"In the time the three of us have spent together,
"my feelings of confusion have been swept cleanly away.
"Connected by our hands,
"I feel a deep bond between us."
In Mio's place...
...why can't I go back to the Planet Archive instead...
Takumi-san.
He has a high fever!
"At that time, an incident occurred."
Um...
Mio?
Yes.
Mio.
Are you awake?
Ah, don't. You shouldn't.
That's good, looks like it's gone down a little.
I'm feeling better. I'm fine.
By the way, did someone come just now?
Ah, it was Mariko-san.
Eh?
But she didn't say anything. She just left.
I think she was probably worried about your condition, and so came for a visit.
What is it?
Wait, Takumi-san!
It couldn't be...
Are you okay?
Just a little dizzy is all.
Sorry about this, but could you bring me the phone?
- You want to use the phone? - Yeah.
Mariko-san seemed really surprised when she saw me.
She did?
She was so surprised, she couldn't speak.
I wonder why?
Probably because she didn't know you were out of the hospital yet.
The hospital?
I haven't told anyone about your memory loss yet.
Ah. But...
Does that bother you?
No. Not at all.
Ah, I was thinking of making some porridge, but can you eat?
Ah... that would be good.
I'll make some now.
Mariko-san, what's the matter?
Sensei...
What about work? Do you have the day off?
No.
Yes... yes. Yes.
Um, I wanted to get in touch with her; has she come in?
- Chief?! - Huh?
Have you heard anything from Mari-chan?
Um, nothing.
He says nothing.
Is that Aio-kun? Is he okay?
His fever's gone down.
Listen, can you tell him that I order him not to strain himself?
If he comes back here, it could make it worse.
The Chief says not to strain yourself.
Actually though, we could use the help.
Ah... thank you.
I apologize for not being there.
When Nagase-san returns, please let her know I wanted to talk to her.
Please. Goodbye.
Am I keeping you from anything?
No.
Actually, I think it was good that you invited me in.
If that's true, that would be good.
I've been feeling a bit out of sorts, though.
Somehow...
...I feel as if I've swallowed a heavy stone.
Are you talking about Aio-kun?
"How could you let another woman into this house?"
"That Mio chose the wrong path in life...
"That if she hadn't...
"...she wouldn't have died so early..."
What have I done...
I expected to keep that here, in my heart,
until I died.
I've said something I can never take back.
I won't be able to face Mio again either.
Not at all...
Is anything the matter?
Has something happened?
No. I'm fine.
Really?
I think Mio already understands your feelings.
She was a gentle soul who could understand anyone's feelings.
That's true.
This is delicious.
Ah? Good.
I'm sorry.
About what?
I should have convinced Mariko-san to wait.
That's okay.
But didn't you have something urgent to tell her?
I left messages at the library, her home and City Hall as well.
Sooner or later she'll get in touch with me.
Thank you for the food.
Yes.
What is it?
I'm just glad your complexion looks so much better now.
Ah, I recover quickly.
- Yuji was worried as well. - Really?
What is it?
Holding your hand like this...
...I could calm myself.
"Ima, Ai ni Yukimasu" "Now, I'm Coming To Be With You"
Yuji-kun!
Why are you in such a hurry to get home?
Something important happened. Goodbye, Sensei.
Bye.
Hey, Yuji-kun, wait!
Something important, huh?
Must be nice having something like that.
Shall we go?
Episode 08: "Suki desu. Demo..." "I love you. But..."
I'm home!
- Welcome back. - Welcome back.
Takkun, are you better now?
Yeah. You were worried about me, huh?
And your fever?
It's fine. It went down.
That's good.
I'm starving.
Where did that come from?
You got hungry because you were relived, right?
Yeah. Hey, Mama, can you make a snack?
Hmmmm. How about we make some fruit jelly together?
Yeah, I will, I will.
Well then, go wash your hands.
Go on.
Takkun.
Huh?
Mama already went to sleep.
I see. Come on.
That's good.
Hmm?
