"Happy birthday to you."
"Happy birthday, dear..."
Memory is always there.
17 years old,
I was young, vulnerable, and powerless,
making the same mistakes over and over again.
And yet she was strong.
But that is always where my memory ends.
At that place, when we were 17.
And as it ends there, my life also comes to a stop.
"We Were There - Last Part"
Translated by yuizaki_libra@livejournal
This is the 57th company.
This sucks. It's as if I'm being rejected by the whole society.
Why don't you give it up already? If you can't find a job,
you should get married to Takeuchi-kun.
I told you. We are really not like that.
No, it's just not right.
You always say you two are just friends, and yet still you're string your ex along.
I'm not! We haven't met for 5 years.
So I'm telling you, rather than that kind of man who just randomly changes his phone number...
Oh shoot, I have to go for my interview.
- What? - Alright! I'll get this job!
Time to fight! See ya!
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Umino Hitomi-san. Nakayama Wataru-san.
Takahashi Nanami-san.
Oh no...
Takahashi Nanami-san of Shirayuri Women's University.
Yes!
Takahashi-san?
Yes.
Sorry.
Takahashi Nanami?
Sengenji-san? Sengenji Akiko-san.
That's me.
Cheers to~ your job offer!!
Thanks.
You must be amazing to get into a foreign consulting firm.
If I also fail today's interview, I'm so gonna be unemployed.
The third year students are beginning to look for jobs too.
You're gonna be fine.
Your career affects your life. Like a marriage,
both sides have to find a perfect fit for themselves.
So don't rush. Just take it slowly.
What?
I just think it's mysterious.
What is?
How you always put me at ease when you say that.
You always did, even before.
Many thanks!
That should be my words. To your ever cheerfulness!
By the way, did you receive it?
What?
The invitation to the class reunion. Are you going?
Oh, the class reunion? I miss those days.
Do you think everyone will be there? Mizu-chin and Mamoru-kun...
Say, why don't we go together?
It can help you take a break from all this job hunting.
Also, maybe...
Maybe?
Well, my sister also wants to see you.
Right. How is she?
Still nitpicky like an old man.
[Invitation to Class Reunion]
I've missed this atmosphere! Right?
Yeah.
What? Both of you have decided on where to work already?
Yeah.
Somehow I got qualified to become a nurse.
It's been a while since we last met,
but all they talk about is job hunting. What a tough world!
Welcome!
Hey~
You're late!
Long time no see~
Yamamoto-san didn't come as expected.
As expected?
What? You don't know?
After she went to Tokyo, no one has heard from her.
Really?
Nanami?
Her mother's also looking for her.
Her older sister passed away, right?
It's only the two of them now, yet she just left her mother. What an unfilial child.
You're right.
So, Nanami.
Are you two going well in Tokyo?
What? What? Is that how it is?
- Yeah. - No, that's not it at all!
What? No way! I didn't hear anything about it at all!!
Wow~
The view from here is really the best!
We should have asked everyone to come too.
Today is... Nana-san's death anniversary.
You're right.
So you thought he would come here, right?
What? I don't know what you're talking about.
Don't lie to me.
Aren't you tired of waiting?
Say, Takahashi.
To the person who's left behind,
what's the different between...
...someone you can't see and someone who's dead?
Come live with me.
He won't appear in front of you anymore.
But... you know...
Yano isn't someone who just disappears...
...without saying goodbye.
The fact that he doesn't say goodbye and is not here...
...means he's waiting for me too, right? That's why...
Takahashi.
Having faith and pretending to not see the reality are two different things.
That is...
How come...?
There's something I've been hiding from you.
Three years ago, on September 27,
on your birthday,
I met him.
What...
What happened?
Someone said memory is created by weaving together...
...different fragments of what happened in the past.
That's why, memories are like illusions.
[Morning! It's been 4 months since you went to Tokyo. Time passes so slowly.] That's why, memories are like illusions.
[Morning! It's been 4 months since you went to Tokyo. Time passes so slowly.]
Shhh!
You woke him up!
What are you doin'?
A photo session.
Please look this way.
Please turn this way too!
All the girls love your sleeping face.
Stop messing around.
Hey, this pic looks good. Must send it to Takahashi.
Send it to me.
What, that Takahashi again?
Yep.
I heard you send her photos every day.
Well done.
