Original subtitles

Kazuki, how are you? It's been a while, hasn't it?

Are you eating properly?

Where are you now? What are you doing?

Call me if you feel like it, okay?

Do you know where the car keys are?

Huh?

No, I don't know.

Huh...?

Hey, is that fun doing it by yourself?

Hey.

Ichiya has a certain vibe, right?

Like an aura or something, kind of an artistic vibe.

Are you doing something like that?

Where did I put the keys again...?

Wow, you can really eat, huh?

- Hm? - You're going to eat again after this, right?

Yeah. Huh? Want some? It's good.

Hey! How's it going?

Hey...

Don't be so mad.

Did you check the guest's profile?

Tonight the guest is older, so I'll act as the younger prince.

That's pretty much how you always are.

Yeah.

Huh? Toki, were you left-handed?

Hm? No, I'm right-handed.

Being left-handed is an advantage. Even when you eat normally,

People pay attention, like Setsuna just did.

Are you eating left-handed just for that?

Recently, acting like a genius has been my thing.

Like randomly muttering prime numbers.

Or eating curry every morning like Ichiro.

Toki's good-looking though...

Huh?

By the way, Setsuna, what's with that weird tie?

No, that's not it. It's a requirement.

- Huh? - I'm playing a high school teacher.

Apparently, Ichiro doesn't really eat curry every morning.

- What? Really? - It seems that during his dates,

Apparently, he just ate hamburgers and stuff.

It's not like eating curry makes you a genius.

- Huh? - That was just for...

It was just to help him focus, right?

You don't want your performance ruined every morning by whether it's good or bad, right?

More importantly, I think we should stick to what we believe in,

We should learn from his deep passion.

- Swinging the bat every day for 365 days... - Setsuna!

You're really going off, huh.

True.

- What about Ichiya? - No, nothing special was said.

- Then how about that? - Speaking in two kanji characters...

Huh?

When you speak using only two kanji characters, it kind of makes you look like a genius, doesn't it?

- Wha— what do you mean? - So, for example...

"Soba" "Delicious."

Huh, what does that mean?

- Ah, I see, that's cool. - Yeah.

"Today." "Guest." "Housewife."

Yeah, that's good, that's good...

"Idiot." "Fool."

No, this isn't right.

Okay...

Whoa!

Hiroshi-san!

I have the key.

Right?

Sometimes you can change a guest's life in just one night.

In a country full of lousy men...

become a real knight.

- Right? - Yeah, exactly.

Is it about time for the night event?

Shall we go?

Go save the world.

Got it.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Did you wait long?

Not really.

You're Satoko-san, right?

- Yes. - I recognised you right away.

How did you know?

You looked kind of lonely.

Wow, it's so beautiful.

Yeah, it's beautiful. Looks delicious.

- Yeah, it's good. - Yeah.

Ah...

What do you want me to call you?

What should I choose, I wonder.

- Satoko? - But...

I think I might dislike being called without honorifics, since that's how I'm always addressed.

Oh, is that your real name?

Yeah, it's my real name.

Huh? Doesn't everyone normally use their real name?

Most people change their name, though.

Oh... Ah, sorry.

Then, how about Satchan?

- Satchan? - Is that okay?

Yeah, okay, then Satchan is fine.

Alright, Satchan, I'll feed you this tomato.

No, no, no...

Come on.

- Is it good? - Yeah, it's delicious.

Alright, I'm relived.

Okay, now feed me. Ahh, go ahead.

Wait a second!

What does that fish taste like?

It's simple but creamy...

the tomato-flavored butter sauce goes right up through the nose.

Ichiya-san, you're such an expressive person.

Good, good.

Oh, eat this too.

These courses are always too much, don't you think?

I wonder girls in foreign countries are really okay eating all these.

Can you take a picture?

Face this way.

Wow!

Ichiya-san, you're really good at taking pictures.

Oh, drink this too.

Would you like something to drink?

Ah, just water is fine.

Understood.

Have you decided on your order?

What about you, Akari-san?

Ah, maybe let's have him come back a little later.

No, I'll decide now.

Then... I'll have a gin and tonic.

Please make it ginger ale.

Two ginger ales, please.

