01x05 - Episode 5

[bunniefuu]

I must do what I need to do.

I cannot forgive anyone who threatens.

Mariko's happiness…

I looked into you too, you know.

What are you to Mariko?

…because I'm the only one
by Mariko's side,

protecting her.

Don't just stand there. Have a seat.

- I'll make us some tea.
- That's all right.

Don't be like that.

These are very fine tea leaves.

PROFILE

Your parents' home is very close to ours.



You're the same age as Mariko, went to
the same schools as her, even university.

And to top it off,
you both joined Nose Cosmetics.

So, what instructions did Mariko give you?

That girl acts like she has
no interest in company politics.

Yet she quietly had her childhood friend
placed right by her side.

I wonder what she's planning.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Hearing you say "childhood friend"…

What? That's creepy.

I heard something very interesting.

COMPANY PROBLEMS
A FACE SHROUDED IN DARKNESS

It seems you're currently under suspicion.

Then I got it.

It was also you who sent this
to my husband, right?

Tateiwa truly was hopeless.

Engaging in such petty misconduct.

You were in the accounting department
from 2018 to 2021, right?

And after that,
the IT promotion department?

I heard you were extremely competent.

Illegally accessing the accounting system
to retrieve data should be easy enough

for someone like you, wouldn't it?

Say, why don't you join my side?

I would love an underling like you.

You can keep pretending to be
Mariko's ally just like before,

as long as you also do what I ask.

- What you ask?
- Yes.

That girl is an eyesore.

Her mother died so easily
and gave up her position.

But in that regard,
she's not like her mother at all.

I'll prepare a suitable position
for you as well.

Far better than staying
attached to Mariko...

I'm sorry.

No, so…

You've completely misunderstood
the situation.

I haven't been taking
any instructions from Mariko.

Mariko is an upright person
with a strong sense of justice,

so she would never use
underhanded methods like you.

She earns what she wants
through hard work, fairly and squarely.

And I also won't forgive you

if you try to scheme
against Mariko any further.

What? Are you saying you're doing
all this of your own will?

So even Mariko doesn't know about this?

About this background of yours?

What is this? How creepy!

- Are you her stalker or something?
- Stalker?

- Me?
- Well, of course.

You're this obsessed with her.

I wonder how Mariko
would feel if she found out.

Do as you wish.

My background is something
anyone can find, like you did.

But I'm certain you won't tell her.

After all, if your own actions
were exposed, you have far more to lose.

Around every bright light,

there are always annoying bugs, swarming.

YUKIMURA

SOTA YUKIMURA

YUKI SONO 2199.

You do not need to know.

It's fine. I know how…

To protect Mariko.

REGARDING WHAT I ASKED YOU FOR

A private investigation agency?

I'm back!

Were you able to restore the PC data
from Tateiwa's secondary residence?

Yes, I'm checking it out right now.

There's a lot of shady stuff on here.

Lots of internal company data.

Did he intend to prepare all this
and stage an internal coup?

Which means it was probably
someone from the company.

Those expense fraud documents
sent to the president

also seem like the work of an insider.

Can we see where it was sent from?

Well, it's tough at the moment.

I think it's someone
who's very well-versed in tech.

Sota Yukimura would be able
to do that, right?

He came from the IT department
and was quite capable.

Those skills would come in handy.

But we don't know the motive.

First, we want to know if that DNA found
at Tateiwa's m*rder scene the other day

belongs to Yukimura.

Can't we make up a reason to bring him in,
then test his DNA?

That would be problematic.

What reason? We found nothing else
regarding Yukimura, right?

Well, yes.

Even if the DNA belongs to Yukimura,

he already admitted himself that he met.

Tateiwa at the scene
right before he was k*lled.

In that case, it wouldn't be strange
for his DNA to be left at the scene.

- But Kajiwara...
- More importantly…

Oh, yes.

At 1:15 p.m. the day after
the body was discovered,

this was caught on CCTV
at Tateiwa's secondary apartment.

