Everyone else was moving on, so I tried.
And yet every time I tried, I got a dose of reality.
What am I supposed to do?
I will be by your side.
So, please don't destroy yourself.
And when you need to move on, despite it all,
I will give you a solid punch.
Because I love you.
What a sleeping beauty.
Do you think he'll wake up with a kiss?
What are you doing?
That's what we'd like to know.
Why is a good man like him sleeping in our bar?
Are we keeping him?
Don't be ridiculous.
He got himself dangerously drunk last night.
I didn't know what to do, when-
Where...
Nori?
Akemi.
What's going on?
I bumped into Hokomi late last night.
She was in a real bind
'cause this lad drunk himself to sleep, so I took 'em here.
Wait, sleep?
It's morning already? This is bad.
I've gotta get home, fast.
Nori, here.
- Your bag. - Thanks.
Take care.
Don't trip on your way out.
By the way, wanna know where I found those two?
In front of a risqué hotel.
- A hotel? - A hotel?
- Oops. - Oh my gosh, a hotel?
Good job.
No! No, it's nothing like that at all.
Yes, we went to a hotel. But nothing happened!
Aw, no need to be embarrassed.
- Exactly. - I'm not lying.
Nothing happened, really!
- Is he awake? - He's awake.
- Good morning. - Morning.
Hello there.
Are you hungover?
I'll go buy you some turmeric. It works wonders.
- Mom. - Then I'll go grab you some clam soup.
I already got the clam soup.
Then I'll start the bath.
Are you all right?
Here.
Drink some soup.
It's filled with clams.
I hear this works like a cure for hangovers.
We only have the instant stuff though.
I appreciate it.
Thanks.
For yesterday.
So...
What do you say?
I confessed, as you may recall.
So, I would like an answer of sorts.
- An answer. - Yes.
Like we could go out, or not.
We could go out.
Okay.
Is there any need for that?
I like our relationship now.
Is that...
Is that your answer?
Yeah. Why, is that not allowed?
Do you realize how I felt, when I...
I... You're...
This soup is delicious.
No more soup for you.
[I Wanna Punch that Scumbag!] [Episode 6]
You're spirited today.
Looking good, Ms. Sato.
Say, want to try going against someone next weekend?
- What? - A gym I'm acquainted with reached out,
and they want to send someone over for away training.
Away training?
They want to spar with someone outside their gym.
It preps them better for an actual match.
Ms. Sato, would you like to try sparring with this individual?
Yes, sir.
Great answer.
I need to punch these feelings out.
And boxing's the only solution.
I'm ready.
Hokomi.
That's fine, right? I am your personal trainer, after all.
Right.
Yes, it's fine.
So, about this spar.
Yes?
Why not invite Kairi to come watch?
Huh?
Oh, don't mind me.
I'm not trying to make things awkward or anything.
- Well... - If that guy decides to drop by again,
I know I'd be happy to see a familiar face.
You're stiff, Miss.
That's what I get for juggling several part-time jobs.
All in a day's hard work.
- I'm home. - Welcome back.
Hokomi, I heard Kairi was here this morning.
I wanted to met him, too.
Oh...
Is Kairi chasing his dreams or something?
He used to.
But things happened.
So, he's that type.
Mommy sure loves her dream-chasers.
Indie guitarists, rookie actors,
even Daddy was an unsuccessful comedian.
Then he made it big and two-timed you.
You don't need to bring that up again.
Why not?
Anyway, how'd it go with Kairi?
Nothing happened.
Why are you so mad?
He said we had no reason to date each other.
What?
It's okay, I have boxing to worry about.
- I'll go take a bath. - Sure.
Feeling less hungover?
The hell?
You dog.
What happened with Ms. Hokomi after we left you?
Nothing.
Nothing at all.
[Kanato Oba - Good evening. Could I have a bit of your time the day after tomorrow?]
You punk...
How'd it go with Mr. Kuzuya last night?
So, something did happen.
