Original subtitles

I believe you could be the next Kimutaya.

My stepmother is a former career woman.

And after nine years, she re-entered the workforce.

Bakery Mugita is on the brink of bankruptcy!

However, her big plan backfired, and the business faced greater danger.

Believing it best to restrategize, she decided to renovate the business.

She relearned the basics of bakeries with the shop manager,

and today marks the day of Bakery Mugita's grand reopening.

-Good morning! -Hiroki!

Thanks for coming.

No problem!

-I leave you to it. -Understood.

Why did you choose today to reopen?

Because I projected the station area would be most crowded this day.

Huh? Today?

There is going to be a Puchi-Cure event at 11:00 a.m. in the ward office plaza.

Bakery Mugita is reopening!

Please swing by after.

GRAND REOPENING

Our aim is around noon when attendees are leaving.

The idea is to draw them in all at once.

Draw them in all at once?

Which is why I've recruited some powerful help.

Sorry we're late, Mom!

You are Yuna and Yuna's friend Shiho?

-Yes. -Yes.

Are these the helpers?

Yes.

What are you doing?

What's for lunch then?

Want to check this out?

They just reopened.

But Mugita's bread's not great.

Don't assume that!

People can change into anything they want!

It's Puchi Cure!

One Bite Puchi-Cure! Miracle Heart Anpan!

They're coming!

Add more croissants!

Okay.

Then add French bread after.

-Croissants done. -Okay!

What's all this?

Puchi-Cure is magic.

What's that on your head?

It's the Puchi-Cure's mascot, Mogutan.

It's Mogutan!

Mogutan!

So cute!

Welcome.

That'll be 1,580 yen, Mogutan!

Mommy, buy it one more time!

Buy it from Mogutan!

Not just Puchi-Cure,

my stepmom executed many business tactics that lived up to her former warlord days.

And at 2:11 p.m..

Miyuki.

Sandwiches were sold out.

-Yes! -Thirty-eight minutes later.

Square loaf!

Loaves sold out!

Mogutan!

3:48 p.m.

Rolls!

Rolls sold out!

-Sparkles! -Mogutan!

4:02 p.m.

Russian anpan.

Russian anpans sold out!

And then at 5:18 p.m.

Baguette!

Baguettes sold out!

Super sparkles!

BAKERY MUGITA

BAKERY MUGITA

Thank you, everyone.

You did wonderfully.

You too!

We sold out?

Yes.

As you can see, we sold out of everything!

Ms. Miyamoto.

Boss.

Ms. Miyamoto!

Boss!

It connected.

It did.

We actually connected!

We did it!

Yes.

We're finally in sync!

Yes.

Do you think he likes Mom?

Thank you.

Thank you everyone.

Even if he's into her,

I don't think she reciprocates.

I'm sure she trusts him as a co-worker.

Still.

It's been nine years since my Dad died.

Yeah?

Nine years!

Of course she'd fall in love with someone by now.

I wish we had thrown a thank you party for everyone.

As much as it pains me, we still have work tomorrow.

We'll arrange something for a later date.

Ms. Miyamoto.

How about a photo to commemorate today?

Right.

There aren't any pictures with Akiko and Dad.

Could you scooch closer?

Boss.

Pardon me for saying this, but this might not be possible.

It's been nine years since I first met Akiko.

Ten years in April.

So much time passed before I even knew it.

Did you get it?

Akiko…

You're like a ghost.

Stood by me through all this time.

A LOVE STORM HEADS TOWARDS THE STEPMOM?!

LOVE AFTER NINE YEARS… HOW DOES THE WAVERING DAUGHTER FEEL?!

2019, JANUARY

PROCESSING PAYMENT

PAYMENT COMPLETE

Is that the last application?

Thank you for your help.

It's interesting, though.

To hear you want to study business.

I had so much fun helping Mugita.

That reminds me, we're going to be interviewed today.

The heart rolls made a big splash.

Wow! That's amazing!

