern.

A pattern?

"Spring on Spring, 'Heaven, Heaven'."

Mr. Kirie! I mean, Mr. Sakamaki.

These covers are based on your kirie pieces, right?

Yes, a small part was carved into them.

Do you still have the original pieces?

They've been hanging in our halls. We only took them down earlier.

Sorry, lemme take the floor.

Could I touch your pieces sir?

Of course, go ahead.

First, we start with Spring.

Spring goes back to spring...

Take the center of the cover's design,

and place it where the respective cover is marked on the map.

Heaven and Earth...

Heaven signifies the top, while Earth is the bottom.

Spring is "Heaven-Heaven".

In other words, both the map and kirie pieces remain in their original orientations.

Wow...

Next up is Summer.

Summer is "Heaven-Earth",

which means we flip only the kirie upside down.

Autumn is "Heaven-Left".

So the map stays stays in its original orientation...

While the kirie is placed with the left side up top.

Like this.

Winter's like spring. Both the kirie and map stay as is.

Perfect. Now everything's back in place.

W-What?!

This part has no overlaps!

It's the only section where you can see the map!

- Woah! - You're right!

The other holes were colored black on the map to rule them out.

Exactly! They weren't stains!

Which means...!

This right here is where the capsule was buried,

I'm sure of it!

Unfortunately, we've already dug around that area as well.

Nothing was found.

No way! I was so sure this was it.

Ren, I think you're on the right track.

Really? But...

Did you figure out why that photo felt off?

The photo...? Oh, right.

- It's the shadow. - The shadow?

Yeah. I actually stood at the same place and time as this photo...

- Yes? - And a shadow covered part of the building.

But there's no shadow in this photo,

even though the building casting it existed thirty years ago.

Isn't that strange? It's not exactly cloudy in this picture either...

I figured it out!

So did I.

Wanna say together?

- On three. - One, two, three,

Hakodate!

Yes, is this the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward?

Yes. Yes.

Yes, I have a question.

Was there ever a time capsule unearthed on your grounds?

What?! It was found recently due to preservation work?!

Apologies for the trouble we've caused.

I will come retrieve it in the coming days. May I ask that its kept until then?

Thank you very much.

I knew it, this photo was from Hakodate.

The spot on the map wasn't marking this location.

It was for the real Public Hall in Hakodate.

She dug a hole on a national treasure!

Sometimes I cannot believe her.

A mischeveous person indeed.

How were we suppose to tell?

It seems they sent me photos of the contents as confirmation.

[Graduating Class of 1991: Messages for the future]

I remember now... We all drew pictures.

[To Me, in Fifteen Years]

Our teachers made us write letters to our future selves as well.

[Yoko Sakamaki - Dear me in fifteen years,]

My wife's letter...

What does it say?

"Dear me in fifteen years,"

"Are things working out with your crush?"

Who on earth is she talking about?

- Hey, I wanna see! - Absolutely not.

- Why not? - Because...!

It's fine. We only found this thanks to you all.

I'm sure Yoko wouldn't mind.

[Dear me in fifteen years,]

Yoko Sakamaki. Dear me in fifteen years,

Are things working out with your crush?

I'm sure he doesn't remember me.

Ever since I was a child,

the skin on my fingers would always peel when Autumn began.

Autumn in elementary school meant folk dance practice in PE.

I always dreaded holding hands with the boys.

Some kids would look openly disgusted...

While others pretended they didn't see it.

But he was different.

Huh? Are you hurt?

No! I'm not...

It just happens! Dad's the same way.

It's because of the season changing, I think.

I'm only like this in autumn...

You're born with it? I get it!

Look, me too. My hands get sweaty.

You probably hate holding them. Sorry.

No, that's not true!

I won't hate it.

You're just born with it, right?

Yeah. Thanks!

He put my heart at ease.

You've been in my sights ever since, Yukihito.

Your wonderful kirie never failed to amaze me either.

Although my fingers eventually stopped peeling...

I'll never forget your words.

Yukihito, I believe you'll find this capsule.

I'm sure you'll notice the hints.

And when you do... maybe I'll confess.

Or should I not?

After all, I feel like he avoids me.

Maybe he dislikes me.

No, never...

Of course not.

You were simply too dazzling...

Dad, are you serious?

You made all this fuss for a love letter? I'm embarrassed.

"Dad"?

This is my son.

What's going on?

You found it!

Wasn't that difficult? I put a lot of thought into it.

So did I.

Was there anything inside?

Yes.

Something wonderful, in fact.

But you should have told me!

You never said a word about it!

Why are you crying?

It'll be okay! Yukihito?

Seriously, what's wrong?

Whatever it is, leave it to me.

[And when you do... maybe I'll confess.]

What a great job.

Yeah. It was fun, and we got paid double.

Ren, you're amazing.

You think?

Unlike you, I can see an empty lot on a road I take every day,

and never be able to remember what used to stand there.

And here I thought I was good at memorizing.

I really only keep track of things I like. For example, guardrails.

Guardrails... Like those things?

Exactly!

More infrastructure.

- Yup. Each region's got a unique design too. - Interesting.

Feeling any better?

Aw man, I thought we could grab dinner together,

but I need my girlfriend fix, so I'm heading home.

Is that so?

Isn't it fun having someone you love in your life?

You know, I quite like you too.

If you see me on campus, give me a holler! Bye bye!

Like...?

Nice people aren't my favorite. I hate that they find out I'm not feeling well.

But yes, I feel much better now.

[Don't Call it Mystery]