- Well, we went to a hotel... - Seriously?
Nothing happened though.
We aren't in a relationship, after all.
But let's talk this out over lunch.
Sorry, I just remembered some work I have to do.
Oh, okay.
Give me the full deets later.
Mr. Oba.
- Mind if I take this seat? - Go ahead.
You're not eating with Sato today?
I think Hokomi's lost in her own happiness right about now.
Seems like there was development between her and Mr. Kuzuya.
Development?
Oh my gosh, don't make me say more.
It's too embarrassing.
I'm clocking in.
It's a warzone out there.
What do you mean you won't be seeing me anymore?
You said you'd stay. Do you need more money?
Shino, I know you weren't serious about this either.
Don't assume life's that simple.
Your actions have consequences.
You'll reap what you sow.
Here you go.
Thank you.
Do you have a minute, good sir?
I heard you told my sister there was no reason for you two to go out.
Could I ask what that means?
It means I want us to maintain our status quo, that's all.
So, you are one of them.
You certainly look the part.
Listen. Unlike me, Hokomi's an earnest girl.
If you're only playing around with her, I want you to quit it.
I know I'm being a hypocrite for saying this,
but sometimes you just have to get your act together.
Please take my sister's feelings seriously.
See you.
Yum.
I see you have a sweet tooth.
I do. But it's hard to order these things alone as a guy.
Kairi never joins me either.
So, feel free to hit me up any time.
Mr. Kuzuya has no interest in dating Hokomi, does he?
He hasn't told me anything.
Ah well. I told Mr. Oba they were getting it on anyway.
I guess that's more than enough.
You really shouldn't sabotage Ms. Hokomi's love life.
What's your plan if she actually ends up with Kairi?
That would leave me equally as miffed.
You'd get Kairi involved in your mess.
Aw, don't be like that, Satoru.
Be on my side, okay?
I want to stay good friends with you, Ms. Nade.
Bummer.
Let's go grab some parfaits together next time.
- Fine. - Cool.
- I'm taking a strawberry. - Hey.
Not cool.
Welcome. Here are your towels.
Call us to order.
What was it you wanted to discuss?
I actually have a job I'd like to extend to you personally.
My friend's looking for a photographer,
and I'm wondering if I could refer you to him?
I would greatly appreciate it. But why?
I told you, didn't I?
I'm a big fan of your work.
You'd be taking photos for an elementary school basketball game.
Does that work for you?
Yes. I'd love to take the job.
Thank goodness.
I'll send you the details another day.
Thank you.
And one more thing.
I wanted to ask about you and Sato.
Are you going out with her?
What?
No, we are not.
Sato is a very important junior of mine.
If you make her cry, I won't forgive you.
Wasn't that smooth?
This is where you're supposed to laugh.
It's getting toasty in here.
Did you want a beer?
Yes, please.
Excuse me.
[Hokomi Sato]
- I'm ready for drills. - Great.
- Welcome. - Hey there.
Don't let it get to you, yeah?
You were a bit restless throughout it.
Will you be taking the next one?
- I'll think about it. - Sure.
Let's talk about it.
Ms. Yui.
What happened to Mr. Kuroki?
He wasn't able to pass the official exam to go pro.
Is acquiring a professional license difficult?
What?
I mean, I don't wish to apply. I was simply curious.
If we were to get you on track for the exam,
we'd have to double your training, and keep at it for at least half a year.
Sounds tough...
It's not easy going pro.
Again.
- Only the folks who are serious about boxing take the exam. - Again.
Give me your best shot.
Again.
Makes sense.
Great job.
So, what'd he say?
- Huh? - Kairi.
Is he coming to watch?
No. I'm sorry.
Did he turn you down?
It's fine though.
Wait, did something happen?
Hokomi, I'm your personal trainer.
If something's on your mind, hit me with it.
So... I confessed to him.
But he said we had no reason to date each other.
- Say what? - Woah.
That dirtbag.
