The third summer since she vanished from my life.
Of course I wouldn't disappear on you.
I mean, we haven't watched the DVD of 48 Hours together yet.
I hate men who can't keep a promise.
I'm so sick of it!
That was so amazing, Natsuki.
I decided to take a picture for you. It was a promise.
Maybe you can return the DVD now?
I was just about to go return it.
She will be back.
Sorry.
What?
I can't do it.
48 Hours Part 2
Are we there yet? Are we?
Can I? - Sure.
It's huge!
I didn't know it was this big!
It's kind of embarrassing.
Aren't you happy?
Of course I'm happy!
I really like this photo,
and I'm proud of you for taking this photo of me.
Isn't that too much of a compliment?
No.
You can't ignore something this big when you walk by.
Well, it's still just a billboard.
Think of her as me from now on,
and greet her as you would to me.
Huh?!
If you ignore her and walk past,
the smile will gradually disappear from that billboard.
Why are you suggesting something so absurd?
Good morning.
You just greeted to a billboard, right?
I didn't.
Yeah, you did. I saw you bowing toward it.
A fisherwoman I knew was waving at me, so I was just greeting her.
Oh? You could see that?
She was in a really good mood,
telling me how she caught a lobsters and horned turbans.
What are you talking about?
Bye, I'm in a hurry.
Hey, what did you mean by "I can't"?
Don't tell me you're not going to return the DVD?
How do I return it?
What?!
You just go to the video rental shop and hand it over.
You make it sound so easy.
Because it is!
Do you think I would've kept it for three whole years if it were that easy?
I can't believe you actually threw away your ring.
What?
That's the one thing I respect about you.
Hey, what did you mean by "that's the one thing"?
Wait!
What the hell? That's the only thing?
Oh, crap.
I'm going to be so busy, I don't think I can hang out here for a while.
You're that busy?
Asahi...
Yeah? What is it?
He promised to take a picture of me!
Really? - Yeah!
That's great! Should we celebrate?
I'm telling you, I don't have time to celebrate!
What makes you so busy?
I have to get my hair done right? Then nails, and I want to stop by a hot stone spa.
You want to rejuvenate yourself.
Then I have to practice my smile and the pose.
Yeah! You're like Paris Hilton at her fullest!
But I can't decide on the shooting location.
shooting location?
He said it has to be in this town.
So good spots are pretty limited.
Okay, I'll tell you about a super secret spot with an ocean view.
What? Does it really have a nice ocean view?
Yes! Very nice ocean view!
Oh, yes!
Thank you very much!
My sister is so excited about it.
She took out all her clothes and stuff... it's out of control!
She also asked me to pick clothes for the shoot.
But now, I can finally relax a little.
Why's that?
Well, I'm her little brother, and I was worried about her.
Ah! The waves are awesome today.
Welcome.
You just soaked your hair at the shower over there.
Why the hell are you here?
Hey, can you do my homeworks for summer for 10 yen?
I'll give you 20 yen, so beat it!
Don't you have to work today?
I'm on lunch break right now.
I like to be with my buddy right here... Whenever I have some spare time.
I hear you started surfing, even though you can't swim.
I'll give you 100 yen, so please leave!
Thanks, I'll see you next time.
Aight.
You owe me 120 yen.
I'm not adding up the 20 yen and the 100 yen!
Hey, did you pay?
Pay it for me.
Fickle teens.
Sheesh, it's not easy babysitting Hayao.
Give me a glass of beer. - Got it.
By the way, Takashi... you were that guy's classmate in high school, right?
You mean Asahi?
Yeah, we were in all the same clubs and classes,
Although, he could only kneel before my intelligence and baseball skills...
But why is returning the DVD so difficult for him?
It's not like that girl is going to return.
But that's not what he thinks.
What?
The problem,
is that Kasumi packed up and vanished without saying a word.
But doesn't that just mean she wanted to break up?
I'm 99.9% certain that's the case.
But Asahi insists that if she didn't intend to return,
she would've never promised to watch the DVD together right before it happened.
Still, can you wait 3 years just for that reason?
That's because Kasumi was a special presence to Asahi.
Just like you are to me.
No matter how much he loves her, 3 years is just ridiculous.
