Aichaku (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[uptempo 1950's music begins]

When you think of all that's

come and gone

Do you think about why it matters

And if it's right or wrong

Cause it's true, what I want never

added up

And I never could seem to fight

hard enough

But you can't be too hasty or

you'll lose

I guess I'm k*lling time

So tell me where to begin

Tell me where to begin

I don't know how to begin and I ain't

got no excuse

I'm headed out.

Come to my office when you arrive.

[music instrumental]

[refridgerator door closes and opens]

Follow the signs, follow the signs,

and it'll be alright

Even the sun knows when to rise,

when to spread the light

And now, now I can see

I've always had enough

And I know that its time to start

facing up

To the truth

Can't be too hasty or you'll lose

So I'll keep k*lling time

Ah, Lucas!

Oh! Good morning Yoshiko.

Good morning Marie.

Good morning!

Marie, say hello to him in English.

Good. Morning.

After all that time living abroad...

What did you do in America for four years?

Lucas, do you need a ride to school?

No, I'm fine.

Are you sure?

Yeah!

No problem.

Let him go. You know he wants to stop

at that building.

His bag is falling apart.

That bike is, too.

I wish he'd let us help more.

Let's go.

Thank you.

Do you know him?

No.

Sometimes I see him handing out fliers

for the English school at the station.

He's probably stalking you.

If you're not careful he's going to show up

at your house one day.

Shut up.

One day you'll look outside and there will

be a foreigner in your driveway.

Just waiting for you to come out.

He's going to kidnap you and force you

to learn English.

Yeah, yeah.

Alright, today we are going to be working

on self-introductions.

I'll go first.

How do you do?

My name is Lucas.

I'm from America.

I'm 35 years old.

My hobby is baking.

Nice to meet you.

The whole point of a self-introduction

is to give you and your conversational

partner something to talk about.

Make sure to think of them

and remember.

Don't be shy.

Now, you have five minutes to prepare

your own self-introduction.

When the five minutes are up, you will

come up here and present them to the class.

Begin.

Morning!

I just need your signature on your

visa paperwork.

We are still waiting for your contract

from the home office, though.

Sorry it's taking so long.

Oh, that's ok. I think I've still got

two weeks left on my visa.

I'm just hoping for more than a

one year extension this time.

f*cking visas.

Lucas! Language!

Sorry, fricking! Fricking visas,

everybody. Fricking.

- Better.

- Thank you.

And sign here.

Hey, how is registration looking.

Are we doing ok?

Not great, but I think we're

in the clear.

I've got a meeting with the home office

tonight to talk with them about it.

And I'll make sure to remind them about

your contract.

Hey, Erika!

Do you want to hand some some more

fliers later or something?

You just want me to buy you a coffee,

don't you?

I mean, it can be both things. We can have

coffee and save the school.

Better you than some guy on a dating app.

Bye!

Alright, time is almost up!

Come in.

Oh, Ken.

Finally.

Sit.

Your father...

You know he never lost a single match?

When we were kids, he'd get into fights

with kids from other schools.

No one could take him.

My brother, he...

We used his prize money to start

this company.

One of your father's dreams was making

this company a success.

How old were you when you started

working here?

Fifteen.

So, you've been working here for

fifteen years now.

I know life hasn't been very fair to you.

After your father died...

I did everything I could to

take care of you.

With Nakamura retiring, there will be

an opening in management.

I'd like to promote you.

Oh, I see.

Too good for the dirt under your nails?

You want to wear a suit to work?

You got something else you want to do?

Let me be clear.

There isn't a job out there for a middle

school dropout.

No one will want you.

This isn't a bad offer.

So take it.

Or you can quit.

I don't care either way.

Let me know your decision

by next week.

Today is payday.

I expect rent by tomorrow.

Drop the cash deposits off at the bank

when you get your money.

- What did he say?

- Nothing.

He didn't offer you the promotion, did he?

Tell me he didn't give you

Nakamura's job.

So what if he did?

You don't have any experience in management

like I do.

You don't have a college degree.

You don't need the money.

How do you know?

Your parents are gone so you don't have to

take care of them.

You don't have any kids.

You're on your own.

I need money.

Why?

You don't have any hobbies.

You don't go out.

You don't do anything.

What do you need it for?

None of your business.

Oh, I see what's happening here.

You're going to propose to Kumi.

No.

That's my little sister.

You were saving up to propose,

weren't you?

It's been three years.

It's about time.

I'm not proposing.

Hey!

What's wrong with my sister?

Hey!

Look, a foreigner!

Say hello.

Say hello to him.

Say hello!

He said hello to you.

Good afternoon!

We actually have classes for

young children.

Classes start from ages one and up.

We can begin as early as next week.

I see.

Thank you so much.

Say bye-bye!

Say thank you, bye-bye!

Say bye-bye!

Thank you!

Bye!

Thank you so much!

Ok, let's call it a day. I'm pretty beat.

Yeah, I am pretty tired of the animal

in a petting zoo treatment as well.

I've always thought of you more like a

circus animal. A tiger or something.

I think you mean circus freak.

You're not a freak.

For a lot of these people, you're the

first foreigner they've ever met.

And probably will be the last.

You're special.

Yeah, I get it.

I get it, it's just that sometimes

I forget I'm a foreigner.

Like, for a moment I don't understand why

everyone is staring at me all the time.

And then we have days like today where

I am extremely hyper aware of it.

Well, I think there's a big difference

between curious glances and hostile glares.

Curiousness is marketable.

I know, I'm counting on it.

