Ruka, are you doing well?
Hello.
Welcome.
I'm somehow coping on my own.
Because I've always been by myself, I don't feel the least bit lonely.
From before your eyes I have disappeared,
and this is the second time, isn't it.
The first time was during senior high school, where my mother took me away.
The second time is this time.
We can't meet anymore can we, Ruka.
But it can't be helped.
Because I betrayed you, that is my punishment.
At that time, I didn't know anything about you.
Your dreams. Your troubles.
The feelings that you concealed in your heart...
The sky here is blue, Ruka.
How is the sky on your end?
It is truly difficult, to understand another person.
Even now, I think so.
If I had the ability to know what is in a person's heart,
at the very least, if I had tried a little harder,
for that dreadful incident
would I of been able to prevent that death.
However, Ruka.
You all were definitely by my side.
Even though we won't ever meet again,
I am, even now, supporting you all.
-Last Friends- ##Utada Hikaru - Prisoner of Love##
Aida Michiru Nagasawa Masami
Kishimoto Ruka Ueno Juri
Mizushima Takeru Eita
Takigawa Eri Mizukawa Asami
Oikawa Sousuke Nishikido Ryou
Translated by seri @ d-addicts
Timing file provided by rokonoko
Edited by seri @ d-addicts
Thanks to Ujf for the RAW!
This is a free fansub!
Is the hair dye ready yet?
Coming.
Here, sorry to keep you waiting.
Hold on, this isn't enough.
Ah, I'm sorry.
Oh give me a break. Just leave it.
Okay.
Aida-san, Come here quick.
Could you blowdry?
Yes.
After you finish that, could you make up a 507 colour dye.
Understood. Pl-Please hold on for a moment.
Uhm... I...
What is it?
I'm uhm, only working until 5 today.
What was that? Did you tell me about it before?
Yes, yesterday.
Take a good look at the store.
The store is this busy, so you know what needs to be done, right?
Yes.
(I'll wait for you over there)
Sorry to have made you wait until a time like this.
It's alright. You couldn't leave the store any earlier right?
Yeah.
But you're quite the worker, working until this time.
It can't be helped. It's natural for the assistant to be the last one to leave.
And besides, I quite like this job.
Really?
After giving the finishing touches,
I like seeing the customer's happy faces
when they look into the mirror.
The cutting, and in particular, being entrusted with the cut.
Is there any bullying from your seniors?
I often hear about these things.
It's not to say that there's none, but I'm fine.
I see.
Yep.
Oh, by the way.
Your birthday present.
Thank you.
I wonder what it is?
It's so cute! Thanks.
I have a matching one at home,
so I thought we could use it together.
You're right. When I go over to your place, let's use it.
To Michiru Congratulations on your birthday! I'll be counting on you from now and for a long time. From Sousuke
Michiru.
Hmm?
Won't you live together with me?
Maybe it's a no.
Your mother will probably oppose it.
I'll ask and see.
But I'll...
be happy if I moved in together with you.
I'm home.
Ahhh, she's drunk again.
Oh, what's this? The daughter is here?
How about a drink?
Eh? Ah, I'll pass.
It's alright isn't it, just a little bit.
That's some nice breasts, just like your mother's.
Please stop it.
What, you're here?
It's good to have a grown up daughter.
How old are you?
This child here, is called Michiru.
How old was she again?
22.
Weren't you 21?
I'm 22. From yesterday.
I see, so yesterday was your birthday.
So it was, so it was.
We've got to celebrate then, since it's her birthday and all.
It's okay, you don't have to do that kind of thing.
Go on, go back to your own room.
Go on.
This time round, I'd like to take a break go to the hot springs.
Hot springs?
Eh? Where's Ken-chan?
If it's that person, he seems to have left already.
How cold.
He could have waited until I woke up.
Because you're up and about making all this noise,
it's hard to stay here when you're around.
Water.
Yes.
Thanks.
Mum, I have something to discuss with you.
What is it?
Would it be alright for me to move out of here and live by myself?
By yourself? Not with a guy?
I see.
He's called Oikawa Sousuke. I'll bring him to meet you next time.
He works in the council's child welfare department,
and he's a really reliable person.
There's an apartment in Setagaya area's Matsubara...
An apartment... What an extravagant speech.
I'll continue paying the rent for this house as before, so don't worry.
