Dear Shohei,
I'm sorry!
Thank you for everything. I was so happy when I was with you.
The Orange Society has completely broken apart.
I won't forget you.
It feels as if my heart, in its flimsiness, is completely and utterly broken.
I might not be able to see you again, but take care of yourself.
Sae involved all of us, then swung us around,
loved us, and then left.
As if the moon princess went back to the moon.
Like the little mermaid went back to her ocean.
It's just too much.
Those of us, that has been left behind,
have momentarily aged into old grandpas and grandmas.
Shohei, why did you leave at such an important time?
What's this?
A circle?
It's a circle, isn't it?
You know, as opposed to an X.
Yeah.
I think she's letting you know her surgery went well, or that she is recovering well.
For real? That's good then.
I hope that's really what it means.
You know...
The surgery really did go well.
Now she's able to hear a little better than before.
She contacted you?
Yes, by letter.
What did she say?
She says it's gotten easier for her to do things now.
She's also gotten used to Germany.
How about speaking?
Oh, well, she hasn't completely regained her hearing, so it seems she's still using her sign language.
I see.
What?
Hmm...
Hmm?
She hasn't mentioned me or anything, has she?
No, she hasn't mentioned you, Kai...
Oh, do you want me to casually ask her?
I just thought it was kind of a subject I shouldn't touch upon.
It's ok, don't.
Sorry for calling you out like this.
You have training soon, don't you?
Yeah, I'm surprised it starts so early!
We haven't even graduated yet.
Hey, don't you think this looks odd?
No way, it looks really good on you.
Really?
Hey, come to think of it, it's been a while since I've seen you.
Yeah, I never really see you at school anymore.
I haven't gone to the lounge lately either.
Have you?
No, I haven't.
Sae took the Orange notebook with her too.
Puis que de preference...
This means preferring one over another...
Meilleur que... puis que...
Coming.
Who is it at a time like this, when I'm on the brink of graduating or not graduating?
Yo!
I went to the lounge at school, but nobody was there.
Can I come in? I'm thirsty.
What do you mean "I'm thirsty."?!
Where have you been all this time without contacting me?!
Who are you?
Akane-chan.
You don't sound like her.
I'm not trying to imitate her, but I'm just translating what's in her heart.
I was in Tibet.
And then?
I went to Nepal and through Cambodia.
Around that time, the responses to Akane's letters stopped coming...
Did she say anything?
I haven't really talked to her lately either.
Is she... mad?
She may have a new man.
Why do you say things like that when I've come all the way back?
By any chance...
Have you come back just to graduate?
Yep, that's why I came back before the ceremony.
So I'll be in your care for now.
Wait, are you planning to stay here at my place?
Yeah.
Huh... Any souvenirs for me?
Oh yeah, here you go.
Toraya's sold here too...
A circle. Only a circle.
Maybe there's a hidden message somewhere.
A statement of love: "I still cannot forget about you."
Nah, no way.
She's the type that will forget about the past.
Sae!
Sae, come over here for a minute.
This... Or this? Which one do you like better?
I don't mind either.
There you go again.
Hey, Haruki which one do you prefer?
Ah, I don't mind either way, I don't understand these things.
Jeez, you two are so nonchalant about this.
Do you two really care enough to get married?
I do!
Then you should seriously prepare for the wedding.
This is for Foundations of Economics,
and this is for Physics.
And this is Sociology.
As long as I have this, I'm set.
This really helps me out, Keita.
Hey, when we're sitting here like this, doesn't it feel like Sae could just walk in at any moment?
Yeah, I wonder how she's doing.
Watch the princess be married to some nice German fellow by now.
Sorry.
I don't mind, it has nothing to do with me anymore. I'm over it.
With this it's perfect.
Yeah, perfect.
Perfect!
What exactly is perfect?
Oh, Akane-chan long time no see.
What's perfect?
Oh, we're just helping each other write notes for the final graduation exam.
Hey, aren't notes something you should write yourself?
Why is it that you guys hang out together and have fun while copy each-others notes for exams?
And? Who is that over there?
I wonder who that is over there.
Oh, who could it be?
Um, a house spirit?
Good one.
I kept writing you over and over, but I got no replies.
