01x04 - Reminiscence And Past Memories

[bunniefuu]

Are you okay?

Beni?

Don't worry.

It's okay.

Everything's going to be fine.

Yun Oh?

Yun Oh.

[KOBAYASHI KANNA]

Hello?

Morning. How did you sleep?

Fine.

I think I got a bit too drunk last night.

Sorry.

Don't worry about it. It's fine.

You don't sound well.

Are you okay?

You're not sick, are you?

No, I'm fine.

It's probably because I just woke up.

You know we have the Japanese

expat meeting at one, right?

It's not too far from the hotel,

so I can meet you in the lobby

30 minutes beforehand.

That early?

Why? Have you made other plans?

I'm sorry, Kanna.

Could we cancel the meeting today?

Cancel it? Why?

You know how important they are

for the promotion in Korea.

I'm sorry.

I just really need some rest for today.

Okay.

You can take the day off.

Tomorrow's book signing

is more important anyway.

I'll talk to Mr. Lee and smooth things over.

Thanks.

Talk to you later.

Bye.

Marry me, Jungo.

Please come back to me.

I'm sorry.

It's fine.

I'll stop now.

It's been a long day for me, too.

When I heard you were going to Korea,

I was so bothered

that I couldn't get any sleep

for a few days.

Good night, Jungo.

How was it that we ended up

running into each other like this?

Did we meet each other again for a reason?

Were we given a chance

to pick up where we left off?

Or was it

a chance to prepare ourselves for the end?

I hope this isn't the end.

[I HOPE THIS ISN'T THE END]

[WHAT COMES AFTER LOVE]

[Min Jun: Are you up?]

Hong, how are you feeling?

I wish I could make you

breakfast every day.

Hi.

Good morning, sir.

How can I help you?

Well

Could you call a taxi for me, please?

Sure. Do you want a driver who speaks Japanese?

Yes, thank you.

What on earth? Look at this mess!

Do you want to try one?

No, thanks.

Clean all this up before you leave, okay?

- Dad.

- Yes?

Have some breakfast.

I made it myself.

What a surprise!

Thank you.

- It's good, right?

- What?

Maybe I should open a bakery.

A bakery? Weren't you thinking

about a workshop before?

Candles, was it?

Leather workshop, Dad.

Leather?

But candles or leather,

they aren't edible.

I think baking is the way to go.

I love seeing people enjoy their food.

- Speaking of which

- No, no.

Tell your sister instead.

You know I'm just a figure head.

She makes the final decision.

Hong.

Why don't you try this, too?

Oh, later.

I got a heartburn.

- Wait, were you having drinks with Min Jun?

- Yeah.

What? Why didn't you call me?

Did you all go out after the dress tour?

Which one did you get in the end?

Good morning, Mr. Lee.

He canceled?

I see

It should be fine.

It's the weekend, after all.

We should let him get some rest.

Sure. Please make sure

you take good care of him.

Okay, thanks.

Who was it?

- Did something happen?

- Oh, that?

The visiting author from Japan

wasn't feeling too well,

so he canceled today's itinerary.

Do you mean, Sasae Hikari?

Shouldn't you go to check in on him?

Who, me?

Why would I?

I'm sure Mr. Lee's on top of things.

Wait, before you go.

Do you think

I could borrow your old guitar?

- My guitar?

- Yeah.

What for?

I need a prop for my pastries post online.

It's in the storage closet.

I know that.

But you told me never to touch it.

I can't believe he actually sent it.

Your boyfriend's really something.

You mean, ex-boyfriend.

Right, your ex.

I guess this means

that it's really over, right?

Hey, come on.

You'll be fine.

Just forget him.

By the way

Did you get me anything from Japan?

- Is it in here?

- Don't touch that.

Why not?

Just don't.

Don't open it.

It took me a long time to figure it out.

It wasn't Jungo I was trying to forget.

I was trying to forget

the version of myself that loved him.

So, I just sealed away everything about him.

Here you go.

