Original subtitles

There's a childhood friend of mine, a girl, who lives next door.

Whenever we're together, we both get mistaken all the time.

Me as a girl and her as a boy.

Every time she gets mistaken for a boy, she was secretly getting hurt.

So it got me thinking, should I cross-dress, so I can prevent her from getting hurt?

Wait, what do you mean by that?

I was thinking that if I had cross-dressed from the beginning,

then even if we were together, people wouldn't compare us like 'he's a boy, this one's a girl.'

I've always thought I was doing this for her sake though.

Maybe the truth is, I just wanted to escape from my complex.

Complex?

I want to be cool but because I couldn't be, I kind of ran away.

I actually have a lot of self-loathing.

Somewhere, there was a budding hair and make-up artist

who had a one-sided love for a classmate from high school.

What?

They both thought of each other as best friends beyond the boundary of gender.

They remained good friends even after becoming working adults, and thought that would last forever.

Is that your story?

Before long, she starts to have feelings for him that go beyond friendship.

It's just that she didn't have the courage to tell him her feelings.

One day, she gets a job opportunity in Tokyo.

She made a firm decision to advance her career, and the determination to tell him her feelings.

Don't move.

However, when it came down to it,

due to tension and anxiety, she was unable to confess her love.

Trying to calm her feelings, she went to the restroom and took a single lipstick from her pouch.

Lipstick?

With a single swipe of lipstick,

her mind calmed down as if by magic, and she was then able to tell him her true feelings.

Anyway, although his response was, 'you're my best friend,'

her spirits were still lifted.

Since that day, lipstick has been like an armor that gives her inner strength.

Wasn't make up like an armor for you?

Hasn't makeup ever saved you?

Thanks to makeup, I was able to be with Akira confidently.

Well, if you feel like wanting to open up about something,

call me anytime you want.

Thank you so much.

But from your story earlier, that guy doesn't have a good eye at all.

You're bad-mouthing my husband?! Stop it!

Husband?!

Translations by FURRITSUBS

5, 6!

Hey, Kuji! Over here!

Sorry, I made you wait!

Yahoo, Akira! - My bad.

You had to come from so far away.

You went out of your way to invite me.

I'm glad Nishikubo knows your number.

Take a seat for now.

Akira, lets go get some drinks.

Well...

Fumi, what about the store?

So...

I'm sorry.

What?

I've wanted to apologize from what happened last time.

I dumped my feelings on to you, and didn't even keep in touch.

I left it that way.

Even though the issue between you and Ninomiya were between you two,

I interfered and caused a commotion.

I'm just the worst.

You're not.

Because of what you said,

the chaos in my head kind of got sorted out.

Ninomiya didn't just suddenly change.

Isn't the reason you were able to be so oblivious

is because Ninomiya waited all this time, accepting things as they were?

Thanks to you, I decided to think more carefully about Makoto.

So you know?

Thank you.

A 'thank you' for an 'I'm sorry'?

That's really who you are.

Sorry.

I'm really glad I became friends with you.

Fumi.

Let's go to the store now.

So your thoughts were sorted out, now what's going on between you two?

Even though I've sorted things out,

I'm anxious about what might happen if this relationship were to change

I see.

Hey.

If Ninomiya found someone more important than you, what would you do?

What?

I totally understand that you're scared of the relationship changing.

But if Ninomiya found someone else,

someone even more important than you, what then?

If Makoto were to find someone important,

I would really, really hate it.

You did so well!

That's surely how you really feel.

How I feel?

Think about it.

Imagine you spent all the time you had with Ninomiya until now with someone else, right?

Could you have a relationship greater than the one with Ninomiya, with someone else?

Don't you think I'm such a good friend?

What to do next? Where to go?

I'm starving.

You’re right. - Let's go get food.

So hungry.

Kuji, did you change your hairstyle?

Juts showing off the forehead a bit.

Looks good.

You could try growing your bangs a little longer, and tuck them behind your ears?

Sorry. It's surprising when someone suddenly reaches out their hand to you.

It's fine.

It felt natural like how I feel for my younger sister. I'm really sorry.

Oga! Right here.

That would have been fine if it was Makoto.

Even if he touches me.

If only it were Makoto.