After a while, the letters came back to me as undeliverable!
I thought by now that you had either decided to become a monk in Tibet,
or settled down to marry a water buffalo.
I'm home! Akane-chan.
"Welcome home, Shohei-kun."
Did you think I would greet you like that with tears in my eyes?!
Wait, wait!
See, Shohei came back and came to the lounge first, but nobody was here.
Then he went to your place but you weren't there, so he went to Keita's, right?
Right, that's how it went.
Did you call her here?
What?
Akane-chan.
Ah, yeah. Nobody really comes here anymore,
Well none of us have been coming to the lounge lately, so I told her Shohei was back.
I thought Shohei was probably a little shy about seeing her after being away for so long.
You're so shrewd, coming back just for graduation.
Yeah, I guess.
So that's the reason you came back.
Although, I'll go back again.
That's not the only reason.
"Shohei-kun, why do you leave at such an important time?"
Ah, stop it. That's from my letter.
That sentence...
I read it over so many times that I memorized it.
Then why didn't you write back?
It ends in two seconds.
But instead...
I was speaking to you through my camera.
"I want to show you this scene."
"These are the kind of places I went."
"These are the things that moved me."
Everywhere I went, I took my pictures thinking of you.
Maybe I should forgive you.
It looks like I'll have to forgive you.
I'm so weak.
You're doing well, Mrs. Nasuda!
Try your best.
Just a little more, a little more.
Are you all right?
Then, shall we sit down?
Let's take a little rest, and then try to make it over there.
It's kind of nice, having a smiling young man waiting for you at your destination.
Don't be silly.
We've decided on the veil, now the only thing left is the ring.
Yes.
She still won't speak.
The surgery was a success, and although not completely
she can hear a lot better than before.
She should speak.
Maybe she's afraid of speaking, because she hasn't used her voice in such a long time.
She can take it slowly.
It's much easier for her to play the piano now,
and she can ride the bicycle that she's been afraid to ride since the accident.
She's recovering smoothly.
That's true.
I suppose there's no rush.
There I am!
I've cleared!
Oh, there I am! That's me!
There it is Keita Yashima!!! Safe! Safe!
So wanna go drink?!
Kai, Shohei, Keita, let's drink!
Yeah, umm... Sorry.
Just a little longer. I might be a little late tonight.
Honestly. Honestly, Honestly, Honestly, you still like her, don't you?!
I like her!
You two have been drinking too much!
You love her, don't you?
I love her!
Yes! I'm glad.
Alright let's stop this. No more, ok?
Oh, it's Shohei. Where have you been?
It's Akane-chan. You've been on the phone with her...
Man, don't cry!
Don't cry, life is supposed to be fun.
Really?
I don't know.
I don't know, but most of the people who are up there say so.
So everything will be ok! You will become successful too!
I will!
Alright! Let's go home, ok?
Excuse me, could we get the check?
Yes! One moment.
Now let's go to a second bar!
Yes!
Are you serious?
That's why Japan's photography is completely dominated by commercialism!
They need to take photographs with more soul!
You've drank too much.
What?
How come you're like this now?
I'm beginning to sober up.
Me too.
Are you kidding me?!
It's because of me that you made it here, ok.
I'm not joking! Drink up!
I get it, I get it. I'll drink, jeez.
I love her!
I love Sae Hagio!
I love her more than anyone in the world!
I love her, she's number one in my life!
Yeah!
Where's the ocean?
Huh?
The ocean, dammit!
You're supposed to yell these kind of things towards the ocean!
Ah, well forget about that!
Where's the ocean?!
How about shouting towards the moon, which is reflected in the ocean?
Nah, it's not good enough!
However, I'm jealous that you've met someone you can think about like that.
What?
Number one in the world, number one in your lifetime.
Although I haven't lived my whole lifetime out yet.
But I feel like I'll never meet someone like her again.
All right, let's go!
What?
Go to Germany, and propose to her!
Huh?!
How is he supposed to propose?
A ring! Let's buy her a ring!
A ring?!
If you're going to propose, you need a ring!
If she's number one in the world, and number one in your life,
then there's nothing to hesitate about!
No, wait a second. I don't even have any money.
No money to buy a ring, nor any to go to Germany.
