Come on, Hijiri, I already told you.
Don't bother asking me out.
But Tsuchiya said, that meant I should ask you out.
Tsuchiya!
Sincerest apologies.
I looked into some places normal folk enjoy.
I'd appreciate it if you'd show some gratitude
that you are able to date me.
I'm not a realistic
potential romantic partner for you, am I?
What are you saying?
I'll have you know, every woman in the world sees me
as a potential romantic partner for them.
All right. I'm about to beat you at drums.
No whining if I hit you by accident.
Sorry, that one's not interesting.
Why don't we play this one over here?
Oh.
That plushie toy I wanted last time is still there.
Rio took all of our prizes home that night.
-What? -Hmm?
I'd still plan a better date.
There's no way you know her as well as I do.
Your disrespectful cousin.
All right, I'll buy everything in there.
Will my paycheck cover it, Tsuchiya?
Allow me to check with the manager.
Just play the game, please!
Why bother with that part of it? I really don't understand.
Hmm.
Hey, I know. Let's hit the photo booth.
-Whoa! -Mr. Tsuchiya, come on!
You want me in it?
Yup.
Hurry, Mr. Tsuchiya!
Yes, miss.
Give me a hot pose!
-Oh. Right there, the camera. -Hmm.
Three, two, one.
SP TRIO
Somehow we do always end up having fun together.
-Miss Anzu Hoshino. -Hmm?
Nice to meet you.
How are you? My name's Yukana Kishi.
Tsukasa, he lives with you at your place, isn't that right?
Um…
We've been together,
for, well, I'd say for quite a while now.
#11 JUST TELL ME IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT
Mr. Hijiri.
What is it?
Well, I thought I was seeing things, so I kept quiet at first.
But I could sense someone's eye on us all day today.
We parted ways with Miss Hoshino at the station,
but I must say I'm concerned.
I can check up on her.
So you're Kazuki's, uh, girlfriend?
Yes, I am.
But everybody who's close to us is against it for some reason,
so I'm never allowed to see him anymore.
It's terrible, isn't it?
Tearing lovers apart that way?
I don't know.
I just don't see Kazuki being with someone like her.
His sister is truly an evil person,
the complete opposite of my sweet Tsukasa.
I just don't know.
Something feels off.
I've been searching frantically
because no one would tell me where he moved.
And I found him thanks to social media.
WITH CHOYO. LOOK AT THE HOTTIE IN THE BACKGROUND.
What?
How come… you're…
Tsukasa!
Whoa, this is bad.
I'm sorry, but he's busy.
So please, time for you to leave.
Man, Kazuki's really sweating over there.
Hmm.
She's gone now, Kazuki.
How did she, how did she approach you?
Well, she called out my name when I was walking home.
Then she told me that she was your girlfriend.
Kazuki!
And, did you, did you believe her?
Mm-mm.
No, I didn't. Something felt off.
She's, uh…
She's my stalker.
What?
I'm starting to feel a lot better now.
I'll get you something to drink. Uh?
Stay with me a little longer.
Jeez, his hands are super cold.
Sorry.
It's okay.
I'm really sorry too. I shouldn't have even talked to her.
It's not your fault.
Knowing how she is, she already had your address.
Anyway.
You knew. You could sense it.
Well, I did say I would tell you why I was living alone.
You shouldn't feel pressured to talk about it.
I want to, Hoshino.
Here's how it happened.
-You know that book I wanted? -Oh yeah.
-Well, dude, I really-- -Huh?
Are you okay?
Here.
Thank you very much.
All I did was give her the bag.
-Hey, remember that book? -Yeah, did you get it?
-I did, man, for nearly after… -Morning.
Oh. Good morning.
Morning.
Hello.
That chick's here for you, like, every day.
Mm-hm.
Hey, she must like you a lot, my dude.
Nah, I'm sure it's not like that.
Man, it must be nice to be so good-looking.
Delivery.
TO: TSUKASA KAZUKI
For me?
Hmm.
Hmm?
And it totally freaked me out.
-That makes sense. -Hey, Mom, about this shirt…
Oh, is that a new one?
Did Arisa get it for you?
What? No, I didn't get it for him.
Huh?
No, dude, it was just like I thought.
He's confiscating everything.
-So your brother had… -Oh, really? That's crazy.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
That dude would take all my stuff without asking.
Morning.
That shirt looks so good on you.
What?
So disturbing.
Someone created multiple accounts for different websites
using my name without my permission.
Thank goodness the purchases weren't billed to you.
But this is still serious.
I think we should speak to the police.
There's no reason to involve the police. Shame on you!
Tsukasa.
You're making these purchases using your mom's name, aren't you?
-No-- -Do you really think
Tsukasa would ever do that?
-Don't talk to your father that way. -Huh…
Anyway, let's just return the packages unopened for now.
Tsukasa, you like the gifts I send?
I knew it. You sent everything.
Hmm.
Why are you doing this?
Oh. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother you.
I should have asked what kind of clothes you like first.
No, that's not what I mean.
You made a bunch of accounts using my mom's name.
