Makochi.
Right now,
I am the happiest person alive.
This is the happiest moment...
in my life.
(Makochi: 28%)
Not that guy.
Not him either.
No.
Not even him!
It's none of them!
Where are you, Makochi?
Don't look so down.
Don't worry.
I will always be by your side.
The reality before me right now...
is not dazzling at all.
But...
The past memories...
keep shining brightly in my head.
No, wouldn't that make you a stalker?
You guys broke up five years ago.
I'm not a stalker. I'm just...
making a pilgrimage.
That's new to me.
I just went back to take a look at the places...
where Makochi and I made memories.
And so...
you did the things you've seen in Ikimono-gakari's MV?
What on earth? Is your ex-boyfriend dead or...
He is still alive!
I mean...
I think he is?
You don't even know that?
Holy moly, you've searched about him an awful lot!
Wait, doesn't everyone look up their ex-boyfriends?
You don't?
Wouldn't you do it at least a few times?
It's impossible to find him though.
The name "Saito Makoto" is way too common.
"Cat Eagle" is currently living in Pennsylvania.
Has he already moved overseas?
How about the exhibition announcements?
Didn't Makochi like photography?
Then how about the BBQ shop?
Both of you did work there together, right?
I couldn't find anything.
The operator wouldn't even give me a photo.
Makochi is so reclusive!
I don't really get it,
but the point is, you still wish to see him, right?
No, I've long given up the thought of seeing him again.
Right now, I guess I am...
- a Makoto fan. - What?
It's like having an adoration for a character or an idol.
Listen, Hiromi.
Can you add a "Makoto" on here?
"Makoto" as in "real" and "Makoto" for "Makochi".
I thought you had gotten over the breakup quickly back then.
That's because I didn't realize how great Makochi was...
when we were dating.
All the men you dated after were complete douche bags.
First up, it was, "Scary! It's all other people's fault."
"Everyone else should go and die."
I've had enough. My superior should just die.
Stop wishing for someone's death on our date!
The next one was,
"Minato is my backyard."
The man who has the wrong understanding of philanthropy!
If it's mutual love,
one shouldn't be too adamant...
on what we'd call as "bad habits" in a relationship.
Yurika, you too should be above what we call "self-entitlement".
Using that as an excuse to cheat is too much.
After meeting men who came and went like the wind,
Yurika finally had an epiphany.
The Makochi, who slipped through my fingers,
was like the giant blue fin tuna...
that appeared on TV Tokyo's special program!
The one that was no longer seen again.
He changed his phone number.
There are no mutual friends.
He doesn't seem to use any social media.
It's tough luck.
But...
I can see Makochi any time in my memories.
We can even talk.
For me, that's good enough for now.
- That's exactly the problem. - Why?
It's fine if you still like the man...
who you broke up with five years ago.
But you neither could find nor see him,
and yet you are immersed in your own little world.
That's the problem.
How much more time are you going to waste?
You are already 27 years old.
Stop doing things that are futile.
All right.
But...
Isn't this...
what a mania is?
Mania?
For example, idol mania, train mania, telephone pole mania.
When it comes to things you like,
you are willing to give your all and immerse yourself in it.
So long as you don't trouble others.
This is your own personal freedom.
It's a kind of happiness that enriches one's life.
That's right!
(Ex-boyfriend life)
I am an ex mania.
(Motokare Mania: Episode 1)
Yurika, what about going back to your old place?
Why?
Your unemployment benefits will expire soon, right?
I did your nail for free,
in hope that it would give you some luck in finding a job.
You need to come to your senses.
Okay.
Now,
don't forget this when you go back.
Being happy from immersing yourself in past memories of your ex...
is an awful thing.
Do you understand?
Thank you.
"The miracle of having the person I like tell me..."
"that they like me too..."
"has happened before."
"If memories from that time do not disappear,"
"I will be able to go on."
Marunouchi Sakura's words go straight to the heart.
"Beside You" is the best.
(Unfortunately, you have not been selected)
(Not selected)
(Unfortunately)
(Notice of rejection)
Down and under, all by myself.
