Original subtitles

(Subject: Regarding Samejima profile, photo data, and change of interview date)

I began working as the President's secretary eight years ago.

The first time I met him was ten years ago.

At that time, I still called him "Reiji-san".

After graduating from a Shizuoka high school... (Samejima Ryokan)

...I worked as a waitress at Samejima Ryokan in my hometown.

Welcome.

Sir...

Reiji-san was the owner's only son.

Sir?

He was attending a school in the UK to study hotel management but...

Reiji!

I'm sorry.

I'm really sorry!

Halfway through his studies, he was forced to return home by his father who was on the verge of bankruptcy.

After Reiji-san came home, the ryokan had changed dramatically.

We can no longer afford to employ you.

In order to make cuts on expensive labor costs...

...he laid off a significant number of veteran employees.

It was my responsibility so do not blame my son. Please!

Meanwhile, he spared no expense in renovating the old dilapidated rooms and on advertising costs.

Change the lighting into something more chic.

Yes!

What are you trying to do? Aren't you acting like a tyrant?

If not, the ryokan will just go bankrupt.

Just give it two months, can you be quiet until then?

We didn't have to wait for 2 months before the guests began streaming in again.

Thank you for making the long trip here.

Due to Reiji-san's reforms, the new Samejima Ryokan...

...had been reborn into an inn that was difficult to get a booking.

Owners of ryokan and hotels all over the country heard about the rumor...

...and came to ask him to help with the rebuilding of their businesses.

Reiji-san decided to embark on his dream of hotel management...

...and made preparations to go independent.

Please, I hope that you will consider it!

Sure!

The only one who put a damper on Samejima Ryokan's favorable situation...

...was me.

Dear...

- What are you doing! - Toshiko!

It was an affair.

A romance that was not supposed to be. (Resignation letter)

Thank you for everything you've done for me, sir.

I'm sorry.

I wasn't able to stand up for you.

I will drive you to the station.

Reiji-san.

Where will you go now that you've quit?

I haven't decided yet...

Won't you be my secretary?

Why me?

You did a perfect job as a waitress...

...while having an affair without anyone noticing...

For me, that entails energy and scheduling capability.

From here on, I will be launching a new company...

You'd make the most suitable personnel.

I will also be joining his company soon.

After eight years, I've always wanted to repay the President.

When I became aware that the President had fallen in love with Shibayama Misaki...

...I was surprised and also happy for him.

Since he had helped me before, it is my wish to see him happy.

If I am able to return the favor, now is the time for it.

You're intolerant.

Men who have hang-ups about a partner's past, unable to forgive over some trivial issue...

...are unfortunately, not popular.

After just one month, the president over there fell in love with her at first sight...

...and now I heard they're engaged to be married.

Doesn't that make you envious?

For me, I think it's creepy.

A president having a relationship with a new employee is creepy, she said.

I will go on a business trip for a while starting tomorrow.

Where to?

Somewhere where no one can hurt me.

I even stooped down to the president's rival, Wada...

...just for my whole-hearted wish to see him happy.

Who do you think I am?

I'm an expert on office romance, you know.

At any rate, what I say is right, no doubt about it.

Yes, Master!

Good morning, sir.

Since you took a vacation, your work have accumulated.

It wasn't a vacation!

Wada-san seemed happy that you're calling him your mentor.

I wasn't myself at that time.

Maybe I ate some bad mushroom.

Wada-san said he taught you his secrets of success.

His ways doesn't suit me.

Whether it suits you or not, you won't know it unless you try.

My work has piled up. Don't bother me.

You can always quit any time.

Why not try it first and decide afterwards?

Can I ask you something?

What's your... favorite color?

It's green.

I see.

Are you sure you're not going to drop by the gym?

You never miss going to the gym on a Wednesday.

He mustn't see Shibayama Misaki anymore for today.

Eh? Why?

It's a strategy of Wada.

I bet it's not going to work anyway.

You won't know that until tomorrow.

(For President's Use Only)

Don't you commute using your bicycle, Miura-san?

Just to and from work... It's not really enough.

Is there something you want to talk about?

If you want the boss to go through your proposed plan...

...discuss it at a place other than the office. Don't you know that?

No, it's the first time I've heard it.

Isn't the president coming today?

How should I know.

Are you in a bad mood?

