On the morning I was born, snow covered the town
Tiny small hands reached for the blue sky
Like a girl next door we'd always known
With one ear, I hear the graduation song
Even alone, I am OK, turning the pages of my own story
I want to blame someone It hurts, no I hate it.
In sadness I cried, and the bud disappeared
Autumn comes, then winter, and I am another year older
You can run far away, but your story never ends.
Grinning from ear to ear, I'm such a coward. I can't stand it.
You may step over me, but I will follow and cling to you
I try to fill the hole in my heart Without a doubt, I can't stand it.
I'm such a coward. I can't stand it. It hurts. No, I hate it.
You've collected quite a lot of them.
There are some that I received as souvenirs. too.
They're soooo pretty. The snow is glistening.
I really like snow globes.
This one was a souvenir from Tatsukichi's honeymoon.
How pretty! Snow doesn't fall on the beach in Hawaii.
but it's sort of romantic. isn't it?
Yeah, snow falling on sand dunes.
Snow on sand dunes… hmm.
It's really surrealistic, isn't it?
Well, the work that we do is rather surrealistic. too.
A German restaurant overlooking sand dunes.
And next door is the Tottori Souvenir Center.
Luigi, let's be a bit particular about the work we do.
No, actually, I think for him, it was a rather romantic job.
Luigi loves junk, after all.
Well, when it gets to be December. snow will fall a lot. even here.
Because we're on the Sea of Japan side.
Snow falling on sand dunes.
It would make a nice painting, I guess.
It would be romantic. wouldn't it?
And if, amidst such snow, Miwako were beside me.
I… I…
Yamazaki, you're great.
Thank you for showing me such a beautiful sight.
Ahh…
Ahh… Japanese sake is the greatestl
And this crabmeat is terrificl
Nomiya, wouldn't you like to show the sand dunes to Ayumi?
Eh? I wonder…
I wonder? Don't you want to see her?
Do you call her or anything?
No. I don't.
"No, I don't. " Why are you so cut-and-dry?
But, how do you contact a woman
who doesn't have a cell phone?
Oh, that's right. Ayumi doesn't have a cell phone.
What's more, she lives with her parents.
You've seen him, haven't you? Her old man?
Yeah, to be sure, he'd scare off anyone.
That old guardian deity…
I don't care who you may be, you cannot come near!
But don't you think about her?
Ayumi?
I think about her, but I'm also reluctant.
Reluctant?
I have never hurt a child.
Just the thought of it, makes me feel guilty.
Nomiya, Ayumi is already a full-fledged adult.
I'm talking about the person within.
Yeah, I know what you mean, but, how shall I put it?
Hey, what are you groaning about?
I don't get it.
Why do you always assume that
someone will get hurt when it comes to love?
As for me, if I found a girl I liked, I'd try really hard to treat her well.
I've always thought that.
Isn't that the way it usually goes?
Nomiya, are you all right?
Oh, I just got some sand in my eye…
Or, shall I say, it was a real eye-opener…
Eh? Ayumi is at Rika's office?
That's right.
Why does she go out of her way to put herself in situations
that are like being deluged by a waterfall?
Perhaps because there were things she had to think about.
even if it meant standing under a waterfall.
She's such a fool.
Yes. she is a fool. So call her.
She's at Harada Design on the weekend.
You really are foolish.
Was the thing about Takumi so big
that you had to fly into such a meat-grinder?
T-Takumi…
Wh-What are you doing?!
Isn't that Rika's PC?
D-D-Don't tell me you snuck a peek
at her Internet browsing history!
Nah… I just was wondering whether it was sunny in Hokkaido.
Takumi, just how far are you willing to sink?
What are you talking about… Hokkaido?!
Ah! A fax!
Takumi? What's wrong?
What's this request for an interview?
It's my understanding that you've won the design competition
for the Valencia Museum in the Extension category,
and that you will be living in Spain until its completion.
It also says that they'd like to do an interview before that.
Is this true?
Yes, I accepted the job with Harada.
It had been on hold due to circumstances on their side.
but it has been resumed.
What do you intend to do here?
Were you going to go ahead without consulting me?
What about me...?
