Original subtitles

Sorry, I must've misheard.

Could you say that again?

Fine.

I found someone else I'm interested in.

What are you even talking about?

I know we met on a dating app,

but you yourself said we were a good match.

Marriage was even on the table for us.

Sorry.

Can I ask why?

Were you... still pursuing partners on that app?

Look.

I just found someone who checked off more of my boxes, okay?

Come again?

I know you chose me due to some arbitrary criteria as well.

Education, job status, salary, and all.

So, I've simply done the very same.

If anything...

isn't that what looking for a marriage partner boils down to?

I couldn't even muster a rebuttal.

That was the day I quit actively seeking out marriage partners.

[Six months later]

There.

Yukino Katsuragi. Almost 35 years of age.

Bon appétit.

I'll be back.

- Good morning. - Good morning. [Cat Beverage]

[Cat Beverage - General Affairs Department]

[Yukino Katsuragi]

- Ms. Kimura. - Yes, ma'am?

Have you contacted Sales about our upcoming event?

Not yet.

I was planning on reaching out tomorrow.

That's exactly how you had forgotten to do so before.

Make sure to update our data for the upcoming meeting as well, alright?

Yes, ma'am.

- Mr. Tanizaki. - Yeah?

- I got scolded again. - I know.

Ms. Katsuragi is just more capable than most.

Don't let it get to you.

Okay.

Yeah, yeah. Terribly sorry for being such a nagging coworker.

Yukino. Let's grab lunch.

I saw that. She looked so annoyed.

I don't mind if she thinks I'm a nagging hag. Because I am.

I just want her to take responsibility for her work.

And if you try to give her a warning,

she'll definitely accuse you of harassment, or being an old coot.

If I'm an old coot at my age, what am I supposed to do in the future?

Anyway, keep a healthy distance from her. Otherwise, you'll be worn thin.

Can we stop by our tech team? My tablet's bugging out.

Sure.

- Be right back. - Sure.

"Life Planning Seminar"...

Excuse me.

Could I get through?

Sorry.

Are you messing with me?

No.

Rude.

There you are, Aoshima.

- Yes? - Something is still up with my tablet.

I'll look into it.

Will get it done ASAP.

- Would you really? - Of course.

Thank you.

Who's that?

Aoshima, our newest mid-career hire.

All the girls have eyes on him because he's hot, and a competent worker.

I see.

Not to mention he's 26 and young.

He's totally my bias.

Takako, you're married.

- I'm settling on bias status, because I can't jump into an affair. - Ouch.

Here's to another great day of work.

I'll go get those contracts with glee!

I am so not interested.

[Manraitei Izakaya]

Yum.

I see you're drinking good tonight, Yukino.

Always puts a smile on my face.

And that makes me want to order more.

Please, I won't stop you.

Will you also be having the usual?

Please, thank you.

What's up, Asako?

Yukino! You're still coming to my wedding next week, right?

Of course. I wouldn't miss seeing you in a wedding dress for the world.

The girls and I have been talking, you know?

We're all so curious to finally meet the rumored boyfriend.

What?

Shoot, I forgot. My ex was also invited to this wedding.

You said marriage was in the talks between you two, right?

He must be a wonderful guy.

Actually...

Thanks for going along with my whims and inviting him.

Really, it means a lot.

Anyway, I'll see you next week.

Listen, you see -

Yikes.

This is bad.

What now?

Do I beg my ex to attend after all?

No way.

Do I use the dating app and find someone else?

Denied.

Besides, I don't want to actually date anyone.

Are there any possible pretend-boyfriend candidates, who would humor me for the wedding?

Welcome. Party of one?

Right this way.

The 26-year-old from our Systems Engineering Department!

Are you messing with me?

Okay, we only briefly met this afternoon.

There's no way he would remember me.

Huh?

You're from the office.

Aoshima, right?

That's me.

And you are?

Katsuragi. I work in General Affairs.

Are you a regular here, Ms. Katsuragi?

I suppose. It's close to the office, after all.