Understood.

Then, I'll take your menu away.

Excuse me.

Ah, I'm sorry, excuse me.

You don't drink alcohol?

No... sorry. I'm not drinking alcohol today.

Ah.

So? What's the plan for tonight?

Tonight, my name is Hiroshi Takahashi.

I'm a 28-year-old high school teacher.

My hobbies are visiting art museums and hiking.

For a setting for spending a night with a prince, it's quite plain profile, though.

Setsuna-san, you're described as the top 'chameleon therapist' in the shop,

able to meet any request.

Of course.

That's why I dressed like a high school teacher in this suit and tie.

Please take off those glasses.

Huh? Glasses?

Oh, that's what bothers you...

I thought that was the best part though.

Excuse me, here's your ginger ale.

- Thank you. - Please take your time.

Well then, cheers.

So now...

I want you to meet my mother.

Your mother?

Thank you very much.

Mmm...

Ah, this feels so nice.

Feels nice, doesn't it?

- Hey, isn't this crazy? - Yeah.

It's nice.

- Are you nervous? - A little nervous...

Still nervous?

Oh, is it until 12 o'clock today?

Yes, I have to catch the last train.

Then you're Cinderella tonight,

just for one night.

Satchan, your hands are cold.

Yeah, sorry.

You're really staring at me.

Oh...

- Sorry. - Huh? Why are you apologizing?

I'm sorry.

I'm boring... aren't I?

No, that's not true.

It's my job to make sure you have fun.

What do you want to do after this?

Is there anything you want to do right now?

Something I want to do?

Shall we go to a hotel?

I want to kill.

Huh? Me?

No, no.

Wait... you want to kill someone?

My husband.

You can answer it.

No, it's fine.

- Was it his call earlier? - Yes.

He called to say he can't come home tonight either.

Tonight again, huh...

I'm just as guilty for being here now.

Who is he with?

A woman more than a decade younger than me.

And because you can't kill him, you're here doing this?

I thought maybe if I went on a date with someone young, it would help...

So? Did you understand your husband's situation?

Sorry, you've been so considerate in listening to me.

No, it's fine.

Tell me more.

You're kind.

You keep staring at me.

Huh?

My face.

Your face... I thought it's beautiful.

I think I'll go home after all. Sorry.

- You're beautiful too, Satchan. - That's not true.

Is it okay to pay right here?

Huh? It's... over?

Thank you.

- No, no, I haven't done anything. - No, you listened to me, and that's enough.

I'm just an ordinary older woman.

Thank you.

Hello? Yeah.

Sorry, I was at the convenience store and didn't notice.

Thanks for working late. Okay.

The magic might have worn off,

but let's do what you really want to do now, Satchan.

I don't know what I want to do.

Then...

What was something you wanted to try in the past?

I want to... be like you.

Me?

Got it.

Let's go then.

- Are you okay? - I'm fine.

This is the first thing you wanted to try, Satchan?

Yeah.

Good evening, would you like to come by for a moment?

Thank you!

The second thing you wanted to try.

Yeah.

- Are you serious? - Shouldn't I?

It's not that you shouldn't...

- Okay, shall we go then? - Yes.

A capable man stands out, doesn't he?

Thank you.

- It's a bit embarrassing, though. - Right?

Satchan, you're a bit of a pervert, huh?

Yeah, I am.

The third thing you wanted to try.

Um, the one with everything...

Two large servings.

- Garlic? - Then extra garlic...

- And I'll have a beer too. - Got it.

I've dreamt about it for a long time.

Huh? About what?

A dream of becoming a handsome, lonely, but free boy living in the city.

Hey...

What? What?

So, you said you want to see a boy standing and peeing.

Just once, I wanted to stand up and do it with all my might.

What?

This is fun.

This is the everyday life of a handsome guy

living in the city that I've dreamt of many times.

Here you go, sorry for the wait. It's here, This, this..

Even if you're not handsome, for a poor young person,

a fully loaded bowl of ramen and a beer after work are the ultimate luxuries, right?

- Wanna try? - No... no, I'm good.

Can I pack it up?

Sure.

What are we going to do now?

Toki, what do you usually do after finishing work?

Well...

