Mai-san?
Who are you, mister?
I know I've put on a few years.
My mom told me never to talk to old men I don't know.
And where's your mom now?
I'll bet you're lost.
I'm not!
Where are we?
I thought you weren't supposed to talk to old men you don't know.
Goodbye.
We're on Shichirigahama Beach.
Its name means "seven miles," but it's not even close to that long.
I'm a student at Minegahara High over there.
My name is Sakuta Azusagawa.
I'm not an old man you don't know anymore, right?
Azusagawa.
Earth to Azusagawa.
Wake up!
Good morning.
Whatever.
Kamisato, you read the next passage.
What?!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16TH
Azusagawa.
You called?
I shouldn't have to. Career survey.
Turn yours in by Monday.
Oh…
Look here, you. Have you even talked to your parents about it?
I'll turn it in if I don't forget.
I'm telling you not to forget.
What? Is going home with me that boring?
I had a strange dream. I couldn't stick the wake up.
Why is the end of sixth period your wake up time?
You'd better pay attention in class. Don't you want to go to the same college as me?
That's funny. I thought you wanted to go to the same college as me.
Yes. I do love you more than you love me.
I want to go to the same college as you.
I wonder where it's going.
Looks like Fujisawa. Run for it?
So you can't even wait one minute more to get home?
When I'm with you, I wish that the barriers would never raise.
That's poor design, so no.
WINTER IN OKINAWA
So what was your dream about?
The strange dream that you had in class.
You were wearing one of those elementary school knapsacks.
To be clear, it wasn't you at your age in the present.
Oh? That is a strange dream. You're into older women.
But that dream…
It isn't Puberty Syndrome, is it?
No, what are the chances?
Puberty Syndromes seem to like you quite a bit.
We got to know each other this well thanks to them, so I'm grateful.
We've been through a lot.
We've been through way too much.
I hope Shoko is doing well.
Welcome home, Kaede.
I'm home, Mai.
You're wearing the coat.
Oh, yes. I like it a lot.
Are you doing okay at school?
She's flying out of the house in high spirits every morning.
Oh, right, Bro. Um…
What?
What are you doing tomorrow and the day after?
I plan on fully enjoying my Saturday and Sunday.
I'm asking if you're free.
I'm working tomorrow. I have a date with Mai on Sunday.
I'll be busy being a baby to and being babied by Mai.
Well, that's a problem.
Don't worry, Kaede. I'm busy this weekend.
What? Work?
Well, kind of.
Kind of what?
You're coming home with Sakuta again?
Ryoko?
We're dating, so it's unnatural to go home separately.
We'll be in trouble if anyone snaps a scandalous photo of you two.
We announced that we were dating publicly and on the news.
There's no scandal to be had.
Listen, Mai, I've told you this before…
I understand. I will be careful.
Well, at least you know the right way to respond.
Anyway, I have a shoot for a soap today.
You'd better listen to what Kaede has to say, Sakuta.
See you, Kaede.
-Hey, Kaede. -What?
Are you dissatisfied with Mai
How could I be?
She's nice and pretty and cool.
I want to be like her sometimes.
Then why are you pouting like a blowfish?
It's your fault.
Oh?
You flirt with Mai all day, every day.
And can you blame me? With a girlfriend that cute?
I know that, but I don't like it.
So, did you want to do something this weekend?
Miwako wanted to talk…
Talk about what?
She wants to talk about the future.
Oh, the future?
Yeah. The future.
-Whose? -Mine, obviously!
Well, yeah, it would be.
Miwako wanted Dad to be there too.
On that note, do you know what you want to do?
What do I want to do?
They didn't even give me time to think. How am I supposed to know?
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18TH
Thank you for taking time out on a Sunday.
Likewise. Thank you for taking time out of your weekend.
Help yourself.
Thanks.
So, um…
Can Kaede go to a normal high school?
She will be limited based on her grades,
but there are high schools that will accept her with performance at this level.
She has several options.
Prefectural high schools weight academic records heavily, don't they?
Yes, they do.
Kaede would be at a major disadvantage in applying to a prefectural school.
There are private schools that only consider entrance exam scores,
but as a school counselor, I cannot recommend applying to them.
Students that stop attending middle school
often stop attending high school as well.
Many of them drop out of school altogether.
Full-time schools are only one option. There are alternatives.
There are many different types of schools.
Remote high schools allow students to watch pre-recorded classes
at home and at their convenience.
It allows them to distance themselves from social anxiety and "fitting in."
There are no other differences from full-time schools.
They still earn a high school diploma at the end.
I heard that remote schools have lower graduation
and college acceptance rates.
Yes, they do.
