All language subtitles for By.the.Window.2022.1080p.friDay.WEB-DL.AAC2.0.H.264-tG1R0

Welcome.

【By the window】

5

6 Keep it up.

7

8 Just two more.

9

Hello.

The last one, 10.

How are you feeling?

Not bad.

Really?

I need to practice again.
Can you wait for me?

Of course.

While Mr. Ichikawa is waiting for him,

Do you want to go for a run?

No, no, no. I didn't bring my workout clothes
and stuff.

I have spare workout clothes.
Do you want to borrow them?

Spare me. Really not necessary.
Please don't worry about me.

Some say that sweating and focusing
on something in a moment,

will make troubles disappear.

But it's not like that at all.

Instead, while running non-stop,

constant troubles keep coming to mind.

The fact that I'm troubled by this

just becomes more vivid.

I want to endure for another year.

Endure for another year,
until the next season.

I haven't told anyone about this decision.

You didn't tell your wife either?

That's right.

Someone commented that I'm a burden,

a salary thief, on social media.

You don't need to pay attention to those words.

Even if they're anonymous,

Even if they're anonymous,
those voices have owners.

But still, I heard them.

Even so...

I choose to hear the cheers when I perform well

rather than the criticism at times like this.

Isn't that a bit cunning?

For athletes, the most important thing is
still outstanding performance.

But visible numbers and results

are not the only important things.
You understand that, right?

The influence on juniors is also important.

You've seen people like
Mr. Aji and Mr. Kawasumi.

That's true, but those things can
be done after retirement.

Really? Is that so?

After all,

I, foolish and simple,

just want to show off my strong physique.

Deep down in me,

there's a self who looks down on myself.

After getting injured, I realized that

an injured soldier unable to compete

can't escape the phrase
"influence through experience."

I even thought about giving the home ground
to young athletes

because there are only so many spots.

You're truly honest.

Earlier,

When I was first injured,

Do you remember when I said
I didn't want to have any regrets?

I don't want any regrets when I retire.

Hmm, I remember.

Since then, I've been thinking

no matter what I do, in the end,
there will be regrets.

For example,

even if I don't set out to endure for another year

but just hang on until I'm dismissed,

I think I would still regret it when I leave.

As long as you take something seriously,
you'll inevitably have regrets,

whether it's giving up or continuing.

Claiming not to have regrets is deceiving oneself.

So now, I don't dwell on the question of regrets.

- I'm back.
- Welcome back.

There's food at home.
Do you want it reheated?

I've already eaten. Thanks.

I want to go to sleep.

Thank you. Good night.

Good night.

Is he okay?

Author Arakawa.

He's making an effort to appear indifferent.

Really?

He doesn't want to cause such a fuss.

Yeah, he hopes he wins an award.

He jokingly says he's better at handling
commotion than Haruki Murakami.

What do you think?

Have you finished reading the selected works?

Who do you think will win?

I'm not sure, but I like Kubo Ryo.

I guess so too.

- Sorry for stopping you.
- It's okay.

Good night.

Whether to give up or continue,

in the end, you can only decide for yourself.

So what's the point of spending time worrying
and being troubled?

For self-satisfaction, I think it's like a luxury.

That's why I quickly throw away
what I get my hands on,

faster than a Western pear it can rot.

Finally, let me ask one more question.

I noticed in the novel,

Very few instances depict
the protagonist's inner conflicts.

Is this deliberately arranged?

I just answered; it's not deliberately arranged.

So, the protagonist still
desires something, right?

It's not a matter of having or not having;

it's just difficult to express.

I can't write them all down.

No, that's not what I want to ask.

I just want to ask about the inner struggles point.

I'm Takeda from Nichiha News.
Congratulations on your award.

Earlier, it seemed you weren't very happy a
bout winning.

Is that true?

If I have to say it,
I'm not good at competing with others.

Winning is still joyful; it's just that...

I feel I must genuinely desire this award
from the bottom of my heart.

You don't mean you don't genuinely
desire this award?

Well... It's hard to answer.

Answering briefly might seem superficial.

It's not just about this award;

I've hardly had the experience of
genuinely desiring something.

Because you're only 17?

It has nothing to do with age.

Does one lose all desires as they get older?

I agree, my apologies.

Are you done with your questions?
Next question, please.

I'm Ichikawa, a freelance writer.
Congratulations on your award.

In your novel, there's a man who quickly breaks
up even when dating someone he likes.

He got into his first-choice university
but rarely attends classes.

He lies to his parents

while working at a convenience store and
a hotel food section.

The warmth he feels making rice balls

and the excitement of displaying cakes are
the hopes of his life.

You depicted real moments of experiencing life.

Let go of everything and
be touched by small things

Are these your own experiences?

Well, you can say that.

Is obtaining and letting go

Is it something important in your eyes?

important? Indeed.

Living is

a constant cycle of gaining and letting go,

It's just like

a process of choices.

Choosing might not be the right word.

it's hard to express.

I'm sorry; it's difficult for me to express it clearly.

Thank you for your response.

Honestly what do you think?

Did Mr. Ichikawa find my novel interesting?

If so, what specifically caught your interest?

Honestly, I'm well aware of the pain.

The agony of desiring something
and not obtaining it

Putting in immense effort without any reward.

Meanwhile, the protagonist in the novel

Consistently obtains what they desire
and then lets it go willingly

I'm curious about why he would does that

Frankly, it's infuriating to watch

And then

You describe the confusing times as "luxurious"

I couldn't help but wonder, is it truly a luxury?

When I wrote that part, I had my doubts.

Was I being too dismissive?