First off, it's the ring.
Let's get the ring out of the way, and then we can think about Germany!
Hey, wake up!
Keita!
Oh it's you, Shohei!
It's early, what is it?
Here's your breakfast.
Ah, thank you.
Once you've eaten, we're going to Ginza.
Ginza?
Why?
We're going to go buy the ring.
Oh, the one that we were talking about last night, that Kai's going to give Sae?
Wait a minute, Shohei, that was just...
Some drunken ramblings...
No, you have to go!
And you have to buy a ring.
Think about it, if you just pass that off as some drunken ramblings... As just some jokes...
Then we're just going to grow up to become adults.
We're just going to continue growing into dirty adults.
What's with that, what do you think Keita?
No, I kind of understand what he's saying.
Yeah, so I've gone and taken out all my savings for you to buy the ring, Kai.
Are you for real?
36,000 yen?
Yeah.
How much does a ring cost?
You're rich, so you better donate a lot!
No, no, my parents are rich, but I'm just average.
Wait a second, how much do rings cost anyway?
It's a perfect fit!
You really were a size seven.
Hey...
Yeah...
Do rings really cost this much?
Shouldn't you know? You've been dropping girls like bowling pins.
Well, I've been knocking them down with my charm.
I've never bought any of them a ring.
Thank you for waiting.
Let's not do this after all.
Wait, no.
At least not this store.
Not this kind of a store, but somewhere more within our reach.
Yeah, good point.
C'mon, let's go!
Kai?
Kai!
Who is it?
Oh, was his name Kai-kun?
He came over a few times.
Long time no see.
I'll go on ahead, you two can talk.
It's fine.
So you're back in Japan?
I had to follow up on some things for graduation.
Are you going to be able to graduate?
I had them substitute reports for exams,
and I sent them over from Germany.
I see.
We also decided to just sell the apartment.
So we had to take care of that...
You're staying over there?
In Germany?
That's the plan.
Oh that's right, congratulations on a successful surgery.
Thank you.
I'm happy for you.
Are you finally getting married with Maho-san?
What?
You know, since you just came out of that jewelry store.
What about you?
Are you going to get married?
I see.
Every time the diamond on Sae's thin finger twinkled,
my heart felt like it was being stung by needles.
I swallowed the countless words I wanted to say,
and tried to suppress my overwhelming feelings for Sae, and became silent.
What's wrong, Kai-kun?
Oh, Mrs. Nasuda...
May I ask you a favor?
Yes, of course.
Kai-kun, you're going to graduate soon, right?
Yeah.
Are you going to stay here, even after April?
I think I will probably be here...
That's if I get into the professional school.
Well then I have to cheer you on so you make it.
Why is that?
Well, because I want to continue my rehabilitation with you.
"Now let's try to go over there." That's how I want to try my best with you.
Hearing that from you, Mrs. Nasuda, I feel like I really can do my best.
Really?
Coming from an old woman like me?
What?
My body is in this shape, and I've only become a burden to others.
I thought that nobody could see me as someone to depend on anymore.
That's not true...
You know, your words just now really gave me strength.
Hey, since we're having the ceremony in Germany
how about we make the gifts Schönwald?
This is also cute.
What's with you all of a sudden?
Suddenly so enthusiastic about everything?
Ah, the bath is ready.
Haruki-san, which do you like?
Hey, are you sure you're not forcing yourself through this?
You seem like you're rushing through things.
As if you'd think about something else if you took the time to stop and think...
Isn't it because you would see your true feelings and hesitate?
Man, out of the blue... I was just half guessing, but I guess I hit the mark.
Sorry...
You projected your voice for the first time the other day.
When we were buying your ring.
That voice, "Kai..."
It wasn't a voice that was calling to an old lover,
but a voice that was calling someone who is still loved.
You know, I've been working with classical music, so my hearing is sensitive.
You don't have to rush, but why don't you rethink this marriage with me?
Sae-chan, aren't you also trying to marry me for your mother?
You're so calm about everything... Even though it's about yourself.
I'm just pretending to be calm.
Please understand at least that much.
I understand.
So I should just send the diploma to this address?
Do not worry, we'll take care of everything.
If only you could stay until the actual graduation ceremony.
