01x06 - Romance at the School Festival

[bunniefuu]

- [upbeat music playing]
- [indistinct chattering]

[boy] Room for two?

[woman] I have an open table
in the middle.

[whimsical music playing]

There's room over here.

I know it doesn't look like much,
but the beef bowl is great.

Or do you not come to places like this?

We can go.

Mm-mm. I wanna try it.
What should I order?

Well, the combo is the best deal.

Then I'll have that.

Excuse me.

Two beef bowl combos.

- One extra large.
- [woman] Sure. Here's your change.

[boy] Okay. Thanks.

[woman] Your beef bowls.

Something wrong?

Mm-mm.

[boy] Let's eat.

[slurping]

Oh yeah.

[egg cracks]

[chopsticks stirring]

[boy chuckles softly]

- Delicious!
- [boy chuckles]

Uh, you got some right here.

Hmm? Here?

[boy] No.

- There. Yeah.
- This side?

[students] Good morning. Good morning.

Five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight.

- One, two, three...
- Wait, wait, hold up.

- ...four, five, si...
- Can we just pause for a minute? I mean...

[girl 1] We've been over it
a million times.

[laughing]

I just had an idea.

- What if for the next part...
- [Yuzuki] Mm-hmm.

- We go from here... to here.
- Oh! Okay.

- [Yuzuki] Uh...
- [Ruka laughs]

And how about this for the finale?

- Turn and pose.
- [Yuzuki] Oh.

Uh, that's great. It's just
we can't have boys and girls touching.

- Hey. Are you listening?
- [Ruka] Oh yeah, you're right.

- It's hard enough already.
- You're actually shockingly bad at this.

Want me to show you again?

Listen, Ichinose shouldn't even be here.

- Your class is down the hall.
- Hey, don't take it out on him.

I prefer dancing here with you all.

It's like a Blackpink routine
or something, huh?

Hey, I love them!

- [Ruka] You do?
- [girl 1] Yeah.

[Asuka] I don't know their music,
but I know Lisa.

- [Ruka] Were you at their concert?
- [girl 1] I was!

- It was so good.
- [Ruka chuckles]

[emotional music playing]

See ya! [laughs]

[Ichica laughs]

I should go.

[Ryogo] Mm.

[Ichica laughs] Hey!

Someone will see us.

That's all I get?

Good night.

Good night, Maki.

- [camera shutter clicks]
- [music fades]

Huh?

You look happy today.

Maybe it's that someone's in love.

I'm just kidding.
No love for the rabbit hunter.

It's nice, though,
taking pictures of each other.

Uh-huh.

There's something
that's been bothering me.

The bribe.

I'm sorry I tried to pay you off.

I know it hurt your feelings.

I'm the one who agreed to take the money.

I must have been
out of my mind at the time.

Why else would I kiss Maki, of all people?

What do you mean?

He's fooled around with all the girls.

Now I'm just another one.

Koharu, your guest has been approved.

- [Koharu] Thanks.
- Sure.

[Ichica] It's not like I'd forgotten it,
but now it came rushing back.

At the worst possible time.

[whimsical music playing]

[Ichica] That kiss...

and this kiss...

Is there any difference?

- [music stops]
- Wow! That was close.

Koharu just showed up.
I thought she noticed.

Hmm? Noticed what?

Here. I took this picture a few days ago.

[pensive music playing]

What is this?

Well, um, we thought
they might be a couple.

I know this is a gray area,
but... I might still report it.

In that case,

you should
gather more evidence first, right?

Just in case you're wrong.

I can look into it more

to see if Nonami is really innocent.

Uh, if you want.

- Mm.
- [music stops]

[opening theme music playing]

CHASTITY HIGH

I was thinking. We can use this for LK.

If we find out that they're a couple,
we'll take photos and offer them a deal.

If they pay up,
we'll tell the other rabbit hunters

that they were only friends.

That way, we don't even
need the leak site anymore.

I guess so.

Hi.

Yo.

Yep, this is for real. They're dating.

What? They are?

Yeah. I don't know the details,
but I know he hit on her.

Did Koharu tell you that herself?