Save me, Makochi.
Cheer up.
I am sure you'll get it next time.
Don't worry, Yurika.
It will be fine.
Yes.
I'll work harder.
(Tilolian Real Estate)
- A woman... - A woman.
- A woman, right? - A woman, yes.
I suppose so.
Well...
The real estate industry...
is basically run by men.
Being firm...
and unrelenting are the basics.
A woman tends to...
About that...
Did I cross the line?
Is it because I mentioned "woman"?
The law? Article? Which one did I break?
Pardon?
Sorry, please continue.
Well,
I applied for the job after coming across it.
Presently, in Japan, particularly the urban areas...
Do you really mean that?
I'm afraid...
- I'll have to... - I'm sorry!
I didn't mean any of that.
The lease on my rental is about to expire...
and I am about to lose my unemployment benefits too.
I don't care what it is, I just need a job!
Please!
Let's try it out then.
Thank you!
No...
This will only be a trial.
Anyway, the trial will be one month.
I understand.
- I'll do my best. - Awesome!
It's a female!
A woman, a female human.
Don't mind them. I'll introduce you.
The one in front is...
Your superior, Tirolian.
Mr. Osawa, in charge of cuteness.
The one at the back is...
I'm Shirai!
Let's solicit some customers together.
Looking forward to it.
He's a muscular man who has nothing but looks.
There's another person who's currently away for work.
His name is Fukumori Makoto.
Makoto?
The same name as Makochi.
This must be meant to be.
(Where there is snow, there is you.)
Sit.
Good, here you go.
Tirolian's eyes are sparkling.
Just like Makochi's.
Excuse me.
I'm looking for a one-person room.
(Makochi: 3%)
The mole on his neck is just like Makochi's.
Welcome! Please do come inside.
Let me help you with that.
So you're from Hokkaido?
A company transfer?
That's right.
Flooring...
Tatami...
That guy is a no. I'll pass.
What's the problem? He's a normal office worker.
It should be fine, look.
Hanamaru Foods. It's a big company.
That guy is too wishy-washy.
He's going to take ages. Why don't you do it instead?
Ms. Nanba.
What? Me?
I'll take care of the documents.
All the best.
Anyway, we're having Torizawa tonight.
Nice, chicken meatballs!
Chicken meatballs.
The company is paying.
For free?
Ms. Nanba.
Yes, I'm...
I forgot to tell you.
Normally, we don't eat with women.
We are members of PHBIH Group.
"PHBIH"?
"Prevent Harassment Before It Happens Group".
Also known as PHBIH Group.
It was set up for men like us...
who unintentionally commit sexual harassment...
during a gathering.
- Please excuse us. - Please excuse us.
So you got your own food.
- Thank you. - Thank you.
In theory, I think it's a good thing.
But then, there's no need to be so wary of women.
I guess it's a kind of risk avoidance.
Risk avoidance?
Better to be safe than sorry.
Nobody likes to be embroiled in unnecessary trouble.
So it's better to keep a distance.
There would be no problem then.
True, I would rather not be hurt.
However, that's not the solution.
It's just an escape from reality.
I see. How complicated.
Hey, ex mania.
- That was meant for you too. - What, me?
I am also talking to you,
who is self-immersed in past memories of your ex...
and not facing the reality of the present.
Isn't there anyone with potential at your workplace?
Have you been listening at all?
They are all PHBIH Group members.
How about clients?
There is only one.
What kind of person? Hey, let me see him.
A handsome guy...
I guess he is not.
But he does look like a gentleman.
"Yamashita Akio, 35 years old."
"Graduate of Hokkaido University in biomechanics."
On his neck, there's a mole just like Makochi's.
That's a useless information.
Yurika, hurry up and get a living permit.
The item is going to be snatched if you were to dally.
- What? - Look, doesn't he look pretty cute?
Just like a gargoyle.
He'll be able to protect you.
- I don't agree at all. - It's okay to take it slow.
Try to have a drink or a meal.
Think of it as a rehabilitation.
He is supposed to be a client.
There's no way.
Yurika.
