Sato, I don't want to see you suffer.
Not any more.
- Sir? - Sato.
I've always been in love with you.
I really, really love you.
Can't I be the one at your side?
Well...
Sorry, I'm a bit shocked.
I don't blame you.
You don't need to give me an answer right away.
Take your time to think about it, if you can.
I will.
I appreciate it.
Mr. Oba.
Thank you.
How could you tell?
Your reactions are quite telling.
I'm sorry for all the trouble.
How are you holding up?
Mr. Oba has continued to support me these past six months,
while Mr. Kairi has been working in America.
I'm so hungry. [Three months ago]
Same. [Three months ago]
Eating alone? That's so sad.
- Nitta. - She'll hear you.
Mr. Oba!
- Hello there. - Hey.
Sato.
Mr. Oba...
Gosh, women are downright terrifying.
I don't mind eating alone.
If anything, it's easier on me. Less to be mindful of, you know?
Say, want to go to the karaoke after work today?
Sounds good.
♪ Let's go throw a punch ♪
♪ Right here, right now! ♪
Feel a bit better?
Huh?
I've experienced a falling out with a coworker as well, years ago.
You have?
Yeah. They went on to quit, and I thought it was over for us.
But the other day,
we met up by accident and ended up talking it out.
Some things are resolved with time.
If you want a lunch buddy, I can join you.
Just remember to destress, like we did here today.
- I will. - All right.
- Now we sing to compete. - Huh?
Whoever scores lower treats the winner to a meal.
But you're a great singer.
That I am.
[Certification Exam Results] [The next day]
I can never get over the nerves of results day. [Next day]
I'm more nervous now than I was for my own exam.
Is that it?
Yeah, that's it.
[Incoming Call - Yui Hanegi]
Hello?
Hokomi...
Yes.
You did it!
Congrats, you passed!
Thank you!
I owe it to you, Ms. Yui.
No, it was all you, Hokomi.
- Give me the phone. - Hey!
Congratulations, Ms. Sato.
Thank you, sir.
I'll really savor my alcohol tonight.
Enough of that.
Listen up, Hokomi.
This is only the beginning.
Don't get complacent, all right?
- Yes, ma'am. - See you later.
Kairi?
Where were you?
What do you...
Hokomi's exam was yesterday. She passed already.
Why couldn't you have flown in a day earlier? [Hokomi Sato - Hanegi Gym]
You're always missing when it matters.
Welcome back.
Got a minute?
How old are you now?
I'm 31.
Damn, you're young.
I'm getting withered by the day.
Heck, I'm already 55.
You know, I planned on closing the gym when I turned 60.
What?
But then...
Ms. Sato changed my mind.
That girl's got something shining in her.
I agree.
Right? I knew it.
See...
When you left for the States,
Ms. Sato acted like she was fine.
But she lost a bit of that spark.
Of course, Yui supported her as her personal trainer.
Still, you left a large hole in her heart.
And the one who filled it
was Mr. Oba.
If you don't return for the exam,
I'll tell Sato I love her.
Ms. Sato passed the exam thanks to Yui and Mr. Oba's support.
But I want you to know,
I worry about you too, Kairi.
Say.
Will you leave things with Ms. Sato unsettled?
Sato!
Thank goodness I caught you.
Mr. Oba? Weren't you on a business trip today?
I was.
So? What was the result?
I passed.
What a relief...
Don't keep me on my toes like that.
Sorry, sir.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
- All right, let's go grab dinner. - Huh?
Let's celebrate. It'll be my treat.
- Are you certain? - Of course.
- Yes! - Come on, let's go.
[Bar Akemi]
There.
My sister isn't home.
Then I'll come another day.
The last few months have been rough on my sister, you know?
Around the time you left for America,
her friend at work betrayed her and lied about her to their boss.
Did you know about any of that?
No, she never told me.
I knew it.
She probably didn't want to add to your troubles.
My big sister always prioritizes you over herself.