So am I.

Hey, it's payday today. Make sure and see

if the right amount was transferred or not.

You'd think after five years they would

get it right.

You'd think after ten they would, but you'd

be surprised how often they get it wrong.

- See you tomorrow morning.

- Bye bye.

Please wait a moment.

Your account balance is 250,130 yen.

Withdrawing 200,000 yen.

Please wait a moment.

Thank you very much.

Put this in Nobu's usual account.

Please wait a moment.

Your account balance is 5,690,980 yen.

Here you are.

Hey, Kumi.

About what I said earlier.

How is this evening?

Hi! Hello.

There you are!

Ask him already!

Are. You. Hungry?

Oh, no thank you. I'm sorry, I don't

really have any money.

It hurts so much!

I'll pay for it if you speak English

to Marie while we eat.

I would love to go.

Yes.

She needs all the help she can get.

Yes, she does.

Let's go!

Thanks for waiting!

Thank you!

Here is your chilled noodles and

the onigiri for you.

Thank you so much.

And hamburger!

Delicious!

We heard you.

I need a fork!

He doesn't know how to use chopsticks!

One fork!

So good.

Lucas, how is Marie doing at school?

Is she getting better?

Yeah, she's doing alright.

Did you hear Marie?

He said your English is getting better!

You know, Marie is only a bit younger

than you.

Isn't she like ten years younger than me?

Exactly.

Just a bit.

She is single.

You are single.

Ok. You know, I don't think

I'm really her type.

Marie, what are you doing?

We're in public!

I saw a video that said this kind of

stretch was good for your jawline.

So what?

You don't need to do them right now.

Yoshiko?

Shiori?

Is that really you?

I can't believe it, it's been forever!

Hello.

How are you?

How about dinner sometime?

What a surprise!

I haven't seen her in forever!

You finished already?

Yes, and I really have to get going.

I have so much to do for work tomorrow.

I'm going to go. Thank you for

the invitation.

- See you later.

- Bye bye.

Marie! Say goodbye!

Good. Bye. Lucas.

Are you there?

Dinner is my treat!

How about tonight?

But of course,

Mon Cherie

So, you're not French?

No, I'm American.

I thought your profile said you were

French.

No, it says American.

Well, you look very French.

Really? I'm Irish and Italian.

Do you speak French?

No, sorry, I don't speak any French.

What if you tried to speak French?

Can you understand this?

Like I said, I don't speak any French.

Oh, no.

I brought my French textbook so that

we could look at it together.

Oh, did you think I was a French

tutor or something?

No, I just thought it would be fun

to look at together.

You thought it would be fun to look at

a textbook on a date?

I thought we could take turns reading it.

French is the language of love

after all.

Ok, I still do not speak French so...

It's been awhile.

How are you?

Busy.

I heard from Ryosuke.

He said you've been picking up shifts.

I heard your uncle might promote you.

Ryosuke tells you everything.

My brother has a big mouth.

I'm still thinking.

Thank you.

You'll make a lot more money

as a manager.

You could settle down, start a family...

I could afford this restaurant.

It's a special place for a special day.

What's so special about it?

You tell me.

You know, there's a really famous Japanese

bath house near here.

Have you been to an onsen before?

I thought maybe we could get to know

each other a bit better over there.

Sorry, I have tattoos.

They don't allow people with tattoos

into onsen.

I've never been.

Really? You have tattoos?

That's so surprising.

I didn't think French people

liked tattoos.

I'm going to the bathroom.

I'll be back shortly, my love.

Something funny?

I wonder what living in another

country feels like.

To be surrounded by things you don't know.

Things you've never seen before.

It must be scary.

A little lonely too.

Do you ever think about leaving here?

What do you mean?

This town.

No, I'm happy here.

Sorry, did I miss something?

Ryosuke said that you might...

He said you might propose tonight.

Can I ask you a question?

I want to get married.

I want to become a mom.

You're not interested in any

of that, are you?

No.

I didn't think so.

I didn't think so for awhile now.

Do you know what happens to women like

me if we stay in relationships like this?

One day, men like you figure out

what it is you really want.

Women like me wind up alone.

I don't want to wind up alone.

I have the right to have a happy life.

So do you, Ken.

It's not too late.

For either of us.

We can't stay like this.

Neither one of us will be happy.

Ken.

I hope you figure out what it is you

really want.

I really do.

Alright, shall we get going?

I could give you a ride home.

No, I'm fine. I like taking the train

at night by myself.

Well, we should do this again sometime.

I will be in touch.

Good bye!

Hey! Good morning.

Did you get my package?

Yeah, I did. It is right here.

Did you open it yet?

No, I was waiting for you.

Well, I have my morning coffee ready

to go.

Let's see what customs took out

of your box this time.

Mom! American underwear!

Japanese underwear either fits in the front

or the back, but it does not fit into the

front and the back at the same time-

Oh, Mom. There are bikinis.

Did you not want bikinis?

Seriously? You took all of this in and

were like,

Yeah! My sun definitely wants to wear

bikinis.

I pretty much went to the men's underwear

section of Kohls.

Closed my eyes, and grabbed whatever

I could find.

I mean, do you know how pornographic

the men's underwear section is?

Look, I will make you a deal.

If you could promise me to keep your eyes

open long enough to find me boxer briefs,

I promise to not make you do this for

another six months.

Or however long American underwear

lasts for. Deal?

Deal. How was your night?

Date.

How did that work out?

Poorly. He thought I was French

for some reason.

And at the end of the date he kissed

me on my nose.