Describing others' pain as a luxury

Maybe I went a bit too far.

Also, I noticed that there might
be aspects of the novel,

That you're not entirely satisfied with.

Do you prefer the previous work,

"Around Tabata Station"?

No,

that's not it at all.

I apologize for jumping to conclusions.

No problem.

Um...

Yes?

Can we speak candidly?

Sure.

Please go ahead.

He's here.

I apologize for earlier.

No, I should be the one apologizing.
Congratulations again on your award.

Thank you.

I'm Kubo Ryoa

I am Shigemi Ichikawa, a freelance writer.

I'm glad you took the time
to seriously read my novel.

I suppose there aren't many people in
the audience who have genuinely read it.

Being a writer is a peculiar profession.

Then again, all professions are peculiar
in their own way.

It's hard to say.

Mr. Ichikawa, how long have you been
in your current profession?

A long time. I've been doing this job
for as long as I can remember.

Consistently?

That's impressive.

Can I ask you a question?

Is the protagonist of
the novel based on someone?

Based on someone?

Well, yes, in a way.

Really?

Yes.

Are you interested?

Yes, I am.

- Would you like to meet the person?
- Sure, why not.

Have some food.

Thank you.

If possible, I'd like to meet him.

Where is this from?

I wonder which country it's imported from.

Is it from Japan,
like Yamanashi Prefecture?

I'm back.

Welcome home.

Is Arakawa releasing a new book again?

Yes, especially after missing the award.

That's a blunt response.

Are you still willing to read his new book?

Of course.

I watched the press conference
broadcast at the company.

You're really honest.

But...

What?

I don't want to lie, and there's no need to lie.

Fair point.

Do you want coffee?

Oh, thank you.

Hey.

Ah, yes?

I'll have two fruit parfaits.

Do you dislike sweets?

No, I don't dislike them.

Do you want two portions of Fruit Parlor?

Yes, two fruit parfaits, please.

Certainly, I'll take the menu away.

Thank you.

I'll treat you. After all,
parfaits are quite expensive.

No, that's not what I meant. I'll definitely pay.

He said we could meet.

The prototype of the main character
said we could meet.

Oh, really?

Please tell him that I really want to meet him.

I had already told him.

Yeah, that's why I got this response.

Are you genuinely interested in him?

I am interested.

What kind of person is he?

That person?

You'll find out when the time comes.

Mr. Ichikawa, you're quite interesting.

Are you troubled by something?

There's nothing specific to be troubled about.

Everyone has their concerns.

Do you know the original meaning of "parfait"?

It means "perfect" in French.

It refers to a perfect dessert.

Impressive. You're the first person
I've met who knows that.

But I have to doubt it.

Parfaits aren't perfect at all.

Parfaits are probably never finished;
they're really big.

I understand.

Cheesecake might be more fitting for
the word "perfect."

but the regret after eating a perfait
also makes me fond of it.

When my stomach doesn't digest,
isn't it the stomach, but the regret?

When the stomach doesn't digest, regretting that
I shouldn't have eaten a parfait.

These are the reasons I fell in love with parfaits.

I haven't eaten a parfait in at least 10 years,
maybe even longer.

I often think, regardless of the coffee shop

you can order a coffee and get a parfait
for just an extra 200 yen.

So, the next time you go for coffee,
be sure to order a parfait.

I have a concern.

that I can't share with anyone else.

I've been thinking about who
I should talk to about this.

Well, I probably won't talk to anyone.

Is it better to talk to a stranger?

When it comes to personal matters like this,

it's easier to talk to someone completely unrelated.

That's how it is, right?

Maybe.

Are you considering giving up on something?

Is that why you're interested in someone
who can give up on anything?

Is it?

Writer Kubo, do you like school?

What do you mean? Mr. Ichikawa,
you're quite amusing.

Huh? What's amusing about it?

I can hardly find anyone more boring than me.

Almost none. Well, there might be one.

Is it your wife?

I'm just kidding.

Next time, please meet my boyfriend.

Why do you want me to see him?

Could it be that your boyfriend is the prototype
of the novel's main character?

Absolutely not, right?

You should discuss this with your wife first.

Indeed, I should.

Am I the first person you've told?

No, you're the second.

the second?

I talked to Shigemi a few days ago.

What did Mr. Shigemi say?

What do you mean, "What did he say?"

About your retirement, what did he say?

He didn't say anything;
he just asked if I had told my wife.

Everyone seems to react this way.

So, you're telling me about this, huh?

It's difficult to talk to my wife about it.

But you can talk to me and Mr. Shigemi about it.

Isn't that strange?

- Well, wives have a special status.
- No, it's not like that.

Because wives directly affect life and money.

Directly affect?

Do you have an opinion?

It's true; you and I...

have no involvement in money and life.

No "direct impact".

Why do you say that?

No particular reason.

You should cherish your wife and child.

I do cherish them.

"I do cherish them."

Hey, do you have something on your mind today?

You seem troubled,

so I might as well kick your leg hard
and break it.

Wait, what are you trying to say?

- Don't do this.
- I'm going to kick.

Don't do this; it's too scary.

- Are you okay? Sorry.
- I'm fine.

What's wrong with you?

Nothing.

If there's something, just say it.

What's the matter? Tell me.

This doesn't seem like you.

It's not like you to ask me to do this.

so,

let's end it.

Unless you have many partners like me.

but

I'm a bit glad you only told me and Mr. Shigemi.

You can contact me anytime after this,

but let's just meet for tea
or maybe have some barbecue at most.

Barbecue at most?

Yes, at most, just some barbecue.

I hope your foot gets better.

It's really pretty.

Your nails.