I do not want to say that remote schooling is strictly better.
Students need to find their own time and rhythm for their studies.
Family cooperation becomes an extremely important aspect.
What do you want to do, Kaede?
I…
I want…
to go to school like everyone else.
You'd like to go to a full-time school?
Is there a specific school you'd like to go to?
Well…
It doesn't hurt to say what you want.
The same school as you, Bro.
I want to go to the same school as my brother.
I see.
You could've just come out and said it.
I'm opposed to you applying to Minegahara High.
Based on your current test scores,
your chances of acceptance are effectively zero.
I would like to prepare a realistic plan for her future.
I suppose she hates me now.
Don't worry. She'll forget about it after she has some pudding.
-You're going home already? -Yeah.
Where's Kaede?
She's in her room.
She said goodbye when I told her I was leaving, so she seems fine.
Got it.
Sakuta.
Hm?
What about your future?
I'll go to college. I'll try to earn as much of my tuition myself, but…
Could you make up whatever I can't?
Got you.
Was it that funny?
Take care of Kaede for me.
MONDAY, JANUARY 19TH
That was the best thing I've ever tasted.
Thank you for lunch.
You're very welcome.
Really, though, what's gotten into you today, Mai
Nothing. I just felt like making lunch for you.
What's that?
A Center Test question packet.
Like past questions?
No, this year's.
Uh, why this year's Center Test?
I took it yesterday and the day before. I'm checking my answers.
You can enter your answers into the app, and it spits out your score.
Mai, you took the exam this year?
Didn't you want to stay back a year and enjoy college life together with me?
I decided to take the exam this year and take next year off.
I figured that would make you study like your life depended on it.
You just wished for me to fail it, didn't you?
I would never!
I was just thinking that I'd love a reward for studying really hard.
Then I'll go on a date with you this afternoon.
I don't have work today,
and it seems tulips are blooming in Enoshima right now.
Oh, I'm a little busy today.
Work?
Well, kind of.
Trying to get back at me for Friday?
Huh? I don't remember you having a shift today.
Waiting for someone.
Sakurajima?
Nope.
Don't cheat on her too much.
Hey, Kunimi.
Hm?
What are you going to do after you graduate high school?
Take an exam to be a firefighter.
Then I'll be safe when my place is on fire.
Careful when using the stove.
Did you tell Futaba you were?
Futaba said she'd be careful.
Sakuta.
Did I keep you waiting?
No, I only just arrived.
Sakuta's really got a thing for older women.
I'm home.
Hm?
I'm home…
Oh, welcome home, Sakuta.
I'm using your kitchen.
Why are you here?
I ran into Kaede downstairs.
You didn't tell Kaede you were busy today.
So you came over to make dinner for Kaede because I'd be home late?
Oh, welcome home.
Why are you here, Toyohama?
Sis said she was having dinner at your place, so I came with her.
Don't come with her. Learn to be more independent.
Huh?
Sweet Bullet released a concert recording?
It's the concert you went to. I got a sample, so I brought it with me.
Then should we have a screening party tonight?
Don't screen it! I'm tutoring Kaede in English right now!
A straight-A student idol knows her stuff.
You wanted to talk about it with Sakuta, right?
I…
Uh…
You know, I…
I really want to go to the same high school as you.
Then you'd better fill this out.
PREFECTURAL MINEGAHARA HIGH SCHOOL APPLICATION (FULL-TIME STUDENT)
I got it from Tomobe earlier.
So you'd better study hard.
I'll study hard, but I have a favor to ask you.
I want you to tutor me.
It's not my fault if you fail.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20TH
Question, Azusagawa.
Hm?
Weren't you going to apply for the same college as Sakurajima?
Yeah. I told you before.
So I'm crazy busy studying for entrance exams.
It seems you haven't noticed,
so let me tell you something as your friend.
What?
That's a high school entrance exam prep book.
Are you really sure you're okay?
I'm reviewing so I can help Kaede for her exams.
I'm relieved to hear that.
Kaede's applying for a prefectural school?
Yeah. She wants to apply to this school.
I see. You sure have it rough, Azusagawa.
Fortunately, you've helped me a lot.
You tutored her over summer.
That was before she got her memories back.
I know, but even if she doesn't remember learning,
she remembers what she learned.
You came here to tell me that?
I came because I have time to kill before work.
Regardless, I'm glad it wasn't about another Puberty Syndrome.
Oh, about that.
I saw Mai as an elementary schooler in a dream. What do you think it means?
I think it's a sign you'll be put in the pig pen soon.
Don't worry. I much prefer Mai as she is now.
But seriously now, what do you think?
I don't think it really matters.
What doesn't matter?