You won't earn anything without investing.
What?
Do it for the sake of moving on from Makoto.
I'm going to the toilet.
Hiromi, that was a little harsh.
I know getting a new boyfriend won't solve everything.
But if this continues,
things will be the same as five years ago.
What do you think?
I think it's not bad.
I guess this is the one.
Excuse me.
Is it going well?
Just choose Yamashita.
What does the hashtag mean?
The cherry blossoms are amazing around here in Spring.
There's a laundry shop around the corner.
It is open until late at night, so it's very convenient.
You seem to know this place well.
I used to come here often when I was in school.
Ms. Nanba.
Do you know that hermit crabs change houses?
Hermit crabs?
The reason they live in shells...
is to protect their soft bodies.
It is also too prevent predators from eating them.
However, as their bodies grow,
the shells become too small.
Therefore during their growth,
they have to find bigger shells and then move into it.
Right now, I am looking...
for a house that fits me.
I hope the move this time...
will become the catalyst for my personal growth.
I'm sure it will.
Let's look for a suitable house together.
Thank you.
That's...
Mr. Yamashita?
This is where you are, Konparu.
I'm sorry for not noticing sooner.
Mr. Yamashita.
Forget it.
Let's stay away from each other.
You only do things that you like.
You'll never understand how I feel!
(Konparu Main Building)
You must be curious too, right?
Of course, you do.
This is one of the best dumpling shops...
as introduced on a food blog.
Come, let's go in.
But...
It's my treat today.
Excuse me. A table for two, please.
Looks like any ordinary Chinese cuisine restaurant, right?
But the owner, who came from Dalian, China,
makes amazing fried dumplings.
This place is best known for its crispy, fried dumplings.
This sudden change in mood.
Could it be?
Are you perhaps a mania, Mr. Yamashita?
I guess you can call me a mania.
A gourmet mania?
Sorry, did that scare you?
Not at all!
There's nothing wrong in pursuing the things you're passionate about.
Could it be...
that you are one too?
Have I been found out?
Love what you like.
Not many people understand this kind of feeling.
What is it that you're into?
Thank you for waiting.
It looks really good. Let's eat while it's hot.
- Let's eat. - Let's eat.
So good!
It has a nice texture.
Indeed, food tastes better when you're with a company, right?
I've been really tense since coming to Tokyo.
Somehow, I'm having fun today.
I am glad.
On closer inspection,
there seems to be many famous restaurants on this street.
The average rating is 3.3 stars.
Many shops have yet to gain popularity.
That's what the food blog said.
I'm going to do my best in this new chapter.
This all sounds...
amazing.
It's wonderful.
You're about to embark on a new and exciting life...
and I am envious.
Aren't you doing the same thing?
As for me, that kind of feeling has long gone.
(Konparu Main Building)
Gone as in...
- I'm sorry. - Ms. Nanba.
The spices got to me.
The spices?
I'm okay.
It was just for a bit.
Let's eat.
I get it.
The present days are shining brighter than my memories.
People should live their lives by looking forward.
But that is no longer applicable to me.
As long as the past memories...
that shone so brightly do not disappear,
I will be able to move on.
Anyway, Fukumori will be back today, right?
I think so.
Fukumori?
Mr. Fukomori?
Yes, he is on a business trip to Osaka.
Business trip.
- I wonder what would he get us. - I'd like some red bean pastry.
No, red bean pastry is from Mie prefecture.
Don't you know?
Even Shin-Osaka Station sells it now.
The sound of those footsteps.
Hey, guys. It's been a while.
Makochi?
Makochi.
Do you believe it?
It seems like...
we're meeting again at this moment.
How...
What? Do you know her?
I think so.
Are you serious?
What a coincidence.
How are you related?
We worked together.
Hey...
Don't touch her!
What were you thinking, you muscular idiot?
But...
That looked painful. Can you stand up?
I am sorry!
I just remembered something.
That was a shock.
That was close.
My soul almost flew away.
Calm down, you need to calm down.
No...
(Fukumori Makoto)
Found it, Makochi.
There he is.
This is not a dream.
