Original subtitles

Huh... Where am I?

Here's coffee.

- Morning. - Morning.

Wait... Reiko, I did walk you home last night, right?

You don't remember?

You passed out, Yūichi. Way too drunk.

I put you in a cab and carried you all the way here.

You're unbelievably heavy.

Sorry about that.

But you really missed out, Yūichi.

You stayed at my place but passed out first.

Pervert!

Whoa! What was that for...?

Ahh...

Forget it.

Is this your first time doing this?

With you? Yeah.

Meaning what?

Exactly what you're thinking.

With that guy?

What's wrong with that?

Huh...

So you two were already like that?

Are you misunderstanding something?

Nothing happened like you're imagining.

Bull! That can't be true.

It could've happened, but not with you.

'Cause we're just friends?

Exactly.

But he's not just a friend, is he?

True... But I'm the only one who feels that way...

Kishida-san only sees me as a little sister.

- That's dangerous. - Why?

Reiko... you've got a great body.

Oh? Wanna try staying over again tonight?

Your parents will find out eventually.

It's fine!

You're the only one who'd snitch, Yūichi.

Idiot! Neighbors could see us anytime.

Right. I'll be careful.

Now.

- It's hot. - Yeah.

- See you after school? - Yeah.

Bye.

This is the local train to Sumaura Park.

This train has six cars.

Morning.

Reiko, what happened after that last night?

Yūichi stayed over at my place.

You don't seem surprised.

I'm shocked!

- What about you, Sāko? - My curfew's 9 PM.

Oh, I should probably behave better too.

I'm telling aunt and uncle in Tokyo.

Aunty told my mom...

...to keep a close eye on you, Reiko.

Even if they let you live alone to stay at this school,

there are limits, you know?

Do you get that?

I get it.

So something happened between Yūichi and you last night?

No! Absolutely not.

Is that so?

Why does everyone say things like that?

It's obvious why!

Is it? We're just friends, Yūichi and I.

Oh, come on!

Unbelievable. You're impossible.

What?

- We're late! Move it! - 'Sup.

Stand up!

Bow!

Good morning.

Be seated.

Honestly, you all only this energetic right before summer break.

Okay, attendance time.

Sorry we're late.

Yeah, late.

You two, wait! Hold on...

You smell like booze.

- Oh, and you too, teach! - Huh?

I saw you in the hotel lobby yesterday.

You were with some guy, right?

I'm not falling for that!

I was at an izakaya in Sannomiya yesterday.

I wasn't with any man!

Your punishment is summer school.

For drinking? Or for being late?

Both!

If it's just for drinking, that guy was also with us...

Idiot! That was unnecessary.

What I just handed out...

is for choosing your path when advancing to university.

Please write your preferred faculties and departments.

We're both going for the English department, right?

Yeah, that's right.

You all likely know this already...

Our school offers English and Japanese Literature...

a four-year university program with Education...

and a junior college for Home Economics.

Additionally, there's a separate exam...

for our recommendation program to Sophia University in Tokyo.

Uncle keeps telling you to come to a Tokyo university, right?

I'm not going.

I love Kobe best.

Think it over carefully during summer break and decide, okay?

Now, I'll hand out your first-term report cards.

- Come on, Show me! - Why should I have to?

You're secretly aiming for good grades to get that recommendation, aren't you?

There's no such thing!

Seniors!

What?

Senior Kajiwara and Kuriwo...

you looked so cool last night.

- Huh? - At the club in Hunter Hill...

- We were there too. - Hah... I see.

You were with those boys from Kannon High, right?

You rocked those outfits. We'd never pull that off.

She was dressed all sexy, wasn't she?

So what?

We want you to teach us everything.

We want to be your apprentices.

What?

We wish we could get boyfriends like that too.

Not boyfriends. Just... part of our friend group.

That makes it even cooler.

Reiko, let's go.

Can't deal with this.

Ms. Kajiwara, Ms. Kuriwo.

Remember Yūko Nakamura? You were classmates until elementary school.

Yūko!