- Did you get a nail design today?
- Yes.

Aki did it for me.

She also did my toenails.

The colors are a bit different. Can you tell?

Really?

Can you tell?

So, what's up?
I heard you have something to tell me.

Huh? me?

Isn't that right?

Well.

Stay in Asia you can write your novels,
but once you become famous,

strange adults might approach you.

What do you mean?

A few days ago, there were adult men waiting
at the high school gate.

Why are you acting so coy at a time like that?

Because if they find out you have a boyfriend,

then this blonde weirdo is your boyfriend,

and that would be disastrous.

- So what?
- What's the big deal?

It does matter.
You need to be more careful.

Why are you even thinking about this?

If you're thinking about it,
just dye your hair black.

I told you black hair isn't stylish.

I'm Shonen White.

I dyed my hair blonde to cover the white hair.

I told you to just dye it black.

Black hair makes me feel like a loser.

It's like going to the salon just for a trim;

it's almost impossible to
tell if anything happened.

Anyway, since I have to dye it,

dyeing another color is definitely
more cost-effective than black.

This is a double-layer disguise.

How many times have I said this?

It's really annoying.

I'm truly sorry.

No, it's okay.

Who are you to Ryoa?

We don't have much of a relationship.
We just met through work.

I'm Shigemi Ichikawa, a freelance writer.

Hey, don't put on airs.

Mr. Ichikawa Shigemi, right?
Just call you Shigemi, okay?

Sure, please call me Shigemi.

I'm Yuzi Mizuki.

Have you heard of
the manga artist Mizuki Shigeru?

He's my distant relative.

Huh? The manga artist of GeGeGe no Kitaro...
is your relative?

Yes, they have the same name and surname.

So, he's that kind of relative...
the relationship is really distant.

Listen,

can you stop meeting Ryoa alone in the future?

You're really annoying.

Hmm, okay, I promise.

The scene we just had,
did it appear in one of your novels?

Yes, in your previous work,
"Around Tabata Station."

Exactly.

The part about "Shonen White not dyeing
his white hair black but dyeing it blonde."

Did you write me into your novel?
That would be so exciting!

Then read it.

Of course, I want to read it,
but every time I start, I feel sleepy.

Are you a baby?

No, I'm not a baby. I can read manga.

- That's not what I'm talking about.
- Then what?

Never mind, it's nothing.

I'm here to meet the prototype of
the main character in "The Western Pear."

It's him.

How could it be him? You're really confusing me,

and you've upset him too.

But the prototype is not just one person;
he is one of them.

Really?

-Really?
-No way.

Hey,

can you take him for a ride?

Didn't you say that before?

When you have troubles,
taking a motorcycle ride is the best remedy?

Does Mr. Shigemi have troubles?

Yes.

So, I'm counting on you.

Do you want to take a ride?

Compared to riding a motorcycle with a stranger,

entrusting my life to someone
unfamiliar feels even more strange.

The act of entrusting your life to a stranger

tantamount to seeking death.

The reward I risked my life for is
the wind hitting my face.

The wind stings the tears
flowing from my eyes,

and the temperature of
tears sliding down my cheeks.

In that moment,
it truly taught me what liberation is,

like being liberated from gravity
or electronic devices.

Although contradictory, in that moment,
there's a sense of being alive.

From the novel 'Around Tanabata Station.

I promised him that we wouldn't meet alone,

but you contacted me today.

What happened last time?

I was glad to confirm that he genuinely likes me.

Falling in love does make people uneasy, right?

Please don't use an older guy
to confirm something like that.

Mr. Ichikawa, you used to write novels, right?

That's what I found in my investigation.

Have you investigated me?

Can I get your autograph?

Autograph?

I usually remove book covers.
Sorry, please sign on the naked book.

I've never signed anything before.

It feels like this book has become mine now.

This doesn't seem like a signature;
it's more like an autograph.

It's like writing your name on your own things.

Thank you.

I kind of understand why you stopped
writing after finishing this book.

You didn't write novels anymore, right?

Yeah, that's right.

You weren't originally planning to write novels;

you just wanted to write down this story, right?

Maybe, I don't really remember.

Did the editors say anything to you at that time?

When you said you wouldn't
write novels anymore,

they said it was a pity.

A pity?

They really don't understand you.

But it actually relieved me

because being understood is terrifying.

What do you mean?

Often, not being understood is better

because understanding
inevitably leads to betrayal.

When you think you understand someone,
in the end, you'll be disappointed.

Expectations and understanding are often cruel.

I don't agree with that.

I believe relationships between people

should be maintained through trust.

Even in betrayal or being betrayed,
I want to understand.

I actually long to be understood.

I see.

In "The Western Pear," I mentioned letting go.

Actions like arguing or letting go are to
understand the other person,

not for oneself.

I was just kidding.

Look at this.

A ring of light.

The cat that appears in Mr. Ichikawa's novel,

is it a true story?

A cat?

Yokozuna?

It's almost a true story,
with a bit of fiction mixed in.

I see.

I wrote that it doesn't smell,
but it actually stinks

because it's a chubby stray cat.

Really? So, that part was fictional.

I always feel like considering the cat's face.

Then,

did it suddenly run in through the window

and disappear one day? Is that true?

Yes, that part is true.

Is the part about Kagurazaka also true?

Yes, that's true too.

After the cat disappeared,

leaving behind note "I'm going to find Yokozuna,"

Your girlfriend who couldn't be
contacted from then on, is that true?

That's true too.

You still can't contact her now?

That's right.

Can I ask you a strange question?

What?

If you could only see one of them,

would you want to see your
girlfriend or Yokozuna?

let me think.