This is really happening.
Makochi is...
still alive.
Incredible.
This must be fate at work. It's a miracle!
It's just like the novel by Marunouchi Sakura.
"Beside You" is not just fiction.
- No, that is made up. - Shut up.
But why is his surname changed to Fukumori now?
Don't tell me he has gotten married?
Did he change his surname according to his wife's?
Of course, I've already checked on that.
He's not married.
I don't really have concrete proof.
The reason he changed his surname is because his mom remarried.
That made me nervous for a while.
He actually switched from being a cameraman to selling real estate.
To think that he was this close.
But I heard he was in America for some time.
- America? - No wonder I couldn't find him.
I'm glad for you, Yurika.
First, let me congratulate you.
Thanks.
But it is still too early to celebrate.
The match is only about to begin.
The match?
Obviously, you're hoping to get back together, right?
Get back together? With Makochi?
Who else? Why are you even asking?
What? Wait a minute.
Somehow, this doesn't seem right.
Give me a second.
(Rewind)
(Play)
What? Do you know her?
How are you related?
Hey, what did he say?
I think...
Try to recall it, quick!
(Fast rewind)
(Play)
We worked together.
Maybe I heard it wrong. Play it again.
We worked together.
We worked... together.
"We worked together."
That basically makes me a stranger!
Just kill me.
Let me disappear!
- Miss. - Calm down.
You're an adult.
Besides, there were other people there, right?
Even so, he could have said it differently.
Well...
We used to work together.
- Isn't that the same? - Not at all.
You can't conclude the five years in just one sentence.
That or that...
What the heck is "worked together"?
Go and ask him then.
No way.
Why?
It's too scary.
I mean, we're colleagues now.
Makochi is too realistic.
It's all too real.
The reality is too scary.
I get it, memories can't hurt you.
So,
I'm going to remain as an ex mania like before...
and adore Makochi quietly from the shadows.
Thank you for the info.
Let's take a screenshot of this.
What's wrong?
I accidentally sent him a friend request.
(Nanba Yurika has sent you a friend request)
Is this for real?
Makochi.
Too much makeup.
No reply.
He doesn't want to see me.
Morning.
- Good morning. - Morning.
Ms. Nanba.
Did you get a new face?
Isn't it weirder to not ask about it?
Is it a little fancy?
Not that it's fancy, it's just too heavy.
Come eat your breakfast.
How am I supposed to work in this condition?
What's the matter?
It's okay, Yurika.
Now that the real one has appeared, the resolution is starting to...
My contact lens!
Ms. Nanba, you seem a little different today.
Am I?
Did you perhaps not sleep well?
No, I'm fine.
This feels nice.
Amazing.
The view is really great.
Of course, there are a lot of greeneries nearby.
There's also ample sunlight.
It will be a nice place to come back to and relax.
I'm surprised that such a place exists in Tokyo.
I could almost see myself living here.
If I choose to live here,
will I be able to move forward like a hermit crab?
I'd like to become a hermit crab too.
I've been living in the same room forever.
The sunlight during sunset is glaring.
And the bathroom is narrow.
I think it's about time for me to move.
But there are too many memories.
Dried plum?
It's lemon sour. Thank you for your work.
Thank you.
It's so sour.
I can't be the only one who is stuck in the past.
I am aware of that.
But...
I just can't.
It's beautiful.
Ms. Nanba.
I've decided to stay here.
It is because the sunset is beautiful.
It is all thanks to you.
Thank you.
Why was Mr. Yamashita able to understand me?
Is it because we are both manias?
Good work.
I don't know where to begin.
Now that we're here after five years.
Don't worry about it.
Why do you speak like that?
There's no need for formalities.
No one else is here.
I was really surprised to see you here after coming back.
I was surprised too.
I would have guessed so.
Yes.
It was a big shock.
Why are you working in real estate?
The first place where I worked at went bankrupt.
Really?
Yes.
The next company did some illegal things.
That must have been tough.
I see.
Thankfully, this place agreed to take me in.
There's so much I want to say, but my mind is blank.
Anyway,
where are you staying now?