I joined this school in middle school.

Ah, right. Yes.

Yūko's father's job required

her to stay in London for years. She just returned yesterday.

- Long time no see. - It has been.

Looking forward to working with you from September.

Nice to meet you. Please be kind to me.

Reiko... Oh! I'm Reiko Kuriwo.

Nice to meet you.

Take care of me.

See you later.

She used to be neighbors with Yūichi.

She knows Yūichi really well.

Oh, really?

At our school, not everyone...

...is guaranteed to advance to a higher-level university.

At least 10% of students with insufficient grades get held back.

You realize you're currently in that group, right?

- So I can advance? - No!

You're in the group that CAN'T advance!

Huh...

Don't just 'huh' at me! Are you mocking me?

I'm not! I'll work hard in music.

Music grades alone won't cut it.

English, math, physics...

Give it your all on the next test, okay?

Okay.

You are mocking me, aren't you?

No, seriously! I'm actually panicking inside.

Doesn't look like it.

Whatever. Hmph!

Sorry.

- You're late. - My bad.

Got held up by a teacher who keeps saying she likes me...

...wouldn't let me leave.

Liar. Your grades are so bad...

...she lectured you about not advancing, didn't she?

Like you were watching.

It's obvious.

You're something else...

Hey, where are we going?

Take me somewhere, you'll buy me tea.

Where would that be?

Very well, Mr. Kato. I'll make your reservation.

Thank you for calling.

Nothing's wrong.

Let's go hang out.

I have an appointment.

- A woman? - A patient.

You can tell me, she's a pretty patient, right?

- Hello. - Welcome.

Doctor.

Only Reiko fits that description.

I'm not pretty.

Then let's go out until your pretty patient arrives.

Ain't someone waiting outside for you?

Oh! I'll introduce you! Okay?

Let's grab a drink, yeah?

- It's fine, right? - Yeah...

So you came here all by yourself?

Oh? That's cool with you? Just like that?

But what am I even supposed to talk about over tea with someone like that?

Reiko’s just being Reiko, huh.

It's fine. That’s just how Reiko is.

She didn't mean anything bad by it.

She genuinely just wanted to introduce her boyfriend to me.

That's just way too insensitive.

- That's not it. - What's not?

I don't have feelings for Reiko or anything.

We just get along really well, that's all.

It's no different from hanging with the guys.

Get it through your head already.

Look...

Guys who couldn't get a girlfriend in high school,

won't get one in college either.

- Why? - This town's too small.

There's only so many girls around.

That girl was dating some Konan guy until last week.

Saw that one with a Kwansei dude.

It's always like that.

Everyone meets someone, dates through college...

...then gets married.

Our seniors, our dads, our moms...

All followed that script.

So you'll marry your current girlfriend?

Probably not, I guess.

That's hypocritical.

Slack through exams, get into college...

...screw around, graduate, marry...

...join Dad's firm for some cushy job.

Gotta break that cycle somewhere...

Or my whole life'll be boring enough to kill me.

What's wrong with that? You're blessed with opportunities.

Quit being so spoiled.

Use your parents' wealth now, pay them back slowly.

You'll die single.

You're still a kid who doesn't understand happiness.

This guy's family's rolling in cash,

so he's starving for love money can't buy.

Weird though, right?

Rich but zero game with girls.

Shut up!

Yūichi, what's your plan?

- My future? - Nah, about your girlfriend.

Ah, whatever... I'm good.

Do you remember Yūko Nakamura?

She's back in Kobe.

You, take this one.

Huh? This one?

You get this one.

This is way too much.

You want to become our disciple, right?

You can't be a disciple without wearing something like this.

Seriously, how do I even wear this?

Well then, Master!

Ta-da!

Hey... where are you from?

- Where're you from? - Tea, tea...

- Okay, okay... - I'm not drinking this.

Drink it, drink it!

Works like a charm! Boys are so simple.

Wonder what Yūichi's thinking?

He's always spacing out like that.

Even when I introduced the guy I like, he completely ignored him.