I guess that means you and her are close.

Well, not really. Just normal.

[whimsical music playing]

[Ichica] Normal.

What does that mean?

By the way,
is Maki allowed back in LK or no?

What are you asking her for?
I'm coming back.

Can he though?

Of course. You're pissing me off!

[Ichica] What does a kiss normally mean

to a guy like you?

Let's calm down and figure this out.

[Ichica] Hi-ya!

[Ichica] Now that I think about it...

Hi-ya!

- ...he didn't just kiss Koharu.
- Hi-ya!

Hi-ya!

Hi-ya!

Hi-ya!

Which means I have to assume...

- [Ryogo] You going to dance practice?
- ...that you'll kiss anyone.

Uh... sorry, it's nothing.

It's not nothing.

What do you mean "anyone"?

Uh, like, Koharu, for one.

Oh.

Wait. Don't tell me you forgot.

[Ryogo] No, I didn't forget.

I... That was just...

Forget it.

It's just the other night,
that was my first time.

What? It was?

Well, yeah, it was.

Both the kiss

and a feeling like that was...

Never mind. Let's go to dance practice.

It was my first time too.

[emotional music playing]

I, uh...

It wasn't my first kiss,
but I've never felt that way before.

I've been an as*h*le.

I never really thought
about a girl's feelings before.

When things went bad in the past,

I was just like, "Fine, screw it."

But now, it's different.

It's almost like I...

I care about your feelings more than mine.

It's hard to put into words.

[Ichica] Mm.

You did okay.

So, from here on out,
we need to be careful.

About that...

I wanna wait
until graduation before we date.

- That's what I was going to say.
- [music fades]

For real?

Yeah.

But... can't we just date in secret?

I was gonna talk to you about that.

Secrets have a way of getting out.

And more than anything,
I know I don't want to get expelled.

That's a year and a half away though.

We really have to wait that long?

We'll be together.

But just as friends.

Impossible.

You think I'll be happy with that now?

Neither will I,
but what choice do we have?

All right, then.

If you don't wanna date me,
why bring up the kiss?

- Why get on my case?
- I'm not on your case.

And I never said I don't wanna date you.

All I wanted

was to keep feeling this way with you.

Whatever happens, now or in the future,

I want you to be the one
I share it with, Ichica.

Which is why

I wanted to find a way
for us to be together.

But if you say it's impossible
right off the bat,

forget it.

[Miss Tokui] You two.

You can talk in the classroom.

- [Ichica] Okay.
- [Ryogo] That's fine. We're finished.

[Ms. Tokui] All right.

[emotional music playing]

- [boy] You've never even been to Gusto?
- [Koharu] Mm-mm.

So, uh,

then you've never talked about your dreams
over fries and bottomless sodas?

Mm, I haven't.

Then we should do that sometime.

[chuckles] I'd like that. [laughs]

[girl 1] Three, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight.

Four, two, three, four...

Okay, that's good.

[Yuzuki] Okay, Maki, let's try
the last part one more time?

- Oh. Mm-hmm.
- [Yuzuki] Mm-hmm. I'll count, okay?

Five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight.

- Two, two, three, four.
- So?

- [Yuzuki] Mm...
- Looks kinda weird, but we'll take it.

What are you doing here?

I'm here because you suck at this.

All right.
Let's learn the next part, you guys.

Whoa! What's going on?

- There's nothing going on.
- [Asuka] Is this what I think it is?

Just shut up, dude.

We're starting the second part, okay?
Listen for my count.

You haven't been
rabbit hunting in a while.

What did you quit for?

You were the most into it.

What are you even talking to me for?

I thought being with me
was suffocating you?

At that part... it looks better
if you swing your arm wide like this.

Oh, uh, like this?

Yeah, that's it. Well done.

Thanks.

Cheerleaders instinct, huh?

I was wondering, Arisawa.
Are you and Maki dating?

[Ichica] What?

Uh, 'cause if you were,
I think I caused a misunderstanding.

He's been giving me advice
on a problem I've been having.

[Ichica] Oh.

We're really not dating though.

