Original subtitles

I'm glad we were just classmates.

I didn't like or dislike her.

If only I could've stayed just another ordinary guy to her...

Even I think it's a little weird that I noticed the scent.

Miki probably switched shampoos.

I think it's Bilian, that shampoo everyone's into lately.

I wonder if something good happened to Miki.

You don't need a special reason to switch shampoos.

But...

seeing Miki even more cheerful than usual,

I can't help wondering if something special happened...

I just can't stop thinking about it.

I know I'm being pretty pathetic.

But there's a reason I think this way.

I think anyone would feel the same if they could see what I see.

Seriously, when are we ever gonna use classical literature?

Math is what we'll never use.

Of course we use math. Like when we go shopping.

You can do that math in your head!

But I can't tell anyone about it.

All right, this is something we'll cover next semester.

It's a passage from "Uji Shūi Monogatari."

Today, we'll get a head start and analyze the parts of speech.

So, which of these two words fits this passage better?

"Imiji" or "ito"? Anyone know?

- I know! - Yes, Miki?

"Imiji."

That's right. Very good.

Now, to start with,

"imiji" and "ito" belong to different parts of speech.

"Imiji" is an adjective.

"Ito" is an adverb.

And both of them...

Hey.

- Thanks for that. - Oh, no problem.

That was so good.

By the way, Kyo, don't you use streaming services?

Oh, I do.

But CDs usually come with preorder bonuses, so I buy them when they have those.

I see...

Let's go.

Hamube's releasing something new, right?

Yeah. I already preordered it.

When does it come out again?

Next week, I think. Right after finals.

Sweet! Awesome!

- Hey! - Oh, hey!

- Zuka! - Huh?

- It's really hot again today, huh? - What's up?

Nothing.

It's nothing.

Huh?

- Come on, let's go. - Let's do it!

What's with her?

Miyazato's been absent for a long time, hasn't he?

- What? - Miyazato.

Yeah.

Since around May, right?

He hasn't shown up in two months.

Won't he get in trouble for missing so much school?

Wait, Kyo. Do you know something?

No.

I don't know.

I see.

I hope it's not some serious illness or anything.

Yeah.

Then, one day, something changed in our everyday lives.

Zuka!

Don't you think there's something different about me?

Huh?

Something! Don't you notice anything different about me?

Kyo, do you know?

Well...

No, I don't.

I have no idea either.

So? What's different?

I'm not telling.

That's exactly what's wrong with you guys!

- What's wrong? - I'm not telling!

I don't get it at all.

- I'm totally for it. - Right? It looks good.

- Mikki! Nice work! - You too!

- What are you doing? - Waiting for Para.

Oh, I see.

- By the way, Mikki, did you switch shampoos? - I did! You noticed?

Yeah. Is it Bilian?

It smells really good.

Right?

What's up? Did you get a boyfriend?

That's a secret.

What are you doing?

Oh, uh... Nothing.

- Para, you took forever! - Sorry!

- What did you forget? - My hopes and dreams!

What's that supposed to mean?

What? We all forget them eventually... How sad!

A boyfriend...

All right, time's up! Pencils down.

Seki, put your pencil down now.

Turn your tests face down and pass them forward, starting from the back.

What's wrong? Why do you look so dead?

- That test killed me. - What?

- I couldn't concentrate at all. - That's unusual for you.

Damn it, I need to get my head in the game, or I'll screw up my other exams too.

- Hey. - What?

- Haven't you noticed anything? - You're still on about that?

Whatever! Haven't you noticed anything?

- Did you lose some weight? - Wow! Thanks!

- But that's not it! - It's not?

You really can't tell?

I already told you, I have no idea.

Sorry.

I just don't get that girl.

Don't take it personally. She's always been pretty clueless.

You think so?

She's been like that since middle school.

Don't worry about it.

- I'm gonna study a little before heading home. - Sounds good.

I need to make up for that grade on tomorrow's exam, or I'm seriously screwed.

All right, good luck!

- See you. - Later.

Miki...

Did you switch shampoos?

I can't bring myself to say it.

I don't want to make the same mistake again.

Not like last time.

- Good morning. - Morning.

It's not like you to be late, Miyazato.

I forgot our first class was in a different room today.

The teacher isn't here yet, right?

Nope. Relax. Looks like he's running late too.

That's a relief.

All right.

Miyazato, do you use Bilian shampoo?

What?

Bilian's really popular right now, isn't it?

I heard it's even hard to find.

- Where did you buy it? - Good morning.

Stand up!

Bow!

Good morning!

All right, today I want to work on your pronunciation a little.

No...

I'm sorry.

- Did I say something weird? - Hey, quiet down over there.

Just listening to English helps, but when you actually...

Why?

Oh, man, I fell asleep...

W-what are you doing?

Listen...

No girl is ever going to like you if you act like that.

What?

Seriously? That happened yesterday?

Yeah.

She was acting kind of weird.

Like, she almost seemed angry.

You know how Miki's always smiling?

So when she suddenly acts like that, I can't help getting a little worried.

Well, she gets mad and cries all the time too.

Back in middle school,

she once took her anger out on me with a flying kick.