You'll get even more popular!

While we're already busy, this is most welcome.

And the boss?

Are things going well with him?

I believe so.

Has anything changed?

Like a slight shift in your relationship?

Shift?

Yes!

What was it?

With more employees, we decided to clearly define our roles.

So we made these.

Thank you.

Although it is strange to be a director when there aren't any departments.

So you two are getting along then?

I believe we are working well together.

That's good.

Crap, I have to go!

I'm off then!

Have a good day.

I'm glad I started working at Mugita,

Ryoichi.

Good morning.

NEW BAKERS KOMEDA / KURINE

What are you doing?

Good question.

I was influenced by my father.

But I don't do things his way.

I just follow his spirit.

Is he practicing for today's interview?

He's been recording himself like that all day.

Mugita's bread is made with love.

I know it's not my place to say, but is this okay?

Having him televised nationally?

I will address it.

Do we have your permission to be filmed?

This is the bakery everyone is talking about.

They're here?

This looks good too.

Let's go inside.

They're here!

Hello. Thank you for having us.

-Alright! -Wait!

Let's ask that person there.

-Excuse me. -Yes?

I heard there was a former super salesman who worked here.

That is me.

Then are you the one who came up with the heart-shaped rolls?

No, to be accurate, my daughter…

What's going on, Tomoyo!

We took many suggestions for our grand reopening.

I see.

So that's the key to the business's success.

However, it goes without saying.

The biggest key is that the bread our shop manager makes is the best in the world.

I see!

How interesting.

Yes.

His bread is amazing.

And this is the shop manager?

I suggested we put you front and center.

But Ms. Miyamoto thought it would cheapen your image if you did it yourself.

She said your bread isn't just a gimmick, it's delicious as well,

so she wanted it treated with respect.

She said that?

Ms. Miyamoto did?

Akira.

Now's the time.

Ms. Miyamoto.

Can I come in?

Be my guest.

Can I help you?

Um…

Thank you for today.

For today?

That's…

Saying how my bread is the best in the world.

Well, I truly believe that.

Ms. Miyamoto.

Yes?

In that case,

would you eat my bread forever?

I mean, every day.

For the rest of your life.

I will work even harder for you.

I will bake even better bread!

As for that…

I will have to respectfully decline.

What?

But you said my bread was the best in the world.

What?

Why the sigh?

Boss.

I will take this opportunity to confess.

I…

actually prefer rice.

I prefer rice.

Rice.

Yes.

No matter how amazing the bread may be,

it's no match for even a cold bowl of rice.

That is how overwhelming of a staple rice is to me.

So no matter how good, if asked to eat it for the rest of my life

my answer has to be no.

Is something wrong?

I'm just…

really shocked.

Shocked?

You know,

like no matter how hard I try, bread won't do.

Please don't misunderstand.

I love our bread as a product.

As a product?

Yes.

Believing the products you sell are the best in the world

is the basic mindset for salesmen.

I would never waiver on this point,

so please don't worry.

Okay.

Boss?

I have returned.

What are you doing?

Welcome home.

I thought of creating an online shop.

Online shop?

If we had an online shop when the TV piece airs,

it could address the additional demand.

CODE ERROR

Shouldn't you hire a professional?

I planned to,

but I caused the boss to feel apprehensive.

What?

How so?

When I told him I preferred rice, he became very discouraged.

However, I explained that I loved Mugita's bread as an employee,

but I caused him to feel doubt when I said that bread wasn't my favorite.

The only way to prove myself is by going above and beyond.

What is it?

Nothing.

Okay, I'm off to study.

Long time no see, Akira.

What's wrong?

I want to be more of a man.

What?

After all of my invitations you rejected, you finally show up.

Are you sure?

Let's just say I feel like it now.

Then come in.

What the hell am I doing?

Are you getting married?

Yes, I am.

I'm jealous.

Please, I'm sure you have the pick of the litter being so handsome.

That's what I thought.

But I was wrong.

What's wrong?

