I wake up in the morning and sigh.
Somewhere along the way,
that became a habit of mine.
I was sure that love...
was supposed to be more fun than this.
Wow.
You're exactly on time.
I didn't realize
that I got here early. Sorry.
It's all right.
I'm sure that...
the next thing that happens
will be me getting rejected.
You see, I...
I've liked you since we were first-years.
Did you know?
No.
Didn't think so.
I was hiding it so you wouldn't catch on.
"Please don't let him
find out how I feel."
That was the only thing on my mind.
I'm sure that today...
will be the last time.
But this morning,
it hit me when I woke up,
that I don't have to pretend
that I don't like you anymore.
And that gave me some relief.
That's why I have no regrets.
I just want you
to listen to me for a while.
Right.
See, I really like
the way you play, Yamada.
I'm talking about gaming.
You're so coolheaded,
and you don't blame other people.
Uh, yeah.
A lot of players lose it during PvP games,
but you never show any signs of that.
Uh...
And I really admired
how mature you are in that way.
Thanks.
I also like the way
you're always looking out the window
when you're spacing out in the classroom.
And I could never tell you,
because I didn't want you
to think I was a fangirl,
but the truth is, I always thought
you were super good-looking,
and I love the way you never show off.
Oh, and I also love your voice.
It really calms me down.
And I like how quiet you are.
I like seeing you walk
and also seeing you run,
and I like how you're a slow talker.
You know your habit of blinking like crazy
when you're at a loss?
That. I've always liked that, too.
And I really like
how you're equally kind to everyone.
Over the last three years, I'm sure
that a lot of girls have fallen for you,
but any way you look at it,
I'm sure that I've always liked you
more than anyone else.
No question.
I've always liked you
more than anyone else in the world!
I can't really see him.
But I managed to tell him everything.
For so long, it felt like a lead weight.
It's been stressing me out all this time.
So I absolutely have no regrets.
What a relief!
Ms. Tsubaki, I...
Ms. Tsubaki, I can't...
return your feelings.
Right.
Sorry. I...
There's something on your hand.
Huh? Oh. This is...
IT'S HER IN-GAME CHARACTER
IN OIL-BASED INK...
Someone I know was joking around.
I know the person who drew that.
It's the person you like...
right?
Yes.
Thank you for having feelings for me.
I'm sorry that I can't feel
the same way about you.
It's all right.
I'm glad that you heard me out.
I'm glad that I was able to tell you.
I've known all along.
Because I've been watching you.
I could tell that you'd changed,
just a little.
Even if nobody else noticed...
I could tell right away.
That was a relief,
getting it all off my chest.
Thanks for making time for me.
I'll be heading home now.
All right, see you at school.
Uh, do you want me to walk you home?
You're not wearing your glasses,
and it's dark.
It's fine.
- I can go home by myself.
- But—
Don't worry. I'm not that weak.
Right.
Thanks.
You were so nice to me right to the end.
That made me happy.
That's what I really liked about you.
I really liked you, you know.
We'll be going on break soon,
but I don't know
what my work schedule will be like.
What, it's noisy?
Sorry. I'm getting ready
to leave the house.
For a guild meetup.
No, not a club!
To everyone in Chocolate Rabbit
Mr. Kamota will be hosting a guild meeting
on December X at a barbecue restaurant
[Please see attached details and map]
If you can make it, please let Rurihime know ASAP
I explained it before.
My gaming friends.
That's right.
I'm going out to dinner with them.
YAKINIKU TAKOU
Hey, I think she's here. Over there!
Hey, you're right!
RUNA
Akane!
Mr. Kamota!
- Long time no see!
- What meat do you want?
- Thanks for coming!
- Kalbi!
- Kalbi!
- No, no, thank you!
- Thank you so much for inviting me.
- What kind? Kalbi?
Sure, I could go for some kalbi.
I want kalbi, too!
Hey, Yamada's not here.
Kalbi! Kalbi!
HE SAYS HE
HAS AN ERRAND
AT SCHOOL
Kalbi! Kalbi! Kalbi!
Akito will be here later.
Yo!
You scared me. Yo!
Want me to arrange
some one-on-one time with him?
He's been busy, so you don't get
to see each other that much, right?
THE OTHER DAY
HUH?
Oh, darn, I couldn't tell him
how I felt the other day!
No, that's okay.
I came here to have some meat today!
Welcome!
I have a reservation
under the name Kamota.
- IS IT TRUE THAT MR. KAMOTA'S
TREATING US TODAY?
We've been waiting for you, Mr. Kamota.
- IS IT TRUE THAT MR. KAMOTA'S
TREATING US TODAY?
- IT'S TRUE
Besides, Yamada seems
a little tired lately.
I think it must be the stress
of studying for his entrance exams.
I'm sure that's not it.
That guy's ready
to coast through entrance exams.
What, really?
Then I guess I was
just imagining things the other day.