Yokozuna, I guess.

I thought so too.

If I could see Yokozuna

I might say to him, "I got married,

but it's not the person
I was in love with back then.

" You'd also have to say, "Sorry, I lied.

You actually smell.

This is for your father-in-law."

Okay.

Would you prefer coffee?

No, I'll have tea.

Alright,

I'm starting.

Is your health okay?

I'm doing well.

that's great.

- I'm starting.
- I'm starting too.

- It's not too sweet, just right.
- It's delicious.

Mmm, indeed.

Is Sae still busy?

Yes, she is.

It seems the author she's in charge
of is about to release a new book.

Oh, really?

Yes, being busy is a good thing.

I'm glad she's so busy.

Yeah.

And son-in-law, you also have a job.

Thank you for coming to see me like this.
It's really appreciated.

No, it's nothing.

Seeing that my mother-in-law is healthy,
I feel much better.

Thank you. Sae is really happy.

Let me take a pictures.

- Are we taking a photo now?
- Wait a moment.

Good expression.

Where did you buy this cake?

I bought it from the store in front of the station.

It's a newly opened shop.

Good expression.

Oh, I see.

Sorry for suddenly bringing up breaking up.

No, it's okay.

Why didn't you wait until after
making the bed to say this?

Do you think it's better to
say it before going to bed?

Either way is fine.

Would you break up with your husband
and start a relationship with me?

No, sorry.

We've never talked about such things.

Yeah, that's why I said I wanted
to end this kind of relationship.

Alright, I understand.

There won't be this kind of relationship
in the future. It's all over.

This kind of relationship is indeed not good.

What are you doing?

Why that look?

It was you who said we should end it.

Yes, I did.

You agreed, right?

So, what are you doing now?

I take this relationship seriously,

and you know that.

But in the end, you still prefer Mr. Ichikawa.

Don't be like this.

What makes me angry is that
he hasn't written anything.

I understand myself.

He could write something
more interesting than me,

But he doesn’t write, but I keep writing.

I keep writing, publish it,
and it becomes a bestseller.

Yet, no one cares about what I write.

It's not like that.

Please be honest.

What do you think of my novel?

Do you really find my writing interesting?

Yes,

I think it can save someone.

That's true.

And what about you?

Are you too?

Have you found salvation
in reading my novel?

Um

Yes, I have. I used to.

Yes, I used to'?

if

Mr. Ichikawa were still writing,

would we be in this situation?

I don't know.

Do you feel guilty?

Would it be better if I felt guilty?

And what about you?

I only feel guilty.

Oh, I see.

Please don't give up on writing.

I hope you won't easily give up.

If you tell me not to give up, then I won't.

No,

I want you to keep writing interesting novels.

That's so cliché.

I'm sorry.

No,

it's too sentimental.

I just want to write interesting novels.

Why did it turn me into this?

We're almost there.

Nice to meet you. I'm Ichikawa.

I'm Watanabe.

Sorry, I don't have a business card.

It's okay.

I'm Ryoa's uncle.

My brother is the father of that kid.

The Kubo surname comes from the girls mother.

She has passed away.

Oh, I see.

What brings you here?

You want to meet the prototype of
the novel's main character, right?

Yes, that's right.

Please have a seat.

Do you want to smoke?

No, I don't smoke.

Can I smoke then?

Of course.

Let me finish this cigarette before we talk.
We have plenty of time.

My brother and I used to work
at the television station.

Our father was in the television industry, too.

He was busy all year round
and rarely came home.

Every time he did, the dogs he raised
would bark like crazy.

I resented my father so much,

yet ended up in the same line of work.

I think deep down, I admired him.

After taking on this job, I became so busy that

I feel like I will lose my humanity
if I continue like this.

Is it that serious?

Do you know the movie 'Ten Dark Women'?

Yeah, a work directed by Kun Ichikawa.

It's similar to that film.

We keep pushing what
we create onto the market.

In a situation lacking reflection and thought,

we must keep creating the next thing.

Regardless of success or failure now,

it can't be applied to the future.

This work structure makes me feel exhausted.

My body started having issues,

and soon after,

was my brother. He didn't have physical ailments,
but he developed mental ones.

I see.

He handled a program
that sparked suspicions of forgery.

Social media flooded with comments, making
it hard to distinguish truth from falsehood.

In the end, the program didn't fake anything,

but the public didn't care about the truth.

Once news and image spread,

won't disappear from the public's mind.

My brother bore responsibilities he shouldn't have.

One day, he suddenly disappeared.

Disappeared?

Went missing?

He used to be a gentle

and interesting person, caring about children.

But

suddenly, he went missing.

Now, at least, I can reflect in the evenings

or think about how the day went.

Or reflect and think the next day, maybe.

Go eat something delicious,

watch the sunset.

If I can't live like this, I can't go on.

this is for you.

Sorry, I don't drink.

Sorry, I'm really boring.

Not drinking is boring.

People say that's why I hide here.

When she faces difficulties,

please listen to her troubles.

You must be the person she needs.

is that so?

I don't know how long she can keep writing.

I guess

she'll keep writing.

She's the type who needs continuous creation.

Indeed, there are people like that.

Is she different from us?

Yes, in every way.

Anything in particular?

I believe giving up something
is equivalent to gaining something.

I've always wondered how
to live without a phone.

And that's how I ended up living this way today.

Just like that.

My wife...

My wife cheated on me.

But for some reason,

I wasn't surprised when I found out.

I thought we'd never love again,

neither of us could fall for someone else.

But she fell for someone else,

and I'm not even angry.

It really shocked me.

