Original subtitles

Hey, say something cute. Wha?! - That's so random.

"Hey, say something cute."

"Wha?! That's so random."

Just say some-thing. Like, a phrase. Um, uh... A phrase... Let's see...

"Just say something. Like, a phrase."

"Um, uh... A phrase... Let's see..."

...

I like you ...

"I like you..."

... You dork... You're the one who told me to say a phrase.

"You dork..."

"You're the one who told me to say a phrase."

X/X/20XX - 20K Reposted - 30K Bookmarked

No-mon

Awww

Oki

Freaking amazing...

Ocha-no-Suke

Tea

Obsessed!

Monko Rich-man

So precious...

Wow.

Morning.

Here I am to help you again this month.

What are you doing here, Ha-san?

You called me over.

WOOF

WOOF

Episode 2: She's a Truly Dependable Assistant.

Oh, this?

Why do you sound so uninterested?

Everyone likes your work, Ha-san. Please cast your eyes over how viral it has gone.

Why so formal? It's honestly not that big of a deal.

You say that, but I bet editorial departments will reach out, saying:

"Let's compile what you've posted online into a book" or something like that.

Be real.

What?

We'd all be rich by now if going slightly viral was enough to sell books.

You mean like how even if you're really popular as a sexy idol,

making it on TV takes different skills?

I'm just an innocent girl, so I have no idea what you're talking about.

Oh, boo. I thought that was a good example.

That said, I do receive messages.

See? I knew it!

You don't need to be so dramatic about it.

You should just debut already since you're better at drawing than me, Ha-san.

Hmm. Anyway, enough about me. Let's worry about you. Deadlines are closing in, right?

Sure. Deadlines are always looming.

The manuscript for Chapter 5 and the volume cover sketch need to be done soon, too.

There's also the volume's bonus chapter storyboard, and the store bonus...

A mountain of tasks!

Here you go. It's hot so be careful.

Thanks.

Hot!

That's why I told you to be careful.

Is this the volume cover sketch?

Yeah. I'm taking a break from the manuscript.

You're taking a break by doing a different task?

What do you think?

Yeah, I think it's good. It's cute.

Thanks.

But you know, it's the release of the very first volume of your very first series,

yet we barely have any time to celebrate it.

I know.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I am happy about it!

It's just there's so much to do.

Yeah. Keeping up with the serialization is hard enough,

and now, we have the deadlines for the book on top of that.

But this is what people call a "good" problem to have, right?

Things are rough. Like, really rough. But I managed to make it to the first volume.

Totally.

That said, the manuscript for that first volume is still a work in progress.

Hold on a sec! I'll send you the draft with the characters... Oh!

Wait, what's the matter?

Don't tell me we forgot a deadline.

No. But is it my fault you don't want to make your debut as a mangaka?

Huh?

I mean, you see how I'm always scrambling to meet deadlines,

so I thought maybe you'd cooled on the idea of becoming a mangaka because of that.

Oh.

No, not really.

That pause was basically a "Yes"!

FYI, there are mangakas out there who follow their schedule and easily hit deadlines.

You've just gotta be like them.

No, I mean it. It's not your fault, Sensei.

This is my problem.

The truth is, I approached an editorial department once.

Huh?

But it made me realize I don't have what it takes to become a mangaka.

Nice to meet you. My name is Saruwatari and I work here at Comic Blast.

Hi, my name is Hazama. It's nice to meet you, too.

Wow, a business card. And from an actual editor...

I love reading your manga, Hazama-san. You draw adorable girls, and I love the plots.

Thank you.

It's amazing how your manga is constantly going viral.

Oh, but some of those are fan fiction, so...

Getting straight to the point, we'd like to offer you a serialization with us.

Huh?

A s-serialization? Right off the bat?

Yes.

But don't people usually start with a one-shot?

Honestly, you won't get anywhere unless you're serialized and start releasing volumes.

So what do you say?

We can either serialize what you've already posted online, or start something new.

Do you have any ideas for a series you'd like to draw?

Huh? This is so weird. I can't think of anything.

Wait, how come?

An opportunity just fell into my lap. So why?

It's so weird. I've always loved drawing and manga.

So I kind of had this vague dream of becoming a mangaka.

Well, um, there's no need to come up with ideas right now.