ISN'T IT KIND OF DARK IN HERE!?
This place looks expensive!
I wonder if the meat's expensive here?
Runa, try to keep your voice down, okay?
MEAT LOVER
MEAT LOVER
But why?
My friend runs this place.
He just opened it the other day.
He's been asking me to come,
so I thought it would be great
to come with my guildmates.
Is that right?
You sure know a lot of people,
Mr. Kamota.
- President Kamota!
- Huh?
It's been a long time.
Inoue! You look like you're doing well!
Yes, sir!
And you're looking well yourself!
How's business these days?
Thank you for asking. We're managing.
Hey, President Kamota!
I didn't know you were here.
Ah, what a surprise, Professor Obayashi!
President Kamota! What a coincidence!
Well, well! Hello there, Director Nagaoka.
Oh, Mr. Kamota! What a surprise!
President Sumiyoshi's wife? Hello!
Who would have thought, right?
No way. That's knowing
way too many people.
Who is he?
Hey! We've got a private room!
This meat's delicious!
TIED HER HAIR
BACK TO EAT
IN EARNEST
IT'S MELTING IN MY MOUTH
Doesn't it taste
even better
when you're with
a lot of people?
Though it's too bad
that the new player couldn't make it.
I did invite her, but it seems
like tonight didn't work for her.
No need for her to come!
Excuse me.
Mr. Inoue from across the hall
sent this over.
ULTRA-PREMIUM SAKE
This is from Mr. Obayashi.
This is from Mr. Nagaoka.
And this is from Mrs. Sumiyoshi.
NOW I FEEL BAD
Oh, no. Did I make them feel obligated?
WOW
HEY, YOU'RE TOTALLY POPULAR!!
There's even sake! Amazing!
I've never seen other customers
send over stuff.
EXPENSIVE-LOOKING SAKE...
Lucky you! Someday, I want to become
a big-sh*t grown-up like you!
SO COOL
HAVE SOME MEAT
What are you talking about?
You're already a fine young man!
The reason I'm able to hunt
without a care in the dungeons
is because you've taken on all
of the guild management duties for me.
RETURNING THE FAVOR
That's because I have your support
behind the scenes!
Oh, I wouldn't say that!
THE MEAT'S DELISH
You're always creating
fun places to hang out
and bringing in great friends
for me to meet,
so I'm really enjoying each and every day.
I hope we can all keep playing
as good friends.
I hear you! I want to keep playing with
our current members forever, like always!
The current members!
Forever... like always.
Yeah, but we do need change, you know.
THE MEAT'S READY
Going forward, we'll be embracing renewal.
Huh? I'm totally opposed to that!
Why can't things stay the way they are?
Don't fear change!
Excuse me, but that's
the meat that Runa was grilling!
Right, that's what you think.
But since I'm the one who raised Runa,
it's actually the kalbi that I grilled.
Eita, you suck!
Welcome!
You're with Mr. Kamota, aren't you?
WOW, HE'S HOT
Please follow me.
Hey! The attendant's here!
ATTEND...?
Akkun, you're late!
Yo.
- We've been waiting for you, Akito!
- Yamada! Listen up!
Just now, Runa was really in a bind!
- You said you could get here sooner.
- I'm talking really, really big trouble!
Well, uh...
- There's so many kinds of meat!
- Runa was really in a bind!
If you all talk at once...
Uh-oh! She's back!
Huh?
Hey...
it's Yamada!
What...
Why is she so intoxicated?
I'M SO SORRY...
It's my fault for urging her to taste
the sake someone gave us as a gift.
It's not your fault, Mr. Kamota!
It's Akane's fault
for guzzling it like crazy!
RUNA, LET'S
TRY TO LEARN
TO WELCOME
OTHERS, OKAY
And she kept bugging me in that
hyper mood, which was really annoying!
IT'S SERIOUSLY
ANNOYING
Akane's the type who gets
really cheerful when she drinks, huh?
Yamada, I'm leaving the rest to you.
If she gets on your nerves,
you can leave her on the restroom floor.
That's what Runa did!
No, I couldn't do that.
Akito! Sit down, and let's have dinner.
I'll send Akane home in a taxi later,
so no worries!
No need! No need!
I'll have Akito take Akanecchi home,
so it's all good.
Really?
Sure, sure.
Well, you're right.
Those two are really close.
How are you doing?!
So I guess it would be better
to leave it to him?
Come on.
You're so late... Yamara.
Sorry.
Yummy!
AFTER DRINKING, RECYCLE
Hey, maybe we should
just pick someone up now?
I'd be up for that!
Are there any cute girls around?
Huh?
Here's some water.
Huh? Oh, crap!
- Was I sleeping here right now?
- Yes.
I can't believe it!
Neither can I.
Whoa! Some water!
I was feeling really parched right now.
How'd you know that I wanted some water?
Because you were making
a commotion about it in song form.