No, I'm my usual self.

What will I find out, if I ask her what her favorite color is?

There's no meaning to that question.

Since it's a meaningless question, there's meaning to it.

I don't get what you're saying.

She will start mulling over why you asked for her favorite color.

Mulling over it means...

...she'll continuously be thinking about you all night.

So she'll be deluded into thinking that she likes me?

- Don't jump to conclusions, will you? - Okay!

By asking this question, you'll be able to gauge how much she's interested in you.

(Ask her favorite color)

Oh, please continue.

If she comes to you the next day, to talk about your question regarding her favorite color...

Then there's lots of hope.

What if she doesn't talk about it?

Unfortunately, it'll seem she has thought of you as a weird guy who asks strange questions.

It's best to withdraw as soon as possible.

- Hello, sir. - Good day, sir.

Take care of this.

President.

Um, about your question yesterday regarding my favorite color...

I was wondering, what it was about?

Oh, that.

No particular reason.

Don't worry about it.

What do I do now.

Wada's test to see if there's hope...

...got a positive result!

That's great, isn't it?

Then...

...should I continue doing my Mentor's strategies?

Yes, absolutely!

If you insist...

Let's go with it, shall we?

Wabi-Sabi Subs presents: "SEKAI ICHI MUZUKASHII KOI"

Writer: SHIGEKI KANEKO

'Samejima Reiji' SATOSHI OHNO

'Shibayama Masaki' HARU

'Muraoki Maiko' KOIKE EIKO

'Miura Ieyasu' - KOTAKI NOZOMU (Johnny's West) 'Hori Mahiro' - SHIMIZU FUMIKA

'Ishigami Katsunori' SUGIMOTO TETTA

'Shirahama Goro' - MARUYAMA TOMOMI 'Otonashi Shizuo' - MIYAKE HIROKI

'Wada Hideo' KITAMURA KAZUKI

Subtitles by WABI-SABI SUBS

This is Samejima...

Any update on the research of the detailed grant...

Send it by the end of today. Thanks.

(A Capable Man's Strategies on Management)

He seems to be in an extremely good mood.

He was even humming softly, wasn't he?

It sounded like "Kawaii Baby", right? (60s song version of "Pretty Little Baby)

Oh, right. His medaka fish are spawning! (The song title reminded Otonashi of Reiji's fish laying eggs)

I'm pretty sure of it since I saw Ishigami-san bringing aquarium stuff for spawning.

Well, certainly, if you think about his interests that could pass off as a hobby...

...it seems there's only medaka, doesn't it?

However, I found out one more.

As I was cleaning the president's office this morning, he left behind his magazine.

- A naughty magazine? - No.

It's called "Mushroom News", a magazine specializing in mushrooms.

See, it's a naughty magazine.

Hey, can you be quiet?

Come to think of it...

I heard from a Hakone hotel employee...

...that whenever the president goes there to visit, he always goes to the hill behind the hotel.

And then, there was a sticky tag jutting out from a page...

...I took just a quick peek.

Sneaky lil devil, aren't you?

But it does make you curious, right? Seeing a sticky tag on a page of "Mushroom News".

And then, in a column of a photo of a mushroom...

...the name of the president was printed on it!

Eh? No way!

Could it be someone with the same name?

But "Samejima Reiji" isn't a common name, is it?

In the first place, what would our president get by posting in that magazine?

When it comes to hobbies, it has nothing to do with advantages and disadvantages.

I agree with her.

Since Hiruma is not interested in anything except pachinko, right?

It's a hundred times better than mushrooms!

You heard what he just said, right?

He was totally blaspheming against the president!

You're gonna be fired, Hiruma-san.

What time did she come to talk to you?

Soon after work hours started, around 9:20.

That means it's okay to be confident.

Eh, is talking to me earlier a good sign?

If she asked you early, it means, your question bothered her...

...and couldn't help but think about it all night.

Cheers.

So what was your reply to her?

Oh well... I didn't expect that she'd come and ask...

So I just said, "No particular reason, don't mind it."

Hey now, Samejima-kun.

Could it be you do have a talent for love?

By not giving a clear answer...

...her head will be filled with even more questions.

It's the best state if she notices that the only thing in her head is you...

It is what's called...

Tease and Denial Play. (Teasing and denial of gratification, an S-M term)

Tease and Denial Play... I've heard it before.