Huh? Does that mean...

Could you be in love with Yūichi?

It's not like that! Well... not exactly...

It's just... how do I put it...

I wish he'd pay more attention to me.

Especially when I'm this cute!

That's just selfish.

What? Now of all times?

Hey, you know about the piano story?

- Piano? - Yeah.

Yūko Nakamura who transferred here recently?

Well, Yūko and Yūichi...

Took piano lessons together since they were kids.

When Yūko had to move to London...

she cried her eyes out to Yūichi...

threw a fit saying she didn't want to go.

Then Yūichi promised: "Until Yūko returns...

"I'll quit piano to keep our bond alive."

He made that vow to her.

That's so him.

Who knows if he's kept that promise though.

He definitely has.

Yūichi?

I'm home...

Welcome back.

Do you remember me?

I do.

Long time no see. Sorry to barge in.

Ah... It has been a while.

She just got back from London...

She said she wanted to visit our place first.

Hey, you should sit down too.

Somehow, when you two sit side by side...

Yūko looks all grown up now...

But Yūichi still seems so spacey.

That's not...

I just look spaced out, that's all.

You are spaced out!

And yesterday's report card...

I nearly fainted seeing that line of ducks...

But this kid just acts so nonchalant...

Shut up! Don't say that in front of others.

Am I an outsider?

Right?

No matter how many years it's been...

You've been neighbors since kindergarten...

She's not an outsider, right?

I've always wanted to be Yūichi's bride.

How about now? Is it too late?

Well... I just got back...

I only know the old Yūichi.

He hasn't changed a bit.

- Looking forward to it. - What do you mean by that?

Looking forward to it.

Ah... Yeah.

Silly boy.

You scared me!

Don't just barge in like it's your own house!

Lock your door. It's not safe.

I just got home.

What are you brooding about?

Well...

Don't come to someone's house just to dump your problems.

It's not a problem.

Then what? You're acting weird. Spit it out.

I met someone I hadn't seen in ages.

- A girl? - Yeah.

- Is it Yūko? - How'd you know?

She's transferring to our class soon.

Ah, Sako told me...

She said Yūichi and Yūko used to be neighbors.

She knows everything about everyone.

She's cute, isn't she?

Yeah, I guess.

Were you two dating?

Nah, it wasn't like we were dating or anything...

We were just elementary school kids. Childhood friends.

Yūichi, don't tell me...

You've never dated a girl, have you?

What're you talking about?

Heh heh, I knew it.

I never noticed until now.

Idiot, that's not it.

I get it. You couldn't forget Yūko, could you?

So all this time... It's not like that!

I'm getting mad, Reiko.

But...

Actually... you're kinda right.

See? Told you.

But what's wrong with that?

You think so?

You might actually get a girlfriend now.

Any day now.

Well, who knows...

Can't you open the roof?

It's broken.

Seriously? For an otaku like you...

...you should have way better cars than this.

It's so hot. Seriously boiling.

No AC in this thing?

It's fine till I start college.

Oops, it came off.

Just put it back!

What should we do?

I'm starving.

- This almond chicken? - Sounds good!

No way. Let's just get juice.

Then I'll get ice cream.

I'll have...

Have you decided?

Huh? Why you?

Wanted to try this kind of part-time job.

But... our school bans part-time jobs during high school.

It's fine, I start in September.

Still, so cool, Yūko-san.

Just Yūko is fine.

So, what'll it be?

Iced tea for me. Iced tea, got it.

Me too. Iced tea, okay.

- Gin and tonic. - Gin and tonic, right.

Um... Co... Cola.

Cola, here you go.

- What about Yūichi? - Beer.

That's weird.

What is?

Yūichi said beer.

I do drink beer sometimes.

Right, right. Okay, okay.

What I hate is being cornered...

That pressured feeling of having to bunt... That's what I dislike.

When you're cornered like that...

- Hitting while bunting... - Ta-dah!

Cheater. Only you can pull that off.

- It's fine, right? - Yeah.

