There are two cities called Otowa.
The real city that is built on top of the burnt rubble, and the peaceful, fake city that's a mirror image of it in a beautiful land.
Using painful pasts as sustenance, heaps of misfortune as the cornerstones...
And the spinning of lives everyday, the cities were wrapped by the radiance that was people.
A fake shadow of the real city.
The fake city's true self.
They seek what lies behind the repetitive emotions, time, and space that isolate them.
That is...
It's dangerous, so don't stand in a place like that.
Oh? You're nice. Aren't you, Himura Yuu-san?
Who are you?
I'm Yuuko.
Yuuko?
If... If you've forgotten, then you don't have to say anything.
We'll part as if nothing had happened.
Himura Yuu-san, I, even now, still hate you.
Yo, Himura.
Are you sure, Kuze?
It's cool around this time. It's fine.
What about the princess?
She's been sleeping for a while.
And you?
I'm just like you.
Are you recalling things from long ago again?
Who knows? I've forgotten the things from long ago.
Give her my regards next time.
Don't joke around.
Himura, why don't you come along for the performance tomorrow?
Performance?
Yeah. The recital made possible by you and her.
And that's the end. And with that, everything else.
Fermata, eh?
It's the fine.
In classical music, it'd be a fermata, right?
You know your stuff.
I heard it from you.
I see. I might've said that.
No, fermata is correct.
It's undoubtably correct for who I am now.
By the way, I heard a girl is living at Renji's place?
A girl?
You didn't know?
I haven't seen him recently.
You're his neighbor.
Physical distance isn't everything.
The girl that sits next to you in class isn't necessarily closer to you than the girl in the other classroom, right?
Could the problem be with both girls?
It'd be better if it wasn't just those two.
If there are two girls, then there'll be a fight,
but if there were twenty girls, then it'd become a competition.
That way, the anger wouldn't be pointed at me, but rather the rival girls.
You're a cruel guy.
There are instances of rival girls becoming friends.
It's not all bad stuff.
You've an even crueler guy for sidestepping the issue and thinking that way.
They prefer cruel guys like me, though.
You don't change.
I won't change.
Humans won't change so easily.
Himura, you're the same, aren't you?
I am.
I haven't changed since that time.
That idiot.
Yo, Himura.
You have work today, too?
Yeah.
Before you go to work, can you help me for a bit?
I'm opening up at a flea market.
Flea market?
Before I leave Japan, I want to sell my personal belongings.
Sorry, but something came up.
Something? If it's a girl, then I'll forgive you.
It's certainly a girl, but... It's her.
Have a safe trip.
Oh, Himura-kun.
Do you need something from the art room?
Amamiya-sensei.
It's forbidden to smoke here.
Smoke won't rise from a place with no fire.
Then, why are you holding it in your mouth?
When people do this, they want to be satisfied with it as a replacement.
More importantly, you finally decided to join the art club, didn't you? Good for you.
Continuously trying to persuade you, ended up working.
No, I don't have any intention to join a club.
Don't say something so cold.
You've got something good.
It'd be a shame to let it rot.
I've already told you again and again, that I'm not interested in painting.
Well then, I'm busy, so...
Is it Hirono-san?
Yes.
How dreadful. The arts are a dreadful thing.
Those who pursue the arts, and even those who are just near the pursuers...
Cannot be separated from it and are pulled in.
That's why, Himura-kun, if you become one of those involved, you'd have it easier.
I'll refrain from becoming one.
Hey! What are you doing?
You're late, Yuu.
I got tired of waiting, so I started drawing a sketch.
Sorry, but could you wait for a bit? I'm at the good part, so I can't stop now.
You can draw when you're not naked too, right?
Put your clothes on.
Don't be ridiculous. I'm drawing a sketch of a nude woman.
A sketch of a nude woman isn't drawn by the nude woman herself!
She's drawn by someone else!
Amazing. This is the first time I've heard you make a joke.
I wasn't joking. Hurry and put on your uniform.
Really, you're not very flexible, are you?
Shut up!
You might not know, but rough sketches are the most basic of the basics in art.
In just which world is there an idiot that uses themself as the model?
Self portraits are also the most basic of basics in art.
I've never seen sketches in which Gogh or Picasso painted themselves as nude women.
Gogh and Picasso were men. Even if they had drawn themselves, they wouldn't have become nude women.
You're stupid.
I can't tell who's better, Kuze or you.
I don't understand what people who pursue the arts think.
Being placed together with Kuze isn't exactly pleasant.
Getting involved certainly would be easier for me.
Involved in what?
As long as I have these, I'll be able to survive for a while.
Since when were you able to shop for yourself?
It'll be troublesome if you ask me.