Thanks. I'll make sure

to put it back right after I'm done.

Excuse me, sir.

Yes?

I haven't been there myself,

so I'm not entirely sure,

but I think this lake

you're going to is pretty big.

I'd like to go where I can see

the path around the lake.

I'm sorry for being difficult.

Don't worry about it.

It's just part of my job.

Isn't that too much pruning?

You can be so cruel.

It's got to be done if we want

to see a full bloom next year.

Did you think raising something

was just fun and games?

I'm sure it isn't,

and I'm sure kids are no different.

Well, aren't you smart?

Push that one over, will you?

Sure.

No, don't drag it. Lift it up.

How's that?

That's good. All set.

Have you found a venue yet?

Min Jun is looking into it.

Don't be too picky about it.

It's not like you're looking for a house.

Just go with any decent-looking one.

He must be busy as well.

Okay.

- What's the matter?

- What?

Did you two have a fight?

No, we didn't.

It's so cold. I'm going inside to warm up.

What's gotten into you?

I used to do this all the time

when I was little.

You did.

Back when you used to listen to me.

You were so lovable back then.

So, am I not anymore?

Exactly. Not in the slightest.

That's why I want Min Jun

to take you with him.

Do you like him that much?

Of course, I do. He's amazing.

He's kind and steadfast.

He's been that way since he was a kid.

Do you have any idea

how much of a catch he is?

Yeah, I know. He really is amazing.

Listen.

You're not supposed to marry someone you love.

You need a good person to be your spouse.

Jungo and I used to talk

about getting married.

But it wasn't the same kind of marriage

that my mom talked about.

Now that I think about it,

I don't think marriage is the right word.

We just wanted to be with each other forever.

That was what we wanted

to say to each other.

[ICHIRO'S RAMEN]

Hey, everyone!

- Welcome.

- Hello, Nozomi.

Good evening, Nozomi!

[DEAR MS. CHOI HONG]

What's this?

It's a wedding invitation.

Oh, my god!

Boss!

I can't believe this.

You can't be serious?

This is a miracle!

What was it? Ten proposals?

I can't believe she finally said "yes"!

All right, everyone.

First things first.

- Cheers!

- Cheers!

- That's so good!

- That hit the spot.

What's got into you?

What's wrong?

It's nothing.

- I just

- What's the matter?

Are you sad that I'm getting married?

I'm sorry, but I don't feel

the same way about you.

You should've told him sooner.

I could've got away then.

Too bad.

No, it's not like that.

It's just that

I don't have any family or friends in Japan.

So, I always felt a bit lonely.

But

But you've been so good to me

and even invited me to your wedding

as if we were family.

All right.

To celebrate Hong becoming

a part of our family,

how about another drink?

That sounds good.

- Jjan!

- "Jjan"?

Yeah, Hong taught me this.

That's how you say "cheers" in Korean.

- Really?

- Yeah.

- Ready?

- Jjan!

- Jjan!

- Jjan!

What's this?

I got invited to a wedding.

Boss is finally getting married.

Really?

He wanted you to come as well.

- Did he?

- Yeah.

And he asked if you were allergic to anything.

I think that's so considerate.

People don't usually ask that in Korea.

You're coming, right?

I'll think about it.

Hey, don't be like that! You should come.

Come on, let's go.

What's the matter?

Do you need to go to work?

I mean, that's one reason

You've got nothing to worry about.

I've already prepared a gift for them.

A gift?

You'll see what it is on the day.

That's another thing to look forward to!

What are weddings like in Japan, anyway?

I've only been to weddings in Korea.

Well

I'm sure they're both pretty similar.

It's totally different from a Korean wedding.

It's totally different there.

Right?

Jungo won't ever talk about these things.

It's so frustrating.

He probably doesn't want you

feeling pressured.

What are you talking about?

Don't get me started.

I was totally flustered

when my cousin got married there.

First of all, the cash gift there starts

at the equivalent of 300,000 won.

Seriously? That's so much.

That's why they only invite

close family and friends.