Take your time, and let's come up with plots—

'Scuse me.

Huh?

This isn't going to work, so please excuse me!

Hey, wait.

It's not like there was something I really wanted to express,

or a story I had in mind that I felt I needed to draw.

I was only interested in having the "mangaka" title. That's so dumb.

I really shouldn't have gone.

And that's how I came to understand my place.

Uh, I don't get it.

Oh, weren't you listening?

You said you have nothing you want to draw.

But you are, aren't you?

Those are different.

They're just scenes that came to mind or fun conversations I overheard.

They're sketches of ideas.

Chapter

A good manga, however, forms a line. Everything's connected, from start to finish.

Yeah, but you make a storyline by connecting those ideas. It's not that hard.

It is for me!

Huh?

I don't know how to connect my ideas or develop them.

Besides, I've never taken my work to a publisher nor submitted some to a contest.

I bet most people don't nowadays.

Sure. But for me...

It's not like I had a dream of being serialized after going viral.

I just posted drawings online for a few people to see, and that was enough for me.

I realized how shallow I was, and that's why I say I don't have what it takes.

Still, reaching that decision at 20 seems a bit too early.

Thanks for letting me borrow your hair dryer.

You're welcome.

Another busy day tomorrow, so let's turn in.

Sure.

You know, Ha-san...

Yes?

Going back to our earlier conversation, I think it's too soon for you to give up.

Just give it a shot and come up with ideas that can be serialized.

Uh, sure. If something comes to mind.

You don't plan on being an assistant forever, do you?

I haven't really thought a whole lot about the future,

but I might be okay with being your assistant forever if your manga sell 10 million copies.

C'mon now.

I'm only half joking.

But you know...

I think working as your assistant is actually right for me.

Being an assistant is only the first step.

That's what it probably should be in most cases.

But...

For now, I'm just happy that I get to help a genius do their work.

Ha-san, are you...

Yes?

Are you also working as an assistant for other mangakas?!

Oh, so that's how you took it?

No! I'm fine with you leaving the nest, but getting cheated on is a different story!

Don't go anywhere, Ha-san!

I won't, so shut up. Just go to sleep.

Why do you have to be so mean?!

Sensei...

I showed the volume cover sketch to the sales team,

and they said it'd stand out in bookstores.

Oh, really? I'm glad to hear that.

Yeah, so let's go with what you have for the volume cover.

Now, about the manuscript for Chapter 5...

Oh, sorry. That's going to take a little longer.

Sure, because you're working on it alongside the book.

But I can't move the deadline since we need Toko-san to supervise the match scene.

Yes, I'm aware of that.

What do you want to do?

If your schedule's too tight to accommodate the bonus chapter for the book,

we can always fill the space with ads or something.

But a bonus chapter will please the readers more, won't it?

Well, yeah. But you haven't made any progress with the storyboard for it, either, have you?

Nope.

Could you prioritize finishing Chapter 5, then? We can revisit the storyboard another time.

Okay.

Sounds like Futami-sensei is struggling.

Well, it's her first serialization and her first book release.

Good morning.

Huh?

Rise and shine, Sensei.

Ow.

Sensei, are you okay?

Sorry, Ha-san. My head is killing me.

It hurts so much that, it'd better awaken some power in me.

What? Then, let's take today off.

No. I gotta work on the manuscript. And the things I gotta do for the book.

Toko-san needs time to look over the manuscript, too.

I need to finish the storyboard. I don't have time to rest.

Reel off your to-do list all you want, but forcing yourself won't produce anything good.

But...

Sensei!

How do you feel? Any better?

Not really.

I wonder if I'd feel better if I threw up.

Do you feel nauseous?

Yeah. I feel dizzy, too.

Maybe it's due to eye strain or your shoulders being stiff.

Oh, how I wish your big sister was here right now.

Huh?

Oh, since she's a professional? But she's more of an aesthetician than a chiropractor.

I wish I could call her over, but she's also working today.

If it's okay with you, I can give you a quick massage.

Huh?

I warmed a towel for you.

First, let's warm up the area around your eyes.

Oui.

How does that feel?

It feels amazing!

That's good to hear.

It feels so soothing and light.

Your blood wasn't circulating properly.

Wow. One single warm towel was all I...