Mama was relieved that you were feeling better.
She was worried about me, wasn't she?
Yeah.
Well, you should hurry and go to sleep, too.
Mmmm...
Takkun...
Yes?
Takkun, I found my picture book.
Eh?
We'll wake Mama up, so let's talk in the other room.
Takkun.
Yes?
"And when the rainy season ends...
"Mama will return to the blue skies and the Planet Archive."
That won't happen, will it?
Mama will be with us forever, won't she?
Takkun...
Yuji...
I'm sorry.
I don't know either.
When the rainy season ends...
...what will happen to Mama...
I don't know what to expect.
Takkun?
Come here.
"Good morning. I have an errand to run, so I'm going to work earlier than usual. Takumi."
This early?
Yuji. What are you doing?
I meant to ask you before,
but why do you hang all the Teruterubozu upside-down?
It's a secret.
Is it a good luck charm?
Like I said, it's a secret!
Why? Won't you let me know?
Well then, me too.
Eh? You, too?
I don't know what's going on,
but I think it might be something good, right?
That's right.
What's this? You're here early. What's up?
Are you feeling better?
Yes. Um... I had some business with Nagase-san.
With Mari-chan? Mari-chan will be late today.
That's why she asked me to come in early.
But she wouldn't tell me the reason.
She always keeps a strong guard up, doesn't she?
Maybe I was just thinking too much.
Bye, I'm leaving now.
Ah, wait a minute, Yuji.
You forgot something. Here.
Big Hug! One more Big Hug. Once more, Big Hug! And again, Big Hug!
Okay, that's all of the Big Hugs.
Since there's no school lunch today, I'll be home early.
Umm. All right. Take care.
I'm off.
Is it really Mio?
Please give me... (Shiroi tsubasa...)
...white wings (...tsukete kudasai)
Through the blue skies, I'll spread those wings... (Kono aosora ni tsubasa o hiroge...)
- That's wrong, Mio. - Eh?
It's not 'blue skies' (aozora) but 'heaven' (oozora).
- Isn't it 'blue skies?' - No, it's not!
I always thought it was 'blue skies.' Are you sure?
Yeah. I'm sure.
"Through the blue skies, I'll..."
Good morning.
Ah, um...
Were you able to meet Takumi-san?
Ah...
Um, he left the house today really early.
I think he probably...
...had something he wanted to talk to you about.
Ah. I don't know...
Did you want to leave a message for him?
No, not today...
Are you sure?
I'll meet him at the library later...
Ah... that's true.
That song... you were singing just now...
Yes?
Ah, nothing. I'm sorry. Bye.
Ah...
What's up? You're in a daze.
Ah, no.
These need to be loaded onto the 'Exciting Issues' wagon.
Okay.
Ah, after you're done with that, it would be a good time to stop.
No, I'm fine. I already took a day off yesterday.
You aren't allowed to overdo it. Got that?
Yes, sir.
I just...
...met Mio...
I was shocked!
I was surprised, too.
I never thought...
My breath stopped.
At first I thought it was just someone who looked like Mio.
But it wasn't.
Back in Junior High, Mio made a mistake in a song we used to sing.
She was singing that song...
So...
...it must be Mio after all.
But Mio...
...didn't seem to remember us singing that song together.
I'm sorry.
I don't understand any of this.
I don't understand it either, but...
Mio lost her memories...
...and has come back for the rainy season.
So...
...of me, Yuji and of you...
...she has no memories.
Um...
Of what we just talked about, can you keep it to yourself?
Please.
I don't want the life we have now to break down.
For me...
...this Mio isn't just a replacement...
...she's a second chance that has come along.
"Mama?"
"Is it you, Mio?"
Does Ryouko-sensei know?
I haven't told her.
Even now...
...I'm still debating whether to tell her or not.
I'm home!
Welcome back.
Mama, I'm starving.
Today we have sandwiches.
Itadakimasu!
Hey! Go wash your hands.
Okaaay.
Hey, Yuji.
Huh?