Next, if you put into action my strategies that you wrote in your memo before at the hill...

She will happily be yours.

- Cheers. - Ah, wait...

Is it really okay to believe it?

I think you already know but...

Once you execute the strategy of finding out her favorite color...

...casually and nonchalantly... incorporate it in your clothes.

But you said there's no meaning to that question.

When she sees you wearing something green, it'll cause her to ponder even more.

"Was this because of my answer? Or maybe just a coincidence?"

Then, she'll think about you more and more, and suddenly it hits her...

"Oh my god... I'm in love."

Master...

- Cheers. - Cheers.

(Mushroom News)

(Samejima Reiji)

(Be alone together somewhere other than the workplace)

First, create a situation where you two can be alone...

If you can use an overnight business trip as an excuse to bring her along...

...that'd be perfect.

Okay!

23 degrees.

How about if you go with her to research on the chef for "French Restaurant Gosuke"?

Like for example, the chef at a Shizuoka hotel that you were eyeing?

Yeah. Suruga Excellent Hotel's Chef Tanaka.

He has a difficult nature but his cooking skills are said to be a cut above the rest.

I want to go there once to see how good he is but...

...making her come with me to sample his food sounds like a weak excuse.

But you both named the restaurant Gosuke...

And she won't find it unnatural since you'll actually be previewing a site.

The fact that the name of the restaurant came from her...

...I was able to keep it a secret from the other employees.

If I suddenly choose to take her with me, of course they'll suspect of something.

Then how about if everyone draw lots?

What happens if another employee gets the winning lot?

If we're able to make her draw the winning lot, then it's good.

Ishigami.

Yes.

Tell me how?

It's a simple magic trick.

Actually, before I came to work for Samejima Ryokan...

...there was a time I did magic tricks to eke out a living.

- You did such a thing? - Sorry.

Can the president be able to perform the trick?

With practice, anyone can do it easily.

You're good with that, sir.

Oh, man! Why do we have to draw lots...

Also, spending overnight with the president is impossible.

So far until now, the president has been going on his trips alone...

Why become particular about bringing a companion now?

I think it's just that choosing the chef for the next hotel is regarded as a very important decision.

But when it comes to such things, he'd just choose one at his discretion, right?

By involving us in the selection of the chef...

...it will encourage our sense of awareness and responsibility, wouldn't it?

But we can do without it...

I have already enough sense of awareness and responsibility...

- Hello, sir. - Good day, sir.

Anyone can draw lots in no particular order.

Yes!

I'll be the first one to draw.

- Line up! - Yes, sir.

As they say, "There's good fortune in leftovers."

After Miura, it's the youngest first before the older ones...

Sorry guys but you won't have your turn.

I'm the guy who knows where the winning lot is.

Yes! I got it!

You lost.

There's nothing written there.

But there's a mark drawn here. Look!

It's been printed there to begin with.

- Are you Manaka? - Who's Manaka?

Manager Manaka of Yakult Swallows (baseball team)

He was the one who mistook a losing lot as the winning one during a drafting season.

I felt sorry for him.

Next!

Yes.

Here I go~!

Ah, I lost...

Next.

If I may...

I won! (Winner)

I'll have reservations made for us for this weekend, and we'll contact you regarding the details of the schedule.

Yes sir.

Misaki-san, will you be okay?

What about?

You'll be spending one night at the same hotel with the president, right?

It's work after all.

Also, I wanted to taste the cuisine of Chef Tanaka since before.

A journey is a world that you least expect.

Whatever happens between a man and a woman, there'll be "no more rules".

Of course, that's not going to happen.

Miura, your way of thinking is that of a middle schooler.

But you're really fond of the boss, aren't you?

It's because I respect him as a boss.

Come to think of it, you did say he was playful, right?

I only said it because all of you were too scared of him.

That respect will soon change to longing, and before you know it, it has developed into love.

- That's impossible. - It's no use even if you deny it.

'Cause I'm a guy who knows that sort of thing.

That's what you said awhile ago, before you drew the losing lot, right?

Probably, at the time I put my hand in the box...

...the winning lot was no longer placed inside...

If something happens, please contact me, okay?

I will rush over right away!

Okay. Thanks.

(Use a car that is cute and small)

Rather than a luxury car or a flashy sports car...

