In the first place, it's not fair to this Mayumi either.
Not saying anything isn't kindness, you know.
You wishy-washy man, you!
Please hit me.
Setsuko-san.
I love you. Truly.
Really truly.
I truly love you.
What took you so long?
Wedding Reception Estimate
- Setsuko-san, we have a problem. - What is it?
The thing is, if we try to do everything according to your plan...
4,600,000 yen?! There must be some mistake.
That's what I thought too, but no matter how many times I calculate...
- This might be slightly... - Impossible.
There's just no way.
But, for example, if we downgrade the menu one level...
We can't skimp on the food. There's nothing more disappointing than
not getting melon for dessert at the wedding reception.
Then how about giving up the candle service?
Of course not. Candle service was your dream, wasn't it?
Then how about cutting the cake?
What will happen to the picture for the wedding announcement? We won't have one of these.
- Presenting the bouquet of flowers...? - There's no way my mom would give that up.
Then we'll just have to reduce the number of guests.
But I want to invite a lot of my friends.
How about this guest book?
- We can just use a regular notebook. - That's only going to bring it down by 3,000 yen.
Shall we ask my parents?
- But we can't impose on your parents like that. - Do you think they'll get angry?
I think so.
I didn't realize it was so late. Let's leave it at this for tonight. I should get going.
You're leaving already?
Mika has a flight tonight.
She won't be home tonight.
So you don't have to rush home.
...don't have to...?
- That's very tempting, but I have some work to do. - Work?
There are some things I'd like to take care of before I leave for my new assignment. That's still in process.
After getting told by you, I changed my way of thinking.
That I can't be a pathetic guy forever.
So I thought I should try harder at work too.
- Is that right? - I'm sorry I have to turn down your invitation.
Invitation? What are you talking about?
Anyway, what does it matter? Once we get married, we'll have all the time in the world.
We just have to bear with it until then.
- Bear with it? - Let's make the necessary decisions and
quickly get the administrative matters over with.
- Get it over with? - It should be smooth sailing from here on.
Once we decide on everything for the reception we can get married with our eyes closed.
With our eyes closed?
What an unromantic way of putting it.
Kotaro-chan~! It's me. Mayumi.
Mayumi-chan?
I understand that you like Kotaro-san. I'm not going to reproach you for that.
You're free to like whoever you want.
But everyone has his own path to travel. Didn't you learn when you were little?
That you shouldn't take other people's things.
That should do it.
- Are you Mayumi-san? - Setsuko-san?
I'm so glad. It's so much easier to talk to a woman than Kotaro-chan.
I wanted some advice,
About Tanu...
I thought at that moment...
By that I mean the moment Nii-chan hit Tanu.
I wondered if Tanu wasn't the man of my destiny.
Who's Tanu?
Tanuma-san!
Hey, Kotaro.
I think I might be sick.
- My heart hurts. - You're sick?
Mika-san's been cold to me lately.
He's really cold to me.
Even when he's with me, all he talks about is Kyoko Senpai.
- And he's supposed to be the man of my destiny. - Man of your destiny?
The fortuneteller told me.
No matter how I look at it, the only one who fits the description is Ohata-kun.
I think we were meant to meet each other.
- Meant to meet each other? - Kyoko-san's the only woman of my destiny.
If only I had met Ohata-kun a little earlier.
I think my red thread of fate hooked on to my husband by mistake.
Don't you think so, Setsu?
Tanu~...
Mika-san...
Ohata-san~...
Kyoko-san...
Ohata-kun...
Arranged marriage must be so nice.
You don't have any problems at all.
Oh, how distressing. So distressing.
We have problems just like them, don't we?
I'm talking about the budget for our reception. Right?
- That's right. - It's distressing, isn't it?
- Yes, of course. - How distressing...
It's truly distressing.
MATSU Takako
Yusuke SANTAMARIA
KUBOZUKA Yosuke
SATO Tamao
KAWAHARA Ayako
IMAI Masayuki
ARRANGED MARRIAGE
OMIAI KEKKON
Episode 8
- Better off dead? - That's what Ohata-san said.