And if you said yes to the invite,

you can't not show up like we do in Korea.

You have to be there in person.

I heard it's really rude not to go.

I see

Hey, start writing this down.

You need to buy a special envelope for the cash gift, too.

- A special envelope?

- That's right.

It's so different over there.

You're right.

Oh, right.

When are you getting your hair done?

Why would I need it done?

The guests go all out in Japan.

They show up in sparkly dresses with perfect hair.

And the men put on clean-cut suits.

Have you decided what you'll wear?

Clothes?

Oh, no.

You don't have any.

Ji Hui told me something.

What did she say?

Apparently, I need to dress nicely

for weddings in Japan.

That sounds about right.

Have you thought

about the kind of wedding you'd like?

I think

I'd prefer to have a small wedding.

Just like the one in About Time.

Then, I guess you'll also need

some rain in the middle of it.

Of course.

With umbrellas turning inside out!

That sudden downpour was

what made the wedding so special.

I'd invite Ji Hui and everyone from Ichiro's Ramen.

I'd like to ask your father

to perform with his band, too.

I bet he'd be more than happy to help.

But

I don't think my mom would come if I got married in Japan.

Is she still ignoring your calls?

Don't worry.

I'm sure she'll get over it eventually.

It's so pretty.

Yun Oh?

- Welcome.

- Hello.

Hello.

Would it

Would it be possible to try on that dress?

No, Yun Oh. It's fine.

Of course, you can.

We'll start by taking your measurements.

This way, please.

See you in a bit.

Are you ready?

Pardon?

Remember to give her a big smile, okay?

- Oh, of course.

- Okay, then. Here she comes.

You look so beautiful.

That's exactly what we like to hear.

I think the best compliments

come from being genuinely sincere

about your feelings.

- Hey.

- Hi.

Here you go.

Thanks. I'll take good care of it.

Do you have an interview?

No. I was just invited

to Hong's friend's wedding.

How's she doing?

- She's well.

- I almost forgot.

I heard Sato was looking for someone

to do some work for him.

Are you interested?

You've been looking for a publishing job, right?

Sato's looking for people?

I'd love that.

You should meet up with him tomorrow.

He seemed to be in a hurry.

You have his number, right?

I do. I'll give him a call. Thanks.

- I'm off. Thanks again.

- No problem!

- Do you know where it is, Yoshino?

- Check the top shelf on the right.

Over here, Aoki.

Thank you for meeting with me today, sir.

How's the writing coming along?

I haven't been writing much recently.

You always had a lot of potential.

Especially out of your classmates.

Thank you very much.

I'll save the rest

of my nagging for later.

Can you start today?

We just had two people quit.

We're in a real bind.

Do you need me to start today?

You don't want to?

No, it's not that. It's just

- Congratulations on the wedding.

- Thank you for coming.

- Thank you.

- Please go on in.

- Congratulations.

- Thank you.

Thank you for coming.

[MR. AOKI JUNGO]

[MS. CHOI HONG]

- Hong!

- Hey!

- Hello.

- Good to see you.

Isn't Jungo coming today?

He'll be here soon.

He had to stop by for an interview.

Everything set for today's special performance?

No. I've never performed

at a wedding before.

I'm so nervous.

Don't worry about it.

Everyone's going to be blown away

if you do what you did at rehearsals.

- He's right.

- You'll be fine.

I'm not sure about that.

- You'll be fine!

- Seriously, don't worry.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much

for taking the time

out of your busy schedules

to attend the wedding

of Mr. Nitta Ichiro and Ms. Gato Nozomi.

The groom and bride will soon

make their entrance.

When you see them,

please welcome them

with a warm round of applause.

Now, I'd like to ask you all

to direct your attention to the back.

Please welcome the bride and groom!

Boss, you look so cool!

Try to relax a little!

This draft needs

to be proofread by seven o'clock.

- I got it.

- Thanks.

[MISSED CALL, BENI]

Next, we have a special surprise

for the bride and groom.