Usually, I just go back to the room where my girlfriend is,

mess around on my phone... and go to sleep.

You have a girlfriend...

Oh, was I not supposed to say that?

No, I want to see more.

Huh? See what?

I want to see more of your daily life, Toki.

If you wouldn't get stabbed by your girlfriend.

Huh? To my place?

I want to go.

Wait, seriously?

- Well, you know... I'd get stabbed. - Ugh, that would be a bit of a problem.

Well, I'm kidding though.

Hmm, well, since we're in the same profession, it's probably fine.

Let's go!

Please note, the socks I know of have

embroidered lambs standing on two legs.

Good morning, I am a scrape.

Good morning.

I am a hole in the sock.

The right sock and the left sock...

I don't know.

Chinatown is intense, right?

- Oh, found it. - Hi, here's your xiaolongbao.

One xiaolongbao, please.

Sure, got it. Please wait a moment.

Here you go, thanks for waiting!

- Thank you! - It's hot, be careful.

There we go...

Umm...

take a picture.

Eh, isn't that far?

Wow, you're like a pro.

Seriously, it's so good. Why are you so good at taking photos?

Because I get asked to take photos a lot.

Oh, I'll give you this.

Thank you.

Hey, am I here just to eat?

Bingo!

I mean, Ichiya-san, you look like you eat a lot.

Then why not come with your friends?

Hmm... because it feels awkward, so I can't.

Um...

Excuse me, are you perhaps... miyupo-san?

T/N: JP subs also say "miyupo", as it's an Instagram username.

Ah... yes.

- Wow, that's amazing! - I really like you!

- This one here is totally into you! - Aww, I'm so happy, love you too!

- Wow! So cute! - Thank you.

- Can we take a picture or something...? - Let's take one, let's take one.

Excuse me, is it okay?

- Is he your boyfriend or something? - Oh, no no,

it's not like that.

- He's... my cameraman. - Wow!

Can we ask for a favor?

You smell really nice!

Okay, say cheese.

One more.

Thank you very much.

- I'm really happy, thank you. - I'm really rooting for you.

- Thank you. - We support you.

Oh no, don't cry. Bye-bye.

That's hilarious.

- Are you famous? - Not really.

I just have 70,000 Instagram followers, that's all.

70,000? That's amazing.

Hurry up and eat, we still have places to go.

Where do you want to go?

Ichiya-san, just quietly follow me.

Quietly follow you,

but I haven't even finished eating yet.

Hurry up and eat.

Alright.

Oh, the xiaolongbao over there is super good.

There's no time to eat.

But we can eat it quickly and go...

Oh, and we can grab one as a souvenir for your mom.

Uh, more importantly,

have you thoroughly memorized the résumé I sent?

We met as teachers at the same high school,

and have been dating for two years.

We aren't living together, but we're thinking about marriage.

So, what's it about?

I want you, Setsuna-san, to pretend to be my fiancé.

The type my mother would like.

So, I'm going to meet your mother as your fiancé?

Also, your way of speaking is not appropriate.

And the way you drank at the hotel earlier,

absolutely don't do that in front of my mother.

Understood.

- Excuse me? - Yes?

Could you just change your tie?

Huh? Is this no good?

A good impression, huh?

I think the one you're wearing right now is quite nice though.

- Yeah, it's good right? - Yes.

Is it the pattern?

Or something else?

Wouldn't this give a good impression? It has a bright vibe, right?

- Sorry for disrupting things. - It's alright.

I think almost anything would suit you well.

Yeah, she's pretty picky about preferences and stuff.

Oh, I see.

A good impression, huh?

Hold on...

What's wrong? I'm your fiancé, right?

Hmm.

Let's go with this one.

- Are you sure? - Yes.

- This one? - Yes.

Hmm... A good impression?

I think it suits you very well.

Oh.

Alright.

That's amazing.

Um, I'll do most of the talking and introduce you to my mother.

- You, Setsuna-san... - I'm 'Hiroshi', right?

We'll have the ceremony at Daikanyama Church on Christmas.

Since we work at the same place, it'll be a small gathering.

We're planning a restaurant wedding.

You pass.

But please don't talk too much.

My mother doesn't like people like that.