- Ms. Yui, calm down. - If I'm a demon, I'll show him hell.
I'll make him do 100 sit-ups, 100 push-ups, and 100 squats.
I'll also make him do 100... 500? No, a thousand jump rope reps.
- Ms. Yui... - What?
Nothing.
What?
It's fine.
Don't bother.
I feel better already.
I'll do my best at the spar.
Please run me through my drills.
What're you taking pictures of?
- Let me see. - I wanna see too!
Woah!
Did you play basketball?
Not basketball.
But I have dabbled in other sports.
Makes sense.
I had a feeling you might have.
Say, do you know Shutaro Asakura, the sports photographer?
I've heard the name. Why?
Mr. Asakura was looking for photographers who could become his assistant.
Would you be interested in the opportunity, Mr. Kuzuya?
[Shutaro Asakura Photography Studio]
- Mr. Kuzuya? - Yes, ma'am.
Welcome. Please, come on in.
Our staff will be with you shortly.
Thank you.
Do you feel drawn to that photo?
These are nice shots.
But that's all they are.
What?
Your photos do not capture your subjects.
They do not consider how your subjects move or feel.
You must face your subjects with your whole self.
Don't run from them.
If that's impossible for you, then I can't hire you.
My name is Miya Sakamoto. I look forward to our spar today.
Hokomi Sato. The pleasure is mine.
Now shake hands.
- Here's to a good match. - Likewise.
She's much larger than I am.
Practice spars aren't always with people in your weight class.
It's not rare for the other gym to send someone much larger.
I see.
Want to call the spar off?
No. I'll do this.
Good.
Use your legs and keep your guard up.
- Don't forget your drills. - Yes, ma'am.
All right, go for it.
Yikes!
What do I do again? Erm...
Again.
I want to get a good punch in.
Just like I practiced.
Hokomi!
I'm sorry.
I was no match for her.
Where did I go wrong?
- I know I can do better. - You're boxing like a perfectionist.
Close the gap and move forward, even if you get hit.
Don't run away.
Ms. Sato.
This is where the real fight begins.
Please wait until we call you. [Furusato Dental Clinic]
Thank you. [Furusato Dental Clinic]
Next week... I am to join?
Yes, sir. I'll be there.
Good afternoon.
Please wait until we call for you.
Excuse me.
You're Mr. Oba, from City Hall, yes?
And you're Ms. Yui, from Hanegi Gym.
Thank you again for assisting our event.
It was my pleasure.
Is that...
Oh, this?
I bought it at the bookstore just now.
As a trainer, I want to be there for my athletes in their personal lives as well.
- Hence the romance advice book. - Ah...
Yeah.
That's not a book of advice though.
It's not?
The author, Stendhal, wrote about his experiences with unrequited love,
and analyzes the sorts of emotions people go through when experiencing love.
Why would he write about that?
Great question.
Perhaps he excelled at coming to logical conclusions,
but struggled when it came to the actual act of love.
His love was always to be unrequited,
because he lacked the courage to take initiative.
Is there something on your mind?
- Huh? - You were sighing pretty heavily earlier.
You saw that? How embarrassing.
My boss asked me to do something I'm not great at.
The pressure of succeeding has been really weighing on me.
If I were in your shoes, I'd destress by pummeling a sandbag.
I admire that.
Your stance is a bit off.
Right goes to the jaw, left goes out front.
- My right goes to the jaw? - Yes.
So, it's like this.
You're still a bit off.
Raise your right fist a bit higher.
And your left fist goes a bit more forward... Exactly.
Now harden your expression.
- Harden? - Tuck in your jaw.
Perfect. Looking great.
Thank you.
- An acquaintance of yours? - I have no clue who that was.
I'm full already?
My appetite gets smaller by the year.
Everything okay?
She lost badly at a practice match.
Oh my.
Why not just call it quits?
I don't see what boxing will ultimately achieve.
Mommy, it's not like Hokomi is going pro.
Right?
I think I've had enough dinner.