We've been living together until today.

And then?

And then.

I've been thinking about what
I can do for someone like her.

Sorry to bring up such a topic in our conversation.

I realized something.

I've come to hate love too.

Falling in love can be unsettling,

and I dislike that.

Jealousy and love growing in the heart...
it's too embarrassing.

So embarrassing that one might wish for death.

That's why I avoid it at all costs.

So you shouldn't consult me about this matter.

I understand. I'm truly sorry.

Can't find someone to talk to about this?

No, I can't.

That's why you come to me to tell me.

You're quite similar to me.

Deep down, both of us look down
on those around us,

making it hard to consult with them.

Even if they come to you for advice.

it's not like that.

I'll give you something good.

What is it?

Do you remember the last time it rained?

Rained?

On rainy days, I go to the riverbed to find stones.

There's a small stream ahead.

This is the most beautiful stone
I found last time it rained.

Imagine how long it took for it to become round.

Treasure the time you've wasted.

What happened?
Why are you consulting me?

Well, something came up.

Sae cheated on me.

Huh? Really?

Really?

But cheating isn't the problem.

There's something even more shocking.

More serious than cheating?

Is there something more serious than cheating?

When I found out she cheated,
I wasn't angry at all.

What do you mean?

Normally, people would be angry
and shocked to be cuckolded, right?

But I had no such reaction.

It's not that I don't love Shayi,

but I was completely unfazed.
That, in itself, surprised me.

Then, what does the time we spent together mean?

Well...

What exactly happened?

Yeah, normally, you'd have that kind of reaction.

Wait, am I the only one who doesn't understand?

I got it.

You stopped thinking because
you were too shocked,

like a psychological defense mechanism.

It's not like that at all.

Not like that at all?

I really don't know then.

You'd better divorce her.

The reason you're not shocked is that your
feelings for each other are only to that extent.

Do you really think that way?

Of course, I do.

On the contrary, hypothetically...
assuming this is just hypothetical,

if your wife found out you cheated
but she wasn't angry,

how would you feel?

You'd be sad, right?

Shayi, will she be angry?

Of course, she would get angry, right, Yukino?

Mr. Shigemi, what do you think?

Regardless of what the other person thinks,
what do you want?

Do you still want to be with your wife?

Yes, but I don't know if that's a good thing.

Listening to this,

I feel like your wife has made a mistake,

but you also have issues.

You make the other person feel unloved,

Even if you live together.

Hey, Yukino.

Maybe you're right.

Why are you admitting it?

- Yukino.
- it's outrageous.

Why aren't you angry?

It's hard to understand,
but he said he was shocked.

Don't blame him.

I can't stand this kind of thing.
Shayi is really pitiful.

You're right,

but he came to us for advice about it.

Please go back.

- Hey.
- Please go back.

- Why are you doing this, Yukino?
- Shut up.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

Ke, it's time to sleep. It's already 8:30.

- Go and clean up there.
- Okay.

Shouldn't you talk to Miss Sae?

Yeah.

- I'm really sorry.
- No no.

I'll think about it myself.

Please apologize to Yukino for me.

Okay, then you have to cheer up.

What's wrong?

Your reaction is like you're talking
about someone else.

But it's indeed someone else's matter.

Sorry, I didn't mean to say it that way.

It's okay. Your reaction actually saved me.

Then let's do this first.

Good night.

Good night.

I'm back.

You're back, huh.

Sorry, did I wake you up?

Your cheeks are red.

your cheeks turn red.

No way.

Hey.

After you finish the next novel,

do you want to go on a trip?

Will you be busy all the time?

Why go on a trip?

Just because. How about staying at
a hot spring for a night?

I'll consider it.

Then I'll go to bed. Good night.

Good night.

I'm really nervous.

If the truth comes out, I'm in big trouble.

But you're happy, aren't you?

What's there to be happy about?

If the truth comes out, your wife will be angry.

I won't be happy.

It's natural for her to be angry

we're a married couple.

Are you teasing Mr. Shigemi?

No, I'm not teasing him,

but is it reasonable?
Your wife cheating, and you're not shocked.

What kind of logic is that?

Would you be shocked?

If you found out your wife cheated,
would you be shocked?

My situation is different.

If my wife cheated on me,

I could be with you.

Are you serious?

Of course, I'm serious.

It sounds frivolous.

It may seem that way, but I'm serious.

I'm really jealous.

Jealous of your wife.

Why are you suddenly saying this?

I'll go to the bathroom.

So, you're jealous of me?

Are you making fun of me?

Forget it, I will break the news
to weekly magazines and newspapers.

Hey, are you going to
the bathroom wearing an apron?

This is bad.

I originally planned to disband
after finishing the barbecue today.

What's wrong with you?

I feel a little scared

Because I really like you.

like this,

being with you, I feel like I shouldn't be.

Summer...

You're really gentle.

Do you know Fujisawa Natsu?

Fujisawa Natsu?
She seems to be a model or entertainer.

I see.

Is this from a long time ago, or is it recent?

They met earlier this year.

It's August now,

so it's been going on for about half a year.

Mr. Shigemi didn't notice during this time?

I didn't notice.

He doesn't know that you've found out, does he?

Yea..

Really?

really don't know...

What should we do next?
There is also the problem of Ke.

What do you want to do?

If things could go as you wish,

what would you do?

Of course, I hope he breaks up with
the other person and comes back to ke and me.

But I don't know how to bring it up to him.

Just thinking that he might
say he wants a divorce

and be with the other person...

You don’t want a divorce, right?

No, I don't want a divorce.

Sorry, I've been busy with
the publishing new issues lately.

