Original subtitles

Why is that women yearn for love?

Andre Gide once said:

"To women,

men are just nails to hang love on."

But, not any nail is okay.

They look for a nail able to

discard everything and dedicate a lifetime to love.

In search of that nail, women are floundering about.

Ah! My introduction comes late.

Working at Touzai corporation, Noda Naoko, 32 years old.

And I'm single.

I've loved several times,

but

I haven't been able to find that one "nail."

I'm

still floundering about.

a n e g o

English translation:

KanJi

Korean translations & timings provided by

tianj

Additional translations:

EZKiel, yeulih

Subtitle Tuning:

Seghal

Episode 1

The Rules of a Group Date

- Thank you for your hard work. - Thank you for your hard work.

We'll go first and wait.

- Noda-san, we'll go first and set up. - Okay.

Thank you for your hard work.

- You plan on attending? - Mm, I'm not at the age when I'm eager for these group dates.

I've only been caught as the mediator again. Kato-san, you don't have to go if you don't want to.

- I'm going. - Really? You're going?

I have nothing to do anyway.

- Noda-kun. - Yes?

Is the data for tomorrow's conference done?

Ah, about that...

just a little touch up.

You have a group date, too. I'm sorry.

I'm Hasegawa Manami, a contract employee.

I'm Saotome Kana, a dispatch employee.

- Also a dispatch employee, I'm Chiba Kaori, 21 years old. - So young...

Ah, Lafite...as expected from the Energy department, amazing.

And who is that lady over there?

Oh, first time seeing her, Tanaka-kun?

Mm, my junior of one year, Kato Hiromi.

My apologies. Are you a regular employee?

Yes, and we apologize for not being so young.

Well, then...

The Energy department is treating today, so drink up.

Well, drink up.

Noda-san, we're always grateful to you.

Eh? You go to meetings frequently?

No, it's not like that. It's that we receive advice from Noda-san all the time.

- She always counsels us... - And rescues us from difficult situations with scary men.

Something like that...

Isn't it nauseating when a woman praises another woman?

Women only do it so men will notice them.

But, everyone should know that by now.

Kato's words are very harsh -- like an evil spirit's.

She may look like this, but her hobbies include ballads and the shamisen.

It must be difficult worrying about so many things.

What do you do on your days off? Shoppping? Going to...Aoyama?

In return for mediating, Noda-san, we've prepared a wonderful man just for you.

He'll be here soon.

Did you think I'd fall for that? I'll pass.

He just returned from the overseas branch in Beijing.

He even received his MBA from Columbia University. An incredibly competent 35-year-old...

His name is Miyamoto.

I said I'm fine, so you young people just enjoy yourselves.

He's here.

Miyamoto-san. Thanks for coming.

I'm sorry I'm late. My name is Miyamoto.

Hello, I'm Noda Naoko.

So, such a handsome man is still left...

Please.

Noda-san, I've heard things about you.

You're very popular amongst your female coworkers.

Only by women...what's the use of that?

A woman who's well-regarded by other women must be a good woman.

Who knows? With some effort, I could like him.

This Lafite is very delicious.

- Would you like another glass? - Please.

But, I must have a lot of competition 'cause he's an MBA...

Since I've been abroad, I haven't been back at headquarters for five years.

Especially because the Beijing branch is very harsh, so I wanted to return as soon as possible.

He could be dating a Chinese secretary...

Then, there must be nothing left for you but to rise in the company.

Instead of that, I'd rather search for a girlfriend.

I was making myself nervous for no reason! Stupid!

- Really? - Really.

Would I be able to kiss him?

- Would it be okay if I smoke here? - Eh?

Here?

Smoking is prohibited at headquarters, so...

But, I dislike men who smoke... they seem to die early.

- Oh, yes, it's okay. - Thank you.

In this situation, is it okay being a widow? A lifetime of loneliness...

Noda-san, that's not fair -- keeping him all to yourself.

- Are you already drunk? - No, I'm fine.

- Should we change seats? - Let's.

- Please sit. - Thank you.

This is the first time we met.