Is it nearby?
What should I do? Should I tell him the truth?
Would he be shocked?
Well...
I'm still living in the same place from five years ago.
By yourself?
Yes.
Asking if I'm staying alone...
- Does it mean that... - Is that so?
If that's the case...
I have an amazing place to recommend to you!
You'll definitely be able to afford it.
It's an old building, but it's clean and in a good condition.
It's a gem reserved for only a few.
This room is definitely better for a long-term stay.
Think about it. The sunset there is too glaring.
How awful.
It's wiser to buy a house in the long run.
This is so sad.
I want to die.
Are you kidding me?
Screw that. It no longer matters.
Here, check out the details if you're okay with it.
Well then, see you.
Can you believe it?
My ex-boyfriend just tried to sell me something.
The fact is,
I need to come up with a plan on how to proceed.
Any ideas?
Makochi is belittling our Yurika.
It's impossible to be colleagues.
We need to quit.
- I agree! - However...
What about our income if we were to quit?
We could go to work with a puffy face from crying.
I agree!
We should make him feel bad, so that he'd comfort us!
We shouldn't attract attention by acting pitiful.
What do you think of people who act like victims?
- Disgusted. - "Disgusted."
Annoying.
"Annoying." Good.
Not saying anything, yet looking like a victim.
That's disgusting, annoying and childish.
You must never do that.
Well then, let's decide.
Do not show any signs of defeat.
Unanimously agreed!
- Good morning. - Good morning.
Morning.
Good morning.
Morning.
Do you see that? I looked straight at him.
This feels...
amazing!
Ms. Nanba.
Mr. Yamashita has decided on the place in Seta, right?
Yes.
The owner said another company is applying for it.
What?
I said I'd take care of the documents, didn't I?
You are such...
What should we do?
We need to get all the paperwork done...
and get it to the owner before the other party.
We need to show the owner our determination.
But...
Mr. Yamashita can't leave work at this time, right?
I'm so sorry.
Ms. Nanba.
You are still under trial.
You'd be fired if you get into trouble with others.
The best way is to apologize to Mr. Yamashita...
and ask him to find another room.
I'm sorry. I didn't double check.
Is it a must for you to get that room?
It took Mr. Yamashita a long time to finally reach a decision.
Please do me a favour.
It will be hard.
All right.
I'll bear the responsibility. Go ahead.
Okay.
It's been decided.
To trouble Makoto because of the mess I made.
I can't be a mania if that happens.
Mr. Yamashita, have you received the mail?
Sorry about that. I have a few requests.
Excuse me.
This is the stamped certificate. Please process it.
Will do, please wait for a while.
- Excuse me. - Yes.
I'm Yamashita, here to provide proof of income.
- It's all ready. Please wait. - Okay.
Thank you.
Please stamp here and here.
Okay.
Thank you.
I am so sorry.
Thank you so much.
You don't have to do this.
No, please allow me.
Please go through with this!
Mr. Yamashita.
The check has been approved!
That's great!
Congratulations.
All that's left is to sign the contract.
It's done?
I'm so glad.
It's too hot.
Thankfully, the owner was home.
He was shocked to see me.
I'd also like to apologize for troubling you at work.
Not at all.
I think...
It's the Galapagos tortoise.
Once it falls on its back, it's hard to turn upright.
That must have been hard.
But we are humans.
I am sorry.
That was out of the blue.
Anyway,
you once said this.
A lot of happy things are in the past.
Yes.
I'm not going to ask you what you meant.
What I want to say is...
How about starting anew with me?
If it's too hard to do it alone,
maybe it will become doable when we're together.
Saying this probably put you in a difficult position.
Since it has ended,
isn't the best thing to do is to start over?
Of course, we can start off by being friends.
I hope you'll consider it.
Then, I'll be going.
That should do, right?
(Fukumori Makoto has accepted your friend request)
Why?
What about a meal soon?
All Yurikas, assemble.
What do we do? What does Makochi want?
Calm down. You're probably...
just confused because Mr. Yamashita confessed.
Right.