Is this all okay?
It's fine, so long as you're paying the rent.
Thank you!
Ahhhhhhh. My head, it hurts.
I'm going for a shower.
Okay.
I did it!
Coming.
I'm Oikawa from the Setagaya Government Office.
What can I help you with?
You have a 7 year old child here, is that correct?
Where is he now?
He's with my mother at the moment.
Close by.
I see.
I'd like to ask you a few questions about the child.
Would it be okay to come in for a little while?
I'm sorry, I'm going shopping as of now.
Is it alright if I join in?
Sure.
Could I borrow your shovel?
Do you normally wait for your mother here?
Yep.
Hello?
Sousuke! I can live with you!
I see.
My mum said it was alright.
I'll bring my luggage over this Saturday.
Okay, I'll see you then.
I'll go and buy pots and other kitchenwares now.
There we go.
That will be exactly 1200 yen, please.
Thank you very much.
Michiru?!
Michiru!
Michiru.
Ruka.
Michiru.
Ruka!
So you returned to Tokyo afterall.
Yeah. After settling in,
I was going to contact you,
but I couldn't find the time.
Also, my mother told me not to contact anyone either.
Where and what were you doing?
I was staying at a relative's place in Choushi.
My mother was working at night,
and while I was working part-time, I was studying at a beauty school.
Eh, so what are you doing now?
I'm a beauty artist.
So you became a beauty artist.
I see.
It suits you, Michiru.
What about you, Ruka? What are you doing now?
Hmm? Motocross.
Motocross??
Yeah.
That's great! It's that right? A professional bike rider.
I'm nowhere near that yet. I'm also working part-time at a bike store.
It's nostalgic isn't it?
Yeah.
We were always hanging around this area, just the two of us.
You'd always let me ride on the back of your bicycle.
We'd often get chased by the patrolman.
He would scream, "Oi! It's illegal to do that!".
Whenever I had family troubles,
you'd always listen to my problems here with me until morning.
That's because I couldn't leave you alone since you were crying so much.
You haven't changed at all, Ruka.
During the other girl's coversations about things like the other boys in the class,
or delicious cake stores,
you'd always seperate yourself from them, and go off by youself.
What's with that? So you mean I was above all that?
No, that's not it. It felt as if you were walking your own path,
while I was following the crowd.
It's not really like that. It was just too much trouble to mix with so many people.
Really?
I say that, but I'm currently living with other people.
Have you heard of 'share-houses'?
Ahh, that? Where many people live together?
An apartment house. You share the dining room, living room and the bathroom,
but you get your own private bedroom.
It sounds interesting.
I was sharing with 4 other people, but they left in Spring.
Now, only an air stewardess is sharing with me.
If you want, you can stay there too.
The rent is cheap. 40,000yen per month.
I'm going to be living together with someone soon.
Someone... a guy?
Yeah.
You're boyfriend.... right? Of course it is.
Yeah.
I see. Even Michiru has a boyfriend.
What's wrong with that?
Nothing. I was just thinking it was a good thing.
You've always been a bit of a late bloomer, so I was worried.
Speak for yourself, what about you?
I'm chasing my dream at full speed,
so I don't have time to think about those things.
That's so like you.
Can we meet again?
Of course.
I'll give you my mobile number and email.
Well, I have to get going for work now.
Alright.
See you.
Well then, see you later.
Ruka, I was totally unaware,
that at that time, you turned back to look at me.
I didn't realise, that you were looking at me.
-Shirahata Yuko-
Kato-san is up next.
Alright.
Yep, OK. I'm done.
Please don't do that. Str-Strange rumours might start.
Isn't that good? I welcome the strange rumours.
Hey, why don't we go drinking for once this time? When is good for you?
Hmm, I have work at night.
I'll see you tomorrow at 9.
Okay, understood.
Good work today.
Thanks for your hard work.
Fateful encounters are unintentional yet wonderful meetings.
Ruka, that was so in your case.
Ah!?
AH!
Stop looking at me, idiot!
Ah! Ah, wait! This, I found this.
Ahhh, w-wait!
Oi! Wait up!
Wait up!
Hey, stop!
Hey, hold on.
Ahh, I found this!
Hey, wait.
Increase your speed! [Pace Up]
Nice work.
Even with practice, the guys can't make that jump that easily.
You've got guts.