Even if your dream was some kind of Puberty Syndrome, it'll be fine.
Why do you say that?
No matter what happens, you'll do something to make it right.
Futaba, what do you think I am?
Surprisingly more capable than anyone thinks.
You have a long track record of it.
Watch what you're saying. My body's getting all itchy.
There's only so much that I actually did myself.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23RD
1,400 WONDERFUL ENGLISH VOCABULARY WORDS
Senpai, what are you doing?
What does it look like I'm doing?
It looks like you're studying.
Correct.
So you're going to college, Senpai?
If I get accepted, yeah.
Are you quitting this job? Not that it matters to me.
I'll keep working. I need money to get by.
Oh, really?
Anyway, I have something important to ask you.
What? I'll bet it's something super weird.
Your skirt is way too tight.
Koga, did you put on more weight?
I didn't! And what do you mean, "more"?!
Tell the manager and get a bigger uniform.
Never on your life!
Is that a customer?
I'll go see her. That's my little sister.
Huh? Sister?
Oh, right. You had a sister…
Did you come alone?
Bro?
Um…
Oh, you came with Mai.
Your attitude changed too quickly.
I'm so glad to have your attention while I'm working.
I came back from a shoot in Nagasaki,
and Kaede said she still hadn't had dinner.
I need to submit that application next week, right?
Yeah, you do.
I need to take it to school myself.
I thought it'd be good practice for going outside.
Even if it was with Mai chaperoning, good job making it here.
It was easier than going out in my uniform.
There were a lot of people near the station, so that was scary.
I see. You're doing your best.
Thank you for waiting.
You pasta combo and omelet.
It looks so good.
Let's eat, Kaede.
Yeah.
Thank you for the meal.
My cheeks feel like they're falling off!
Bro, are my cheeks still attached?
-Bro? -Huh?
I can't eat with you staring a hole in me.
It's fine. Don't worry.
I don't know what's fine, so I'm worrying.
You were staring into space like something's up, Bro.
Really? Aren't I always like this all the time, Mai
Yes. Sakuta is like this every day.
Bro, don't tell me…
What?
Nothing. Never mind.
Oh, right. Bro, are you working tomorrow and the day after?
I'm working both days.
I see.
So I'll tutor you at night.
Then I'll tutor you during the day.
Huh? Mai, you have the weekend off?
The shoot got rescheduled, so I have this weekend off too.
I was planning to go on a date with you either Saturday or Sunday.
It's too bad you're working both days.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25TH
I hope you didn't get lost.
The train came straight here.
I meant in the station.
The way you do that can get annoying sometimes.
Thank you for taking time to see me on a weekend.
It's fine. I wanted you to attend the school info session.
You saved me a call when you asked me about it.
I think it would be better if Kaede came herself.
Naturally, that would be best, but she really does need to focus on studying.
Tomobe, you said you were opposed to her applying to a prefectural school.
As a school counselor, yes.
The way you separate your roles inspires confidence.
Thanks.
Sakuta, what do you think?
About what?
Kaede applying for your school. Do you think she'll be accepted?
I want her to be accepted.
The way you talk can be very frustrating.
I think Kaede knows that it'll be difficult to get accepted.
She just can't give up until she tries and sees the result.
Kaede may be hurt by the result.
I'll console her as her brother if that happens.
You're prepared to take responsibility then, Sakuta?
You're a wonderful brother, Sakuta.
I think you would make a great teacher.
What? Why would that be?
I think you're cut out for it.
AOBOSHI HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION SESSION
SCHOOL INFORMATION SESSION
A full-time school entails 30 or 40 students in a single classroom
sharing the same time together and receiving the same instruction.
This is regardless of individual needs and abilities.
Our school utilizes instructional videos
that can be watched on a computer or phone,
so each student can learn at their own pace.
We believe that remote learning is a new way of educating,
the classroom of the future.
We believed it so strongly that we founded this school.
That is all from me.
The following video features actual students who spent a year with our school.
STUDENT INTERVIEWS
Q. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE LAST YEAR?
At first, I had doubts about remote learning with fully online lessons.
Would that really count as high school?
But we do have a uniform, and we have homeroom in the mornings,
and we take roll every morning in the chat.
You don't actually need to attend, but I do every day.
I like watching the other students talk during homeroom.
I started participating in some of those conversations myself.
I've even made friends.
I really liked English,
so I went on a short exchange over the summer to learn more.
You can make clubs too.
At first, we met in the class chat, and we had similar hobbies.
I actually went to a full-time school before this.
I couldn't really fit in with the class or make any friends.
I stopped going to school after a while.
She's from Sweet Bullet…
Idols don't wear panties!