You stay and talk slowly.

Thank you. Sorry for bothering you suddenly.

No, I'll leave first.

Be careful on the way.

Are you okay?

Yeah, are you okay?

Ah, I'm fine.

Then, I'll go back too.

I know it's rude to say this

but I envy that you can show sadness.

Should I get a divorce?

Lacking love and emotions like me

sometimes makes me feel scared.

Is there any meaning in being with
Shayi when I'm like this?

You really don't feel sad at all?

I hate it, I hate it, I hate it, but...

but?

I think you two should sit down
and have a good talk.

It would be great if you could sit down and talk.

That's also my challenge.

I want to invite her to a hot spring next time,

Just the two of us.

It's hard to bring it up at home, so I thought
a change of environment might help,

although I might still not
be able to speak in the end.

You're doing great. Such an attitude is admirable.

I just can't do it.

Mr. Shigemi is really an honest person.

I always feel he's too straightforward.

I found that being bad at lying is also a charm.

is that so?

I know.

The letter proposing to me was written
by you and Masashi, right?

Tell me quickly, were those ideas Masashi's?

What part was Masashi's idea?

What part was your idea?

Almost all of it was Masashi's idea

because I couldn't possibly know

about things like the mole on your butt.

I'm not satisfied,

but I really like Masashi.

After reading that letter,

I cried.

Don't read the comments, it's better that way.

Don't pay too much attention
to social media reviews.

Whether they're good or bad,
it's just the voices of some people.

So, can I ignore certain voices?

I didn't mean that. It's fine as long as you're okay.

After all, your thoughts are what matter the most.

What do you think?

Have you read it?

It's a novel I don't need.

Such strong criticism.

This is a book I edited.

Ah, I'm sorry.

What's the use of me being alive?

I love novels,

That's why I do this job.

And then I ruin your talent.

No, it's not you ruining it.

I just stopped writing.

His works are still selling well,

although he's not satisfied with what he writes.

Maybe I forced him to write this way.

so now,

What should I do?

I can't help but think about this issue.

What can I do for his works and for him?

Constantly thinking about these questions.

Sorry.

for discussing this with you.
It must be bothering you.

What do you want to do?

What do you hope the writer Akikawa will do?

I still hope he can write about
the subjects he likes,

just like his early works.
More sincere content,

even if the structure isn't strict,
it should show genuine emotions.

Regardless of whether it sells well or not,

just write something he finds interesting.

That's all I hope for.

so what?

Do you think he can write again?

Can he produce something interesting
with time and other stimuli?

Although it is cruel,

some people can write,
and some just can't

and

Even if you want to do something for him,

choosing to sleep with him is something
I find hard to understand.

Do you like him?

Does Saori like the writer Arakawa?

What about you?

Did you ever like me?

Have you ever liked me?

I'm sorry,

Sorry, I will break up with him.

I'm really sorry.

Do you want us to break up,

or do you want us to stay together?

Say something.

Did the writer Arakawa ever say he likes you?

Do we need to worry about his feelings now?

What do you really think?
Does it not matter to you?

Why can you pretend not to know?

How can you endure this?

- I can't take it anymore. Let's break up.
- Don't lie.

Please tell me.

Your true feelings.

Okay, I'll tell you.

I've known about this for a long time.

You might not have noticed,

But

when I found out, I wasn't very surprised.

Many things started to become unclear to me.

Do I not like you?

Why am I not angry?

I also remember that ex-girlfriend
who bothered you so much.

The one disappeared.

Do I still like her?

If it were her, would I be shocked?

But I didn't lie to you.

I'm sure, no matter who the other person is,

I wouldn't be shocked.

I really liked you before.

Because I liked you, we got married.

This is absolutely true.

I never thought, "I miss my disappeared
exmore than you."

However,

The feeling of liking someone,

The emotions of falling in love,

I may not have them in me.

This discovery truly shocked me.

More than your affair,
this shocked me more.

Turns out, I'm the kind of person
who can't sincerely love others.

This truly shocked me.

In the end.

I am the kind of person who doesn't
consider others, cold and ruthless.

So let's break up.

Forgive my selfishness.

Is this for me?

Did you suggest a breakup for my sake?

No, it's for myself.

You're doing it for me.

Actually, I've also thought about
the same question,

The question you just mentioned:

Can my existence really help anyone?

It seems like I'm just constantly tormenting others.

I sewed the button back on.

You helped a lot.

Really?

- It's such a nice day.
- Yeah.

Don't judge me; I'm a Pachinko fan.

I don't bet on horses anymore,
even though I used to love horse racing.

I always felt sorry for the horses.

I feel like I can understand the feelings of horses.

So now I only play Pachinko.

But it's strange;
I actually like eating horse meat.

Is that called horse sashimi?

Anyway, raw horse meat is the best.

I'm wondering what's wrong with me.

My thought process is really peculiar.

I don't sympathize with horses turning into food,

but I sympathize with horses being forced to run.

I've been wondering why, and last weekend,

Friday, Saturday, Sunday,

Three days and three nights.

I've been thinking about this question
continuously for three days and three nights,

and something incredible happened.

When you keep pondering,
you really find the answer.

Can you guess what the answer is?
Please respond.

I don't know.

What? You surrendered so quickly.

You see, I'm also driving a taxi.

It's more like being forced to run
than actually running,

so I can understand how a horse feels.

Like a horse, I clearly don't want to run,
but I'm forced to.

The only difference is the vast difference
in income between me and the horse.

I've completely lost.

In this aspect, I'm truly powerless.

I mentioned earlier that I like playing Pachinko.

Did I mention that? I like Pachinko.