This? I got it from my grandma. It's something she used to wear.

Hmm... Oh.

- Shall we toast for now? - Oh, let's toast.

Alright then.

Cheers!

Mmm, delicious.

- Hey, hey, hey... - Huh?

Didn't Takano seem weird today?

He got all nervous seeing Yūko.

"C-c-c... Cola"? He's not a chicken.

Hah, chicken...

- This isn't funny. - What?

Today, Yūko only had eyes for Yūichi.

You think so?

- Why not be clear? - If you like him, say you like him.

Seriously, watching you two makes me so frustrated.

I can't just say that.

If you don't say it, he'll never know.

I know, but...

He's targeting the outside corner.

He hit it!

What a relief~

- So starting today. - Yes.

- As a waiter. - Yes.

- Do your best. - Good morning.

- Good morning. - Oh, morning.

Good morning.

Starting today, Mitsui Takanobu joins us part-time.

Want to have lunch together?

You and I have different lunch breaks.

- Yūko-chan. - Yes?

I'm quitting today.

Disgusting.

Bro, you're crying.

Don't ask me what to do about it.

Ouch!

Don't get cocky with me.

For someone quick to act, you sure overthink things.

Yeah... got it.

Then I'll talk with Yūko for a bit.

You're the only one I can ask. Please.

Bro, stop crying. It's embarrassing.

- Something bothering you? - I'm not crying!

Kid, scram.

After I went to the trouble of worrying about you.

Yūichi, come inside.

Okay.

- 'Sup. - Yeah.

Come in.

Oh... this.

Ah, nostalgic! You remembered.

My family always bought from this place.

Thanks. This makes me happy.

Don't mention it.

This place feels smaller than when we were kids, huh?

I suppose it does.

You know Takanobu from our school?

So that's what this is about.

Pretty much...

Kinda hurts that you'd ask me that, Yūichi.

No...

He's a good guy. Really earnest.

We've barely spoken.

Ah... he's fun to talk to.

Whether it's fun depends on chemistry.

True...

I don't get why things turned out this way.

Did you start hating me?

Who?

That's not it.

Japanese guys are so hard to read.

Hey, wanna take a walk?

The wind in Rokkō* feels nice. (*- island in Kobe)

Yeah.

Way back when we were little...

when we came to this church together...

a young pastor was rehearsing a wedding.

Remember?

That pastor who'd just been assigned here...

had to officiate his first wedding, right?

He was practicing since he wasn't used to it yet.

So we got recruited to play the bride and groom...

"As the head of the church...

"and savior of the church, which is his body...

"so the husband is the head of the wife."

"Will you, in health and in sickness...

"love and honor her...

"comfort and support her...

"and remain faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"

Say "I do."

I do.

Thank you.

You saved me.

After this, the two kiss, right?

You know your stuff.

- Can I ask you something? - Yeah.

Since I went to London...

have you kept that promise?

The promise not to play piano until you returned?

Yes.

Yeah, I've kept it.

Play it now.

Thanks to that, I haven't played in so long I forgot how.

Oh, right.

Your piano playing was wonderful.

Truth is, I just wanted an excuse to skip piano practice.

How typical.

I'll make curry rice.

- Oh, I'll carry it. - It's fine.

- I'll carry it, I'll carry it. - Thank you.

Oh, hello.

- Yūichi? - Yes.

I'll be waiting for your call tonight.

- Got it. - Well then...

See you...

- Is this okay? - What?

Something's off with Reiko.

Is it?

Is this about me?

No, no, not at all.

Hold on...

I'm heading home now.

- Huh? - Okay.

Let's meet again.

Yeah.

Well then... See you.

What's wrong?

It's unusual. Reiko, you're not eating?

Oh right, I have a present for you.

Go ahead, open it.

What is it?

Come on, open it.

You wanted this, right?

The one I wanted was cheaper.

Reiko, we've had good times together...

But maybe it's best if we stop seeing each other.

You brought that handsome guy around recently.

Why not try dating him properly?

He has nothing to do with this!