Well I, I haven't really met your family yet, so,
are you worried about what they may think?
Embarrassed if they found out about us?
What are you…
So…
What clothes do you like, then?
Just tell me, Tsukasa.
Please, just don't send me anything else
ever again. Just leave me alone.
-Hey, so check it out. -What's up?
Remember what my big brother did?
-No. -Well, I ratted him out to my mom.
It's pretty crazy, right?
No way, dude.
Hey, isn't that the girl who waits for you, like, every single morning?
What? Uh, I don't know.
-Hmm? -Hmm.
See you later, dude. Have fun tonight.
-Yay! -We have a test tomorrow.
Oh, Tsukasa, you're so shy, aren't you?
I understand that you don't want anyone close to you to know about us.
Since I still get to see you every day,
I can suffer through us not being able to speak.
My sweet Tsukasa.
Seems everyone else…
is in the way.
GIRLS MY AGE ARE ANNOYING AND CREEPY
ALL GUYS ARE IMMATURE. I WISH THEY LEFT ME ALONE.
Isn't that the chick who's always waiting for you on our way to school?
Excuse me, you're dating older women now?
SECOND ACCOUNT OF A STUDENT. MAINLY COMPLAINTS.
Dude, how are you gonna talk trash about us online?
She's obviously trying to get with me.
He can't just diss me like that.
What the hell is that post, dude?
Tsukasa, you're legit the worst.
I can't believe you're so two-faced, man!
Hey!
You have some woman following you
who put a wire and a camera on you?
Disgraceful!
It's not Tsukasa's fault, Dad!
He is the victim here.
This happened because you lead her on.
You're not sincere with people.
Tsukasa.
This is awful.
All everyone wants to do was pull us apart.
And we're so deeply in love with each other--
Go away! We have a restraining order against you!
So unless you wanna spend the rest of your life in jail,
don't come near my brother ever again!
I'm off to school.
Tsukasa.
And after all that,
I couldn't even go to school.
If only I hadn't stopped to pick up her bag.
And if… I regretted that moment again and again in my head,
I still do.
My homeroom teacher, my mom, and Arisa helped me.
And I moved away.
And started living alone so no one could find my address.
I got to a place where I could live a normal life,
but I still feel sick when people stare, and when girls approach me.
I'm just a spineless loser so all I can do is be cold,
and put up walls to protect myself.
Even when my dad came at me, I was too weak to defend myself.
All of it happened
because I don't make genuine relationships and let people in.
None of my classmates believed a word that I said,
and all of it is my fault.
Kazuki, stop me if you hate it.
'Cause I'm gonna hug you now.
None of this is any of your fault.
I'm so mad.
If only we had become friends sooner.
I would have believed you, even when nobody else did.
I feel the same way. I wish I had met you sooner too.
I went ahead and contacted the police.
We're gonna have to be guarded for a while.
I'm sorry you're dealing with this.
It's because I'm weak.
It's so embarrassing.
Hey, that's not true.
Don't worry. I'm right here.
Social media can be really problematic.
I can't believe how fast she found you.
Hmm.
Well, I'll stay over on the days that I don't have to work.
You don't have to do that.
I'm sure you're busy as well.
Listen.
I know you're mature for your age, but you're still just a kid.
So, let people help you when you need it.
Would you let it go with this kid?
You're causing too much trouble now.
We can't just keep running to your uncle every time you do this.
Jeez, I don't believe any of this would have happened
if this damn guy didn't lead you on…
Don't say that about Tsukasa!
When I was getting bullied at work every day,
Tsukasa was such a sweetheart to me.
Every day, he would come visit.
And we talked about, well, anything all day.
How could he do this to you?
I wanna take him to court.
We were only seeing each other, nothing more.
It's not anybody else's business but ours.
And now yet another girl is getting too close to my Tsukasa!
She's in the way.
Ah, Hoshino, you can go after you finish cleaning that.
Okay.
What's up? You don't normally look upset.
Huh? Um…
Uh…
Yeah…
We don't have any customers right now,
so I'm happy to lend you an ear.
But don't get excited, I'm not worried about you or anything silly like that.
Will you chill out with the hot and cold, Hijiri?
He texted a few times yesterday to check on me.
In his own way, he's making sure I'm okay.
ARE YOU OKAY? IF YOU ARE OKAY, IT'S FINE
I was just thinking about what I might be able to do
to, uh, help out a friend of mine.
Well, as long as you're near them,
I'm sure everything will be all right.
Huh?
Wait, what? So that's what you think about me, huh?
Please don't touch me.
Aw, shoot. Hoshino already left, huh?
Well, she forgot her phone here.
If we run, we can catch her. I'll just send Tsuchiya.
How can I help, sir?
I've been wondering all this time,
what country are you the prince of, Mr. Koganei?
Hi there. Is Anzu in the back?
No, she just left.
What? She sent a text asking me to come pick her up with my brother.
Uh…
Oh, shoot! Did I forget my phone?
What a drag. Oh?
Hey.
We're gonna need you to come over here with us.
