Original subtitles

(Inokashira-koen Station)

(Thursday, October 3, 2019)

(Do you believe...)

(that there is a love that doesn't change?)

(What Comes After Love)

(Tokyo, 2019)

Ladies and gentlemen, we'll be arriving...

at Narita International Airport shortly.

Make sure your seat backs and tray tables...

are in their full upright position,

and make sure your seat belt is securely fastened.

Ladies and gentlemen, we'll be arriving at...

("Sky, Wind, and Stars")

Make sure your seat backs and tray tables are...

I always had dreams but no future.

(No Entry, Narita Airport)

There were many things I wanted to do,

but I didn't know what to do.

That was me, back then.

From an early age, I always wanted to do music,

but I didn't have the courage to pursue a music career,

nor was I confident enough to start working right away,

so I just left for Japan without a specific plan.

Hi, thank you.

- Good day. - Hello, thank you.

I chose Japan purely by coincidence.

My friend who offered to split rent 50-50 with me...

happened to be in Japan.

(Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Nightscape)

Hey, are you listening?

- You can't go to Japan. Okay? - Okay, I heard you.

More importantly, it didn't matter where I was going.

I wanted to leave home and live my own life.

(For Kichijoji)

It was a little scary,

but I felt like I could get through anything on my own.

(Currently under adjustment)

Why is this stuck?

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

(Inokashira-koen Station)

Are you all right?

Yes, I'm fine...

Oh, right.

Yes, I'm fine.

I'm relieved.

Here.

("Sky, Wind, and Stars")

Are you Korean?

Yes.

Here.

Thank you.

Oh, I'll hold this for you.

- Okay, sorry. - No problem.

Choi Hong!

- Ji Hee! - You made it!

So happy to see you!

Hey, how long has it been?

I can't believe you actually came here.

Hey, it's so confusing to transfer between subway lines here.

But you made it. Hey, first off,

let's take a selfie to celebrate your arrival.

- Here? - Yes.

Look at the camera. Look here.

Look here!

Say cheese!

I'm sorry.

- It's okay. - Well, my guitar...

Yes, here.

Thank you.

- Who is this guy? - What? No one.

Don't tell me you already...

No, it's not what you think.

What? They say a strong denial...

- is like an affirmation. - Stop already.

I'm sorry, but do you mind taking a picture of us?

Not at all. Your Japanese is good.

Oh, Hong lived in Tokyo back in elementary school.

You know, she doesn't have a boyfriend...

Here. Could you please take a picture of us?

Oh, sure.

Well...

Oh, you should stand over here.

All right, kimchi.

There.

- Thank you so much. - Thank you.

No problem.

All right, then.

- Cheers! - Cheers!

My gosh.

Hey, it looks a bit different from the photos on your social media.

I can't believe you actually listened to me and came here.

You told me to come here.

Hey, congratulations on finally moving out.

- This is a historic day. Cheers! - Cheers!

It tastes sweet.

What did you say to your mom? She said she'd never allow it.

That's right. So, I didn't tell her.

- What? - I didn't want to worry Mom.

Choi Hong, I always knew you were a little crazy, but that's nuts.

Well, it's not like she's paying for any of this.

I worked part-time to save up enough money to do this.

From now on, I'm going to live my life however I want.

Goodness. Hey, you're talking like you haven't been living like that.

Anyway, you made the right decision.

If you don't do this now,

- you'll never do it. - Exactly.

- Cheers, again? - Yes, for sure.

- Cheers! - Cheers!

What is this?

Why is he smiling here?

Hey, Hong. What are you doing? It's still so early.

You’re awake.

I want to go to Inokashira for a run.

Inokashira?

Hey, that place is huge.

- Do you want to join me? - You wish.

When I run,

the scenery I pass by keeps changing.

And I like that.

That I don't feel stagnant.

Because it makes me feel like...

I am moving forward every day, little by little.

Then what do you want to study after completing your language course?

Right, I want to continue studying literature.

I'm especially interested in Korean poets who studied in Japan.

I like haiku poems too.

Oh, I see.

So, you're keenly interested in poetry and literature.

Yes. I'm not good enough to be a poet,

but I really enjoy reading poetry.

I see.

If you need help or advice on the application or admission process,

just let us know. We'll do our best to help you.

I will. Thank you.

Thank you for your help in advance.

It's my pleasure.

Good luck, let's do our best together.

Yes!

This looks delicious.

Why do I need to submit a resume when it's just a part-time job?

Hey, there's no point complaining about it.

It's mandatory here in Japan.