They said that I don't know how to go with the flow,
so I ended up isolated in my class.
But isn't the flow supposed to be what happens naturally?
So I didn't want to go to school anymore and stopped going for half a year.
I heard about this school and it piqued my interest, so I quit my old school.
I have friends now too!
They laugh about how I just can't go with the flow,
but we all have fun about it.
What was your impression of it?
It felt like a school that idols that don't wear panties go to.
Panties? Idols? What are you talking about?
Nothing. Just a note to self.
But it was completely different from what I expected.
The interviews all presented the school as fun.
I thought it might be a good one.
I'm home--
Welcome home.
She was studying until late last night.
I put on some tea so she could have a nice break,
but she fell asleep as soon as I took my eyes off her.
She's been overexerting herself lately. Let her have a little nap.
Sakuta, I'm coming in.
Hurry up and get dressed.
If you'll excuse a word, Mai.
What?
You opened the door before I had a chance to respond.
Yes, I did.
Eek!
I hope you had a good day at work.
Oh, yeah.
We had a lot of customers. I'm beat as a dead horse.
I'd love for you to lick my wounds.
What?
And where did you actually go?
What do you mean, actually?
I'm asking you where you actually went
after lying to Kaede and me that you had work.
Here.
That's what this was about?
Why did you have to keep it a secret from me?
I didn't want you to have to lie about it.
I'm better at lying than you.
I didn't want Kaede to feel like she was the only one out of the loop.
That's why I decided to keep it from you.
I can't use it against you if that's your reason.
So, since you're good at lying, I'd like you to pretend you didn't know.
When are you going to tell Kaede?
I want her to focus on the prefectural entrance exam, so maybe after that's over.
I can already tell she'll be shocked.
She wants your full support in her exams. She'll hate you for it.
You're going to console me when that happens, so that's okay.
I'll be on Kaede's side when that happens.
What?
I don't want Kaede to hate me, you know?
I wish you would think more about me.
I'm always thinking about you.
I'm glad your scars are gone.
-Huh? -Your chest.
Personally, I think a man should show off at least that much of a wild side.
Put on some clothes before you catch a cold.
Even though I haven't done anything with you yet?
Bro, are you home?
Kaede, it's not what it looks like!
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29TH
Sensei.
What?
Can I go to the bathroom?
Hold it in.
Bottle please.
Just go.
It's a number two, so I might be a while.
Too much information.
APPLICATION DROP OFF
Excuse me.
Yes?
Has a girl named Kaede Azusagawa submitted her application?
Excuse me?
She's my little sister. She hasn't been to school for a long time.
I want to make sure she submitted it.
Give me one second.
Can you bring the application to my school alone?
I'll be fine.
It seems she hasn't.
Thank you very much.
Is she gonna make it?
Huh?
What's wrong? You came to submit your application, right?
Yeah.
Hello.
Submitting your application?
Yes.
-Here's my application. -Of course.
You are… Kaede Azusagawa?
Yes.
Thank you for your application.
Do your best on the exam.
Yes.
Bro, why are you here?
I had an urge to hit the can during class and happened to pass by.
Do you have to go outside to reach the toilet?
The wind is strong near the shore.
Wh… What?
You really did your best today.
All I did was submit an application.
Well, I'm gonna go home now.
-Hold on, Kaede. -What?
-Let me see under that mitten. -No!
No, it's not like that!
Listen, Kaede.
It's fine! It'll go away soon!
I can take the exam just fine!
I can go to high school!
So please, don't tell me I can't.
I can still do this.
KAEDE AZUSAGAWA
I can still…
I can do this…
Hey, Kaede, why do you want to come to this school?
Well, it doesn't really matter.
I just picked whatever school was around.
Bro, what?
No one said that you couldn't.
Really?
If you want to do it, I'll let you go as far as you can.
No matter what anyone else says.
-Really? -Really.
But in exchange, you have to tell me just how bad your bruises get.
Okay.
Thanks.
For what?
You came out to make sure I was okay. Thanks.
Careful on your way back. Don't slip.
You're not supposed to say that before my exam.
FEBRUARY 16TH, EXAM DAY
Rise and shine.
Wake up. You're gonna be late.
The exam's today.
Bro, what time is it?!
Seven.
Oh, come on. I'm not gonna be late.
I was so nervous, I couldn't sleep.
What if I get sleepy during the exam?!
All the other kids were too nervous to sleep too. It's fine.
Were they really?
Everyone's the same there.
Right. We're all the same there.
Was it like that for you too?
I was so nervous, I had to hit the can during the exam.
That'd make me even more nervous.
Number two, by the way.
That's gross.
Scrambled eggs!