Use a small and cute car.

Why a small car?

Then do you know why you're obediently listening to me right now...

...when just before this, you were severely antagonistic to what I say?

Well, it's...

Because you're an expert on office romance.

Nope.

- It's because of this tent. - Tent?

A person easily embraces a sense of intimacy towards the other party when they are inside a narrow space.

Plus, the image of her boss driving a small cute car, she'll deem it as a surprisingly unexpected side of you.

Oh~.

Use anything that can be of use.

My eyes are finally open.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

Will you be the one driving?

Yeah. But don't worry.

Ever since I've had my license, I've never been in an accident nor gotten a ticket.

I have heard that Suruga Excellent Hotel has decided...

...to transfer its management rights to a foreign company next year.

Really? Then there's a good possibility he'll accept our offer, doesn't it?

Yes. I think it'll depend on our approach in persuading him.

Sunset at a beautiful sandy beach ?

Right.

Research on a location in advance and make sure to stop by the place.

Okay but isn't a bit too clichéd?

Stone or sponge... Do you know which one absorbs water?

For such a thing, of course it's a sponge.

When a new employee has to go along with the president, her heart would be...

...hard as stone from the tension and wariness.

In order to soften a hardened heart like a sponge...

...that's where the sunset and the sandy beach come in?

That alone wouldn't be enough.

Forget being a grown-up and act like a kid.

I don't get what you mean.

She views you as her boss but if you show her an image of you becoming like a kid again...

...her heart will soften at once.

- Become like a kid...? - Yep.

- Any particular idea how? - Voice out the things that come to your mind...

...and the things that you see.

And...

...in a louder voice.

Louder voice?

That's... the sea!

Yes.

Can we...

...go there for a bit?

Okay, sir.

Voice out the things that come to your mind, and the things that you see.

The sea... is blue.

Yes, it is.

The sky is also... blue!

Is everything all right, sir?

What's your favorite food?

Matsumaezuke (pickled dish).

What? I can't hear you.

It's matsumaezuke!

Really? Matsumaezuke, huh.

A grown up's taste!

What's your favorite food, sir?

Me? I like egg dishes.

Not mushrooms?

Eh?

I'm sorry.

I saw your photo printed on a page of a mushroom magazine.

Do you find it disdainful?

Of course not...

It's the opposite.

I think it's a nice hobby.

Yes!

Ah! It's lukewarm! It's lukewarm!

It's lukewarm...! Lukewarm...

Okay.

It's become colder than I thought! It's gotten cold! It's gotten cold!

It's cold now!

Colder than I thought!

It's amazingly going well.

Her heart has softened like a sponge!

I see, then it'll be okay now.

Uh, but... you haven't told me what my next strategy is.

There's only one thing left to do, right?

Now that her heart has softened, just imbue her with words of love.

Then, you mean...

You're going to have dinner together, right?

Confess to her then, no matter what.

Do you think I can really do that?

If you get embarrassed, drink some wine to loosen your tongue!

Draw courage from alcohol?

But no matter how you look at it, won't I look uncool?

Listen, okay? Generally, Shibayama Misaki will think...

...that she has become a woman whom a man cannot confess his feelings to unless he gets absolutely drunk...

...and she'll feel a surge of thrill in her heart.

A surge of thrill?

"You're like a man who if he gets drunk will appeal to a woman's maternal instinct..."

"...and you'll have success."

My eyes have been opened!

Don't just open your eyes... Go and get her, man!

Please leave it to me.

You can rely on me even if I have to make alcohol as my ally!

Bring out the poisson.

Oui, monsieur!

Isn't that the president of Samejima Hotels at Table 3?

Oh, I was right.

I thought I saw him somewhere before.

You're drinking quite a lot tonight, sir?

When the food is this good, I can't help but drink some more wine.

Of course.

I probably love Chef Tanaka's dishes so much.

I also...

...love (you).

I also love this dish.

This wine too... I love it.

Also...

Right in front of me...

This vase too...

I love everything.

I'm happy that your preferences are the same as mine.

I also thought this vase looks nice.

I'm sorry, Master.

Even with the alcohol...

I wasn't able to win against... my embarrassment!

I don't know what to do with you, man.

It's already useless, isn't it?

"Not necessarily."

You still have one chance left.

