I'm angry because you think it's fine that you can no longer see me again.

This is the first time that
she can't speak her lines.

Dr. McNicole

Please tell me what has happened to Hikaruko.

How did you analyze her, Dr. McNicole?

What is the solution?

I see.

Your branch office is not showing any improvement in sales figures.

It's just a matter of time before we have to shut down your office.

The one thing that will keep your branch alive

is to reduce personnel cost.

You decide what to do.

Whether to close down the office or do risutora*
*layoff or dismissal

You understand?

Ready?

Action!

What has brought you here?

Why did you come to rescue me?

I'm sorry.

But I...

I...

CUT!

CUT!

I'm sorry.

20 minute break.

{\a7}20 minute break!

{\a5}Everyone, take a 20 minute break!

I'm sorry.

I don't think it's possible today, either.

I'm very sorry.

Is there anything I can do for you?

Nothing.

{\a6}"KUBI=Neck, also means Firing or Dismissal"

Tsubomi-chan?

Yes.

For you.

Neck.

NECK!

I think I have a stiff neck.

Take care.

Sousuke-san?

This invoice seems to be 1 digit too short.

I'm sorry.

You have not suffered enough!

You have not learned discipline!

Do you know a saying,

"Neck shaking for 3 years, Persimmons for 8 years."

NECK?!

What's the matter, Chief?

Nothing, in particular.

You make mistakes because you're always thinking of Hikaruko-san.

I'm not thinking of her.

You've plunged your head too deep into the entertainment industry.

Unless you change, you might be fired.

{\a10}Fired?

Uchiyama-kun

Stop it, you are hurting my neck.

NECK?!

Stop it!

Endure, if you're a man.

My neck!

Ushiyama-san, stop it.

Yes!

Good morning.

Good morning.

Going out?

Yes. To my office.

Then I'll be waiting for you.

Where?

At Sousuke-san's place.

I'm running short of time and
I can't deal with such a joke.

I'll be coming in.

You do know that I'll be gone for the next 10 hours?

Hikaruko-san?

What happened to your job?

I'm really running out of time...

Well then...

What shall I do?
Shall I call you?

Is anything strange to you?

I have nothing special inside.

Hikaruko-san.

Then, I understand.

Stay here, then.
You're fine being alone. Right?

Then I must be going. Really going.

Zabuton cushion for you.

It's not really for guests but I bought it to use as a disaster prevention helmet.

Please sit on this. Will you?

I really have to go. Take care.

Where's your room?

Stop! In the name of love

{\a5}Before you break my heart

{\a7}Stop! In the name of love

{\a5}Before you break my heart

Stop! In the name of love

Before you break my heart

{\a10}Stop! In the name of love

{\a10}Before you break my heart

{\a10}Stop!
STAR NO KOI
Episode 05

What do you mean?
Hikaruko is missing?

When I went to pick her up, she wasn't there.

Disappearance!
Disappearance!

How cool!

Amamiya!

Yes. I'm sorry.

Reiko-chan.

Can't you read the atmosphere?

Yes.

Maybe she went to the Esthe Saloon for a change?

No she wasn't there either.

How about her gym or spa?

I've checked all possible sources already.

President.

I've re-scheduled today's jobs.

How's her schedule from tomorrow?

Here you are.

What will happen to us,
if Hikaruko does not come back?

Reiko's era is going to come.

Reiko-chan.

Hello. Hikaruko speaking.

I knew this would happen.

Hi. It's you Sousuke-san.

Don't say "Hi" to me.

Please listen.

You shouldn't pick up the phone

and if someone knocks on the door

you shouldn't open it.

I understand.

I'll be back home as soon as I finish my work.

I'll hang up now.

What is it?

What are you doing behind our back?

A woman?

Really?

No.

{\a6}Ushiyama-kun

{\a6}Where's the order from King Supermarket?

Must be a woman.

Is it really?

No.

Spit it out!

{\a6}Tsugiya-san.

{\a6}You haven't finished Kotobuki Chain's delivery order.

{\a6}Sousuke!

Confess. Who is it?

{\a6}Tsubomi-chan you too...

Say it now.