Thank you very much.
Alright then, we'll go drinking, my treat.
Okay!
At that time, come wearing a skirt, cause you got a fine ass.
Okay, let's see you do another 2 to 3 laps.
Ow, Ouch.. what?
Thanks for your hard work.
I'm hungry.
Yeah, so am I.
Let's go eat.
I have a date.
Again?
I'll take you to a goukon next time.
Thank you for your hard work.
Takeru! I came to drink.
Oh, Eri. It's been a while.
Hey, for the time being, beer please.
Today I brought a friend with me. She's my room mate.
What? Eh? Do you know each other?
No no, not personally.
Man with zero horsepower.
He's a really slow runner and doesn't know how to pick up.
Wait, I wasn't trying to pick you up.
This person.....
Ahh, you've probably forgotten about it but..
We've passed by each other before.
That is, your bag got caught on me,
and at that time, you dropped your cup. Remember?
Ah?!
Did you remember?
Ahhhhh, I remember, vaguely.
I couldn't help it. At that time I was confused.
And also, your face isn't the memorable type.
You would say that.
But anyway, take that back with you.
I'll give it to you. There's a crack in it.
I don't need it.
Calm down.
Sorry, she's always like this.
Also, she's quite angry today. She was sexually harassed by her senior.
Stop with talk of that already.
Wait, wait wait. If its only that, you should endure it.
A woman's battle is a lot more severe than that.
A person like me, sees hell everyday on the airplane.
That may be true.
But well, I understand your feelings.
Your perverted senior is a bit of a worry.
Speaking of which, it doesn't matter whether I were a guy or a girl, I'd like them to respect me as a person,
and keep some distance when we're together.
If people were like that, I could get along with them.
I know what you mean.
Eh? Do you really, Takeru?
I mean, I would also like that kind of friend.
What's this? You two really get along!
You both should try going out. What do you think, hey?
It's not like that.
Excuse me.
Yes?
Casis grape.
Cheers.
I'm home.
Even though it's only us living here, we say it out of habit.
Yeah, we do.
Do you want something to drink?
Sure, I'll have water.
Ah, by the way.
Hmm?
About Takeru, you shouldn't expect too much from him.
Expect what?
Ahh, that.
He's a good looking guy but,
I regret to say he might be gay.
Actually, it might just be me thinking too much but,
I've never seen him with a girlfriend,
and he's a make-up artist. Isn't it strange?
Well, it doesn't really matter.
I see, so it doesn't matter.
Yeah.
Okay, well, see you tomorrow. 'night.
'night.
Michiru. You said this didn't you.
That Ruka is someone who goes off alone, and walks her own path.
You're wrong. It's actually that I'm scared of people.
Even now, the most important thing in my heart,
I can't tell to people.
[To: Michiru Is it okay to call? I...]
To anyone at all.
Michiru, I can't even tell you.
Michiru, you definitely can't imagine,
how suprised I was seeing you after 4 years.
During these 4 years, how much I've thought about you,
how much I wished to see you.
and yet, how much I feared meeting with you again...
Michiru.
Please wait for a moment.
This hair style is a bit....
What's wrong with it?
It's a bit plain.
Ah, if that's the case, if you do this, it adds some volume.
It really suits you.
Really?
From now on, I'll ask for you when I come.
Let's switch.
You follow up.
Okay, excuse me.
What's wrong?
Nothing, nothing at all.
Hot!
I won't accept it if you take my customer.
Good work.
Thanks for your hard work.
From: Kishimoto Ruka Subject: Good work Are you still at work? I was happy meeting you again. Ruka
Ruka.
Sousuke.
I'll help you with that.
Thanks.
By the way, this is for you.
Excuse me for intruding.
It's strange to say that,
since we'll be living here together, right?
Yeah.
From now on it should be "I'm home".
Welcome home.
I'm home.
Here, thanks for waiting.
Thank you.
Cheers.
My hand, it's rough, isn't it?
Does it hurt?
No, I'm fine.
From today onwards, this will be my home.
Yes.
As long as I'm here, I'll be alright.
No matter how tough, or how sad things may become outside,
once I come back here, you'll be here.
I'll never leave your side, no matter what happens.
What are you looking at?
Did I get a strange message?
From my mother?
Who's this?
That's my friend.
From my high school days.
The other day, we met in the street by major coincidence.