If this person deleted the data…

There's a high probability
they know something.

Identify them immediately
and look into them.

- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.

- Let's go. You and you, come with me.
- Yes, sir.

- We'll go to the scene first.
- Yes, sir.

Lately I've had to think
about Mariko so much

that my head feels like
it's about to explode.

Mariko's safety and smile
matter more than anything else.

And yet…

Why did I end up saying something so bold?

What makes you like that person so much?

Her sense of justice, I suppose.

She's my hero.

She definitely realized
I was talking about her.

How am I supposed
to face Mariko going forward?

Do you like that one?

It's cute, isn't it?

Yes.

Looking at it makes me feel at ease.

Take your time.

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

- Good morning.
- Yukimura, I know you just got here,

but check this for me.

Yes.

If there are no issues,
just leave it at the usual spot.

Understood.

Huh?

She's acting as if
nothing happened at all.

It really is as if nothing happened.

Huh?

Wait, did Mariko not realize
that I was talking about her?

Wait, hold on!

What is it? That's scary.

A-Are you okay?

Yes, I'm sorry.

I've finally realized something crucial.

There was no way Mariko would think
those words were directed at her.

Why?

Mariko believes I have had someone
I liked for a very long time.

Wait, so what?

I mean someone I've liked for a long time!

- Ah!
- Don't "ah" me.

Besides, the more seriously

I talk about my feelings for this person
I've liked for a long time,

the further I fall
out of Mariko's romantic consideration.

Wait, why?

He has someone he's liked for a long time?

Yes.

So, I won't be pursuing him.

Wait a second.

Even assuming Yukimura has someone
he's liked for a long time...

He does.

Why do you have to stop pursuing him?

Who he likes is his business!

What about your feelings, Mariko?

Besides, it's not like that person
is his girlfriend yet, right?

Is there a problem with that?

I don't like that kind of situation.

Hm?

When I date someone, I want to build
a relationship with a future in mind.

So I don't want a one-sided,
unrequited love.

I mean, falling for someone
who already likes someone else

is basically hoping they
and the other person will drift apart.

He's a bit unusual,
but he's a good person,

so I hope things go well for him.

I could really tell how much
he likes that girl,

and it felt like true love…

Which I thought was wonderful.

No, uh, besides, I didn't
like him in the first place.

This is because you ran
your mouth, Tomoya.

Me?

Me, huh?

Still, depending on how you look at it,
this is an opportunity.

I mean…

You can just start talking

- to her more from now on.
- You always say the exact same thing.

No, I really think this is your chance.

She already knows
you have someone you like,

and she understands
that your feelings are serious.

Then all you have to do
is tell her that it's her.

- Just say it, you got it!
- There's no way I can say that.

Why?

There's no way I can tell her
I've liked her for a long time.

Really?

Well, that kind of thing…

I guess it's creepy, huh?

The progress…

Yes, this.

It's fine, it's fine. It'll work.

It'll work. It's fine.

What? Even you only got an email
from Asai, President?

Yes. He has never taken
time off like this before,

so I got worried that something
might have happened.

Notifications went out to both
the secretarial section and HR,

so procedurally, there's no issue, but…

Indeed.

He's not answering his phone either.

Given the timing,
I'm concerned about a few things.

Do you mean the Tateiwa case?

Yes.

If he happened to get
caught up in some incident…

We also have to consider the culprit
behind Mariko's kidnapping.

That Hatano man has been
talking to weekly magazines.

What could he be aiming for?

If he were to make contact with Mariko...

That's what worries me as well.

Please continue to look after Mariko.

Report to me whenever anything comes up.

Understood.

Did Sota Yukimura
really have no interaction

with Mariko before he
transferred departments?

Yes, that appears to be the case.

Is that man Mariko's stalker?

He was strangely composed

and eerie.

It seems likely he's hiding
other things as well.

He's definitely scheming something.