Well, I'm glad you went out. I wish

you went out more.

I go out!

No, you don't. Not out out.

Ok, fine. You are right. I do not go

out out.

What is your point point?

It just seems like a waste.

You're all the way over there in Japan,

and you're not actually experiencing it.

I do.

I do.

In my own way.

We are just so close.

I wish I could lend you some more money.

I've just taken out as much from

my retirement as I can.

Hey! It's ok!

Because, as of today, which was payday

we are 800,000 yen away.

What is that in dollars?

Depending on the exchange rate...

Eight thousand dollars.

Wow!

Until then, what shall we bake?

So, I was thinking it is morning there.

It is very much broke o'clock over here.

How about you bake scones

and I will fantasize about your scones.

Yes, I love it.

How do you do?

My name is Ken.

I am Japanese.

I am thirty years old.

My hobby is boxing.

Nice to meet you.

[chirping insects fade out]

[uptempo 1950's music begins]

I wake up on the other side of

this world

Just trying to find my way

[alarm rings]

But each day I rise

The weight of the world on my

mind's eye

Upside down and I don't know why

I'll find my way to you

I'm getting up, on, and ready

To raise my

Raise my vibrations with you

There you are

So distinct in my mind's eye

One of a kind, this love

I'm just trying to get to you

Rent's due.

It's on the table.

There are some deliveries today.

Use my van.

Alright.

My vision's true

[music instrumental]

I'm getting up, on, and ready

To raise my

Vibrations with you

Good morning.

Good. Morning!

Very good, Marie! You did it.

[Yoshiko laughs]

Almost there.

No!

No!

No!

Lucas, see me after class.

Urgent.

No.

Let's practice a few sayings that

you can use

to ask someone what they want to do with

their lives.

Repeat after me and remember that

no one's English is perfect.

It's alright to make mistakes.

It's not alright to give up because

it's difficult.

What is your goal?

What is your goal?

What do you want to do with

your life?

What do you want to do with your life?

Seriously, Ken? What the hell is wrong

with you?

Hey!

What do you want? I'm busy.

What happened with you and Kumi?

Nothing. She broke up with me.

Move.

You wasted three years of my sister's

life.

You've got nothing to say for yourself?

Hey, what's your problem?

Quit messing around.

What was that for?

Would you stop?

Are you serious?

Hey, Ken!

And remember that no one's

English is perfect.

It's alright to make mistakes.

It's not alright to give up

because it's difficult.

What is your dream?

What is your dream?

What is your goal?

What is your goal?

Very good.

Everyone needs a dream.

I hope this lesson helped you think about

your own dreams as well.

Hey! I am so sorry about this morning.

I can't believe I'm about to say this

to you, but my bike got hit by a car.

Then I had to walk here.

It took forever.

Literally, it can never happen again.

Lucas, sit down.

Oh, sh*t.

Lucas, language.

Sorry, sh**t, am I in actual trouble?

I don't think I've ever been late before.

I found out what was taking so long with

your contract.

They've decided to close the school.

What? Why, I thought we were

doing alright!

They are going to close five other schools

in the area as well.

There's just not enough business to keep

us all open.

They'd rather push more students

into the schools

that are doing good than keep us open.

When?

Next month.

Uhh...

Should I be worried?

Am I going to be alright?

No, there's still a lot of schools open.

They're going to find one that needs

another teacher.

Once they do, they'll make a new

contract for you.

They know about your visa expiring

in two weeks.

Did they say when they're going to get

back to you about the school?

Tomorrow. I know it's your day off, but

would you mind stopping by around noon?

Yeah.

Sure. Thank you.

Well, see you tomorrow.

Erika? Are you alright?

Yeah. I'm not sure how to tell everyone

that they are out of a job.

But at least you are the only one I

really need to worry about.

We have all these people coming in to sign

up because of the fliers we handed out.

And I have to tell them something too.

Yeah.

We really handed out a lot of fliers,

didn't we?

We really did.

What do you mean you're closing?

I'm really sorry.

We just got the news today.

There's nothing we can do about it.

But I've been saving up for this.

I have the money.

I can refer you to the nearest school and-

Where is it?

- Kasamashi.

- Kasamashi?

That's two hours away from here.

I can't go to school there.

I'm really sorry. I could try to

find a local tutor and-

Never mind. I'll figure it out myself.

Hey.

Do you need help?

I don't think I can fix this on my own.

Do you have any tools in your van?

You speak Japanese?

Hang on, I'll get my tool box.

What happened?

I parked too close to the street.

It got hit by a car.

That's terrible.

Do you think we can fix this?

Maybe if we have the right tools.

We could probably fix the frame.

The spokes are ruined though.

You should just buy a new one.

I hate to ask, but would you mind giving

me a ride home?

Alright.

It's not far by car.

If I walk it will take over an hour.

I have to do something with this bike, too.

It's no problem.

But we are pretty dirty.

My uncle just had the delivery

van detailed.

I know.

There's a public bath just up the way.

Let's head there and get cleaned up first.

What's wrong.

I have a tattoo. They won't let me in.

We'll see about that.

Let's go.

Alright. Let's go.

What did you do?

They couldn't afford my uncle's

normal rates.

So I did the work for them

on the side.

We've got an hour.

What's wrong?

I've never been to a public bath.

I don't know what to do.

It's your first time?

Alright.

I'll show you.

Take your clothes off here.

You can use a locker if you want.

No one else is here though.

You can just leave your things anywhere

you'd like.

Isn't there a robe or something?

A robe? What for?