We hope it'll be a pleasant surprise

to mark this special occasion.

Actually,

we knew that the groom had kept

a secret crush from the bride,

so we tried to invite TWICE to join us today.

Hey, shut it!

- I guess his angry response confirms it.

- Come on.

I think that's enough joking around.

Joining us on the stage is

Ichiro's Ramen's very own K-pop star.

Please welcome Ms. Choi Hong!

Please give her a big round of applause!

Ichiro and Nozomi.

Congratulations on your wedding.

I might not be very good,

so I'd appreciate it

if you'd listen with kindness.

You scared me.

Were you taking a photo?

Yes.

Yun Oh!

Beni

Are you okay?

The publisher I interviewed with

asked me to start today.

I see.

Why did it have to be today?

I've always wanted to work there.

I really couldn't help it.

What's this?

Your thank-you gift from the wedding.

I'm tired. I'm going to bed.

You shouldn't have taken these.

What was that?

It's just

I didn't give them any congratulatory money.

It'd be rude of me to accept a thank-you gift.

If you're so well-versed in manners,

why did you not show up at all?

But this was

Didn't you say you'd try to make the time?

I told you that I'd try.

I didn't say I'd definitely be there.

You could've just said

that you didn't want to go.

What?

You shouldn't have said anything

if this was how it was going to be.

Wait, Beni

Leave me alone.

It didn't take very long for me to realize

that everlasting love didn't exist.

Here we go, Min Jun.

Great. Forehand, now.

You need to see the ball through.

There you go. Backhand, now.

Are you all right?

Hey.

Let's call it a day.

I feel like I'm about to throw up.

- Have you found a house yet?

- Well

Not yet. Hong's been busy, too.

How is she doing?

- Why do you ask?

- Oh, no reason.

I just remember how my wife was

before the wedding.

It took her a few years

to tell me how she felt.

She was scared at the thought

of actually getting married.

Your wife is the bravest person I know.

I doubt she was scared.

I know, right?

I was so nervous until the night before.

Just remember not to let your guard down

until you walk down that aisle.

Hong, you haven't forgotten about tomorrow, right?

Get a good night's sleep. See you tomorrow.

[ALL RIGHT]

Hey, Lightning.

You know, right?

How bad my memory is.

But why can't I forget

about Jungo?

Why do you think that is?

What are you doing

sitting outside in the cold?

What do you want?

Here.

What's this?

I found it in your guitar case.

I assumed you already had

a lot on your mind,

so I wasn't sure

if I should give it to you.

But I couldn't just pretend like I didn't see it.

It's fine.

Aren't you going to read it?

Really? Already?

Yes, I understand.

We'll be there as soon as we can.

Thank you.

We did it!

There's a huge line outside already!

Are you serious?

The book signing's

not for another four hours.

- That's great news!

- Amazing.

I almost forgot.

Ms. Hong.

I heard it was Mr. Sasae's birthday.

Oh, is it?

What should we get for his gift?

Pardon?

Why are you asking me?

I heard from Mr. Lee that you spent some time

- studying in Japan

- Mr. Yun.

How are those two things related?

I'll try to figure it out on my own.

Please come in.

Ah, I'm so full.

Bulgogi is going to be

my go-to meal from now on.

And it was even better today

because Beni treated me.

Dad, you had three servings by yourself.

Do you know how hard she worked

to pay for that meal?

- Come on. I can afford that much.

- Right!

And I couldn't help it because it was so good.

Don't worry. I'll treat you on

your birthday next year, too.

Really?

I'm so happy today.

Thank you, Beni.

I should be thanking you.

Jungo and I wouldn't be together

if it wasn't for you.

Is this

your grandmother?

That's right.

She raised Jungo when he was young.

After his mother ran away from home.

What a unique-looking cake.

Don't kids usually have cakes

that are decorated with fruits

or cartoon characters?

My grandmother really liked Mont Blancs.

A Mont Blanc cake

is supposed to look like

a snowy mountain top in the Alps.

The Alps?