You also call her for exactly 5 minutes every night, right?
He even times it so that the call won't go over.
Long-distance relationship, huh~
That's impossible for me. It definitely won't last.
Anyway, show us your Takahashi!
No way! You always judge people by their looks.
I get it! She's ugly, right?
Because he wants to treasure her.
He doesn't want to talk about her with just anyone.
Is that so?
Though if she was that important, you shouldn't have left her.
I have the confidence to continue the relationship. That's why I left.
Yeah? Then why are you getting all defensive if you are confident?
No, that's not it.
They put washing machines outside. Unbelievable, right?
If this were Hokkaido, the water pipes would freeze.
You're doing the laundry, Yano? Where's your mother?
Oh, my mom?
She's busy with work, so she leaves all the housework to me.
That sounds hard on you.
Are your grades at school alright?
I'm managing fine. My grades won't be affected by this.
Rather than worrying about me, you should study hard.
Get in a school in Tokyo.
Yeah, I'll do my best. I've been going to the library.
What? With whom?
Wait, don't tell me Take.
With Mizu-chin and the others.
Oh, I see, I see...
It's 5 minutes already.
That was fast.
Yeah.
Well then, talk to you tomorrow.
Yeah, tomorrow.
Alright.
Faster, Mom. You're gonna be late for work.
It's fine. I quit that job.
What?
The company went through a restructure. The economy isn't doing well.
What??
Don't say that so lightly!
Restructure? What're you gonna do?
Hm~ that's strange.
I thought life would be much easier than this.
Maybe I should have stayed in Kushiro.
What???
Sorry.
What... stop kidding around.
She seriously doesn't plan ahead at all.
Welcome.
Thank you for waiting.
Motoharu-kun. Our school doesn't allow part-time jobs.
Are you sure this is okay?
Dear customer.
I'll report your smoking.
He looks good in that apron.
Hello? My bad, it's already past 12.
Some cute girl didn't let you go home?
Silly, there's no girl.
How about today's picture?
What? Never mind. Today's a bad hair day for me.
It's okay.
I've never seen you not cute before.
What's that?
You're totally bragging.
Hey, when one's alone...
...that doesn't mean one is lonely, right?
Hm?
Because one has the memories when one is with someone else.
Because one knows the happiness when being with someone else.
That's why one gets lonely.
Are you not happy right now, Takahashi?
No. Though I do feel lonely,
...there's a bigger happiness awaiting ahead.
Alright.
Yano started having a late night job.
He wants to pay the school fees himself.
Seriously?
Come to think of it, I haven't seen him send her any picture.
He hasn't been calling her much either.
Two iced coffee, please.
Two iced coffee...
Hey, when are you gonna be taking a break until?
Sorry!
[Stupid Yano! You forgot to call me yesterday too!]
You know...
...the truth is,
I lost all confidence the moment I got here.
What's that, all of a sudden?
I don't know.
I just wanted to get it off my chest.
It's gonna be fine.
You know, I'm kinda jealous of Takahashi.
Because when you talk about her,
you always look so happy.
If your heart is happy,
no matter what future awaits, you will be able to accept it.
Just my own thought.
Not yet proven to be correct.
What are you trying to say? That's why people call you pretty but too brainy.
Wanna see?
Hm?
Takahashi.
She's so cute!
Duh!
[Yamamoto Yuri]
- Hoshino. - Yes.
- Maesono. - Yes.
- Matsukata. - Yes.
Yano. Yano Motoharu?
He's absent?
- Yoshida. - Yes.
Here you go. The notes for the three days you were absent last week.
Thanks. Here.
Thanks.
You really didn't have to come all the way here.
I heard you've been coming home on the first train each morning?
My mom's also been handling multiple jobs.
I'm still young. If I don't work, what are we gonna do?
I see.
Then, work.
But these notes are impressive. As expected of Sengenji.
Duh!
What's this? Isn't this from a girl?
It's not opened yet. Is this cheating?
No. She's the past.
The past?
A letter coming entirely from the past.
I don't ever want to see it.
What are you doing here...
I wrote in my letter that I would be going to Tokyo.
I wouldn't know, since I haven't read it.
Still, you paying a sudden visit is a bother.
My part time job's starting soon. If you have anything to say, say it while we walk to the station.
Sengenji. Sorry...
Oh, it's fine...
I'm taking the bus.