Don't we wear something until we get

in the water?

That's what the towel is for.

I'll be waiting inside.

Before you get in, you need to shower.

Wash your hair too.

Everyone uses the same water, so we need to

make sure we are clean.

Come over here.

You're alright, it's just us in here.

Don't worry.

There's a special bath outside.

Let's try it out.

What's your name?

My friends and family back in America

all call me Luke.

After I got here, everyone said it was

easier for Japanese people to say Lucas.

Since then, everyone calls me Lucas.

Which do you like more?

Then I'll call you Luke.

What's your name?

Ken.

What?

Just Ken?

My name is Kentaro.

But my full name is Kennith Johnson.

So, your mom is foreign or something?

She's American.

Do you go to America a lot to

see your mom?

I've never met her.

By the way, why do you want

to study English?

I'm trying to find my mom.

I've been looking for a few years now.

I have a lot of questions for her.

I can't ask them if I don't speak English.

What kind of questions?

For example, does cancer run in our family?

What about gum disease?

Does she know what happened to me?

Does she have any idea?

What happened to you?

I was raised by my uncle.

I dropped out of school after

middle school.

I had to help my uncle out at his company.

I've spent my whole life not knowing who

I was or where I belonged.

I still don't know.

Are you hungry?

Let's get some food.

I would love to go.

I have to be careful how I use

my money.

What are you saving for?

You really want to know?

Yes.

For this.

This old cafe?

Yes.

What do you mean?

I want to buy it.

Why?

Why?

After I buy it, I'll open my own cafe.

I've been thinking about what I want to do.

Wait a minute, what are you doing?

Let's go inside.

Oh my God, this is amazing!

You've never been inside?

No, I've only seen it from the outside.

It's just like before the old owners

passed away.

It even smells the same.

You've been here before?

When I was a kid with my uncle.

There's wood rot here.

There's water damage too.

It's going to take a lot of money to bring

this place up to code.

But look at this.

See?

If I bought each of these things separately

it would cost a fortune.

But they're selling this cafe as is.

That means I won't have to buy any of it.

It's perfect.

I have to show my mom.

Are you serious?

Yeah.

I want to do group English lessons over

there every day.

The cafe staff will only speak in English.

Really basic English.

Customers will learn English bit by bit.

You can practice like you were at

a cafe in America.

Sounds good.

But how?

Ok.

Come here.

Customers will come to the counter as

soon as they enter.

We will greet them like this.

What can I get for you?

What does that mean?

It is asking them what they would like

to order.

Yes!

The customer will say something like this.

Could I have a cafe latte please?

Of course. One moment please.

How do you make a cafe latte?

Two shots of espresso and steamed milk.

How do I tell them to wait?

Coming right up.

Coming right up.

Ok!

Here you go! Thanks for waiting.

Have a nice day.

Yes! Good!

Let me try!

What can I get for you?

Can I have two black coffees please?

Two black coffees.

That will be...400 yen?

400 yen?

What?

That's way too cheap.

This menu is really old.

Two black coffees.

Two black coffees. Thanks for waiting.

This might sound stupid.

Have you ever been to a place that felt

like it was yours?

Like you were supposed to be there?

Like it was just waiting for you to arrive?

There's a connection there even though

there shouldn't be but-

there just is?

I felt it the first time I saw this cafe.

The connection was there.

Since that day, I've been saving.

I've been saving all the money I have.

How much more do you need?

About 800,000 yen.

Even if I get the money, I need to find

a guarantor because I'm a foreigner.

Sorry.

It's stupid.

It's not stupid.

Let's go eat.

My treat.

Yeah.

That's how you eat that?

Yeah, it tastes really good with wasabi.

What's wrong?

You don't like Japanese food?

It's not that.

My landlord brings me here all the time.

This is the only thing they have

that reheats well.

Whenever I come here I eat half here.

I take the rest home.

When I get hungry, I eat the rest.

I get it. That's really smart.

It's nothing special.

Thanks for waiting.

Hamburger ok?

So delicious.

What was that?

He can't use chopsticks so we always

bring him that fork.

He comes in here a lot.

You know he can't use chopsticks.

Why are you making him use a giant fork?

Why don't you buy him a regular one?

He doesn't mind. It's funny.

It's funny that he can't use chopsticks?

I'm sorry, what's happening?

You know what?

Put that tray down.

Bring chopsticks.

Alright.

Ken, it's alright.

Use these chopsticks.

Instead of making him use a giant fork,

teach him how to use these.

He doesn't speak Japanese.

How can I teach him?

Yes, I do.

If only he did.

Wait, what?

Wait a minute!

Why didn't you say something before?

I have tried many times.

You always shout back at me in English.

I just gave up.

I see.

Alright.

Ready?

First, hold it like this.

That's right.

Good.

Very good.

Then you hold the second one

like this.

I put it in here?

Yes!

Now try.

Hang on.

Good!

Holy sh*t.

I did it!

See? That wasn't hard.

That's right!

You did a great job!

I'm not talking to him.

I'm talking to you.

Me?

Then I should clap for myself?

Let's go.

Thank you, thank you!

It was good!

- Where are we going now?

- You'll see.

Hey, Ken!

What is wrong with you?

You could have k*lled me earlier!

- Not now.

- Yes, now.

You said you were saving money.

I thought you were going to propose

to Kumi.

Then you break up.

I could have died at work today!

Hi! Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt.

My name is Lucas. I'm with

First Class English Language Schools.

We're here doing a new student campaign.

Ken here has just signed up for classes.

