01x06 - Episode 6

[bunniefuu]

My name is Umi Shikamori.

I was a 27-year-old assistant director
in a toxic workplace.

Umi.

Umi. Umi?

After meeting Kazao Nagamine,
I became employed

at the cosmetic company Animal Beauty!

-Okay.
-This is Umi Shikamori.

The unfamiliar atmosphere and capable
co-workers left me in a frenzy.

-Excuse me!
-What?

When I felt worn out,
the person that appeared before me was...

President Keisuke Sakaki.

You're beautiful.

We went to a snowy mountain
for a photoshoot,

and individual feelings crossed over
one another.

Ow.

I'm sorry about earlier.

Keisuke, I like you.

I'm sorry...

Do you want to...

go eat that next time?

Okay.

I was invited out for a meal
with the president.

-Thank you!
-The best!

I was ecstatic because my little sister's
first love came to fruition...

I'm worried that she might screw up
during her date with the president.

A date?

-Whoa. Whoa!
-Watch out!

Accelerating romance.

So you don't fall.

Let's get fired up for your first date
with the president.

Listen up...

Apply primer as usual.

Careful not to lay it on too thick.

Yup.

All right.

-Yup.
-No, no, no!

You need to look mature and elegant.

That's so unnecessary, Nagi.

If your colored lashes show when you
look down, his heart will skip a beat.

No! It's not like that.

Since it's a date between adults...

It's not a date!

It should be black! Yeah, go with black.

No, no!

This lipstick is better.

It's semi-matte.

As for your hair...

They're both the same color.

I borrowed a nice curling iron
from Ms. Yuka.

Stop it, Nagi!

You're misunderstanding!

It's true that we're going
to a fancy restaurant,

but it's not a date.

It's for work, or more like research.

This is good.

Nagi!

Which one?

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

Try it on.

Looks good.

Yes, yes, that looks good!
You look really cute!

Thank you very much.

Enjoy your date!

It's not a date!

Hm...

Yeah, it's a good outfit for a date.

Thank you.

Okay. Your outfit is done.

Oh...

What's left...

is this.

What?

"It is not acceptable for bosses
to pry into

their subordinate's love life,

or private life."

But today,

you have to get past that,
and ask if she has a boyfriend.

My stomach hurts.

It'll be a bigger problem if you make
a move when she has a boyfriend.

Make a move?

Make a move, huh?

Don't think too much about it.

It's just like work.

Okay.

You negotiate after understanding
the other party's situation, right?

I see.

The restaurant will probably
be full of couples.

So say, "We seem to be out of place here."

Or, "I haven't been to a place like this
in a while."

Something like that.

I see.

When you want to get information
out of her,

disclose something about yourself first.
That'll make her open up.

Say that one more time.

Okay.

"We seem to be out of place here."

"We seem to be out of place here."

"I haven't been to a place like this
in a while."

"I haven't been to a place like this
in a while."

Either way, just don't make her feel
uncomfortable, and don't pressure her.

Obey this at all costs.

Yes, sir.

And...

Don't make her realize that it's a date.

Don't make her realize that it's a date.

Okay. Go!

All right!

Don't make her feel uncomfortable.
Don't pressure her.

Don't make her realize it's a date.

What...

I'm so sorry!
Did I get the meeting time wrong?

No, you've got it right.
I just got here early.

Thirty minutes early?

Oh...

Yeah?

I wanted to get here early
to not make you wait.

I didn't think you'd be here already.
I'm so sorry.

-No, no.
-Sorry.

I got here super early.

-No, no...
-I'm sorry.

-I'm so sorry.
-Sorry.

-Sorry.
-Sorry I'm late.

If you're sorry, hold my hand.

What?

-I was so lonely!
-Sorry!

Well, shall we go?

Yes.

Excuse me.

-There are lots of young people.
-What?

I was thinking about our research.

I'm doing research to see how we can

gain customers in their 40s and 50s.

Oh, right.

Right now, it seems like I'm just here

to enjoy delicious food. I'm sorry.

Well, I'm the one that chose this place,
so I'm sorry.

No need to apologize.

WE SEEM TO BE OUT OF PLACE HERE

-We...
-We're...

...kind of out of place here, huh?

What?

-Oh, yeah, you're right.
-Yes.

Everyone seems to be close.

Yes.

I HAVEN'T BEEN TO A PLACE LIKE THIS
IN A WHILE

-I...
-I haven't...