Me too! I'm taking an exam for a university in Tokyo.
I went to see the schools today...
Now what?
What do you want from me, after all this time?
Did you forget everything?
When my sister died, we had something...
That winter was a mistake.
So don't expect anymore from me.
I've decided...
...to not look back at the past anymore.
Please.
Don't pretend it never happened.
Hello? Sorry, but I'm in the middle of work now.
What? Change of clothes?
What?
Not only was I fired, now I have cancer too.
What are you laughing about?
It's fine. I'm gonna be cured after a surgery.
Though...
I'm worried.
If it's about me, I'm...
Really worried.
...that my flowers might die during my hospitalization.
You're worried about that?
You're gonna be fine.
I'll protect you.
I made a promise when I first came to Tokyo.
That I'll become an adult...
...so that I can protect everyone.
What's with you, all of a sudden?
You sound like such a grown man, it stinks!
Really?
It stinks?
It stinks! Ah, it stinks in here!
It doesn't!
The cancer's already metastasizing to her lymph nodes.
The tumor is spreading to her whole body.
I think she's been enduring the intense pain up until now.
Even if we carry out a surgery, it will put a burden on her body.
While we give her anti-cancer drugs,
please support her without giving up hope.
I'm leaving first!
Good work! Come help us out tomorrow too.
Sure!
Hello.
Your son is so good-looking.
Isn't he?
Hello.
I'll come again later.
Yes, thank you.
Sorry, I was late.
It startled me that he looks so much like his father.
I almost stopped breathing when I saw him.
What are you here for, after all these years?
I heard about your illness.
Please don't tell me you're here to visit me.
I came to forgive you.
I'll forgive you.
I'll forgive that Kazuya and you cheated on me.
That child is innocent.
What do you mean?
After Kazuya died,
our family has no heir.
Get out of here!
I won't give him to anyone!
You got everything: that person, that family, their social status.
And now you want to take him away from me?
I'm not saying it has to be now.
I can support you in paying for your hospital and living expenses.
That child too. He's in a crucial period before his exam...
I'm not giving him to you!
I gave birth to him.
Just go home! Don't ever come here again.
Yoko.
You gave birth to him because of your selfish desires.
But his life doesn't belong to you.
Just how much longer do you plan on taking him down with you?
Please have this.
Ah~ seriously...
What did you get all angry for?
I went through all the trouble to get your favorite geraniums.
I even thought of planting them at home.
Anyhow, you see...
You initially planned to have me aborted, right?
To threaten my dad.
I planned to have you, right from the start.
You were his child.
The child who shared the same blood as his.
I wanted you no matter what.
[Yano, what did you do today? It's Sunday, but why can't I call you? I want to hear your voice.]
Sorry to come bother again.
Not at all.
You really look like him.
It feels like he's here again.
You're completely different.
What?
You and my mom...
...are two completely different types of people.
Yoko's always been an ingenue.
To speak plainly, she does things entirely on a whim.
You had it rough too, didn't you?
That was an awkward moment you saw me in.
Our little rendezvous.
I thought you were selling your body to rich old women.
Seems like my dad is a rich man.
If I succeed his company,
they will help us pay...
...my mom's hospital bills and my school fees.
Then what are you gonna do?
Of course I'll take the deal.
I don't have a father.
Please don't come here ever again.
You're sided with your mother, then.
If I don't, then who would?
You're so bad at lying.
Are you still gonna keep it from Takahashi?
What's gonna change even if I tell her?
I'll just make her worry even more, though she's doing all her best.
I can tell her after she's done with the exam.
I guess you can.
Then, Yano!
Will you treat me as your best friend?
What?
Of course I can't replace Takahashi, but at least I can lend you my help.
Best friend, huh?
But I can't talk about masturbation with you.
You pervert!
Introduce me to Takahashi some day.
Tell her that I'm your best friend in Tokyo.
Ah, I don't know if I can become friends with her though.
You will.
I'm sure...
Takahashi will like you too.
Yeah.
Seriously, why did you leave the hospital?
I'm worried you'll be snatched away.
Hm?
Surgery is impossible, and the drugs have no effect either.
There's no point for me to stay in the hospital anymore.
Then at least go to your check-ups regularly.
Here, your half-done egg.
I hate half-done eggs.
What are you saying? It's your favorite...
I said I hate it!