- [Ayami] You're not dating?
- Mm-hmm.

I should apologize for worrying you.

Mm-mm. No worries. It's all good.

[phone chimes]

[phone chiming]

You good?

Mm-hmm.

[pensive music playing]

[Ryogo] Take the hint.

She dumped you.

Give up already.

[scoffs]

[music fades]

[Ayami grunts]

[Haruto] There's someone else,
isn't there?

Unbelievable.

My own little brother.

Maki isn't the reason I wanna break up.

Don't try to hide it.

He's a charmer. I'll give him that.

He thinks he can make
everything go his way.

That sounds just like you.

At least your brother doesn't hide
his true feelings the way you do.

At least he lives honestly.

I'll bet he does, doing whatever he wants!

I can't accept you two together.

[garage door beeps, closes]

[sighs]

RYOGO: SEE YOU TOMORROW
ICHICA: GOOD NIGHT

I MISS YOU

I MISS YOU

[knocking at door]

- May I?
- Mm-hmm.

[Ichica] Hmm?

Here's an extra-special bonus.

- [laughs] No way! Huh?
- Mm-hmm.

What's this?

Uh, what's this for?

You'll need it at the festival.

You don't have to do this.
I have allowance left over.

It's fine to splurge now and then.
At least within 5,000 yen.

- [laughs]
- Thank you so much, Mom.

You're welcome.

- Oh!
- Oh!

[both laugh]

- Good night, then.
- Okay.

- Good night.
- Mm.

[door closes]

HERE'S YOUR BONUS
ENJOY THE FESTIVAL! HOP!

[sentimental music playing]

[Ema] Because this school is our passport
to the future we want, right?

[Ichica] We're at this school
to change our lives.

[Ema] Ichica, listen.

NO ROMANCE

You have to make it.

[sentimental music continues]

TO: ICHICA
I MISS YOU

TO: RYOGO MAKI
I MISS YOU

[Ichica groans]

[fireworks exploding]

[students] Three, two, one...

- [festive marching band music playing]
- [crowd cheering]

[girl 1] Ladies and gentlemen,
the Asuran Academy culture festival

has now officially begun!

[festive marching band music continues]

[students] Welcome!

[both] Welcome!

- [woman 1] Here.
- [girl 2] Thank you.

[girl 3] Enjoy yourselves.

[students] Welcome!

- Okay, go ahead.
- [guard 2] You're all set.

Enjoy the festival.

[girl 4] Are you ready?

[students] Yes.

If you find any couples,
share photos of them as soon as you can.

Got it.

Pay attention to the concert hall
and secluded places.

- [boy 1] Yep.
- Okay.

- [guard 3] Get your wristbands here. Okay.
- [guard 4] Wristbands, please.

Yo! You guys! Don't let anyone in
without an invitation, damn it!

- [guard 5] Come on!
- Ah, sorry about that. Enjoy the festival.

What an utter disgrace.

Right? Can you believe these punks?

- I'm talking about you.
- Huh?

When will you finally learn

to speak in a way
that befits a teacher at this school?

Sorry about that.

- [marching band music continues]
- [fireworks exploding]

We can't afford a mistake today.

Tell the patrols to be extra vigilant.

Understood, ma'am.

[whimsical music playing]

Okay, thank you for waiting.

- Wow!
- Here are your crepes.

CAN YOU COME TO THE FESTIVAL?

I'M LEAVING NOW
MY LECTURE JUST ENDED

I CAN'T WAIT!

I'M REALLY ROCKING THIS COSTUME

[camera clicks]

Looks like her boyfriend is on his way.

No question.

It's tricky.
We can't keep an eye on her all day.

Here's what my schedule looks like.
How about yours?

I wanna see
when both of us have free time.

Oh.

Let me just...

Here it is.

Oh, it might be hard to coordinate.

[wind gusting]

[whimsical music continues]

[Yuzuki] Oh, Ichica. Hey!

Can you man the reception desk with me?
I can't find Sawa.

Oh. Mm-hmm, sure.

Wanna see our class's booth?

I'll come by later.

[Ichica] Okay.