She doesn't care if she's hurt. Why?
Because she loves you.
Personally, I think she'd be happier with a guy like Mr. Oba.
Better to be loved than be in love, or something like that.
Why am I telling you all this?
Anyway, romance sure is tricky.
See you.
When did you return to Japan?
Today.
Welcome back.
I know you've just returned, but I must mention this.
I've confessed to Sato.
- Mr. Oba, now isn't... - I have yet to receive a reply.
However, I figured you ought to know.
I won't lose to you.
I'm confident I can make Sato happier than you can.
Then I shall excuse myself here.
See you tomorrow, Sato.
Yes... Thank you again for dinner.
How have you been?
Fine.
And you?
Yes, I've been well.
Right.
I passed the certification exam.
Really.
What's with that reaction?
You could act a bit more surprised.
You really are amazing, Hokko.
Congratulations.
I will admit, I did get my hopes up a bit.
- What? - Well, you know.
I thought maybe you would be in the stands.
You'll manage just fine, Hokko.
Huh?
You've passed the exam, and it's been going well, right?
I suppose you could say that.
Not to mention you're hitting it off with Mr. Oba.
- No, we're- - Life's been great on my end as well.
My work in America was seen as a success,
and I've gotten several other offers as a result.
That's amazing!
So, right now, I want to prioritize these jobs.
I'm sorry.
For missing your exam.
No, it's fine.
Really. It's no big deal at all.
Take care.
One more thing.
Good luck with your photography.
Surprise! I bought us the good ice cream.
It'll be a luxury dining experience.
To celebrate your return.
Thanks.
- Here. - Yeah.
Did you meet Ms. Hokomi yet?
Yeah, I did.
How was the six month reunion? Did you try to get her back?
I was being complacent.
Huh?
What's that?
A present?
For Ms. Hokomi?
[Hand made jewelry]
That design was inspired by the moon.
I'll take it.
Is that for a special somebody?
An announcement for all passengers flying to Japan.
We regret to inform you that all flights to Haneda Airport and Narita Airport today
- have been canceled. - I'm very sorry.
I have to go back to Japan tomorrow.
The earliest available flight will be tomorrow morning.
I'm very sorry.
So, that's why you couldn't make it to Ms. Hokomi's exam.
I'm the one who chose to go to America.
I thought I was prepared for the consequences.
But after seeing a smile like that...
You really are serious about her.
Ms. Hokomi's something else.
She must be real special, huh?
I'll pour us some coffee.
- The moon's out tonight. - You like the moon?
I do. I like to imagine it will always be there for me.
[Boxing Practice Notebook]
[Punch. That. Scumbag.]
[I Wanna Punch that Scumbag!] [Round 8]
Yeah. These are definitely great shots.
Thank you, sir.
Follow me.
The "Boxing Beat" magazine wants to use your photos.
Getting published here is the mark of a first-rate photographer.
But sir, I've only begun my career.
Don't deny your opportunities.
Yes, sir.
And one more thing. One of your works was a finalist
at the World Sports Photography Awards.
- Really? - Here's to hoping you score an award.
Yes, sir.
Listen up.
Make sure you take any offers you get.
Your career right now relies on momentum.
Your life outside these gigs means nothing right now.
Just cram in the work.
Yes, sir.
One-two.
Duck and upper.
Doing good.
Again.
All together now.
Nice.
Thank you.
Glad to see she's not getting lax after the exam.
Sir.
Please schedule my debut match as soon as possible.
Sorry about that, Ms. Sato.
It's difficult to get a women's match together.
Right, I understand.
There are already so few of you, and even then the stronger gyms get priority.
So, how long will I wait?
- I'd say about a year. - A year?
- But... - Yes, sir?
We've managed to schedule a spar for you.
- Really? - Yeah.
She's a boxer from the Masaki Gym. I think her name was...
Wakaba Itou.
She hasn't had her first professional match either.
You're on even grounds.
Great! Thank you, Mr. Hanegi.