Oh, but my neck still hurts.

Everything doesn't instantly improve like magic.

Okay. Let's start with your neck, shall we?

Wh-What are you going to do?

You're probably in pain because the muscles around your neck are stiff.

So let's stretch 'em to release the tension.

Even just this feels so much better.

You can do this on your own, too, so try it when you feel stiff.

Ah, I think I'm getting sleepy.

That's probably the meds kicking in. Go ahead and sleep.

Futami.

Futami.

Fuuu-tami.

Sorry, I wasn't paying attention.

Cultural Festival

We're not in class. Are you still half asleep?

Oh, it's just you...

Ha-san.

Mornin'!

I knew you'd be here since you weren't in the classroom.

It's quiet here, so it's relaxing.

Gosh, why would you come to school just to hole yourself up?

Oh, is that the brochure cover for the cultural festival?

Cultural Festival

Uh-huh. The student council asked me to draw it.

You're so talented, Futami. You're a genius!

What's gotten into you?

What is it?

I have a favor to ask you, Futami.

I knew it.

Well? What is it today? Japanese history? English?

Oh, not that kind of favor.

Have I told you I have a younger sister? She's a first-year in junior high.

Oh, I think so.

Well, she's a big manga fan and she wants you to draw something for her.

Uh, it's some character named Ijuin? From a manga called Dullahan Man.

Stop, stop, stop.

Are you saying you told your sister that I draw manga?!

Well, more like she peeked at the illustration you drew me without permission.

That was more of a doodle than an illustration!

Ugh, no way. That's super embarrassing.

Why is it embarrassing?

Because...

She respects you a lot.

It's so funny watching her eyes sparkle and hearing her go, "She's so good!"

at your drawing when she doesn't even know you.

She begged me for a drawing from you. So will you do me a favor and draw it for her?

I guess I can.

In exchange, will you massage me?

Sure thing.

You're in good hands.

Wow, your shoulders are so stiff, Futami.

You should exercise once in a while. Let's go for a run.

No. I don't wanna run with the star of the track team.

It'll be fine. We can run at your pace.

My pace, you say?

What are you doing, Ha-san?!

Oh, I dozed off because you were sleeping so peacefully.

Anyway, how do you feel now?

Is your headache and shoulder stiffness any better?

They're gone!

Seriously?

I feel so refreshed. That's amazing.

You were probably lacking sleep due to overworking yourself, too.

Ah, true.

You worked after I went to sleep the other day, didn't you?

I haven't slept as peacefully as that in a while.

Oh, and I dreamed about the old days.

You did?

Do you remember getting your older sister

to ask me to draw for you back in your first year of junior high?

I do.

An illustration of Ijuin-kun, right?

I still have it.

I see.

Well? Do you think you can work on your manga now?

I guess I can.

After all, you gave me a good massage.

Nice work on Chapter 5's manuscript and the storyboard for the bonus chapter.

I thought you said you were swamped, but you got it done in time.

Sorry.

What is it? Did something happen?

My shoulders feel lighter now.

Physically.

Not just physically!

"Physically"?

Ah, what should I do? I feel bad for the editor.

Wait, she's probably looking at my account, too.

Maybe I shouldn't post any manga for a while.

A while? Or maybe forever?

Seriously, what am I gonna do with myself?

If I don't plan on becoming a mangaka, how will I make a living?

No, thinking about it now will just get me spiraling.

I just quit my part-time job, too, so maybe I'll go on a little trip.

M-Maybe it's the editor calling.

Incoming call Futami-senpai

Futami-san?

Hello?

Ha-san! It's been a while! It's Futami!

Yes, hi.

Is now a good time to talk?

Yes, sure.

To tell you the truth, my manga's getting serialized in a magazine called Monthly Clover.

Oh, wow! That's amazing! Congratulations!

Thank you. But things are getting out of hand already.

Wow.

My editor said she'd introduce me to an assistant,

but you know how shy I get around new people.

S-So, uh...

Um, Ha-san, would you please come and work as my assistant?!

An assistant?

Um, sorry. I know this is out of the blue.

But you're the only person who came to mind.

I'm in!

Next episode: I'm So Swamped, I'd Even Take Help from a Cat.

Next Episode I'm So Swamped, I'd Even Take Help from a Cat.