Can I say something?

What is it?

You're really close with your mom, huh.

I was only hired for tonight, right?

Even if I act as your fiancé in front of your mother,

she'll see through it right away, won't she?

My mother,

is going to die soon.

- Good work. - Toki.

- You look cool again today. - Thanks.

- Are you working? - No, I'm already done.

- Take care, okay? - Yeah.

Good job.

- Heading to work? - Yeah.

Ah, Hajiku isn't sleeping at all.

Oh, that's a problem. Watch over him.

Got it.

Put him to sleep quickly; his sleep cycle is reversed.

Alright.

Hey, it's seriously messy, you won't get turned off, right?

- Nope, I won't. - You meant it, right?

Yeah. Alright, let's go. This way.

Look, see... it's already messy.

I mean... it's kinda cool.

It's cool.

You're grossed out, aren't you?

This way.

Oh, Hajiku, here. Come on, this way, Hajiku.

Good evening.

Who's this pretty lady?

Hmm? Satchan, Satchan. Cute, right?

- Maa-san will get mad at you. - It's okay, it's okay.

Huh?

Let's play with big brother, Hajiku.

Oh, sorry.

Yo! Here.

- Oh, here? - Yes.

I'm back.

- Take off your shoes, take off your shoes. - Excuse me for intruding.

- Come in, come in. - Yes, sorry for intruding.

Huh? Huh, Maasa?

Where's Maasa? Maasa?

Oh, did she go out? Maasa?

Is she over there?

It's for kids, so she's not here.

Huh? She's not here?

Hiding... Ah, wait...

Oh.

- Good evening. - Oh, She's my client, Satoko-san.

Nice to meet you.

She wanted to see our place, so she followed me here.

Sorry.

Hmm? What?

- You stink. - Huh?

You smell like garlic.

- Sorry. - Kentaro?

- Hmm? - Go brush your teeth.

- There's a disposable one for you too, old lady. - Hey, don't call her an old lady.

Thank you...

- Is your name Kentaro? - Oh, me? I'm Kentaro.

- So your name is Kentaro. - Eh, yes, my name is Kentaro.

Why don't you sit down.

Ah, thank you.

Maasa, clean up.

- Ugh, no way. - Hey, stop being lazy.

Shut up! I said shut up!

Is it good? Maybe I should try it.

Sorry, just a second...

She's tough, huh.

Come on, come on, what's wrong?

It's all good, it's all good, yeah yeah.

What's wrong? I'm strong, aren't I?

- Hang in there, hang in there. - I'm going all out, you know.

- Whoa~ - You're strong!

I won!

- Okay, next is Satchan. - Huh, me?

No, it's fine, just play however.

- What should I do, what should I do? - Look at this.

Like this, see... you have to do it properly.

- Like this, here. - Like this? Wait a sec...

- Try doing it for real. - For real? Got it.

- Oh, that's good, that's good. - Wow, I pulled off a great move just now.

- Even if you do this, you can still move. - Seriously, no customers today.

Well, cute girls are the first to come in.

Hey, I won't let you have any.

No, that's my line.

Uh, the next one is good. Like this, you see...

- Hajiku, aren't you hungry? - Huh?

- Yeah, I'm hungry. - Right? You're hungry, aren't you?

- Kentaro, make something. - Yeah, Kentaro, make something.

- Wait. - Kentaro, Kentaro, Kentaro...

- No, no, no... - Kentaro!

No, no, no... no!

We just had all in one ramen. Right, Satchan?

- Yeah, we had all in one ramen. - That's awful!

- It's terrible, right? - No it's not terrible.

So that's why you smell like garlic.

Ah, sorry, sorry about that.

Smells so bad!

It stinks!

Hey, if you'd like, I can cook something?

Huh?

- Really? - Do you want to eat?

- Yes. - I'll make some food then.

What! Wow... Oh, that's amazing.

- Here you go. - You really made all this just from leftovers?

Yes.

Let's eat.

- Please enjoy. - Thank you for the meal.

You're amazing, Satchan.

Wow, it's so good.

Wow, I'm so happy you're eating so much.

This is even better than ice cream.

- Oh wow, that's amazing, I'm so happy. - Wow, I'm so happy.