I'll look forward to it.
Is something up?
- Huh? - You're weirdly motivated today, so I was wondering.
I met Mr. Kairi.
- What? - My expectations got the best of me.
I thought maybe we would try again.
But Mr. Kairi has already moved on.
That's why I want to follow suit and move on as well.
Thank you again.
Right then.
[Professional Boxer Certificate]
- Who would've thought Hokomi would pass. - Yes...
Maybe breaking up with Kairi and focusing on boxing helped.
- Ta-da! - Woah!
Can I take one?
Of course. I made too many.
- This is delicious. - Right?
Eat as many as you'd like.
- Kojima. - Oh, Mr. Oba.
- Where's Sato? - She's out on some business.
She's apparently going to spar with a professional soon.
- That's impressive. - But is that allowed, Mr. Kuramochi?
- Huh? - Government employees aren't allowed to take side jobs.
You make a point there.
I don't think it will be of issue.
She simply has to refuse the prize money for herself.
We have employees who run for sport as well, no?
Add in a professional boxer,
and it could do wonders for our city hall's publicity.
Great point.
Yes?
Aw, don't look so scared.
I see Mr. Kuzuya has returned.
If you choose to dilly-dally, he'll snatch Hokomi right back up.
You like Hokomi, don't you?
No need to hide it, I know.
Ms. Nitta, you're free to dislike whomever you please.
I only ask that you keep your conflict outside the workplace.
I don't intend on intruding in your personal life either.
Someone's in a bad mood.
It's all just no fun.
Is this about Ms. Hokomi passing her exam?
It would've been more interesting if she failed.
She's so in her head, she's apparently going to spar with a pro.
I honestly owe my efforts to your advice from half a year ago.
She's neglecting her job, and for what? Boxing?
She's totally just deadweight.
Then tell your boss about it. Make them your allies.
You know you're working just as hard as she is.
Too bad nothing's changed.
Say, why did you give me advice back then?
- What? - I know.
You feel like Hokomi's taking Mr. Kuzuya away from you.
- I get it, he's like your big brother after all- - No!
Sorry.
Everything okay?
See...
I have an older brother.
We were separated as kids when our parents got a divorce.
But he always cared for me.
He's kind like that.
Do you see him often?
Only sometimes.
This stuff is good.
- Give it a try. - I will.
You're right, it is good.
Guard. Exactly.
Nari.
Here's some tea for you.
Never expected to see you here, Akemi. It's sorta refreshing.
And you're like a different man entirely.
I own the place, see? I've got a reputation to upkeep.
So, what brings you here?
Well...
I wanted to ask about Hokomi.
Should she really become a professional?
Will she truly be all right?
Nari, you'll make sure to protect Hokomi, won't you?
I can't make any promises, not even to you, Akemi.
Of course, we'll help her however we can.
I'll support her to the best of my abilities.
But on the ring, anything can happen.
It's a battlefield up there.
A battlefield, is it?
Must be exciting for the ones up there.
It's just...
I wish she would think about her family, down here.
Who would've thought my Hokomi would take to martial arts.
Cheers.
- Hello? - Hey.
- Sorry to interrupt. - It's fine.
How's work been?
Smooth sailing?
You could say that.
So, you're actually making strides. I'm happy for you.
Thanks.
So? Was that all?
Can't you be a bit more sociable?
Whatever, listen up.
I need to ask you for a favor.
A favor?
Thanks again for coming, Mr. Photographer. [Kids Boxing Workshop]
The kiddos are waiting to get their pictures taken. [Kids Boxing Workshop]
Say something, why don't you.
Where's Hokko?
She isn't here. She's off training in Hakone with Kanbe.
I see.
You wanted to see her.
No.
There you are, Kairi. Thanks again.
Sure thing.
Hello, I'm Hokomi Sato's younger sister.
Hello there.
Mr. Kairi!
Hello.
- Hello. - Welcome in Sayami, Mimi.