A guy?
It's a guy right?!
You're wrong, it's a girl.
Ruka, it's a bit of a unusual name.
Though, even seeing her, she's a bit of a tomboy.
But she really is a girl.
Proof?
Do you have any proof?
Phone... I'll call her.
Once you hear her voice, you'll know.
[You have reached the answering machine service...]
It went to the answering machine..
You're hiding the fact that you met with another guy, aren't you.
I wouldn't...
Ruka is really a girl!
The more you say that, the more I doubt it.
You met with a guy, didn't you!
You did didn't you!
I didn't, I really didn't!
I know, I'll show you some proof.
The album. I'll go home and get my high school graduation album and come back.
You'll come back here after.
I'll come back.
It's not here... this isn't good.
[Oikawa Sousuke]
Hello?
What are you doing now?
What..? I'm looking for the album.
Why didn't you immediately answer my call?
My phone was in the kitchen...
You're meeting with that guy, aren't you?
I'm not doing that!
Since I told you earlier, I've only been searching for the album.
But it's not here, I can't find it.
Do you remember when my father got that debt,
and we had to run away in the middle of the night?
I think it's here, but...
Come back here.
Come back immediately.
Sousuke...
Where's the album?
I don't have it.
Because you told me to...
Brought to you by the following sponsers! Ajinomoto,
LION, KDDI,
Japan Postal Group, and Mitsubishi Motors.
Sousuke...
Where's the album?
I don't have it.
Because you told me to...
Why don't you do as I tell you to?
Stop it.
Stop it....
It hurts..
Stop it...
Sorry, Michiru.
It hurts.
You're hurting me, Sousuke.
Sorry, I....
I'll go look.... for the album one more time.
Sorry.
[You have reached the answering machine service.
The number you are calling is currently unavailable.」
Would you like this to be heated up?
Yes please.
Understood, please wait.
[I'll call again]
Ruka...
How'd you know?
I had a feeling you might be here.
But I didn't think you actually would be.
In the past, we'd come here to hide from there rain as well.
There used to be a stand with a parasol here,
and we'd often buy ice cream to eat.
My house is closeby, do you want to come over?
Namaste! (Salutations in Indian) Namaste, namaste!
I'm back... but what's with the clothing and this setting?
Eh? Since we finally have a guest, you'd want them to be pleased.
Ah, you're soaking wet!
Eri, do you have a change of clothes for her?
Yep, I do, I do!
Namaste-ste-ste...
Here you go.
Thanks.
Hey hey hey hey hey,
what do you want to drink?
We have a bartender here tonight,
so order whatever you'd like.
Ah, let's have a martini! Well, well, well, how about it?
Don't recommend something so over the top.
Don't talk as if your a unpleasant middle-aged person.
Uhm, do all of you live here?
Because this is a share-house...
Ahh, sorry, sorry.
My introduction is a little late but,
I'm Takigawa Eri.
Just call her Eri.
And this person is here on a spur, Takeru.
Ah, pleased to meet you.
Pleased to meet you.
But you're staying over tonight, right?
Eri becomes pushy when she's drunk, so you'd better prepare youselves.
Better to prepare youselves!
Ahh, is it alright if I stay over tonight?
It's totally alright.
The rooms are free.
Right?
Yep.
Actually, I have a bit of a fight with my boyfriend.
Michiru-chan is cute!
Like I could eat her!
Stop saying things like that Eri.
Why? "Cute" is a compliment, isn't it!
Here you go.
People really do look edible. Should I eat you, Ruka?
No way, no way! Takeru! Help!
Alright! Let's celebrate.
Everyone, let's cheers!
You're right.
Let's start.
Well then, cheers!
Cheers!
What should we do now then?
What? What's this? Well?
This is Keema curry, and this is Spinach curry...
That evening with Ruka and her friends that I met for the first time,
everyone was really gentle.
I was like a lost child, coming to a house made out of candy.
I felt happy.
But as expected, when things got quieter at night,
I rememered about Sousuke.
I remembered him as a valuable treasure,
that I had dropped and would never find again.
I'm sorry, Ruka.
At that time, I thought I was the unhappiest person in the world.
I was such a child.
See you later.
Okay.
Ah, could I live here?
Live here? Why?
There's a familiar feeling here.
Ask Eri, I'm not sure.