How am I supposed to describe myself in a single-page resume?

Today, I'm different from the person I was yesterday.

Then just call your mom and ask her to send you some money.

Darn you...

Hey, Hong.

Just write a decent one. It doesn't have to be perfect.

You said you were too broke to even pay this month's rent.

Oh, right.

My gosh, the rent.

My rent!

My rent...

(Part-timers wanted)

(Boulangerie Eclin)

(Kichijoji Honcho)

(Part-timers wanted)

(DESIGN, Kichijoji Honcho)

(Kinno Ito, Kitssy Sepia)

(Bar Domino)

(European Papa, record shop, Kichijoji Honcho)

(Record shop)

Hello, excuse me.

Excuse me!

Excuse me!

(Resume)

(Part-timers wanted, urgent!)

(Hourly wage from 1200 yen, Ichiro Ramen)

Yes.

- What... - Oh.

Hello.

Hello.

Go ahead.

Oh, it's okay. Please, go on in.

Excuse me.

I'm sorry. We're not open yet.

- The part-time job... - The part-time job...

I'd like to apply for the job.

Me too.

Manager!

- You're Korean. - Yes.

But I lived in Japan for five years when I was in elementary school,

so I speak fluent Japanese.

You're majoring in Japanese Literature in college,

so your Japanese must be good.

Yes.

I can speak Japanese and Korean as well,

so I can definitely help Korean customers with ease.

There are many Korean tourists these days.

Do you speak Korean?

No, I can't speak Korean.

Yes.

I've worked all sorts of part-time jobs since a young age.

I've been paying my tuition fees on my own.

For this semester too.

That must be hard.

I came to Japan all by myself.

I can't pay my rent if I don't find a job right away,

which means I'll get kicked out.

Right, rent.

Rent is expensive in this area.

It really is.

Also, I'm an international student,

so I can't even take out a student loan.

All right, that's enough.

So, you need money for your living expenses.

And you, for your tuition.

I'm sorry, but we're hiring one part-timer at the moment.

Well, then...

Shall we do a little test to decide who will get the job?

I'll let you both do a trial shift today and observe you.

The one who does a better job will be hired.

What do you say? Sounds fair, right?

All right, then. Shall we begin?

(Open)

Thank you for waiting. Come on in.

- Welcome! - Welcome!

Are you ready to order?

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Thank you for waiting.

- Enjoy. - Here you go.

Got it.

Thank you for waiting.

- Here you go. - Thanks.

Here's the shoyu ramen.

Got it. Thank you.

- Thank you for waiting. - Thank you.

This way please.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

- Thank you. - Thank you for the great food.

Thank you for waiting.

Thank you for waiting.

- Welcome. - Welcome.

Hey, bring the menu!

Yes, sir.

Sir, this is salt-flavoured ramen,

and this is shoyu ramen.

Salt-flavoured ramen is our specialty.

Have a look at the menu and let me know when you're ready to order.

Is there a server who can speak Japanese here?

How may I help you?

I see foreigners working as servers everywhere I go these days.

It makes me so uncomfortable.

I can take your order, sir.

Yes, you should always put customers' convenience first.

If you want to hire foreign servers, teach them Japanese first.

But first,

you should apologize for what you just said.

What? "Apologize?"

Yes.

Apologize first.

Then I'll take your order.

Have you lost your mind?

You've got some nerve.

Even if you keep glaring at me like that,

I will not apologize.

Well...

Then you'll have to leave.

You're making other customers uncomfortable too.

Yes, I should. Because of you,

I don't want to eat here either.

I apologize for being rude to that customer earlier.

I'm sorry.

No, don't worry about it.

No, really...

You. You can start tomorrow.

Yes, sir.

Here.

Thanks for today.

Thank you.

I was right. Perfect.

What?

What's perfect?

He's knight material.

He did that to impress you.

Knight material, my foot.

My gosh, Hong.

You never had a decent boyfriend in Korea,

but you're writing history as soon as you land in Japan.

Why would you say I never had a decent boyfriend?

Let's be honest. None of your exes were normal.

One ghosted you, and another suddenly enlisted.

You always dated losers.

Min Jun, the only decent guy,

you insist is just a friend.

How many times do I have to tell you?

Min Jun is just a friend.

As if.

Did he cry when you left to come here?

Poor Min Jun.

I bet "friend zone" is his most hated term in the world.

Will you stop it? You have lots of guy friends too.

What about the poor knight?

He needs to earn his tuition.

I think he found work at a food truck across the street.

- Fortunately. - A food truck?