Doctor, after toying with me...

...you're just going to throw me away?

Don't make it sound so terrible.

When did I ever toy with you?

You're the one who comes during consultations and plays with me.

I won't bother you anymore.

I'm getting married.

Life has its turning points.

How pathetic.

Thanks for the other day.

I'm home.

- Did you eat? - Yeah.

Oh. I was going to make you pilaf.

Then let's have watermelon.

Did you have fun with Yūko?

Yeah, we just reminisced.

I got dumped today!

Huh... I said I got dumped.

- Why? - He said he's getting married.

You always thought he saw you as a kid sister...

...but he actually dumped you properly.

Don't say it like it's a good thing!

I tried so hard to convince him.

Convince him?

I even considered being his mistress for a second.

You've got some nerve saying that when nothing even happened.

Is that bad?

Nah, it's perfectly healthy. Good for you.

Sāko said something.

That Yūko seems to like Yūichi.

Since when is anything Sāko says reliable?

But... just suppose...

If she asked to date you, what would you do, Yūichi?

Hmm... I'd probably go out with her.

I see...

She'd never ask. That girl's had too much pride since forever.

Hey Yūichi, let's go on a real date next time. A proper date.

We go out all the time, don't we?

No we don't!

We're always just wandering around and chatting, that's all.

I want to properly browse clothes, eat delicious things...

You know what I mean?

Will going on a date make you feel better?

I felt better after eating watermelon.

You don't really see me as a girl, do you?

Don't tell me you don't see me as a guy?

So how do you really feel about me, Yūichi?

I really like you, Reiko.

- Really? - Yeah.

Play piano for me next time.

Huh?

Play the piano.

Okay.

What now?

Nothing special.

Should we head back soon?

I don't want to go home.

Ah...

- I'm sorry. - It's okay.

But...

Hey...

Do you... like me?

You came?

Yeah, had math make-up class.

I got burned too, but you weren't there earlier, were you?

Is that so?

Is that okay?

You play piano?

A little.

♪ Even on days I cried over distant dreams

♪ You sat beside me

What song is that?

Secret.

♪ Rokko Girl...

Oh come on, quit it!

How did you get my number?

Asked Yūichi.

And?

Can we meet? Just for a bit.

For what? Can I help you with something?

Well...

Can't handle it over the phone?

Nah... when you put it that way...

Fine. I've got time to kill anyway.

Have you read this?

Yeah, the Japanese version.

Oh? What'd you think?

It's incredible.

- Which part? - All of it, I guess.

Looking forward to read it then.

What now?

- Time... You don't have much, right? - Not really.

Hey, what'd you want to talk about?

Truth is, you had nothing to discuss, did you?

I just wanted to see you.

Oh... should've just said that.

Sorry.

You shouldn't apologize so much.

- Right. - Yeah, let's keep it light.

Alright, bye.

I believe it's too soon for you.

Big brother's reading a book!

- What's surprising about it? - Oh no!

Fitzgerald's novel,

"The Great Gatsby", where Gatsby

spends his life trying to win back the woman he loves

by building a mansion and throwing dazzling parties every night.

So you're saying you should copy him?

The party's on August 11th.

My parents are away in the Cotê d'Azur for vacation.

I usually go with them, but I decided to skip it this time.

So I want you two to organize the party.

A party? Leave it to us.

Alright, the money.

You shouldn't give this guy any cash.

He'll book a suite in some Bay Area hotel...

- ...and just screw around all night. - Nailed it.

Like I'd hand over cash.

I'll pay with this.

This is why rich kids...

Bring lots of hotties, okay?

Man, he's totally wasted.

Do you think Yūko will come?

You stand out!

Because I wanted to wear it early!

It suits you!

Really?

You gave Takanobu my number, didn't you?

Ah... Sorry, my bad.

It's fine.

Oh, and we're having a party at Takanobu's place.

You'll come, right?

"You'll come"... Only if Yūichi's going.

Ah...

I like Yūichi.

We're not kids anymore.

That's right.

That's why I'm saying this seriously.