How do I put this? I thought maybe...

she'd gotten into a fight with her boyfriend or something.

What?

What?

But Mikki doesn't have a boyfriend.

What?!

No, it's just... How do I explain this?

You sly dog!

- So you... - No, no, no!

- I get it! So that's what's going on! - It's not like that! She was just acting weird...

You've got a crush on Mikki?

No way! Seriously?

So that's it!

- Your change is 380 yen. - Thank you.

- And here's your preorder bonus. - Thank you.

- Do you have a bag for this? - Thank you very much for your purchase.

Thanks.

Well, something must have happened,

but it wasn't about a boyfriend. So you can relax.

How do you know?

Mikki kept making such a big deal out of it that I asked Para about it.

Oh, I see.

But I still couldn't figure out what she was getting at.

Apparently, even Para didn't know.

I see...

Well, it's not like she's stupid or anything, but that girl is impossible to figure out.

So I think we should leave it alone

until we figure out what's going through her head.

Miki.

You scared me!

Sorry.

No, it's okay.

W-what's up?

I don't usually see you around here.

Well... I came to buy a few things.

Oh, right...

That's cute.

Thanks.

Miki...

Yeah?

Has anything happened lately?

Oh, no...

It's just that you seem a little different lately.

So?

Oh, well...

It's just... By any chance...

did you switch shampoos?

Come with me!

Wait...

So?

So?

Um... You switched shampoos, right?

Yeah, I did! So?

Well... Um...

- You're using Bilian, right? - Yeah, Bilian! So?

- So... - That's it? Nothing else?

Anything else?

Well... Miyazato also

uses the same shampoo... right?

Thank goodness!

Thank goodness!

What's going on...?

I made a promise to Miyazato.

If I found out you didn't hate her, she'd come back to school.

Now Miyazato can come back to school!

Are you okay?

Miki?

- Is that everything? Let me get it. - Wait, but...

Wow, it's really coming down!

I think this was about a month ago.

To be honest, Miyazato and I weren't even that close,

but she was all alone, and I felt bad for her.

And one thing led to another, so I ended up sleeping over at her place.

One thing led to another?

A bunch of stuff happened, okay?

So things were a little awkward at first,

but I'm the type who believes you have to break down the walls around people's hearts.

Eventually, Miyazato gave up resisting and told me all kinds of things.

And guess what she said was the reason she wasn't coming to school?

What could it be...?

She thought you hated her.

What?!

Apparently, when you two talked about shampoo,

she made a weird face, and Miyazato thought that made you hate her.

- I don't hate her at all. - See?

But for some reason, Miyazato got that idea in her head.

Anyway,

all I had to do was find out that you didn't hate Miyazato, right?

But when I said I'd ask you directly,

for some reason, she said that if I asked you,

you'd say you didn't hate her, even if it was a lie.

So I thought about asking you through Zuka,

but she didn't want me telling anyone else. It was such a pain!

So

we agreed that if I brought up the shampoo

and you mentioned Miyazato on your own, that would be enough of an answer.

That was it?

Think about it.

If you really hated someone, you wouldn't even bring them up, right?

Well, I don't think that's always true...

But now Miyazato can come back to school.

I win!

What happened? You look awful.

Well...

A few things happened.

What? Like what?

No, I think you should get out of there for now.

Guys! Miyazato's here!

That's great.

If she'd gotten that much attention,

I think the old Miyazato would've run away.

But now she probably doesn't mind anymore.

Because she's grown to like Miki.

And it's not just Miyazato.

Everyone feels the same way.

Everyone loves Miki because she's kind and genuine.

That's why, for someone like me, being just a classmate was good enough.

Not someone she liked, or someone she disliked.

If I could just stay another ordinary guy to her,

I thought that would be enough for me, but...

SECOND YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL SEPTEMBER

- Focus everything on one spot. - One spot!

First, you have to get into the mood. That's where the conversation starts.

One, two...

It left a nail mark. Wow, that looks so cool.

They say relationships cause people the most pain,

but...

getting along with people is easy.

El!

Good morning, El!

- Morning, Mikki, Para. - Morning, Miyazato.

- You look adorable today too. - You think so?

Thank you.

What?

Nothing.

If you can tip the scale in someone's heart toward the positive side,

most things tend to work out.

- Hey, El. - What?

Have you heard of this? They say it's a pressure point that makes you sleepy.

Right here.

Well? Feeling sleepy?

But you're supposed to do that at bedtime.

- Really? - Is "El" Miyazato?

Yeah.

But why "El"?

Doesn't Miyazato look like she could be on Sesame Street?

Does she?

Don't even try to understand how Miki's mind works.

Why not? At least try to understand me!

I'll do my best.

Oh, and why do you call Takasaki "Zuka"?

It's a playful, slightly sarcastic way of calling him "too pretty."

Doesn't he look like he could be in the Takarazuka Revue?

Like a pretty-boy prince played by a woman in an all-female musical theater troupe.

You know, playing a male role.

- I get it! - Stop putting her on the spot.

She doesn't mind, right?

You made her say that.

- Oh, yeah?! Take this! - Stop kicking me!

You really love coming up with weird nicknames, don't you, Miki?