Wait a sec. Please don't dodge my straight ball like that.
Sorry, I know absolutely nothing about baseball.
You should know what straight balls are, even with no knowledge of baseball...
How about this?
I'll make Asahi return that DVD.
Really? Please do!
Seriously, I get so frustrated when I see him!
In exchange, if I accomplish this mission...
Can you go out on a date with me?
What? A date?
Welcome!
How rare to see you renting so many?
I'm planning to learn the cutest expressions and poses from famous actresses around the world.
What's the point in learning that?
Because Asahi said he'll take a picture of me!
What? Your picture?
Of course, me!
Well, he finally agreed to take my picture,
so I want to make it a memory I'll never forget.
Allow me to challenge you one last time!
Let's have a fair fight!
You're probably thinking I don't stand a chance, right?
No.
That's not what I was thinking.
So... how many points am I losing by today?
What is it? Is it so bad that you can't even tell me?
You're winning.
Huh? What do you mean?
To me... you've been winning all this time.
What's that supposed to mean?
You don't have to comfort me like that.
What do you think you're doing?
Your life isn't going anywhere because you're bound by this crap!
You're the last person I expect to hear that from!
Is that Kasumi? - Where?
Did you think I would fall for that?
You fell for it, for a second!
Just give it back, dude.
I'm begging you. Don't doubt me and just let me go!
Are you stupid? I'm renting it.
I can go on a date with Natsuki if you return it!
Don't depend on me and make it happen by yourself!
This is my last request.
How many last request are you going to make?
Which one should I choose?!
What's wrong?
Hey...
I don't want to ruin your happy mood, but...
What is it?
He said he'll return the DVD, but he didn't yet.
Yeah, I know.
What?
I saw it was still unreturned today.
Well, I think that and getting my picture taken are unrelated.
That's good to hear.
I mean, I've been chasing Asahi all this time,
and things have never looked more promising.
The only thing I can do is prepare myself and leap in with everything I've got.
I see.
If it doesn't work out, a big-time foreign support will set things straight.
「助っ人外国人」 (Foreign Support) is the term used to describe foreign players, usually overpaid, to play for Japanese sports teams.
Who's that?
Huh? It's clearly you.
Wait, why am I a foreign support?
It means that's how much I'm counting on you!
That's really hard to understand.
Was that a baseball analogy?
Yeah, it is.
Why does everyone in this town use baseball analogies?
Man! Beer after 9th inning is truly exceptional!
If you do that again, we're not friends anymore.
I didn't think you would be stronger than me,
but you're 3 times as strong when it involves Kasumi.
Shut up.
Not that it matters, but is that DVD any good?
I didn't see it yet.
What? You're not curious about the content after having it for 3 years?
Not to mention the full title is 48 Hours Part 2: Return of the Couple.
Return of the Couple!
Hey!
Fine. You don't ever intend to return it, huh?
That's not my intention.
So when?
There's timing to everything.
When is that?
That so-called timing never came in the last 3 years, right?
It did. - When?
Yesterday.
I'm trying to have a serious conversation here.
The moment really came.
I'm serious.
I really thought about returning it yesterday.
And?
I did...
but those feeling got blown away, just like that,
when a song that I used to listen with Kasumi started playing.
I've been thinking about it all day yesterday...
Kasumi is the only one for me.
Kasumi isn't coming back.
Who knows?
3 years!
You waited for 3 years and she didn't return. That's an out!
Three outs, change.
Who asked you to judge me?
It's not just me.
Everyone around you, everyone is thinking the exact same thing.
Even so, I don't think it's over, so what am I supposed to do?
Suit yourself.
You've made it very clear that it's out of my control.
Sorry for disturbing you.
This DVD is now the only thing still connecting me and Kasumi.
Of course I wouldn't disappear on you.
I mean, we haven't watched the DVD of 48 Hours together yet.
I knew very well that I was clinging onto a faint possibility.
However, it was also true that somewhere in my heart,
I couldn't bring myself to give up on her.
It was because there was a sense of certainty,
that I would never encounter a greater presence in my life than that of Kasumi.
Translated by 8thSin
Incredible!
Nice ocean view.
Hey, boss?
No model agency wants to sign me.
