Two cities by the name of Otowa exist:
the real city built upon burned-down bricks,
and the fraudulent city, which has carried the city's image to peaceful, beautiful lands.
It bears a painful past,
and its cornerstone is this misfortune.
As everyday activities are woven,
the city becomes engulfed in the sparkles called human beings.
The real city becomes a shadow of the fake,
while the fake city becomes reality.
What is sought there after time, space, and repeated memories have left it unrecognizable?
That is...
Now that I think about it, that might have been when it all began.
It's dangerous. Don't stand up there!
Oh? You're kind, aren't you, Himura Yu-san?
Who are you?
I'm Yuko.
Yuko?
If... If you've forgotten, please don't say any more.
Please forget this ever happened. This will be farewell.
Himura Yu-san. Even now, I despise you.
Yo, Himura.
Is this all right, Kuze?
The weather is chilly around this time, so it's fine.
Where's the princess?
She went to sleep long ago. And you?
The same as you. Are you reminiscing about the past again?
Heh, who knows? I've forgotten the past.
I'll go greet the girl myself next time.
Heh, what a joke.
Himura, will you stick around for the recital tomorrow?
Recital?
Yeah. A recital for you and your girl.
That's all. Nothing else.
Ah, a fermata.
Fermata: musical notation for a sustained or stretched note. Fine: musical notation for the end of a repeated segment.
No, it's a fine.
But if it's an exhibition, wouldn't it be a fermata?
You seem to know your stuff.
You're the one who told me.
Oh, I might have.
Hmm, would it be a fermata?
For my current situation, it would clearly be...
Oh yeah, a girl is visiting Renji's house.
A girl?
You didn't know?
I haven't really seen him in a while.
He's your next-door neighbor.
Physical proximity doesn't mean much.
If a girl sits next to you, it doesn't mean you're closer to her than to a girl in another class, right?
Isn't it a problem if you're dating both of them?
It's okay as long as it's not just two.
Huh?
If you're dating two girls, it's a fight.
If you're dating twenty, it's a competition.
When it gets to that point, the girls direct their anger towards each other, not me.
You're an ass.
Girls sometimes develop friendly ties from rivalries, you know.
It's not all that bad.
Now you're a bigger ass for using such a lame excuse.
But they all love me.
Heh. You haven't changed at all.
Of course I haven't. Humans don't change that easily.
Himura, you haven't either, have you?
You've always...
You're right.
Perhaps I haven't changed since that day.
Art Room
Hirono
Art Room
Hirono
That idiot.
Yo, Himura.
You workin' today?
Yeah.
Give me a hand, though, before you head off to work?
I'm going to open a flea market.
A flea market?
I was thinking of getting rid of my junk before I left Japan.
Sorry, something just came up.
Something, eh?
If it's a girl, I'll let you go.
It is about a girl, but it's just her.
Please, go right ahead.
Ah, Himura-kun.
Do you have business in the Art Room?
Amamiya-sensei...
This place is non-smoking, you know.
Where there isn't fire, there isn't smoke.
Well then, why do you have it in your mouth?
When people have desires, they want to satisfy them, even if it means using a substitute.
Anyway, you've finally decided to join the Art Club?
I'm glad. All those attempts to convince you weren't a waste.
Nope, I don't plan on joining any clubs.
Don't say things like that.
You've got talent. Letting it deteriorate is such a shame.
I keep telling you, I'm not interested in drawing.
Anyway, I'm in a hurry.
Hirono-san, eh?
Yeah.
It's a hassle, isn't it? Art is such a hassle.
People who venture into the world of art, and those who associate with them,
are all pulled in without realizing it.
So, Himura-kun, you should pull others in. It'd be a lot easier on you.
No, thanks.
Hey.
What the heck are you doing?
You're late, Yu.
I got tired of waiting, so I started drawing.
Sorry, but could you wait a while?
I want to draw until I get to a good stopping point.
You don't have to be naked to draw!
Put on some clothes!
Don't talk nonsense.
I'm drawing a rough draft!
A rough draft doesn't mean drawing in the rough!
It's just an initial sketch!
This is a miracle.
That's the first time I've ever heard you crack a joke.
It wasn't a joke.
Hurry up and put your uniform on!
Sheesh, you're so dull.
Shut up!
You might not know this, but a rough draft is one of the most basic procedures in drawing.
Where else would you find someone dumb enough to be their own model?
A self-portrait is also one of the most basic procedures.
I've never seen a rough self-portrait by van Gogh or Picasso before.
Van Gogh and Picasso were both men.
Even if they did draw themselves, it wouldn't be "rough".
You're stupid, aren't you?
First Kuze, then you.
I honestly can't comprehend the mindset of people who involve themselves with art.
You're not winning any points by equating me to Kuze.
Well,
it might actually be easier to get others involved in art.
What?
If I've got this much, it'll last for a long time.
When are you going to learn how to go shopping by yourself?
There's no point in asking me.
Then who am I supposed to ask?
If you ask me, I find it strange that anyone can walk into a shop alone and buy something.
Yu, you're like that too,
but what's wrong with those people?
You're the one with the problem.
Oh, yeah.