Mm-hmm.

Kyo, do something about this guy!

- Take that! - Ow!

Like what kind of career you want to pursue.

Knowing that makes it easier to decide what path to take, right?

- Hey, are you even thinking about this? - I am, but it's hard.

Do I really have to decide what I want to do for a living already?

But if you don't think about it, how are you gonna choose your classes?

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

- Me? - Yeah.

Well...

I think it was because I had a teacher I really admired in high school.

I admired her so much that I wanted to be just like her.

That's when I decided to become a teacher.

If I could see my own bar like that,

I wouldn't have to rack my brain trying to figure out my future.

So, for example,

wasn't there anything you dreamed of becoming when you were little?

A hero.

What?

I wanted to be a hero.

Not a heroine. A hero.

Take that!

Wonderful!

All right, everyone! That's it for today. Great work!

Great work!

You were amazing again today, Miki.

Thank you.

I knew I made the right choice when I picked you.

No pressure or anything...

I can already picture you onstage.

- Up there, shining like a star! - Shining bright!

At the end of the first semester,

the decision about what to perform at the drama festival,

which everyone thought would take forever, was settled in an instant by someone unexpected.

Anything's fine. I just wish someone would come up with an idea.

Let's put on a superhero show.

Anyone who wants the spotlight can play a hero,

and anyone who doesn't can play a civilian or a henchman.

Those who prefer working backstage can handle costumes or directing.

It's a chance to show off your talents.

I'll write the script!

And I want the whole thing filmed.

I'm planning to submit it as part of my college application.

So please, everyone, help me achieve my goal. That's all!

Sounds good.

To be honest, even now, I don't really understand

what kind of person Para is.

Oh, it's El.

Oh, there you are. Got a minute?

Yeah, sure. What's up?

Sorry, I'm working on Mikki's costume right now,

but I forgot to measure her head.

Sure.

There you go.

Thanks.

You're making everyone's costumes, right, El?

That's amazing.

Well, everyone's helping me out too.

All done. Thanks.

She's holding a career guidance book for teenagers.

El, are you...?

Never mind.

- It's nothing! - You scared me!

Did you hear? Takeshita from the class next door got attacked yesterday.

Attacked by those guys?

Yeah. That evil organization, "Hell's."

What? Seriously? I thought that was just a rumor!

- Me too. - But it was true!

We might be in danger too if we're not careful.

What's going on? Hey, what is that?!

What is that?

They're here!

Oh, shit! Everybody, run!

What happened?

- It hurts... - Are you okay?

- Are you okay, Kyo? - Are you hurt?

I'm fine.

Ow...

Are you okay? That was a pretty loud crash.

Yeah, I'm fine.

You're bleeding.

- Yeah, I guess... - Hang on.

It's probably hard to put on with just one hand, right?

Oh... Sorry.

Good thing I brought some bandages.

I'm always getting hurt too.

There you go.

Thanks.

Kyo.

- Sorry, can I talk to you? - Sure.

Kyo is so easy to read.

He doesn't seem very comfortable around me,

but with El...

Does everyone know already?

I haven't told them yet, but the plan is for everyone to wear their winter uniforms.

Got it.

Hey!

- Catch! - Watch out!

You've still got a lot to learn if you can't even catch that.

- Heroes don't go around attacking people! - The heroine's off duty.

Get back to work, hero.

What are you doing here? There's no club today, right?

I'm waiting for Kyo.

- Must be nice having nothing to do. - We made plans to go shopping together.

What?

You're always hanging around Kyo.

Maybe that's why he can't make any progress with El.

- What? - Kyo and El.

They've got a pretty good thing going.

Well...

Your imagination really is something else.

What?

Nothing.

What's up?

Are you carrying that English vocabulary book just to look smart?

A hero shouldn't make that face!

I'm kind of struggling with English, so I've been studying.

Why?

Because I'm planning to apply to a foreign languages program.

Oh, really?

I want to work overseas someday.

Actually, I even want to do a short study abroad program in college,

so I'm aiming for a public university.

I want to save on tuition.

Then, during my one-on-one meeting with the teacher, he practically threatened me.

"If you want to get into a public university, study till you drop!"

- Take that! - Ow! What was that for?

Didn't you know?

Talking about the future in front of a heroine is forbidden!

Seriously...?

- It's tomorrow already! - Isn't that terrifying?

- Seriously. - Think we'll finish in time?

- Doesn't this look like a cake? - It kind of does.

A cake.

Well, I guess it does look a little like one.

Here comes the pretty boy!

Everything's gonna be fine! We've done everything we could. Trust me.

Now all we have to do is eat a good dinner tonight,

take a bath, and get plenty of sleep.

That way, I'm sure tomorrow will be fun, no matter what happens.

One, two...

- Let's go! - Let's go!

That was so much fun.

It really was.

After tomorrow's performance, it'll all be over.

Man...

I'm feeling something weird.

Nervousness...

Sadness...

Love...

And longing?

- And security? - What are you talking about?

You didn't get the reference?

Nope, not at all.

Well...

that's it!

You get nervous pretty easily, huh, Miki?

But it'll be okay.

You're an amazing heroine.

What's wrong?