Yes, you did.

Pachinko is fascinating

because it's the most luxurious
entertainment in the world.

Luxurious?

That's right. Think about it.

There's the saying, "Time is money," right?

Playing Pachinko means losing both time
and money simultaneously.

Where else can you find such
luxurious entertainment?

Your perspective is interesting, very interesting.

You're just realizing that now?

I'm famous as "Interesting Ataki."

Interesting.

Ataki.

-Ataki.
-Yes.

Excuse me, could you provide me
a divorce application form?

Certainly.

Here you go.

Could I have two,
just in case I make a mistake?

Congratulations, you've won.

Hello?

Oh, are you the writer Kubo?

What happened? Please wait a moment.

Sorry.

What's going on?

I have an urgent matter suddenly.

you don't mind, take all of these.

Huh? Why?
You don't have to give me these.

Sorry.

I only have 20,000 yen right now.

Huh? I don't need it.

I can't take it for free.
Do you know how much these are worth?

One set is worth 4,500 yen.

It's really okay.

No, no, please accept it.

He said he's very uneasy and in pain.

He can't take it anymore,
so he wants to break up with me.

Then he mentioned liking someone else.

Can't endure mental torment means
he really likes me, right?

So why could he like someone else?

What do you think he means?

Being uneasy to the point of not enduring
it means he really likes you a lot,

right?

But then he tells you he likes someone else?

If he had said he liked someone else
from the beginning,

I could understand.

He only said he liked someone else because
I wasn't accepting the breakup due to his unease.

He didn't really like someone else.

He just lied in the heat of the moment
when he said that to you.

That's what I think too, but listen to me.

When I asked him who he liked,
he said it was someone I knew.

Turns out, it's the staff at
the convenience store we often go to nearby.

No, he must be lying to you.

Even if he's lying to me,

telling such a big lie means
he wants to break up with me.

Perhaps.

As we argued louder and louder,

my phone got damaged.

It was terrifying.

I wanted to confirm if he
was telling the truth or not,

So I went to that convenience store.

Did you go?

Turns out, there really was a cute female clerk.

That's just a coincidence, right?

-I followed her.
-You followed her?

She went alone to a standing
bar and drank a lot.

I feel like I've lost.

How could I possibly win against her?

Hmm, calm down.

I'm so angry.

Take a deep breath.

Are you okay?

You're not going home, are you?

I hope you can stay with me until morning.

Okay, I'll stay with you.

look,

I brought playing cards, so don't worry.

I don't understand what
you mean by "don't worry.

Darn it.

I'm sorry

for suddenly dragging you to this place.

Aren't you married?

Yeah.

Do you have work today?

Your job doesn't have weekends off, right?

Right, my job doesn't have weekends off.

I woke up very late today,

went to the city office,
and spent the afternoon playing Pachinko.

Pachinko? I didn't expect you to play Pachinko.

I usually don't,
but today was the first time trying.

Did you win? Lose?

I won, smiling.

Really?

Then I got your call and came here.

What about you?

I've been busy today
with breaking up and stalking.

Really? Are all these things happening today?

And they kept playing "Lemon."

lemon?

Kenshi Yonezu's "Lemon."

We talked about breaking up
in his room for five hours,

and during that time,
"Lemon" kept playing on repeat.

"Even the sadness of that day,
even the pain of that day."

"Even the sadness of that day,
even the pain of that day."

"Even the sadness of that day,"
kept repeating endlessly.

It was indeed painful.

You really love him.

Yes, I love him.

Actually, I'm about to divorce my wife.

Why?

A lot has happened.

Who caused it?
Who initiated it?

it's hard to say.

Is there such a thing as a breakup
where no one is to blame?

The way you put it, it does sound terrible.

Did you marry someone you don't love?

I love her.
I used to love her.

Sorry, let's stop discussing this topic.

Okay.

What's wrong with you?

I feel somewhat relieved when
I see someone more unfortunate than me.

You talk a lot.

By the way, how come you can come
and go in a place like this?

You're so young; you really shouldn't be here.

This is a hotel run by a friend's aunt.

I often use this place to write novels.

Really?

Yes, I always enter through the back door.

I've never come here for
the original function of the hotel.

That's against the rules.

Is it?

Don't you believe me?

I believe you.

Because trust is what maintains
relationships between people.

Are you making fun of me?

I'm not making fun of you.

I really think so, and...

This conversation is truly beautiful.

Good morning.

Why "good morning"?

Did you not sleep well?

Because being in a place like
this with a minor is scary.

The fact that you can't sleep is what scares me.

Hey, it's not what you're thinking.

It would be funny if the weekly
magazine caught our photo.

Very scandalous.

Spare me.

Me,

I just want to take a bath.

But this door is a bit...

What do you want me to do?
Should I leave first?

No, just don't look,
and I trust you.

Please hide under the blanket,
even though it'll be hot.

Then I'll hide.
Let me know when you're done.

You can answer the phone.

No, forget it.

It's okay. I'll call you back later.

Welcome.

- I'm here to see someone.
- Please come in.

Long time no see.

Long time no see.

Sorry to disturb.

I'd like a special coffee.

Sure.

I've been reading your novel.

Thank you.

Is there something you need from me?

This is a special coffee for you.

Thanks.

I prefer black coffee.

Sure, take your time.

What's this?

It's my latest novel.

I completed it in the past two days.

Impressive.

Mr. Ichikawa, why don't you write novels anymore?

Your novel, "Standard," with a female protagonist,

is really great.

Since you finished that novel,
you stopped writing.

I think Miss Sai must be very sad.