I see! I'm...

Sorry, guys! I have to go home now!

Fumi, I'm going to tell Makoto.

I'll go and tell him that I finally understand.

Kuji!

You're someone I cherish and who I spent a lot of time with.

You don't have to be feminine if you don't want to.

A bit early but think of it as a Christmas gift.

I like you as a woman, Akira.

Makoto...

Makoto!

Makoto!

So sorry! Sorry!

Akira...

Akira!

Akira!

Why are you here, Sayaka?

Don't give me that!

I got home and saw Auntie crying.

She said it's because you got taken to the hospital.

Down the stairs, head on the butt.

The head on the butt?

It's because you said you fell, it was such a mess, and something terrible happened!

It wasn't me who fell down the stairs but a grade school student.

When I caught him, I only plopped down on my rear.

So this was only Auntie's hasty conclusion and a misunderstanding.

The parents suggested that I get a medical examination at the hospital, as a precaution.

Oh, my. I'll tell them thanks! I'll go tell them my thanks!

Thanks? Where are you off to?!

Moreover, I'm glad you're safe.

Sorry, Sayaka.

Anyway, I was wondering, isn't that Tomo and Oga?

It's been a while!

You doing well?

Is she Ninomiya's older sister?

Yes.

She really sees you like her younger sister.

I can see how you and Ninomiya have been together like that all this time.

When I was about to fall down the stairs, the first face that came to mind was Makoto's.

This is an answer too, right?

There will definitely never be anyone more important than Makoto, ever.

I'm sure the person himself would be so delighted to hear that.

I hope so.

Sayaka.

Come and eat dinner with us! I'll quickly make some Napolitan.

Thank you.

Wow, Akira.

I forgot I sent him an email saying you were taken to the hospital.

H-Hello?

What do you mean, big sis?

Is Akira alright?

Hey.

Makoto, It's me. Akira.

What?

Akira, are you okay?

I'm fine.

I heard you fell down the stairs and got taken to the hospital.

That's a misunderstanding. The one who fell was a grade school student.

A grade school student?

Anyway, I'm alright.

I see. I'm relieved.

I've been wanting to talk to you.

Me too. I wanted to hear your voice.

Hey, Makoto. I...

Akira, can you give me the phone back? Auntie said she forgot to buy ketchup and pasta.

Sorry. Let's talk properly next time.

Alright.

Bye, see you.

Gotta hurry.

Sayaka, I kinda need help with something.

She hasn't reached out.

She said we'll talk next time but it's been 5 days.

I thought it was something important?

It's not that I don't. Makoto is just a childhood friend.

I do nothing but fret and think.

Okay, Makoto. I gotta go.

Makoto, there's a movie being filmed nearby today.

You should do and see it.

If I feel like it.

No. Go.

What?

You have to go.

Alright.

Well, I'll send you the time and location later.

You're going.

You're going.

Alright.

Dad? Where is it?

I don't see anyone filming here.

What? Look a little harder. What? Honma? Makoto, they said it's in Honma. Honma!

So pretty. I want Akira to see this too.

Hey! Hey, wait!

Makoto! I said wait!

What are you doing?

I came to see you. I said so.

We'll talk properly.

You did. But why?

I had Uncle and Sayaka help me out.

So that's what this is?

I wanted to see you to talk.

I had to look you in the eye to talk to you.

Makoto!

Let's walk a bit.

How's everyone?

They're well. Sayaka and Auntie. As well as Oga and the others.

You met up with Oga?

But with everyone! Everyone.

That's fine.

It feels like it's been a while since we talked like this and I feel a bit nervous.

Really?

Makoto.

You're not gonna ask?

What I came here to talk to you about?

I do want to ask.

To be honest, I've been so curious.

But, I just lost my cool with you,

and I feel so lame for running away all the way here.

So now I'm trying to look calm, while I wait for you to start talking.

Listen, Makoto. I..

What are you doing?

Come on.

I'm fine.

Huh?

I knew it. You're the only one...

who I'm comfortable with.

It's you who I want to touch me like this.

At any time, it's your face that I think of first.

I think it will probably be like that from now on.

I don't believe there is anyone else that I feel I want to be with more than you.

But you're more than just a childhood friend.