I owe you for coming with me.
You can have this.
I don't want it.
They gave it to me for free.
No need to be considerate.
I'm not. I just don't want it, that's all.
You're such a jerk.
You saw me naked, and yet you can't pay me back?
You have crazy logic.
You're the one who owes me,
and you got naked of your own free will!
All the guys wanted to see that.
Who, exactly?
Anyway, Yu. Did you do something that would piss people off?
Huh?
Someone's been following you
ever since we left school.
Hello.
So, who are you?
My name is Amamiya Yuko, a freshman.
An acquaintance of yours?
Nope.
I know him, but he doesn't know me.
That's because Himura-senpai doesn't remember me.
I'm going home.
Nagi? Hey, what's up—
What the hell?
She's really cute.
In what way?
She's so contrary.
She's an honest, strong-willed woman.
I admire her.
Are you two dating?
As if.
She just drags me around.
You haven't changed at all.
You and your prickly attitude.
But...
you don't remember any longer, do you?
Nope, I remember.
I remember now.
Everything.
I see.
It's been a long time, Yuko.
It has, Yu-kun.
Have you been well?
Yes. I'm glad to see that you're doing fine as well.
It's been ten years since then, yes?
Time flies.
For me, it was a long ten years.
What are you doing now?
I'm living with my new brother. It's just the two of us.
I see.
But I'm glad.
I got to meet my onii-chan again.
Stop it.
Don't call me onii-chan.
Right.
We're not in the past anymore.
What do you mean?
I'll be blunt. Don't try to get close to me.
Don't make me remember the past.
Love, I've got to feel it
If you put your trust in me
I know what my life would be
Oh, you are all I ever need
I try to hear what you say
So I pray
But you're fading away
Don't go and break my fragile heart
We won't fall apart
'Cause you're my only star
I wonder why my tears come at night
Calling you, so like a little child
All the things you have in mind
I wish I could see your insides
My love, you've got to feel it
And if we put our trust in you and me
You know what our lives would be
Oh, you are the one, I believe
The distant sky beyond the window
Watching the unreachable clouds
Miki...
Miki!
Mi... ki...
Mizuki!
Mizuki, it's time for breakfast.
Hmm.
Are you awake now?
Probably.
Probably?
Where is this?
Australia.
Huh?
Why is Renji here?
What do you mean, why? You're the one staying in my house.
How come?
How come? You said you were bored after your school selected you for admission.
You're here to play, aren't you?
Ah, I do remember something like that.
Maybe you're not fully awake yet?
So, why is Renji here?
Like I said, you're the one who—
Oh my, oh my!
You two are so close!
I might tell Chihiro-chan about this!
N-No!
It's not what you think!
I made Spanish omelets for breakfast.
Hurry up, all right?
Okay!
And why am I holding your arm?
I don't know!
Were you having a nightmare or something?
You looked like something was bothering you.
You were reaching out as if you were asking for help.
Anyway!
Renji, do you intend to stick around and stare at my wonderful body while I change?
Eh?
H-Hold on!
Every night.
Hmm?
I have the same dream every night.
The same dream?
Yeah.
A dream about beautiful flowers.
Dream
A violin?
Yeah, a violin.
When I was walking near the church yesterday, I heard a really pretty sound!
The melody that flowed across the sunset was almost like a sea made of music,
and it was marvelous!
That was probably Kuze-san.
Kuze-san?
He's our next-door neighbor.
He's also a world-class violinist.
Wow.
I see. So Kuze-san was playing his violin.
It was so pretty.
Kuze-san occasionally lets us hear him play,
which is so much better than a CD or something like that.
Hey, Renji.
Do you want to introduce him to me?
Introduce you to... who?
Who?
Kuze-san, of course!
Okay? You don't mind, do you?
Well, Kuze-san is a bit...
Is there a problem?
I wouldn't call it a problem, but, ah...
Yeah! Kuze-san is a serious womanizer!
Huh?
He's a little strange, a total weirdo!
I wouldn't recommend it.
I don't need to hear that!
It's not like I'm asking you to find me a boyfriend!
It doesn't matter if he's a weirdo or a womanizer, right?
Really, you're so rude!
I only have eyes for Kei-senpai!
Even if a handsome guy tries to hit on me, I'm not going to fall for it!
But...
In that case, will you keep me company for the rest of the break?
I-I won't be able to! I'm studying for my exams right now.
Isn't that your fault for not studying ahead of time, Renji?
Even if you say that...
Right, Mom?
Hmm, well...
Perhaps we can introduce her?
Really?
Mom!
Kuze-san might have some plans of his own, so we'll ask him first!
Courage
He doesn't seem to be at home.
That's strange...
This is Asou Sumire, your next-door neighbor!
Isn't Kuze-san home?
I wanted to chat, but I guess I'll save it for another time!
Good morning, Sumire-san.
Good morning.
Kuze-san, do you have some time?
Is this perhaps an invitation for a night out?
Well, something similar. It's about deepening relationships.
Have I ever refused an invitation from you?
Ugh... This person really might be a womanizer.
Hmm? Who's this young lady?
Nice to meet you!