Huh? What? Who are you?
I'm sorry, girl,
but we were told to make sure you can't be out in public.
Huh?
What are you doing? Get away from Anzu.
Uh, Junta…
Damn it…
Who the hell is this brat?
Ryuya!
Tonta, stay out of it!
You can get kicked off the team!
Hey, back off!
Pardon, I'm not sure what's going on here,
but I'm afraid I'll have to stop you.
Mr. Tsuchiya!
Miss Hoshino, my sincerest apologies. I'm sorry to intrude.
But I'm here to deliver something you forgot.
The hell, man?
Hold up, you guys. Naoki, is that you?
Mr. Takamine!
Wanna tell me what the hell you're doing?
I'm so sorry.
We had no choice. This crazy chick threatens us.
Was she around 20?
Did she have really dark hair, to about here?
Yeah, that's right.
You two ain't getting off easy for this, you hear?
Right, Shades-y?
I'm sorry. Shades-y, you said?
Oh, brother, was that supposed to be clever?
Um…
I'm okay, thanks to you guys.
I just can't believe everyone showed up with such great timing.
Well, I mean, I did get that super random text from you.
What? A text?
Yeah, and you messaged me to bring my brother,
-so I didn't know what to expect. -Hmm?
WANT TO GO TO THE ARCADE AFTER?
Wait.
WHEN DO YOU GET OFF?
I don't remember sending any of these.
I don't think you're safe here.
You should really hurry home and try to get some rest.
Oh? Yeah, I'll go do that.
Thank you all so much, seriously.
What? I honestly can't believe it.
I know, but thankfully nothing serious happened.
I should leave. I mean,
after all that, I can't stay here.
I won't let you.
-You shouldn't have to suffer… -Mm.
…just because someone like her is out there.
Let's figure this out as a team.
Thanks.
Bad moods are a big no-no!
This cute boy right here will help you get into a good one!
Kick rocks. You embody my negativity.
Oh wow, you're hard.
You know, I got you out of that sticky situation
by sending those texts to everyone with your phone.
What, it was you? You send the texts?
Yes, ma'am.
I set the whole thing up,
so that all of the pawns would come running to protect you.
Don't you dare call them "pawns"!
Anyway, thank you. You really saved my life.
First time I'm grateful for you.
An ant's booger's worth.
A microscopic level, oh!
Look, if you're a wizard, can't you do something about this stalker?
Like, put up a barrier, maybe, that keeps her from finding Kazuki.
Hmm.
I'm only able to use my magic,
if it contributes to your romantic relationship somehow.
Here's the thing.
If you do nothing about it,
then you would be exposing me to danger, am I right?
Whoa…
Well, if it's true you're going to be exposed to future danger,
I'll just have to remove Kazuki from your potential partner options.
Gotta eliminate those risky pawns, am I right?
Heh?
No!
I'm done talking to anyone without a heart.
Get out.
Aw, jeez.
Well, now I won't be able to use my magic again for a while.
I can't fall asleep.
I'm really thirsty.
Sorry Junta, for putting Hoshino in all this danger.
Why are you apologizing?
You shouldn't feel responsible
for any of this stuff.
Hmm.
Luckily, Anzu didn't get hurt this time around.
But I won't let that stalker do this.
I swear, if she threatens Anzu again, I don't know what I'm gonna do.
If it gets me kicked off the team, then so be it.
I've made up my mind now,
and I have no regrets. It's got nothing to do with you.
Truth is, the reason I started playing baseball was…
-What kind of guys do you like, Anzu? -Hmm?
Hmm…
Someone who's super athletic!
And can beat the boss!
Those were her exact words.
Tonta, you got great hand-eye coordination.
Would rock at baseball, I bet.
So, I picked up baseball in middle school.
Because of what Anzu said.
Hey dude, don't laugh.
No, I'm sorry. I'm sure she has no idea
she was so influential, that's all.
Totally. Oh?
Hi.
Has everything been okay since the night we spoke?
CONBINI MART
Mm-hm.
Haven't had anything happen since.
Kazuki and his sister are gonna walk me home after work today.
That's good. But if you ever need Tsuchiya, you can ask any time.
Well, thank you. And if the boss was here, he'd say,
"In what country are you an oil tycoon?"
You know he'd say that, right?
Yeah, he asked me already.
Anyway, not even a king nor an emperor
would interest you at all, right?
Huh? Well, yeah.
All right, break's over now.
-Yeah, I'm gonna head home. -Good night.
-Miss Hoshino. -Huh?
Excuse me. You got a minute?
Kishi. Oh, shoot.
Tsukasa and Arisa are coming to get me.
They'll be here any sec. I can't let them see her.
What do you want?
I have something for you.
A fanfare, please!
And a big congratulations!
Did you fall for my little trick?
I bet now you don't feel like skipping the ending, right?
In today's world, you can watch whatever you want at your own convenience.
But don't you think in that process we've also lost something?
Don't just let things be! Come on!
Let's go on a super-duper happy adventure!
So I can make sure I get paid.