I like you as a man, Makoto.

The sea!

Shall we go for a walk?

And so, we finally moved beyond childhood friends, and our relationship took a step forward.

I see. I see, I see. I'm so happy!

You look like you're so happy about this!

Because I have so few female friends, even listening to someone's love stories is precious to me.

But, don't you hate it?

Come on, if I did, I wouldn't be asking you.

I am so happy!

I see.

How are things?

How are you two doing now?

It's like the usual. We're always together.

What has changed from when you were still childhood friends?

I'm happy that I can feel calm again, like I used to.

I know that only you two can understand the dynamics of your relationship so I can't say much,

but is it just my imagination that I feel like you still don't have that 'couple feeling' around you two?

You two are officially dating now, aren't you?

Now that you mention it, I haven't actually been asked 'Will you go out with me?' or anything like that yet.

But wait! That time...

We didn't!

Thanks for waiting.

Makoto.

Hey.

Have things changed from the way we were before?

Huh?

I was just thinking, seeing your face right now, felt like nothing matters anymore.

I don't intend for things to be the way they were.

I do have some ulterior motives, you know.

Huh?

But I don't want to cause you any trouble,

so I think it's best if we take things slow and go out at our own pace.

You're right.

And, I want to keep it a secret for a while that we're going out.

What?

Raws & captions: Nick (sketchyblsubbingteam.pages.dev) Thank you as always for all your help! Support him: ko-fi.com/nicksden Translations by FURRITSUBS furritsubs.wordpress.com Twitter: @furritsubs Support me: Patreon/Ko-fi - Furritsubs

I want to keep it a secret for a while that we're going out.

What?

Akira?

No, I just... I told Fumi.

Of course, I did ask her not to tell anybody yet.

Nishikubo's fine, but like mom and Sayaka and the others at school?

You're right. It fee's a bit embarrassing.

So let's wait for a good time so we can tell them about it.

Oh, gosh. Look at that. I see. So this is what's going on?

Wow, what a good scene I witnessed. I see it now.

That's so good!

The 'nuisance' is going inside first.

Is this youth? Yeah, it's youth.

I'm home.

Is she drunk?

Right?

I think she'll forget about it tomorrow.

Translations by FURRITSUBS

Akira, morning!

It's been a while.

Ninomiya too.

Hey, you got your bangs up. So cute!

What? Really?

I'm going to class.

See you.

What's going on? Did you have a change of heart or something?

What?

I want to keep it a secret for a while that we're going out.

No, I just...

Since the ends of my hair keep getting in my eyes, I want to do something about it.

What? Ends?

It pokes your eyes?

Not that it's in your eyes, but it's the tip that pokes.

Morning.

Hey, have you made a decision about your class schedule?

Since I want to take as many credits as I can in my second year,

I think I'll fill my schedule with classes daily.

I see. You don't want to attend classes during job hunting season, right?

Right?

Ninomiya, do you have something in mind for the future?

For now, I've found one certification I'd like to obtain.

Certification for what?

Not telling you.

What? So stingy.

Where to today?

Here.

Makoto!

There was no need to rush.

I mean, I wanted to see you sooner!

Let's go.

Head pat? Head pat?! What was that for?!

Hey, Makoto. Where do you draw the line?

We'll get found out!

Head pat! Oh, what do we do?

Alright, introduce me next week. - Sure. I'll let you meet up.

- Great work. Thanks. - Bye-bye.

Makoto, are you going to a vocational school?

During spring break, when I went to my dad's place,

I met a hair and makeup artist named Ms. Risa Shinohara, and she did my makeup.

Wasn't make up like an armor for you?

Hasn't makeup ever saved you?

While Ms. Shinohara was doing my makeup,

she seemed incredibly happy,

and I could tell she had chosen this job because she truly loved it.

Also, Ms. Shinohara's makeup was completely different from my sister's,

which made me think again how interesting hair and makeup is.

I see. Though it always seemed like Sayaka was forcing you to do it.

To be fair, it was cross-dressing that I was made to do.

Have you told Auntie already?

I said I was interested in hair and make up, and she had the same reaction as you.

In that case, you should start by getting a cosmetology license.

And then, attend a vocational school while you're at university.

