Uehara, I hope you're doing well.
It's already been two weeks since we took that wonderful trip.
I'll be 18 years old soon.
But, I hate to say it,
I'm not sure if I'm prepared to celebrate my birthday with you.
My good health was always the one thing I've had going for me.
So, until yesterday,
I never thought I'd end up like this.
Why didn't you answer?
ONE DAY EARLIER
-Answer what? -My texts!
Yesterday and today, you didn't answer any of them.
But we see each other every day anyway.
That's not the issue here!
"Look, Uehara!
Check out these flowers I saw near my work!"
Yeah, they're so pretty, aren't they?
"Uehara!
I'm at a cafe with Marina right now!
Yum! I'm having a limited edition special cake!"
That was totally delicious!
It was so sweet! And really cute too!
Those kinds of texts don't need an answer.
Yes, they do!
You're the first person I wanted to share my feelings with, that's all.
OK, I understand. Is that all you wanted?
You've got the whole day off from work today, right?
Yeah.
Don't you think you've been at home too much since you got this computer?
It's a holiday today, so why don't we go out somewhere?
Sorry, but could you leave me alone? You're distracting me.
I've been replaced.
That computer means more to him than me.
Oh, but maybe
I was being too pushy.
But that means I'm a failure as a girlfriend!
Oh, dear!
These must be the DVDs Uehara rented.
I've never heard of any of these.
Are you going to watch all those movies?
Uh, yeah.
I think I'd like to watch them with you.
Don't force yourself.
You only watch romances and cartoons, right?
I'm not forcing myself.
I was just thinking I'd like to watch your kind of movies.
OK, sure, if you want.
You want one?
Huh? It's not over yet.
Sorry, but I'm going to watch it in my room on my computer.
Huh? Wait! Wait a second!
Leave me alone for a while.
What?
I won't be outdone!
My greatest weapon is my cooking!
There we go.
It's all ready.
Uehara.
I'm going to be demure about this.
I know this is your day off and I'm sorry to bother you,
but dinner is ready!
Send!
I guess you're not answering because you're angry?
Oh, that's right! You're still watching that movie.
Sorry for bothering you.
Buzz off! Leave me alone, would you?
Now I'm really pissed off!
I'm not letting you have a bite of this!
I'll eat it all!
Go ahead and play with your computer.
Yum! This is good! Really good!
And it made you sick.
Now you're hospitalized for three days.
They think it was the oysters in my seafood soup.
Getting food poisoning from your own food. That's so like you, Nao!
Oh, dear!
And you two seemed so lovey-dovey on that trip.
That night nothing happened because you got a fever, right?
Yeah, but the bonds between us became stronger.
But I just can't get his attention away from that computer.
Romance is probably pretty low on his list of priorities.
But don't you think saying "buzz off" is going too far?
-Is that what you say to your girlfriend? -No, it's not.
Not only won't he come for a visit, he doesn't even answer my texts!
He's probably living it up all by himself now--
This could be a good thing!
-A good thing? -Yeah!
It'll be good for him to realize how important you are to him.
They say, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
You get out the day after tomorrow, and that's your birthday, right?
You two will be totally lovey-dovey when you get home.
I'm sure he's forgotten.
No. I bet right now he's wondering what kind of present he should get you.
Saturday is his day off, so he might even set up a surprise for you!
Oh, my god!
A present from Uehara?
Happy birthday, Nao.
Thank you, Uehara.
Next year, and the next, and all the years after that,
let's always be together.
Uehara.
Forever, Nao.
You just have to be patient until the day after tomorrow.
Of course.
-What's that? -Huh?
-Let me see! -Cut it out.
Out of hospital
Welcome! Water, Nao!
Oh, yeah. She's not here.
Huh? Nao's not here today?
No. Sorry.
What the... I came here because I wanted to see her pretty face.
Don't act like that. I'll give you free roast pork slices.
You're so generous, Issei!
Nao has become the face of our shop.
No, she hasn't!
Without her around,
there's a lot less trouble with broken bowls.
-I'm done. -Get the register, Nao.
Oh, yeah. She's not here.
MEGUROGAOKA SAKURA HOSPITAL
I can't take it.
I can't take this anymore.
Uehara.