My name is Hayama Mizuki!
Mi-
Mi
zu-
zu
ki!
ki
All written in katakana!
Katakana is a form of Japanese alphabet, not commonly used for names.
She's my niece.
I see.
Nice to meet you. I'm Kuze Shuichi.
I'm Mizuki!
Renji has his studies, and I've been busy with all of my short-notice work.
Oh, I see. Well, in that case, I don't mind at all.
What a relief! Then you don't mind keeping Mizuki-chan company?
Of course not! If you want me to, I'd be happy to please.
Are you happy, Mizuki-chan?
Yes!
I'll be in your care!
No, no. The pleasure is all mine.
It's flattering that I get to keep such a beautiful young lady company.
A beautiful young lady?
You're always helping me out, Sumire-san.
If there's anything I can do, I'd like to repay those favors as soon as possible.
As soon as possible?
That's...
Oh, I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have said that.
Forget I said anything.
Okay.
Kuze-san, did you move in here recently?
I've been here for a while. Why do you ask?
You don't seem to own a lot of furniture.
Ah. I've gotten rid of a lot of things.
You have?
Yeah, depending on my mood.
You get rid of your furniture depending on your mood?
Yeah. Furniture, clothes, everything.
Isn't it nice and roomy in here?
Yeah, I guess.
He does seem a little unusual.
This place...
You can come whenever you want, and use it for whatever you want.
Really?
Yeah. I have a lot of unused rooms, and it's too big for me to live in alone.
Ah! Thank you so much!
I have my own room, but I couldn't throw away my favorite manga,
so now there's just too much stuff.
I've always admired such a large room.
Ah! That place is—
This is...
Well, to clear up any misunderstandings, those aren't intended for me to wear.
Anyway, I'll probably get rid of them as well.
These too?
Yeah.
No, you can't throw them away.
Eyes
Heh, if you got in, you must be pretty smart, right?
Not really. I studied hard because I wanted to get into Otowa.
That's a violin, isn't it?
Ah, yeah it is.
Kuze-san, I've got a little favor to ask of you.
What is it?
Would you mind playing it a little?
You're a professional, aren't you?
I really want to hear a live performance!
Kuze-san?
Ah, sorry about that.
To tell you the truth, I can't play it right now.
That thing's broken.
Eh?
Sorry to disappoint you.
Aw, I'm so disappointed.
I was hoping to hear you play.
I wanted a raw live performance!
I like it better raw, too.
Without a condom.
Huh?
Maybe next time.
Yeah!
Oh, yeah.
If you don't mind, I've got some albums.
Hmm, this one might be good.
Ah!
You're really on the cover, Kuze-san!
Trying to look cool, too!
And you look so young!
If you want it, you can have it.
Thanks so much!
What's up?
My stomach's calling.
Mizuki-chan, would you like something to drink?
Yes, please!
I have plenty, so take what you'd like.
Okay!
This fridge only has alcohol and juice?
That's not true.
See? I've got ice too.
I've been living for this one cup!
But this room is really beautiful, isn't it?
Beautiful?
Yeah! It looks like I could lie around from corner to corner!
Lie around?
Yes! Lie around!
Ah!
This feels nice!
You're right.
Even if you lounge around my house, you'll never get a view like this.
Furniture, manga, and more manga.
There's just too much stuff.
Heh, I see.
I guess having nothing around can be beautiful.
Eh?
I don't have any classes, homework,
or anything else I have to do.
It's a pleasure to do nothing at all in a place where nothing exists.
I want to lie around forever!
If I ever lie around, it's for really stupid reasons.
You referred to yourself as "ore" again.
Hmm?
You call yourself "ore" and "watashi".
"Ore" and "watashi" are both ways of referring to oneself. "Ore" is more casual, "watashi" more formal.
There's no need to hold back. You can be natural!
I'm not holding back.
When I'm working, I have to interact with uptight people,
TPO is a Japanese pseudo-Anglicism meaning "time, place, occasion".
and I switch back and forth, depending on the TPO.
Well then, could you switch out of work mode?
I'm tired of speaking elegantly.
You too?
Girls are always feigning innocence.
Yeah, this is easier for me as well.
Hah, it's like a switch!
When you get to my age, what used to be a mask eventually becomes a part of you.
A mask?
Humans have many masks.
As you age and form more relationships with other people,
the number of masks you have increases.
Well, that's just one of life's many little toppings.
I see...
Well, if you're going to wear a mask, cat ears are a lot cuter!
Isn't it kinda gross if a guy wears them?
Maybe.
But I think that you look a lot better without a mask.
Eh?
Yeah.
When you're talking with me, I'd like to hear your normal voice.
It was fun talking to you today!
Well, I'm glad.
Well then, see you tomorrow.
See you tomorrow.
See you tomorrow
With a laughter on the way home
My searching for sometimes lost voice
A mask, huh.
Fermata... Sustain it longer...
Longer, until when?
L E T' S D E S P A I R
O N C E A G A I N
I L L U S T R A T I O N
2 C II G A R O A
An overture of a meeting and a reunion.
ef - a tale of melodies.
Read.
Can you hear it? The melody of truth.