My mother has her work.
Sorry to cause you so much trouble.
No, not at all.
It's nothing.
Kai... About Kai Yuuki.
Did he pass the occupational therapist exam?
Oh, that's still to come.
Is it on your mind?
A little.
You should ask him yourself.
He's still working part-time at the rehabilitation center.
I'm sorry, that was a little nosy of me.
Well then, I'll take care of this.
Thank you very much for your help.
Miss Hagio.
This is a little early, but congratulations on your graduation.
Sorry, can you give me some time to talk with her?
Thanks.
Long time no see.
If you have time, why don't we go out for some tea?
Oh, that day.
That day you came to Kai's apartment with the shirt he forgot.
It's true that I went to his apartment, but nothing happened between us.
Instead, it was more like we really got to clearly break up with each other.
Oh, me?
I'm fine, I've already heard that story.
He's already heard it, so he says he's fine.
Although I did still have some feelings for him at the time,
Kai clearly turned me down.
I've heard that too, so I'm fine.
You're so mature.
What did she say?
She said that you're a very mature adult.
However, it's regrettable that we caused you to misunderstand like that.
I don't meet with him anymore, so I don't really know about Kai, but...
I just want you to know that there's nothing between him and me anymore.
There was nothing between us back then either.
Sae-san!
You did a very good job.
Are you ok?
What?
I have to talk to you.
We need to talk.
Didn't you go out with Maho-san?
No, I didn't go out with her.
But, that day...
That day when I went to deliver the shirt you forgot,
I saw you come out of your apartment with her.
Oh yeah.
But that was it.
Then why didn't you come after me?
Huh?
I misunderstood and gave up on you, then went to Germany!
Why didn't you chase after me?!
Hello?!
What are you talking about?
I chased after you when you were on that bus!
Not that! I'm talking about the day I went to give you your shirt!
You know what?
What?!
Don't be so unreasonable!
You're the one that said it was over,
that you were going to go to Germany with your mother!
That's true, but...
You're the one that couldn't believe me.
You're the one that couldn't believe me,
and went off and got a new lover, and is now getting married!
I don't always do things the way you want me to, Sae!
I'm not a robot!
You're an adult now too,
so you need to take responsibility for what you say and the decisions you make.
That...
What?
I understand.
I understand, but stop talking to me like that!
It really makes me angry, so stop it!
Sae-san!
If you're looking for Kai, he's inside.
No, I came here for you.
What is it?
From that face, you two fought.
You know, that day, Kai said to me, that he loved you...
That he couldn't give up on you.
But...
But that it wasn't him...
He was uncertain.
He wasn't sure if a person like himself could make you happy.
I think Kai was afraid,
about whether he could always be there to protect you...
And whether he could support you.
However, I think that he was desperately trying to become stronger for you.
You know...
I don't think anyone is strong from the outset...
Just as you are scared to speak.
I'm sorry, forgive me.
But just as you are scared to speak, Kai is scared, too.
Everyone has their own weaknesses like that.
Please understand that for him.
Oh Sae, Sae...
About the wedding in Germany, is there anyone you want to invite besides Akane-
Sorry, I'm a little tired right now.
Good job!
Congratulations!
It's still too early for that!
I bet you passed.
We should have invited Sae too, don't you think?
Oh sorry, I guess that wasn't appropriate.
But it might have been ok to invite her.
What?
Sae apparently canceled the wedding.
Huh?
Probably... At this point, it's postponed, and the ceremony in Germany is canceled.
You know, Kai, you're the one who's really in Sae's heart...
Because Haruki stayed with her during the surgery,
and she wanted to relieve her mom of worries, she tried to go on with the marriage.
But it's actually you.
It's too late.
Kai.
Sae's going back to Germany soon?
Yeah, she probably is.
Can't you forgive her?
Well about how she went out with another guy.
The fact that she couldn't believe in you.
Maybe I can't forgive her.
Can't you overcome that...
If she's the only one in the world, and number one in your life?
I found it! I found it!
That's great! I'm glad!
Alright!
Wow, is that so?
I shouldn't be doing such a thing while hearing such good news.
No, no, go ahead!
I'm really happy for you.
Did you let her know?