People in Tokyo have terrible taste, huh?
Do you have any work for me?
Asahi, do we have any work that's perfect for Aoi?
I told you before, but we rarely work with a model.
I guess we replace our passport photo display soon.
Are you talking about the show window photos?
I've been thinking of changing it for some time.
I'm off to the hotel to shoot their PR footage.
Okay. - Bye.
You're leaving already?
He's not at all cooperative with me.
You have to get his attention first.
He'll get me work if I can get his attention?
You know the girl on the billboard?
Do you have any idea how hard he negotiated to get her photo taken?
That's a very useful information.
Welcome.
Hello.
Hi.
I'll have a draft beer.
Got it.
Your boss told me you would be here, so I came to see you.
I heard you were hitting on her at the station.
No way.
You were the one who started it, but now you ignore me.
That's a pretty advanced technique!
I'm telling you, it's a misunderstanding.
All the guys over there are pretty direct, huh?
Yeah, they don't really play hard to get.
As I thought.
Japan and US are as different as they are in baseball.
What does that even mean?
You don't get it? - No.
Where's Hanae today?
She said she's going to a spa tonight.
Spa?
You said you'll take a picture of her, right?
She was almost delirious, saying she'll make herself look really beautiful.
About that...
Is that your girlfriend?
No.
Do you have a girlfriend right now?
Why do I have to tell you?
Hi there!
Oh, hey!
Hi.
Look, it's the gentleman.
The gentleman?
Do you know how nice he is, Kenji?
He even greets someone in a billboard.
A billboard?
Yeah, have you seen that huge billboard by the beach?
That beer girl?
Yeah.
He was facing her, and he's like,
"Good morning." Can you believe it?!
He greets to a billboard, but not me?
Ugh!
He's... a creep.
I totally missed that!
You two are on the same page even though you just met.
That creeps me out even more.
Hey, did you see something in him?
Well, a little.
You should definitely reconsider.
He's nowhere as fine as you think. Right?
Is there anyone else good around here?
Done with him already, huh?
Sorry, I'm not from around here.
I don't know anyone from here.
Is there an easy guy and an easy job lying around somewhere in this town?
Then this guy is out of the question.
He's anything but easy to get.
Hey,
can you stop butting into my business using Takashi?
What do you mean?
Don't act dumb.
You tried to make me return the DVD using him.
I don't know anything about it. He did it on his own.
He was really excited about it because he can go on a date with you or something if I returned my DVD.
Listen, I don't care if you return it or not.
Just as long as you keep your promise with Hanae.
Beer for me, Kenji. - Got it.
Quickly. - Aight.
Aight.
Draft, then? - Yeah.
From: Hanae
Hello?
Hello, are you working right now?
Yes, I am.
When do you want to shoot my photo?
Like I said, I'm working right now.
I'm ready anytime.
My hands are tied at the moment.
I will contact you later.
Good bye.
Wait, I still have to tell you something...
Come on!
What do you think about that phone call, Ms. Audrey?
That smile is out of my reach.
Haruo...
What is the meaning of this?
I-I can't believe my eyes, either.
What's your relationship with her?
Whoa, wait, there's nothing going on. I don't even know her!
Don't you think this is cowardly?
What are you talking about?
If you wanted to break up,
then I wish you'd just said it to my face!
Kiyoko? Kiyoko!
Thanks for waiting.
Don't you have any friends here, since you went to school in this town?
I went overseas when I was grade 3, so I don't know anyone.
What about your family? Do you live with them?
No, I don't have family.
What?
I'm used to being alone now, though.
I'm sorry.
The wave was awesome again today.
Welcome.
Can I come visit you again?
You're always welcome here.
W-What? What?
You should take off your surfboard's cover.
I will!
What are you going to order?
Natsuki, who's that?
Where is she from? Finger size? Left or right-handed?
- Hey...
Sorry.
I'm going to take off the cover first.
Hey.
Uh, yes?
What happened to the DVD?
Sorry, it turned out to be impossible.
So people in this town are nothing but talk, huh?
Well, I guess you're not as bad as your cameraman friend, though.
I didn't want to say this, but...
You haven't seen what Asahi was like for the past 3 years, so you don't know.
What?