Cheers!

Karaoke! Let's go karaoke.

Noda-san.

Where are you going? Let me give you a ride.

Eh?

I'm going in the same direction, so I'll have Miyamoto-san give me a ride. Bye!

Sorry...

She's lying, isn't she? About going the same way.

This is what usually happens at a group date.

Young people are so energetic. That's good!

It's pointless saying that.

- Sorry for dragging you along. - It's okay.

I'll excuse myself first, it's almost the last train.

There's no way I could meet my destined man at a group date.

Bastard!

Move away!

You're all stupid...

It seems like he'll throw up...ughh.

If he were to bother me, maybe this guy would...

Let's go.

What?

What do you mean "what," stupid?

I'm not a "what." I'm a person.

It's because of people like you that Japan's in this state. Stupid!

Please leave me alone.

You want to get rid of me?

Sorry...

And what's this?

You carry an expensive bag like this Prada,

thinking others are idiots...

My life sucks.

Why does my annuity have to be cancelled?

Since ancient times,

all women have had to do are marry and have kids.

Don't make me laugh, bastard. I'm not like this 'cause of choice.

Look here...Hey!

- What's this? - I recommend you exit at the next station.

What? Acting all high and mighty...

I'll listen to your story.

Ha ha. Alright, I'll get off.

- Get out. - You, too.

I especially hate pompous jerks like you.

Are you okay?

This is the last car...

Hey! Hey!

Are you okay?

Thank you.

I didn't know there were such brave men in the world.

Brave? No way.

My legs are shaking.

No, that's not true.

Really. Look.

Such behaviour doesn't seem to suit me...

Hurry.

Ask for his name and cell phone number,

and offer to buy him dinner as a thank you, then afterwards...

Well, then, I'm here.

Excuse me...

Oh, nothing.

It's nothing.

Thank you.

Good-bye.

All the good guys are married.

It's the law of this world...

But, I 've already learned this a hundred times.

I'm home.

Ahh...

That could've been trouble.

When I see a good guy,

before I say anything,

I've got to check for a ring first!

Let's drink and forget...

I'll never have an affair with a married man.

That's my rule.

Ughh headache...

It hurts...

Hello?

Hello, Nao-chan?

What've you been up to? I called you several times last night.

Mm...

Hello? Are you there?

Uh huh...

Hello? What's wrong? Hurting somewhere?

It's nothing.

What is it, Mum?

I wanted to tell you since the beginning of the year,

but I never see you.

It's about Suita-san.

Who's Suita-san?

Suita Kaoru-san, of course.

Even if he's turning 40,

he can make a woman happy.

If there is good karma,

others' views of you will change.

So, Nao-chan...

Okay, I get it.

I'll have to listen some other time.

I don't want to be late for work.

Even though work is important,

Exactly how long do you plan on pursuing such a high career?

Okay...

I'm hanging up then, byebye~

Escaped today, too!

This is the the 11th year I've seen these sakura blossoms.

- Here's the conference data. - Thanks. Could you get this for me?

And...

All right.

Good morning.

Can you copy this for me?

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good... morning.

- I apologize for yesterday. - Oh, no, that isn't necessary.

Then, next time.

Wait...

All right.

Good morning, good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Then...

Technical office/business talk

I don't think it's very relevant to the story,

and it's less work for me...... --;

They ask Miyamoto to talk, so he does.

Sorry for not translating...

Anyway, back to the story and Jin -- he's coming soon, don't worry

Oww...

Ahhh...

Ah! Wait!

Noda-san,

did you fall asleep in there again?

Just a second...

Our office is getting new members.

All the girls are creating quite a fuss. Annoying.

Don't talk like that.

We were like that at one point.

Whenever someone new came,

we'd get excited, too, didn't we?

What's this? She already left?

Okay...

Ah, what a surprise.

I guess I haven't been copmletely abandoned yet.

I owe you a lot from when I was your trainee, Director.

Since I've been assigned to the Corporate Planning and Strategies Division (CPSD), I'll work hard,

so please regard me kindly.