Nothing. It's nothing.

Miki.

Yeah?

Um... Ms. Asakura wants to see you.

What? Did she say what it was about?

No, I don't know exactly what she wants.

It's definitely about my future.

Let's just pretend I've already gone home.

If Ms. Asakura asks, I mean.

Miki...

are you worried about what you're going to do in the future?

It's just that I don't know how to decide something like that.

The drama festival will be starting shortly!

Oh, thanks!

Hey, hurry up! It's about to start!

I should've gone straight home.

Mercutio ended up getting killed because I was there.

Don't blame yourself like that.

I'm a heroine.

The greatest heroine.

Hey, seriously, doesn't this costume look amazing?

Our El is incredible, isn't she?

Why do you look so proud?

Seriously, her work looks professional.

Right?

From what I heard earlier, Miyazato wants to study fashion in college.

- So that's why. - Yeah.

We're counting on you, Miki.

Everything depends on you.

Leave it to me!

And now, Class 2-3's superhero show!

We hope you all enjoy it like you're kids again!

Wow.

Let's turn off the lights.

Everything's gonna be okay.

In a certain town in Niigata, on a freezing winter day, after school, under clear skies...

Finals are finally over!

- Man, that was exhausting, huh? - Tell me about it.

- Let's celebrate with some karaoke! - Sounds good!

Did you hear? Takeshita from the class next door got attacked yesterday.

Everything's gonna be okay.

A... A-ko!

A-ko!

So you've come.

You've finally shown yourselves, Hell's Gang!

Give A-ko back!

I am the supreme ruler of the world of darkness,

Black Bell!

Soon, this girl's soul will be consumed by darkness.

It's already too late!

Damn it, what are we gonna do?

Just as I thought, we can't do this on our own.

Help us, Seirin!

That's enough!

Take that!

The heroine of justice who punishes evil!

Let the bell ring out!

Seirin!

Seirin!

Prepare yourselves, villains!

Get her!

Damn you!

Take that!

- I'll take it from here. - Thank you, Seirin!

Come at me!

This past month has been so much fun.

The costumes, the sets, the sound, the lighting...

Without everyone's hard work, talent, and determination,

we never would've made it this far.

Seriously, everyone here is amazing.

Even Kyo.

I never imagined he'd do something like this.

Seirin...

Power!

Damn you, Seirin!

So you've finally appeared, Black Bell!

I'll crush you with my own two hands!

Take that!

And above all, this girl.

Para.

You really are incredible.

Once you decide to do something, you just go for it without hesitation.

And on top of that,

you make it all look effortless, without showing the slightest sign of struggle.

I'd never say this to her face,

but I think she's a total badass.

Damn youuu!

Take this!

This is the final blow!

It can't be...

I...

Compared to them, I'm so ordinary...

I can't even figure out what I want to do with my life.

I'm playing a heroine, but the real me is a complete mess.

For starters, the very fact that I say I "want to be" a heroine

means I'm not one...

Mikki, your line.

What was it again...?

I'm sorry, I...

It's okay, Miki.

Everything's gonna be okay.

But...

I'm sorry.

Leave the rest to me.

I'm sorry, everyone.

We were putting on a performance.

Good defeating evil.

We wanted to find out how people would react to seeing that.

That was our experiment.

Everyone must have at least a little evil inside them.

But instead of acknowledging that, we simply punish evil without question.

Is that really the right thing to do?

We gave Seirin a very difficult role.

It must have been painful.

There's nothing sadder than being unable to accept your own weaknesses.

We will continue watching this world.

And when the world is once again consumed by the belief that good must punish evil,

we will appear again.

That's the story we wanted to tell.

Man, that was a close one!

Para, I'm sorry. I...

Don't worry about it! The improvisation actually made it pretty convincing.

Thank you.

You really are amazing, Para.

All right, here we go! Everybody smile... Say cheese!

Got it. Looks good.

Thanks!

It looks great!

Sorry, just a minute.

I need to change and take off my makeup.

- Go ahead. - Okay, be right back.

- Great job! - You too!

Kyo.

- Great job, Miki. - You too.

It's over, huh?

Mm-hmm.

Ah... Damn it.

I wish we could do it again.

But you were really cool, Miki.

Even though I forgot my line?

Mm-hmm.

I wanted to thank you, Kyo.

That was you, wasn't it?

It really wasn't a big deal.

But it helped me so much.

What made me happiest was knowing you were thinking about me.

Oh, it was nothing. I was still unsure myself, and college visit brochures

are always helpful for figuring things out.

So I figured I'd ask the teacher to get some for you too...

Huh?

Sorry, I think we're talking about two different things.

You're the one who asked for those college visit brochures for me?

Yeah...

I just thought you seemed a little worried about it...

- Sorry. - No, no, not at all!

Thank you. So you were worried about me.

That makes me happy...

S-sorry.

It's just...

the person who was holding my hand earlier was...

Your hand?

B-but...

It was her...

Hey, you crazy girl!

What?

Seriously, I never know what's going on in that head of yours.

Whatever could you be talking about?

How long have you been hurt?

Oh, right. I totally forgot about that!

- Well, since you found out, I guess... - No, no, no!