-Thanks for breakfast. -Thanks for breakfast.
They're just like Mai's scrambled eggs!
I had Mai teach me how she made hers.
They're yummy!
Eat quick, or you'll really be late.
It'd be a waste to just wolf them down.
If you like them that much, I'll make them tomorrow too.
But I think Mai's scrambled eggs taste better.
Yeah, that goes without saying.
She's my Mai.
Don't forget to take this with you.
What's that?
What does it look like?
A lunch box.
Correct.
I told you yesterday that I'd get something from the store,
so don't worry!
If you don't want it, I'll have it.
I want it!
Don't shake it too hard. You'll scramble the insides.
So, like, Bro…
Yeah?
Thanks for making me lunch.
I appreciate it.
-You got your applicant ID? -Yeah.
Lunch?
Got it.
Pencils and erasers?
They're in there.
You haven't forgotten anything else?
Yeah.
That scarf is really nice.
Mai gave it to me. It's really warm.
That's my Mai.
Bro, is that all you know how to say?
Well, you did everything you could, so go do everything you can.
Yeah.
Tell the proctor if you need anything.
Yeah.
-Well, then… -Oh, wait, Bro…
Hm?
Come on.
-You know… -Yeah?
I'll do my best too.
Do your best, but not too hard.
Hey, I'm being serious here.
You worked so hard, what more can you do?
Anyway, I'll do my best too.
Look, the train's here.
Yeah. Thanks for taking me.
ENTRANCE EXAM VENUE
Guess it's lunchtime.
A SPECIAL SOMEONE YOU CAN ONLY MEET DURING WINTER
My Mai is just so cute.
Even if she never calls.
I hear destiny knocking.
MAI SAKURAJIMA
You know, Mai.
What?
Have you ever heard of Valentine's Day?
Has anyone not heard of it?
I thought maybe you hadn't.
I have heard of it.
Then when is it?
Two days ago, on February 14th.
Then what kind of day is it?
For you, a day for you to get love-filled chocolates from me
and have a sweet moment.
More specifically, a day for you to dress in a bunny girl costume
and feed me chocolates as I lie in your lap.
The chocolate would go down your windpipe.
More importantly, how's Kaede?
Thanks to you, she left this morning full of anticipation for the exam.
And what were you doing?
I was studying in anticipation of you praising me.
Yes, yes. Good boy.
I'd love a reward.
You can have one after I'm done with my exams.
Really?!
What, you're not happy about it?
I thought you wouldn't let me lay a single finger on you until I got into college.
If I did that,
I wouldn't be able to touch you either.
Mai, feeling frustrated?
Not in a sexual way.
Mai, did something happen?
Why ask now?
No. The shoot's going fine.
Should I go there and hold you tight now?
Ryoko will give me an earful, so no.
You wait faithfully for Kaede to come home.
I need to go now. Ryoko's calling for me.
Hello, Azusagawa residence.
Ah, I'm a teacher with Minegahara High School.
It's me, Sensei. Did Kaede--
Did something happen to my sister?
It seems she got sick during lunch.
She's resting in the infirmary now, but she doesn't want to talk to anyone.
I'd like to get in contact with your parents–
I'll be there right away!
I'll call my parents about it myself.
INFIRMARY
Kaede.
It's me. Can you come out?
Does it hurt?
I heard you started feeling sick during lunch.
Was it because of the lunch I made you?
Lunch tasted great.
It was so good that it made you sick.
Of course not.
I left early this morning, so I arrived before everyone else.
Leaving early was a good idea.
At first, I was scared to go into the classroom,
but no one looked at me, so I could get to my seat.
I see.
The first exam was English. I breezed through it.
The questions that Nodoka taught me were on it.
I thought I had it in the bag.
Toyohama's aiming to be a straight-A student idol.
The second exam was Japanese.
The vocab questions that Mai taught me were on it.
I got those right too.
That's my Mai.
The third exam was math, and the factoring questions you drilled me on were on it.
You studied those really hard.
The lunch you made me was great, and I was ready to do my best in the afternoon too.
But then…
Another girl wearing my uniform was there.
When I was in the hallway going to the bathroom, our eyes met…
When I thought people were watching me, I got scared.
I started feeling sick.
I wanted to do my best.
I wanted to go back to the classroom where everyone else was,
but when I thought I had to go back, my chest tightened up.
I was too scared to go back.
I couldn't stop being scared…
You did your best, Kaede.
I haven't done my best!
You did, and that's why you're so frustrated.
I haven't done my best!
I haven't done my best at all!
I haven't done my best. I couldn't even finish.
I haven't done my best. Even though I wanted to, I…
You did your best, Kaede.
