01x02 - Episode 2

[bunniefuu]

That night at the hotel

we went to for our wedding anniversary

when I was hugging Ichiko as she slept,

I kept thinking about

Butcher.

When winter came around,

Butcher would crawl

into my bed every night.

And I would fall asleep

hugging that large body.

I definitely felt love and affection

in her warmth,

but that love and affection

are far removed from any feelings

of desire or arousal.

Her warmth calmly soothed away my desire.

Sorry I made you wait, Otoya.

Hey.

-Excuse me, I'd like a beer.

-Sure.

Looks like you're okay, Tohko.

What? I guess so.

Mom was worried about you.

It was hard right after things ended.

We'd been together

since I was 20, after all.

That's half your life.

Here's your beer.

Thank you.

Even so, we were pretty horrible

to each other towards the end.

I was so relieved when we divorced.

Then here's to

making it through in one piece.

Thanks.

Bottoms up.

Delicious.

Excuse me, can you take my order?

Let's see. One marinated octopus,

the boiled squid in ink,

and one simmered tripe, please.

And the two of you? No change?

Yeah, that's right.

-Is Ichiko doing well?

-Yes. She told me to say hi for her.

She said she'll go to the memorial.

Okay.

Oh, right.

Take a look at this.

This was when I sent her

that watermelon in the summer.

Wow, look at Ichiko's carving.

She loved watermelons,

so she was so happy.

But doesn't Ichiko look like a mess?

She probably thought this was

the best photo of the watermelon.

Plus she spent all night on it.

I really like this part of her.

Yeah.

Me too.

Look at you bragging.

The two of you really look like

you're happily married.

Thank you for waiting.

Thank you. It looks good.

It's a call from Ichiko's mom.

Why is she calling you?

There are some things.

I'm going to answer it.

Hello? Yes.

Thanks for the food.

Okay, all right.

What?

Are you okay?

All right.

Okay, I'll call Ichiko right away.

BASED ON THE MANGA

"1122" BY PEKO WATANABE

1122: FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE

I feel it. This cold and dry air.

It's a nice place.

It's quaint and nostalgic.

How long has it been

since you've been back?

A year and a half, I think?

I hope she didn't hurt herself too badly.

It's so inconvenient to be in a cast.

Thanks for coming with me, Otoyan.

We've arrived.

Time to go, huh?

How are you feeling, Mom?

Here and there and everywhere,

it's all bad.

I keep bumping this cast into things,

and it's so tight and painful.

The wind is too strong and my back hurts,

so I can't even walk to the hospital.

What about a taxi?

That's such a waste of money.

I'm fine like this. It's okay.

Mother,

we made lunch. Would you like some?

Wow, how pretty.

It's a rice sandwich.

Ichiko made it because

it's easy to eat with one hand.

Well.

Then I'll have one.

Here.

You truly are kind, Otoya.

The complete opposite of him.

You're hardworking, not intimidating,

and so polite.

You truly are.

You even do housework.

Ichiko, you really caught yourself

a good husband.

Don't say I caught him.

That man

truly thought of his wife as a servant.

He would get drunk when stressed

and get violent.

Even that hole.

He made it when he threw the kettle.

I dodged it so I didn't get hurt,

but I could have been badly burned.

Why don't you patch that hole?

Actually, why not replace the whole thing?

I can still use it. It would be a waste.

-I'll pay for it.

-I said it's fine.

Don't you hate living with and seeing

the marks of his abuse every single day?

Here we go again.

The way you talk and look at me.

It's just like him.

How scary.

I can't help it. I'm his child.

I know he's an a*usive scumbag,

but half of my genes are his.

But that isn't my fault.

You're lucky.

You're not related to him by blood.

And he's already dead.

Wasn't it your choice to live with it

instead of trying to make things better?

Ichiko.

I didn't catch the kind Otoya.

I choose this life

and work hard to maintain it.

-You understand?

-Ichiko.

She's always been like this.

Treating me badly.