Can Yano even graduate, let alone take the entrance exams?
Yeah, he hasn't been coming at all.
His attendance is not even enough.
Sorry, but could you not ring the bell?
My mom will get paranoid.
Sorry.
This.
Thanks. See you.
Who was that?
Oh, my classmate.
It was actually Michiko, right?
It wasn't.
You should really go to the hospital.
It doesn't help if you stay cooped up in here like this.
I can't. I have to watch over you.
I have to watch closely so that Michiko can't take you away.
You idiot.
Is that all you have to say?
Having your fit after a while?
I've been really busy, you know, since I'm so popular and all. Been to 3 group dates.
I'm worried.
I'm now in the B rank for passing percentage.
For real?
Yeah.
That's amazing!
Amazing! For someone who used to be in D rank like you?
I'm trying really hard.
You will pass the exam, Takahashi. You'll be able to come to Tokyo.
Yeah.
I'll go to the same university in Tokyo with Yano.
Yeah.
Cos I made a promise with you.
Yeah.
I won't lose to you.
Alright! Let's kiss!
How?
Stop talking~ Ready? Alright, close your eyes.
What?
Nana-chan.
You can't kiss me on the cheeks.
On the lips, okay.
That was on the lips~
Takahashi.
Hm?
Lately...
I close my eyes every night and dream.
I dream about going to you.
Like...
I put my clothes in my bag, and go to the airport.
The flight takes an hour and a half.
After arriving at the airport, I take the bus that leads me to the city.
I pass a green field in 30 minutes.
Otanoshike, Tottori...
Get off the bus in front of Nisseki Juuji.
I cross the stoplight, and run past the side of Kouseinenkin Hall.
Sprint to the house of Yanagimachi.
I leave my luggage, and get on a bike.
I ride past the park.
I keep going straight, and straight...
Straight to your place, Takahashi.
Where are you going?
I'm going to Takahashi's place. I'll be back in 2-3 days.
Don't lie to me.
I won't let you go! I won't let you go to Michiko!
Mom...
Are you leaving me behind?
Just one day then. I'll back right away.
No!
You're abandoning me right?
You're abandoning me, just like him!
What are you saying?
He didn't even acknowledge after I gave birth to you!
He just made it like I didn't exist!
I won't let you go! I definitely won't let you go!
I won't! I won't!
Stop being so clingy!
I...
...can't replace my father.
I was looking ahead.
Only ahead.
Even so, sometimes it would come back to me.
Was I right in heading forward?
Did my compass show me the right direction?
Somebody fell!
Ambulance! Someone! Call an ambulance!
That woman was looking for you.
You don't have to go right now.
"Happy birthday to you."
"Happy birthday dear..."
Happy 18th birthday.
Nana-chan.
My memory stops there.
As if it never existed.
And from time to time, it would all come rushing back when I open my eyes.
You're really mature.
Ah yeah, I thought the same thing...
...when he got lost and stumbled across my bar.
I haven't seen any 18-year-olds with those eyes before.
Are you talking about me?
To be honest,
I don't have much memory after my mom died.
A lot of things happened after that.
It's just like a hodgepodge of facts thrown together.
Thank you very much.
Thanks.
I finally found you.
How did you...?
Everyone thought you were somewhere in Tokyo.
We never thought you would be in Sapporo.
Wait!
This is...
...your birthday present.
It's from my sister.
She bought this before she got into the accident.
Tell me a better lie.
When did you become such a dreadful girl?
Also,
I don't know whom you're trying to imitate,
but what's with all that? Cosplay?
Welcome...
What a good child you are. You're quitting college.
We're going home.
Stop it.
Just go home.
I won't!
I didn't give you the money...
...that I would have spent on Nana to do things like this!
Mom, there's someone I like here.
What are you talking about?
Now even you are being foolish.
I'm different from sis.
After Nana died...
...things became a mess.
You and your dad just do as you damn well please.
If only...
If only Nana were alive...
You're right.
I shouldn't have been born.
I should have died...
...instead of sis.
Welcome.
Please take a seat.
A glass of juice for three hours.
Sorry, we're closed.
Oh, then, I'll pay for the bill.
Please stay there.
The floor is dark.
It was a memory I treasure.
I have one last request.
Say it.
That time...
even for a moment,
tell me you actually had some feelings for me, even if it was out of sympathy.