I want to protect Reiko.

I see.

Please, I need you to go to the party with Takanobu.

I'm begging you.

Alright, I'll do it.

What are girls even thinking?

What? That came out of nowhere.

Yūko said she'll come.

That's great, isn't it?

I don't get it. She used to hate me.

Maybe she actually likes you...

What are you saying now? You're throwing this party for her, right?

Yeah.

It'll be fine. Don't worry.

- Check this out! - Awesome!

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Thank you very much.

Hey!

- Were you waiting for long? - Nah.

How do I look?

You look beautiful.

Really? I'm so glad.

Thank you so much.

- Hop on. - Okay.

Step on it!

Alright!

Yo, Tomihiko.

Nishiyama's coming later.

- Later? Got it. - Break a leg.

Catch you later.

Yo! Ciao!

When'd you score tickets?

5000 yen!? Lucky you.

Smooth move, you sly dog.

Did you set up the piano?

Yeah, all set.

Yūichi and I used to play piano duets as kids.

Damn, so many hotties!

- Who's that? - Hook me up!

Sure thing.

- Sāko. - Sorry I'm late.

- Typical. - My bad.

Ahem. Ladies and gentlemen!

Before you all get wasted, listen up!

Let's be real — this party's mostly about killing time.

That's the honest truth.

Now go have fun!

Oh, stop being so cheesy.

The real reason is to pick up girls!

Alright everyone, cheers!

Cheers!

Did you prepare this for today?

Wonder who'll play it.

Oh, quit playing dumb.

You're so tan! Where'd you get that?

- Tahiti. - Tahiti?

- Hey, show us! - Let me see!

- Please, please! - Just for a sec!

- Whoa! - You're totally bronzed!

A bit more, just a bit more!

Ouch! What the hell?

Why don't you get yourself a steady girlfriend?

- For Earth's peace. - What? Stop talking nonsense.

Are you actually gay?

Idiot! Then why can't you

...make a move on the girl you like?

Just watch me.

♪ With lotus blossoms from the riverbank, I made a ring

♪ Our matching hats knew the same sky

♪ Drenched in sudden rain, I held you gently

♪ I couldn't catch even one drop of your overflowing tears

♪ Even searching for words stronger than goodbye

♪ I wonder why my eyes saw only you

♪ I won't waver, can't falter I'll embrace you if you're the rain

♪ I'll hold you until I'm drenched to the bone

♪ Only now I realize...

- May I? - Yes.

I never knew he could sing that beautifully.

Me neither.

I... I've liked you...

...since the moment we first met.

I see...

This.

What is it?

I'm sorry. I can't take this.

If you don't want it, just throw it away.

Yūko.

I'm happy for you.

Ah... no no no, I got beaten.

He nailed it. Well played.

- Want a drink? - No, I'm good.

Then how about some cold water?

Yūichi.

This must be expensive, right?

Yeah, it is.

Huh? I wonder where that handsome guy went off to.

I'll go check on him.

Please... just hold me for a while.

Kiss me.

Then I'll forget all about you.

I can't.

I hate you so much!

Yūichi?

Reiko!

- Ah! Sorry... - What are you talking about?

Sigh... I must've lost my mind.

No, I'm the one who...

Go after her!

Nah...

That would be best.

No, it's fine.

Stop trying to act cool!

Go for it.

It's not like that.

What isn't?

I was just worried about her.

You kiss people when you're worried?

No... that wasn't my intention.

I saw it clearly.

Let's just stay friends like before.

I knew it...

What... does that mean?

I don't want to hold you back, Reiko.

I don't want to make you ordinary.

I want you to stay exactly who you are.

Aren't you forgetting something important?

It's important.

Well...

Forget it.

Reiko...

Liar!

Wait, wait up!

Later.

- See ya. - Bye bye.

- Where's Reiko? - Outside.

Idiot!

Welcome!

Welcome.

Fill it up.

Thank you. Fill it up, please.

Hey, boosting your sales for ya.

Sales don't affect my part-time wages.