Ohata-san again? Give me a break.
But now that I think about it, he was saying some strange things.
Things like if he can't be with Kyoko Senpai, he'd rather be dead.
There's no way he'd die over something like that.
But he's always asking me about her husband.
Like how's his personality, or how does he look, or is more handsome than me.
Of course, I told him he was much more attractive, but it just slipped out...
- What? - Where her husband works.
What if he goes storming in for a fight or something?
- Surely he wouldn't... - But!
You may not understand the pain of true love since you decided on your partner through marriage meeting, but
when people fall in love, they do crazy things.
Love can destroy people too.
Love can destroy people?
You want to resume doing business with Big East?
- Won't you consider it? - That would be impossible.
The top had already said no. Besides,
didn't you already turn them down the other day?
Hirose-san, won't you tell me honestly?
Here, I've summarized the terms and conditions of our previous business dealings with Big East
and future business prospects with their future outlook in mind.
No matter how you look at it, it's a shame to pull out now.
I'll do what I can until I leave for my new post,
and after that, I'll make sure Ohata takes over.
I'm sure he'll work even harder than me to...
Anyway, that being the case, I hope you'll give it your consideration.
What's with him?
Sorry to bother you suddenly. This is Ohata.
I wanted to talk to you directly.
Yes, of course.
But my feelings are...
What do you mean prepared?
I don't know what to say.
Prepared? Is that what he said?
I'm afraid he was talking to her husband.
- A duel?! - I don't think it's gone that far.
But he was sticking ballpoint pens up his nose, wasn't he?
- Kinda like this. - There's no way Ohata-san would do something like that.
Not the stylish Ohata-san that I know.
What am I going to do if something happens to him?
- What am I going to do? - He'll be fine.
He may look like that, but he's pretty strong. Right?
There's no need for you to worry about him.
Mika-san, you're really so kind-hearted.
I'm so glad I got to see you.
I feel like the pain in my heart just went away.
In any case, it's worrisome about Kyoko-san, isn't it?
Really, huh? What if she gets a divorce...
She can't do that! Kyoko Senpai would be free then.
- Why can't she do that? - Hey, Mika!
Don't you think you're going too far?
All this time I've been listening, you've just been talking about yourself.
You're free to fall in love with whomever, but
each person has his own path to travel.
Didn't you learn when you were little? That you shouldn't take other people's things.
But it's not like he belongs to anyone...
Who are you talking about?
Setsuko-san, calm down. Okay?
But Mika's been hounding me since yesterday.
Even if she does like Ohata-san.
What did you just say?
Was he the guy that you like?
I know I'm...
So that's why you've been so cold to me lately.
I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry.
Now that it's come to this, I'm just going to eat myself to death.
I'm sorry, but...
but I just can't lie to myself.
Give me another order please.
- Give me another order! - Please stop it, Tanuma-san.
That's right. I understand how you feel, but...
You guys won't understand how I feel.
You guys who have no obstacles in the way of your arranged marriage.
I thought the reason I stayed single for 36 years was so I could meet Mika-san.
- Tanuma-san... - I'm okay.
Mother?
What is this important matter? We've all been waiting to hear from you.
Well, the thing is...
we've run into a slight problem.
It pains me to say this at this point in time, but
it's the decision we reached after much discussion.
No, not that.
I won't allow you to do that.
- But Mom... - She's right, Setsu.
- What are you saying? - Reconsider it, Secchan.
I don't want you to call it off.
Call what off?
I say this one's better.
Don't worry about going over budget. Right, Dad?
- Sure, it's okay. - Are you sure?
We might as well go all out for the reception.
After all, it's for our dear daughter.
Just leave it to your father and do what you want to your heart's content.
So that you won't have any regrets. Right?
This can be handled easily.
I'm so glad. Now then, shall we have tea?
Oh, beer? Beer? Okay.
Why is it so easy?
How can you just say yes to such a selfish request?
- Why, Dad? - Because it's for your sake...
You could at least object to it a little bit!
