I am not that perfect,
but I hope you will learn to accept me.
The face of pale, blooming flowers...
...is left behind as the seasons pass by.
The rain stops, and there are clouds in the sky.
And there is a gentle, blue breeze.
On the sides of the two...
...walking from today to tomorrow...
...there are memories that sway without change.
Forever, forever blooming yet never withering.
The racing of this heart will never cease.
More than anyone, more than anyone, I have looked at you.
Without bounds, this feeling... forever.
Kaoru-sama...
It's all right, Aoi-chan.
That'll do it.
Here, Aoi-chan.
Wow!
Thank you, Kaoru-sama!
Episode 1 Fate
Oh, no! This late already?
Irabu Japan Focus on date spots!
I'm so hungry.
Here.
Thank you!
I've got your favorite today.
Tokyo... Tokyo...
Please transfer if you're using all JR lines or any subway lines.
Ikebukuro Station
Which one should I take?
Um...
Pardon...
A cherry blossom pattern, huh?
I wonder why I cannot go through this gate?
Um...
Um, are you all right?
Oh, I am sorry.
Thank you so much.
Oh, the sandal strap...
How troublesome.
What should I do?
Can you hang onto my shoulder for a bit?
It's all right. S-Sure...
It's unusual for someone your age to wear a tsumugi.
Your obi has a nice spring design, too.
You know a lot about kimonos...
Just a bit.
That'll do it.
I think it's fine... ... but it's temporary, so you should get it properly repaired.
Thank you so much for your kindness.
Oh, it's all right. Then I'll excuse myself.
- Hold on. - Yes? That's a Hokubu line ticket, right? So your gate is way over there.
I see.
How will I be able to reach it?
Let's see...
you go straight here, turn left at the T-intersection...
...turn right at the first flight of stairs...
Um, did you get that?
Yes...
I believe I will be all right, probably.
Straight...
Looks like she'll get lost at this rate.
If you'd like, I'll go with you since I'm going home on the same train.
Is that all right?
Thank you so much!
You even fixed my strap.
I will never forget this!
That's a little much...
It's hard to switch trains in Tokyo, isn't it?
Yes.
I do not comprehend any of it.
I got lost often too when I started going to college.
Are you a college student?
Yeah, I started junior year this spring.
You are very dexterous.
Oh, the sandal strap. You seem to know a lot about kimonos as well.
I got dressed up in traditional Japanese clothes a lot as a kid.
Mom used to wear the tsumugi a lot, too.
So it just doesn't seem like I'm talking to a stranger...
Sorry if I'm being annoying.
No, not at all.
You helped me out so much.
I had no idea what Tokyo was like and it made me so worried.
I am very relieved you seem to be someone who likes kimonos.
Toyamadai... Toyamadai...
We will be waiting for an express train to pass.
- We finally can sit. - Yeah.
One, two...
Izumigaoka is 4 stations away.
That's right.
She said it's her first time in Tokyo?
It doesn't look like she's here as a tourist.
Maybe a boyfriend?
Is something on my face?
No, n-not really...
- Um, can I ask you something? - Yes? Why are you in Tokyo?
Actually...
to see someone.
Could it be... a guy?
Y-Yes...
I was just joking, too.
But I came here on a whim,
not knowing if I will meet him or not.
I have no idea about the roads, and I was very troubled.
So I really appreciate someone guiding me like this.
I have not stepped outside by myself that much, so...
... I am rather relieved...
...and now I feel rather sleepy.
Izumigaoka... Izumigaoka...
We're here.
This is Izumigaoka.
Hey, come on.
Come on, wake up!
The train departed.
Oh, well...
Simple or just clueless about the world?
But she's rather cute.
I-I apologize! When did I...
How much further?
We're close.
I almost slept past it.
We've gone all the way around.
I really do apologize for all this trouble.
It's all right. Nishiizumi City, right?
I live around there.
I trouble you so.
What kind of person is this guy you're visiting?
Well...
I have not seen him for a long time, but he is very kind.
It is as if I am relieved each time I think of him.
What is it?
I just recalled that something like this happened when I was little.
The strap on my sandal broke back then like it did today,
and he fixed it for me.
Come to think of it,
he must have been very adept as well...
So you love this guy that much?
Yes, he is the first person that I have loved in my life.
I feel blessed to have been born into this world when I think of him.
It's amazing to feel so much for one person.
I hope you get to see him soon.
Yes.
According to the note, it's around here.
Yeah, no mistake.
Right around that corner!
He is beyond this corner...
Lot for sale
Um, there's no mistake...
Well, this is the place if the note's right.
That cannot be...
It is a lie...
I thought...