{\a6}HEY YOU! STOP IT ALREADY!

Or you will be fired!

Chief?

Did you say "Fired?"

Yesterday,

I was ordered to report to the main office.

Listen...

I was ordered

to pick out one of you

for a layoff.

Damn! Chief betrayed us.

Doesn't he have a responsibility as a superior?

As the youngest employee, respect your seniors.

So you'll volunteer for dismissal?

Stop kidding.

I can't accept a layoff!

I can't either.

Me too.

Me three.

Use your common sense.

I have a family to feed.

All of you are single.

You have no problems.

I have problems too. My rent increased 3000 yen a month and I've a loan to payoff.

Come to think of it, I haven't paid it yet.

You can have Hikaruko-san pay for it.

Why on earth would Hikaruko-san show up suddenly?

How do I know? Asshole.

Are you in touch with Hikaruko-san lately?

I'm not that close to her.

Of course, not!

I wonder if Hikaruko is doing well.

Now you drop san from her.

We're on the verge of dismissal,
how can we talk about Hikaruko-san...

Nakata-san?

Yes!

It's about your rent...

Who are you?

I'm his landlord.

I'm Hikaruko.

How long have we been with Hikaruko?

10 years.

What do you think, long or short?

Quite difficult to say.

I think so too.

What if we close down our office?

Our company's performance is very good

but we have some debts that Hikaruko had due to cancelled roles.

As a result we must take care of them.

I see.

These last 10 years

we have had a really good time.

Yes.

If Hikaruko wishes to quit

we can shut down our office.

Yes.

Hikaruko.

I wonder what she's doing right now.

Welcome! welcome!
Come on in.

Let's drink!

This is Hikaruko-san.

Nice to meet you.

He is a sushi chef.

Yes I'm a sushi chef.

What are you holding?

Super deluxe sushi for 5 people!

I'm sorry I'm late.

What's this?

Sousuke-san are you back now?

Yes.

Hikaruko-san?

What are you doing, may I ask?

It's been a long time since I used a bathtub
where I couldn't stretch my legs out.

You're in the bathtub?

Yes I'm inside.

She's using the bathtub...

in the bathtub...

in my bathtub, in my room...

Hikaruko-san, why have you come to my house?

I'm staying here tonight.

Staying here tonight!?

Staying here...

How do I translate the meaning of...

It taking too long to dry my hair...

Don't use high!

I'm sorry.

My room's electricity has a low amp capacity,
so if you use the high setting on the dryer,
the breaker kicks in.

I'm sorry.

I'm going to turn it on now.

Hikaruko-san. Morning has come.

It's time for me to go to work.

Hikaruko-san.

I must be leaving now.

I'm leaving.

Why are you holding my hand?
You're a middle-aged man, already.

Tsugiya-san stop it.

Stop it!

Chief, we have the longest history in the company.

I feel cold.

Squid Shiokara your favorite.

I'm not fond of raw stuff.

Next year my little girl starts elementary school.

They teach English and Swimming
so the tuition will be very expensive.

So?

I beg you.
Use our ham.

I don't use ham at all.

Ham lunch! Let's add this to your menu.

I have never changed a menu.

It's my request.
and yet, you cannot accept it?

We just met. What are you saying?

In that case I will give you this.

Master!

Leave! leave! leave!

Shigeo! I dropped Shigeo!

No debt of gratitude nor obligations!

We must come to a decision as soon as possible.

For the sake of the individual.

This has been a painful decision.

After careful thought

and a long debate with myself.

I evaluated everyone's performance fairly

and the sales figures spoke for itself.

You mean ME?

I'm sorry.

I understand.

Use your available paid holidays and sick days.

You want me to find a job, I see.

That's all I'm authorized to give you.

That'll be enough for me.

Ushiyama-san!

Take this Shiokara for your farewell gift.

Someone must leave the company.

Yes.

Yes.

We are very sorry.

Yes.

Please kindly take care of this matter.

Yes.

I have arranged to postpone all of today's schedules.

Thank you.

Hikaruko?

I'm very sorry that we caused you trouble.

How did you know?

I don't understand your line of work
but being a manager must be difficult.

But it's my job.