What? You went and bought a car?

It's used.

Thanks to you, I made enough from the party...

...to cover the down payment.

Monster! Blew it all, didn't you?

Let's not go there.

You thought your parents would pay? That's naive.

Shut up!

Thank you very much!

- It's here. - I know.

- That spot too. - I got it Welcome.

Wipe it. Lower, lower. See? It's dirty here. Look.

Reiko got accepted into a Tokyo university through recommendation.

Unbelievable!

Move! Move!

SPRING

Before Tokyo, I had to eat the oxtail stew here.

We came here often, remember?

With Dad and Mom.

It tastes so good.

- Here... - Thank you!

Take care. Yeah, you stay well too, Sāko.

I'll call. Coming back for summer break.

- Yeah. - Say hi to everyone.

Say hello to your Dad.

Ah, got it. Bye!

What a mess.

But she'll be back in summer.

AND ONCE AGAIN, SUMMER...

Now then, starting here...

I wrote that reading begins by recognizing textual formats.

But before those format differences...

...all texts are fundamentally composed of words, so...

you must understand the terminology, you know?

That's why people always emphasize grasping the meaning of words, but...

this part is actually the most questionable.

So what exactly are the terms used in academic essays?

I'll explain that part briefly, so listen carefully.

Essentially, academic essays...

are composed in academic language, that's the key point...

Classes are almost entirely in English.

So I'm barely keeping up with understanding the content.

And if you don't get it, you just let it slide, right?

Then the next class becomes complete gibberish.

That's why prep and review are essential...

I heard university was supposed to be easier...

But honestly, high school felt more relaxed.

- Want me to take over for you? - Go on, let's switch.

No way, that's ridiculous.

Just kidding, dummy.

Wonder how Yūichi's doing?

Come to think of it, haven't seen him forever.

Me neither.

Really?

He's at a cram school now.

Couldn't get into uni after all.

Oh really?

Should we call him? Right now.

Sure, but he's prepping for exams, right?

Just leave him be, I say.

- Oh, I'll walk you home. - 'Kay.

- Man, what a shocker. - Yūko, I swear.

Being truly cherished by someone...

is a hundred times more precious than carrots or celery.

Truer words.

It's not a big deal or anything,

but could you chop that a bit more carefully?

Oh, yeah yeah yeah yeah.

Hello?

Um... it's me.

Ah.

Earlier... I couldn't say anything...

Mm.

- You got back? - Yeah, day before yesterday.

It's hard to explain... over the phone...

Yeah.

I was hoping we could meet... talk properly.

Okay.

Oh... thanks.

Long time no see.

- Been a year, huh. - Yeah.

Alright, shall we go?

- Oh... - Hm?

I ended up making us some lunch.

This brings back memories.

Yeah.

- Hop on. - Huh?

Hurry up.

You'll fall if you don't hold on tight.

Like this?

This is delicious.

Really? Thank you.

I thought I might never see you again.

Don't be dramatic.

For college... staying local?

Ah... I'm thinking of applying to one in Tokyo.

I see. Good luck.

Ah... yeah.

I... kind of regret moving to Tokyo.

Why?

Because in Tokyo, you can't even tell which way the ocean is.

Oh... that's what bothers you?

When I ask people, nobody knows either.

But Tokyo has its own charm.

I met someone who shows me around.

Boyfriend?

Yeah.

Someone from my class... well...

He doesn't have any standout talents, but...

He's just... incredibly kind.

What's wrong?

Never imagined you'd be seeing someone.

It was bound to happen.

We hadn't seen each other at all.

But...

I...

I know what you're thinking right now...

I used to feel that way about you too...

...for the longest time.

But so much has happened since then...

I've met so many people.

And that's good?

I'm not sure...

But I think it was for the best.

I see...

Matrix A - ABC

Here, ABC naturally represents real numbers.

For such a matrix A,

this equation I've written here holds true.

This is what we call the Cayley-Hamilton theorem.

Translated by Everlasting Proofing, italics and extras by Dougal666