Nothing's wrong with Fujino, I hope.

[Koharu] Hey, Kanda.
Does your stomach hurt?

[music stops]

Huh?

No, uh, I'm okay.

FROM: RUKA ICHINOSE
NOT UP FOR THE FESTIVAL TOMORROW?

I LEARNED THE DANCE YOUR CLASS IS DOING

PRACTICE BY WATCHING THIS

Six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight.

One, two, three, four...

RUKA: DID YOU WATCH?
YUMA: NO

RUKA: I LEARNED IT
YUMA: IT'S TOO HARD

RUKA: SO YOU DID WATCH IT!

THREE DAYS
MAKE SURE YOU COME

Sawa's still really shook up about it.

I mean, it's not really my place to say,

but I think, for Sawa,
love between girls was as real as any.

Then... she saw how the school
ignored Nashiki and Ichinose.

So now I don't think Sawa knows anymore

what kind of love Principal Ikushima
has in mind with the no-romance rule.

I guess not.

You know it's sort of cruel, huh?

- [Asuka] What? What's cruel?
- [Yuzuki] Romance in general.

Just seems cruel in a lot of ways.

Yeah. Romance is cruel, that's for sure.

Some girls don't mind being apart from
the guy they love for a year and a half.

Well, I guess that shows
how shallow their feelings are.

Huh? What are you talking about?

- [Asuka] Why don't we go back to...
- What about the guys?

If they can't wait that long,

maybe they're the ones
with shallow feelings.

Huh? You're completely wrong.

No, I'm not.

Yes, you are!

- [Asuka] Let it go.
- I'm not!

- You are too!
- Come on, man! Let's go!

- You are so wrong!
- Jeez, that's enough!

What's your problem?

You heard her! She's wrong!

Bro, you're crazy about her.

[Ayami] Maki.

Do you have a sec?

Mm.

[Ryogo] Seriously?

He came to your house? He's not giving up.

Is there something going on
between you two?

Like what?

He seemed really obsessed with you.

He kept saying
you get to do whatever you want.

Oh.

Well, we can blame that on my old man.

- Your father?
- Mm-hmm.

I'm already such a screwup,
he doesn't expect things anymore.

On the other hand, my brother
has always been the perfect son.

Maybe that's it.

Haruto's jealous.

He sees your life and envies it.

Maybe he thinks it's better than his.

[pensive music playing]

[Ayami] It must be tough

always having to stay on the path
your parents set out for you.

Maybe you and Haru
are both victims of your father.

You know,

you're a pretty amazing person.

Huh?

You seem like this sheltered girl
on the outside,

but inside, you're strong.

More than that, you're kind.

Even to my as*h*le brother.

No one's said that about me before.

You're the first person.

Anyhow, I hope you find someone new.

You deserve it.

I don't think... I'll find someone new.

You will.

And in the meantime,
I'll deal with my brother.

[girl 1] Oh, Mr. Maki.

- [Haruto] Hm?
- [girl 2] Mr. Maki.

Are you going to eat
at our class's food stand?

You promised us you would come visit.

I don't know
if I can eat that much at once.

[music fades]

I'm going to dance. You should come watch.

I will if I can make it.

That's just as good as saying no!

You have to come.
I'll even give you a signal from on stage.

[chuckles]

What?

I was thinking how,
if I were in high school,

I could chase my goals
with your single-mindedness.

Hang on, Miss Shinoda.

What's holding you back?

Don't say it's 'cause you're an adult.

That's an excuse.

[knocking at door]

[Haruto] Excuse me.

Are you having a session?

Nah, it's cool.

Okay, Doc. See you later.

[Yuki] Mm-hmm.

[door closes]

[Haruto] A fan of yours?

I thought your dad was here.

[Haruto chuckles]

I've spent enough time with him today.

But you should say hi to him.

Well?

Have you decided which ring you want yet?

Actually, I need
to think it over some more.

Yeah, of course.

After all, it's for life.

I was actually talking about

all of it.

There's things about the marriage
we both need to think about.

Like, for example,

are you choosing your partner
for your own sake and not your father's?

[Haruto] Why is everyone like this?