Do you have any recommendations then?

I heard everything here is reasonably priced and delicious.

Recommendations? Well...

One order of pig's feet, the usual.

Pig's feet?

I recommend it.

The boss here marinates them for three days. It's a hidden gold mine.

Want to try one?

No, thank you.

Did he just scoff at me?

I reckon he did.

Definitely rude.

- A beer, please. - Coming up.

I'm surprised you're alone, Aoshima.

No dates?

- I don't have a girlfriend, so no. - I'm surprised.

You look like you'd be popular.

I don't feel like dating now, that's all.

Hold on. We're coworkers. That's a good story.

Neither of us are interested in romance either.

Order up.

Alright, here goes nothing.

Say, could I ask you a favor?

I'd like you to go out with me.

Pardon?

You want me to act as your boyfriend at your friend's wedding?

Yes. My friends all want to meet this "rumored boyfriend".

It would only be for a day. I'll even pay you for your work.

And when the wedding is over, we can go back to being complete strangers.

- Another beer, please. - Coming up.

Right, of course you'd be put off.

Should've expected that.

Sure, I don't mind.

I really didn't expect you to agree, so...

I don't mind.

No way. Really?

Yes. Besides, this works out in my favor as well.

In your favor?

One beer.

Well then, here's to our mutually beneficial partnership.

Right.

Thanks for the meal.

What?

I feel like people are staring at me today...

Ms. Katsuragi! Congrats, I didn't realize we had an office couple.

Sorry, who are we talking about?

You, ma'am.

- Me, and who? - Mr. Aoshima, from our Systems Engineering team.

Pardon?

- What? - Huh?

You're dating Aoshima? Seriously?

Oh, well...

All the girls have been gossiping about it.

Some of them even took a sick day off after hearing he's taken.

What? How? Why?

Please excuse me.

Who started blabbering such nonsense...

Good afternoon,

Mr. Aoshima's Girlfriend.

- What? - I'm so jealous.

If only I was a few years younger. Perhaps I would've had a chance.

Ma'am, where did you hear of this rumor?

Is it true you're dating someone now? [Systems Engineering Department]

Yeah. I fell for her as soon as I started working here.

When I confessed to her yesterday,

- I never expected her to give me the green light. - Wow!

- I was so happy, I couldn't believe it. - Aoshima.

Aoshima.

Ms. Yukino.

Could I have a word?

Come here.

Hurry.

What is going on here?

What do you mean? We verbally agreed to this last night.

Right, but I only asked you to pretend for the wedding -

Do you really expect me to play along, solely for your own gain?

You're making me waste a weekend.

You'll need to play your part as well.

I understand that, but why make this known to the whole office?

It gets the girls off my back.

All the invites to drinks and confessions were getting annoying to deal with.

This puts a lot of pressure on me, you know?

Our age gap especially makes us stand out.

Not to mention we're lying to everyone at the company...

Fair point.

See?

In that case...

Let's make it an established truth instead.

Come again?

I'll make sure to play my part, so make sure you play yours, Ms. Yukino.

What, so that's the truth behind those rumors with Aoshima?

I knew there had to be a catch.

I really only needed him to pretend for the wedding though...

Hey, take it in stride.

Especially if your "boyfriend" is Aoshima. Honestly, I'm jealous.

Jealous? For me, this is more trouble than it's worth.

He keeps messing with me, too.

I really don't want to clock in tomorrow...

I'm not fairing any better. My bias has a "sweetheart" now.

Your struggles are unrelatable.

- Anyway, see you tomorrow. - Takako!

I'll make sure to play my part, so make sure you play yours, Ms. Yukino.

If that's how you'll play, then it's game on, Aoshima.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Doesn't Ms. Katsuragi seem different today?

Definitely. It's like she's extra motivated today.

Who made this copy?

I did.

Me, Tanizaki.

It's crooked. Do it over.

Yes, ma'am.

Who was on trash duty this morning?

- I was. - It's not empty.

Sorry about that, ma'am.

