It's not that I wish to forget those memories.
Makochi.
There is no doubt...
that the me at the time was happy.
However,
why am I...
So that person is your ex-girlfriend?
I'm sorry.
Mr. Yamashita.
You asked me what kind of mania I am, right?
Sorry?
I'm going to tell you everything.
Actually...
I am an ex-boyfriend mania.
What?
Did she pick up?
I guess she didn't.
Maybe she didn't take it personally or anything.
Do you think so?
I mean both of you broke up five years ago, right?
You really are just a macho man with no sense.
It is unrelated to being macho.
Because people always say that,
"A woman's relationship replaces the archive."
Right?
Women find it hard to move on too.
Few relationships are just impossible to let go.
This applies to both men and women.
I do get it, Ms. Nanba.
Then do you constantly look her up on social media platforms?
That's a given.
Do you revisit the places where you two made memories?
Like a pilgrimage? Of course.
When you're down, do you imagine them giving you encouragement?
- I do that all the time! - I do that all the time!
Did they just harmonize?
Ms. Kurusu Mugi?
Is she your ex-girlfriend?
The radio DJ...
An announcer?
It's only a local broadcast station.
In Hokkaido though, everyone knows or has heard of her.
But why is she on that billboard?
She's super pretty.
Did you two really date?
Hey.
Mugi and I met...
five years ago...
on a snowy day in Sapporo.
(Northern Kingdom)
(First meeting in 2014)
So delicious.
Thank you for the food.
(Mugisuko)
Excuse me.
Are you Mugiko?
I am...
(Yamashita)
Are you Mr. Yamashita?
Yes.
Nice to meet you.
Trying out new food.
We shared the same interest.
Before long, we naturally became close.
- It should be ready. - Yes.
At the time, I thought...
we would always be together.
Always...
together.
But...
one day,
I was suddenly transferred to Tokyo.
I'd like you to come with me.
Will you...
- marry me? - Let's break up.
Sorry?
You told me you wouldn't be transferred.
That's...
We might have to be apart for now,
- but ultimately... - "Ultimately"?
You don't have to answer me right away.
I already gave you my answer.
After all, I just can't give up on it right now.
My work.
I knew very well...
how proud Mugi was of her own work.
But still, I...
Have you not contacted each other since then?
I probably won't see her again.
But...
I'd still check her food blog every three minutes.
I get it, Mr. Yamashita!
Talking in harmony again.
What happened to Makochi? Didn't you have a date?
- Are you referring to Mr. Fukumori? - What happened?
It seems that Mr. Fukumori is currently living...
in a luxury apartment with a roommate.
A roommate?
Like a girlfriend?
I would guess so.
Right now, he's just a colleague.
He has tried to sell me property twice.
Now, I am just Ms. Nanba who doesn't mean anything to him.
What a huge blow from your ex.
That is why I have decided.
Along with Mr. Yamashita.
What?
What about you two?
We're setting up the Escape MKM Alliance.
Yes, we are.
- "MKM"? - "MKM"?
"MotoKare or MotoKano Mania."
- MKM. - MKM.
What? How about "Escape" then?
Ms. Nanba is heartbroken to be seen as a client.
Whereas, I am in Tokyo now, far away from Hokkaido.
This is our best chance to escape MKM.
By interacting,
becoming more than friends but not yet lovers,
we'll help each other find our realities back.
There's no need for such trouble.
Just get in bed and make some...
Ma'am.
Take your oath!
We are the Escape MKM Alliance.
We will accept and live by the fact...
that our ex-boyfriend and girlfriend are a thing of the past.
We swear that we will give our all...
in our fight to overcome these past relationships.
MotoKano Mania representative, Yamashita Akio.
MotoKare Mania representative, Nanba Yurika.
(MotoKare Mania: Episode 2)
Are you unable to sleep?
Yes.
That's rare.
It's because right now,
I am working together with someone I have missed.
Really?
And...
that person said, "You've changed."
So I...
replied a little too harshly.
"You've changed."
Sorry, it's already this late.
Apologizing candidly.
That is one of your traits.
I guess...
it's better to apologize.
Even though you told that person not to come,
you actually wish that person would run towards you.
As expected, you're really an expert to a woman's heart.
"To convey the feelings of cherishing."
He said, "A woman's heart".
So it is a woman.
A woman...
he has missed.
(Ex-girlfriend)
("Effortlessly by Your Side")
I heard you.
I know, I'm up.
No!
From today onwards, I will escape MKM!