Your job requires that you know everything about Hikaruko-san.

I thought an angel flew down to earth.

That's what I thought when I first met her.

I can imagine that.

10 years have passed since then.

Has something happened to Hikaruko-san?

I have something I want you to tell her.

Wouldn't it be better if you told her instead?

You are much more qualified.

I beg you.

Welcome back.

Anything wrong?

Feels very good to hear
"Welcome back"

Will you repeat it?

Welcome back.

I'm home.

I remember this.

Your landlord gave me Yaki-imo*.
Yaki-imo=baked sweet potato

They are still warm.

Let's have some tea.

Sousuke-san, where can I find the herb tea?

Chamomile, Rosemary, Lavender, etc.,
These will give you a soothing sleep.

Maybe here?

Where is it?

President.

I have located the whereabouts of Hikaruko-san.

Where?
Where did you find her?

Before I tell you.
I need to ask one thing.

I want you to grant her one week off.

I've taken the liberty of rescheduling her jobs already.

I agree.

Hikaruko-san is with Nakata Sousuke-san.

Why with him?

Anyway, I'm glad that's where she is.

You are something, Saegusa!

President.

What?

I would like to resign from my job
after Hikaruko-san comes back.

I feel that...

I'm not needed by Hikaruko-san.

It's just a regular washing.
Nothing so special.

Wow Sousuke-san!
You own many washers!

Sousuke-san, is this 100 yen?

Yes.

Is this 100 yen, too?

Yes. Every item is 100 yen.

Say, this one, too?

Yes, 100 yen.

How about?

100 yen.

Is this OK with you?

Yes.

This one, please.

This one, please.

Take it, please.

How much do I owe you?

How much do I owe you?

Please take it.

Master, give me another ball of noodles.
(Kaedama=two or more 'balls' of noodles for a little more money.)

Yes, sir.

Kaedama?

Here you are. Kaedama.

Master, I want Kaedama, too.

Kaedama. Yes.

Here comes your Kaedama..

Hikaruko-san.

I have a message from Saegusa-san.

You met him?

Yes.

I see.

Hikaruko-san. All jobs have been shifted. So enjoy one week off.

I see.

He didn't look very happy.

Is that so?

Let's go and drink together after this.

We salary-men are having problems too.

I'm up to my neck with work

but it was a shock to learn that
Ushiyama-san must leave the company.

Why does he have to leave?

Our monthly sales figures must triple for everyone to stay.

So, we can't help it.

Why does he have to leave?

'Cause it's impossible.

Why?

Because it's a very difficult task to do.

Why?

Almost the same as receiving a gold medal at the Olympic games.

Without a miracle, it's just not possible.

Why?

Hikaruko-san you don't understand how difficult it is.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. But anyway,

the fact that "Ushiyama-san must leave" must be swallowed.

Why?

Unless we triple our monthly sales.

Why not triple it?

It's impossible.

Impossible?

Even though you have not even tried yet?

Yes.

Why don't you try it?

It's not possible.

You should try it.

I wonder what Ushiyama-san
is doing right now.

Sousuke

concering Ushiyama-kun.
Let's not talk about him.

You think that I'm an Ogre or something.

I don't want you to think that way.

You know he was really bad in sales.

In addition

Ushiyama-san's sexual harassment was too much.

But when we went for drinks, and when you were surrounded by perverted drunks,

it was Ushiyama-san who saved you from them.

He said that only the king of sexual harassment could handle them.

I remember... you're right.

Don't show any sympathy for him.

He said some obscene things in the middle of sales talks.

Do you know how many sales we lost because of that?

From what I can remember

he killed 3 sales.

But when Tsugiya-san was about to lose an account

it was Ushiyama-san who came to the rescue with his obscene "Naked Dance".

There was no such...

Yes there was.

My name is Ushiyama.

You don't have a good face for a salesman.

My name is Ushiyama.

Your voice is scary.

My name is Ushiyama.

You're acting weird.

What kind of a man is Nakata Sousuke?

Have you met Kirishima Hikaruko?

Are you aware that what you just said is sexual harassment?

General Manager kindly reconsider your decision for old time sake.

Why?

Why?