He was ignoring the request,
but now he wants to meet up after a successful deal?
It's too sudden. Don't cave in so easily.
Besides, we have Yamashita now.
But I haven't said yes to him.
But then,
hearing all that,
(Strong Woman Yurika)
you are still happy that Makochi contacted you, right?
Unanimous decision to dismiss!
Keep your cool at first.
Cool and collected.
Over here.
Sorry for asking you out on an off day.
Not at all.
What's this?
Today, he's like the usual Makochi.
Thanks for your hard work, even though it's our day off.
Good work.
This feels really weird.
To sit and drink together like this.
Listen, that girl I once met.
Your friend who looks like this.
Hiromi? She's married now.
Really?
Well, it has been five years.
She was 22 then, right?
How was your time in America?
It was just for a year.
Can you speak English?
Not at all.
It just doesn't feel natural to me.
So I came back and joined the real estate industry.
Your salad is ready.
Thank you.
Let me.
It's okay.
You handled it coolly.
That's Shirai for you.
It wasn't all him.
You are still like before.
At your previous job,
you also did your best even though it was hard.
Here, I'm giving you lots.
Thank you.
Did you go to America to study filming?
Yes.
As expected, Makochi is amazing.
Are you still taking photos?
I am,
but I haven't got the time.
I like that photo.
It's titled the Shining River Bank, right?
You managed to make...
a plain scenery amazing.
By the way,
have you gone through the details of the house?
It's a really good place.
Also...
just yesterday,
another room was made available.
Here, take a look.
So, have you thought about it?
That's...
Is it because it's old? It's been renovated though.
It's not that.
I think it's pretty nice.
Then, you should buy it instead.
I just started working,
so it's not the right time to think about that.
You should buy it yourself if you think it's good.
About that, I'm living with someone right now.
Also, it's a luxurious 6-room, 2-living apartment,
with en suite bathrooms.
Do you know what is "en suite"?
It's the trend now.
And this apartment...
I see.
Living together?
Well...
It sounds great.
Looking dapper in a suit,
to know even such a trendy shop.
Luxury apartment?
All of it screams perfection.
Yet, I'm still the same.
It feels like...
you've changed.
You're different from five years ago.
Is that a bad thing?
It's not that it's bad.
I guess I have changed.
But it doesn't concern you...
that I'm different now, does it?
The beer is no longer cold.
Let's get a new glass.
Sorry.
I'm leaving.
(Suo Hiromi)
(Yamashita Akio is calling)
Hello.
Sorry for the sudden call.
Ms. Nanba?
Sorry, it's just...
What's wrong?
Did something happen?
Where are you right now?
Ms. Nanba?
If only I fall in love with this person...
What's the matter?
My life would be able to move forward.
But...
Yurika.
Sorry, I'm late.
That's enough.
Stop giving me that look.
Just get lost.
It's okay. I'll always be by your side.
I am telling you to get lost.
Yurika.
I'm over you!
I am sorry...
for being late.
Just cry if you want to.
It's okay.
I'll stay by your side.
Please use this.
Thank you.
Are you cold?
The air-conditioner.
(Fukumori Makoto)
Sorry.
Mr. Yamashita.
I'm sorry.
I can't do it!
I thought I could,
but I still can't forget it.
- What... - I'm sorry.
I'm actually not a gourmet mania.
I'm actually...
An ex mania!
(Where there is snow, there is you.)
Please sit here.
Fukumori?
"Ex"?
Mr. Yamashita.
I'm sorry.
Please tell me all about it in detail!
- Apartment? - Apartment?
That's not a good idea at all.
But it's a really good place.
So Ms. Nanba...
is your ex-girlfriend?
Did you guess it?
She's your ex-girlfriend who you just met again.
You can't be trying to sell her a house.
Stop torturing her.
Torturing?
I am?
But...
the house is a good deal.
Sakura?
Makochi, huh?
Five years ago,
when you called me that,
it should be a happy memory for me.
I guess...
I have forgotten all about that.
Escape MKM!
It's better to apologize.
What's your opinion if Yurika and I are serious?
I finally understand who I am to you.