Me, too.
- Mimi, don't forget your homework. - Okay.
I'll be heading to the bar downstairs.
Sure.
I'm done with dinner, too.
- Here, I'll grab your plates, Mimi. - Thanks.
Has Kairi gone to see you since then?
Huh?
I guess not.
Not that I'm surprised.
What?
You began boxing because of Kairi, right?
That's why I'm saying you should quit.
My ex-husband said the same things as Kairi, you know.
"What's the point in dating? In marriage?"
But I stayed because I loved him,
and even forced him into marriage when we had MImi.
Except, he never changed.
Scumbags are scumbags for life.
It's not too late for you to back out, Hokomi.
You must face your subjects with your whole self.
Don't run from them.
Woah.
Are you all right?
Yes, thank you.
Mr. Kuzuya?
Sorry, you've caught me at a bad time.
Are you unable to ride a bicycle?
Unfortunately, yes.
The mayor has asked me to attend an SDGs event with him,
which we are to oversee on bike.
Are you practicing on your own?
Yes, albeit unsuccessfully.
- I'll hold you steady. - No, it's fine...
- Just face forward. - Right.
- Peddle before you lose your balance. - Okay.
- Keep peddling. - Sure.
- Don't get stiff. - Don't get stiff. Got it.
- Now peddle slowly. - Right.
I think I'm getting it.
You are.
- Remember to relax. - Right, relax.
So speedy!
- Go at your own pace. - Right.
I think I've almost got the hang of this.
Almost.
Please don't let go just yet.
You've already got it.
You're right! I have! Woah!
How do I stop?
It only took 31 years, but I can finally bike.
- You're 31? - Yes.
So am I.
Wait, we're the same age?
- You don't look it. - Neither do you.
I owe this success to you, Mr. Kuzuya.
It's the least I could do for introducing me to a job.
My friend said your pictures from the match were great.
I actually used to play for that team when I was younger, too.
Back then, my dream was to become Japan's star basketball player.
But plenty of guys were better than me.
I realized I couldn't hold a torch against them.
So, I wracked my brain thinking about what I could do,
and decided to focus on studying, before choosing a career.
Say, what inspired you to become a photographer?
I was talked into it by an acquaintance, that's all.
But why have you kept up with it?
I wonder.
Still, I've come to appreciate photos over time.
I like seeing people happy and smiling.
It's nice to see people enjoy my pictures, as well.
And because photography has so many specific techniques,
it makes overcoming those seemingly impossible challenges all the more fun.
You must really like it.
- Huh? - Taking photos.
I'm also glad I landed the job I work now.
Although it's not the dream I was chasing,
it's where I've settled on because of my failures. Funny, right?
I thought you'd be here.
Hokko.
- Earth to Hokko. - Can't you see?
I'm ignoring you.
How did your spar go?
I lost terribly. Anything else?
Then please leave me be.
I lost, too.
Huh?
I was told my pictures don't truly capture my subjects.
What? Who said that?
So, you'll get mad for me.
No, I mean...
It's fine. I agree with them.
In comparison, this person's photographs were amazing.
I was floored.
If you lost, why are you still practicing?
At first, I was depressed.
I wasn't mentally prepared to fight in the slightest.
I even questioned if I was allowed to continue boxing as is.
But I thought long and hard about everything.
And I came to a decision.
I can't let things end like this.
I asked Mr. Hanegi to book a rematch next Saturday.
You're strong, Hokko.
I'm persistent.
But I've become more persistent, no thanks to you.
I decided to pick up boxing
all to give you a good punch.
But now...
Now, I genuinely enjoy boxing.
I want to get better.
I want to get stronger.
You must really like it.
- Huh? - Boxing.
Yes, I do.
I don't want to run from it any more.
My first mistake was trying to box perfectly
as a complete beginner.
What I should really focus on is stepping forward,
no matter how ugly it gets.
I shouldn't run from facing my opponent head on.
That's the conclusion I came to.