You were Nana's replacement.
I'm really sorry.
Thanks.
No one needs me.
Goodbye.
I'm breaking the promise...
...though I said I would protect everyone.
So Takahashi,
detest and resent me.
Yeah, they did all the birthday decoration.
Trust me.
No, no. It's lovely...
Alright. See you at the bar. 7 o'clock.
You...
Help me take care of Takahashi.
What? What are you talking about?
I killed my mom.
The same thing I did to Nana.
I'll throw away all my past.
What? Hold on a moment.
I don't get what you're saying.
Give me a proper explanation.
I...
...always hurt people I hold dear.
So...
...I'm abandoning them all.
I don't know what happened,
but you have to see Takahashi.
Do you know how...
...she's been feeling all this time?
Though she couldn't get in touch with you,
she still persisted in her studies.
All because of the promise that she would pass the exam and go to see you.
After going to Tokyo, she kept searching for your whereabouts.
Her eyes have been searching for no one but you.
While laughing with friends, talking to me, or even now, she's always...
It's fine.
Takahashi is strong.
Unlike Nana or my mom.
Or even me, she's strong.
She's way stronger.
Help me take care of her.
Why...
Why did you hide it from me?
Because I couldn't believe it.
That he would actually forget about us.
I told him I would give him time,
so he had to come back.
But he never did.
He did forget about us.
He was serious.
He promised to be with me forever.
And yet... why?
What did I do wrong?
Was I lacking in something?
You didn't do anything wrong.
Time just changed everything.
Yano won't be coming back.
From now on,
I'll take all the burden...
...you can't carry.
So it's gonna be fine.
"Takahashi, are you alright?"
"I got to Tokyo before you."
"The weather here is like spring at home."
"Just done with my fifth class."
"My class has a lot of guys."
"It's only the first day, so I don't really know what's going on."
"But the girls here are super arrogant."
"Everyone talks a lot."
[Do you want to delete this message?]
"Take said he also wanted to come to Tokyo."
"I said don't come, you moron."
"Just like in those slapstick comedies."
"I want to hear your voice."
"If only you got delivered to my PO box."
"I won't go to group dates."
[Sorry, I'm in the middle of something now.]
Memory is always there.
[I'll call you back later]
In my memory, he's still 17 years old.
It
[No more inbox messages]
Yes, this is Takahashi. Ah, thanks for the good work!
Is it time already? Yes.
Yes. I'm just about to go downstairs now.
Yes, I'm heading over. Thank you.
Oh no.
What are you doing?
Aki-chan.
Here you go!
Thanks.
It's so strange.
Who could believe we would become such good friends.
I was startled when you suddenly called me "Takahashi."
Indeed. Someone must have drawn us together.
You put it so plainly.
Sorry.
No, no it's fine. I'm just totally useless at this.
I also want to erase all memory about him,
...so that I can laugh about it like you.
It's fine if you don't forget.
Just think fondly of him as someone in the past.
It was his choice to disappear.
I'm sure he will, in his own ways...
Trying to live to his fullest, right?
If you see him now, what are you gonna do? Hit him?
Definitely a drop kick.
That's a good one!
I'm glad I met you, Aki-chan.
Hm?
I wish I could forget some day...
...so that I could think fondly of him.
By the way, Nanami. You've been wearing those clothes for 3 days.
Oh, oops!
My deadline is approaching soon.
Ah~ I'm beat.
You're back. Sorry, I fell asleep.
Me too, sorry for being late.
I'll make something quickly.
Oh I already made dinner. There were leftovers in the fridge, so...
What?
Look.
Wow, that looks good!
No one would think these were leftovers~
How I wish you could be my wife.
I'll heat up miso soup.
Oh it's still warm. Just give me a sec.
Here is the ring you ordered.
Please confirm it.
I see. So you've made up your mind, huh?
I'll propose to her on her birthday.
Wow, a birthday surprise?
You sure are confident.
To be honest, I think Takahashi will never forget Moto.
But I'm confident that she'll be happier with me.
Besides,
between us, there's a love that has been developing quietly.
You mean a love that grows slowly?
That's what I've been telling myself.
And yet I still have no confidence.
Just like that time.
Even for a moment,
a moment that one can look back and say "That was everything to me."
Will I be able to give that to Takahashi?
We only have this one page for the 24th, right?
Yes.