Say you won't allow it and yell at us.
But what's this? You say it's okay like it's nothing.
- Setsuko-san... - What's wrong with you?
I want to have some obstacles too.
Look, even that Tanuma-san was crying.
That guy who looks like he could care less about love, saying it was distressing.
He said he was going to eat himself to death.
- Who's Tanuma-san? - Eat himself to death?
Of course, I wonder about a full-grown man who would lose control of himself like that.
But I envied him.
Kyoko Senpai, Ohata-san, Mika...and even Mayumi-chan...
they were all saying how distressed they were.
But what about us!
- What do you mean? - We couldn't even get them to object to our reception.
They're all saying that since we have an arranged marriage how lucky we are that we don't have any obstacles,
- and how easy we have it. - What's wrong with that?
- I don't see any problem. - That's right.
What could be better than not having any obstacles?
- What are you talking about? - But...it's just that...
I don't feel any excitement.
- Setsuko-san... - That's right. Naomi, my co-worker,
even eloped because her parents objected to her marriage.
- Eloped? - Eloped?
- Romeo and Juliet
got so passionate because of their parents' objection too.
If we get married like this without a hitch,
what are we going to do when our children ask us?
When they ask us how we met?
I want the kind of marriage I can tell about to my children.
I want my heart to flutter so hard that it's almost painful.
I want to feel so distressed that I can't help crying.
I want to get married feeling that I've had enough excitement that I wouldn't mind dying.
But this is nothing like that.
That may be so, but you know...
A man as unpopular with women as you are wouldn't understand how I feel!
What are you talking about, Setsu!
Before I married your mother, even I had my doubts whether she was really the right one for me.
You had doubts?
Did you have doubts about marrying ME? - Uh, that's...
I had my own doubts too, marrying someone like this.
- How can I have no doubts? - That's right.
- I had my doubts too. - See? Even your sister had doubts.
Everything was going so smoothly, and we were going to be married in a month.
Yet, when I glanced at the man next to me, it was someone I had met just the other day.
On top of that, it was at a marriage meeting.
I wondered if he was really the right man for me.
Was he really the man of my destiny?
I wondered if we could make it together forever.
What exactly do I like about him?
Everyone around me was all excited talking about love and falling in love.
But here I was in a marriage meeting. Am I getting married at 22?
I wanted to fall in love. Passionately in love.
Then that just reminded me of my old boyfriend.
Should I give him a call? No, I probably shouldn't...
But maybe I will...
And in the end, I did it.
Then suddenly, I felt so much better, and we got married without incident.
You'll be okay, Setsuko. This is what they call the marriage blues.
The arranged marriage blues, to be exact.
- She said she did it. What did she do? - She called him. On the phone.
Mom would be the last person to do anything more than that.
Did you really mean what you said earlier?
The arranged marriage blues?
Is it that dull being with me?
That's not what I meant.
But...
for some reason, I just...I just envied everyone, that's all.
Could it be that
you don't want to marry me?
What's the matter?
- Did I say something to upset you? - Why do say that?
- Setsuko-san. - I don't know.
- I don't know, but it's just... - Just?
Recently, you've been saying things like getting marriage out of the way,
and being able to do it with your eyes closed. Things like that! And
I've always wondered,
Kotaro-san, why are you still using formal language with me?
I can't get on familiar terms so suddenly...
- It's only been 2 months since we met. - What does that matter?
There are tons of guys who can be on familiar terms with you from the moment they meet you.
We're getting married in a month, you know.
But it doesn't feel like we're getting married.
- How can you say that? - Is it because it's an arranged marriage?
I wonder if things would be different if it was a love marriage.
Is it because it's an arranged marriage
that there's no excitement?
That may be so,
- but... - Fine! Never mind!
Good night.
Why won't he come after me?
Why is she so hard to understand?
The man of your destiny, eh?
I can't see him.
Ah~! There he is.
- He's a very wonderful man. - Wonderful?
He has the possibility of succeeding at work.
- He may accomplish great things in the future. - Accomplish great things?