If you're doing correspondence courses, well, you should be able to manage somehow.

And then, maybe you can get an apprenticeship at my agency.

So from now on, I'll go to vocational school after university on weekdays,

work part-time at the office after university.

And it seems like I'll be spending all day on weekends and holidays there.

Wait, with that and then also vocational school, won't you be too busy?

That's fine. I'm grateful for the opportunity to gain experience.

But...

It looks like I won't be able to spend much time with you.

I'm sorry, even though we just started dating.

After hearing all that, I got so excited.

What?

You've found something you really want to do.

That's so cool.

Akira.

Do your best.

If there's anything I can help with, I'll help you with anything.

Feel free to tell me anytime.

Thank you.

Honestly, you're incredible, especially in that area.

That being said, Makoto's been coming home late,

so we haven't been able to go to the convenience store together anymore.

I'd like to have a long talk with Makoto.

No, that's not it.

What I can do for now is support Makoto.

I'll see him again tomorrow morning. Alright.

Morning.

Open your mouth a bit.

Huh?

Open your mouth. Open wide. Open. Here I go.

What's this?

Black vinegar garlic.

My mom says this is good for relieving fatigue.

Well, goodluck.

Thanks. You too.

What? Ninomiya?

He's going to a vocational school in addition to university, to get a hairdresser's license.

Future plans, huh? That feels like a distant thing.

Have you give it a thought?

I'm taking 'Confucian Classics and Family Life' next year.

You really thought this through.

Damn, I'm feeling pressured.

Anyway, I haven't seen you read a book before.

Not true. I do read books!

You don't.

Perhaps I read in secret.

Are you free tomorrow? We're all going to hang out, do you want to come?

I messaged Makoto too but he didn't read it.

I wonder if things would be different if we told everyone we're going out?

Hey, hey, Akira. I need your thoughts on something.

What?

Actually, there's another girl who says she likes Ninomiya again.

Asumi. That's kinda...

You're no longer hurting, right? Fumi?

I mean, you're right.

Well, I know Ninomiya's so busy,

but I really want him to go on a date atleast once with this girl.

Will you help me convince him?

Well...

I've asked him multiple times about it, but Ninomiya always leaves me on delivered.

Makoto's so popular. Who's the girl? You got a photo?

Tomo. Shush.

Asami, Akira is...

Wait, Fumi.

But...

What's this about?

What is it?

Well...

What do I do?

How can I gently decline while keeping our relationship a secret?

But you see, I think he would listen to whatever you say since you are his childhood friend.

I really want them to be alone so they can talk.

Makoto being all alone with some stranger...

Sorry, I took so long.

Makoto.

The heck. Don't ignore our messages if you're coming anyway.

I couldn't find the right time to respond. I figured it would be faster if I just came.

That's kinda cool.

Imamura, sorry but can you turn that girl down?

What?

I'm going out with Akira.

Hey, Makoto...

This is how it is.

What?

I knew it!

What? Since when were you this perceptive?

It's so obvious that even someone as dense as me can tell.

I see.

What? I had no idea at all.

Sorry, Akira! I said something so disrespectful.

I'm sorry as well. I didn't explain it to you.

Sorry. I'm really sorry.

So glad for you, Akira. Congrats once again.

Thank you.

Congrats! Congrats!

Alright, let's toast to that!

Congrats! - That's mine.

Fuji. Congrats! - Congrats! Cheers!

Alright! So glad!

Excuse me, can I get a melon soda please?

Hey, what do we do next?

Let's see. I think there was a matcha shop over there.

You know, I really thought you and Kuji make a great pair.

No way.

What? Really?

Even if that were the case, I'd rather choose my friendship with Makoto.

Right? Well, you're popular, you'll find a girlfriend soon.

And you? How are you lately?

Me? I've been asked out by Nishikubo to hang out with just her and me.

What? Nishikubo?

For real? They have ice cream there, right? Did you know something happened there?

Hey, Tomo!

The heck!

Why didn't you say this earlier?!

What about?

Makoto, you're coming with me.

You guys can walk ahead. - No, let's all go together.

What? What is this?

You did it!

He did not!

Makoto.

Was it good that we told everyone?

Sorry.

It was selfish of me to say I didn't want to tell anyone.