Where did you learn to cook like that?

- You're jealous, right? - Hey, just a little...

Ah, I don't usually do that... just one bite... just one bite, please.

- No way, I don't want to. - Why not?

- Just one bite, come on, just one bite. - Ah! Wait, wait.

Come on, it's fine.

- Ah! Ah, my share... - So good!

- Delicious! - You're eating my share.

Isn't that mean? I didn't even give you permission.

Let's go.

- Are you interested? - Hmm, not really.

It's been really popular lately.

What's that?

I want you to take pictures, so come with me.

Can't I just wait here?

Oh, For two.

Do you have an invitation?

Nope!

The entry is by invitation only.

Come on... can't you let us in?

There's no need to force our way in. Let's just go.

- We can't? - They said no.

- Why? - Aoyama-kun?

I'm so happy you came.

Oh, go ahead.

Please.

Everyone's been worried because you suddenly became hard to contact.

Have you been doing well?

Yeah.

I just happened to pass by.

Hōjō, you come to see it too?

Oh, I'm working with Yoshimoto now.

I see.

You don't do photography anymore?

I think you should take up photography again, Aoyama.

Sorry, Hōjō, I quit photography.

Ami, aren't you ignoring the Sensei?

Oh... sorry.

Huh, Aoyama?

Wait, Ami, did you give him an invitation?

Well... he's an old friend.

I wanted Aoyama to see Tomoaki's photos too.

Ah, well... since you're here, might as well check it out.

I have work, so...

- What are you doing for work now, Aoyama? - Hey, is this...

a real person?

Aoyama-kun's girlfriend?

- Yes, that's right. - Hey.

Well, you might not be interested in photography anymore, but,

we're having an opening party right now, so if you'd like, you should join us.

Wow~ thank you so much.

Please join us.

Is she a friend?

No, just an old acquaintance.

I contacted you so many times.

Sorry, a lot has been going on.

Oh, Aoyama.

Ah!

- It's been a while. - It's been a long time.

- Have you been well? - Yes, well...

Have you been continuing photography lately?

I've quit photography.

Oh, I see.

I had high hopes for you, though.

You've fallen quite behind Zenyu.

T/N: The character's name is actually Zenyu, spelled 善友, meaning "good friend"...

Hey, what are you photographing here?

Ah, this is a deconstruction of color and black-and-white photography.

By reconstructing them into a three-dimensional form, it redefines photographic expression.

Normally, altering the film is considered taboo.

But this work deliberately does that, and...

It's trying to take photography a step forward.

By incorporating errors,

It's trying to reveal the accidental and once-in-a-lifetime nature of photography, which should be replicable.

I'm trying to bring that to light.

Did you understand?

Not at all.

Why does it have this shape?

Enough, let's go.

Wait... it's fine, let's go.

Excuse me for interrupting your conversation.

Now, Zenyu will give the opening remarks...

Hey, let's listen. He's your friend, right?

I told you, just an old acquaintance.

Well, this time.

I am honored to be able to hold a solo exhibition at the prestigious NEM Gallery.

I feel truly honored from the bottom of my heart.

Uh, Mr. Shindo from the gallery...

Is Mr. Shindo here? Mr. Shindo? Alright!

My mentor, Professor Maruyama.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me.

This time, the work is

an artistic work that goes beyond the conventional framework of photography.

It has won the Grand Prix at the One Point Awards, but...

what is the theme of this work?

It's about despair towards existing photographic expression

and anger towards social media photography.

And what do you mean by that?

Ever since our student days, we've been

pursuing what makes a good photograph, what kind of photograph moves people.

We have been chasing after these questions.

However, with the rise of digital cameras and social media...

photography as a medium is,

gradually losing its role.

In an era where anyone can easily take high-quality photographs,

those of us who aspire to photographers,

our future has been shut down.

My friends and competitors have also been disillusioned with photography.

And have given up picking up their cameras.

Photos taken just to get a 'like' from someone.

Have flooded the world.

The artistic value of photography has plummeted.

This work deconstructs photography as a form of expression.

And reconstructs it into a three-dimensional object.

Aiming to create a unique and unparalleled expression.