Likewise.

I'm Kurosawa Akihiko, a new employee.

I've also been assigned to the CPSD.

- Noda-san, trouble, trouble. - Hmm?

He's the Tachibana-san from Textiles that all the women have their eyes on.

It seems surreal that he'll be in our office now.

Isn't the new kid so cute, too?

My name is Kurosawa Akihiko.

I don't know much about the company,

- so please regard me kindly. - Likewise.

So cute~

Guys are getting better-looking these days.

All right~

- Excuse me? - Yes?

- The director said to use this desk. - Okay.

It's nice to meet you. I'm Kurosawa...

- You can introduce yourself at the welcome party. - Right.

Just a second.

Instead of "Department of Technology" there, write "CPSD."

You're not a student anymore.

Excuse me,

please use white-out, here.

Thank you.

- What should I call you? - Just finish filling that out first.

Leave it to me.

- I've been with this company for ten years. What about you, senpai? - I...

Normally, if you're a full-time employee,

you're from the last of the bubble economy. The company doesn't use many female employees now.

- Why are you still with this office? - That is...

Ah! Is it like this?

You earn quite a bit, and you're salary can go up, but not down.

I see...

But, your peers must be married by now, right?

Are you picking a fight?

Excuse me. I'm Tachibana from Textiles.

When first meeting,

it seems to be proper to exchange introductions.

I'm Noda.

What?

Please regard me kindly...

Noda Naoko-san.

Likewise.

- Noda. - Yes?

There's a new girl coming in today. I'll leave her to you.

Again? Chiba-san from last month still hasn't caught on.

- It was annoying that Chiba-san was no help, neh? - Yes.

This is a change from the dispatch company.

Change! What? ...

She's here, she's here. Over here.

I'm from CS Corporation. My name is Nakano Saki. Please regard me kindly.

Likewise.

If there's anything you don't know, ask this old hand, Noda-kun.

I'll leave it to you.

Nakano-san?

- Work hard, and learn fast. - Yes.

I'm lucky to be able to work in such an amazing office.

I'll work hard.

So, amongst the female employees, there's contract and dispatch employees...

For general employees, namely there's clerical and sogoushoku* regular employees. *managerial career track

There are that many?

How do you tell them apart?

The over-dressed ones are the new recruits.

The ones desperately trying to find a man before their five years are up are the contract employees.

You could say these two groups are the "flowers" of the office.

And

those who stay past 30 are the regular employees,

since our company hasn't employed women these seven years.

I see...and those part-time old ladies?

"Office queens"

and former clerical regular employees.

Even if one reevaluates herself or steps down from active service, for these women.

there's no point in make-up or fashionable clothes.

I have an engagement during Golden Week. Sorry.

No matter, the most annoying ones are the 30 plus clerical regular employees.

I should say they haven't resigned to being middle-aged women yet.

Senpai, you know these ladies well.

There were a lot of women in Textiles; I've had my hardships.

Let's fight on.

Welcome.

Noda,

over here.

Would you like a drink, too?

It's still working hours.

Just have a little.

One drink won't make you turn red.

I'll pass. If you called me all the way out here, it's something bad isn't it?

Excuse me, one cold soba, please.

Look over this for me.

What is it?

Attendance: Director Akiyama, Business Activities Division,

Director Sato, Public Relations Division,

Director Uparupa, Personnel Management.

note: Uparupa: A weird-looking salamander (?)

Sorry. I shouldn't laugh.

But, if this Director Uparupa...no...

if the personnel director saw this, there'd be trouble.

He already saw.

I asked Hasegawa to send this, and she sent it just like that.

Although the meaning is clear...

About Hasegawa...

Something like this happened before too.

Can you say something? [This again?]

Why is it a woman's duty to scold another woman?

When a woman is forced to do this, it seems she ages all at once.

Look

where it went wrong.

Why does it say this?

Ah!

- It must be 'cause of the computer. - Eh?

I was busy, so I didn't see what I was typing.

I knew to type the personnel director's name.

but "Uparupa" popped up instead.

You made this, right?