Good to see you, Mr. Nari.
Pops, you know them?
He's a regular at our place.
- Right? - Right.
Ms. Yui.
Thank you for training our Hokomi.
Of course, it's always a pleasure.
One-two. One-two.
- One-two. - You got it.
Twist your body,
and throw that into a punch.
Yes, great pose!
You look adorable!
The absolute cutest!
Punch! Yes!
Amazing shot.
Say, Hanegi!
Got it.
All right, who here had fun today?
Me!
If you're ever interested in boxing, come again, okay?
Okay!
Thank you for attending our workshop today.
Thank you!
Come give me your gloves.
I'll take that banner, too. Thanks.
Did you get any good shots?
Looking good.
Thank you.
Sato, I've always loved you.
Why didn't you ask to have another chance?
- Huh? - Hokomi was forcing herself to act okay.
So, why?
Don't tell me you're fine with letting things end like this.
Of course not.
What?
Ms. Yui.
- Hello there. - What brings you here today?
Mr. Oba.
- Hello. - What's the occasion?
Ms. Yui invited me to give boxing a shot.
Mr. Oba, boxing...
Hokomi would be delighted.
- You think so? - Yes.
Excuse me one moment.
Hello?
Sayami...
Help...
Mom? What's wrong?
Mom?
Is everything okay?
What? Mom collapsed?
- I'll be home right away. - Don't bother.
Huh?
She had a stomach ulcer.
A stomach ulcer?
She just needs to take it easy at home for a week.
I see.
Besides, we've got some helpers on hand.
In any case,
you don't have to rush home, Hokomi.
Good luck training.
- "Helpers"? - Goodness me.
You two, thanks for assisting me to the hospital.
Of course.
Mr. Oba, what a model gentleman you are.
You flatter me.
I'm the one who drove to the hospital though.
I certainly wasn't expecting to see you, Mr. Kairi.
I happened to be in the area when you called.
Then you're free to leave now.
I'll be staying to help open shop.
- You would? Really? - Of course.
You must rest, ma'am.
It isn't a "must".
She only needs to take it easy.
Oh, right.
- You're so adorable, Mr. Oba. - So cute.
My mistake.
I'll help as well.
- Really? - I'll do anything.
In that case, could I ask you two to start
by sweeping the floors?
- Right. - Of course.
- Please, stay seated. - No, you can rest.
- I'll handle this. - Leave it to me.
- You'll get tired. - As will you.
- Please, I insist. - I've got this.
- Let me. - No, let me.
- Really. - I insist.
Can someone just sweep the floors, please?
[Bar Akemi]
Thank you both for your hard work today.
You were a big help.
Here, drink. It's my treat.
- Thank you, ma'am. - Thank you.
Excuse me, the mayor is calling.
Good evening, sir.
What a put-together worker he is.
Say, Mr. Kairi.
I wanted to ask about Hokomi.
Huh?
Do you think she should truly become a professional boxer?
What do you mean?
To be frank with you, I'm a bit conflicted about it all.
And I don't know if I can support her with these worries of mine.
Because, you know.
Boxing can cause irreparable incidents.
Isn't that right?
Even so, please be there to support her.
Hokko is truly amazing, ma'am.
To be certified this quickly is an impressive and arduous feat.
You two broke up six months ago, yes?
You seem quite set on defending her.
Hokomi told me you've chosen to prioritize your job. Is that true?
That girl may act like she's al lright,
but when you told her so, she was incredibly depressed.
It was honestly a struggle to watch.
Tell me the truth.
Mr. Kairi.
You still love Hokomi, don't you?
I see.
In that case...
Why won't you honestly tell her how you feel?
Allow me a guess.
Does part of you believe
Mr. Oba is better for Hokomi?
She's always helping me, in one way or another.
Hokko has always been there to support me.
Her strong encouragement
has allowed me to make strides.
But that makes me no match for her.
I've only made her cry
and harbor bitter feelings.
She would be happier with someone else.
After all...