I have decided to think like this.
"My ex-boyfriend has died."
What?
That person at the company...
is just a creature that looks like my ex.
I'm going to name him as...
"MotoKare Zombie".
(Ex-boyfriend Zombie)
I'm a zombie.
The first rule of Escape MKM's ten commandments.
"Don't think about it."
"They don't exist as long as you don't think about them!"
They must be somewhere.
People who are willing to choose us.
Jumpsuit Squad.
- The Flyer Link! - The Flyer Link!
What is this?
Flyer Link may sound lame and vague, but it has a meaning!
Linking sellers with buyers.
Find out more with us!
You'll be able to seal deals quickly...
and be promoted as a permanent staff.
From a trial to an official employee?
I give you my moral support.
But keep in mind that we are still rivals.
(Tilolian Real Estate, 42.3 million yen)
You can immediately see who is giving out the flyer.
There are ten days left until your trial expires.
I got it.
All the best.
They must be somewhere.
People who are willing to choose me.
Good morning.
- Hey. - Morning.
Sporty.
A new version of Makochi.
Stop it.
Hey.
Later, do you perhaps...
Good morning.
Fukumori.
Don't think about it.
Disappear, Zombie. Disintegrate!
Let's go, Flyer Link.
Zombie is going to sense my nervousness.
I'll have to be indifferent.
Eliminate any signs of life.
Are you distributing them here?
Most of the residents are students.
I don't think they are our target market.
I see.
You need to narrow down the target.
Distributing flyers at low-success areas...
will diminish your chances.
Also...
the way you handle those flyers.
Use your fingers to grab one...
and quickly insert it.
Just grab one like this and quickly insert it.
Oh my goodness.
Stop it!
Escape MKM!
- About the other day... - Thank you for the tip!
I learned something new.
It felt as if Makochi was saying...
I have a low success rate of being chosen.
Zombie!
What the heck?
I don't get this.
What?
I don't get it.
MotoKare Zombie is chasing me on his bike.
What should I do?
Salt probably won't work.
If that's the case...
That guy is not bad.
What?
Does Ms. Chizuru prefer the ugly type?
You're clueless, Tsumogu.
It's rare for someone from Hokkaido to be transferred here.
His future is bright.
Plus, the way he ate the fish is neat and thorough.
What a detailed observation.
Do you think he has a girlfriend?
It doesn't matter if he has one or not.
I am not asking him to choose me.
I am the one choosing him.
First operation of Escape MKM.
Operation Best Date, start!
Are you splashing at me?
Look.
Tuna.
Do you like tuna?
Yes.
The thing is...
Before we parted ways,
I used to describe Makoto as a giant blue fin tuna.
Something along the line of a tuna that got away?
Right.
However,
it doesn't feel like it is such a big thing anymore.
Nevertheless, tuna...
is still delicious.
You're right.
The tuna is innocent.
Are you free to help me with my research?
Is it the layout for houses? What kind?
It's not about houses.
Before you played around with photography, right?
I am looking for a beautiful lake or river.
Okay.
Found it.
A sparkling riverbank.
Yes, something like this.
And...
An ex-girlfriend?
Something like that.
You actually took it.
How about you?
Do you not have any old photos?
I am not really into taking photos.
- Is that so? - Yes.
That's too bad when you're this beautiful.
It is nothing like that.
This brings back memories.
(Escape MKM!)
This is delicious!
I think it will go well with Yuzu pepper.
I can't even remember when was the last time...
I ate a home-cooked meal.
Just a little longer.
I don't think anyone is going to hire me.
Don't worry.
The opportunity will come.
Are you thinking about Zombie?
I wasn't!
I stopped checking his social media.
I've locked up the imaginary Makochi too.
I am trying not to refer to "Beside You" so often.
"Beside You"?
What?
A series of 12 episodes.
The super-popular romance novel,
"Effortlessly by Your Side".
Do you not know it?
No.
("Memories Can't Hurt Me", "Effortlessly by Your Side")
"Marunouchi Sakura"?
She's an expert on women.
"Memories Can't Hurt Me".
It sounds interesting.
You shouldn't read it now.
A couple that started in high school.
An on-and-off relationship with all sorts of trouble.
Wary of what other people think,
but unable to separate.
It's similar to "Beverly Hills 90210".
I see.
Then it is off-limits for us Escape MKM Alliance members.
I'm sorry about this.
I drank too much.
It must be hard.
When I remind myself that I will no longer see Mugi,
it becomes easier to move forward.