- Chief. - That's me.

Have you confirmed that event I emailed you about?

Right, I'll get to it -

Sir, I requested it first thing this morning, did I not?

Yes, ma'am.

My apologies.

I wonder if something happened to her.

Yeah... But I'm not complaining.

Keep my guard up like this, and he won't be able to mess with me.

That said, wearing heels sure is rough.

There he is.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

You look different today.

I'm trying something new.

Thoughts?

It's a nice look.

See? Now the ball is in my court.

Huh?

Is something the matter?

Ms. Yukino?

Why are you following me?

I have business on this floor.

Is that so.

Say, tomorrow's our day off. How about we go on a date?

A date? We're not even in an actual relationship.

Not a real date. Just something to get used to the idea, so we can convince your friends at the wedding.

- That's unnecessary - - You don't want your friends to find out, do you?

This is not for my sake. It's for yours.

Sorry, but I have plans tomorrow.

Plans, to do what?

To attend that.

I'll be attending this seminar tomorrow.

A "Life Planning Seminar"...

Right, you were looking at this the other day.

As an adult, planning for the future is a given.

Now then, if you'll excuse me.

[Katsuragi]

Huh? Didn't I have another sock?

Found it.

Yikes, a bug.

Out, out.

I'm bored.

There's nothing to do here.

I've experienced marriage, pregnancy, and even a divorce.

I have been desperate to prove myself in work ever since. [Kumi Sakamoto]

At times, I regret the choices I've made, and what's come to pass.

However, I believe what is most important of all,

is to acknowledge that this is your life to live.

"This is my life to live"...

A "Life Planning Seminar", huh?

I registered this morning under the name Yukino Katsuragi?

Yes, I have your name here.

- Hello there. - Aoshima? What are you doing here?

I thought I'd plan for the future as well.

You're only 26.

I'm already 26.

Besides, there's no harm in planning early.

- But - - It's starting.

Thank you for listening.

I have to check my health insurance.

Otherwise, I won't have enough for retirement...

Where do I even start?

I didn't get everything, but I did enjoy myself.

I'm sure you did.

Ms. Yukina, are you busy after this?

Nope.

Then you're free.

So what?

Let's go on that date.

That date?

Oh, absolutely not.

Then I'll rephrase it as a favor.

Accompany me today, please?

Huh?

Aoshima. Aoshima!

You wanted to go shopping?

Excuse me.

I'm looking for a tie for a wedding.

We have options further back.

Do you require assistance?

Thank you, but I'll be fine.

I'll have my girlfriend pick one out for me.

Of course.

You don't need to buy a new tie just for this.

I don't have an appropriate one. This is my first wedding.

Please help me pick one out.

You are my girlfriend, after all.

Nope.

Mediocre.

That's an option.

Still, it's hard to choose.

What sort of colors do you like?

Honestly, I could use some recommendations.

Let's see... I think I see light blues and silvers often at weddings.

You're like an expert.

Well, I've been to many weddings in my lifetime.

I'm like a professional wedding-attender by now.

How about this one?

See? Looks promising.

Thoughts?

Looks nice.

Finally...

Hey, your collar is crooked.

You smell nice.

What?

It's a calming scent.

Reminds me of my grandmother.

Sorry.

Ma'am.

Let me pay.

No need.

I insist. You're buying it for my favor, it's the least I could do.

Well, if you insist.

But in exchange, please don't pay me.

No, I will. Attending the wedding is a whole other matter.

Really, it's fine. If anything, I'm just as excited to attend anyway.

Thank you again for the tie.

You're very welcome.

My wedding gift is...

Aoshima's late...

The number you have called is currently unavailable.

Please leave a message...

Why?

Did he bail on me?

Yukino! Long time no see.

- Long time no see. - How've you been?

- Good. - It's been since...

My wedding.

- That long? - You don't remember? Rude.

So, Asako told us the news.

We finally get to meet the boyfriend today?

- Right... - I can't wait. What's he like?

How old is he? Where did you two meet?

Well...