Strong-willed,

always criticizing me,

and blaming me. Just like her father.

It must be hard for you, Otoya.

Why don't I get you a cup of tea?

I bought some mooncakes.

Ichiko said you like them.

Making tea for me. How nice of you.

Ichiko taught me

how to do all the housework.

Like how to fold laundry,

and wrap dumplings.

And how to make tea.

Ichiko is a smart, honest,

and cheerful woman.

So living together with her is fun.

I'm happy to be married to her.

-Here.

-Thanks.

Otoyan.

Thank you.

No need.

You know

I haven't talked about it much,

but can I tell you about my childhood?

Sure.

When I

was a kid,

I had pediatric eczema.

When it was really bad,

my underwear, blankets, and stuff

would be all covered in

dead skin and body fluids.

She would

make me wash everything

by myself.

And yell at me if I started scratching.

She barely ever held my hand.

At night,

my dad, drunk, would sometimes hit her.

I was so scared

I couldn't even sleep. The next day

Mom would tell me

I was cruel and heartless

for not coming to her rescue.

All the time.

I hate this house.

It pulls me back to

the weak and hurt kid I used to be.

My mom never treated me nicely

so I can't bring myself to be kind

to her just because she's weaker

now that I've grown up.

You did your best, Ichiko.

You're amazing.

I

can never be her caregiver.

Even now, I just want to smack her.

You don't have to.

I don't?

If it ever comes to that,

let's think of a way

that makes things easy for you.

Plus you've got me.

Thank you.

I hate my mom.

But I feel sorry for her.

You have a kind heart.

I know you do.

I

hate this house I was born in

and the mother who gave birth to me

but I'm really happy you are

the family I chose to have.

I think your child would be very happy.

But we're

in a special situation right now.

Right?

Yeah.

We are.

All right.

Why don't we all go for lunch?

My treat today.

Really?

-Thank you.

-Thanks for treating us.

I'll have to pass.

-I brought lunch.

-From your wife?

No, I made it myself.

What? Why?

It's fun.

I see.

-You don't cook?

-Nope, never.

You're the type to take

paternity leave, aren't you?

Men also have the right

to take leave, you know.

I didn't mean it that way.

MITSUKI KASHIWAGI

SWEET DREAMS

GOOD NIGH

YOU TOO, OTOYA

GOOD NIGH

AN ELEPHANT IN THE SKY

IT REALLY IS AN ELEPHANT!

LUNCH BREAK?

YEAH, I MADE MY OWN LUNCH TODAY

WOW

AMAZING!

I WANT TO SEE WHAT YOU MADE!

MORNING SUN NURSERY

FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

THEN I'LL MAKE US

A LUNCH BOX NEXT TIME

SO LET'S GO EAT IT SOMEWHERE

Mama!

Hiro.

Hiro.

Go home.

Let's change our shoes.

Can you sit here?

Okay. Thank you for today.

He put on his jacket all by himself today.

He did?

Be sure to give him lots of compliments.

-Of course.

-Go home.

Mrs. Kashiwagi,

-his water bottle.

-Oh, sorry.

Thank you.

Hiro.

-Goodbye.

-Hiro, say, "bye-bye."

-Sorry.

-It's okay.

Let's go.

Here I go.

Hiro, should we play on the slide?

-Okay.

-Hiro.

I'm throwing it.

-Hiro.

-Stop!

Stop it!

Hiro, you can't. Give it back. Hiro.

Momo.

I'm so sorry.

-Hiro, you need to say sorry.

-He surprised you, huh?

Say you're sorry, Hiro.

Hiro.

I wanna go home.

Sure, let's go home.

Come on.

-I'm really sorry.

-It's okay.

-Bye.

-Bye-bye.

-Bye-bye.

-Are you okay?

Should we go there to play?

-Let's play over there.

-Okay.

HIRO

MOTHER-IN-LAW

It's really yummy.

Say, "ah."

-Just one bite.

-No!

Hiro. Here, "ah."

Hey.

Hiro.