...been to a restaurant like this
in a long time.

Oh...

Are you getting messages regarding work?

-Oh, no...
-Please go ahead and take it.

DISCLOSE OWN INFORMATION FIRST!

I don't have a girlfriend.

What?

Oh, no, that's not...

Oh, you said that before
during an interview.

Oh, yes. Interview!

I thought you only said that
for the interview.

That was true. Ever since I graduated
from university, I've barely dated.

Oh...

I see.

Ah...

Um...

I'm sorry.

I'm being weird today.

No, I'm sorry too.

I'm taking things the wrong way.

Wrong way?

Oh, it's a personal issue. Sorry.

I've barely dated ever since
I graduated from university too.

What?

I've been busy,

and with one thing after another,
romance was put on the back burner.

My friends told me
that I should be in a relationship,

so I tried my best at it...

But you end up prioritizing work?

Yes. I keep on postponing things
concerning myself.

And you ended up postponing love as well.

Yes, exactly.

It's so similar to my own story.

There were girls who were
in relationships at my previous job,

but I just can't handle
both love and work at once.

Then how is it now
that you've changed your workplace?

Are you still postponing love?

Yeah. Because work is fun.

-I see.
-Yes.

Excuse me.

-Excuse me.
-Yes.

Thank you for waiting.

It's roasted beef filet with truffles.

Thank you.

It's delicious!

I'm glad.

Tastes like truffles.

-Like truffles?
-Yes.

You're really getting off here?

Yes! My place is nearby.

Thank you for today.

Likewise.

See you tomorrow.

Okay!

Can we...

do this again?

Since we couldn't do much research today.

Yes. Let me know when,
and I'd be happy to.

-Thanks.
-Okay.

I'll pick the next restaurant
more carefully.

Okay.

Take care.

Yes.

I'll be off.

She really enjoys working, huh...

Hm?

Huh?

Welcome back.

What?

The sesame is delicious!

Why are you sitting there
like you live here?

Oh, me?

Who else would it be?

I invited him.

He eats ramen five times a week,

so I'm worried about his health.

Although Umi eats ramen all the time too.

That's not...

-Seriously?
-No, that's not true.

-That's not it.
-So that's why you won't

eat dinner sometimes?

Why'd you say that, Kazao?

-I won't make dinner anymore.
-Stop!

What kind of pictures did you take today?

What?

How did you know I was taking pictures?
How scary.

Because of your bag.

Oh...

-Today was about...
-Yeah?

...something I can hopefully do
as my work someday.

Someday?

Yeah.

If I compare it to your work,
it's something like a proposal.

You have to write it
to get it started, right?

So I'm taking pictures hoping
that it'll come to fruition someday.

I see.

You're amazing, Kazao.

Why?

Well...

I think what you're doing already
is amazing enough.

It's not amazing at all.

Why?

I guess I want to like it more.

Both my job and myself
while working the job.

I see.

Yup.

I want to feel the same way too.

You can.

Oh, your sleeve.

Hm?

Careful.

Other side too.

It's okay. I can do it on my own.

How...

was it today?

Hm?

The date.

Oh...

You heard from Nagi, right?

Just so you know, it wasn't a date.
It was for research.

-I see.
-Yup.

But you sure dressed up for it.

Nagi chose that outfit.

Did something happen?

Like what?

Did something happen?

-No.
-Nope.

-Nothing at all. Here.
-I see.

-Okay.
-Here take this.

Here.

Then,

Nana, please meet up
with the clients beforehand.

-Okay.
-And,

Saku and Yuka,

please don't forget to assign
the makeup artists and stylists.

-Yes.
-Roger.

Okay! Please proceed with that.

Okay.

-Ms. Kyoka.
-Yeah?

I'm thinking of writing up a proposal.

Wow!

Will you look through it once I do?

Of course!

Thank you.

Let me know if there's anything
I can do to help.

-Thank you!
-Me too!

Saku, you need to work on improving
the teen cosmetics proposal.

-Okay.
-I'm pretty strict.

I'll do my best!

I see...

It's hopeless.

If she said that she's postponing love
because work is so much fun,

there's nothing you can say,
President Sakaki.

Yes.

But you completed your mission.

What?

You found out that she has no boyfriend,

and you set yourself up for another date.

Oh, you're right!