You'll go along, too.
It's work-related, so that's natural, isn't it?
But that will happen much later…
For now, we'll have to hire a consultant to deal
with the legal documents involving the architectural office there
and that could take six months…
The request for the interview is too premature,
so I will turn them down.
Sorry, I'm not feeling well. I'm going back upstairs.
Hey, Ayumi…
What do you think this is?
A live weather report camera?
Otaru in Hokkaido. That's her hometown.
She hardly ever talks about herself.
But she has lots of web addresses from her hometown
in her browsing history.
I suddenly find her staring into space at the monitor sometimes.
She hasn't taken a vacation in a long time.
She may be in touch with them,
but she probably hasn't been back in quite a while.
Rika, I…want to create a container.
More than a painting or a sculpture,
a big house that can swallow up all of them.
A big house…like a museum?
Yes, like the one in Valencia,
where we went for our graduation trip.
One just standing there all alone, holding all kinds of things,
on a warm hill that smells of flowers all year long…
We created all kinds of things together. didn't we?
It was truly fun.
But this will truly be…
the last one. so…
Harada. wait for me.
Just a little longer.
Hello, this is Harada Design.
Ah, Mr. Nomiya?
Ah, you're really there.
How did you know I was here?
I heard from Miwako.
that you'd be at Harada Design on the weekends…
It's been a while. Have you been well?
Yes, of course. And you, Mr. Nomiya?
Have you been well?
I am well, but it is getting to me, as you might expect -
being together with Yamazaki whether awake or asleep.
Together? You mean in the same room?
No, we're in separate rooms, but…
- He comes to my room every night. - Nomiya…
- Says he's bored or something. - The pot is boiling.
That's just like Mr. Yamazaki, isn't it?
I was surprised, you know.
To hear that you had gone to help out over there.
Rika invited me.
I do quite a lot of large flower vases for them.
Rika's been very good to me.
Ah, Mayama is the same as ever. but…
He was sent off today to help
with the moving of an office we have some dealings with.
Ayumi, are you all right?
Yes. All sorts of things are going well.
I really owe a lot to both Miwako and Rika,
so I feel like I should do my best.
I've been creating a lot of pieces.
I would like to make a proper portfol io of them, too.
I thought it would be nice, too, to supply my parents' shop
with a "celebratory set," like a set of sake cups and vessels
that could be given as presents along with sake.
Oh, by the way, we're going to Miwako's place
for Leader's birthday tonight.
Oh yeah? Give my best to Miwako and Leader.
Will do. Ah, well, anyway…
We're doing fine here, so you take care of yourself, too, Nomiya.
Don't overdo it.
Oh, I'm fine, thank you. Well then…
Okay, give my best to Mr. Yamazaki.
Got it. Bye, then.
Good night.
Welcome.
A full tank of high octane.
What does she mean, "Don't overdo it"?
Of course I will. Trying to be all cheerful…
I can't believe it…
It takes 9 hours.
Sh-She's headed for Tottori?
Sorry, Nomiya. Yamada seemed very depressed yesterday, so…
Ayumi, will you deliver this to Nomiya?
To Nomiya?
Yes. Please go to Tottori.
To be honest. at that time.
I did think to myself, "Good job, Miwako. "
but that was because I never dreamed you'd be headed in this direction.
Ouch. ouch. ouch.
But, she's still in transit, so why don't you try to contact her?
Oh! You said she doesn't have a cell phone?!
That's the worst…
But, Nomiya, why are you suddenly in Tokyo?
You should have called me.
I don't know. I just felt like it.
Because Ayumi was saying that
she was going to stay at your place.
Eh? That's it?
You came all the way from Tottori for that?
N-Nomiya…that…
I'm going back.
I'm going to catch up with her by any means.
Wait. Rest a little before you go.
You came without getting any sleep, right?
What are you going to do if you get into an accident?!
I'll take a nap at a service area along the way.
Ah, get in touch with Yamazaki, will you?
Tell him, "Absolutely do not let her go back. "
Did you see that, Leader?
I can't believe it.
That that guy wouldn't wait for a plane in the morning
and come driving by car all the way from Tottori.