But you and Makochi see each other every day.
Yes.
But this is the reason why...
the Escape MKM Alliance is needed.
Ms. Nanba.
No.
I mean Yurika.
I honestly feel happy...
being with you.
Something that is too hard to be done alone...
can be accomplished by two.
There are many benefits to having a partner.
It is the same with the tuna.
As risk management...
I no longer want...
to be hurt again.
Wishing everyone good dreams tonight.
Mugi bids you goodnight.
This has been your host, Kurusu Mugi.
Good work.
Thank you.
Your billboard has become a hot topic.
I just got the deal by chance.
Still, it feels good to contribute to my home.
But such chances don't come often.
Give it more thought.
Mr. Yamashita has taken his first step.
I should too.
(Fukumori, Off)
Now is not the time to think about Makochi.
Welcome.
Hey.
- Aren't you off today? - That's right.
But I figured I could catch you here alone at this time.
Tirolian is not included.
You can't talk anyway.
What is it?
Well...
Stop.
Seeing Makochi's face on his off day is...
It's...
I'm sorry.
What?
About trying to sell you property.
I only wanted to help you in some way.
- I see. - Also...
I'm sorry for saying, "It doesn't concern you."
Well, the thing is...
that is indeed a fact.
I am the one who'd always bring up the past.
Saying things I shouldn't.
It probably made you feel uncomfortable.
That's not true.
It's my fault for not making it clear.
The time we spent together...
meant a lot to me.
What's wrong?
What?
I'm sorry.
Here, use this.
MotoKare Zombie has changed back into human Makochi.
Then, I'll get going now.
Thank you for listening.
Bye.
This smell...
The zombie is returning to its human form!
His handkerchief has the fragrance of a softener!
Berry candy spice.
(Panic Yurika)
Isn't this clove?
(Scientific Investigator Yurika)
And a hint of citrus.
The ingredients seem high-end.
(Pragmatic Yurika)
It is definitely not from any pharmacy.
There is no way a man would buy such high-end softener.
Which means...
(Softie Yurika)
Makochi is indeed living with a female.
(Strong Woman Yurika)
So it is a woman.
(Judge Yurika)
What kind of woman is she?
A 30-something with savings.
A woman who likes linen.
A classic, branding woman.
These are the three types I have narrowed down.
The branding woman would leave traces of herself...
on the man's things.
I heard such women were common during the Showa era.
I can't believe they still exist in the current Reiwa era.
Ms. Yurika.
Aren't you in the Escape MKM Alliance?
Please face the reality.
If you still insist on choosing Makochi, so be it.
Not the imaginary one, but the real Makochi.
He has properly apologized, right?
Boss, the tuna is so good.
You seem to be in a good mood.
Did something good happen?
You could say that.
I am happy that he apologized.
But it still hurts to face him again.
It feels like my mind is a mess.
I see.
I should be focusing on my work right now.
So, Escape MKM is the way to go.
That's right.
Yurika only has two hands.
Mr. Yamashita and work.
There is no place for Makochi!
Yes!
Rule number two of Escape MKM's ten commandments.
No distractions, focus on the future.
Destroy any wishful thinking.
- Go! - Go!
This is the famous Hida beef of Takayama.
The burnt soy sauce is incredible!
Yama, this is what the Tokyo Food Blog Review is about.
(Daio, Yama Tongue, Chin, Sada)
Daio!
(Tokyo Food Blog Review)
Someone just cancelled a fully-booked restaurant next week.
Who's going?
- Me. - Me!
- Let's have sushi. - Let's.
Thank you, Mr. Chin.
Should we ask Mue?
Don't.
That guy would always say yes, but has never showed up.
I have someone I would like to bring along.
Mugiko?
I can't comment on the life of a female announcer,
but to ditch Yama like that, who has sacrificed so much...
You're mistaken.
It's not Mugi who I wish to invite.
Also, I am the one feeling hurt.
She didn't do anything wrong.
I'm sorry for worrying you guys.
If it's someone you wish to bring...
Could it be a new girlfriend?
- What? - What?
No.
But she is someone important.
Thank you.
- Mr. Shirai. - Yes?
I'm back.
Good work.
This is President's.
(Tokyo District Court)
Court?
Good work.
This is just a prank, not about sexual harassment.
I don't think it's emotional harassment or...
I didn't read it! You don't have to worry.
Thank you for this.
Ms. Nanba.
Your consultation is still zero.
I'm sorry.
Ms. Nanba needs to relax.