Sorry to keep you waiting, Ms. Yukino.

Nice to meet you both. I'm Ms. Yukino's partner...

Aoshima.

My boyfriend.

- What? - Oh my gosh!

No way!

You were late. I thought you bailed on me.

Sorry about that.

Work had called right before I left, and I had to take care of it.

I don't look out of place, do I?

Not at all. Your tie looks especially nice.

Your attire suits you too.

I-Is that so?

It's like you're extra motivated today.

Don't blabber on and blow our cover, alright?

You only need to nod and agree when necessary.

I know.

- Congrats. - Congratulations, you two.

I'll go grab a replacement.

Yukino.

Aoshima is such a catch.

Agreed. He's nice, kind, and although I'm surprised he's only 26,

I'm sure every day must be like heaven on a platter.

It's like he revitalizes you,

unlike my husband, who runs my skin dry.

Same. I wish I could date a cute, young guy.

Yukino, you ought to count your blessings.

Seriously, you're lucky.

You think?

Say, who confessed first?

Well...

I did.

I fell for her as soon as I joined the company. It was love at first sight.

- Love at first sight? - Love at first sight!

Then tell us what you like about her.

Let's see...

I like how she's bright, and is relied on by many at our company.

I admire how she plans for her future, too.

But above all else...

I love how spoiled she acts.

Pardon?

It's cute, how coy she is with me.

- Oh my gosh! - Oh my!

Yukino, this is new.

- Well - - Yeah, you never rely on anyone.

Aoshima must bring down her walls.

Aw, our Yukino has come so far...

No, I'm really not one to act spoiled -

Ready? Say, "ahh"...

- They're so cute! - Goals!

See that? She wants to copy couples like that all the time.

- Oh my gosh! - I can't believe it!

Well then, don't be shy. Go ahead.

Quit slandering me.

They're watching.

- Let's get this on camera. - For posterity's sake.

Aoshima... Feed me?

I knew you'd ask.

There she goes!

So, so cute!

Adorable!

I'll be tossing the bouquet.

Gather around.

I remember when I used to join the crowd like them.

You won't be participating?

I think I'll pass.

Whoever catches the bouquet is said to get married next, and...

Ready?

Three, two, one...

For you.

Thank you.

Yukino.

I'm so relieved to see you happy and well.

Asako...

Asako was worried about you, you know?

As a fellow single gal, she felt like she was leaving you behind.

We're really glad to see you have Aoshima now.

It's nice to see you found someone you trust, especially with how you keep to yourself.

Yukino, you're up next.

Invite me to the wedding, okay?

Oh, marriage isn't...

Yukino. Make sure you cherish Aoshima.

Right.

I will.

Weddings are nice.

You bully.

I bet you enjoyed rewriting my personality.

Maybe, but at least we maintained our cover.

I suppose.

Do you feel bad for deceiving your friends?

Huh?

Because I don't think you should.

You only wanted to put them at ease.

There's nothing wrong with a well-meaning lie like that.

You think so?

In any case, thank you for going along with my antics today.

I appreciate your hard work.

See you at the office.

What?

Let's sit you down.

- No, but - - I insist.

I'm fine, really.

Please wait here. I'll be right back.

Hold on, Aoshima -

Sorry to keep you waiting.

- Here. - Huh?

These are easier to walk in, aren't they?

I'll handle that myself...

Thank you.

Of course.

It's the least I could do for this tie.

I'm home...

He had me at his whim all day.

But if he treats me with such kindness...

It puts me at a loss.

[Snack Bar Reiko]

Welcome.

Hey.

Gosh, that tie compliments you so unfairly well.

What's the occasion?

Your expression tells me something good happened today.

I don't know if that's what I would call it.

I just found someone interesting to toy with.

Yukino.

Hi there, Takako.

Sorry, I got absolutely booked tomorrow.

Can we reschedule your birthday dinner?

Don't feel obligated to.

I'll buy myself a nice bottle, and leisurely drink at home.

I feel so guilty though...

Invite Aoshima instead.