Even if I'm like this, I still have a chance?

Right now, she's mulling over it again.

She's like, "Though it's the right atmosphere to confess one's feelings, he didn't say anything."

"...Or maybe I'm mistaken."

Hang on please... I'll write it down.

- "No need for that." - Okay, please continue.

Until the very end, make her think nothing's up...

...then prepare for an awesome ending.

An awesome ending?

A bouquet of roses.

Bouquet of roses? Isn't that also, a bit too clichéd?

If you explain your situation to the front desk they should be able to ask from a florist.

"Place it in the trunk of your car, and give it to her before you part ways."

"This time, be more decisive."

I wrote it...!

- Are you listening? - Yes.

Somehow, I feel I can do this.

(Roses)

I was able to talk with Chef Tanaka last night.

It seems he's already being headhunted by other hotels.

I gave him our business cards but...

President?

Ah, headhunted?

Really... that sounds tough then.

I told him to think about it again before giving us his answer.

I see... I hope he gives us a favorable answer.

Yes, sir.

Thank you for the long drive.

Have you forgotten something?

No, I think I've got everything with me.

Just in case, maybe you should check the back seat too.

Okay, sir.

There's none.

President?

Thanks for the hard work!

Are you okay?

I even knew...

...that trying Wada's strategy ...was ridiculous.

I knew that it was childish.

However...

I thought if I don't do it otherwise, I won't be able to tell her.

I thought...

This time I will say it.

I thought that I can truly say it, even up to the final moment.

Still, I wasn't able to do it.

I always thought...

...that I was embarrassed, that's why I wasn't able to say it.

But it wasn't that.

I was scared.

I was scared, and nothing else.

I was afraid...

...that she'll hate me if she learns about my feelings.

I'm scared of someone whose 10 years younger than me.

Even though I'm the president, getting dumped by a new employee...

...will make me afraid of confronting my uncool self.

That's why, up to the very end, I wasn't able to say it...

...and continued to run away.

Why...?

Why can't I say the three words "I love you"?

This person who was able to overcome any hardships...

...and made his company grow.

This person who was able to say "You're fired" to dozens of people...

...In order to achieve the goals of his company.

Why...

Why is it...

...that I can't bring myself to tell her...

...those three words "I love you"?

Muraoki.

Yes.

Ishigami.

Yes.

For all the help you've given me until now...

Thank you.

But...

I'm already tired.

President...

Because I've fallen in love with her...

...I'm seeing my cowardly self.

I'm already tired.

For wanting to make you happy...

I might have pushed you too hard.

Forgive me.

No...

I'm grateful.

But...

I want to forget the person that was me...

...who loved Shibayama Misaki.

Excuse me.

I received a call earlier from Maiko-san...

She said to forget about the matter regarding Pres. Samejima and Shibayama Misaki.

That fool. Did he goof it up?

She said she wishes to thank you once again for your help regarding the matter.

Well, I'm looking forward to it.

Is that so.

If ever, which one would you choose?

I see.

Thank you so much for letting us know.

Okay. Good day.

- Who was it? - Chef Tanaka of Suruga Excellent Hotel.

Did he turn us down?

He hasn't made a final decision yet but...

It seems he's inclining towards Stay Gold Hotels.

There it is~!

If it's Wada-san's hotel, it can't be helped.

Since it's the best in the world.

Did the president earnestly persuade Chef Tanaka?

No, he did not particularly approach him.

I'm the one after all who could draw out the president's good side.

I wish I had gotten the winning lot.

- You wouldn't make any difference. - Hori-san.

- Are you ready? - Yes, I'll follow shortly.

- You have a meeting? - Yup. With a designing firm.

- Wait, let me go too. - Please don't be a bother.

Huh? Where's the president today?

Oh, I didn't hear anything.

Shibayama-san, how about you?

No, I didn't.

It was a mistake to consult Wada in the first place.

I did say I'll bring along a fiancée to the party, in order to surprise Wada.

That's true.

If his strategies did go well, it means I will owe him for the rest of my life.

You'd be in a risky position, right?

I've made up my mind. From now on...

I will live my life, pouring my love for medaka fish and mushrooms only.

With this, I will focus on my work as much as I like.

- That meeting took a long time, didn't it? - Indeed.

It's fine to go straight home from here.