Then, who're you telling me to ask?
On the other hand, I think those that walk into a store on their own and shop on their own are strange.
Yuu, you're the same as them, but how does everyone work up the nerve to do it?
You're the one that's out of their mind!
Right. I have to give you something as thanks.
I'll give this to you.
I don't need something like that.
I got it as a freebie. Don't hesistate.
I'm not hesitating. I don't want it.
You really are a cruel guy.
After seeing someone naked, you can't even accept something as little as this in return?
Your argument is crazy.
You're the one that owes me, and you stripped on your own accord!
The one who's out of their mind is you!
Who is?!
Anyway, Yuu. Have you done anything that brought about someone else's resentment?
There's someone who's been following you, all the way since we left school.
Good afternoon.
I'm Amamiya Yuuko, a first year.
An acquaintance of Yuu's?
No, he doesn't know me, but I know him.
Himura-senpai doesn't remember me, after all.
I'm going home.
Nagi. Hey, what's wrong?
What's with her?
She's a cute person.
What about her is cute? She's quite hard to get along with.
It's good to be an honest girl. I admire that.
Are going out with her?
As if. I'm just being made to accompany her.
You haven't changed, have you?
That harsh attitude of yours.
But, you don't remember anymore, right?
No, I do remember.
I remembered everything.
I see.
It's been a long time, Yuuko.
It's been a long time, Yuu-kun.
Have you been well?
Yes. The fact that you're well is the most important.
It's been ten years since then.
Time passes in the blink of an eye.
It was a really long ten years for me.
What are you doing right now?
I'm living together with a new older brother.
I see.
But I'm glad. By doing this, I'm able to see you again, brother.
Cut it out.
Cut it out with the "brother".
You're right.
I'm different from who I once was.
What do you mean?
Give up. Don't get close to me anymore.
Don't make me remember those times!
Mizuki.
Mizuki!
Mizuki, about breakfast...
You awake?
Probably.
Probably?
Where is this place?
Australia.
Why are you here, Renji?
Why? You're staying over at my house, aren't you?
Why?
Why? Because you had free time once you entered university on recommendation, so you came over to play, didn't you?
Something like that might have happened.
You haven't woken up yet?
So, why are you here, Renji?
Like I said, you're staying over at my-
Oh, my. You two get along well with one another.
Maybe I should report this to Chihiro-chan?
Y-You're mistaken! That's not how it is!
This morning is Spanish omelet.
Hurry and come down.
Okay!
So, why am I holding onto your arm?
I don't know!
Did you have a scary dream?
It seemed like you were having a nightmare.
You were raising your hand like you wanted to be saved-
Now then!
Renji, do you want to see my nice body while I change?
W-Wait!
It's the same.
I'm always seeing the same dream.
The same dream?
Yes, a dream of beautiful flowers.
Violin?
Yes, violin!
If you walked near the church yesterday, you could hear a really beautiful sound!
The many melodies flowing in the sunset was like an ocean made of sounds.
It was wonderful.
That must have been Kuze-san.
Kuze-san?
The person living next door.
He's a world-class violinist.
So, that's what it was. Kuze-san was playing.
It was so beautiful.
Kuze-san performed for us sometimes, but hearing the real thing is a lot more moving than hearing him on CDs.
Hey, Renji. Will you introduce me to him?
Introduce you? To whom?
Kuze-san, of course!
It's fine, right?
No, Kuze-san is a bit...
Is there some kind of problem?
Speaking of problems... Um, well...
That's right! Kuze-san is a huge playboy!
His sense for things is different from normal people...
And he's an eccentric person.
I think it would be better if you didn't try to get to know him.
That's just unnecessary advice!
I'm not asking you to introduce me to him as a potential girlfriend,
So, it shouldn't matter if he's eccentric or if he's a play boy, right?
You sure said something rude.
I'm completely dedicated to Kei-senpai, so even if a lot of different men were to hit on me, I won't change my mind.
But...
Then, Renji, you're willing to accompany me during all of my break?
It's impossible for me! I'm studying for exams right now.
No way! It's your fault for not habitually studying, right, Renji?
Even if you say that...
Right, mom?
You're right. Maybe, I'll introduce you to him.
Really?
Mom!
Kuze-san also has his own circumstances, so let's go ask him first.
He doesn't seem to be home.
Strange...
It's your neighbor, Asou Sumire! Is Kuze-san available?
I wanted to talk to him, but maybe I should come back another time?
Good morning, Sumire-san.
Good morning.
Kuze-san, do you have a bit of time?
Could you possibly be asking me out on a date?
You could say I'm asking for something that will strengthen our friendship.