I fell for a woman who is so oblivious.

Oblivious?

I mean, she's super capable at her job.

But she can be incredibly slow.

She didn't even realize that my proposal was a proposal.

Not realizing it's a proposal is impressive.

And then she says something that made me get the wrong idea.

Me too!

I know someone like that.

-Your wife? -Not her.

The woman I used to have a crush on was just terrible!

She was actually my boss.

She called me at night and pulled up her shirt.

Then asked me to draw on her belly.

Wouldn't you get the wrong idea too?

I totally see my girl doing that too.

She's like that?

Yeah, totally.

I feel like I've met you before.

Your name?

Mugita.

I feel the same!

Your name?

Taguchi.

Mr. Tawaguchi!

It's Taguchi.

Mr. Tawaguchi, huh?

So you agreed to provide Russian anpan for the wedding

of this Mr. Yaguchi you met at the bar?

Yes.

He asked for 250 since it sounded fun.

Two-hundred fifty?

Is that bad?

Not at all.

It's wonderful timing.

I was looking to start an online shop soon.

Online shop?

Yes.

Like this.

You made all this?

I know it's still an amateur level.

And nothing to praise.

But our TV segment airs today.

I thought it best to have an online presence

for those who learn about us.

Just like the wedding, guests would come from all over.

Ms. Miyamoto.

Ms. Miyamoto!

Ms. Miyamoto!

Boss!

That's hard to watch.

Like ick.

Yuck.

Miyuki.

Are you okay?

Yes.

Boss.

You're bleeding.

Boss.

-Please sit. -I'm dying!

-Sit down, Mugita! -Yup.

Please look down.

It should stop in five minutes.

Take this.

Thanks.

I just noticed,

do you take off your ring during work?

I never received one.

Why not?

I was never a fan of jewelry, so I said no.

Boss, please look down.

So you didn't exchange rings?

At the wedding.

We didn't have a wedding.

You didn't?

It was his second marriage, so it's not uncommon.

Is that right?

What was your husband like?

He was laidback,

but had strong principles.

I see.

Yes.

He was like a ray of light.

Is that your type?

It could be.

A ray of light.

A ray of light, huh?

I'm more like a blazing inferno.

What's up?

It's young Hiroki.

I wanted to discuss something.

What's this now?

Are you and Miyuki fighting?

It's something she told me.

Apparently, Ms. Akiko has a boyfriend.

Huh?

Is that so? Wow.

I see.

First I'm hearing of this.

Really?

So?

Are you okay with that?

Okay with what?

Don't you like Ms. Akiko?

What the hell are you talking about?

You do like her.

Is that so bad!

Is it wrong for me to like her?

AKIKO LIFE

Yeah, I love her! I adore her!

You got a problem with that?

What are you doing?

Who's the guy?

Is he handsome? How old? His job?

How did he get her?

I was lying.

I lied about her having a boyfriend.

-I'll kill you! -I'm sorry!

I wanted to know your--

-I'm just-- -It's bothering Miyuki.

It is?

Why?

Why wouldn't it?

There's a man who's in love with her mom.

Miyuki likes you too.

I doubt she'd be against it.

But it's still complicated.

Back when Ms. Akiko first showed up,

it was all very sudden.

So, you know…

If you really want to date Ms. Akiko,

I want you to at least be aware of Miyuki's feelings.

Mugita?

Right.

Of course Miyuki wouldn't like it.

Her mom getting a boyfriend.

Wait…

That makes sense.

She'd want her mom to only love her dad.

All I'm saying is to be considerate!

No.

I can't hurt Miyuki like that.

If I did,

she'd hate me.

But that's how much you care, right?

AKIKO LIFE

It was a sticker?

I thought about getting it tattooed,

but it looked too painful.

I see.

But to be honest, I didn't see it going that well anyway.

But if it's for Miyuki,

I can give these feelings up.

You know?

This is the popular Bakery Mugita.

Mom, can I come in?