I think we can split this into two pages.
We can make these two shoots smaller.
Then, insert this one here.
If we do that,
I think it will be easier to have only one shoot.
Yeah, you're right. Let's go with something bold and lively then.
Sure. Yeah, you're right. Let's go with something bold and lively then.
Sure.
Nagakura! Can you come here for a moment?
Yes.
Well then, I'll email you by tonight.
Alright, I'll be waiting.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Excuse me.
Good work.
Nanami!
Aki-chan...
He was there!
Hm?
He was there!
Are you alright?
Yano was adopted by his father's family.
He even changed his name.
He's working as an assistant in a design firm.
If you want to see him, you should go.
See him, and make up your mind.
Be honest to yourself.
I won't see him.
I'm glad to know that he's doing fine.
That's enough.
Enough?
My wish is...
...for Yano's wish to come true.
If he feels the need to see me, he will.
If it's something Yano decided,
then I don't want to change it.
Are you sure you're fine with that?
Yeah.
Because...
...I'm sure he must have his own reasons.
You know,
right now, I'm working at the same company with Nanami.
We became friends.
Why won't you see her?
Say, why?
Welcome home.
Well then, I'll be keeping these for now.
The design for the front cover will be ready by early next month.
I'll ask for your confirmation again then.
Alright.
Great.
Thank you. To Aoyama, please.
Are you really really fine with not seeing him?
Yano wasn't surprised that Takeuchi-kun and you were dating at all.
He said that's what he wanted.
Then, isn't it also his wish...
...that we met each other?
That's not true, is it?
We met each other by chance.
I met Yano also by chance.
Isn't this what people call "destiny"?
[Nagakura]
Where's he?
You don't bother asking about me, though we haven't met for such a long time?
Well, of course.
You always hated me anyway.
So did you sleep with him?
What, are you interrogating me?
Of course. Because you two...
I just don't get it.
He said it to my face. That he would abandon everything.
His past, his memories, friends, me, and Takahashi!
And yet, why...
Why did he choose you?
If you're asking for Nagakura, he's taking a day off to go to Sapporo.
Sapporo?
Another friend of his also came asking for him earlier.
I think he should be heading to Haneda right now.
Sorry. I didn't mean it.
He went to pay a visit.
What?
He goes every year. I think he'll be back in two days.
Thanks.
I have to see him no matter what...
...to first confirm that he's well.
That's the most important thing.
Then I'll beat the hell out of him.
That's just like you, Takeuchi-kun.
Just to clarity,
Actually I don't hate you.
I don't know about you enough to hate you.
Takeuchi-kun.
I'll tell you one secret.
You see, it's not that he chose me.
He hates me.
He hates me, but he can't leave me alone.
He resents me, so much...
But then, sometimes he would love me.
Four years ago, I met Yano with the intention of dying.
I thought if I died, maybe I could leave some memory behind.
No one needs me.
Good-bye.
At that moment,
I'm sure he remembered...
...my dead sister...
...and his mother.
And then,
he grasped my hand.
If Takahashi-san is important to you, don't let her meet him.
She'll only get hurt.
Because he...
...will only keep lying to her.
I might regret seeing him.
[I'm going to see Yano.]
Even so, I still wanted to know for sure...
...the meaning of these six years, and his feelings.
Oh, sorry!
Yano!
Oh, isn't that Takahashi?
It's been a long time. How are you?
What?
Those should be my lines!
You idiot`.
I'm sorry.
I found a girl I like.
I've been living with her all this time.
I didn't have the courage to tell you that.
I see.
I couldn't keep my promise.
Sorry.
What?
I couldn't be with you when you needed me the most.
That is... my biggest regret.
Why are you apologizing?
You didn't do anything wrong.
Not a single thing.
Absolutely none.
"The flight to Sapporo by Japan Airlines is open to boarding at 14:30..."
Sir, Sir, are you alright?
I'm fine.
I'm fine...
Memory is still alive within me...
...unobstructed, unchanged.
Always.
Cheers.
Happy birthday.
I wonder why it has to be now...
...that we see him again.
But I have a feeling that I've waited for this day forever.
To be frank, I have never thought that...
...a day would come when I will defeat him.
But now...
There's this one thing I'm sure I will win against him.
That is the six years that you and I have built together.
I swear I will spend my whole life loving you and protecting you.