What?
My throat is totally dry!
Is this the desert, maybe?
SORRY TO MAKE YOU GO
THROUGH THIS EVERY TIME
Sorry to make trouble for you!
I'm going to try to make sure
not to forget this favor!
When I'm drunk, I hardly
remember anything afterwards.
- Right.
- I know!
I'll make a note!
If I leave a record on my phone,
I know I'll be set!
CAN YOU KEEP YOUR VOICE DOWN?
It's okay to forget,
so let's just go home.
It's getting late.
Hey, you're right.
Just look at the time.
Hey, Yamada, you can go now.
Coming back to my place
would be a hassle for you.
It's not safe, so I'm taking you home.
There are tons of drunks around here.
Aside from you.
Whoa.
Sorry. My heel got stuck in a groove.
Huh?
Uh-oh, can't get it out.
Um...
sorry about this,
making you go to so much trouble.
It's stuck in the ground.
I got it—
Ready to go?
Uh... yes.
Well, then, I'll be going now.
Good night, then.
Thanks!
Get home safely, all right?
Hey...
Uh... um...
Y-Yamada, do you l-like me?
What?
No, it's just...
What?
I just had a feeling...
Because...
his hand...
I'm busted, huh?
When his hand touched mine...
Uh... um...
...the whole time, it seemed
like he was telling me that.
I'm drunk right now.
Uh, am I talking normally?
What I meant to say—
I like you.
I like you, Akane.
In the morning, when you wake up,
if you've forgotten, that's okay.
I'll come by to say it again...
until you remember what I said.
Good night.
Tomorrow...
AFRO YAMADA?
morning...
WHO ARE YOU?
when I wake up...
is it okay if I call you?
WELL, ROMANCE
ISN'T ALL FUN AND
GAMES, EITHER
Because I know I'm going to worry...
that it was all a dream.
THAT REALLY SUCKS
Is it okay... if I do that?
I'll call you.
Tomorrow.
In the morning when you wake up.
Episode 13:
IN THE MORNING WHEN I WAKE UP
ALARM
SNOOZE
STOP
AKITO YAMADA
Yes?
Good morning.
Morning!
SHE DIDN'T SLEEP AT ALL
So? And then what? And then what?
What did you talk about over the phone?
Tell me everything!
Every single word,
verbatim!
Come on,
that's private.
What? You have
a boyfriend now?
Good for you!
Wait! Could it be that I'm the only one
among us without a boyfriend?
GROUP DATE
GROUP DATE
DESPITE ALL
MY DAILY EFFORTS?
Wow, so he's younger!
Whaaat?
Yup.
I couldn't go out
with someone younger.
Really?
It felt like he was looking
for a mature woman,
ALTHOUGH
IT'S MY FAULT
so I couldn't just let myself
depend on him.
MATURE WOMAN
I was told that he didn't get
what I was thinking,
so dating a younger guy was hard for me.
WHY IS THAT...
Hey, but I think you
will be just fine, Akane.
You don't
mean that,
because it's not
your problem?
Well, it isn't my problem.
NO FAIR!!
MATURE WOMAN
Hey, Akane! Would you
mind not acting depressed
in front of a single woman like me?
Forgive me.
Well, it's okay.
BEING SINGLE IS FUN, TOO
I knew that you two would end up
together sooner or later.
You did?
Yeah. You gave off
that kind of scent.
Scent?
Did I really seem
like I was throwing myself at Yamada?
I CAN'T TELL MYSELF...
No, no.
The exact opposite!
So anyway, in other words,
what I'm trying to say is...
you'll be taking
your entrance exams soon, right?
I know that you're
really going to be swamped,
so you don't have to worry about me, okay?
MATURE WOMAN
I'll try not to be a burden on you...
but once in a while,
like when you're tired,
you can lean on me, all right?
Can you at least pretend to be listening?
No, I was listening.
At least until you said that thing
about people supporting each other.
That was way back at the beginning.
It was around that point
that I started to lose you.
While I was looking
at your mouth moving open and shut,
I noticed that your canine teeth
are pretty sharp.
Huh?
And I was gazing at them,
thinking how cute they were.
You're...
You're teasing me, aren't you?
No, not at all.
MATURE WOMAN
STOP STOP
This mature woman thing isn't working.
I'll walk you home.
Thanks.
- So—
- Yes?
What was it
that you wanted to say just now?
I'VE BEEN PONDERING
THE WHOLE TIME
Um...
actually...
I said that I wanted to hold hands
when we're walking together.
Hey...
sorry about that.
Wasn't that a cryptic way of telling me?
I'll work on that.
That would be great.
What is this, a shoe?
It must be a shoe, I guess.
Does this even function as a shoe?
Nah, it turned out like that
because it malfunctioned.
If you're going
to crumple up on the ground...
then you should wear
normal shoes that work.
I just don't get them. Women...
Are you all right?