Have you gone to the forest anytime lately?
Not since Takkun and you and the three of us went.
I see.
Well then, shall we take a walk together after we've eaten the sandwiches?
Sure. Let's go.
Actually, there's something I wanted to talk to you about...
There's something I wanted to talk to you about as well.
I've been thinking for a while now that I needed to apologize to you.
What is it you wanted to tell me?
The reason you've been suffering is all my doing.
That's why you really didn't say anything wrong.
Right now, Mio is living at my house.
Eh?!
She's living with me and Yuji right now.
What are you are saying?
Please come meet Mio.
I...
Since we've been living with her, all of our sorrows have vanished.
So I think, just like she did for me...
...she'll be able to help you feel better, too.
I'm sure Mio would be thrilled to see you.
Takumi-san...
I'm sorry, but...
...your story just now is nothing but an excuse and I refuse to hear it!
The loss of my daughter has been a hell for me,
and I don't think anyone could understand that, but...
To tell me Mio has been resurrected...
Can't you distinguish between good and bad anymore?
If Mio did come back, there is no way she would have returned to your home!
She would have come here instead.
Sushi. (Osushi)
- "Shi?" - "Shi."
Shi, shi, shi, shu...
Shun-chan!
Hey!
What are you doing?
Trying to make this flower box look pretty.
Ehh...
Where are you going?
Mama and I are going for a walk in the forest together.
- I see. - Bye, Shun-chan.
Sorry for worrying you the other day.
Not at all. How is Asuka-san?
My wife has made her peace with it.
She's regained her vigor and become noisy again.
Thank goodness.
Hey, Dear. Do you know where the paint is?
I went to the storage room for the paint to prepare it, but...
Good afternoon.
Ah, good afternoon. Hey, about the paint.
I don't know. Have you looked everywhere?
- But what could have happened to it? - Check the inside of the storage room...
Ah, that's...
Dear, what is that?
That's... paint...
It is, isn't it?
"Hongo Clinic"
"Maybe I should go in...
"I guess maybe I shouldn't...
"It's not time for my periodic physical exam, or maybe Sensei's visiting patients...
"Maybe I shouldn't. What should I do?"
Is that it?
Yes...
You can come to me whenever you're confused.
Sandwiches. (Sandoicchi)
Ah, "Chi."
Chi... Chi...
Ah, Cheesecake. (Chiizukaaki)
"Ki."
Ki... Ki...
Raspberry. (Kiichigo)
I see.
You told Ryouko-sensei about it.
But I think you probably reached Ryouko-sensei's heart the way you'd hoped.
It may be awhile before you can face Ryouko-sensei again,
but I'm sure it's was for the best, wasn't it?
Yes...
Hey, Mama, what's wrong?
Umm, nothing. I'm sorry.
Then, let's run to the other side of the tunnel.
Eh?
Ready... GO!
Yuji, be careful. Wait up!
Hey!
- Mama, you're slow! - Wait! Wait!
But Mariko-san and Mio-san were close friends, weren't they?
They were.
But I don't think she would carelessly go around telling people about Mio-san,
so I don't think you have to worry about Mariko-san...
You should probably be more worried about Mio-san. Well?
Eh?
Well, someone comes for a visit, has a shocked look on their face,
then leaves without saying anything.
I wonder what Mio-san thinks about that.
Takumi-kun, did you give Mio-san some explanation?
For why Mariko-san had every reason to be surprised when she saw her?
That she had been hospitalized.
So when she came to the house, not expecting her, she'd be surprised...
Was Mio-san convinced?
Well...
What a bother.
"This year's rainy season may be ending earlier than in normal years."
Speaking of which,
didn't you tell me that when the rainy season was over,
Mio-san would return to the Planet Archive?
"...the blue skies will soon return."
Mio.
Mio?
Mio...
Um, excuse me, do you know where Mio is?
Ah, you know, earlier she said she was going to the forest. And...
Thank you very much.
You can look for her, but she said that some time ago...
Mio.