I am a scumbag.
But it's all right, I know Mr. Oba is better for her.
What is this...
I feel so miffed right now.
- What? - Don't go making those decisions on your own.
You see, I-
Not that my personal anecdotes really matter,
but I've dated many scumbags in my life.
And I've been hurt as many times.
But I've never regretted a single one of those relationships.
You know why?
- No. - It's because all those men were men I chose.
I chose them. It was my decision, my life.
So, no matter what happened, I never regretted any of it.
Ever.
Hokomi is my daughter.
Even if we seem like complete opposites,
there are similarities if you look.
So, I know I'm getting my words twisted up,
but if you're backing off, that's just to shelter your own heart.
Hokomi's life is made of her decisions and her choices.
You have no say in it.
All you can do
is to tell Hokomi...
exactly how you feel.
That. Is. All.
Who she "ought" to stay with?
That is not your choice. That is Hokomi's choice.
But then...
- Hokko won't be happy. - I already told you.
That is also Hokomi's choice.
This is important, so one moment.
Your standard for "happiness" is not universal.
Hokomi's happiness is something she will choose for herself.
But...
Who cares if you're a scumbag?
No one's perfect in this world.
And I must say.
Don't underestimate my daughter like that.
She began boxing to punch you.
She kept training while you were gone
and even got herself certified.
Do you realize how strong that makes her?
She's got more than enough spirit to accept a scumbag like you.
Is there any other girl like her out there?
Are you just...
going to let a girl like her go?
I wouldn't want to.
Then all you need to do,
is tell her.
I feel relieved after letting that all out.
This is something she's serious about.
All I can do is cheer her on, no matter how terrified I am.
My apologies.
Gosh, it's freezing out there.
- Welcome back. - I'm sorry that took so long.
- Was it chilly out there? - Yes.
- You drank a lot. Are you okay? - I'm fine.
Mr. Kuzuya.
I...
I want...
Mr. Oba?
I feel sick.
Are you all right?
Ouch...
- Who the heck? - He's awake.
Sorry, who are you?
Wow, you don't remember?
It was a hassle getting you in yesterday night.
Want some clam soup?
Thank you.
Mr. Kuzuya.
I want us to fight on even grounds.
If there's anything you wish to tell Sato,
I want you to do so.
Thank you for the soup.
[Hanegi Gym]
Sir, head on ahead. I'll catch up.
Gotcha.
[One new message]
[Please do as I requested during your spar today.]
Hokomi.
Your phone.
Thank you.
[Kairi Kuzuya - One unread message]
I'll be waiting for you at the usual shrine.
I'll be here until you arrive.
Hokomi.
Let's get you warmed up.
Yes, ma'am.
We'll call it quits if it gets too dangerous.
Stay calm, remember your usual game.
- Watch out. - Don't push.
Her opponent is too strong.
Let's stop them.
[Incoming Call - Yui Hanegi]
- Hello? - Kairi.
Yui?
- What's wrong? - It's Hokomi.
Hokomi was...
- What happened? - She had a spar today.
And, I don't know why,
but her opponent wasn't her equal, like we'd heard.
We tried to stop them, but Hokomi insisted on continuing.
During one round,
she took a solid punch to the face, and...
- Where's Hokko? - At Sugita Hospital.
She won't wake up.
Ms. Hokomi passed her exam?
She's so in her head, she's apparently going to spar with a pro.
"Please do as I requested
during your spar today."
"If you knock out Hokomi Sato,
I'll pay you one million yen."
[If you knock out Hokomi Sato, I'll pay you one million yen.]
This is your fault, Kairi.
I will give you a solid punch.
Because...
I love you.
Seeing how passionate she was about boxing,
I wanted to earnestly cheer her on, you know?
Have you seen Aizawa anywhere? [The true identity of his housemate...]
This is all your fault. [The true identity of his housemate...]
Hokko, thank you. [The beginning of the end]
And I'm sorry. [The beginning of the end]