-Play after you eat.

-We are not home right now.

Please leave your message after the beep.

Hello, Mitsuki?

It's Yoko. Did you get my text?

The guru will be speaking

in Tokyo next week.

I had them reserve seats in the front row,

so please take Hiro with you.

She was kind enough

to waive the entrance fee

for this lecture. She is so

Hello?

Hi.

Can you talk?

Yeah, I have time.

Sorry for calling you.

I wanted to hear your voice.

Mitsuki,

how are you doing?

Yeah.

I'm fine.

Hey,

do you want to go out somewhere tomorrow?

With Hiro.

What do you think?

But Hiro might make a scene.

Let's go somewhere

where it's okay if he does.

The forecast says

there is a 0% chance of rain tomorrow.

Sure.

Otoya.

-Good morning.

-Good morning.

Nice to meet you, Hiro.

Hiro, this man is Otoya.

Can you say, "Hi"?

Wait, Hiro!

Hiro.

Oh, here.

Are you playing?

You're good at this, Mitsuki.

Here it comes, Hiro!

Ta-da.

Wow.

Look, Hiro.

It's your favorite. Hamburg steak.

Now,

-thanks for the food.

-Thanks for the food.

Which one do you want to eat?

The Hamburg steak?

Okay.

-Open wide.

-Will he eat it?

-It's yummy.

-Yummy?

I made it a little too big.

Looks like it's okay.

You should eat too, Mitsuki.

I will.

Then I'll have the sandwich.

Me too.

-It's good.

-Thank goodness.

I think Hiro really enjoyed himself today.

That's good.

And you?

Was it a good break for you?

A very good break.

He's already four,

but they said he has a development delay

of over a year in various areas.

That's why I put him in

specialized education early.

My husband thinks childcare

is entirely my responsibility,

and my mother-in-law

believes something made him this way.

She keeps nagging me

to take him to this fortune teller

she's obsessed with

instead of the special classes.

I know I have no choice

but to do all the research,

consider all the options,

and make the decisions myself. However

sometimes I just feel like giving up.

Sorry. I didn't mean to complain.

The response was

more positive than last time.

Yes. I hope things continue like this.

It's our job to make sure it does.

Yes, sir.

Are you going back to the office?

What's wrong?

Mr. Kashiwagi?

See you again, Hiro. Bye-bye.

Hiro, say "Bye-bye."

Is it someone you know?

Yeah.

Welcome back.

I'm home.

Shiro,

there's a dinner after the ikebana class

next week. Is it okay if I go?

I'll take Hiro to my mother's.

Sure.

Thank you.

Mitsuki.

What did you do today?

Today?

The weather was nice,

so I took Hiro to the park.

So it was you. I thought I saw someone

that looked like you when I was out.

You did? You could have said hi.

No, you were across the road.

Near the entrance?

Yeah. Looked like you had a lot of fun.

Who was that guy you were with?

We ran into someone from the flower class.

I think he lives around there.

I see. The flower class.

Why don't you invite them over?

Everyone from the class.

I'd like to meet them.

I can't do that.

Why?

The preparations and cleanup

would be too much for me.

What if you get it catered?

I know someone

who runs a catering company.

I hear the food

both looks and tastes good.

Thank you.

But I think everyone would feel awkward

coming to my house and meeting you.

It's more comfortable

to split the bill at a diner.

Besides, you tend to judge

my friends pretty harshly.

Judge?

You say things like,

"that girl is a bit ugly,

but she has a nice smile,"

or "the way he eats and holds

his chopsticks is a mess."

Isn't the first one a compliment

and the second one simply the truth?

I never asked you to do that.

Anyway, I won't be inviting them over.

All right.

But, Shiro,

I want to talk about your mother.

What about her?

She said she wants that guru

to have a reading with Hiro.

I've told her no many times.

Now she says

Hiro doesn't need to go for a reading,

but we should go to

that guru's talk and give our greetings.

I understand she's worried about him.

And?

I want you to tell her.