She probably doesn't want
to see your time together come to a halt.

She likely wishes you would continue
writing about the moments you shared,

Write down your feelings, thoughts, etc.

After you finished that novel,
you had so much time.

She probably hoped you would continue writing,
even if it's just one more book.

That's just your wishful thinking, right?

Yes, it is. I admit it's wishful thinking.

So?

so...

I feel it's not something I should write.

Only Mr. Ichikawa

can write about the time he spent with her.

That's also your wishful thinking.

But you still wrote, didn't you?

Yes.

But...

When I started writing, I realized something.

I finally understand why
Mr. Ichikawa stopped writing

about Sai, about the time they spent together.

Once it's written down,

everything becomes the past.

So, is that why you decided to stop writing?

For you, it must be
the most profound expression of love.

Of course, that's also my wishful interpretation.

I wrote these things,

and she became the past.

I feel so sad.

but

it will undoubtedly become

the most interesting work you've ever created.

Here,

this is for you.

What is this?

No pain, no gain.

They say having it brings good luck.

Mr. Shigemi, won't you regret doing this?

I don't know, but I think it has to be this way.

Really?

Hey, why are you crying?

Because...

Yukino understands...

Thank you for the travel voucher
you sent a few days ago.

Did you have a good time?

I'm really sorry.
Only we created beautiful memories.

Don't say that,

but I'm glad I could bring up
that matter during the trip.

That matter?

I told her I'll endure for another year.
it doesn't work, I'll retire.

You finally told her?

And what happened?

Do you even need to ask?
Of course, I'll follow his decision.

Honestly, I thought you wouldn't understand.

Now I feel relieved

because you always don't listen
to me and decide on your own.

You really understand me.

what about this?

There isn't much food at home because
you came back without contacting me.

These should be enough.
Thank you.

- Don't mention it.
- I'll dig in.

It's delicious.

Great!

Today, I'm going to introduce
the new work by Arakawa En,

who published the novel
"By the Sea" just two months ago.

The new work is titled "Forever Caring."

This novel, almost completed in just one day,

features Araka himself as the protagonist,
an author who excels in writing anything that sells.

The topic of writing a novel about oneself
has sparked much discussion.

As a fan of Arakawa,

I've enjoyed his previous novels.

This should be the most interesting
book of his writing career.

Although I haven't personally experienced
such a complex love story,

the forbidden love and falling for the wrong person

described in the novel make
my heart surge each time I read it.

The genuine words that are hard to express
due to liking someone are truly moving.

I found myself in tears at this point.

Honestly, it's something
that will hurt others for sure.

We can only strive to forget
the truth while trying to continue living.

Throwing a pear against a brick wall

brick wall results in a radial juice distribution,
defying gravity.

Some juice may even surpass the wall.

It's like giving Newton a vertical kick.

Then you'll realize,

nothing is more important
than speaking the truth.

Food is meant for eating.

Welcome to "Western Pears" by Kubo.

Welcome.

Hello.

Sorry for making you come all this way.

Welcome.

- I'd like to order...
- It's on me.

No, that's not necessary.
Well, then I'll have...

Hot milk for 700 yen? That's expensive.

It's fine. I'll have the hot milk.

Okay.

Sorry, I can't drink coffee.

No problem.

So, do you have something
you want to discuss with me?

Actually, I have something
I'd like to talk to you about.

Have you heard anything from her?

- Her? You mean the writer Kubo?
- Yes.

I heard you two broke up,

but that was a long time ago.

That was the last time I saw her.

Did she say anything about me then?

Well, she did mention something... um.

what did she say?

Can I say this?

It's okay. Please tell me what she said.

she cried.

She cried because she didn't want to break up.

Wow, is that true?
I don't want to hear this.

You said it's okay to say.
I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said it.

- Is that what you wanted to discuss?
- Well, that...

Do you know about this book?

Yes, I know.

Have you read it?

Yes.

Last time, Kubo contacted me after
a long time and asked me to read it,

Want me to tell her what I think after reading it.

Did you try reading it?

Yes, I did try reading it,

and I found it quite explicit.

There are explicit descriptions,

pornography?

There is a scene of a love hotel

And the sound of the shower,
and details about the shape of women's soles.

I found it very explicit and vivid.

Really?

Yes, especially the part about the soles.

Indeed.

What about the story itself?
What are your thoughts?

Can I be honest?

Of course.

I think adultery and cheating
are both despicable actions.

The story is full of these low-life characters,

and the worst among them

is the man who not only gets
cuckolded but also shows no anger.

It's just ridiculous.

His behavior is not love; it's insane.

I couldn't stand watching
when this man appeared.

Is that so?

What's even more absurd is that the man's
original lover still likes him in the end.

The story is a bit fantastical.

Are there really guys like this in the world?

Instead of calling it fantastical,

it's more like "fantasy in a foreign language,"
so to speak.

Hmm.

- Fiction?
-No, it's not fiction.

It's like science fiction,
looks like sci-fi.

Science fiction, huh.

Sorry for the wait. Here's your hot milk.

Thank you.

Leaving aside whether the book is explicit or not,
what I want to ask is,

does her giving me this book
have any significance?

Does it mean she wants to start over with me?

What do you think about it yourself?

I don't know. I really need your advice.

Well, maybe she does want to start over.

Is that really the case?

But I'm not her;
I don't know the actual situation.

Yeah, wow, no way.

Could it be that you gave up
on that convenience store employee?

Convenience store employee?

No, it's nothing.

I want to call Ryoa.

Excuse me.

- I'll have two fruit parfaits.
- Two fruit parfaits.

Oh, maybe just one is fine.

Alright.