Don't run away, huh?
Hokko.
Wha- Hey! What now?
I have a theory.
One-two.
One-two, hook.
Give me four.
A dodge, and upper.
That was great!
That uppercut would be especially deadly during your spar.
- You think so? - Yeah.
Sometimes righties like you have an easier time with a leftie's stance.
How'd you figure that out?
Huh?
Was it Kairi?
All right, let's cram all we can before your spar.
Yes, ma'am.
Kairi, your noodles will get soggy.
Give me another minute.
You're all about photography lately.
What about your gig at the bar?
I quit.
And what about your girls?
I broke up with them.
- All of them? - Yeah.
I'm surprised that worked out.
Yeah, I managed.
Kairi.
Are you gonna be able to make a living?
That might start effecting you too, Satoru. My bad.
Why the sudden change of heart?
What was wrong with the status quo?
It's not something I can maintain anymore.
I want to make photography my career.
I want to get better at it.
I'm heading out. Sorry about my noodles.
An action shot of Minagawa?
Yes, I have one here. I'll send it over right away.
Nice punch.
All right.
Daichi.
I work as a photographer now.
Although I didn't start the job for any special reason,
taking photos has become a passion of mine.
I met someone who takes the most awe-inspiring pictures.
I felt as floored as the first time I saw you box.
It made me want to take photos like that, too.
Daichi.
I've decided to move on.
I've chosen to go live my own life.
I...
I won't run any longer.
Your opponent won't be used to a lefties stance.
Once you step in, hit her with that uppercut.
Yes, sir.
All right. Good luck.
Give her all you've got, yeah?
Looks good.
Go, go.
Good going.
Yes, yes.
Forward, forward.
I knew it'd be impossible.
Hokko, get up.
The match only starts once you feel cornered.
Now, it's a match against yourself.
Go, go, go.
Forward, forward.
Yes, you're doing great, Hokko.
Go.
Your counterattack after you scored that down was amazing.
Thank you.
Your down on the first round was unfortunate though.
You fell because your punches threw you off balance.
But your legs were moving in the second round,
and your punches felt sharper, more frequent.
You won, fair and square.
Yes, sir.
- Kairi, I'll leave the rest of her check up to you. - Huh?
We have to walk the opponents out.
Remember?
Ah, right.
Let me see your hand.
Okay.
You were awesome up there.
Huh?
You look nothing like when you first began boxing.
Your expression, movements, muscles- everything has changed.
You've worked hard.
I...
I've decided to take the professional exam.
I know it's no easy task.
I know I'll have to train twice as hard as I do.
Even so...
It's something I want to aim for.
I'm going through something similar.
I've decided to pursue photography as a serious career.
I want to get better at it.
I know it won't be easy.
I know I'll have to put in twice the effort, if not more.
But I want to give it a shot.
You're seriously amazing, Hokko.
You're always making me have these revelations about myself.
You know...
I wasn't sure if going out normally would be any good.
Romance eventually comes to an end.
And...
I wanted to stay like this with you, forever.
But now...
I finally understand.
I was just making excuses.
I was running from your feelings.
But...
I'm done running.
Hokko.
I love you.
When I become a professional, please take a photo of my match.
- Will you really manage to make it pro? - Of course I will.
You better promise to be there.
Okay, okay.
You're not taking me seriously, again.
You need the ice pack more than I do. Here.
Let me see your other wrist.
Please look at my works once again, Mr. Asakura.
I wish to learn under your tutelage.
Good swing.
Mr. Hanegi, Ms. Yui.
I've decided.
I wish to take the professional exam.
Be here tomorrow, at 7 A.M.
Don't be late.
Thank you.
She's in love. [Love's in the air!]
- Where are we going? - I wonder.
I've decided to take the exam. Come to watch me, okay? [The road to pro begins!]
I think you could consider becoming a boxing photographer. [A new dream is found]
It's your fault, Hokomi. [The suspicious actions of a friend?]
Hokko, I...