- Well, and then... - Um...

may I ask something?

Are you saying that photos taken just to get 'likes' are crap?

Well, I wouldn't say crap, but...

The world where disposable photos are praised...

I think it needs to change.

What do you mean by disposable?

I mean photos that are consumed and discarded.

- So, will this last? - Um...

Just like everyone has their own opinions,

there should be various ways of expression, and that's okay, isn't it?

Do you think this work will last, miss?

Oh, I... I believe it will last.

Everyone here...

will prove that from now on, won't they?

With this exhibition, I want to declare the revival of photographic expression.

For the friends who gave up on the dream of photographic expression too...

- Is giving up a bad thing? - It's fine,

Let's go. It's okay. - But that's how it is.

I don't really understand, but...

I think good photos are just fine with 'likes!'

Okay, I get it.

I sincerely apologize.

Well, then, let's move on to the Q&A from the audience.

Good evening.

- I'm here for a visit. - Oh, a visit...

Um, then, could you please fill out this form?

Sure.

- Please. - I'll take that.

- It's fine, go ahead. - Thank you very much.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

- Hey, hey... - Yes?

Do we look like we're engaged?

Please stop that.

- Sorry. - Ah, no problem.

I'm used to playing a role for a night...

this time, there's too much information to handle.

Oh... one thing.

What is it?

About the illness... does your mother know?

I haven't told her yet.

Good evening.

[ Inamoto Kazuko ]

Yes.

Long time no see.

Excuse me.

Sorry, I haven't been able to visit for a while.

Nice to meet you, I'm Takahashi.

I mentioned him in an email, this is Mr. Hiroshi Takahashi.

We got engaged.

I'm Hiroshi Takahashi.

We met at work,

we've been dating for about two years now.

We're planning to have the ceremony this Christmas, and...

once you're discharged from the hospital... - Ah, but Mom..

You finally show your face after so long and

you're telling me you're going to abandon me.

No, that's not it.

Today, I just wanted to tell you about the engagement.

You caught a man and

now you can throw me away and live however you want.

Wait, um...

You're abandoning me too, huh.

Leave.

Ah, wait, Akari-san...

What?

Your mom really packs a punch, huh.

She's always been like that, ever since I was young.

Even when I buy clothes for myself,

I always think of my mom.

I wonder what my mom would say.

'That doesn't suit you' or...

'Why did you choose those clothes?'

You're an adult now,

so you should buy what you like.

And live the way you want to.

- Satchan. - Yeah?

- If you want, have some coffee. - Wow, thanks!

Maasa, you too.

This is nice.

Huh? What is?

Something about this atmosphere.

There's nothing nice about it.

Hey, Satchan, you live in a fancy high-rise, right?

My dream is to live in a high-rise.

All alone at the top of a tower.

Wait, Satchan, are you unhappy? Domestic violence? Cheating?

Huh?

What? This place.

I come here often when I want to be alone.

- Hmm, can I come in? - Watch your step.

It's dangerous.

Amazing!

I'm hungry.

Hmm.

Aren't you eating?

I've already eaten a lot.

What kind of photos did you take?

The outdated ones they were talking about.

Did they say that?

When I was little, I found some cute clothes at the department store...

and I threw a tantrum.

'Fine, go pick whatever you want', she said...

and left me there.

But no matter what clothes I picked up, I kept imagining my mom's face.

In the end, I could never decide anything for myself.

Parents really suck, huh.

I wish I could just hate her.

Heh... I hate mine, though.

Really?

Huh? Then just break up.

Well, I mean, who even are you?

You come here all alone, crash at a guy's place just for his looks,

and make an amazing meal out of leftovers.

To me, it's like, who even are you?

Hmm... I wonder who I am.

Ichiya-san, what did you think of his photos?

I don't know.

If you have something to say, I think you should say it.

I gave up on photography,

So, I don't have the right to say anything.

That kind of sensitivity is gross.

Hmm, I got it. Just punch him once.

Maasa, you've been drinking, right?

No, I haven't been drinking, no.

Hey, Satchan, try punching your husband once.

Then you'll understand who you really are.

Let's practice, come on.

- Come on, practice. Stand up, stand up. - Huh?