OK, Uehara!
-Oh! Hello-- -This is an answering service.
Uehara. This is Nao.
You must be busy with work.
I'm doing fine! Just fine!
I'll be home the day after tomorrow, no problem. Don't worry about me.
You don't need to worry about me at all. Really!
You don't have to visit either--
Such a cruel boyfriend.
His own girlfriend is sick. How dare he not contact you?
This is none of your business!
He's... busy with his work.
Are you sure he's working?
Yes, of course I am!
Unlike me, even though he's a high school student,
he's independent, gets great grades and is good at sports.
All that's pointless if he doesn't treat his girlfriend right.
-But I'm the perfect boyfriend! -Huh?
I'm devoted and kind. And mentally, I'm an adult.
Plus, since I'm a university student, I've got free time.
I never asked.
I'm Senzaki Yu. Nice to meet you, Nao.
Leave me alone!
I thought I was unlucky to get acute gastritis,
but it was actually good luck.
I was able to meet this pretty little lady.
Get your hands off of me!
What's wrong with you?
That hurt!
What's with that weirdo?
I wish I was with Uehara right now!
You don't need to worry about me at all. Really!
You don't have to visit either--
This is braised beef with potatoes.
I made more than we need, so I wanted to share it.
Oh, thank you.
By the way, Uehara--
Uehara! You...
Not you again.
Is that any way to talk to your best friend?
We're not best friends.
And...
you've got Nao, so why...
What are you talking about?
I'm Momoyama Mami.
We used to be classmates.
I'm Abe Jun. I'm Uehara's best friend.
If you knew a girl this pretty, how come you never introduced me?
I didn't know her. We only met again recently.
-Recently? When? -I don't remember.
About two weeks ago.
I was visiting someone who lives here,
and just happened to see him.
Is that Uehara?
He was with his girlfriend, so I didn't say anything
because I didn't want to disturb them.
The next day we ran into each other on the elevator.
Perfect!
OK, I'll be going now.
OK. Thanks for the food.
Hold on! Hold on!
-Come inside. -Huh?
For some tea.
What do you think you're doing?
She'll find out we live together.
It'll be fine. Leave this to me.
-Uhm... -Oh, sorry.
Actually, Uehara lives with his older sister.
She's out today, so feel free to come in.
Come, come.
His former classmate is totally cute!
She goes to one of those all-girl schools for rich princesses.
She's a perfect young lady.
The queen of young ladies.
At any rate,
she's as pretty as a picture.
Letting strangers in is against the rules.
Besides, if he's got time for that, then why isn't he visiting me?
-You don't misunderstand, Nao? -Huh?
She has a boyfriend.
He's older and lives in the building.
So it's more like just a neighborly friendship.
Oh, but I'm not worried at all.
Really?
Things like being cute or sexy
don't mean anything to Uehara.
I guess you're right. He did choose you, after all.
All he was really interested in was her cooking.
-What? -What?
She... cooked something for him?
Yeah. But it was more like,
"I made too much for my boyfriend, so I'm sharing it."
-And he took it? -Yep.
Why?
-Why? -Don't take it that way!
The first time, he was totally starving,
so he couldn't stop himself.
Couldn't stop himself?
Then she kept on bringing it, so he'd accept it.
Now he can't refuse--
He should refuse!
Don't tell me that!
Darn him!
That spells trouble.
-You think so? -Yep.
Oh, but you see,
she's got a boyfriend--
-Don't be a fool. -Huh?
-Nao. -Yes?
Why do you think I'm so popular with the girls?
Because you're cooler and more masculine than most guys.
That's true, but it's not the only reason.
-I will never cheat on them. -Huh?
All men will cheat on their women!
Whether he's got a girlfriend or she has a boyfriend doesn't matter.
His instincts will always win! That's the kind of beast men are.
I see.
So, you've been in a lot of relationships.
I've never been in one.
What?
But lots of girls have shared their problems with me,
so I know all about men.
Oh, now I see.
You'd better watch out. She's going to be trouble.
It's obvious she's trying to get at him through his stomach.
In fact, she could be lying about
her boyfriend living in that building.
Really?
Uehara.
We meet again.
-Sorry for making you come with me. -It's OK.