I was talking to a friend while...

I told you before, right?

Once you complete something, you check it for errors,

then, after you print, make sure you check again.

That time I was so busy 'cause the Head Chief had requested some shopping,

so I asked Saotome-san to print it for me.

I was asked only to print and distribute it.

If there needs to be an apology, I'll apologize.

About that...

The apology isn't the problem.

This is something I say as a senpai.

In our office, whether it's rewriting or copying or making coffee --

these small tasks pile up and become important tasks.

Those small tasks, you see,

can't just be passed off haphazardly.

But...

Saotome-san, what is it?

I wondered from a while ago...

- Noda-san, what right do you have to say this to us? - Huh?

I mean, shouldn't the person who gave the order be scolding us?

Well, I have no such right.

I only spoke as a senpai in this office.

I don't like how Noda-san often scolds us in place of the men.

Even if it's a dispatch, it would be okay.

She's speaking quite accurately...

But, that's only how you see it.

When I was younger, I was often scolded by my senpais.

The men in this office generally dislike scolding the women,

but don't you think every office needs one or two scolding middle-aged women?

- I understand. I'll be more careful in the future. - Okay.

Then, please...

Well, then, thank you for your hard work.

Could she be getting back at you for yesterday's group date?

Eh?

What is that supposed to mean?

I didn't mean to usurp him like that.

I'm talking about work. Why are you changing the subject?

I apologize for asking Miyamoto-san to take me home.

- I'm not concerned about that at all. - Really?

Mm.

That's a relief.

Eh?

If it's okay with you, I'll do my best.

Then, I'll excuse myself.

Is it okay to be so smitten?

Neh? What?

At any rate, it'd be best not to be so interested in Miyamoto-san.

Just a second...eh?

Wait...Kato-san.

When I first came to this company,

I worked once with Miyamoto in the Steel Department.

I see...

That's it.

Mm.

Senpai, did you really have feelings for him?

Oh, no no~

Liar.

You never thought that your MBA prince had appeared at that instant?

Not once.

I've long given up on finding my Prince Charming.

But it seems you still haven given up your dream, senpai.

I don't know...

That could be dangerous.

At this age, if you were to lose your footing, you'll never recover.

But, if a wonderful meeting occurs, a woman could recover completely,

so you still don't know.

It's none of my business.

Isn't it tiring standing in high heels?

No, I rather like it here.

It's great drinking beer like this and passing the time.

- Good evening. - Welcome.

The usual, please.

Oh~

My junior -- Kato Hiromi.

- Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you.

Naoko, would you like to go to Kasaki Temple this holiday? ???

Exorcism is quite the trend these days - even doing it from head to toe.

But, we don't believe in it anyways.

Really?

It's been a hard day. Cheers!

Senpai,

it's contradictory, isn't?

What?

We talk in bars about exorcism while we wait for some Prince Charming.

Right...

We're contradictory.

EVeryday, between woman and obasan,

between dream and reality - we're going back and forth.

All single women are surely like this.

Liking themselves,

then hating themselves.

- Excuse me. One more, please. - Okay.

Maybe I should have evil influences dispelled too?

No, I don't want to.

It would be like admitting that I'm cursed with misfortunes.

I haven't been tricked by anything lately.

Why?

- Duping is preying upon the inexperience of youth. - Mm.

Ah, that's right.

How about golfing together?

That sounds good. Let's go.

- Invitation of the Director. - Okay.

Excellent.

As expected of Noda-kun.

But, that is,

why are they here, too?

Probably to suck up to the Director.

What? This is your first time golfing?

- I always thought of golf as something only middle-aged men did. - Dummy.

It's essential for building relationships from now on.

Director, please teach him well.

Let's play hard.

Ah! That's right.

Another person's supposed to come today --

someone who wanted to golf with Noda-san no matter waht.

Huh? Who?

If it's like a blind date, then I'm not interested.

No, she's a woman.

Don't know how she heard of you.

She came to a party with her husband before.

Hello.

Thank you for letting me join you today.

We've been waiting.

It's been a long time.