That's not it.
The point is to put in more effort.
All right.
(Perenze Building)
Someone who is willing to choose me.
I am sure they are there.
(Tilolian Real Estate, 42.3 million yen)
(Nanba Yurika)
Don't give up.
Let's go, Tirolian.
(Tilolian Real Estate)
Wait!
Are you okay?
That hurts.
I'm sorry, please don't mind me.
Excuse me.
How could I not?
The woman who's using high-end softener.
Why did you do that?
"Cute ex-girlfriend. The ex-girlfriend is cute."
"She looks like a nice girl."
Oh, please.
Stop reading it without any emotions.
(Bungeisha Editorial Department, Nitta Koji)
This is not your usual style.
If you wish to try something new,
you have my support.
Come in.
Mr. Nitta.
We're currently working.
- I'm sorry. - What is it?
I just wanted to talk with you for a bit.
It's okay.
How much longer will you keep him by your side?
Forgive me for being frank, but if he's not helping...
He's just a roommate.
I don't expect any help.
A forever that never ends.
Are you going to stay there forever?
The woman who's using high-end softener.
She is as suspicious as the victim in a thriller drama,
but she's very beautiful.
A mature woman.
Such a person actually went out to spy on the ex-girlfriend.
I'm surprised that Makochi made her feel so uneasy.
I would like to meet Makochi.
What?
Did the fish that get away was a blue fin tuna...
or a sardine?
I would like to confirm it.
But it's going to be hard to find the chance.
Ma...
"Ma"?
Makochi?
What are you doing here?
I wanted to ask you the same.
The owner here is the best Intel in the area.
Sorry for disturbing you.
I'll sit at the bar.
No!
Please.
Why?
I want to see if he's an actual blue fin tuna!
Are you serious, boss?
Please sit here.
Please.
Well...
I don't want to bother you two.
But I'll accept the offer.
Why is he so good at socializing?
My name card.
It's a little warm.
He's showing his cute side. And next...
I am from the sales department of Tirolian Real Estate.
Fukumori Makoto.
He never forgets about business contacts.
Are you in F&B?
That's great.
You two...
What's this? Your friends?
Come on, I have many.
Why are you always alone then?
It's because I want to talk to you.
There you go again.
You won't get anything from me.
You tease.
The owner is known to be very shy.
It's impressive that he managed to get him to open up.
What?
I'm sorry for making you wait.
Let's drink.
Cheers.
Mr. Fukumori, why don't you order?
Then...
(Shrimp shumai)
I'll have shrimp skewers.
You mean shrimp shumai.
I thought the shrimps are fried on a skewer.
It does resemble a skewer when you do that.
Oh gosh, that was embarrassing.
This one is too big!
Why?
He actually admitted his own error.
His socializing skills are top-notch.
He is charming and filled with cuteness.
This is too...
What an enormous presence!
It's a gigantic blue fin tuna!
Calling it shrimp skewer is supposed to be embarrassing!
He made us feel embarrassed too.
But it was indeed adorable.
I have no time or energy to worry about Makochi.
Escape MKM.
I forgot to say this just now.
To tell you the truth, I am Ms. Nanba's first client.
Sorry, I didn't notice.
After that, we started hanging out like this often.
Really?
Also,
I know about you and Ms. Nanba.
Allow me to be frank.
If Yurika and I were to date for real,
what's your opinion on that?
Well...
I think...
That person...
I'm sorry.
If that's...
what Ms. Nanba decides to do,
I don't really have anything to say.
To me,
we are no longer in that kind of relationship.
I wish you happiness.
Don't mind it.
Yes, he doesn't matter.
Welcome back.
That...
I'm sorry!
- You got it on your shirt. - Really?
Did it splash on you?
I'm okay.
Sorry, I'm too clumsy.
I feel embarrassed to have caused such a mess.
Stop thinking.
Stop worrying about impossible things.
There's no point.
(Nanba Yurika)
What do you think?
Sorry, we're going to keep looking.
Understood.
I hope to see you again.
Hello, I am Shirai of Tirolian Real Estate.
Thank you for calling.
Yes!
Definitely, we can go there right away.
Tomorrow?
Of course, let's do it tomorrow.
I have one near the train station. It's very convenient.
Yes, pets?
All right.
It's not working out.
Ms. Nanba.
She will be fired if things don't improve.
Fired?
Jokes aside,
newbies who don't get signed often give up.
She is working hard though.
It's because she works hard...
but fails to find success, that itself is worrying.