I don't understand what the point was.

You did it because Kyo doesn't feel comfortable around me...

and you wanted to help him get over that?

Well, more or less.

Then you could've just had him hold my hand directly.

If I'd done that, nobody would've been able to focus on the play anymore.

That makes no sense.

When you truly care about someone, you can't help rooting for them.

Let's go.

- Everyone's waiting. - Okay.

Nothing.

Turns out you were the real heroine all along, Para.

No, it was you, Miki.

- Everyone's already gone to the party. - Then let's hurry and catch up!

You can run if you want.

All right! Come on, Kyo!

If we take too long, we'll waste our time!

- We only have the karaoke room for two hours, right? - Yeah, maybe, but...

Speaking of which, Miki, how come you've never given Kyo a nickname?

That's true.

Well...

I just can't think of a nickname for him.

All right! Kyo, let's run!

- Huh?! - Come on, Kyo.

- Let's go, Kyo. - Ready!

- Go! - Come on! Move it!

- Why? - Come on! Run!

Hey, wait up.

Move it, Kyo! Let's go!

Para, are you okay?

You have absolutely no stamina, do you?

SECOND YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL FEBRUARY

Being able to see people's heartbeats

is pretty complicated too...

Since I can see them, I can't help letting them affect me a little.

"If I say this..."

"If I do that..."

"Everyone will definitely think it's funny..."

I worried so much about how people would react

that somewhere along the way, I stopped understanding my own feelings.

I don't like

that part of myself.

- My butt hurts! - My lower back is killing me.

Miki is different from me.

- Your phone! - Oh! I forgot!

Miki is someone who can be genuinely moved by even the smallest things.

She's a good person.

I love this version of Miki!

What version of Miki?

That Miki right there.

What?

Just get it already!

Ow, stop it!

Wow!

I...

want to believe that feelings are the most powerful force

when it comes to defining the bond between two people.

But people are so quick to judge relationships

based on someone's status, how they met...

I don't want my precious Miki to end up thinking that way.

That's why I...

to keep her from ending up with someone

for some stupid reason like "we've been friends since childhood,"

decided to keep the prince right under my nose.

Did it go out?

Oh, it's back on!

Wow.

Cool.

Mikki...

What are you doing, Para?

It was just so romantic,

I couldn't resist.

What's that supposed to mean?

When I look at that light,

it reminds me of an anglerfish...

I know what this guy is really like.

No matter how cheerful and fun he seems on the outside,

his heartbeat never fluctuates.

On the inside, he's...

cold and murky.

Wait, we're getting on the bus after this, right?

Yeah. Apparently, the ride takes about two hours.

Oh, sorry. I'm gonna use the restroom while I can.

Allow me to accompany you, my prince.

Maybe next time.

Kyo! Did you bring a bell?

You scared me! No, I didn't...

Miki just got one from the prince.

I'm kidding.

But it might just be a matter of time...

No... Yeah.

Yeah.

At our school,

there's a cheesy tradition passed down through generations.

They say that if you're alone with someone during the school trip

and give that person a bell, you'll be together forever.

Just your typical, corny little love charm.

Go buy a bell right now and give it to Miki.

Why would I give Miki a bell?

Oh, cut it out.

Do you really think nobody's noticed?

- What? - Listen.

You're going to give her one. No excuses.

It'll work out.

With Miki, you just need to be a little persistent.

I won't let someone with such a cold heart

steal Miki's passionate heart.

That guy...

is just like me.

Don't you think the food here is gonna be fancy?

- Totally. - Right?

Bet they're gonna serve us a feast.

- Like, super fancy? - Exactly.

- Wow, this is amazing! - This chair is adorable.

- So cool! - I'm sitting down!

I'm starving. Hey, there's something here!

Oh, you're right!

- Ta-da! - What?

That's definitely meant for kids.

- You found that way too fast! - Do I look stylish?

My last practice exam was terrible...

I'm in serious trouble.

But it's good that you found a college you want to go to, right?

It took me a long time to decide.

But I visited a few colleges,

and seeing everything in person made a huge difference.

I thought about a lot of things,

but for now, I think it's enough that I enjoy classical literature.

I can figure out the rest when the time comes.

I see.

Life's too short, even if you spend it doing only the things you want to do.

There probably still wouldn't be enough time.

So you can't afford to waste time doing things you don't want to do.

That's true.

Being straightforward and moving ahead suits you better, Miki.

Wow, this is awkward!

Cut it out!

Bet that woke the teacher up.

Teacher! They're not sleepi...

Wow!

- It's huge! - Amazing!

Whoa...

- What's that big cluster over there? - Aren't those sardines?

Sardines?

Think we could eat them?

- An ocean sunfish! - Mikki, wait!

You're way too fast!

- Sunfish! - Wow!

Did you buy the bell?

No...

Not yet.

Why not?

Well, it's just...

I might end up putting Miki in an awkward position.

Why would she feel awkward?

Well...

Mikiii! Apparently, there's a megalodon skeleton over there!

What's that? A dinosaur?

- Let's go! - Hey... Seriously...

Come on, go after her!

Huh? Where's the prince?

He said he was going to the restroom.