- Wait, wait. - Come on, one-two!

One-two.

- How was that? It's kinda cute, right? - Do it again, one more time.

- One more time, one-two! - One-two.

- Ah, no, that's wrong. - You're saying it's wrong, but...

Use your hips, use your hips, your hips.

Oh, that's good, that's good!

Here we go, one-two!

- Oh, that's good! - Ah, you're getting it, you're getting it.

I'm sorry for asking such a weird favor today.

Today, I'm your fiancé, right?

Well... yeah, I guess.

Then I have to get your mom to like me, right?

Huh?

Wait a minute.

And... and after you punch, pull back quickly.

OK, punch and pull back right away.

- One-two! - Good, good!

One-two! Good, good!

- And then a kick! - Oh, you're going that far?

Guard, guard, guard! Cover your face!

Keep your elbows in.

Help me!

Sofia?

- Hajiku's mom? - Yeah, yeah.

Sofia, what's wrong?

Help, let me in, let me in!

Sofia, what happened?

- Help, that man. - Are you okay?

Huh? That man...

- Man? Who? - Hey!

You're still stalking Sofia?

I'm paying her!

You hit me?

- It's okay, it's okay. - You hit me, hey!

You don't lay a hand on a customer, hey!

What the hell, you! Get out of my way!

Move, hey!

Hey!

Satchan!

Ah... I hit him.

Ow... that hurt...

The auntie wins!

- Thank you. - W-was that... the punch I taught you?

Hmm...

People like us, or those girls from earlier.

Do you know why we post photos on Instagram?

Isn't it because you want to live a different life?

That's why you hire someone like me, to play a different version of yourself.

No, no, that's not it at all.

Both are still myself, you know.

The person here right now and the person on Instagram.

We're the same person.

I used to do ballet.

Well, at some point, it stopped being fun.

So I quit.

And then, one day, I randomly took a photo and posted it on Instagram.

It got a ton of likes.

And, well, that made me happy.

I've let it go.

What, what, what?

Our eyes finally met.

Huh?

Yeah.

Annoying.

Ouch...

Annoying.

What's that about?

Huh? Do you box or something?

Yeah, I do.

- I won't lose. - You're doing it.

- I'm hungry - Annoying.

I'm hungry, come on, come on!

That's weak! Come on!

Pull back your body opposite to the one you're punching with, do it.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Bang bang! Bang bang!

Not bad.

Oh, that's good.

- You're slow with everything. - What?

Come on, come on.

- See? - Annoying.

Hey, can we extend the time?

Huh?

I'll be your model.

Wait a second.

Why does that person always leave everything half-done after starting it?

Yes?

I'm coming in.

Excuse me.

What?

Mom!

- I don't want a stranger calling me 'Mother'. - No...

Because I'm Akari's fiancé.

Can you say my name?

Inamoto... Kazuko-san.

I met Akari at the same workplace, and we've been dating for two years.

I also respect how you raised Akari on your own.

Why should I be respected by someone I just met today?

Well... yeah, that's true.

Even parents and children are like strangers...

a spouse's parents are complete strangers.

What about your parents?

Ah... can I sit down for a bit?

My father left when I was in elementary school.

After that, the men kept changing,

and each time, I had to... read the faces of strangers.

I had to constantly gauge their moods,

and now I still don't know what it means to have parents.

Or rather... I don't even understand myself very well.

And your mother?

I cut ties with her.

I don't even remember the last time I saw her.

Seems like she's still living somewhere with some guy.

Akari always talks about you, though.

I don't understand at all,

so I wanted to know what parents are like.

That's why I wanted to meet you as soon as possible.

Can you keep me company for a bit?

Yes.

Are you alright?

Is this alright?

No, I don't smoke.

- Really? - Ah... yes.

She doesn't know that I smoke.

Oh, is that so?

Even as mother and daughter, we're ultimately strangers, aren't we?

Um...

As a stranger... can I ask you something?

What is it?

Is Akari's getting married...

Mom...

Is it a bad thing for you, Kazuko-san?

No, it's not that.

Then why?

Because she needs to break free from her parent.

So, is that why you said those things?

Isn't that contradictory?