But more importantly,

do we have any information we can use?

My apologies. Nothing at the moment.

You're useless.

Yukimura has a weak presence
at the company,

but he's a hard worker and thoughtful,

so he's liked by those
who have worked with him.

- And?
- I'm sorry.

Ah, changing the subject,

the president called in
Mariko's subordinate, Izumi,

and instructed her to look into Asai.

It seems that the president

may be hiding something with Asai...

That's fine. I don't care about Asai.

If you learn anything new about
Sota Yukimura, report to me immediately.

Yes. Excuse me.

WHEN TO CONFESS

THE TIMING TO CONFESS…

I told you I didn't need any.

However, since you brewed it,
I'll take it.

Is this the usual one?

Oh, no, since it's nighttime,
I made it decaf.

You're too thoughtful, anticipating
things way too far in advance,

it's scary.

I'm sorry.

You don't need to go that far.
Just being normal is fine.

Okay.

Oh, but thank you.

- Ah, um…
- Ah, um…

- Go ahead.
- No, go ahead.

Oh, uh…

- I need to ask you something.
- Yes?

Where are you from, Yukimura?

Tokyo.

Where in Tokyo?

Around Setagaya.

Where in Setagaya?

Around Kita-Okamoto and that area.

Oh, right near my home…

Your middle school and high school
were around there, too?

No, back then…

Yes, they were.

When you were a child,
where did you go for summer festivals?

- The ones nearby...
- Why are you asking all of a sudden?

Oh, no reason…

Did someone perhaps say something to you?

Oh, no…

I just…

Excuse me!

FESTIVAL

It was popular back when
I was in middle school.

Once I like something,
I tend to stay attached to it forever.

I still use it.

Guess there's no way…

There couldn't be such a coincidence…

- Sorry, it's nothing.
- Huh?

What about you?

- Ah…
- You were about to say something, right?

Never mind, actually.

- Never mind? What is it? I'm curious.
- No.

Really, it's nothing.

MARIKO NOSE

Hey, can I throw this away?

Oh, sorry, sorry.

What? No…

Why did I do something like this?

Manager, you were reading
this document here earlier, right?

Since it was a hassle to get sticky notes,

you just wedged it in whatever, but then
you had an idea, so you left it there.

Like I said, stop doing that stuff.

Why am I getting scolded?

Because the way you act,

like you understand everything,
it is just annoying.

Are you a psychic?

Um, with all due respect,

I think anyone could figure this out.
You're usually like this, Manager.

That's not true! This was just by chance.

Oh.

The other day, some coffee was left
in the coffee machine.

You probably received a sudden phone call.

There was also a time a rice ball was left

in the meeting room
for several hours, you know?

It just made me think about how
absorbed in your work you get.

Annoying!

What's with you acting
like you're the only reliable one?

Huh?

Wait, wait…

Wait…

You're laughing too much.

I should be heading home soon.

Things are fine just as they are.

I couldn't imagine
being able to talk to her like this

until recently.

So this is fine.

If I say it, I might lose everything.

I prefer what I have now.

Mariko.

- Yes?
- Do you like amusement parks?

- What? Amusement parks?
- Yes.

I don't think I've been to one
since middle school.

That was a really long time ago.

Oh… I end up having
too much time on my hands.

What do you mean?

We can ride together actually.

- What? We can?
- What? That's awesome.

Really? Yay, yay!

- Wow.
- This is crazy!

- Next, please.
- Let's go, let's go.

It's written right there.

- Really? You can't shake it?
- Stop it.

Guys, it won't shake.

It's time spent
doing nothing in particular.

I don't really know
what I'm supposed to enjoy…

Wow…

Well, it also depends
on who you go with, though.

So, what about this amusement park?

Well, Sara keeps saying she wants to go,

but I'm unsure if we should go alone.

Sure, I'll go with you.

- No, it's fine.
- What, why?

- I don't mind at all.
- No.

I'd feel awkward.

It's fine, it's fine.