My boyfriend said he was going to be late,
so I didn't know how I was going to pass the time.
I'll pay, so have as much as you like.
No, it's OK. You gave me food yesterday too.
I've got a favor that I want to ask you, Uehara.
We're going to have an elementary school reunion.
A reunion?
I'm in charge of organizing the girls.
All the other girls are begging me to get you to come.
Do you think you can come?
Well... I've got work.
Please! Even just for an hour.
I guess your girlfriend wouldn't be too happy about that, would she?
No, it's OK.
Oh, you're still not over what happened a long time ago?
What happened a long time ago?
You know, I liked you the whole time we were in school.
-Uhm... -Yes?
What's your name again?
I'm really sorry.
I'm terrible at remembering names.
I'm Mami. Momoyama Mami.
Momoyama... Mami.
You snatched away the one person who was precious to me.
Momoyama Mami.
That's you?
You finally remembered?
No. I don't remember what happened between us.
-You're so mean. -Oh. I'm sorry.
Seriously. I'm sorry.
I'm just playing with you. You're too funny, Uehara.
I feel stupid for being worried about it.
You're not angry?
No.
But you'll come to the reunion, won't you?
Fine, I will.
Good! Let's exchange numbers!
♪ Happy birthday to me ♪
We'll finally see each other again today, Uehara.
♪ Happy birthday ♪
♪ To me ♪
MEGURAGAOKA SAKURA HOSPITAL
RECEIVING NEW MESSAGES. PLEASE WAIT.
NO NEW MESSAGES.
You must be kidding me.
Come on! Come on!
Come on!
NO NEW MESSAGES
It's my birthday, and I'm getting out of the hospital.
How come he hasn't contacted me?
You mean, he might not come and get me?
Uehara...
I'm so sad to see you go!
What the heck do you think you're doing?
I was trying to get a good-bye kiss.
This guy's more trouble than Abe.
You sure are rough, Nao.
Maybe that's why he won't contact you.
Are you crazy?
I bet your girlfriend won't call you
because you're always hitting on other girls.
Huh?
You're always here because you're waiting for her to call, right?
This is the only place in the hospital we can use our phones.
I don't have a girlfriend. But there is a girl that I like.
So, it's one-sided love.
No. It will become two-way love very soon.
So, come on, Nao. Give me a kiss.
You're absolutely disgusting! Just who do you think you are?
See you around.
What's with that weirdo?
Oh, god! I can't take this any longer.
I want to be with Uehara. He'll make me feel better.
Uehara!
I guess he hasn't come home yet.
Could this be...
a love letter from Uehara?
What does it say? What does it say?
"I'll be sleeping over at my job for a while."
I'll be sleeping over at my job for a while. Uehara.
What?
What the... But why? Why?
Why? Why? Why? How can he leave like that?
And why today of all days?
My phone! My phone!
This is an answering service.
Please leave your message after the tone.
If he's going to do that, then I'm going to his work!
-Eek! -Whoa! You scared me!
Nao! Here!
Huh? What's this?
-Happy birthday! -Thank you!
Happy birthday, Nao. Pretty huge, huh?
-Can you guess what it is? -I don't know.
-♪ Happy birthday to you! ♪ -♪ Happy birthday to you! ♪
-Blow them out! -Blow them out!
Happy birthday!
Thanks, you guys!
-Are you surprised? -Yeah, I sure am!
We all decided to give you a surprise party.
Oh, I see. He tricked me.
OK, Nao. Take a look at this.
This is what you've been wanting!
-Here goes! -Have at it!
Uehara! Uehara!
Abe...
Hey, Abe! Why are you sleeping?
Ah! He's drooled on her present!
Dammit! What's wrong with you?
Here you go, Nao! Exactly what you've wanted.
A Moussy stole and a Tarepanda pillow.
-Thank you. -Yeah!
I'm really happy. Thank you, everyone.
You're welcome.
-So, where's Uehara? -Where's Uehara?
-Huh? -Huh?
You mean he still hasn't contacted you?
No.
Are you saying
he didn't come to the hospital or your birthday either?
Where are you going, Marina?
Isn't it obvious? Uehara's work.
-I'll drag him back here if I have to. -Don't be so hasty!