So... I don't know how I should say this...
I want you to leave him alone now.
Oh, sorry. I got so serious all of a sudden.
It's okay.
Huh? This part wasn't supposed to be ripped off?
Asahi!
When do you want to take my picture?
Tomorrow? The day after? I'm ready anytime.
I've done the research on shooting location, so it won't take up too much of your time.
We'll finish in a single day.
Come on, take a look.
I'm sorry, Hanae.
I can't take your picture, after all.
How come?
I went to most of those places with Kasumi,
and I shouldn't be thinking about her while taking your picture, right?
Sorry.
Tell me why.
Why were you always so happy when you took Kasumi's pictures,
yet you won't take a single picture of me?
You dislike me that much?
I didn't say that.
She can't talk.
She won't greet you back, either.
You can't hold her hands,
and she won't even be with you when you're lonely.
Yet you still can't forget about her?
You're happier being with Kasumi's billboard than you are with me?
I don't know what to do anymore.
What?! That punk said he's not taking your picture again?!
There's still the issue of Kasumi, he said.
What the hell?
That's it, I'm going to set him straight.
Wait, Natsuki.
Let's calm down for a second.
How can you forgive him for that?
Asahi didn't mean to hurt her.
He promised to take her picture.
But now he's using his ex-girlfriend to break his promise?
That's despicable! Am I wrong?
Did I say something wrong? Huh? - No.
Yeah, there's no point in waiting.
Thanks.
Hayao.
Hey...
You know something, don't you?
I'm still no match for her, huh?
Even if you're losing now, you just have to win in the end.
It's very convincing when you say it.
Right?
Even I got to marry Setsuko.
It means there's hope for everyone in the whole wide world.
But Kasumi did make me think she was a great girl in the past..
Is that so?
Remember the time Asahi brought her here for the very first time?
Oh, I remember!
"Barry Bonds of Chiba", right?
When the home run ball flew out of the field that was said to be impossible to hit out of.
It's a wonderful cafe.
There's a beach food stand below too, it's amazing.
Really? I want to go there!
I'll take you there next time.
Wow... - Yeah.
Are you okay? That was dangerous.
Did you hurt your arm?
No, I'm fine.
I'm okay, Asahi.
Don't worry.
You're bleeding!
Really? Are you okay?
I'll go find a first-aid kit.
I'm so sorry!
What the hell are you doing? She's hurt.
I-I am truly sorry!
Your apology isn't going to undo everything.
I'm amazed...
You hit it this far.
You must have known it was a home run as soon as you hit it!
Um...
I'll pay the full medical cost for your injury!
Oh, don't worry about that.
Can I keep this ball instead?
Spectators get to keep home run balls, right?
Yes... that's right.
Give me your autograph.
My autograph?!
To celebrate the birth of a great home run hitter of the future.
I had never seen that expression from Asahi before.
The winner was already determined at that very moment.
I'm so stupid!
I can't believe I kept playing this losing game.
That's not true.
I'm sure there's something only you can do for him.
There's no need for you to compare yourself against Kasumi.
Thanks.
But I've had enough.
What a big hit!
It's outta here!
Misaki East High takes the first run!
Urano is amazing.
Do I have an eye for batters or what?
Urano Genzou
I'm amazed.
Wow!
Why are you here?
Can you cut it out already?
Huh?
Why won't you keep your promise with Hanae?
I don't get why you're so obsessed about it.
The person you're waiting for isn't coming back.
You weren't there. What do you know?
I asked.
About what?
About what happened when she left.
She came to our home on the day she skipped town.
What for?
She came to ask my father to take the billboard down.
Hold on!
Why did you ask to have the billboard taken down?
If the billboard stays, Asahi won't be able to forget about me.
Does that mean you're not coming back?
Bye.
She never intended to come back.
It means for the 3 years from the day she left to today...
there wasn't even 1% chance of her return.
Do you get it now?
Thank you for telling me.
Are you okay?
How can I be okay?
Good evening.
Thanks for staying late.
No problem.
Kenji told me that Hanae's still in the bar.
I got a little worried.
Sorry for making you come all the way here.
She's depressed because Asahi broke his promise?
She was really looking forward to it.
Then I lost my cool,
and went to give him an earful.