I mean, I wondered how a double date
with the two of us and my kid would be,

- but I guess it's impossible…
- What?

Is there anything else? An aquarium?

METROPOLITAN ART CANVAS

- Sorry to keep you waiting.
- No, not at all.

I'm the one who invited you
so suddenly, after all.

No…

- Here.
- Thank you.

VINCENT WALLACE

This way.

Are you interested in paintings and art?

Yes, although I'm not
very knowledgeable about them.

That's great.

Do you often go see them?

Since that kind of knowledge
might prove useful for work someday,

I try to go whenever I have time.

You're very dedicated to your work.

No, uh, it's actually not a good thing.

I realized it as I said it out loud.

Why not?

I'm consuming art based
on calculations of gain and loss.

I think that's fine.

Everyone has their own perspective.

My mother used to say
something in the past.

Your mother?

My mother liked paintings.

She would stare at the exact
same painting for a long time,

so I once asked her why she
kept looking at only that one.

And she said,

"For some reason,
my heart is drawn to this.

I feel like I really love it."

I want to have that kind of feeling too.

It doesn't matter
if I don't understand why.

Just that my heart is drawn to it.

It's interesting talking to you, Mariko.

You hold values
that are different from mine.

Do you go to art museums often, Sakura?

Yes.

I actually used to want
to become a painter.

- Is that so!
- Yes.

Since my family is in the police,

everyone assumed
I'd become a police officer.

Maybe I was just being rebellious,
thinking back on it now.

Did you actually paint?

Well…

I painted portraits of the person I liked.

It's embarrassing, isn't it?

Man…

It's lovely.

Where did you learn to paint?

No, my parents were strict…

There are people in this world
who have no dirt on them.

TAISUKE SAKURA

I don't like the fact that
he's keeping tabs on me, but…

If Mariko can be happy,

that's all that matters.

Is there perhaps someone else?

Someone else you're interested in
or someone you're close with?

Ah, I'm sorry.

I've asked something strange.

No, not at all.

If Mariko is happy,

that's all that matters.

Sakura? Is something wrong?

Oh, no.

Let's go.

- Here you are.
- Thank you very much.

- Thank you.
- Thank you very much.

Thank you.

There are people other than me
who can protect Mariko.

- Unrequited love?
- Right.

If someone had held
an unrequited crush for you

for a very long time,
Izumi, how would you feel?

What's this all of a sudden?

Ah, an acquaintance asked me
for advice about a problem.

I think I'd be glad.

It sounds like a shojo manga.
"I've always loved you, all along."

It's quite heart-fluttering. Right, Sara?

Yes, heart-fluttering.

Heart-fluttering.

Right! Girls definitely
think that way, don't they?

It depends on the person.

It's not like all girls think
the exact same way.

Tomoya got scolded.

Hey, that was not
getting scolded just now.

All right, done!

Mama, can I ride now?

Sure, be careful.

- Okay!
- Okay.

See you.

Be careful.

Still, you know,

that's assuming those feelings
remain pure, right?

That unrequited love you mentioned.

Love is always pure
at the beginning, isn't it?

Just being able to see their face
from afar brings happiness.

Just sharing the same space
brings happiness.

But eventually, you inevitably start
wanting something in return.

When you can't get it,

yet you can't pull away
from the other person,

wouldn't it feel like
it's become an obsession?

- An obsession…
- Yes.

But what about a guy
who's stayed in love forever

without asking for anything

and simply wishes for her happiness,
even if it remains unrequited?

It might not be impossible.

But it's not likely, isn't it?

Hey, who is this about?

Hey, welcome.

- I want to go play.
- You're playing right now.

She's been saying she wants to go
to an amusement park for a while now.

Should we go together?

What, seriously? Are you sure?

I want to go to an amusement park too.

Once you become an adult,
you don't get the chance to go.

Want to go to the amusement park together?

- Let's go!
- Yes.

Really? Thank you!