A parent who wants their child to become independent shouldn't be saying things like, 'Are you abandoning me?'.

You're just like the husband who left me.

Huh?

All talk, and always watching for other people's reactions.

He was a man just like you.

Is it because I resemble your husband who left, that I'm not good enough?

No.

Then why?

Akari is trying to meet your expectations, isn't she?

That's the problem.

I don't understand.

If I approve of your marriage,

she'll never be able to break free from me for the rest of her life.

What do you mean?

You're both bad at lying, you and my daughter.

Huh?

We don't have much time, me and my daughter.

She has to become independent...

before I die.

You knew...?

Of course.

She brings someone just like my ex-husband,

and expect me to be happy? Really?

I'm sorry.

Why are you apologizing?

Well...

Huh, you know...

There's just too much you realize after you know you're going to die.

That's life, I guess.

Go and see her.

- Huh? - While your mother is still alive.

Actually... can I have a cigarette?

I'm sorry.

Thank you.

I wonder if Sofia's okay.

Yes, I got a LINE message from Maasa.

She probably won't be able to work for a while,

but she'll figure it out.

Maasa-san is pretty cool.

Yeah,

she's the best.

Sorry.

I couldn't be like Prince Charming.

No, I had fun.

You've got lots of things you're good at, Satchan.

Yeah, by chance, I did a little karate when I was in elementary school.

That's all part of your survival skills, I think.

I've decided.

Decided what?

I'm going to talk to my husband properly.

That's cool, Satchan.

I feel like I can live more happily from now on.

You'll be fine, Satchan.

Yeah.

I'll walk home from here.

Okay.

Huh?

Wait, what was that?

That's kind of creepy.

What, what, what? Show me!

Hmm. Not bad, I guess?

Here.

Your mom,

she knew everything.

Sorry, I'm bad at acting.

Huh? Even about... the illness?

Mind if I sit next to you?

Akari...

did you know your mom smokes?

Huh?

Yeah... secretly.

What? That's not okay!

Drink it while it's still warm.

Thank you.

You know... it gets tiring, doesn't it?

There are so many patterns.

Not getting any love at all,

having values forced on you, being tied down,

or being overly protected.

No one asked for any of this.

It's not your life to live.

I mean, we're still in our 20s, right?

Life's just getting started.

You start wondering, what's my life all about?

What will happen to my own happiness? You know?

Well, in the end...

I don't think there are any parents who wish for their child's misfortune.

I truly think they want us to be happy.

But somewhere along the way, we end up on different paths.

But even so...

How a child chooses to live,

not even a parent has the right to take that away, or decide it for them.

We just want to live happily, right?

You feel the same, don't you?

Setsuna-san, what about your mother?

- Me? - Yes.

I ran away from my mom.

From Osaka.

I...

never want to see her face again. I hate her.

But today...

it's bringing back so many memories.

Even the memories I thought were total crap.

Akari-san,

You don't need to keep trying to meet your mother's expectations anymore.

I don't know how things were in the past,

but I think your mom wants to talk to the Akari she is now.

Do you think so?

It'll be fine.

Okay.

Go show her your smiling face.

Thank you very much.

The person cannot answer the phone right now.

After the beep, please leave your name and message.

It's been a while. It's me.

Sorry I haven't been in touch.

Also...

I'll call again.

Hiroki-san?

Hmm?

You have kids too, right, Hiroki-san?

Yeah, I do.

How old are they?

Probably around your age.

Do you see them?

I've got you guys, and you're enough of a handful, so not really.

Hiroki-san, I want all of us to see the ocean together.

Did you save the world again tonight?

Well, more like I got saved than did the saving.

- Picture? - A picture.

Oh, nice. Yeah!

- Pretend to be a bird, like a bird. - A bird?

Alright! Dash?

What's up? This? This?

No, no, a lot happened.

No! It's dangerous.

You'll lose if you keep that up. Come on, come on, keep going!

Pull your body back properly, the other side too.

Just short of hitting.

This job isn't so bad either, huh?

What are you saying, at this point?

Alright, let's play tag.

What the heck, wait a second!

Stop, stop, stop! GO!

Translated by Everlasting Sync, proofing and additions by Dougal666