I understand.

Why?

I understand.

I'll pay a visit again.

Thank you very much.

Chief is something wrong?

Restaurant CHEF'S is withdrawing from us.

Why?

Why on earth?

It's a battlefield over there.

I don't think we can stay there.

Impossible?
Even though you have not tried yet?

Why don't you try first?

You should try it.

Why don't we try it?

Let's try our best so that
Ushiyama-san can come back.

We would have done so if we really could.

That's right.

I know all about it.

In spite of that let's do it anyway.

You heard it just now.

Our best customer is withdrawing from us.

That's why we must try it.

You never know what happens next in life.

Sousuke.

Everyone wants Ushiyama-kun to come back

but look at the reality

it's not possible.

All we can do is to let him go.

Why is it impossible?
We haven't even tried anything yet.

LET'S DO IT ALL TOGETHER!

I beg you.
Please consider San Marco's Ham.

We don't need you.

Please reconsider.

Please. I beg you, Store Manager.

I'm with San Marco Ham.
Please consider my offer.

I see.

San Marco Ham!
Please remember this name.

Would you use our ham?

Sorry, we have no need.

I beg you.

This is the most recommended ham.

But your cost is a bit high.

Yet, check our quality and taste.
We guarantee your satisfaction.

Please taste it.

How about it?

No, no.

Please reconsider. I beg you.

Just taste one slice, then you will reconsider.

I have utmost confidence in quality.

We don't need you.

President, please wait a moment.

Welcome back.

I'm home.

Let's drink beer.

Did I wake you up?

I'm sorry.

I'm leaving now.

There's no need to lock the door.

It's better to concentrate on loin ham.

Boneless ham has more interesting aspects.

But your sales figues are down here!
You two must talk and settle this.

{\a6}Tsubomi-chan!

Yes.

This one.

Fax it to that place will you?

That company I presume.

Hello this is San Marco Ham.

Based upon last year's statistics, I'd go for boneless hams.

What are you saying?
I love San Marco Ham.

I'll be going there.

More power to you all!

Thanks.

Fight O!
I'm leaving now.

More power to you all!

Tsubomi-chan I'll call you later.

I'm off to see the customer now.

What's the matter Hikaruko-san?

Good morning.

Good morning.

More power to you all!

We're off.

Stop staring at her you two.

Hikaruko-san!

Please take care of our office.

Yes!

Perhaps sauteed ham with butter

and how about hot & spicy hams?

Most of our dishes are fish you know.

Then how about decorated ham?

Please consider. I'll be coming to dine here every night.

Excuse me.

Thank you for coming.

I am with...

What can I do for you?

How do you like it?

Not bad.

Try some.

Delicious.

Good.

We can use it.

OK?

You can use it.

Thank you.

Please try some.

We have a deal.

Thank you very much!

Chief here's your lunch.

Thank you very much.

This is for you Tsugiya-san.

Your lunch.

Thank you very much!

Tsubomi-san, obento for you.

Thank you very much.

Chief!

I got a contract!

Really?

Look!

It's our ham!

We did it!
We did it!

Chief can I speak with you?

What's the matter?

Look at this flyer!

This is very popular among office ladies and salary-man.

It's the Big Friend Bento chain.

They have 100 stores nationwide.

But they have no menus using hams.

That's where we might get in.

Great idea!

100 stores can assure quite a lot of consumption per month.

It makes good sense to try to get this big account.

Without a big account,
we can't reach our goal.

Let's fight for this account.

Shall we attack!

Yes, let's.

We must try it, anyway, Chief!

We're very sorry.

But would you kindly let us...

We're very sorry.

Can you tell us at least
the name of the person in charge?

We're very sorry.

Would you take a look at this?

Isn't it very clean?

When it comes to hams,
there are so many kinds.

You explain the details to them.

Qualifications?

Well

I have a driver's license.

English?

I can't speak English.

Hold! Hold on a minute.

I have a 4th Class in Abacus.

Hello!

Don't be so mean to me, just because you can speak English. Asshole!

Ushiyama-san

Ushiyama!

I have something to pick up from the office.

Ushiyama-san!

Ushiyama-kun!