Take this, please.

(Closed for Preparation)

Sorry for the wait. Thank you.

Thanks a lot.

What's your order?

You're staring at the food truck again.

Who? Me?

I was not.

I was just...

wondering if it would rain.

Hong.

- Yes? - Get us each a hot dog.

Here.

Okay.

- Sorry for the wait. - At last!

Our Hong crosses the half-line...

and enters the opponent's territory.

Will she be able to score a goal this time?

We watch with bated breath.

Do you really think...

she should be wearing the ramen bandana...

as she waits in line?

It's almost heartbreaking.

That's something a player should think of on her own.

She must be very nervous.

Could it be a lack of experience?

- A lack of experience? Makes sense. - Yes.

Thank you. Please come again.

Hello.

Hello.

It has been a while.

Are you here for a hot dog?

Oh, yes.

Can I have five cheese hot dogs?

- Five? Five cheese hot dogs. - Yes.

The bandana on your head suits you.

Thank you.

You too.

The apron suits you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I got your hot dogs.

- Okay. - Thanks.

Here you go.

- Thanks. - Here you go.

Oh, right.

It's our turn to help clean the mall.

That was always the rookie's job.

You can go this time.

They start at 10am tomorrow. Are you okay with that?

You bet. Leave it to me.

- I’m counting on you. - Absolutely.

To provide the customers with a pleasant shopping experience,

we at Kichijoji Mall...

gather every morning like this to clean a section of the mall.

Please cooperate and do your best.

- Okay. - Sure.

Let me take attendance.

Ichiro Ramen?

- Present. - Okay.

- Murakami Book Store? - Present.

Okay. Inobushi Food Truck?

Inobushi?

There's no one from Inobushi?

I'm here!

I apologize for being late.

Okay. Wasabi?

Present.

Ekuri?

- Present. - Okay.

Please do your best, then.

- Get this, please. - Over there.

Here.

That's cold.

(Rock)

Sorry.

- Hong. - What's up, Rok?

I told you to call only if it's an emergency.

This is a darn serious emergency.

Choi Hong!

Are you out of your mind?

I said you could go to Jeju Island. You went to Japan?

Yes. It's pretty much the same.

Japan's an island too, and it's as close as Jeju.

Fly back immediately.

If you have a perfectly fine degree, you should get a job.

You can't run away from home. You're not a child.

I'm being independent because I'm not a child.

You're not being independent.

Quit wasting time and come back.

You'll regret doing this.

Mom. I'll be the one to regret,

and I'll be the one to waste time. It's my life.

You don't care why I came this far or what I want to do, do you?

You're always like that. You try this and that.

If you think it won't pan out, you quit.

You ran away again because you were too scared to find a job.

- Mom! - What?

Am I wrong?

No, you're right.

I ran away.

From you.

What awesome timing.

Hey.

If you're free today after work...

Would you like to go out for drinks?

I see.

Then you might be here for a while.

I'm not sure yet.

I'm preparing to go to graduate school.

Should I remain here,

or am I just passing through?

Will I like this place or not?

You can take your time to think while you're here.

All I want to do is take the time to think.

But sometimes in life...

There are times when it buffers.

"Buffer?"

Oh.

Like when it lags.

Oh, lagging.

The person closest to me...

doesn't understand me at all.

She doesn't even try to understand me.

Has that ever happened to you?

Well...

It happens sometimes.

And it hurts even more.

It's so frustrating.

That's why I came here.

Oh, right.

You major in literature.

- Yes. - So do I.

What?

We have a lot in common.

We do?

Yes. We both study literature,

and we need to work.

And...

we're buffering.

We are.

Why did you choose to study literature?

Oh...

I wanted to be a writer.

I prefer to write more than...

to talk.

What are you working on now?

Different kinds of things.

I'm writing stuff that has been on my mind.

But I'm just an amateur.

You'll make it.

What?

As a writer.

You think so?

Trust me.

Flash.

I got this feeling.

That hunch.

Can I trust it?

If you can't,

follow me.

- What? - Yes.

Please.

Oh, no.

Go.

Good luck.

Yes.

Come on out, Bonobono!

You got it? Come on.

What a shame.

If only it were Bonobono.

You got Dai Nee-chan, which means your hunch was wrong.

Wait. You know Dai Nee-chan?

Not many people know her.

She's an older sister of Bonobono's friend Shimarisu.

No way. You actually know her.

It looks like today's not your lucky day. Shall we go?

To get another drink?

What? You're pretty drunk already.

I am not drunk.