Has there ever been a time when I've turned you down?
This person could really be a playboy.
Oh? And this lady is?
Pleased to meet you!
My name is Hayama Mizuki. Mizuki is completely written in katakana.
She's my niece.
Is that so?
Pleased to meet you. I'm Kuze Shuiichi.
I'm Mizuki.
Renji has his exams to prepare for, and I'm occupied with a sudden job.
If that's how it is, I don't mind.
Great! Then, can you keep Mizuki-chan company?
Yes. If you're fine with me, it'd be my pleasure.
Isn't that great, Mizuki-chan?
Yes!
I'll be in your care.
No, no. I'll be in your care, too.
If I can keep such a wonderful lady as yourself company, then I'd be honored.
Wonderful lady?
I've been under Sumire-san's care for various things,
so if there's something I can be of use with, then I'd pay back the favor at once.
At once... That's...
I've said something overly considerate of others, haven't I?
I take back what I said.
Did you just move in, Kuze-san?
I've lived here the entire time.
Why?
You've got so little furniture.
I've disposed of just about everything.
Disposed?
Yep, for a change of mood.
For a change of mood, you got rid of all of your furniture?
Yeah. Furniture, clothes. I sold all of it.
It's nice having so much space, isn't it?
Yes, well...
He really might have a different sense of things than normal people.
You...
You can come here whenever you want to play, and use it however you'd like.
Really?
There's too many rooms, and it's too spacious for me who lives alone.
Thank you very much!
I have my own room...
But I couldn't throw away the manga I liked, so they've piled up and made things cramped.
I've wanted a big room.
That's...
This is...
I'm telling you this so there's no misunderstanding, but...
I'm not collecting these things for my own personal use.
Well, I'm slowly disposing of these as well.
Disposing of these?
Yeah.
You can't.
You can't throw these away.
Getting in by recommendation means you're smart, doesn't it?
That's not true.
I wanted to enter Otowa, so I struggled really hard.
This is a violin, isn't it?
Yes, it is.
Kuze-san, I have a small request to make.
What is it?
Will you let me hear you play the violin?
You're a professional performer, aren't you? I'd very much like to hear you play a live performance.
Kuze-san?
Oh, sorry. It's just that I can't play right now.
That's broken.
I'm sorry for not being able to fulfill your expectations.
I'm disappointed.
I've been looking forward to seeing you perform live.
A live one would've been nice. A live one.
I prefer it bare too, more so than with a condom.
Next time, if there's an opportunity...
Okay!
That's right, I do have some albums.
Maybe this is good?
Kuze-san really is on the front cover! He's acting all cool, too.
And, he's so young!
If you want it, you can have it.
Thank you very much!
What is that?
The insects in my stomach.
Mizuki-chan, want to drink something?
Yes, please! I'd be happy to!
There's a lot of different things, so choose whatever you like.
Shall do!
This refrigerator only has alcohol and juice?
That's not true.
See? There's ice, too.
I live for this one can.
But, this room is wonderful somehow, isn't it?
Wonderful?
You can idle around from one corner of the floor to the other!
Idle?
Yes, idle!
This feels wonderful somehow!
It is.
Even if I lie down at home, I don't have scenery like this.
Furniture, manga, and more manga... There's a lot of various things.
I see.
I don't have classes nor homework.
There's nothing I have to do.
Doing nothing in a place with nothing like this is a very pleasant feeling.
I want to idle forever!
The only times I roll around on the ground are times when I'm a good-for-nothing, though.
You said "I" that way again.
Kuze-san, you don't have to overdo it by using those forms of "I". You can just use an ordinary word.
I'm not overdoing it.
I have to talk to a lot of refined people at work. It's useful for certain times, places, and occasions.
Then, why don't you make it like this isn't work?
I'm tired of being refined, too.
Mizuki-chan is too?
Girls are always hiding their true selves.
Well, saying "I" the masculine way is easier for me.
Just like a switch!
When you reach my age, what was a part of your mask becomes a part of who you really are.
Mask?
Humans carry many masks.
As the number of relationships increase with age, the number of masks increase rapidly as well.
Well, that's also one of the toppings of life.
But if we have to hide our true selves, then cat ears are much cuter than masks!
Isn't it disturbing if a guy wears cat ears?
They'd be bears!
Kuze-san is wonderful without a mask on, I think.
Yep, when you're with me, please switch to your true self.
Talking to you today was fun!
That's good to hear.
Well, then, see you tomorrow.
See you tomorrow.
Masks, huh?
Fermata.
Hold for the right length of time.
The right length of time.
How long is that?
An overture of meetings and reunions.
Ef - a tale of melodies.
Read. Can you hear it?
The true melody.