Should we practice
riding roller coasters, then?

- Yes!
- Yes, let's do it.

What is this, a squid?

- Yes!
- Where is this from?

Here?

This is scary, you know.

Wait, wait, break!

- It's okay if I use this?
- Yes.

I'll wash it
and give it back to you, then.

- Hey.
- Huh?

Why don't we try dating?

I think it sounds good. What do you think?

Mama, Tomoya!

Hi!

MARIKO

I WENT TO AN ART MUSEUM TODAY

Mariko, is now a good time
to discuss the marketing slogan?

Yes.

I've thought of a few…

Don't you know?

Mariko seems serious
about getting married.

- At this rate...
- She always gets what she wants.

So you do understand!

- Try it like this.
- Okay.

- Now enter.
- Okay.

SEARCHING

Wow, seriously!

AI is searching the data for me.

It's been updated so much.

Right? It's great.

Mariko!

Thank you so much.

The system getting updated
was thanks to you, wasn't it, Mariko?

Huh? Why?

We heard it from Yukimura.

He said you made a suggestion
to the company.

You said we should get the latest AI
to reduce the burden on employees, right?

Besides that, there are so many things
you've been quietly doing for us

that we didn't realize
until Yukimura told us.

The reason you have
so many enemies in the company

- is because you're fighting for us.
- Wait, wait, wait!

- Shut up!
- What?

I'm sorry.

Okay, next, here.

Okay.

Yukimura really understands you,
doesn't he, Mariko?

Is it all right to leave things
as they are now?

What?

I thought he might be
one of the rare people

you actually open your heart to.

When you're with him, it feels right.

You don't always get to meet
someone like that, you know.

I hate this…

Good morning.

Um, do you have time after work today?

Yes, I do.

There's a place I want to go with you.

Careful when I close the door.

It sways quite a bit, doesn't it?

Wait! Please stop that.

What? I just moved in my seat a little.

Hey! You definitely did that
on purpose just now!

Ah, seriously, stop. This sucks.

So this is the kind of person you are.

You get scared way too easily.

This is my first time on a Ferris wheel.

I didn't know it swayed this much…

Hey!

Stop…

I didn't do anything.

What?

Ah, is it okay if I switch seats?

No, don't move!

- What?
- Please stop.

I can't do this?

Where should I sit?

Huh? I wonder where?

I thought you were a hero of justice,
but you can be a bully too, huh?

Because you're funny.

Huh? It stopped?

Did you moving cause
the safety mechanism to trigger?

- No, it's moving little by little.
- Hey…

Look.

Oh, my mistake.

Hey, it's so pretty!

Something flashed just now! What is that?

An unidentified flying object?

- No way.
- No, it is a UFO, for sure!

Look over there!

- It's flashing. It's flashing!
- Where?

- Over there!
- What?

- Some strange light! You can't see it?
- I can't see it.

It's right there!

- Where are you pointing?
- Right there!

Where?

Ah…

I'm sorry.

A UFO, huh?

You're like a kid, surprisingly.

No, I'm telling you it was there.

You didn't see it?

I feel bad for you.

Ferris wheels are fun, aren't they?

It's much more fun
than the last time I came here.

Thank you for today.

No, I was the one who invited you.

It was a dream of mine.

You're exaggerating again.

I've dreamt of this.

What?

Well, if you wanted it so badly,
you should have come sooner.

Bet you wanted to be here
with a certain someone.

No…

YUKIMURA SOTA

GRADUATED FROM FUTABASHI UNIVERSITY
WENT TO MAKA HIGH SCHOOL

MARIKO NOSE - YUKIMURA SOTA

GRADUATED FROM FUTABASHI UNIVERSITY
WENT TO MAKA HIGH SCHOOL

Well, this is where we part ways.

Yes.

Mariko!

What? What's up?

It's you, Mariko.

The person I wanted to ride
the Ferris wheel with… It's you.

I…

I…

I've always…

NEXT TIME