Have you found a job?

I don't think you can find a job.

I don't think you can ever find one.

What do you mean by that?

Because you are indecent.

You're a sexual harasser.

Your face is scary.

None of your business.

Anyway Ushiyama-kun

today we don't have time for small talk.

Our target sales figure for this month is

3 times the number it used to be.

That's a big fat joke.

No, it isn't.

But it's impossible.

We've decided to aim high.

How come?

You already know why.

Come back here again.

Let's work together.

What are you saying?

Ushiyama-kun.

Ushiyama-san.
Ushiyama!

Hello Ushiyama-san.

You finally decided to come back didn't you?

Ah, no...

I'm so glad you came back.

You take these obento boxes.

It's been a long time since I
had to carry heavy stuff other than acting.

Work, work, work. Let's go.

Let's go.

Don't worry about your future,
even if we must close this office.

I have already arranged your next jobs in my mind.

Who is it?

Wait! Hold it right there!

Who might it be? At this early hour.

Hello this is San Marco Ham.

Leave everything up to me.

This is Ootomo of Dai Chan diner.

I'll buy hams from you.

Huh?

I'm saying that I will add a
ham lunch in the menu.

Are you listening?

Boneless hams

9000 each every month.

Hello?

I appreciate your order but

9000 boneless ham?

Did you make a 2 digit mistake as in 90 perhaps?

I'll add ham to the Big Friend Bento menu.

Big Friend Bento?

You came here without knowing
that I'm the CEO of Big Friend Bento chain?

Yes!

I'm coming right over.

Thank you very much.

What happened to all of you?

Big Friend Bento?

9000 hams?

Ushiyama

Is that

a cool thing?

{\a10}We did it! We did it!
We did it! We did it!

I feel so refreshed.

Thank you very much for helping us.

Today is the last day of your holiday.

It was a very weird week.

I enjoyed it a lot.

Everything was new to me.

Do you think your company would hire me?

What are you saying?

No?

Of course not.

Hikaruko-san you don't know anything about hams.

We can't use you.

You're right.

Besides

if you don't go back
all of your friends will feel sad.

I don't have friends like the ones you have.

You do.

Hikaruko-san you already know that.

Do you know why I came to you, Sousuke-san?

It's probably

because I live in a different world than you.

You're an angel who came to rest her wings.

That's what I tell myself.

But that doesn't sound like me.

Different world...

Anything wrong with you?

I suddenly couldn't say my lines.

Even though I tried to say them.

My voice didn't come out.

Have you ever heard of an actress
who couldn't say her lines at all?

It might be impossible for me...

Impossible?

Even though you have not tried yet?

Who said,
"You never know unless you try it?"

Let's try it.

One week has passed.

I wonder if Hikaruko will show up tomorrow.

Stop right here.

I'll take you all the way.

No. This is enough.

You're not going?

I am a Star.

When I arrive at the site

I can't show up in this car.

You're right.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Saegusa?

You haven't changed your mind?

I have already decided it.

Can she really say her lines this time?
I doubt it.

Take care.

I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.

Good work!

Sure.

Anything...

Anything I can do for you?

You can look at me right here.

As always as it has been.

I'm going in.

Ready!

Action!

What has brought you here?

Why did you come to rescue me?

I'm sorry.

But I...

I have finally realized

that I love you.

To realize it

it took such a long time.

CUT!

OK!

{\a6}San Marco Ham, Ham
San Marco Ham, Ham
San Marco Ham, Ham

Chief, please.

This is not what I had ordered.

You haven't learned a thing.

You are fired!

Show him some sympathy.

Stop it!
Chief! Do something!
Kill him!

Thanks for your good work.

Thank you!

Thank you for your good work.

Hikaruko-san.

I must talk to you.

Yes?

Tomorrow's schedule I bet.

What time will it be?

At 7:00 A.M. the car will be waiting for you.

Got it.

I'll be waiting for you Saegusa.

Excuse me.

I have a favor to ask.

Saegusa

will you stay a bit longer?

She cannot do anything without you.

Gladly.

Star No Koi Episode05 (May 26, 2003)
Prepared for friends at alt.binaries.multimedia.japanese