I'm sorry, that was loud.

Is that the TV show you were on?

Yes.

Really? Can I watch too?

However, it goes without saying.

The biggest key is that the bread our shop manager makes…

You two look like husband and wife.

I don't think so.

No?

His bread is amazing.

HIROKI

What?

Hello, what's wrong?

Huh? Why?

It's nothing.

Why did you do that!

Because it seemed to be bothering you.

Sorry, I shouldn't have butt in.

It's not that! It's that you're wrong!

Huh?

It's not like that.

Did something happen with Hiroki?

Yeah.

He got into it with the boss.

I should go.

It's late, why don't you--

I have to say it to him now.

I won't be long.

Don't worry.

Stay here!

Who is it now?

It's open!

Oh, it's you Miyuki?

Boss.

I want things to work out between you and my mom.

What?

I'm sorry.

It seems like I got the wrong idea.

Wrong idea?

Boss.

I have to tell you.

I think my mom and dad's relationship was just a contract marriage.

Contract marriage?

Yes.

Huh?

What is that?

It means they didn't fall in love and get married.

Really?

I think my father knew he didn't have much longer to live.

And he wanted someone who would raise me after he died.

So he asked Akiko to marry him.

I don't know why she accepted his offer.

I've never had the courage to ask Akiko if it's true.

So that's why there was no wedding or rings.

But it wasn't an unhappy arrangement.

The two of them got along, and they loved each other as family.

But it wasn't romantic love.

Akiko values sincerity,

which is why she kept her promise, and even quit her job to raise me.

But I feel that it means…

I've stolen so many years from her.

Stolen?

I have to wonder what these nine years

would've been for her if I wasn't in the picture.

She could've advanced her career, or even found a real partner

and had children of her own.

It's crazy she has to keep pretending

to love someone she doesn't even have a picture with.

I couldn't help but imagine that.

Which looked to Hiroki like I was bothered.

Boss.

I want my mother to be happy.

If you have feelings for her, please don't give up.

Please make my mother happy!

Miyuki.

Raise your head.

Okay?

So, Miyuki.

You're really okay with me as your dad?

I mean, I am cool.

But you're really sure?

I think I'm used to having weird family members

more than most people.

I see.

Yes.

Okay then.

Let's do this, Miyuki.

Yes, sir.

I'm gonna do what it takes to be your dad!

You have my support!

I'm worried.

Miyuki!

Boss!

-Miyuki! -Boss!

-Miyuki! -Boss!

Miyuki's dad!

She's late.

You're late!

-You're late, Miyuki! -I agree!

So I'm heading to bed! Goodnight!

Miyuki!

Are you mad?

Were you able to say what you set out to yesterday?

What were Hiroki and the boss fighting about?

It's all good now.

It's been settled.

It has?

Anyway, the boss is pretty hot, right?

I guess I'd have to say that his face is quite symmetrical.

Right?

I bet his baby would be so cute!

And with the bakery taking off his earnings must be solid.

Only if we can maintain this pace.

He's young, he's healthy.

He's a great catch if you think about it.

Great catch?

To marry!

I suppose that's true when you review the facts.

Right?

But why did you bring this up?

I wonder why.

Thanks for breakfast!

It can't be.

It can't be that he…

What do I do, Ryoichi?

Good morning.

Morning!

Good morning, Ms. Miyamoto.

Good morning.

-Thank you. -Thank you.

Another batch of Russian anpan done.

If you would, Ms. Saotome.

Sure.

Did I do something?

Actually, allow me to do it.

Your mom's been kinda avoiding me all day.

I think she's being bashful.

Bashful?

I very clearly talked you up this morning.

Wait then…

That means she's thinking about me?

I think so.

That so?

Thanks, Miyuki.

Later.

Thank you.

So that's how it is.

Mr. Mugita!

Hey there, Mr. Yaguchi!

-It's Taguchi. -Was it now?

-You're terrible. -Sorry, what brings you here?

About what we talked about.