Why him? He may have helped at the wedding,

but we're certainly not friends to any degree.

We're coworkers, that's all.

Then why are you wearing your favorite earrings,

and a full face of make up?

One, earrings are meant to be worn.

And two, I bought make up for the wedding, so I have to use it.

Well, I suppose Aoshima is busy anyway.

I'm truly worried for my bias' health.

Don't you have other things to worry about?

Anyhow, I'll see you around.

Happy one-day-early birthday.

Let's celebrate when I get back.

Thanks.

Ms. Katsuragi.

- Good afternoon. - Hello.

And happy birthday as well.

Thank you.

- Though, I am a day early. - You knew?

Let's all celebrate the occassion together.

- Thanks. - I'll invite the Chief.

- Erm... - Ms. Kimura, too.

- See you. - And... that's it.

Just two others.

Aoshima? Is that you?

- Hey, Tanizaki. - Don't you have more to say?

- Huh? - You seriously took me for a loop, man.

I didn't think you would date Ms. Katsuragi.

It's great to find a fellow older woman enthusiast.

Sorry, what?

So that's why you rejected all those girls in college.

Want to catch up over some drinks tomorrow?

- Sure. - Wait, no.

You're busy.

Tomorrow? I'm free.

- You shouldn't be. - Why?

It's Ms. Katsuragi's birthday tomorrow.

Maybe we can go next week.

I'm done...

Who was in charge of updating the data for our meeting tomorrow?

That would be me.

You haven't updated them at all.

These are all numbers from last year.

Sorry, sir.

And she's gone and done it again.

Ms. Kimura could use the scolding though. She needs to learn from her mistakes.

But sir, I'm not solely to blame.

You aren't?

Yes. After all, Ms. Katsuragi didn't check my work.

Pardon?

Why am I working overtime as well?

I've finished editing these charts.

Let me see.

All that's left is...

Ms. Katsuragi...

Yes?

May I leave?

What? Leave? But this was your task to finish, Ms. Kimura.

You must be responsible for your own work.

I know.

But...

But?

I have a date with my boyfriend tonight.

What?

He's been patient,

but he keeps texting me about when I'll be finished.

- See you. - See you around.

Yeah. I was forced to work overtime with my coworker.

But when I told her about our date, she let me go.

She was unusually kind today.

Yup, Ms. Katsuragi.

She's still working though.

Maybe her new, younger boyfriend has her in high spirits.

Huh? Why is it frozen?

This is the worst.

Keep this up, and I'll be celebrating my birthday at the office.

I'm starting to get irritated.

Okay, let's calm down.

Wait.

My earring is gone.

It's not here.

Today is just not my day.

I sort of want to cry already...

What are you doing?

Aoshima?

What are you doing here?

I heard you were working overtime alone.

I didn't think you would still be around though.

I dropped an earring.

An earring?

Yeah. I was messing with this printer that bugged out on me,

so it should be around here somewhere...

Is it something important?

Yeah, it's a reward I bought myself with a bonus I received.

Where did it go?

Is this what you're looking for?

Yes, that's it exactly!

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

It's a stud, but it's a very expensive diamond.

This one stud cost me 50 thousand yen.

I'm so glad I didn't lose it...

But there's one more thing I can't figure out.

Why did you let your junior go early?

Huh?

I caught her heading home earlier.

She said she had a date waiting.

See, putting your all into work,

doesn't guarantee happiness for girls.

Especially when they're younger,

and they believe romance and marriage are crucial to their life.

There's a sort of window of opportunity they can't miss, you know?

Those younger girls don't want to become a woman like me.

Of course, I'm no different. I was once in their very shoes, too.

I knew it, this is not printing out.

Why?

The issue might be with your computer, and not the printer.

I see now.

There, that should've fixed it.

What are you doing?

I wonder.

What am I doing indeed?

Happy birthday.

35 years old...

[Aoshima-kun is a Bully!]

And my tumultuous life is only just getting started. [Aoshima-kun is a Bully!]