I only had this much to drink.

You had ten lemon cocktails.

But I'm Choi Hong.

What? Choi...

Yes. Choi Hong.

My family name is "Choi" and my name is "Hong."

I'm Jungo.

Aoki Jungo.

- Jungo. - Yes.

Jungo.

Jungo.

Doesn't Dai Nee-chan look a bit lonely?

Let's find her boyfriend!

- Pit Pong? - Yes, Pit Pong.

Let's get Pit Pong so they can be together.

- Okay. - Okay.

Come on out, Pit Pong!

You got it.

That's awesome.

Are you okay?

One more try and we could've gotten Pit Pong.

Dai Nee-chan needs her Pit Pong.

Try not to worry.

Even if you don't get Pit Pong,

they will always be together.

As always.

As always...

Do you believe in love that doesn't change?

That's a tough question.

Don't you think it'll be out there somewhere?

"Somewhere?"

I've decided.

What?

I'm going to stay.

I want to find out where that is.

Right. So where do you live?

It's fine.

I can get home on my own.

Goodbye.

How will you get home?

I'll run.

Right now?

Yes. You don't have to worry.

I'm pretty sure I'm much faster than you.

What?

I may look...

pretty frail and weak,

but every morning,

I jog around Inokashira Park five times.

There's no way you run five laps every morning.

What? You don't believe me?

I can't.

Inokashira Park is pretty big.

I don't believe this.

It's true.

I'll prove it.

Don't you be shocked.

Watch carefully.

Hey.

Wait. You drank too much. Hong!

Hong!

She's a pretty good runner.

My gosh.

You nutcase.

How much did you drink last night?

That's weird.

Did I bump my head into something?

Dig in for your hangover.

So, how was it?

Didn't you finally meet him? The hot dog man.

Yes.

We met.

And?

But...

Give me money.

- What? - Come on.

What?

Well done, my friend.

Thanks.

Hong. Don't worry too much.

People meet again if meant to be.

I don't think we will.

I never believed in them.

Rather than fates and miracles,

I wanted to trust my volition.

Ji Hee said repeated coincidences...

are signs of fate.

But I thought it was simply wishful thinking...

by people hoping what they wish for would...

miraculously come true by luck.

But...

You...

Darn it.

What?

Wait! Hong!

Don't run away, Hong! Stop!

Hong!

Goodness.

- It hurts. - Oh, no.

Are you okay?

I'm not okay.

It hurts quite a bit.

My apologies for last time.

No, don't worry.

You're here later than usual today.

It's past 11am.

What?

Don't tell me...

Thanks to you, I'm late to class today.

Have you been waiting for me here since this morning?

I finally got it.

When...

did you get it?

I went there yesterday...

on the off case.

I got it on my first try.

Please.

Yes!

Finally.

At that moment, I realized it.

Realized that...

fate existed in this world.

It was...

the first time I felt it.

And never did I feel it...

again.

Please hand it in next week.

That's it for today.

Great job, everyone.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.

Jungo!

It's a cherry blossom.

(Closed for Preparation)

- Great work. - Great work.

- Great work. - Great work.

Hold on. Did something good happen recently?

- What? - Your face.

No, nothing happened.

- What? - What?

- What? - What?

As expected from a pro.

You made him fall for you, didn't you?

It's nothing like that.

See you tomorrow!

- Bye. - Have fun!

That's youth.

- It sure is. - It sure is.

How cute.

It's really pretty.

What's pretty in Korean?

It might be a bit difficult.

It's "yeppeuda."

"Yeppeuda?"

That was good.

Yeppeuda.

Yeppeuda.

Hong.

That spring was...

the first...

and last spring of my life.

Back then,

I firmly believed that...

(5 years later, Seoul)

when I truly loved someone, the whole universe...

would help me.

Everyone knew there was...

an end to love.

"I'm different."

"Our love is different."

That was what I thought.

After breaking up with Jungo and returning from Japan,

I suffered from the fear...

(To Reporter...)

I would break myself down if I didn't...

immerse myself in something.

(Sodam Publishing House)

Great work.

Mr. Lee. This is the final draft.

Okay.

Ms. Choi.

Here's the final draft.

We'll get it printed if you don't find any problems.

Please read it.

I'll let you know once I'm done.

Okay.

Had I known I would meet Jungo,

I wouldn't have gone there.

Ms. Choi.

Did you see the snow piled up outside?

I did. I got stuck in traffic because of the snow.

I see.

If everyone is here, shall we begin?

All right.

I'll start with the cover design for the new edition.