Really?
But...
I'm regretting a bit now.
Why's that?
I might have been a little too insensitive.
When Kasumi had just left, Asahi was in far worse shape than he is now.
What?
He refused to budge from that billboard.
Let's go!
Let me go.
Asahi...
Come on, let's go, Asahi.
Leave me alone.
Come on, Asahi.
No matter how much any of us tried to persuade him,
he absolutely refused to move.
It lasted for a while.
And just when we thought we didn't see him by the billboard anymore...
Sorry, I'll going this way.
What?
This time, he absolutely refused to walk in front of the billboard.
He would avoid that billboard, no matter how far the detour.
When Hanae couldn't stand seeing him suffer like that,
she said she'll ask her father to remove the billboard.
But then Asahi pleaded, saying "anything but that".
He started showing up near the billboard again after that incident.
I have a feeling...
she fell deeper in love with Asahi since Kasumi had left.
Why is that?
Because she had been watching beside him the whole time.
Witnessing what happened to Asahi after Kasumi was gone.
When a girl sees firsthand how dedicated a guy becomes,
I'm sure she'd think,
"I would be the happiest person in the world if I can get someone like him to love me."
I can really sympathize with her.
Kenji was much like him, too.
Hello?
Hello hello?
Uh... it's me...
Oh, it's you again.
Do you have a problem with me again?
What, are you drunk?!
Sorry, I was so drunk.
Am I not allowed to be drunk?
It's your fault I'm drunk, though.
What? Where are you anyway?
Hello?
Good evening.
Good to see you both here.
I'm a gentleman...
so I can greet things other than billboards.
You've had too much to drink.
Even I...!
Even I...
didn't think Kasumi would return from the start.
I knew that.
But I wanted to believe in the faint possibility that she would.
That was all I could do.
I wanted nothing more than to forget her.
I tried to forget so many times.
But it was impossible.
I couldn't forget about her.
I mean, she was undeniably the ideal woman for me.
That's why...
even when someone told me that there's no chance Kasumi would ever return,
I didn't feel like giving up, at all.
I had the wrong idea about you, the whole time.
I really think it's amazing you can be so dedicated to her.
That's why I really hope you'll find your happiness.
I mean it.
My stupid fiancé comes to my mind when I let my guard down, too.
If he were to show up today or tomorrow...
I honestly don't know what I'll do.
It's same for me.
But...
I know he'll never show up again,
so I threw away my ring.
Similarly, the person who will bring you happiness...
is not this girl on the billboard.
You don't know that!
Only I know how happy I was when I took this picture.
Only I know how Kasumi smiled when she saw this billboard.
I know the feeling of satisfaction I got when I first saw this billboard...
will never be matched for the rest of my life.
But...
everyone around me spout all these nonsense...
That there are plenty of other girls out there.
There isn't anyone else!
Kasumi is the only one for me!
I was happiest when I was with her.
I'm certain I'll never feel the same way again.
That's why I don't want to give up.
I can't give up!
You don't have to force yourself to give up.
Let's drink.
We haven't drunk beer like this for a long time.
You were...
always there with me, huh?
Yeah.
That's all I can do for you.
Join us, Natsuki.
Okay.
Cheers!
Come on.
Cheers.
These weren't useful at all.
I see.
Actually, I lost the promise of getting my picture taken in the first place.
Later.
48 Hours Part 2
No way.
At around noon today...
He came to return it.
So he finally returned the DVD!
Now I really can root for you guys!
Oh, here he comes.
Are you closed?
Yes. We are done for the day.
You serious?
Go to Kenji's place, then?
Yeah. Hanae, you coming?
Yeah.
Uh... you guys go on ahead.
I have to clean up and stuff.
Okay.
Do you have free time on Monday?
Are you mocking me? I always have free time.
I have a day off, so I'll take your picture.
What?
The picture that I promised.
Why'd you do that for?
No reason.
What are you doing?
Huh? I'm wiping it!
Let's go.
Yeah, I'm coming.
You finally see how good Hanae is?
I made the right decision, right?
Because I love you.
I just wanted to be there with Asahi.
I think I'm starting to understand why Hanae's been in love with him for 10 years.
You can't tell anyone.