Then... you wanna go and grab something to eat?

Oh, sorry. I have some important task that I need to do.

- I see. - Maybe next time.

Sure.

- Thanks for the hard work. - You, too sir.

I am the head chef, Tanaka.

I presume you are President Samejima of Samejima Hotels?

That's correct.

I am honored that you patronized our restaurant so soon again but...

Didn't you hear from your female employee that you were with the other day?

No, I did not.

I called her up to inform you that I'm turning down your offer.

Since I've decided to be under the care of Stay Gold Hotels.

May I ask why?

It's the enthusiasm.

Although I was interested in Samejima Hotels...

...I find myself disappointed.

I didn't feel that you really needed me.

When Pres. Wada came here to eat, he gave me the biggest compliments.

If you'll excuse me.

How much did Wada-san drink?

I believe he ordered one bottle of wine for two.

When I was here the other day, I ordered three bottles for two.

Even today, I unknowingly had one bottle for myself.

Usually, I'd have one or two glasses of wine at the most...

Why did I drink that much?

I guess...

It is due to the power of your cooking.

I'm sorry if I'm a man of a few words.

I am a person...

...who cannot declare his love for the things he really likes.

On the contrary, I think praising profusely something that he ate only once...

...is rude.

That is why, I thought to return here again and again...

...so you won't have any choice but to understand my attitude and stance.

And that is... I love the dishes that you make, Tanaka-san...

...more than anyone else.

I enjoyed the meal.

I will come again.

No...

You don't have to come back anymore.

Is that so.

I will turn down President Wada's offer.

Great job, as usual, sir.

Everyone was surprised.

About what?

That Chef Tanaka has chosen to work for us.

Really.

- Let's run. - Yes sir.

Good morning!

I knew our president will pull through.

Normally, one would boast about it, right?

And to think that the chef was almost decided on Wada-san's hotel.

From the way he was running just now, it felt like he was saying...

..."Don't get carried away~!" with the work.

The President is busy now, he's in the middle of something.

Is that so...

I've finished the design proposal for the Kyoto hotel's entrance and lobby so...

Can you please pass it to the President?

Alright. I promise to make him go through it.

Thank you.

I will be presenting a box of sweets to Pres. Wada after this...

Do you have any message for him?

Tell him that, if it's strategies on how to headhunt a chef, I'll teach him anytime.

President...

Tonight is the critical moment.

Misaki-san, how about joining us for drinks?

I want to go but I still have some work that I have to finish.

We'll be at the usual diner, so please join us if you can.

Thanks.

Then, see you.

Thanks for the hard work.

Thanks for the hard work.

- Oh, hello. - Good evening.

Your president has been repaying my kindness with ingratitude quite a number of times, huh?

I am truly sorry.

I don't know how many times I can reiterate how sorry we are...

If important personnel are intercepted from me, the only thing to do is to fire back.

Maybe I'll let you take responsibility.

Take responsibility?

For a start...

Can you become my lover?

Please don't joke around.

- Aren't you satisfied with me? - That is not the point.

Do you know why I helped Samejima-kun?

To get closer to you.

You do know you are Samejima's rival, right?

Of course, I know that.

As his secretary, it's absolutely impossible that I get into a relationship with you.

It's fine to say "absolutely".

There are many other women who are appropriate for you, aren't there?

If you don't want to, say it clearly.

- I don't want to. - It doesn't sound like you really mean it though.

I don't want to.

Then, let's not tell Samejima-kun that we'll be dating.

If so, that'll be okay, right?

Please excuse me.

- Excuse me... - Eh? May I help you?

Is the President not going home yet?

Yes, it seems he'll continue to stay here for the night.

President?

Are the medaka going to hatch soon?

If it's all right...

May I watch it with you?

I heard that Chef Tanaka will be coming to work for us.

Yes.

How were you able to persuade him?

Nothing special... just the usual.

Did I...

...offend you in any way, sir?

No... not really.

What makes you think that?

Well, after we went to meet with Chef Tanaka...

I felt like you've been avoiding me.

Wow.

They really ARE cute, aren't they?

I love you.

Eh!

Eh!

In the Next Episode

Subtitles by WABI-SABI SUBS

Translation / Editing / Timing: EARTHCOLORS

Special thanks to: FURRANSU

See you next time~! (This drama is fiction)