I watched you the whole time. Believe--
The other me tried way harder!
It's all because the other me was there.
Your hard work is your own hard work.
Mai and Nodoka were so kind to me
because the other me always did her best.
The other me gave all this to me.
She gave me all of everyone's kindness.
Meanwhile, I… I can't do anything.
I can't give her anything back.
It's fine. You don't need to give anything back.
I'm sure the other me was better. The other me would've done better.
Listen, Kaede.
You too, Bro. You liked the other me better, didn't you?
Azusagawa, can I come in?
Should I come back later?
No, it's fine. What is it?
The exams are over. The classroom is empty.
Your sister's belongings are still in the classroom.
I'll bet she didn't have a chance to look at the sea.
Is this…?
KAEDE AZUSAGAWA
She even brought it with her?
SEVEN: DOCK WITH BRO'S BACK.
MOM WAS TALKING TO THE DOCTOR ABOUT SOME SICKNESS. AM I SICK?
I want to go to the same high school as Bro.
That is my dream.
That's right… That was Kaede's dream…
The dream that Kaede couldn't fulfill…
I really want to go to the same high school as you.
I want you to tutor me.
I'll do my best too.
Toyohama?
It's me. Azusagawa.
What's the big idea?
-I have a favor to ask. -Huh?
You're the only one I can ask.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH
Mai, you smell really good.
Quit sniffing me.
What are you listening to, Mai?
A girl from my agency told me that
this was all the rage in middle and high schools.
TOKO KIRISHIMA – SOCIAL WORLD MUSIC VIDEO
How's Kaede been since then?
She's in a deep depression.
I see.
She did her best too…
This is something Kaede needs to get over on her own.
Yeah.
It's too bad, but this is the end of today's date.
I'm free for the next five minutes.
Well, I'm going home now.
Any words for your girlfriend who has an exam next week?
Do your best.
I'm home.
Welcome home, Bro.
Yeah, I'm home.
You know…
Hm?
About the other day…
The other day?
Exam day.
Yeah?
About what I said to you that day…
Actually, never mind.
Hey, Kaede.
Wh… What?
Are you free tomorrow?
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST
Bro, where are we going?
We're already here.
This is where we're going?
I know it was around here somewhere…
Kaede, can you help me look for the event stage?
Huh? Event?
Bro!
Hello, everyone!
We are Sweet Bullet!
I've never seen Nodoka perform before!
She's amazing!
The other members are amazing too.
Coming back here really gets us so excited!
Huh?
Huh? Only me?
Zukky, what do you mean by "coming back here"?
Isn't this the place where we did our first concert?
Huh?
Didn't we do our first concert here? We didn't?
This is our first time here!
No way! Aliens must've modified my memories!
What now?!
Don't blame some innocent aliens!
Going to a full-time school wasn't right for the lead vocals girl there.
She goes to a fully remote learning school.
Huh?
I kept this a secret from you, but I went to a school info session.
She happened to be one of the student interviews.
Oh, really?
Anyway, time for the next song!
This is our last song today, so let's burn everything we got left!
Yeah!
So about Minegahara High…
If you want to attend, I'll give you my full support.
But the exams are already over.
There can still be a second application round.
But if you don't personally want to attend Minegahara High,
you don't need to force yourself to go.
Mai and Toyohama feel the same way.
Dad and Tomobe wouldn't want it either.
And the other Kaede who wrote that diary too.
I'd be happy
if the current you can spend every day feeling little moments of happiness.
All I want is for you
to smile over little things and feel like things are kind of fun.
Say you did get into Minegahara High.
If you had to suffer your way through, I wouldn't be the least bit happy.
Yeah, but…
I really want to be the same as everyone else.
Being different is shameful.
Do you think the lead vocalist feels the same way?
I think she's amazing.
Even if she's different from everyone else?
I don't know.
Then why not think about your future after talking to her?
Talk to her?
I asked Toyohama to get you some time with her after this.
I thought you could learn more about her school.
-Bro. -Yeah?
Are you sure I don't need to go to Minegahara High?
You know, the other Kaede was always doing her very best.
She suddenly woke up in a hospital bed.
She didn't know where or who she was.
She had to be so scared.
Yeah.
She did her absolute best to become my little sister.
By becoming my little sister, she made me her older brother.
The other me was really amazing.
That's why I was so sad that I could barely take it when she disappeared.
You wouldn't believe how hard I cried.
Just remembering it makes me feel like crying again.
You did like her better--
But you know, Kaede,
as hard as I cried then, I was also happy.
-I was really happy. -Huh?
Because the current you came back.
Bro, do you mean it?
Of course I do.
Man, what do you take me for?
How would I know that?!