- The mountain range?

- Yeah.

She always wanted to go to the Alps.

But she had weak legs since she was a child.

She loved to watch documentaries

on mountain trekking.

That's why she always bought me

a Mont Blanc cake.

Jungo!

Look!

Pardon?

Did you say 5,200 yen?

Beni.

I'm still full after that bulgogi.

I don't think I can have anything else.

Let's have it next time.

Can we buy it by the piece?

I'm sorry.

We don't sell the Mont Blanc by the piece.

Cutting it ruins the shape.

I see.

Shall we get something else, then?

Beni, I'm really full right now.

What was it?

I'm fool.

- Are you full?

- Yeah.

- Really?

- I'm sure.

Let's come back another time.

I really wanted to spoil you today

- We'll come back at another time.

- No problem. Please do.

I had such a nice day today.

It was so nice to hear stories about you.

- Stories about me?

- Yeah.

You usually don't talk about yourself.

I don't?

Oh, come on. You know it's true.

We can't express all our feelings by just speaking,

but some things need to be said for it to be known.

You're right, but

But I just find it difficult.

It's hard for me to find

the right way to say things.

As long as you're sincere,

your honest feelings

are eventually going to be felt.

Even still.

It'd be nice if you could tell me.

I may already know how you feel,

but it's nice to hear you say it out loud.

Like what?

"I love you."

That could be one of them.

That's a hard one.

But instead,

I'm going to write a novel

about how I feel about you one day.

- Really?

- Yes.

I promise.

A novel about me

I can't wait to read it.

"One star for memories

and one for love.

One star for loneliness

and one for yearning.

- One star for poetry"

- "One star for poetry"

When did you memorize that?

Whenever you recited that part,

I don't know why,

but I really liked it.

"One star for poetry"

Did you know?

Apparently, we're all made of stars.

The earth was born when a star exploded,

and that's how we were created.

We might come from different races and countries,

but ultimately,

we're all made of the same stardust.

That's amazing.

Isn't it?

Yeah.

We're the stars of Inokashira.

"Stars of Inokashira"?

Right.

I promise I'll buy you a Mont Blanc cake

on your next birthday.

Just like your grandma did

when you were younger.

Thank you.

We only spoke of a bright future together.

We went out of our way

to avoid our problems.

And those uncertainties

and the illusions

rolled into a snowball and buried us inside.

We were blind to the harsh realities of the world

when we were at the peak of happiness.

We were nothing but a couple of stars

that were shining ever so naively in love.

[SASAE HIKARI]

Let's take a question

from the livestream this time.

We'll now take a question

from the livestream.

"I've also had a similar experience

to the female protagonist,

so I could easily relate

to the story as I read it.

But in reality, it was incredibly difficult

to overcome borders

and cultural differences with only love.

Do you still believe that that is possible?"

"I had a similar experience

to the female protagonist"

This is amazing.

I'm so incredibly proud.

If I'm being honest,

I did not write this novel

to deliver an overwhelming message.

"If I'm being honest,

I did not write this novel

to deliver an overwhelming message."

I wrote this story

because of the unforgettable memories

I had for one person

as well as the feeling of regret I had.

It's a recollection of my honest feelings.

If that person happens to read my book,

I hope they understand

that I was young and inexperienced

when we were together.

That was the sliver of hope

I held onto when writing this book.

I see.

The fact that you were

so honest in your writing

must be why so many readers

could empathize with your story.

It seems like we've come to the end

of the book concert portion.

Let's now move on to the book signing.

The signing will take place in five minutes.

Thank you.

[BOOK SIGNING]

Thank you so much.

- Here you go. Thank you.

- Thank you.

- Hello.

- Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Sasae.

I was incredibly moved by your novel.

Thank you.

Your Japanese is very good.

Really?

I'm studying Japanese

thanks to your novel.

- Thank you.

- Thank you.

- Thank you.

- Thank you.

Sir.

Choi Hong.

You know her

Right?

Yes.

Yes, I know her.