I'm grateful to you.

You're overreacting.

It was definitely embarrassing to tell everyone, and as you said, timing is important.

But I don't want to see you have a hard time.

I'm really sorry for putting you in a troubling position.

See you.

Makoto always considers me carefully in this way.

Hurry and get inside. - Huh?

Hurry up, hurry. - Hurry up? The key.

Akira?

Well, I just really wanted to hug you right now.

Sorry for being so sudden.

We're inside the house anyway.

Oh, my.

There are people watching even inside the house.

What's your problem?

I'm really glad things turned out this way.

It also feels like Makoto won through sheer persistence.

You two have such a good vibe going on.

What was that about?

I've decided. I'm getting married.

What?!

Here.

We were classmates in high school and were good friends.

We happened to meet again three years ago through work, and then he confessed his feelings to me.

You were dating since three years ago?

I didn't notice at all.

We started dating a month ago.

What?

We've been friends since high school,

we know each other's ex-boyfriends/girlfriends, our dark histories, everything.

How can we switch to a romantic relationship now?

That hits close to home.

Even so, he comes at me from time to time.

I mean, I was comfortable with the situation too,

and just when I was thinking about what to do,

you guys returned from Tokyo looking really good together.

You guys encouraged me.

Seeing you two smiling, being so warm, and acting all shy,

I started to think that the starting point doesn't really matter anymore.

Hold on. You've only dated for a month, and now you've decided to get married?

That's right.

You decided too quick!

Do you want to eat buns?

See, I bought some. Let's eat these. You don't want to?

What? Is that so?!

That's great! Congrats.

The right time is when you want to get married. Right, Dad?

I see. Sayaka, am I finally going to become the father of the bride?

What? About you?

Sayaka, congrats!

Thank you!

Things progressed smoothly, and my sister's wedding was set for next April.

And just like that, April arrived once more. Sayaka's wedding is finally approaching.

Maybe this?

You're the star of the show, maybe I shouldn't be too flashy.

Maybe this?

I'll just wear a normal suit, so don't worry.

What are you saying?

I'm going to present you who I chose, to everyone and see what they say.

We have to decide your make up too.

What is the bride saying?

You're back.

The bride wouldn't have time for that.

I'll do Akira's make up.

What? You'll do my make up?!

I finally got mom's approval.

And then, the wedding day.

Well, let's get started.

I am in your care.

You know, I've always been small and my face was kind of feminine, right?

Since I became aware of my feelings for you, there are times when I struggle with my appearance.

What?

I worry that when you stand next to me, we'll be compared and I'll be seen as less of a man.

Makoto.

I figured if I completely transformed into a woman, we wouldn't be compared and you wouldn't get hurt.

That's not...

Hey, don't move.

Sorry.

In the end, I was also using cross-dressing as a way to avoid getting hurt myself.

The reason I asked to keep our relationship private was because I was concerned that,

with my looks, people might not see us as a real couple.

It's pathetic, but that was the real reason.

Done.

Amazing.

Even though Auntie and Sayaka has done my makeup,

I think I like my look today the most.

I'm glad.

I finished doing your makeup today, and that's a milestone for me.

Milestone?

I cross-dressed because I had an inferiority complex about my looks,

but Ms. Shinohara told me that makeup is not necessarily erotic.

Make up is an armor.

In other words, makeup saved me.

I hope it can save you as well.

You thought of it that way.

If I can make you cute with my own hands, I think I can take a step forward too.

But I have been saved all this time by you.

We've been together all this time, even though we both had complexes, haven't we?

That's right.

The lipstick might come off.

It's okay, I can just reapply it if it wears off.

Oh, come on!

Why does it always have to be at a time like this?

It's about time we go.

Anyway, you guys look absolutely amazing.

It's my wedding, so make sure you two don't stand out too much, okay?

Delivery.

I'll take it.

Thank you, little miss.

Delivery.

Hey, hey. I got called a little miss just now.

Raws & captions: Nick (sketchyblsubbingteam.pages.dev) Thank you as always for all your help! Support him: ko-fi.com/nicksden Translations by FURRITSUBS furritsubs.wordpress.com Twitter: @furritsubs Support me: Patreon/Ko-fi - Furritsubs