Ahh...

My name is Suzuki Eriko.

I used to work in the Foodstuffs Second Department...

I also went drinking once with Naoko-san.

Ah! That Suzuki-san!

I'm glad you remember.

It's nothing.

But, I heard you quit to marry.

Now I'm no longer Suzuki Eriko but Sawaki Eriko.

Ah, is that so?

I've always looked up to Naoko-san.

Eh?

After hearing about you from Director Sakaguchi, I wanted to meet you.

I'm sorry for just sticking myself in.

Anyway, let's begin.

Nice shot~ Good!

Now that I remember, she was in the company's golf club because of her highly praised golfing skills.

Nice shot.

I'll go first.

Okay.

Oh~ Nice shot.

Yess~

You're amazing. Like a pro.

Not really. I just go with my husband from time to time.

But, my daughter will enter elementary next year, so I'll be able to practice more.

- How much is the membership fee for a golf club? - Eh?

What does your husband do?

He runs an investment consultant company.

Really?

So, he's the president.

It's best if you don't ask.

- Kurosawa-kun, is this really your first time golfing? - Yes.

Your swing strength is good.

- Really? - Mm.

Thank you.

What's wrong with Noda-kun?

She's not in good condition today.

Ah ~~ maybe because Eriko-san's winning aura is affecting her.

That's true.

Really.

It won't go...

All right...

Golf really is a mental sport.

Ah~

You really are someone full of misfortunes.

Nice.

Thank you.

Ahh my back hurts.

I'll finish first.

Today was really fun.

Let's take this opportunity to become good friends.

If it's anything but golf.

There's something I wanted to ask you, Noda-san.

Sorry for the abruptness, but do you have time later?

Because my husband and I made dinner reservations...

I don't want to be trouble.

Don't say that.

My husband's coming to pick me up, so...

Is she trying to show off how happy she is?

I'm really sorry, but today's not good.

Ahh that's regrettable.

I feel I've made you dislike me, Noda-san.

What are you saying? That's a bit extreme.

You see, I came in Kato-san's car, and I promised I'd drive.

I'll excuse myself first.

I'll see you later, then.

Ah, where's Kato-san?

- She said she had shamisen practice and left with the Director. - What?

Then, my husband can give you a ride.

Kurosawa-san, you're welcome to join us as well.

Would that be okay? Thank you. I'm saved.

He's here.

Naoko-san, please.

Honey, over here.

But...

Honey, let me introduce you.

This is Noda Naoko-san.

Ah...sorry about last time.

What does that mean?

Do you know each other?

Thank you for saving me from the drunk man last time.

It seems we were meant to meet.

- You usually never ride the subway. - That's true.

How do women on this earth manage to get such men so easily?

Apologies...

But it's a call from one of my female co-workers, may I take it?

- Please. - Thank you.

Hello?

- Hello, it's Hasegawa. - Mm.

Sorry for calling on your day off,

but I have to ask you something.

What's wrong?

The truth is...I...

I think I've been played.

What? What do you mean?

He won't call or answer my calls.

Mm...that is rather harrowing...

I only have a necktie, and I can't get in touch with him.

If you keep holding on, you'll only be more miserable.

That...

Noda-san, what is bad about me?

Well...that's...

I don't know your boyfriend well, so I wouldn't know.

No.

He's Miyamoto-san from the Energy department.

Eh? Still Miyamoto-san?

We went on a date once after the group date,

because he was really good to me.

After meeting only twice?

We went to a hotel the second time.

I was tricked.

What's wrong? Minami-san?

Hello? Hello?

Just a second. Don't cry.

I can understand how you feel, but, still...

Running way after the first time means

that was the only intention from the beginning.

Mm?

It's not that I haven't had a similar experience,

but, with these affairs, there's a higher probability of running away, isn't there?

A common saying is

"Keep your distance for half a year, don't go chasing incessantly."

I'm so sorry.

Hello?

It's a little hard for me to talk right now.

Hm, okay, okay.

I'll hang up then.

My apologies. I made you wait.