My fiancé was mad because she wants to try the bread

before we make a decision.

That's totally reasonable.

Come on in.

BAKERY MUGITA

Ms. Miyamoto.

Could I give out some Russian anpan to sample?

It's for the wedding I mentioned.

Taguchi.

It's you, isn't it?

Director!

It's you, isn't it?

You work here?

Yes, it's a bit complicated.

Is that so?

Yes.

You two know each other?

Yes, we used to work together.

Really?

Wait, so the crazy female boss you mentioned before?

No, that was someone else!

Do it more carefully!

Please do your upmost!

Upmost?

I will do my upmost!

Excuse me, Mr. Mugita.

Did you used to work as a courier?

How did you know that?

D-Director, it's him!

He's the courier who mixed up Mon Techno and Techno Mon!

Techno Mon?

We went to China together!

-Do you remember? -Yes!

Wait, that was you?

Did your company accuse you of making a wrong delivery?

Wait, so the one who complained?

That was me!

No crap?

That's why it felt like I've met you before!

What are the odds?

-Right? -That's incredible!

Taguchi.

Thank you.

You wanted 250 Russian anpan buns?

Yes, if my fiancé gives her okay.

Then please allow me to gift them to you as a wedding gift.

Huh?

You've done so much for me outside of work as well.

It's okay.

Let me pay.

Please, let me gift it to you.

I feel like my fiancé would yell at me.

It's nothing.

I should go.

I'll see you again.

Yeah, see you later.

He turned me down.

Um…

You really don't see it?

Oh, well.

Anyway.

Are you free later today?

I bet his baby would be so cute!

I wanted to talk to you about something.

I had something to discuss as well.

Huh?

You too?

Yes.

I thought it best to put it out in the open.

This is S.

Next is V.

And the last is C.

It's the boss!

I'm having dinner with your mom.

That's a weird sticker to send.

I wonder if something happened.

Is this place too noisy?

No.

It's fine.

You wanted to talk?

No.

Please, you first.

No, you.

Your drinks.

Here you go.

Well then.

Another round, please.

That's hardcore.

I'm sorry.

It's a hard subject to discuss without the aid of alcohol.

What is it?

Boss.

Yes?

What are your intentions with Miyuki?

Huh?

You two have a relationship, yes?

I mean,

I suppose we do have a relationship in a broad sense.

What do you mean?

If you consider the different human relationships.

We're friends.

This might be just fun for you, but to Miyuki…

don't you think an 18-year-old feels differently about it?

I am asking you not to play around with my daughter's heart.

Hold on.

I'm pretty sure there's a misunderstanding.

No use playing dumb.

Hold on.

Why do you even think we're dating?

Did she tell you that?

She didn't come out and say it.

However…

He got into it with the boss.

Last night,

Miyuki left after telling me you and Hiroki were in a fight.

And she told me not to follow.

And when I asked what happened this morning…

It's been settled.

She said it's been settled.

And then she said "Anyway, the boss is pretty hot, right?"

Well, she's not wrong.

Listen, she said "anyway."

"Anyway" is an adverb that implies what follows is more important.

What do you think she said after?

She said how cute your baby would be.

Or that you were quite a catch for marriage.

So, doesn't that mean what I think it does?

I suppose.

So?

Miyuki is free to date whomever she likes.

And you are not married.

While I feel sorry for Hiroki, love is war where it's kill or be killed.

It's not my place to say anything.

I fully acknowledge all that.

However, if you date Miyuki, I request you take it seriously.

What is so funny?

It's just so crazy.

You never cease to amaze me!

What do you mean?

You always have crazy misunderstandings.

There's no way I'd be dating her.

If I made a move on Miyuki, Hiroki would kill me.

Then why would Miyuki say all that?

I think she was just making small talk.

People talk about who they think is hot.

It sounds like you're playing dumb.

You're being very rude!

Don't point your finger!

You've been talking under the assumption that I'm some Lothario.

I'm not saying you don't have good qualities.