We will not have

anything to do with that guru.

Wasn't that what we decided on

from the beginning?

That's right.

But this is about Hiro, isn't it?

Aren't you in charge of raising him?

Did I say something wrong?

But aren't you his father?

I am. That's why I work to make money.

That is my role.

I'm very grateful to you.

You're doing something I can't.

That's why I left the special classes

and support up to you.

I'll spare no expense

if it's for Hiro.

And you can just let my mother

say whatever she wants.

She doesn't know any better.

Make two or three templates

and use them to respond to her.

Since you're a good mother.

Mama!

Mama!

Look, he's calling for you. Go to him.

Mama!

You go.

It's impossible for me.

You already know that.

Mama!

Mama!

ATELIER IKKA

Everyone.

The calla lily has

beautiful and dignified lines,

so it can be used in place

of branches like that.

Let's arrange it so it can stand

comfortable and free in its space.

-Yes.

-Yes.

That looks great.

Sorry I made you wait.

Wow, this is gorgeous.

Like it came out of a magazine.

What an exaggeration.

You're so busy,

it must have been hard to make this.

I was happy you made

lunch for me that day.

Besides, I'm a housewife.

Housewives have lots to do.

Like chores for all three of you,

and taking care of Hiro.

Thanks for the food.

Delicious.

Otoya, you're a really nice person.

Otoya,

we should probably be more careful

when we go out in public.

Did something happen?

Yeah.

My husband said he saw us together

that day we went to the park.

Isn't that bad?

No.

It was when we were saying bye

outside the park,

so I told him I ran into someone

from the ikebana class.

I just thought we were getting

too careless lately.

You're right.

Don't worry.

He doesn't know about us.

He doesn't

and I want to keep it that way.

Nor do I want to end things with you.

So I'm saying we should be more careful.

I understand.

Wouldn't it be difficult for you too?

If your wife knew about us?

What's wrong?

Actually, Mitsuki,

my wife,

she already knows what we're doing.

What?

She knows?

Since when?

Since the beginning.

What do you mean?

We're

what you call sexless.

It started with my wife saying no,

but when we talked about it,

she said she won't get involved

in my love life or me having sex.

In other words,

it's an authorized affair.

Is your wife okay with this?

I think so.

It hasn't been a problem so far.

I know

it's a very unique situation.

But you have a good relationship

with your wife, right?

Even without sex.

Yeah.

I think we do.

Oh, but you're the only one

I'm attracted to.

I'm telling the truth.

So you're saying,

for me, you need attraction,

but you like your wife as a person?

What?

That our relationship

needs things like

sex and lust.

But there are feelings of love and trust

that go beyond head-over-heels love

between you and your wife?

Of course there is.

You're husband and wife. A family.

That's not how it is.

Am I

some sort of cushioning

that helps you keep

the balance in your marriage?

So I'm bubble wrap?

I said that's not it.

Then what?

I

I really cherished

our relationship because

I thought it was our secret.

But to be rolled around

in the palm of your hand

It's not even funny.

Mitsuki.

Don't take me for a fool.

Mama.

I'm here.

Look, Hiro. Mama's here.

Mama!

Hiro.

Hello, dear.

He cried the entire time?

Yeah, more than usual today.

Go home. Go home.

-I'm so sorry, Mom.

-Don't worry about it.

Shiro's always so busy.

And you need a break too, sometimes.

-Thanks.

-Oh, wait here.

-Okay.

-Go home.

-Shall I carry you?

-Go home.

We're going home.

Here, take these side dishes.

I made you plenty

of simmered dishes and more.

But you have tenosynovitis.

It's all right. This is the only time

I can take care of you.

-Here, take it.

-Thanks.

Mama's here. Time to go home.

Can you put your shoes on?

You can do it.

-No.

-Right, okay.

I cooked for the man

I'm having an affair with.

And bring home food

from my mother who watched my son.

I'm the worst.

OTOYA - MITSUKI,

I'M REALLY SORRY FOR TODAY.