Takumi-san?
What's wrong?
I... thought you might have vanished.
Takumi-san.
Thank goodness.
Why did you come out to the forest?
Something in my heart felt uneasy.
I came to the forest...
...thinking I could find out why.
Will you continue the story of the two of us?
The third summer of high school would bring many painful memories to me.
Yo, Aio, long time no see.
Hey.
Your preliminary round times were pretty good.
Kudou-senpai, good luck!
Thank you.
"Whenever I had an athletic meet, you wrote you'd come root for me in your letters.
"But I'd write back saying,
"'Please don't come. I'll get nervous if you do.'"
On your marks.
"Perhaps it was on purpose.
"Perhaps it wasn't.
"But, in the end, a loss is a loss.
"Somehow, at the time,
"I had the feeling you were there, somewhere.
"But it was probably just my imagination."
In first place, from Tsuyusaki High School, Kudou Akihiro-kun.
Aio. That's too bad.
Bye.
Next, the young men's 3000 meter...
"Only one last tournament remained in my high school years.
"Just one last meet.
"I wanted to do that one.
"I didn't want to regret it if I didn't.
"Thinking back on it now,
"somewhere inside me a switch had turned itself on.
"First it became impossible for me to run at full power.
"And then my insides became jumbled...
"...whenever I was in crowds.
"Finally, I wasn't even able to make it to school.
"I had to notify the school I would be dropping out after half a year."
This is just a first examination,
but I don't see any problems, other than possibly some mental ones.
A mental problem created within the substance of the brain itself...
"No matter which hospital I went to,
"no one knew the name of my disease."
It would probably be for the best if you stopped running.
"Even doing my best,
"I could only manage half what a normal person could.
"Except for being irritated at my condition,
"there was nothing else I could do.
"I wasn't suitable for you anymore...
"I wrote you a letter.
"Due to unforeseen circumstances, I won't be writing you letters anymore.
"Please forget about me.
"Aoi Takumi."
What I wrote to you then, became my last letter.
When I received your letter...
...I'm certain...
...I would have hurriedly written you back.
And even if I waited and you didn't reply,
I would have written you again...
And if you didn't reply to that one either,
it would have been hard, but...
...I would have written you again anyway.
Yes.
After that...
...did I ever come to visit you?
You did.
But I took special care when you came to visit,
not to say anything to you.
And I... didn't say anything, either?
Yeah.
That's strange...
I feel as if I've known all this from long ago.
I don't need my memories anymore.
Being next to you, Takumi-san...
...all of my tiny insecurities and doubts, cleanly vanish.
Being held by you...
...is enough to make me happy.
Mio...
Hmm?
Would it be okay if I kissed you?
Excuse me.
That's right.
Eh?
On my shoulder... I would feel your hair.
In my arms... I would embrace you completely.
That was our best position.
"The next day, I washed all the windows in our home.
"My heart was sparkling just like the windows sparkled."
Adorable!
"And when the rainy season ends,
"Mama will return to the blue skies and the Planet Archive"
"Seeing that picture book, was the start of everything.
"The heavy door that was once shut,
"I now opened..."
AIO Mio (24): Mimura
AIO Takumi (25): NARIMIYA Hiroki
ENOKIDA Mio (15): KUROKAWA Tomoka
AIO Takumi (15): FUKOMOTO Yuuki
AIO Yuji: TAKEI Akashi
MIURA Saori (Yuji's Teacher): MEGUMI
NAGASE Mariko: OKAMOTO Aya
ENOKIDA Ryouko (Mio's mother): MITA Yoshiko
Based on the novel by ICHIKAWA Takuji: "Ima, Ai ni Yukimasu"
Screenplay by: INO Akiko
Additional Dialogue: OKADA Yoshikazu
Song: "Kizuna" ("Bonds") ORANGE RANGE
Music: SENOU Takeshi
Producer: IYODA Hidenori
Directed by: YAMAMURO Daisuke
A Production of: TBS Television
Original Air Date: August 29, 2005