Did you want to sign up for English

language classes as well?

What did he say?

What's this?

It's an English language school.

That's what I'm saving up for.

This is what you've been saving up for?

What do you need English lessons for?

You never even finished high school,

how will you learn English?

Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt this...

I think you're confused

Just because you go to school that

doesn't necessarily make you smart.

I think you're proof of that.

What did he say?

You know what, Ken? I think we

need to get going.

We should go to the school and

fill out that paper work.

Very important.

You understand what I mean, right?

Sorry. Got to go.

Wait, what did he say?

You went to an expensive school.

You have parents who paid for you to go.

With all that, you still

don't understand.

Bye!

Hey! Wait!

Here?

Yes.

Isn't it nice?

It's so beautiful.

I come here at night when

I want to think.

This way.

What do you usually come here to

think about?

I don't know.

My mom. My dad.

Your mom and dad.

You never said what happened.

My mom came here when she

was twenty-one years old.

She worked at the language school

you work at now.

She was a free spirit.

She usually wore her hair down and

was always smiling and laughing.

She was so happy and free.

My dad fell in love the moment he

saw her.

He was a boxer.

He got whatever he set his mind to.

Every match. Every competition.

Of course, he was determined to

win her heart too.

In the end, he did.

They got married.

One year later, I was born.

One month after that...

...she left and never came back.

My father tried, but he couldn't find her.

Then, after a while...

...he was gone too.

It was my father's first and only loss.

What do you mean?

He couldn't take it so he k*lled himself.

I had nowhere else to go.

My uncle wound up having to raise me.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

What's that?

It's my mom!

She always calls me this time of night.

What should I do?

Answer it.

Hello?

I saw the pictures. The place

looks amazing.

How did you finally get in?

Wait, where are you?

I can't really talk right now.

Because I'm out.

Out?

Out out?

Out out out?

You know, maybe I should explain it...

Can you hang on a second?

Do you want to say hello?

In English?

Alright.

Hello?

Hello!

Nice to meet you. My name is Ken.

Nice to meet you. My name is Cathy.

Lucas, are you still there?

Oh yes.

I'm really hoping you're out out out.

Yeah, me too.

Me too.

Let me know which one it is tomorrow.

Have a good night boys.

Thanks mom. Love you.

Bye.

Is it raining?

Do you play video games?

I could kick your butt at any

retro fighting game.

I have some.

- You do!

- Yes!

- Seriously?

- Let's go!

There's no way you can beat me.

That's strange.

Who's that?

It's probably my landlord's daughter.

Maybe she had a question about

her homework.

I see.

It's really late.

I should get going.

No, it's fine!

I don't know what she wants,

but it will only take a minute.

Today was a lot of fun.

Let's hang out again.

Are you really leaving?

Yeah. See you soon.

What are you doing here?

Are you ok?

There you are. I've been waiting.

We need to talk.

Ok.

This is bad.

This is really bad.

We have a special connection.

I'm sure you feel it too.

I think it's time we were honest

with each other.

Marie...

Clearly you have been drinking.

You need to go home.

Now.

Marie, what are you doing?

Listen to me.

I am g*y.

Do you hear me?

Duh. I mean, it takes one to know one.

You should have picked up on me sooner.

I'm sorry, did you just speak in English?

Oh, come on.

I have a business degree from UCLA.

Of course I speak English.

Also, l*sbian. So, relax.

Holy sh*t.

Holy sh*t indeed.

I'm really confused.

I thought you couldn't speak English.

You couldn't get a job, and then you came

back her to live with your mom.

No, that's just some bull sh*t that I made

up so that my mom would let me

take care of her while she was recovering

from her surgery.

Well, now she's recovered.

I don't have a way back to America.

And I've got those California girls on my

mind if you know what I mean.

No.

I have no idea what you mean.

Seriously, what is happening?

I have a proposal for you.

A literal one.

What's this?

A solution to both of our problems.

It's a wedding ring.

Yup.

Sorry, I don't follow.

Are you asking me to marry you?

No!

I'm asking you to ask me to marry you

in front of my mom.

We get married, I get my mom off my back.

I can live my best l*sbian life on the

other side of the planet.

You get a spousal visa in japan.

In three years time, you can apply for

permanent residency.

As icing on the cake, I'll cosign whatever

paperwork you need

to get that building you're obsessed with.

Two birds with one wedding ring

shaped like stone.

What do you say?

I say...

that everything I thought I knew about you

was a lie.

and I think you're talking about a couple

of different felonies.

They're only felonies if we get caught.

And we won't get caught.

And how do you know that?

When you submit your paperwork for a

spousal visa on either side of the ocean,

you submit pictures proving

the relationship.

We have tons of those thanks to my mom.

Marrying the daughter of your landlord

after secretly being in love with

her for years?

It's the perfect story, and the only part

that a lie is being in love.

Everything else is true.

Well.

That's a hell of a presentation.

Business degree from UCLA.

I do my research.

Ok, I need to get back upstairs before

my mom comes back.

I'm going to leave this with you.

Think it over.

You do know me.

This is just a bit of new information.

And I know you.

We really could pull this off.

Have a good night.

Are you alright?

What's going on?

What happened?

Are you ok?

What?

I don't know what to do.

I'll show you.

[uptempo 1950's music begins]

The love in your eyes completes me

[alarm rings]

The stars in the sky are going to

shine on

Sorry.

Sorry, sorry.

Or will love be leaving my heart

stuck like glue

Woah, you

Can I use your shower?

Yeah, of course.