I don't care what his excuse is. This is awful!
It's her first birthday since they started dating, and she's sick.
This is totally unacceptable!
Oh! Look! Look!
-I just got a text from him. -Really?
It says, "Sorry, but I have to stay longer at work."
He says we'll celebrate when he gets home.
You sure you're not lying, Nao?
Yeah. I'm totally happy now!
Not just my friends, but my boyfriend will celebrate with me.
Yeah!
-Let me see the text. -Don't make her do that.
-I'm not lying. -I think she is.
Happy birthday, Nao!
-You're late, stupid! -Happy birthday!
This is nothing to celebrate! Damn you!
You drooled on the pillow!
Nao.
Oh, Issei.
I thought you'd already gone home.
I rang the doorbell.
Sorry. I didn't hear it at all.
-Did you forget something? -Yeah.
There's something I forgot to say.
Huh?
Are you happy with the way things are?
Don't you think there are other guys that will treat you better than he does?
-He treats me well. -He does? But--
Uehara treats me very well.
He really does.
It's just that right now he wants to be alone.
You know how guys are like that sometimes.
You mean he left?
No, it's nothing serious like that.
Nao!
Tell me what's happened.
It's all because... I bug him too much.
What's that supposed to mean?
Unlike me, he's very independent.
He's the type that likes to watch movies alone.
With someone like me around all the time...
I'm just... a bother to him.
But, you see...
I just wanted...
to share the same feelings with him.
To feel excited... or romantic...
and all other kinds of feelings. I just wanted to experience them together.
I wonder what it's like to share feelings with the person you love.
COFFEE SHOP
YOSHIKAWA NAO
Abe told me that this is where you work.
What the hell is going on? Why did you move out like that?
-It's none of your business. -Yes it is.
She's not just an employee.
She's the face of our shop now.
She's like part of my family.
I can't help but worry about her emotional health.
Or is there some other reason why you've left?
No.
Abe told me all about you.
You've been pretty popular lately.
What?
There's some girl bringing you home-cooked meals.
If you call that being popular, then it's nothing new.
How dare you brag like that?
Hey! Chill out, man! Hands off!
-What's that? -What?
A love letter?
Who said you could look at that?
So...
is this the reason you moved out?
If you ever see Yoshikawa Nao again, I'll tell your school.
Rice porridge.
MILK PUDDING
Uehara...
When did you get this?
The day Nao was hospitalized.
A second one came yesterday.
Then how come you haven't told her?
She's ill, so I didn't want to cause her any extra worry.
But that's no reason to move out all of a sudden.
I don't know who's watching us.
They could go nuts and do something to Nao.
I wanted to think about what to do alone.
How come you're like that?
What?
Nao wants a relationship with you that's equal.
She wants to share everything with you, the happy and sad things. Everything!
Don't you think you should be looking out for her feelings most of all?
-Why do you have to make a big deal? -What did you say?
Anyway...
I'm only staying away until this blows over.
Once things cool down, I'll explain everything to her.
-You jerk! -I told you--
What's the point unless you see her today?
Huh?
EVENING STAR RAMEN
I was wondering,
do you think Uehara doesn't know today is Nao's birthday?
What?
No way! I'm sure Nao has told him.
Yeah, yeah.
There's no way he wouldn't know.
Yeah, yeah.
-He might not. -You're right.
Thanks always. From Nao.
I never knew it's your birthday today!
I'm not interested in anyone besides you, Uehara.
You're the most important person to me.
What kind of present does she want?
What kind of present does any woman want?
Welcome.
I'm looking for a birthday present.
This is our most popular item now.
OK.
I never should have bought that computer.
Uhm... could you
discount this for me?
He's rented some niche movies again.
LATE FALL IN MIRECOURT
MAGRITTE OF THE WIND AND CLOUDS
He rented romances?
Are these for me?
Hello?
Uehara! Where are you now?
I'm right in front of you.
OK. I'll be there in a--
Huh?
Hi.
Uehara!
What are you running away for?
Sorry.
I've got to tell you something.
If you ever see Yoshikawa Nao again, I'll tell your school.
What this means is that someone is watching us.
So I thought I probably should stay in my room.
-Why? -Huh?
Why didn't you tell me?