That prince sure uses the restroom a lot, huh?

You look sleepy.

It took me a while to fall asleep last night.

- Are you okay? - Mm-hmm.

I'm totally fine.

I see.

Look at this.

- A squid? - Yeah.

I thought it was funny, so I recorded a video earlier,

but this is actually a cuttlefish.

A cuttlefish...

It changes the color of its body depending on how it's feeling.

Imagine if humans were like that. That would be tough, wouldn't it?

Everything they felt would show up as colors on their bodies.

Yeah. Poor things.

Right?

But there's something else that's kind of sad.

Apparently, cuttlefish themselves can only see blue.

So they can't even tell what color their own bodies are.

That sounds a little like Kyo.

No, I mean...

it's so obvious to everyone around him,

but he seems to think he's hiding it really well.

But that's also one of the things I like about Kyo.

Yeah. That's true.

Sorry. I got a little lost.

Huh?

Looks like you two are having fun.

We were talking about squid.

Squid?!

Squid-Kyo.

- What? - Exactly.

- "Squid-Kyo." - Isn't that what you meant?

- Man, that was so much fun! - It really was!

- Wanna talk about love now? - Let's do it!

But it's lights out at ten.

Where did you see it?

- Where? Where? Where? - Like...

near the entrance to the boiler room in the basement!

The boiler room? That's such a shady place!

So people really are giving out bells, huh?

Maybe someone's giving one to somebody right now.

Where? Where? Where?

Your face mask is gonna fall off!

What about you, Miki? Isn't there anyone you like?

I don't know...

What about you, Para?

We never hear you talk about this stuff.

You're not planning to give a bell to some guy, are you?

Not interested. Guys just get in the way.

But you've been hanging around Zuka a lot lately.

Oh, that's true!

Oh, that? I was actually a little nervous at first,

but it's all just goofing around. I can't help laughing.

Yeah, pretty much.

I see.

Just imagining Para and Zuka dating makes me laugh.

I wonder what kind of guy Para would actually like.

Does someone like that even exist?

Who knows? Maybe.

It's hot. I'm gonna get something to drink.

- Okay. - Go ahead.

So smooth!

Are you okay?

I'm fine. I just didn't get much sleep.

Want something to drink? Maybe some tea?

You're not allowed to eat or drink here.

Right...

Then I'll go ask one of the staff members.

Sorry.

This is starting to get a little bad.

They said there's a place to get a drink in the next building.

Thanks.

But I think I'm okay for now.

Got it.

What's wrong?

Well...

Miki was...

with a guy from Class 1.

So...

- Here. - What?

Well...

why?

What do you mean, why?

- I mean it that way. - What?

But...

we've barely even talked, have we?

Oh, I get it! You mean as friends?

No, not as friends.

No.

I see.

Then I'm sorry, but I can't accept it.

I see.

Is there someone you like?

What?

Someone you have feelings for.

You, Miki.

No, there isn't anyone.

I told you.

It was only a matter of time.

Well...

Um...

If it were...

Zuka...

they'd make a good couple.

What?

What do you mean, "make a good couple"?

Sorry.

All right, once you get your keys at the front desk, go straight to bed.

Okay!

There we go.

Want me to carry that?

No, I'm fine!

- What? - I've totally got this!

What?

It's nothing!

- Sorry! - What was that about?

Huh? Where's Miki?

She said she was going to get something to eat at the gift shop.

I see.

So...

did something happen?

What?

Everyone was acting kind of strange.

The doors are opening.

Going up.

- I don't think we'll all fit. - It's okay. You guys go ahead.

Well, I don't know.

Why does everything have to be so complicated?

People's feelings, I mean.

Things would be so much easier if we could just be honest.

What about you, Para?

What?

Aren't you pushing yourself too hard?

Because when it comes to Mikki, you...

Sorry.

I'm sorry, I...

No.

The doors are opening.

Sorry, actually, I think I'll stop by the gift shop too.

I scared her.

If I really were the crazy girl everyone thinks I am,

I'd be able to say "sorry" without worrying about anything.

But...

I can't...

I...

actually...

Huh? Where did I put my key?

Found it.

Huh? Para?

- Para?! - Para?!

Para!

Para!

Actually...

I'm not even "Para"...

You're awake?

Can you see me clearly?

Yes.

It looks like you fainted.

Have you been getting too little sleep or exerting yourself suddenly? Anything like that?

Make sure you get plenty of rest, okay?

Are you feeling well enough to stay awake?

- I'm fine. - That's good.

Sorry, looks like everyone's back,

so I'm gonna step out for a minute. - Okay.

Hey! How are you feeling?

Well, well... Long time no see, my prince.

Looks like you're really doing fine.

I've got a few things to tell you. Can I come in?

- Sure. - Great.

Here. A little souvenir.

Oh, how wonderful!

Mikki wanted to come too,

but everyone stopped her.

They said she'd be too much excitement for someone who's sick.

Oh, that's too bad.

You know what? Forget what I was going to tell you.

Can I talk about something personal?

Personal?

Para,

I think you've got the wrong idea about something.

The wrong idea?

About me and Mikki.

You think Mikki and I are going to end up together, right?