Well, you did the bare minimum.
So think of how you can improve next time...

Keisuke.

That's a big no-no.

What?

Neither of you were being yourselves
during that date!

What's fun about trying
to gather information

while you're all tense and nervous?

-It's not fun for Umi either.
-Hold on, hold on a second!

What?

Um, Hina, you're...

-What?
-Oh, um...

Oh!

-About me liking Keisuke?
-Ah, um...

No worries. He rejected me the other day.

What?

Are you serious?

Keisuke...

You're doing this despite the risks
of your position as a president.

Then you have to give it your best.

Don't use inexperience as an excuse.

-You too, Mr. Satoru.
-Yes.

You pretend to be strict,
but you're too soft.

You have to think objectively.

Yes...

As of this moment,
Mr. Satoru Daigo is dismissed

as Keisuke Sakaki's relationship advisor.

What? D-Dismissed?

I will be his successor. Okay?

PROPOSAL
MARKETING UMI SHIKAMORI

What should I do...

Not good. I can't think of anything.

Today's not my day.

Whoa.

You surprised me!

I'm going to drink too!

That's rare.

You don't like drinking unhealthy things
at this hour.

Mm.

It's okay to let loose once in a while.

It might give you some ideas!

Thanks!

-Okay, let's drink.
-Okay.

Ready, set...

Ah!

Ready, set,

cheers!

Your voice is so loud!

This is awesome!

I want to try that drink later.

-Sure.
-Sure

This drink

was recommended by Mr. Arioka.

He told me about it the other day
when we went on a picnic.

I see.

-He drinks these things?
-Yeah.

-It says it gives you energy.
-Yeah.

And?

When will you two
start going out officially?

Not yet. We've only been on two dates.

Oh...

You say that now, but is that true?

That's it. I'm taking it away.

-I'll eat on my own.
-No!

-You'll get fat.
-I don't care.

"I want to like both my job
and myself while working the job."

I see...

Such wise words from Kazao!

Yeah.

It made me want to be like that too.

So you're trying to come up
with your own proposal?

Yeah.

-Hey, Nagi.
-What?

Do you have any good ideas?

Don't ask a high schooler.
Think on your own.

You're right.

-Yup.
-Okay.

But Kazao is really amazing.

He's a deep thinker.

Yeah.

He just ate the hot pot,
washed the dishes, and left.

Yeah.

And he can take pictures like this.

Yeah.

I can't help but respect him.

Although I'll never say it to him.

Oh!

What?

I think I got it!

What?

Yeah!

I'm going to work on it!

Okay.

All righty.

-Good luck.
-Okay.

It's awesome!

It's something we've never done.

It was a hot topic recently too.

-Yeah.
-You're right.

-I like it.
-Thank you.

What is it?

It's Umi's proposal.

Photo exhibition?

Yes.

I've realized,

that I love the world of Animal Beauty
displayed through

the eyes of Kazao Nagamine.

If Kazao's popularity goes up

and his name gains value,

it'll be advantageous
for both us and Kazao.

Plus...

Ms. Fujisawa's advertisement
was a hot topic too.

-Yeah.
-A lot of people liked that.

President, can we work on this?

I look forward to it.

Yes! Thank you!

Good luck.

Okay!

-Nice!
-Yes!

Let's first discuss it with Kazao

and we also need to look for a venue.

I'll look for one.

-Thank you!
-Yes.

Welcome.

Hey.

Hey, there.

Mm.

What would you like?

Oh...

I'll have what she has.

Yes, sir.

What is it?

I have work tomorrow,
so I can't stay up that late.

I was starting to pity you.

The drinks are on me.

What?

Keisuke started making his move on Umi.

The date?

What? You knew?

Yeah.

What is it?

Don't worry.

About what?

Well, Kazao, you like Umi...

That's no way to look at a girl.

Thank you for waiting.

Here you go.

Okay,

cheers to us pitiful duo.

Things just don't work out.

You told him, right?

Mm.

I went head on, and got rejected.

I see.

You did well.

I thought you would confess right away.

-Like I said...
-The more serious it is,

the more you want to make it clear.
That's who Kazao Nagamine is, right?

Or is that only with pictures?

Between a kind, handsome president
of a famous company,

and a poor photographer who might
leave Japan at the drop of a hat,

everyone will choose the president.

That's what a poor photographer
would think.

I'm not poor.

That's right.