Mr. Ando.
The trial period is almost over.
We won't hire someone who can't perform.
Sorry for the rush.
I need to wake up early for tomorrow too.
There's no point working hard in a low-success area.
That's what Makochi told me.
But I admit that it is really tough.
Being told off by your ex is hard to swallow.
Mr. Yamashita?
I'm sorry.
Sorry?
Escape MKM Alliance.
- Let's dissolve it. - What?
I'm not saying that we should stop meeting each other.
It's just that...
you don't have to force yourself to forget Makochi.
Makochi?
Take upon the challenge if there is a chance.
What are you talking about?
"We are no longer in that kind of relationship."
You heard him too, right?
As I have suspected, you did overhear it.
I'm sorry.
I contemplated whether to tell you.
The thing is,
if I kept quiet about it,
it feels like I'm being devious.
In the end,
I still wish for Ms. Nanba to find happiness.
Makochi already has that woman who uses high-end softener.
Then what about it?
Working hard won't change anything.
- There's zero chance. - There is.
How can you be so sure?
Most living creatures have black eyeballs.
Being able to easily find the line of sight...
is unfavourable while hunting.
But humans have the white of the eyes.
You can quickly see through a person from their eyes.
Makochi's feelings for you...
aren't zero.
Don't hesitate to talk to me about anything.
Cat's eyes.
Hiromi and I are willing to lend you our ears at any time.
Then,
until we meet again.
The way he talks...
Back to square one.
Come in.
I'm returning the photos.
- Thank you. - Okay.
Her face changes when she smiles.
She looks a little cold,
but her smile changes everything.
It won't be likely for me to see it again.
What?
Somehow,
she's not doing well at work.
Me worrying won't help though.
Even though we have finally met after so long.
How about yourself?
What do you want?
What?
You like her smile, don't you?
What do I want?
We haven't gathered in a while.
(Always Distressed Makochi)
(Escaping Makochi)
What a pain.
Just make something up.
Okay, dismissed.
Wait a minute.
You can't run away.
(Real Man Makochi and Tirolian)
That will only prolong the pain!
You're right about that.
It has been five years.
She must have forgotten about us.
Hence, I too have forgotten.
That's kind of true too.
Are you okay with never seeing it again?
Her warm smile is beautiful.
(Young Makochi)
Hey, stop putting them up.
But things have changed.
This is very serious.
Right now, I have been completely disregarded.
You didn't change.
Yes, you still want her to be happy.
Why?
It's because...
I don't want to see her sad.
- Why? - Why?
It's because...
To me,
that person...
It's morning.
Time for work.
"I have hurt her."
"With that in mind, he ran."
"He ran and ran."
"It is all..."
"to convey his feelings of cherishing."
They have to be somewhere.
Someone who is willing to choose me.
Yurika!
Makochi.
Why?
I finally got it.
You are...
someone very important to me.
Listen to what I'm saying.
Towards you, I will...
I will give you all of my support!
Come again?
I will support you and Mr. Yamashita!
We are...
work colleagues.
So, I will also support you at work.
Take a look at this.
This is a list...
of old houses with residents who might want something better.
Go get them!
Come on, there's no time!
I'll help you.
Put in more effort.
Let's go.
"Work..."
"colleagues."
My ex-boyfriend just gave me his support.
Mr. Yamashita.
You do know a lot about food, right?
Yes.
Next time,
please bring me along to somewhere good.
Mr. Dogo,
about the offer.
I'll do it.
Really?
I'll work hard to learn in Tokyo.
I wasn't expecting you to come back.
Why is that?
You look very cheerful.
Supporting someone important to me...
feels pretty good.
Is that so?
Have I become an adult too?
Alas, all men are the same.
It really is.
Awesome!
From workmates to work colleagues!
Who are we kidding?
In the end, there wasn't even one.
Why?
I still feel bad knowing he is being considerate...
and pretending to be mature.
What is "I support you because I cherish you."
What I want to hear is,
"I will cherish you."
Whatever.
Nobody is going to choose me.
Hang in there.
I will always be by your side.
Makochi.
It's okay, Yurika.
It's okay.
Memories can't hurt me.
I can do my best as long as I have Makochi from my memories.
Revive imaginary Makochi.
Ex mania is revived!
I'll work hard tomorrow.
The one I like...
is the Makochi in my memories.
I don't like the present Makochi!
(Dinner with no mercy)
You two can't be separated.
(Feelings that won't disappear)
Are your feelings fake? Deal with them!
I like you.