Hagio Sae, she seemed to be quite concerned about it.
She may still be here.
She was over here the other day because she can't attend the graduation
ceremony due to her mom's work, and wanted her diploma mailed to her.
You should let her know.
She'll be very happy for you.
Keep going, all right, turn.
Yes!
Excuse me...
Are you here to see Miss Hagio?
Ah, yes.
They've already gone back to Germany.
Excuse me!
Excuse me for a moment.
What is it?
Sorry, what should I do with this?
My, they left something like that behind?
I will raise it now.
Now I will lower it.
I'm fine.
Are you ok?
Keep going, Mrs. Nasuda! But don't push yourself too much!
You did it!
That's wonderful! Now let's sit down a little.
I'm going to lower the footrest now.
You really did your best today!
Hey, Kai-kun.
You know, that... What was it...
Occupational therapist.
Yes, the professional school for that.
Since you got into it, I'm keeping our promise, I'm doing my best too.
I'm actually thinking of going to Germany.
Germany?
Yes, I'm going to save up money, and go about three years from now.
Wow... But why Germany of all places?
That's where the person I love is.
I think that she's probably the only one in a lifetime.
You may laugh at me saying such a thing.
No, I won't laugh.
I understand.
Even to a grandma like me, there is someone who is the only one in a lifetime.
Oh, who is that?
Grandpa.
Oh, the one that comes here often.
So there is no hurry, young one.
In the face of what is true, even God will hesitate and stop time.
Whose words are those?
Mine.
Now, we wish for you, Meisei Academic University graduates,
a future that will live up to the prestige of our university.
Now, we would like to welcome our guest speaker to offer their congratulatory address.
I guess it's time to say goodbye to this place.
Keita here.
Shohei.
Akane-chan.
Me.
...Sae.
We did it, we graduated! Hooray for the Orange Society!
Sae
They were all
my time
with you, Kai.
Kai, congratulations on graduating.
Now that I think back on it...
The time I spent at this school, they were all my time with you, Kai.
You would smile,
You would get angry.
You would cry...
and I was there.
I was living in your kindness.
That place was very comfortable, and it may sound strange,
but somehow nostalgic.
I won't forget the countless incidents that happened here.
Even if you forget, Kai...
And thank you.
Truly, thank you.
If you weren't there, I probably wouldn't have been able to go on living.
Not that I would have died,
but I wouldn't have been able to live with such vitality.
When I lost my hearing, I gave up on several things, in my despair.
And,
I could no longer believe that I could meet the only one for me in the would,
the only one of my lifetime.
But,
after meeting you, I came to believe in those things once again.
Kai, you were someone that I wouldn't trade for anyone or anything else in the world.
And it will surely continue to be that way even from now.
Even if we are separated.
Finally...
I'm sorry, Kai.
I'm sorry that I couldn't believe you all the way through.
I thought about it.
About why I couldn't believe you.
It's because I myself was weak.
When you're weak, you can't even believe others.
That's why I have decided to become stronger.
For now, I'm going to live by myself and try to make it on my own.
It seems scary, but I'm also anticipating it a little at the same time.
Do your best, Kai.
I will try my best as well.
Wishing for you nothing but happiness in your life from this day forth.
Sae Hagio.
Why are you here?
I thought you were going back without attending the ceremony.
How about you? Why aren't you in there?
The graduation ceremony isn't over yet.
I got sick of it.
I got sick of it too and snuck out.
If you do things like that, they'll revoke your graduation.
Really?!
I'm kidding.
I'm going to find a job over here.
I decided to try my best over here.
Hmm.
I rented a room on my own, too.
Aren't you impressed?
I am.
I won't return to Germany.
I see.
"I see."?
Is that all?
From here...
Why don't we start again from here?
The two of us, one more time.
One more time, together.
It's for you.
Congratulations on graduating.
Thank you.
I believe that people who can believe in one another
are the ones who will build the 21st century...
Keita and them are over there.
That year, I discovered a light.
I found a single ray of light, amidst the darkness that only continued day by day.
That light at times grows dim, but it continues to shine on my heart.
She is the light of my life.
All together...
Congratulations!
Thanks. Well, I'll be going now.
Kai?
Have a safe trip.
I'm off.