I thought I would finally see him again...
This cannot be true...
What should I do?
Ai Yori Aoshi
Drink this and calm down.
Yes...
It's fine I had her come up,
but how should I talk to her in this situation?
Um, you know...
I can't help but feel sorry for her.
I want her to see this guy somehow.
Um, do you have any other clues?
A photograph of myself and him.
But a picture from her childhood...
Hey, I've seen this somewhere...
Isn't this me and Aoi-chan?
What did you just say?
I just said... this is a photo of me and Aoi-chan...
T-Then...
You are... Kaoru-sama?
Yeah.
I'm Kaoru Hanabishi.
Aoi-chan, it's all right.
It's all right.
Kaoru-sama!
For 18 years, I have been waiting so long for this moment!
18 years?
To think the person who was so kind to me was you.
I have never felt the thing called destiny more strongly than now!
H-Hold on and explain this properly.
I apologize.
I, Aoi Sakuraba, am here to wed you.
Wife?
Yes, I am to be your wife, Kaoru-sama!
I-It's true that I remember you now, Aoi-chan.
But you becoming my wife...
The dream that I have had for 18 years is finally coming true.
Now, please come back with me to the Hanabishi family.
Hanabishi...
Return to Hanabishi, and we will be together.
I see.
That's what they mean.
Kaoru-sama?
They can come straight to me if they want me back in Hanabishi.
Trying to lure me back by using a girl.
I trust them even less now!
K-Kaoru-sama...
Aoi-chan, I won't go back to Hanabishi.
I'm sorry, but please leave now!
K-Kaoru-sama!
Kaoru-sama...
You really left Hanabishi because you did not like me.
I was almost fooled by them.
I'm sure those Hanabishi guys rigged all this.
When they find that their plan failed,
I'm sure someone'll pick her up.
There, like I said.
Someone's here to--
They aren't from Hanabishi!
You alone, girl?
Wanna go karaoke?
Let's go karaoke!
You'd catch a cold staying out here!
Or do ya wanna go eat?
We know a joint that has an ocean view!
Hold it right there!
Huh? What's this? We don't need guys here.
K-Kaoru-sama?
You trying to take her away?
We asked her out first!
Why don't ya say something, huh?
I-It's all well that I jumped out, but they look pretty strong...
What should I do... Um... Uh...
Huh?
S-S-She...
She's my girl!
Got a problem?
Kaoru-sama...
Oh no...
Did I just say something really outrageous?
Damn, she's already taken.
Don't make a girl wait all by herself around here!
Let's go.
Damn it.
Oh, were you scared?
It's all right.
That is not it.
Even if it was a lie,
I am happy you would say I was your girl.
That's true.
A good girl like her would never do that.
I'm sorry.
I was out of my mind and jumped to conclusions.
Well, let's return to my room. My feet hurt standing here.
Okay?
Kaoru-sama...
We were promised to wed?
Yes.
We have seen each other a few times when we were young.
Since then, I was raised to be your wife, Kaoru-sama.
To do everything I can for you.
You did not know this, Kaoru-sama?
I recall something along those lines at some point,
but nothing concrete.
But they suddenly told me to forget this promise was made.
I wanted to meet you in person and hear the truth from you.
That's why you're here.
I didn't leave because I didn't like you.
Well, a lot happened back there.
I am so glad.
You're tired, right? You should rest well tonight.
Um, is it all right for me to stay here?
It's getting pretty late.
I'll get the bath ready now.
Oh, you told your folks you were coming here, right?
Y-Yes, of course!
I do not need to contact them!
Then I will take a bath now.
You must be cold. - Take your time and warm up. - Yes.
To think that a girl is taking a bath in my room...
That's kinda amazing.
It's the first time a girl's been here...
Whoa...
Why's it sound so perverted...
...when taking off traditional Japanese clothing?
18 years, huh?
I didn't hear anything about this.
It's a problem.
She's a really nice girl, and I don't feel bad about this,
but it's so sudden I can't get my head out of the clouds.
Is something wrong?
N-No...
Nothing is wrong...
Oh, I-I see...
S-She was wearing this kinda underwear?
I am so glad...
Kaoru-sama did not hate me...
I am truly blessed that I was able to meet Kaoru-sama.
What is the weakest thing in this world?
Even so, it exists to protect the two.
Because there's as much of it as there are stars above.
I wanted to hear it from your voice.
So tell me it's love.
Tell me that it really is love.
Even if the two are like unknown flowers...
To fall in love...
To become very strong...
Because I want you to feel the same thing...
...a small, fragile love.
I would like to do anything as long as you wish it.
Sleep next to you?
Next Episode Supper
I am always at your side.