In order to make money, you're refraining
from photographing what you really want.

The truth is, you're ready to leave
this country any time, right?

Kind of.

At least, financially.

I see.

You're amazing.

I'll support you.

Until you can make a living
by taking the pictures you want to take,

I'll continue standing
in front of your camera.

I'm thankful.

You should be.

Yeah.

And what about you?

What?

You're barely holding it together, right?

If you can't have a good time
without a strong drink like this,

you shouldn't try so hard.

Shut up.

If you say so.

This is so strong.

Let's drink tonight.

Two tequilas please.

-Two?
-Wait!

None for me. Just one.

All right!

-Hello.
-Hello.

-Hey.
-Hello.

Hello.

-Are you leaving?
-Yes.

I'll talk to Kazao about the exhibition.

-I see.
-Yes.

Isn't that the outfit you wore
for the interview?

Yes. You remembered?

The truth is
Kazao chose this outfit for me.

-Kazao did?
-Yes.

Back then I had no idea what kind

of makeup or fashion
I personally preferred.

-I didn't know that.
-Yeah.

Kazao has seen
all the pathetic sides of me,

so I wanted to show
a cool side of me today,

but I ended up choosing this outfit.

I see.

Yes.

I'll be off!

Good luck.

Yes.

-Good evening.
-Welcome.

-Do I look good?
-Yup.

Kudos to whoever chose that outfit.

What're you ordering today?

Can I show you something before I order?

Sure.

KAZAO NAGAMINE X ANIMAL BEAUTY
PHOTO EXHIBITION

The venue will be in Shibuya or Harajuku.

Places with lots of young people.

Or we can do something on a smaller scale,

and open multiple exhibits too.

Then we can try different concepts

for each location.

-Can you...
-Yeah?

...do this without putting my name on it?

-Why?
-Well...

This is Animal Beauty's
advertisement exhibition,

but I was hoping it would be
advantageous for you too.

I thought that maybe it'll be
a good chance to get your name out there.

Does it bother you?

Well...

-Umi.
-Yeah?

Remember how I showed you
the black and white photos before?

The one with the beautiful scenery?
I remember.

I've been taking pictures
other than scenery.

Like...

-Regular people...
-I see.

I've been photographing things
other than models.

I see.

I...

I want to take pictures like that
overseas.

If I go to a place where I don't
understand the language or know anyone,

I feel like I can capture...

the people's essence, or raw expressions.

I see.

That's why...

I've been saving up money.

And that's why
I'm doing this job right now.

Yeah.

I'm...

still not able to make a living
photographing what I really want.

So if I do this Animal Beauty exhibition,

I think I'll continue
getting that type of job.

Um...

Then...

does that mean that you don't like
working for Animal Beauty?

The thing is,

taking photos for advertisements
isn't what I want to do.

If I become famous as the photographer
for Animal Beauty,

it'll make things difficult
for my future plans.

So if you become famous
through your job with Animal Beauty,

your image will go down?

It's just not what I'm aiming for.

I...

thought that you loved and took pride

in the pictures you took
for Animal Beauty,

but that's not true, right?
You did it for money, right?

You've got it wrong.

I thought you had love

for the work you do for Animal Beauty.

You take beautiful photos,

and so many people see it,
and they're moved by it. It's impressive.

So why are you saying all this?

There are so many other ways
to save up your money.

It's none of your business, Umi.

If you didn't even like this job,

you shouldn't have started it.

You should've just gone overseas
and taken pictures there.

What would you know?

I don't know!

I...

truly loved the pictures

you took for Animal Beauty.

-Ms. Kyoka.
-Yes?

I'm sorry, but I'm going to re-think
the proposal I submitted.

-Is that right?
-Yes.

Okay.

But it was a good proposal.

I'll try once again.

All right.

-All done.
-How is it?

For some reason, it's not so great
when it's on Saku.

-Why?
-Let's change models.

What? Are you serious?

Welcome.

Long time no see.

Hey.

-Sir.
-Yeah?

-Ramen and potstickers.
-Okay.

I'm leaving everything behind.

Overseas...

INDIVIDUAL FEELINGS CROSSING PATHS

I have something to say.

Why do I have to

feel this way?

You're so immature.

He's...

THE BOSS COMES BACK

About Ms. Shikamori...

I won't see her.

It's a going away ramen gift.

CLIMACTIC CONFESSION!?

Umi...