[Haruto sighs]

[pensive music playing]

What is it? Tell me.

Have you found another man as well?

That's not what I meant.

I know, on paper,
we're a perfect match for each other.

I'm not accusing you,
but we're acting out of self-interest.

What's so wrong with that?

Everyone else does it!

Our lives never turn out the way we want.

We have to compromise somewhere.

If that's how you really feel,

then there's nothing left to think about.

[Sawa] You said you wanted me
to guide everyone down the correct path,

Principal Ikushima.

That's why I did rabbit hunting.

Yes, that's correct.

But now,

I think that banning romance
between students

wasn't about that.

It was because you were worried

someone might get pregnant
and ruin the school's reputation.

By protecting our school's reputation,

we are protecting all of you students.

But does that mean

g*y love isn't real love?

I couldn't tell you, Miss Fujino.

I haven't experienced it.

One more thing.

[music fades]

Is there a possibility Ichica Arisawa
is the Love Keeper?

Any at all?

[boy 1] Are you serious?

- [girl 1] Oh my God! Look at this!
- I mean, damn!

- [girl 1] It's fabulous!
- This is crazy!

Be honest with me.
Is your girlfriend super wealthy, or...

She definitely seemed well-off.

Look around you, dude.
We're way beyond "well-off."

[girl 1] Oh, cool!

Koki!

[girl 1] Wow, she's adorable.

He's here. Nonami's boyfriend is here.

- Oh, really?
- [Atsushi] Yeah.

I'm still on my shift.

It's okay. I'll wait for you.

[Chihiro] Ichica!

Huh? Oh, you're here?

Yeah.

[Ichica] Oh, this is Kanda.
He's on the student council.

- [Atsushi] Hello, ma'am.
- Nice to meet you.

Thanks for helping Ichica.

[both chuckle]

Excuse me.

[Ichica] Wait. Why did you come today?

What?

The dance is tomorrow.

No, you're kidding!

I took the day off
because I thought it was today.

- Seriously?
- What?

[Ichica] I'll show you the schedule.

[tender music playing]

[Atsushi's mom] Atsushi.

What are you doing here, Mom?

[sighs]

I came to see you.
It's a festival, after all.

Well, if you wanna pretend
you care about me, you go right ahead.

You don't need to feel bad for me.

Good, because I wasn't going to.

I'm only worried about your son.
He's a good boy.

You said he resents you
for everything that happened.

Here's some advice.

Try facing that resentment head-on.

[Yuki] If I have this right,

you want me to persuade Haruto
to leave her alone?

When he finds out you know about it,

I think that would be enough
to get him to finally drop it.

Sorry.

I'm sure you're pretty angry.

Only at myself for not seeing it.

Oh, they're here.

- [boy 1] Yay!
- [girl 1 exclaims]

[Koharu] This is my classmate Riko.

Did everybody get one?

I'm gonna eat it all.

You think they'll go off alone?

I'm sure they will.
I'd want to be alone too.

There they go!

[unsettling music playing]

[indistinct chattering]

[girl 2] I like that one.

- [Koki] What do we do next?
- [Koharu] What do you wanna do?

Look over there.

The guy in the cap
and Nonami are over there.

This is bad.

We can't let them get to her first.

Uh, you follow them over there.

[unsettling music continues]

Sorry, I'll get you new ones later.

[Koharu] I could get used to this.

[both scream]

Oh God. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry.

- It's all over!
- Watch where you're going.

- I'm so sorry. Here.
- I'm all wet now!

How could you?

I'm sorry. Really.

[Ichica] Sorry. Excuse me.

[upbeat festive music playing]

This way.

[crowd cheering]

[orchestral music playing]

- [Koki] This is cool.
- Mm.

What is it?

I wanted to talk to you.

When I found you, you were with Kanda.

I got mad and followed you.

I'll wait until graduation.

Are you sure?

I hate it.

But I'd hate it more if you hated me.

[tender piano music playing]

[music stops]

[orchestral music resumes]

I have to warn Koharu.

If you tell her now,
you can't make a deal.

You have to get evidence first.