Come home to me, yeah

[music instrumental]

But if I don't have you near, yeah

I can't breathe right, baby

When you say maybe,

I lose my mind

And it's you

I'm holding on to you

But only if you

Come home to me, yeah

And it's you

Hey! Good morning.

What's this?

Breakfast!

I don't have a lot of food.

My mom just sent a box from America.

I used some of that.

You sleep alright?

I guess.

Here, try this!

It's good!

[birds chirping]

[Lucas laughs]

[Lucas] That's all?

I use about twice as much.

See?

It's really sweet.

What kind of food do you like?

I'll cook for you next time.

I can make anything, but

I love to bake.

Next time?

Yeah, next time!

I mean, we never got to play games.

Right?

[fork quickly scrapes against a plate]

Sorry, did I miss something?

[Ken] No.

We're not kids.

I think we both know the difference

between something and nothing.

Yesterday felt like a lot more than

nothing to me.

It did, didn't it?

Listen.

I'm not asking you to say anything special.

But, please.

Tell me I'm not the only one who

felt something special yesterday.

I have to go.

What?

Ken!

[door opens and then quickly closes]

[birds and insects chirp loudly]

Lucas, who was that?

What happened to your bike?

Marie, can you drive me to the

school, please?

Yeah, of course.

I'll go get dressed.

[soft knocking]

What happened to you yesterday?

You can't just come and go

as you please.

This is a job, Ken.

Don't be late.

[door slides open]

Hey! Sorry I am late, I had to

get a ride.

Lucas.

Yeah, just give me one second and

I'll be ready to go.

Lucas.

Oh.

Yeah.

This email just came in from

the head office.

They declined your transfer.

What does that mean?

They're not just closing schools

in our area.

They're closing one fourth of the

schools in the country.

And they are making large staff cuts.

I'm...

I'm really sorry, but they are

letting you go.

No.

That cannot be right.

No, we will call Shizuoka.

They're always looking for people.

It's closing.

Then, you know what, we'll call Nagano.

We know the owner, and he'll

give me a job.

I'm sorry. It's closing too.

This can't be right.

I only have two weeks left on

my visa.

There's not enough time to find another

job or pack up my stuff.

There's not enough time.

I know.

[Lucas cries softly]

f*ck them.

Language.

But yeah, f*ck them.

What do you want to do?

I'll help you in any way that I can.

I want...

to order a pizza.

I'm so tired of being hungry

all the time.

Alright.

Let's order a pizza.

And let's see what we can find.

Maybe there's something.

Yeah.

Maybe there's something.

[metal scaffolding rattles]

[Ryosuke] I finally figured it out.

Not now.

I know why my sister broke up with you.

What are you talking about?

I figured it all out last night.

You're hooking up with that

g*y foreigner.

Where did you go after that?

Did you guys have sex in your

uncle's car?

What's wrong?

He wear you out?

Can't speak?

Last warning.

Walk away.

I'm so sick of you and your bullshit.

Everyone is just putting up with you.

They do it because this is your

uncle's company.

Even your uncle.

He just puts up with you because

your dad k*lled himself.

He feels bad for you because you had

to quit school.

You want to know the truth?

Everyone thinks you're just a stupid

dog who can't-

[punching sounds and grunts]

Ken, stop!

[punching sound and grunt]

That's enough.

It's over.

[pained groaning]

[Ryosuke] See what I mean?

Just a stupid dog.

[Ryosuke] Get him on a leash.

[Nobu] Let's go.

[door slams shut]

[Ken and Nobu breathe heavily]

Sit down!

What?

[Nobu] Are you going to hit me again?

Then what?

Go to jail when someone calls the police?

That's what will happen if you hit me

like you hit Ryosuke.

Someone will call them.

I'm serious.

Then you'll really have a fight

you can't win.

I don't care.

Yeah.

I'm getting that.

[Nobu] You show up when you want

to show up.

You leave when you want to leave.

Ryosuke has a college degree.

He's way more qualified for the promotion.

And yet...

You do whatever you want and you

get promoted?

How do you think that looks to everyone?

[Ken] Then give him the promotion.

I don't want it.

Fine.

Then what do you want?

[Ken] I don't know.

I never had a chance to figure that out.

You ungrateful b*stard!

Your father sacrificed everything to

open this business.

This business keeps food on our table

and pays for our home.

Your father-

[picture frame cracks]

I'm not my father.

I don't want his life.

I see..

No, you are not your father.

You've sure got his face and his eyes.

But you've got no appreciation for the

things he left you to build a life with.

I don't want them.

I don't want his pictures.

His room.

His boxing gloves.

His job.

I don't want any of it.

I want something of my own.

Don't you see?

I have the right to a happy life too.

One that's mine.

Not his.

I know you don't remember your father.

But he was tough as hell.

Right up until your mother left.

After that...

...there was no getting him back.

The misery got to him and it

wouldn't let go.

[Ken cries softly]

I don't want it to get to you too.

I want you to be happy.

Whatever it takes.

[Ken and Nobu cry]

[Nobu] Not even a word of thanks for

all the trouble he caused us.

So, what do you want to do?

I want to go to school.

Cut my hours down to part time.

[Ken] I want to figure myself out a bit.

I think that would be good for all of us.

[picture frame clatters]

What's this?

It's a work order to tear down that

old cafe.

They want to turn it into a parking lot

if no one buys it.

When?

The end of the month.

[pages rapidly turn]

So, this is it?

I'm sorry, Lucas.

There's just not a lot of English schools

around here to begin with.