We saw the design last time.

Let's move on to the next agenda.

Got it.

We couldn't decide on the cover copy in our last meeting.

There are two options.

I'll read them aloud for you.

That's all right. We can read it ourselves.

Do we still not have Ms. Park Ji Hee's manuscript?

Well, Ms. Park has been ghosting us since yesterday.

All right. I'll try contacting her myself.

The preparations for next week's event are done, right, Mr. Lee?

Yes, Ms. Choi.

Mr. Sasae will arrive tomorrow around lunch as scheduled.

We'll proceed with the interview at 4pm right away.

Please continue to be in charge of Japanese literature with the CEO.

Aren't your hands full with the South American works?

So don't worry about us.

Everything is set.

Sir. Can we make the colour darker?

Of course.

Our first batch has arrived, yes?

Yes, it's here.

The second batch will arrive in two days, right?

Yes, it will.

(Left Eye)

When did you get here?

Just now.

What's that?

A cake.

Gosh. I needed something sweet.

How did you know?

How do you know me so well?

Your compliment makes me happy.

But were you looking forward to the cake more than me?

You scare me now.

You know everything about me.

Don't tell me you don't know what day it is today.

"Today?"

Is it White Day? No.

My goodness.

The day we eat a cake?

It's your mother's birthday.

Oh, no. What time is it right now?

Good grief. Did you forget again?

It was the same last year.

Lunar birthdays mess with my head.

This is bad. I didn't buy any gifts.

Let's get going.

What? Okay.

Min Jun.

Can't we pretend that I bought that cake? Please?

Stop with those puppy eyes. It makes me give in.

Min Jun. Come on.

Just this once. Please.

Jun will come by 7pm, right?

Yes. Jun said he would come.

That's the billionth time you asked me that question.

If you're that curious, pick him up yourself.

Why are you getting mad at me?

I'm simply worried there won't be enough food.

I will never tell you if I get myself a boyfriend, Mom.

Go ahead. Be my guest.

They're here.

It's been a while, Brother-in-law.

Hey. How have you been?

Brother-in-law, my foot. Don't make things awkward.

She should call me that more often so it feels less awkward. Right?

Is that you, Jun? Welcome.

Mother. Happy birthday.

Thanks, Min Jun. You must be starving.

I'm in total bliss right now.

And the cake looks gorgeous.

Didn't you hate getting older on your birthday?

Stop overreacting.

How can I not be happy when I'm celebrating...

my birthday with such a reliable son-in-law?

You'll understand how I feel once you get a son-in-law like him.

But he's not your son-in-law yet.

Stop it. I mean the both of you.

You should stop spoiling our fun.

I met his parents, which means we're a family now.

You're right.

I'm sorry.

It was an urgent call.

Let's see. What did I miss?

Don't worry. None of what you missed was important.

Right, Hong. Do you mind doing me a favour?

"A favour?"

Can you go to the airport tomorrow?

- Sorry? - Miyazawa, our interpreter,

has an urgent family matter. But we've got no one to fill in.

To interpret?

I don't want to.

It's been ages since I last spoke Japanese.

Can't you go, Dad?

You're good at Japanese, too.

He has a business trip to Busan tomorrow.

The job is only for a day.

I have plans with Min Jun tomorrow.

Don't worry about it, and go.

It can't be helped.

Okay?

Goodness. My sweet son-in-law.

- Dig in now. - Come now.

- Thank you for the food. - Dig in.

- Thank you for the food. - Thank you for the food.

I'm sorry.

We better put off visiting the wedding venues until next week.

Let's do that. It's okay.

I'll look up more venues to visit next week.

All right.

Min Jun.

What is it?

Thanks.

Goodness. I told you not to say that, didn't I?

Whenever you thank me,

you feel very distant from me.

Good night.

Go back inside. It's cold.

Attention, all passengers in the terminal...

Thank you for helping us, Ms. Choi.

I didn't know you spoke Japanese.

Did you study abroad?

No, I used to live there for a short time when I was little.

Is that so?

I studied at an academy for over a year and got a good score.

But important occasions scare me.

I might make a mistake.

I see.

He should be arriving soon. Shall we get going?

Oh, let's go.

(Welcome to Korea, Mr. Sasae Hikari!)

He's running late.

Where is he?

(Welcome to Korea, Mr. Sasae Hikari!)

Yes, Reporter Park?

I'm at the airport right now.

- Excuse me for a bit. - Of course.

It felt as if...

time was collapsing in on itself.

Had I known I would meet Jungo,

I wouldn't have come here.