Para,

you don't like me, do you?

I wouldn't say I dislike you...

Do I get on your nerves?

Exactly.

- Why are you laughing? - I don't know. It's kind of nice.

Hearing you say it so bluntly.

What about you? Aren't you the one who doesn't like me?

Me?

Dislike you?

Not at all.

I actually think you're pretty funny.

I'm...

not the fun person you think I am.

Everything I do is calculated.

"If I say this, they'll think I'm funny."

"If I do that, they'll be surprised."

I'm just playing the part of the person I wish I could be.

To me,

that's exactly the kind of person you seem to be.

But I'm not. Actually, even I...

wish I could be like that.

I wish I could live without weighing what I stand to gain or lose.

I wish I could do whatever I want without hesitation.

But the real me...

isn't like that.

Deep down,

I'm nothing like that.

But isn't everyone like that?

What?

Well... I don't know.

It's just that...

something you said really stuck with me, Para.

Something I said?

At the drama festival.

"Being unable to accept your own weaknesses..."

"There's nothing sadder than that." Something like that.

Did I really say that...?

It was amazing that you came up with that on the spot.

You know, inside our heads,

for example...

no matter how awful our thoughts are,

I don't think

they define who we really are.

At the end of the day, what matters

is what we actually do, right?

So...

I think you could be a little easier on yourself.

Sorry. I'm acting like I know everything.

No...

But...

I think I understand a little.

You...

are a lot like me in some ways.

- Thanks for taking care of me. - Of course. Don't push yourself too hard, okay?

Okay. Thank you so much.

You're welcome.

- Welcome back, Para. - I'm back.

Here! This is for you.

- What's this? - A bell, obviously.

You know, the thing where you give someone a bell and stay together forever.

They said you have to give it to someone when you're alone together.

Thank you.

Whoa! What?! You're just accepting it?

I thought you'd pull some kind of stunt.

I'll treasure it.

I gave one to everyone else too, but yours is special.

You can even show it off.

Oh, so I wasn't the only one? How disappointing!

And you don't have to give me anything back.

Even if the feelings only go one way,

I think that's okay.

Miki...

What?

Do you want to know everything about me?

What do you mean?

Exactly what I said.

I don't know...

Maybe I don't need to.

Why not?

Huh?

Well...

it seems more fun that way.

What?

Yeah, you're right.

- We're back! - We're home.

I need to put the ice cream away.

It melted a little!

Para...

Are you okay?

Yeah. I'm fine.

I see... That's good.

Miyazato...

I'm sorry.

No...

I'm the one who should apologize.

Let's stuff our faces with junk food!

- You scared me! - All right! Let's eat!

Let's do it!

- It's a feast! - All right, party time!

- Give me some. - Wait, what about a pillow fight?

Wanna do it?!

- Good morning! - Morning.

- Good morning. - Morning.

Ta-da!

- Wow! - It's for you!

- Oh, how wonderful! - Eat it later.

Joy.

Anger.

Sadness.

Happiness.

I used to think it was because of this strange power.

Because I could see other people's emotions,

I kept adapting to them and lost sight of who I was.

But...

I'm so happy I might eat too much!

Hey, careful! Don't make yourself sick!

Maybe having this power doesn't make any difference after all.

- Good morning! - Morning.

- Sorry we're late! - You sure took your time, Mikiii!

Why...?

- Did you see the dinosaurs? - Did you go see them?

In the end, I couldn't give her the bell.

THIRD YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL AUGUST

Just as I thought,

someone like me...

What?

She said we should try to get into the same university.

- Who did? - Miki.

What should we do?

I don't know...

I couldn't figure out what that meant.

I'd never think,

"You're worried about something like that?"

If something similar happened to me,

I think I'd react the same way Kyo did.

Could she be testing my feelings somehow?

I don't think that's it.

I wonder if he's remembering that whole shampoo incident.

I did something wrong...

So even you didn't know, Para?

Not a thing.

Oh, so that's why Kyo looked so freaked out.

Yeah.

Still, it's surprising he didn't even tell you.

Surprising?

Not at all.

The words "ask for advice" aren't in that boy's vocabulary.

I see.

Well... still...

he's still beating himself up over not giving Miki that bell.

Yeah. I hope he doesn't overthink things even more.

Yeah.

Well, look at that. Speak of the devil...

What?

Huh? Where are Zuka and Miki?

- They ran off to get married. - Hey... They're just not here yet.

Oh... I see.

- Here you go. - Thanks.

That's dangerous!

- Sorry we're late! - We were late because she weighs a ton.

That's a lie! I'm light as a feather!

Excuse me! Can we get another chair?

- Of course! - Thank you!

- Miki, what are you having? - You didn't have to...

I want something sweet.

Then you'll have an iced coffee, no sugar.

- Did you even hear what I said? - Excuse me!

I said I wanted something sweet!

I just wanted to open up a whole new world for you.

You're so annoying!

But I did, right? You're welcome.

It took me forever to finish that thing.

Well, see you.

- See you later. - Bye!

- Miki, what are you doing tomorrow? - Tomorrow... Summer classes!

If Mikki were riding behind you, I bet you'd be so nervous you'd fall over.