What happens if I can't find a job?

What do you mean?

What happens when my visa runs out?

Do they send someone to get me?

[Erika] No.

They just expect you to leave.

[Lucas laughs]

So, they trust me enough to leave

but not enough to stay?

Well, that is a great system.

I can call immigration on Monday

and explain the situation.

They'll probably give you a temporary

extension on your visa for thirty days.

Thirty days.

I would have thirty days to say goodbye and

pack up five years of my life into boxes?

That sounds horrible.

Lucas, you can't think like that.

You sound like you've already given up.

[Ken] Luke!

Luke, I need to speak with you.

What's he doing here?

[heavy footsteps on gravel]

Luke, wait.

Luke!

Luke!

Please wait!

[Ken] Luke.

Luke!

Do you have any idea how hard it is to

live in another country?

To have to relearn to do the

simplest things.

And to feel small and stupid every day

as a result.

You are constantly lonely

even though you are surrounded by

people staring at you.

And the pressure of feeling helpless

all the time is crushing.

On the best of days you feel

barely tolerated.

And on the worst of days you feel

completely and totally alone.

But you keep trying and trying

because you believe you are where

you are supposed to be.

There's this connection.

And you think if you try hard enough

that this place that drives you crazy...

and that you love so much...

Someday...

That someday it's going to love you back.

So, why didn't it love me back?

Luke, they're going to tear down

the cafe.

I saw the work order for the demolition

at my job.

If you don't buy it by the end

of the month...

[Ken] ...they're going to turn it

into a parking lot.

Of course. Of course they are.

Luke, please wait.

I have money.

I have the money I was going to use

to go to school.

I can help you.

We can fix it up together.

I want to go to America.

You teach me English.

We could look for my mom.

Together.

[birds and insects chirp loudly]

[birds and insects chirping continues]

[faint vibration sound]

Hey.

[Lucas] You're up early.

Late actually.

You'll never believe what happened

at the bakery.

Where are you?

I am sitting in the middle of the road.

[Cathy] Why?

Because this is the spot where my feet

decided to stop working.

Sorry, that came out really

melodramatic, didn't it?

Ok, can you be melodramatic on the

side of the road?

Hang on.

Better?

Much.

What's wrong?

I found out they're closing

the school today.

They also decided to not renew my contract.

[Lucas] The cafe that we've been

saving to buy...

It's going to be torn down at the end

of the month.

Even if I had a visa, we never would have

gotten the money together in time

to buy it, so that means no matter

how you look at it...

All of the saving and eating out of the

trash I have been doing...

It was for nothing.

Ok, now I'm starting to get the melodrama.

[Lucas] To top that off...

Last night was easily the happiest I've

been in a very long time.

And this morning...I don't know.

[Lucas] Ken just kind of freaked out and

he ran out of the house.

And when he came to the school to apologize

and try to help...

I didn't know what to do, so I just

pushed him away.

So that he didn't get dragged into

all of this.

Mom?

[Cathy] Hang on, now I need to lie down.

Ahh.

So you see why my feet suddenly

stopped working, huh?

Yes. It's a lot.

Are you alright?

You know, I...

thought I was.

Until yesterday when I was with

Ken and I...

I thought things were about to

get better.

And then today.

It's just...

further confirmation.

No. I'm not alright.

How much time is left on your visa?

2 weeks.

That's fourteen days.

[Lucas] Yeah, I know.

It's not enough time.

It's...

336 hours.

336?

Alright.

336, mom that is a big old number!

Yes, it is.

Mom, did you just save the day with math?

Because if you did, that was some

solid momming.

[Cathy] I'm not done momming yet.

Listen, if you have the ability to eat

out of a trash can

Then you have the ability to do whatever

it takes to fix this visa situation.

[Cathy] You've got 336 hours.

[Cathy] It's enough time to take

a deep breath.

[Cathy] Stop feeling sorry for yourself.

And start thinking about all the

friends and

connections you've made in the

past five years.

[Cathy] Recognizing that things are

not alright was the hard part.

[Cathy] Now the question is what are

you going to do to make things better?

[faint uptempo 1950's music plays]

[Lucas] Marie?

Will you marry me?

Of course, yes!

A thousand times, yes!

f*ck.

What?

My mom is washing the dishes.

She didn't hear you.

Hurry, come inside. Let's

do it again.

Ok.

[uptempo 1950's music continues]

Ok, now.

Do it now.

Will you marry me?

Of course, yes!

A thousand times, yes!

Oh, I'm so happy!

Seriously?

Mom?

What is it?

Hurry!

I'm trying to finish the dishes.

Do it now.

Wait, what's happening?

Seriously?

Will you marry me?

Of course, yes!

A thousand times, yes!

Yes?

Yes yes?

Oh, yes, yes, yes!

It finally happened.

I've been waiting for this day!

Now you can finally go back to America

and get on with your life.

Wait, what?

You came back after my surgery.

I told you to stay in America, but you

wouldn't listen.

I told you I didn't need any help.

The next thing I knew, you forgot how to

speak English and were on a plane.

So you knew the whole time?

Your mother is not stupid.

Then why didn't you say anything?

You didn't seem to want to talk

about it.

So I wasn't about to ask you.

Once you get married, you're free

to go back to America.

You can find a good girlfriend.

Lucas can get his cafe.

He can get a boyfriend too.

Wait a minute.

You knew I was g*y all this time?

You knew about me too?

How stupid do the two of you

think I am?

We don't have time for this now.

If you're proposing, that means we don't

have much time left.