- Are you finished? - Yes.

Isn't Naoko-san like I said she would be?

I suppose.

Uhm...I don't know too much about what's being said of Noda-san,

but, when you say she's as you expected,

- do you mean that she's had a lot of experience? - That's enough.

She's been a good support to her juniors since long ago and always gave out good advice to everyone.

As a woman, she is respected.

I always thought a woman couldn't be happy if she's not innocent .

Naoko-san, we must meet again.

Eriko,

don't take it too far.

Why?

She's busy, too.

No...

I'm sorry.

Hey, come look at this.

From: Hasegawa Minami

Subject: Second proposal of the discussion

To: Miyamoto-san

It seems you're on a busy business trip where I can't contact you.

I trust you, Miyamoto-san.

If there was no love involved, that night wouldn't have been so good.

I'll wait for your reply. Love you to death.

Manami.

Miyamoto-san is on a business trip now,

but please tell her that Manami's feelings are already revealed to the entire Energy Department.

How self-destructive...

Hasegawa is certainly something.

Mm...I don't think so.

I think she didn't know that everyone would end up reading it.

But, there is a limit to the mistakes one can make. .

- Hey. - Yes?

- Want to have lunch together? - Okay.

The girl who just passed -- she's the one who sent that email.

I read it, too -- it said she loves him to death.

Somehow, I feel like everyone's looking at me.

You really have no idea what you've done...

Anyway, let's go out and talk.

Noda-senpai.

It's been such a long time!

Kazue-san...what is it?

Actually, the truth is I'm getting married next week.

Ah, really? Congratulations.

I owe you a lot.

No, the pleasure's mine...

If you're free, I'd appreciate it if you'd come.

Miyamoto Koichi...?

Yes, Energy Department's Miyamoto-san.

What? It couldn't be...

Hey, calm down.

It can't be true.

Calm down.

Are you the one who sent the email?

Hold on, hold on.

Hasegawa-san, calm down, neh?

It seems that he was under your care at a group date some days ago.

I didn't think he'd hide his engagement and go to a group date,

but it's good to find out what sort of guy he is before the wedding, isn't it?

- Noda-san, what do you know?! - Mm.

For the past five years, I worked so hard to maintain a long-distance relationship with him.

Are you really going to marry him?

Yes, I'm going to marry him.

Because this is why I entered this company.

I'm also 30 years old now,

and I don't want to become like you, senpai.

Noda-san.

Director Sakaguchi,

Thank you for the congratulations on my marriage.

Certainly, but, Miyamoto-kun, you should clean up your personal life.

About that, I have something to ask you.

Does that contracted employee still have another year?

Can't there be some way?

These are the consequences of your actions.

I apologize.

But can't you help me in some way?

Can't you cancel the contract due to unexpected staff reduction?

Excuse me.

Miyamoto-san.

Congratulations on your marriage.

What are you doing here?

And, Director, I need to talk to you.

Then, let's talk outside -

this could be seen as sexual harrassment...

If I don't speak now it'll be too late, so please just hear me out.

It's about Hasegawa -- who's working here on contract.

Certainly she's made mistakes in her work,

but I don't think they're severe enough for her contract to be cancelled.

Isn't it a big mistake to send that kind of email to the whole company?

It's a violation of the rules.

Aren't you the one who broke them first?

You mean by attending the group date?

It was my last bachelor fling before marriage. That's all.

At that time, you were happy too right, Noda-san?

Ah~~~

I didn't choose you,

but I went for a younger girl.

I apologize if you were offended.

- Director. - Mm?

What are you going to do about Hasegawa-san?

Mm...

I understand your feelings, but because of what she did, it may be hard for her to stay.

Wouldn't it be better for Hasegawa-kun's confidence if she changed employment?

Please don't speak so casually about a change of employment.

Is the firing of a contract employee to be discussed in the bathroom?

Hasegawa-san...

I don't think she should leave. Excuse me.

The copies of the business trip...

give each deparment a copy,

then quickly finish the treasury statistics.

Noda-san, I'll only be at this company for another year, nonetheless, what am I doing?