But those qualities don't translate to a serious relationship or marriage.

Who are you to decide that?

Besides, you hardly know me!

-That's-- -It's my preconception!

That's what I mean.

Your beer. Excuse me.

BAKERY MUGITA

They're not back yet.

I wonder if he's okay.

You used to be a courier?

Yes.

What about before that?

Why?

Is this an interroquestion?

I believe you have just merged the words interrogation and questioning.

I don't understand.

There is a lot I don't know about you.

So I wish to correct that.

You do?

Yes.

After the courier job,

I think I was a florist.

Florist?

I sold them off a truck.

I called it the Miracle Florist.

Miracle Florist?

I bought that at a misspelled miracle florist.

Did you happen to misspell miracle?

Yeah, how did you know?

My husband bought flowers from there for me.

Your husband?

I see.

He bought those flowers from you.

Your husband was the type to buy flowers?

I wouldn't say so.

He bought a flower to offer his late wife, and bought an extra for me.

But…

it made me happy.

What else did you do?

I was a taxi driver.

Then a recycler.

Is there a reason you always drove something?

I like cars.

The last thing I did was a hearse driver.

You mean an actual hearse?

It's the last car a person rides.

Carrying so many deceased people around every day made me do some thinking.

My last job was to that funeral hall in Midorigaoka.

His wife was crying the whole time.

And there was a little girl.

Attending that funeral…

Watching that little girl…

made me think I'd turn out like her at this rate.

Even if I wanted to give back to my parents, I wouldn't be able to.

I mean,

I'm sure my dad felt like it was too little too late.

That's the vibe I got.

So I went back to the bakery.

Boss.

Yeah?

Do you remember the date you quit?

Let me think.

I think it was in September, nine years ago.

Ms. Miyamoto?

Boss.

That was me and Miyuki.

Are you for real?

Yes.

I'm fairly certain.

Is that so?

Sorry, did I make you remember that day?

No.

I was just thinking it was a miracle.

There is a chance I've bought something from him before.

Or maybe I borrowed a pen from that person over there at the post office.

There are many ways we could already know each other.

But the odds of actually realizing that…

is one and in a million.

In other words,

you are a tiny miracle to me.

This is so unfair.

Never mind.

Want another drink?

Yes.

Thank you.

Thanks.

You're welcome.

Want to rest a bit?

Maybe it's my age.

I used to be able to drink more.

You don't have to wait.

Ms. Miyamoto.

Did you notice I haven't told you my thing yet?

That's right.

What is it?

Well…

Please, don't hold back.

Thank you!

Mr. Miyamoto!

Thank you…

from the bottom of my heart!

Thank you for bringing me and Ms. Miyamoto together!

Of all the people I've ever met

she is the one I'm most grateful to have met!

Thank you.

Boss.

I'm flattered you think that of me.

It's nothing.

However, please don't be satisfied with this.

I am only getting started.

As I first promised you,

I will not give up until I make Mugita the next--

I'm saying I love you!

I've been saying that this whole time.

How crazy in love I am with you!

Not as a person or as a friend or anything.

It's the kissing kind!

It's not love, it's like!

I think you have those two mixed up.

So that you can figure out?

That means you understand?

I believe I understand.

Listen…

everything you wanted to do for your husband,

everything he wanted to do for you but couldn't,

I'll do it all.

No, that's not right.

I want to do them.

I'll cherish you.

If you ask me to,

I'll bake bread with rice.

If you ask me to, I'll make rice from bread!

So…

please let me take care of you!

I think we should be getting home.

Why?

Your big test is coming up.

Yeah, but…

Boss!

She's going to be your new mother.

I don't like her!

I think your idea of motherhood is just fine.

Isn't Akiko a mom, too?

It's a miracle.

You're amazing! Akiko!

No, thank you.

I won't be long.

How did it go?

What did my mom say?

-For real? -For real?

TO BE CONTINUED

Subtitle translation by: Zensho Yamamoto