Because I didn't want to cause you unnecessary worry.
It's not unnecessary!
Thinking about it together is necessary.
Sorry.
This kind of thing doesn't bother me at all.
I'm used to your fans picking on me and teasing me.
But what if the school finds out?
We'll think of something when it happens.
It'll be too late once the trouble starts.
You may be saying that now...
but I know you like it better when you're alone.
Well...
Nao.
What's wrong? Are you sick at your stomach again?
-I can't take this. -Huh?
I was so lonely!
I was worried the whole time, and you never texted back to me.
Then when I finally got out of the hospital,
you had moved out. I don't want that!
Even if you do want me to "buzz off"...
I don't want to leave you.
I'm sorry...
for sending you that text.
I didn't think I had put you under so much pressure, Nao.
But put up with this for now.
There will be real trouble if the school finds out.
-We'll be apart only a little-- -No!
It can't be helped! I miss you too!
Really?
What?
You really do?
Here.
Uehara.
Don't be angry.
I didn't have much money, so this is all I could get.
This is mostly your fault anyway.
Why didn't you tell me it was your birthday?
Thank you.
I'll treasure it forever.
It's not that special.
Nao.
Let's go.
Huh? Where?
There's no need to go buy milk pudding at this time of night.
It's your fault for eating mine.
I thought you'd gotten that for me too.
Hey! It's my birthday! You should treat me nicer today!
Uehara?
I'm sorry.
It's your special day, after all.
Oh, forget about it.
I'm just glad you're back.
How beautiful!
It's a full moon today.
Yeah.
Like they say, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
Huh?
We'll only be apart for a little while.
You mean...
Let's fight this blackmail, Uehara!
You bet.
Oh!
What?
Did you take me out here
so you could show me this?
No!
I'm so happy.
Nao, someone might be watching us.
Ah, who cares?
Nao.
Yes?
Happy birthday.
Thank you, Uehara.
Mami!
Oh, Yu! You got out of the hospital?
Yeah.
What the heck are you doing out here?
I was just passing by.
I'm so sorry for not texting you back.
Yeah, whatever. It's OK.
Him again?
I'm so sleepy.
I had never watched movies all night long.
Why did you watch all those DVDs in one night?
I thought you were going to watch with me.
No way. Romances are so boring.
That still hasn't changed about you.
Nao, this is far enough. Get back inside.
No.
What's with you?
But from now on, you won't be home when I return.
I want to make the most of our time together.
-By the way... -Yes?
Why don't you ask Marina to come over while I'm gone?
Why?
Well, it's dangerous at night.
And there's strange people like that around.
Quit staring, stupid.
Huh?
Hey!
Issei? Is that you, Issei?
-Huh? -What are you doing?
What happened to your face? Are you all right?
Your dad found out about the broken $12,000 bowls?
Yeah. The other day, that special customer
placed an order for the first time in a long time.
You idiot!
Don't worry.
It was my fault for not telling him.
What should we do?
I'll go apologize to your dad.
No, don't do that.
I'll tell him everything. You just wait.
But I can't just watch without doing anything.
I don't care what you do. I've got to get to work.
Cool as ice, just like always.
Oh, yeah. Could I stay here tonight?
You're going to be alone from today. It's perfect timing.
Well...
If your boyfriend doesn't like it, then I understand.
OK, you can stay.
-Huh? -What?
This is really my fault in the first place.
You can stay here for as long as it takes for you and your dad work things out.
Uh, but,
morally, I don't think that's proper--
Don't worry about it.
You're like family to me, Issei.
It's OK, isn't it, Uehara?
Do you have any idea what you're saying?
I won't be here starting today.
I know that.
We just promised each other yesterday
that we'd do our best even though we're apart.
-What? -Don't you see?
Since I won't be here...
It'll be just me and you.
Oh! That's right!
That's right! That's no good!
Oh! I have an idea!
You stay here too, Uehara.
Huh?
Issei will be here too, so it'll be like camouflage.
Camouflage?
Come on, Uehara? OK?
You sleep in the living room.
Thank you!
Oh! That's right!
That means three of us will be living together.
You sure it's OK?
It can't be helped.
THIS IS A FICTIONAL DRAMA.