Probably.

Huh?

What?

Aren't you surprised that I know you like her?

But...

Huh...

Oh, so that's how it is.

I should've started teasing you about this ages ago!

Please don't.

Wait, let's get off.

Okay.

Have you talked to Mikki about it?

No.

I see.

It's just...

I'm scared.

I understand exactly how Kyo feels.

That day Kyo talked to me about shampoo, I was scared too.

I kept thinking about someone like me using a trendy shampoo.

"What if they think I'm full of myself?"

"What if they think I'm kidding myself?"

Those were the thoughts I had.

We end up thinking, "Someone like me..."

That's why I understand Kyo's feelings so well.

As if he needed to apologize

for falling for someone as amazing as Mikki.

All right! Let's get started!

Today, I want you to work on this first.

On second thought...

I'm not going to change which university I apply to.

What?

I'm not applying to the same one as Miki.

I'm going to apply to the one I originally wanted to attend.

Why?

I don't think I can do it after all.

How do I put this...

I think it's more like admiration.

Maybe I don't like her...

that way...

That's not it.

After all, someone like me...

Don't.

If you're going to give up, then really give up.

Don't try to disguise it by saying it was just admiration.

There's no point telling me that.

Thanks to you, Miyazato,

I was able to get closer to Miki.

And so many times, I thought

that was enough for me.

But...

every time, I realize the same thing.

"It's not true

that this is enough."

Just being close to her

will never satisfy me.

It's not enough...

What should I do?

Would you be okay with that?

Kyo...

if someone else ended up with Mikki.

I wouldn't be.

But would you be okay if it were me?

There's something

I want to talk to you about.

I want to clear this up once and for all.

You...

I'm sorry.

Your feelings for me...

Stop.

Why?

I'm sorry. Thank you for coming all this way just to tell me that.

But I don't want to cause you any trouble, so it's okay. That's enough.

I'll choose a different university too, so you don't have to worry.

I'm sorry for being this way.

What do you mean, "I'm sorry"?

Hey.

What's that "I'm sorry" supposed to mean?

I didn't think you were like this!

Go.

Go after her.

If you don't go now, you'll regret it!

I'm sorry.

I really hope things work out.

Maybe I was a little too hard on Kyo.

But this time, there was no other way.

Kyo had to go after her.

Because

Mikki

still had an arrow coming from her.

Kyo really underestimates himself.

Kyo, thank you for this.

He's sensitive, worries about everything, and scares easily.

But that's...

also one of his good qualities.

He's a little different from me.

- Great work. - You too. Thanks.

I don't think many people are as considerate of others' feelings as he is.

- Great work. - Bye.

Bye.

Congratulations!

Those good qualities of Kyo's

aren't things only I notice. Everyone sees them.

Even Mikki.

The only one who doesn't see them is Kyo himself.

I wish he had a little more confidence in himself.

Otherwise, these feelings that have just started to blossom

might disappear because of some stupid misunderstanding.

Even if the feelings only go one way...

I think that's okay.

Where are we going?

Miki!

He's not my type at all.

It's nothing like that, but...

No...

It's just that Kyo is, well...

Oh, man!

Wow, it's hard to explain. But it's not exactly...

I don't think there was one big event that started it all.

It was all those little things adding up that slowly but surely

changed how Mikki felt.

- Wow! - We're here!

I used to think that if everyone had a power like mine,

these misunderstandings wouldn't happen...

But now that I think about it,

maybe it's better that I'm the only one with this power.

If everyone could see this, I think things would only get more confusing.

Something like this...

an arrow of love.

I never imagined things would get this complicated.

Neither did I.

So Miki thought

Kyo had feelings for you, Miyazato.

Apparently.

I have no idea how she came to that conclusion.

Well... that's something we'll never understand.

And with college entrance exams coming up,

she said that if things didn't work out, she wanted to move on for good,

so she came to clear things up.

I see.

But without even hearing what she had to say,

Kyo rejected her like he felt sorry for her, and she got furious.

I mean, seriously, they got everything wrong!

Look at Miyazato getting all worked up.

But they're both such idiots!

I like it! You're learning to speak your mind, Miyazato!

Oh, so everything's worked out now.

- Mm-hmm. - That's great.

I wish I'd been there too.

It wasn't fun at all.

I can imagine.

But anyway...

Yeah.

I'm really glad things worked out.

Me too.

Hey.

What are you guys doing?

What?

I'm recording this.

Look at that happy little face.

I know, right?

Send me that later.

You know your voice is in the recording too, right?

If you want, I've got one of those at home...

No, no.

If you want, I've got one of those at home...

a life-size version of it.

So? What did Kyo say to you back then?

What?

- I wanna know! - Right? Me too!

Hmm... Well, that's...

How do I put this...

You know...?

What?

When someone corners another person against a wall in a romantic gesture.

Did he pin you against a wall? Did he do a kabedon?!

Of course not! We're talking about Kyo.

Then what happened?

It's not really about what happened...

It was normal!

Did he say, "I love you"?

No.

It wasn't exactly like that.

But...

he said a whole lot of things to me.

A whole lot of things?

Like what?

Aaah, I can't tell you! It's a secret!