His manliness factor has definitely risen.
Much better than acting all cool…
Without consulting me at all?
She probably hasn't been back in quite a while…
Ah, Ayumi!
He-ey! Over here! Over here!
Wah! Mr. Yamazaki, long time no see.
Have you been well?
Say, Miss Yamada, you look a bit haggard.
Are you all right?
Isn't Mr. Nomiya coming?
Uh. about that…
He's busy, isn't he? It's too bad I didn't get to see him.
Oh, well, see you later.
Wah! Wait a minute!
You came all the way,
so why not see the sights of Tottori?
I'll be your guide! I'll treat you, so…!
Well then, here we go!
Thank you very much, Mr. Yamazaki. Today was a lot of fun.
R-Really?
It went by really fast, but I somehow feel more energetic.
Really?
I must be leaving soon.
Now, now, Nomiya will be back soon.
Okay? Okay? Okay?
N-Nomiya! Oh, I'm so glad!
Long time no see.
Sorry for intruding when you're so busy.
I'm glad I was able to see you
because it's almost time for me to go.
Don't leave.
We'll talk when I wake up, so stay here.
Huh?
Huh? Um, Mr. Nomiya?!
All right!
Eh?!
Look after Nomiya for me.
Huh?!
Wh-What?!
"Look after him," you tell me…
What is this? I
You shouldn't be lookingl
You, therel Are you planning on doing something about it?
Shall we drum on him a bit? This fellowl
What kind of torture is this?
Enough!
Yeah, yeah. Move, move.
- Heyl That hurtl - I'll impale you with my hornl
Rest leisurely, sweet honeyl
Ayumi, wake up. It's morning.
- Um, this is good. - Hey, you there.
U mm…
M r. Nomiya.
This is the third time I've seen you wake up.
Oh. bread!
Here, help yourself.
Thank you.
Ah, it's good.
After you eat that, let's go see the sand dunes.
Sand dunes?
You've got time before your train, don't you?
When you get close, it's so big!
It's amazing to think that there is such a place in Japan…
Take off your shoes.
If sand gets into them, you won't be able to get it out.
Because the grains are so fine.
Oh, by the way, Mr. Nomiya.
Where did you go yesterday?
Huh? Ah, to Tokyo.
Huh? To Tokyo? On business?
I went to see you.
Why did you really go?
Did something happen?
Because you were crying when I called.
I-I wasn't!
Really? Then, after you hung up?
Wh-Wh-Why?!
Mr. Nomiya! Why?!
Hmmm. I wonder…
I know…
Because I've been watching you all along.
You just didn't notice, because you were busy watching Mayama.
Ayumi, the man that you love is going to go far away
with another woman.
But, even so, I won't say a word.
You will probably cry a lot again.
When you are feeling crushed,
I will reappear and listen to your story,
looking every bit the reasonable man.
Even though you've already cried quite a bit.
I'll just say some kind things and admonish you a little.
You still have to cry more than you already have.
And then, you will come to me.
But you will probably still cry …
In some faraway place…alone… where I cannot console you.
This was kind of a lot of fun.
And you bought so many souvenirs for me. Thank you.
I'm glad I was able to see the sand dunes.
They were beautiful.
I feel reenergized, so I'll do my best.
Mr. Nomiya, take care of your health.
And work hard at your job.
Well. then…
Ayumi!
If you ever find yourself at a loss, give me a call.
Huh?
Ah, okay. But…why?
Why?
Because I like you.
Train leaving from Track 4. Doors are closing, so be careful.
What am I doing telling her so honestly?
Nomiya…
This is the worst…
Nomiya, I'm really moved by all of this.
I'll keep you company all night long!
Hey, all of you there, return to the Kanto Regionl
Don't lose sight of it, you ninniesl
Go back, moronsl
Reinforcements on the wayl
Everything would be so much easier
If all these emotions would disappear
Without a word.
We each take our separate roads
And our paths part
We'll never meet again
Meeting is just too sad.
We gather the emotions we miss.
But emotions cool as quickly as they warm
We believe it can't be true
How long will we hold onto these words
How long?
Next time: "I won't let you go anywhere"