Forget about it.

Hmm. Forget about it already.

Even if a man betrays you, work doesn't, all right?

Before chatting, finish the liquidation sheets please?

Saotome-san, did you hear me?

Yes.

- You're saying work won't betray us. - Yes.

You can say that because you're a regular employee,

but there's no point in saying that to us dispatch employees, because, once the word "change" comes around, we're cut.

Have a good day.

Have a good day.

Director, I've finished.

Good job.

I'll pass them out to every department.

If she tries, she gets things done.

- But, it might be too late. - What?

Miyamoto-san was desperate, so he told the personnel director this time.

What?

Let's talk about it next time.

- Tachibana, let's go. - Yes, sir.

I picked this up in the beverage room's trash can.

It seems to be the tie Miyamoto-san forgot after that session.

Why'd you pick that up?

Hasegawa probably threw it away to forget everything.

The truth is,

when I first came to work here,

- he approached me then ran away. - Liar.

So I always wanted to punish him.

I can use this, right?

I've finished now, so I'll hurry.

The parents are in discussion there, right?

Mm, I'll see you.

It's been a while.

I'll return this to you.

Lost Article?

A man who forgets things after his indiscretions...

I don't know if it's good to tell your precious fiancee about this.

I wish you a happy wedding.

What do you mean by this?

- Then, the contract is safe? - Director.

All right. If you say so.

Hello? Corporate Planning and Strategies Division. Ah, Director!

I just got a call from Miyamoto-san.

Director, still?

Consider the conversation in the bathroom cancelled.

- Then, Hasegawa-san can stay with the company? - Yes.

- Oh, and Director. - Yes?

- Please don't use the word "change" again. - Mm?

There are girls who lose motivation because of that word.

All right, I understand.

Director, Senpo-san wants the usual person...

Eh? It's not good if we don't arrange it...

When did I turn into an obasan who worries over younger girls' problems?

It's so pretty~~~

I was really happy then...

Hello? Noda Naoko-san?

I'm in charge of the new employees at Touzai Corporation,

and I'm calling to inform you that you've been accepted to be a regular employee.

Please submit your legal seal and student certificate by 10 AM, October 1st.

Thank you. Please regard me kindly!

I did it! I struck it with Touzai Corporation!

Really?

I can't believe it...

It's true...

Naoko, good job.

I wanted to say this first --

that a woman has no need to work shoulder to shoulder with men.

It's enough getting everyone to treat you nicely, then finding a good man and marry him.

Being able to enter the company, Nao-chan, is the same as grasping a woman's happiness.

Really?

Yes.

Really, Nao-chan. You're a child blessed with good luck.

We'll celebrate when Dad comes home.

Then, I didn't think there'd be infinite potential and blessings waiting for me,

but I wanted to think that a splendid life laid ahead.

Since then, this is the eleventh spring that has come.

The sakura tree blossoms today like it did that day,

but I can't seem to find a new me,

and there's no one to take me away from here.

Noda-san.

Thanks for your hard work.

Please, wait.

What's wrong, Kurosawa-kun?

I thought that a woman's enemies were other women.

and I didn't think you'd go so far for Hasegawa-san's sake.

I was moved.

You were admirable...

today, Noda-san.

You've changed, too, Kurosawa-kun.

I have something to request.

What?

Please!

What...wait a minute...

I'm happy you have these feelings but I'm a obasan who's ten years your senior.

Please don't call yourself an obasan.

But,

from today, I'd like to call you "anego"

Anego: formal term for "older sister"

Eh?

Please, anego~

What's with that?

It's the only title that suits you, Noda-san.

Then, thank you for your hard work. I'll see you tomorrow...anego.

Anego?

Welcome.

Senpai, you're late.

I was thinking of going home 'cause you weren't coming.

Thank you so much.

For what?

The usual, please.

Ah, really~ Kurosawa-kun told me something rather insulting.

Ah, that new kid?

Should I punish him?

What did he say? Eh?

It's okay.

It's nothing.

Well, it's been a hard day. Cheers!