Share a life with me, from now on till forever.
You know,
when I realized it, I've been running with all my might...
...just so that I could see Yano.
I was completely lost in it.
You said that you would carry all the burden for me.
But...
...now I know that I don't ever intend...
...to let go of that burden.
That's why, I'm sorry.
I can't accept this.
But he will no longer come back to you.
I'll bring my burden with me and live my life.
No matter what the future might lead,
though our paths might not cross,
I will not cry anymore.
[Yano]
Oh...
This is this month's portion. I'm sorry it's late.
It's fine, you can pay me anytime.
I borrowed money from you...
...to pay for my mom's funeral and almost everything else.
You're as distant as usual,
even though you're my son.
Money doesn't matter.
I'm just happy...
...that you come pay a visit like this...
...each year.
That aside, is she okay?
The girl who's living with you.
As of right now, I don't think the situation is gonna change.
I see.
If there's anything I can help with, you must tell me.
Thank you.
I'm Yamamoto. Here's this month inpatient bill.
Yes. Thank you very much.
For Mrs. Yamamoto in Room 703, right?
I'm done with all these tear-jerking reunions.
I'm relieved to see you're still the same as before.
So, why Yamamoto?
Why them, instead of Takahashi?
Take.
If there's a drowning person in front of you,
if it were you, who would you save?
What?
Your lover, your family...
I'll save the person who can't swim.
What the heck is that?
So how do you explain...
...the fact that you would save Yamamoto and her mom?
I didn't save them.
They saved me.
Panic disorder? You?
After my mom died,
it started getting very hard for me to breathe.
I couldn't take the trains either.
I would throw up even though there's nothing to throw up.
I was about to give up.
But...
The Nagakura lady made me feel I'm needed again.
And then, Yamamoto followed me here.
Her mother also followed her here.
Then she collapsed.
She's now in a vegetative state.
Both of them depend on me now.
But...
I was saved because of that.
They saved me.
They support each other because they're family.
And they also support me.
How about you?
Didn't you propose to Takahashi?
Wanna do it?
What is this?
She returned it to me.
Why...?
What've you been doing? I told you to take care of Takahashi, didn't I?
It's been four years since then. Four damn years.
How about you? What've you been doing?
Hey-
What's there to laugh about? What the heck are you doing?
Takahashi's drowning too.
I just did what you did!
Just like throwing an expensive ring into the river,
you abandoned her!
Can't you...
Can't you see Takahashi's drowning too?
The truth is, I've been waiting.
The hand that holds my trembling hand.
The gentle touch that tells me goodbye.
They said my mother had not much longer.
I'll stay over there tonight.
I see...
I'll go there later.
Whoever comes or talks to her, she won't know anyway.
She knows.
People in a vegetative state can hear.
Besides, if you don't tell her what you want her to know,
you'll definitely regret it later.
Regret...
...is not pleasant.
Yano?
Let's go eat some steamed buns!
What...?
Yano?
I'll show you around Tokyo.
What?
It was my dream...
...that the first person I'll show around Tokyo is Takahashi.
First year of college,
I would come pick you up when you flew from Kushiro to Haneda.
And then Shibuya, Harajuku, Yoyogi Park.
Omohiru*, Ponhiru*. (Omotesando Hills and Roppongi Hills)
We would be holding hands while I show you around Tokyo.
Omohiru, Ponhiru?
Yeah, I just call them by those names.
What? Seriously?
Hey Takahashi, I know it's late, but let's create some memories.
Our...
...last.
Last?
That's right. Our last.
Yano.
I heard from Takeuchi-kun.
I heard everything.
Sorry for lying to you at the airport.
That wasn't a lie.
Not a single lie.
You've never lied to me.
You'll catch a cold.
Aren't you shivering?
I'm going home.
You must keep going.
Keep going ahead.
Leave me.
Go.
I'll be fine.
You will be...
...alright too.
Go. Keep going.
Don't give up!
Don't give up.
You will definitely...
You'll definitely be fine.
I just can't seem to find the right words to tell her.
Then how about just tell her your complaints?
I don't have any in particular.
Oh yeah? Well, let me say it then.
Hey Auntie,
I feel bad for saying this now,
but aren't you the worst?
Your eldest daughter got into a car with some useless man and died.
Your youngest doesn't want to talk to you.