But if Fujino gets the evidence,
I won't be able to help anyway.

She'll find out you're Love Keeper though.

No, no, no, no, no!

[Ichica clears throat loudly]

[phone buzzing]

[Koki] Something wrong?

Mm-mm.

LOVE KEEPER: RABBIT HUNTERS ARE WATCHING
DELETE EVIDENCE NOW

DELETE

[music stops]

DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT
TO SEARCH OTHER PEOPLE'S PHONES?

[audience clapping]

What's wrong?

DAY TWO

I was trying to gather evidence,

but I guess LK got there first.

Right?

[girl 1] Bad luck.

[Ichica] Sorry.

[girl 1] It's okay.

I don't get it. You helped her for free?

I'm sorry.

I guess I thought I understood
how she felt.

Because Maki was with you?

[Ichica] Hmm?

Forget it.

I'll see you later.

[Koharu sobbing]

[Ayami] They broke up.

[Ichica] What?

It's true. He came here yesterday, right?

[Ichica] Mm-hmm.

[waitress] That will be
sixteen hundred yen.

Here.

[waitress] Thank you.

Enjoy your meal.

[Koki] I was surprised.

I didn't realize
how rich you were, Koharu.

Is your dad a big CEO or something?

Mm, yeah.

Okay.

Listen.

Could you lend me some money?

[emotional music playing]

I thought I shouldn't ask...

[Ayami] She was serious about him.

She must be really upset.

[emotional music continues]

[phone buzzes]

FROM: KOHARU

[Koharu] Dear Love Keeper.

Thank you for yesterday.

Even though you helped me,
I decided to break up with him anyway.

I'm sorry.

Still, I'm glad I dated him.

I experienced things I never had before.

And I know my feelings for him
weren't a lie.

It was difficult
to say my last goodbye, but...

I realized that
these things happen sometimes.

I can say, honestly,
I don't regret this love.

[breathes deeply]

I'll date a rich guy next time.

[music fades]

[Sawa] Love Keeper.

It's you, isn't it?

It's not me.

However,

I understand how LK feels.

[Sawa] You understand how to use
people's love to make money?

I understand
wanting to protect someone's love.

I mean,

think about it.

Love's amazing, isn't it?

What are you talking about?
You're a rabbit hunter.

Here's what I think, but I could be wrong.

I think the reason you got so invested
in rabbit hunting

was all because of what happened
between you and Yuzuki.

You were always together
until it couldn't hold back anymore.

That's none of your business.

You hated anyone
who seemed to enjoy being in love.

Stop, I'm warning you!

Love must be powerful.

It can even drive a smart,
level-headed person like you

completely out of her mind.

You didn't do anything wrong.

All you did was love Yuzuki.

You loved her so much

that you couldn't take it anymore.

[upbeat pop music playing]

[Sawa sobs]

[sniffles]

[Ichica] There are things you know
you shouldn't do.

Things you tell yourself you don't want.

But no matter how hard you resist,

falling in love with someone
blows it all away.

♪ So it seems this is love ♪

♪ So it seems this is being in love... ♪

[Ichica] Because no matter what we do,
sooner or later, it hits us.

♪ Passing through
The entrance to emotions ♪

♪ I like you ♪

♪ Like you... ♪

[Ichica] We find ourselves
struck by someone's voice,

expression, hands, gestures.

So struck by everything about them,

you can't even sleep at night.

♪ Boy... ♪

[Ichica] We realize how much it hurts
to love someone

and want to be loved by them,
knowing it can't happen.

And that no matter how hard we wish,
this feeling won't go away.

When you feel that way about someone,
there's no escaping it.

Against that feeling, we're all powerless.

♪ I try to get rid of it, but ♪

♪ I like you ♪

♪ Like you ♪

♪ I feel like I'm losing myself ♪

♪ Just let me change my everyday ♪

[music fades]

[tender piano music playing]

[music fades]

[phone chimes]

[phones chiming]

[eerie music playing]

[music swells, fades]

EXPELLED
RYOGO MAKI AND ICHICA ARISAWA

[dramatic music playing]

[music fades]