Even though he's just a salary man?
Will I marry this person?
- I don't know yet if you'll marry him or not. - You don't?!
But he's an excellent partner for you.
He'll save you from a dangerous situation.
- Dangerous situation... - Serene eyes...
a gentle smile...
Red...I see something red.
A red scarf.
A red scarf...
I'll return these to you. I'm still trying to convince the top.
Of course, I can't guarantee you anything.
I'm just happy that you've gone this far.
As far as we're concerned, we were hoping for a long-lasting relationship with Kaisan Bussan.
I understand that, of course, but
- there's only so much I can do. - You've done more than enough. We really appreciate it.
So, when will you be going to Milan?
Around the middle of April, I think.
Is that right?
I've always wished that we had someone like you at our company too.
Is that right...so you're going to Milan, eh?
Man of my destiny, huh?
But it doesn't feel like we're getting married.
Is it because it's an arranged marriage?
Is it because it's an arranged marriage
that there's no excitement?
Kotaro-san.
Is something the matter?
I just happened to be in the neighborhood.
Setsuko wasn't making a lot of sense the other night, but
don't let it bother you too much.
She took after me and she's a little strange.
Kotaro-san.
You probably think that
encounters between men and women are a dime a dozen, don't you?
That's what I thought when I was young too.
But there's only one really important encounter.
Although how that encounter will come about, I don't know.
For me, it was
my husband.
Well then...
I'm sorry for bothering you at work.
When Setsuko calms down, come visit us again.
Let's talk it over.
Then tonight at 9 at my place.
I think my place is the best.
The subject matter being what it is...
All right. Let's settle the matter there.
All right. The fight's on tonight.
- He said fight. - Fight?
My husband and Ohata-kun are fighting it out?
That's got to be some kind of mistake.
But Kotaro-san just told me on the phone.
That can't be true. He even told me he'll be home early tonight.
- But what if... - No way. That'll never happen.
Senpai, can I ask you something?
How do you feel about Ohata-san?
Aren't you serious about him?
That's right. The other day you were saying how distressing it was.
Of course I like Ohata-kun.
But ours isn't such a vulgar romance.
It would never end up in a fight or anything.
What does that mean?
How do I say...it's more of a sublime, innocent connection between two hearts.
This is no time to be so carefree.
It's your fault for acting so suggestive and being so wishy-washy.
If you thought about your situation and rejected him like you should have,
Ohata-san wouldn't be obsessing over you like this.
But why?
It's been bothering me for some time now, but
why are you always going on about Ohata-kun?
- Tell me, why? - Now, now. Now, now.
It's 5 o'clock already. I have to go home and fix dinner.
Bye now.
Ready?
Mika-san.
In any case, let's go.
It would be terrible if it turned into a bloodbath.
He's late. What is he doing?
After he said he was eating at home tonight.
Let's settle the matter today.
I've known about you guys for a while.
I want my wife back.
Wait a minute!
We were just in love with each other.
- In love?! - Stop!
Don't do it!
What was that?
Ohata! Ohata, don't jump the gun!
Champagne?!
- What are you guys doing here? - Setsuko-san, what's going on?
- It's nothing... - What did you mean by "Don't jump the gun"?
But we just heard the bang.
Ohata-san wants to have a marriage meeting.
He finally agreed to do it.
- Marriage meeting? - Oh, you came at the right time.
Since you've been through a marriage meeting,
- why don't you give him some advice? - That's a good idea.
Come in, guys. Sit down, sit down.
Which young lady would be good for him?
Look at all the choices he has...
- They're all pretty. - All these?
That's a big difference from the time I...
That's because Ohata-san has good qualifications.
Don't do it! Both of you! Calm down!
I was going to try to forget...
about you, Kyoko-san.
In order to forget you, I was going to have a marriage meeting.
Because if I fall deeper in love with you,
- I'll just cause you trouble, won't I? - Ohata-kun.
It's an arranged marriage anyway. It doesn't matter who it's with.
It's an arranged marriage anyway?
If you want a practical marriage, arranged marriage is the best.