Unless you told me, how would I know?!
I thought that you liked the other me better! That's why…
I had to… I thought I had to be her replacement.
I would never like either of you more than the other.
Really?
I like you both at a normal level.
What the heck?
You're both my little sisters, so you're both normal to me.
I can't say I love my little sister. That'd get me arrested.
You know, Bro…
Hm?
I want to go to the zoo sometime.
You need to get the money's worth out of the yearly pass.
I want to see the pandas.
I didn't know you liked pandas too.
I have respect for pandas.
Everyone looks at them that much, and they're perfectly fine with it.
Pandas are amazing.
I get it.
Oh! Sakuta!
Over here!
Let's get moving first!
Get in, get in!
Uh, sure.
So, once again, I'm Uzuki Hirokawa.
I'm Sakuta Azusagawa.
Oh, uh… I'm Kaede Azusagawa.
Nice to meet you!
Nice to meet you too.
You're both Azusagawas, so I'll call you Sakuta and you Kaede, okay?
What do you want to call me?
Uh…
I'll just call you Hirokawa.
You can call me Zukky, you know?
I call you that in my heart.
I like that!
-Do you do that for Doka too? -Of course.
Don't!
Hey, Toyohama…
What?
I can see your panties.
-Oh, you're right. -Don't look!
Uzuki!
Everyone can see your panties.
-Since you turned around! -Huh?
Don't spread your legs that much in a miniskirt!
And that's dangerous, so face forward!
Excuse me, but could you introduce us to the nice girl driving?
He just called you a nice girl, Mom!
That's dangerous! Stop it!
I'm Uzuki's mother.
Didn't you want to ask about her school?
Oh, right! Ask anything you'd like, Kaede!
Okay.
Uh, what made you want to go to the school you attend now?
Because my mom found it for me?
Don't answer a question with a question!
What? But it's true.
I completely stopped going to school,
and you brought home a pamphlet and asked me why not go to this school.
I started doing idol stuff halfway through middle school,
so I had dance lessons and stuff, so I didn't have time to hang out with anyone.
If you turn down a few invitations,
they stop inviting you at all. For girls, anyway.
Yeah, that's it!
I wanted to do things better in high school, but…
I was only going to skip school for one day.
But then I skipped the next day too, and I stayed at home the next day.
Then I just stayed at home every day.
How did you feel as her mother when that happened?
Frankly, I didn't know what to do.
I was at my wits' end. Maybe I even lost them.
I couldn't really do anything for her.
Maybe you think of me as a failure of a mother.
I'd never think that.
You never told me to go to school, and that made it easier for me.
I wasn't exactly big on going to school back in my day either.
You can't tell now, but I was a bad girl.
Don't worry. I can see it.
You're a funny one, Sakuta!
But yeah, while I didn't want to force her to go to school when she didn't want to,
as her mother, I did want her to graduate high school.
Both me and my family don't really care about academic records and all that,
but you can't keep yourself fed your whole life as an idol.
I'll keep myself fed! I can do it!
Basically, parents are just worried about their kids.
So I wanted Uzuki to attend a school that she wanted to attend.
That's when I learned about remote learning and night schools
and handed her a pamphlet for a school.
You talk and explain everything now.
I'll be waiting at that cafe over there.
Of all places…
Good job, Zukky. An idol that doesn't know what flow means.
Huh? Did I screw something up?
I told you, didn't I?!
Told me what?
Ah! I'm so sorry, Kaede!
It's okay.
I'm a little surprised, but I'm doing better than I thought I would.
And I wanted to come back to this beach.
-Kaede, are you sure you're okay? -Yeah.
Really? Then let's head down to the beach!
Don't worry, it's okay, Nodoka!
She's supposed to tell you that!
You know, my school right now is really fun!
I wasn't too thrilled about going at first,
but I was young and stupid.
Isn't that normal for everyone?
What makes what normal?
When you differentiate between full-time and remote,
you try to spot the differences.
I think it would be awesome not having to go to school every day.
People who can go to school every day aren't allowed to say that!
Oh, yeah. You're right.
I wish more people would think like you though.
For me, the school info session changed my mental image of a remote school.
I know, right? That's how it was for me too.
I thought school was a specific place you went to at a specific time
to meet specific people and listen to a specific lecture.
That's wrong?
Not completely.
At the info session, they said it didn't have to be that way.
You don't need to change yourself to fit with the school.
You can choose the school that fits you.
Then did you decide on this school after going to the info session?
Hmm…
I think I only really decided on the ride home from it.
I thought it might work for me, but I was like, "But it's remote learning…"
That's when my mom told me that when she was pregnant with me,
everyone told her that she should get an abortion.