Alright, what's the plan?

I need to borrow the car.

Are you alright?

Yeah.

I did something bad.

There's this guy.

I hurt him.

I didn't mean to.

I just...

I'm not very good at saying how I feel.

Yeah.

I know.

My jaw still hurts.

I tried to apologize to him.

It was just too late.

This guy...

He's important to you?

Yeah.

It's hard being vulnerable.

I understand that.

But when it comes to someone important...

...being vulnerable sometimes pays off.

I don't think it's going to this time.

I'm not so sure about that.

There's a foreigner standing out

in the driveway.

I am so sorry.

I'm very sorry.

Hey.

Hey.

I am so sorry about earlier.

Just kind of seemed like everything

that could go wrong did go wrong today.

The truth is...

...things haven't been good for a while.

But things started to get better

after I met you.

I think for both of us.

So...

I want to keep getting better.

With you.

Let's get better.

Together.

What do you say?

Let's get better.

Together.

Together.

Come on, let's go.

Wait, how did you get here?

I drove Yoshiko's car.

Do you have a license?

In America.

You broke the law to see me?

Oh, Ken.

You have no idea.

I'll drive.

Yes, please.

Yes.

[uptempo 1950's music begins]

Baby, the sun will shine

Because you are mine

When all the birds have flown away

I'll be here to stay

[alarm rings]

Oh, what can I do

No, no, no, no, no.

No, no, no.

Good morning.

No.

Wake up.

Wait a minute.

Get up.

Just a few more minutes.

I said wait!

I'm awake! I'm up!

- Alright, that's better.

- Yeah?

[Lucas and Ken laugh]

- So, now let's go here.

- Uh huh.

And then I'll go here with my back.

[water running]

Languages are constantly evolving.

- Nice!

- I finally got that part!

Which means...

No one else like you in this world

[Ken] Luke, it's time to go!

Coming!

[music stops]

[Erika] I brought over as much as I could

from the old school as far as materials go.

Nice.

And I hung up the fliers for

the new school.

I really think this is going to work.

You give them homework,

they come here to do it.

Man, that sounds perfect to me.

[Lucas sighs]

Hey, Erika?

Yeah?

Thanks.

For what?

For not letting me give up.

Of course.

- [Lucas] Now, what about-

- Lucas!

She's here.

Your mom is here.

Come on!

[Lucas and Yoshiko laugh]

When you get to California, I've already

got everything ready for you.

I can't thank you enough for helping me

get situated.

Of course! I can't thank you

enough for helping Lucas.

Well, both of you.

What is she saying?

I paid for all of those years of

English lessons.

I'm so nervous.

Tell her that I love her earrrings.

My mom said she loves your earrings.

I love yours too!

She said she loves my earrings too?

That's what she said, right?

Do you like crafts?

I could help you make a pair.

[laughter]

Mom!

Lucas! Oh!

Hi!

Oh, this is amazing.

I can't believe it's happening.

I can't believe you're here.

I'm so glad you made it.

Are you kidding?

I wouldn't miss this for the world.

[Lucas laughs]

Where's Ken?

Oh, I think he's out back having

a cigarette. I'll go get him.

Ok, um...

I got the information you asked for.

Oh, wow.

[insects chirp]

Hey.

[Lucas sighs deeply]

Is your mom alright?

She is the same as always.

[Lucas and Ken laugh]

She's waiting in the cafe.

[Ken sighs]

This is for you.

A gift from my mom.

What's this?

She did it.

My mom found your mom.

She...found my mom?

Yeah.

It's all in there.

Name. Address. Phone number.

She really did it.

Hey.

You ok?

I'm alright.

Really?

Are you sure you're "daijoubu?"

- You sure you're "daijoubu?"

- Daijoubu.

Are you just a little "daijoubu,"

or like...

One hundred percent "daijoubu?"

Thank you.

Thank you.

[Lucas laughs]

[unintelligible dialog]

Hi.

Oh, my gosh! Look at you!

[Cathy] You're so handsome.

[Ken] It's nice to meet you.

Come on, let's sit down.

[door closes]

Thank you for coming to Japan.

Umm...

I heard so much about you from Luke.

And I've really been looking forward

to meeting you.

Umm...

Luke told you about my mom?

He did. I'm really sorry.

Thank you for finding her.

Um...

It just makes me feel so much better to

know she's out there somewhere alive.

I studied English so I could speak

with my mom.

But I don't know her.

Maybe it's for the best.

I know you.

I think I'd rather speak English with you.

Well, you can speak English with me

anytime.

And me.

Thank you.

Oh, sh*t. I think I'm going to cry.

- Ouch!

- You see?

This is why you need to get a

girlfriend.

I want to have that too.

Hurry up and find one

and settle down.

Wait a minute, get back here.

She gets married and suddenly she

becomes a playgirl.

Coming home at all hours of the night.

Do you have any idea how hard it is

having a daughter like her?

Sorry about my mom.

What, it's true!

Everyone, it's almost noon!

Is everyone ready?

Let's all gather around the counter

and take a picture.

Let's go!

[Yoshiko] Hurry, hurry!

[uptempo 1950's guitar instrumental]

Stand together now!

[Nobu] Can I stand here?

Ten seconds!

- [Yoshiko] Where should I go?

- [Marie] Here, stand next to me.

[Yoshiko] Thank you!

[camera shutter clicks]

Alright, let's open!

[guitar instrumental continues]

Here we go.

[guitar instrumental continues]

Hi.

How can we help you?

[Fossilize performs "A Feeling I Get"]