What on earth is this? Something must've gone wrong in your bringing them up.
Or is it because...
...there wasn't enough love?
Say,
rather than loving them, you wanted them to love you, right?
Because you're selfish in that sense,
we get confused because we can't tell if you actually love us.
So...
Forgive us.
Please forgive us.
I'm sorry...
...for not being able to make you happy.
I'm done. You go next.
Tell her.
I don't want you to go through the same thing I did.
No way.
Her hand...
...grasped mine back.
My hand...
Mom!
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Mom!
They said it was only a muscular contraction.
What?
The doctor said it's common for her...
...to grip my hand.
I'm sure the message got through.
"I want to make Moto happy."
"I'll break up properly with that useless man..."
"...so that he can't hurt Moto any longer."
My sister said that,
...and went to meet him that day.
Why now, after all this time?
I'm sorry.
I was gonna tell you.
But you said really nasty things.
Everyone...
...knows how much you love them.
My sister,
and I'm sure your mother too.
So that's what happened.
Moto's and Takahashi's paths...
...might never cross again.
Even so, the person who could save him...
...is no one but Takahashi.
So no matter how many years it will take,
I want Takahashi to continue telling him...
...the only single answer.
The only single answer?
Help me tell Takahashi that.
You might be similar...
Hm?
Nothing.
Got it. I'll tell her.
I'm sure it will reach them some day.
I know the moment recollection...
...becomes memories.
Memories are always kind.
I wish...
...that those memories...
...will always be kind to you too.
Hello?
It's been a long time~ Yeah, yeah, yeah, I got it.
Congrats!
Of course I'm going.
What? Oh, where does the groom come from?
What?
Taka-chan~
Thanks, everyone!
But really, what a coincidence.
Right? Who would think the groom...
...would be Takeuchi-kun's classmate during middle school!
Oh, yeah!
You met him once before, Takahashi.
He's that Izumiya we met on our way home from the choir contest.
That Izumiya? I remember him!
You both remembered each other last time during the reunion, right?
Really?
Just like in a drama~
Takako, we're taking a photo.
Yano sure isn't coming, is he?
How cold.
Oh, there you go. You're just casually reminded of him.
Very good.
Oh! Speaking of which..
Yeah, that's right.
I heard the compounds of Ichikou High will be demolished.
What?
When is that again?
If I'm not wrong...
Woah~ it hasn't changed one bit!
It's been so long! How many years was it again?
Oh, thanks.
This is awesome!
So nostalgic~
It is.
I heard Yamamoto's in Sapporo now.
What?
She got in touch with me.
She's learning to become a bread baker.
She's gotten stronger.
Seems that Moto left home.
I see.
You're not surprised?
Did you get over him?
My feelings won't change, no matter what happens.
It just...
There must be a reason he's not here today?
I guess I'm just gonna walk around a little.
Shall we go together?
Isn't someone waiting for you?
Oh...
You should show her around Kushiro.
Okay.
That time...
...surely, we were here.
Welcome home~
Welcome home.
I'm back.
And then, relying on that warmth,
we walk to the future.
Overcoming our worries and uncertainties, we look toward our tomorrow.
Yes.
That time,
...we repeated so many mistakes and failures.
Even so, we kept running,
believing in eternity.
One day, when we suddenly come to a stop,
for us who now know that there's no such thing as eternity,
our past selves will still be people...
...who shined so brightly then.
That's right. That is the only answer.
Beneath this endless sky,
...where are you right now?
Who did you meet today? What did you talk about?
Where did you go?
What was the last time you thought about me?
Who are you in love with?
Takahashi!
Found you.
Yano?
I couldn't make it in time for Atsushi's wedding ceremony.
Didn't know where to go back...
...no matter how hard I searched.
I even though once you forgo something, you probably won't be able to find it again.
And then,
I found the answer.
From the moment we met here,
I always believed in what you said.
That alone won't ever change.
Takahashi.
You're my compass.
Idiot.
Stupid Yano.
Truth is, I had lots of regrets.
But you made me stronger, Yano.
Takahashi.
So, this past seven years,
I don't regret anything I used to regret at all.
I'll make you happy from now on.
Let's make a future that won't lose to the past.
This time.
Together.
Sure.
[Today, I'm also looking for you.]
Translated by yuizaki_libra@livejournal Raw provided by bittersweet_bun@plotboxes