I mean, my mom had me when she was 18.
But then you ended up growing into a fine young lady.
Yeah. Everyone wanted me gone,
but my mom had me and raised me for this long.
It made me think about what "everyone" really means.
I even straight-up asked my mom that, like, what is "everyone"?
What did your mom tell you?
Uzuki, what makes you happy isn't something everyone decides for you.
You decide what makes you happy.
Your mom's knows how to talk.
Seriously. She's way too cool.
So you decided on your school thanks to your mom?
And Nodoka too.
Huh?
Well, not only Nodoka. It's thanks to everyone in Sweet Bullet.
When I stopped going to school, they still hung out with me like before.
And it's thanks to all our fans too.
I couldn't fit in at my old school,
but I could feel that the members and our fans and my mom were there for me.
That made me think that that was my "everyone,"
and there were still more "everyones" that I hadn't met yet,
and that made me want to go to my school.
Yeah. I'm sure that's it.
Can I ask you one last question?
Ask as many questions as you want!
Uzuki, um…
There's a you that went to your old school,
and a you that goes to your new school.
Which do you like more?
I like both the same.
I mean, the old me made the current me possible.
I see. That's how it is.
Yeah! It is!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH
Oh, there's Komi!
Komi!
Kae! I can't believe it's been two months!
Yeah! Thanks so much for coming!
Of course, I'd come! I was so happy when you sent me that e-mail.
Thank you for coming to see me too.
No problem. I had to go out and get stuff from the supermarket anyway.
Welcome, Kotomi.
Thank you for having me.
Sakuta, did you get the soy sauce?
Yeah.
You sent the e-mail on this?
Mai gave it to me.
It's my old computer. I'm not using it, so I thought Kaede could.
Look, Komi. This is the school.
Oh, wow. You can study all these things?
It's a remote learning school, but we have a homeroom teacher.
I can study at my own pace,
and I can take classes with affiliated schools for subjects I'm interested in.
That's so amazing.
I know, right? I can take so many different classes.
-No, I mean you're amazing. -Huh?
I didn't do any research when I chose my school.
The teacher said that I'd probably go here based on my grades. That's how I chose it.
You're so much more independent, Kae.
Miwako…
Can I answer it?
Yeah, please.
Hello. Azusagawa residence.
Yes, this is Kaede.
My brother is here too, but I saw it was you, so I wanted to answer it.
Yes.
Huh? I got accepted?
Yes. Yes.
She'd like to talk to you, Bro.
This is Sakuta.
Sakuta, congratulations.
Kaede was accepted into Minegahara High.
Huh? How?
They didn't reach their registration quota.
Didn't you say it was going to be really competitive?
At first, there were twice as many applicants as available spots,
but then a lot of applicants changed their target schools.
They thought they'd never get in with those odds.
People were further frightened when social media became an echo chamber.
I see.
Regardless of how she got in, Kaede made it into Minegahara High.
I see.
There's some paperwork you'll need to do,
so can you call me as soon as you decide what you're going to do?
Yes. I'll talk to Kaede about it.
Bro, I…
I'm not going to Minegahara High.
I'm going to find the school I want to go to.
They fell below quota?
Yeah. Tomobe said to call her as soon as possible
because there's paperwork to do.
I was thinking of calling her tonight about that.
Can you come by tomorrow?
Got it.
I'll stop by in the evening after I visit Mom in the hospital.
And then after that--
Anyway, I need to head to work now.
Oh, then I'll leave with you.
My mom told me not to impose too much.
You're welcome to stay all night.
Kae's so amazing.
Amazing?
If I were in Kae's shoes,
I'm sure I'd say I wanted to go to a full-time school.
Because you want to be the same as everyone else?
Yeah.
Well, Kaede was lucky to meet someone who helped.
Someone who went to a fully remote school was there to talk it over with her.
But yeah, luck was part of it,
but she came to the decision independently.
You'd better tell that to Kae. She'll be really happy.
No way. She'll start getting cheeky.
Then I'll tell her you said that.
Hey, wait…
Oh, she replied already.
What did she write?
"Bro would never say that. He's an impostor."
What do you say?
So Kaede learned to tell jokes, huh?
After I lined up for hours too!
They were sold out. That's just how it goes.
What?!
Come with me next time, Kaede!
Yeah! I can't wait to try that limited parfait!
KAEDE AZUSAGAWA
MARCH 1ST
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
So I'll never see you in a uniform ever again?
And this is my last time going home from school with you.
So you wanna go to my place tonight?
Wait for me on the beach after the ceremony.
Mai
Who are you, mister?
NEXT: RASCAL DOES NOT DREAM OF A KNAPSACK KID