Yes, you may be right.
- A practical marriage? - If I can't be with the person I love,
then it doesn't matter who I marry.
I don't care if I don't have love in my life anymore.
I don't care if it's a fruitless encounter.
I resigned myself to have a joyless, loveless marriage.
A joyless, loveless...
I didn't know you were that...
Ohata-san, you don't have to paint yourself into a corner like that.
Go have the marriage meeting and forget about me.
I'm sure you'll find someone more wonderful than me in here.
That's impossible.
There's no way I'll find someone more wonderful than you from a bunch of marriage meeting prospects.
Bunch of marriage meeting prospects?
- Ohata-kun, what are you doing! - Hey, hey, Ohata.
I can't go through something meaningless like marriage meeting.
That's right. Don't go through a meaningless marriage meeting.
Meaningless marriage meeting?
I see clearly now.
No matter what happens, I love Kyoko-san.
Ohata-kun.
- Wait a minute! - How dare you say that!
Whether you have a marriage meeting or not, it's none of my business.
But the way you keep talking about marriage meeting is too much!
Like it's practical because it's an arranged marriage, or fruitless, or it doesn't matter who you marry.
We're not getting married just because it's practical.
Our encounter just happened to be at a marriage meeting, but
how different is that from meeting at a group date?
Sure, you guys have obstacles to overcome. Since Kyoko-san's married.
But if she didn't have a husband, would you be that passionate?
Tell me, Ohata.
Yes, we met at a marriage meeting. It wasn't romantic or anything.
But I think it was an important encounter.
Because I was happy I got to meet Setsuko-san.
Setsuko-san says there's no excitement or throbbing of the heart, but
I, at least, feel very excited and my heart is throbbing.
It's true there hasn't been much time for romance since I've been busy getting ready for the wedding and at work, but
at the end of the day when I'm done with work, it's always your face that comes to my mind.
I'm always thinking how much I want to marry you.
I want to see you all the time, it's unbearable.
So, will you all stop putting marriage meeting down?
So? What do you have to say, Ohata!
You took the words from me.
Everything that I wanted to say.
I didn't expect you to get so passionate about it.
Well...I kinda got carried away.
It made me happy, and
it made my heart flutter.
I went to see a fortuneteller last night.
I was curious who the man of my destiny really was.
She said he was a very wonderful man.
She said he was an excellent partner for me.
Really?
I'm sorry for doubting if you were really the man of my destiny.
It's not that I didn't like the fact that we met at a marriage meeting.
Maybe the reason I was somewhat edgy
was because I just wanted to confirm your feelings for me.
I was anxious.
Because the goal was approaching too quickly.
But you're always so formal with me.
- Setsuko-san... - Just call me Setsu.
Setsu...
I don't think I can do it after all.
- Say, Setsuko-san... - What?
Can I say just one thing?
I don't consider marriage our goal.
Of course, there may be people who've dated each other a long time and consider marriage their goal, but...
You're right.
This is just the beginning for us.
Marriage would be like our starting point.
I hope we can tell them about today.
Someday, to our children.
- You called, Boss? - Yes.
It's about that matter with Big East. We're going to wait and see for a while.
- Which means...? - Continue working with them for a while with Ohata.
Thank you. I'll do my best.
I'll contact them right away. I'm sure they'll be happy too.
It feels like things are looking up. I'm gonna do it!
Right?
Hello, how are you today? This is Hirose from Kaisan Bussan.
Kotaro-san, here's your lunch.
Thank you, Setsu.
Don't mention it. Good luck with your work.
I'll do my best for you.
He was the man of my destiny after all.
I'm definitely going to believe in fortunetellers from now on.
Excuse me!
Watch out!
Are you all right?
I'm glad.
You don't look like you're hurt.
A red scarf...
That scarf...
- Serene eyes... - Serene eyes.
- A gentle smile. - Gentle smile.
- He will save you from a dangerous situation. - Dangerous situation.
Miss? Are you all right? Miss?
Are you all right?
Miss? Are you all right? Miss?
Are you all right?