I WAS INSENSITIVE.

I'M REFLECTING ON MYSELF.

YOUR FOOD WAS REALLY GOOD,

I WAS HAPPY YOU MADE IT FOR ME.

I LOVE YOU

GET HOME SAFELY.

I LOVE YOU TOO

I can't stop.

Even if I become the worst person ever.

I just can't.

Why did the authorized affair

we both agreed on

start to feel wrong?

These are my own feelings. My own body.

But I have no idea why.

SALON

FLOWER GARDEN

It's just a counseling session.

Cherry blossom tea is also served

during occasions for celebration.

To say,

"I hope the future blossoms for you."

Yes.

I mean, I see.

Ms. Aihara, you requested

the Body Extra course.

Yes.

I believe

sexual services are no different from

going to the gym or aesthetician

to care for and please your body and mind.

It is an important self-care routine.

That is why, instead of guilt, I want you

to be curious and look forward to it

like you would when you go out

to eat a delicious meal.

Of course we thoroughly take

all precautions

to ensure our clients' trust and safety

in order for you to feel that way.

Our salon's men are excellent

at what they do.

I handpicked them myself.

But it's best to meet them yourself.

Oh, Rei.

Yes?

What great timing. Can you come down?

He's our most popular therapist.

Why don't you have a talk with him

before deciding on a reservation?

What?

Nice to meet you.

Hello.

Please, have a seat.

Thanks.

I don't like younger guys.

Not at all. Really.

But

Is it your first time using our services?

Yes.

-I see.

-This boy is absolutely shining.

You don't need to be polite with me.

Sure.

My name is Rei. Like a ray of light.

I'm Ichiko Aihara.

Ichiko.

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

The power of a cute,

younger man's smile is no joke.

I used to make fun of those old men

who get all excited by younger women.

I am so sorry.

I completely understand why now.

Earlier,

when I saw you from up there,

and saw what a beautiful lady you are,

I got super excited.

I know. I know.

I know it's only sales talk.

No, that's not

I know, but

it's totally working.

It's so good to hear.

If you choose me

I will do my very best

to please you with all my heart.

I made a reservation

for the third Thursday of next month

with Rei.

Great. Thank you.

I didn't even hesitate. Not one second.

-I got some on you.

-No, it's fine.

Otoyan.

Should we buy a gift at the station

for your grandma's

memorial service tomorrow?

Sure.

I think that's good.

Hey, Ichiko.

You should wash your fancy bras by hand.

The lace will get damaged.

You know your stuff.

I was in charge of laundry at home.

AIHARA FAMILY

THIRD MEMORIAL SERVICE

Here you go.

Would you like a refill?

-Here, Uncle.

-Thanks.

You had it rough, Tohko.

I heard you got a divorce?

Hey, that's enough.

That's right.

Be honest, you're having

a hard time, aren't you?

I have my work,

so I'm actually enjoying myself.

Besides, the average life span

is increasing.

I might find someone else later.

Find someone else?

-You're already 40.

-I'm 39.

Well, even if you get remarried,

at that age, kids are out of the question.

If you don't have kids soon, Otoya,

it will be the end of the Aihara family.

Children are society's treasure.

The bond between husband and wife.

You know,

you'll have it hard if you don't have

children to rely on when you get old.

So, Ichiko, you should feed

Otoya plenty of food that helps

him keep his vigor.

-Uncle.

-What?

We're doing just fine without a "bond."

We won't do something as irresponsible as

having kids so they can be our caregivers.

-Irresponsible? You

-Isn't it fine?

I think it's good enough

that they are happy in their marriage.

Besides, the family line

will end when it ends.

The lives of the living are more important

than those who are gone

or have yet to be born.

I learned that after I lost my husband.

Is that so?

Yeah.

Here.

-Have another drink, Dad.

-Thanks.

Ichiko. Thank you for making time

in your busy schedule to come.

Thank you for inviting me.

I'm happy to see you again

after such a long time.

Sorry about my uncle.

It's perfectly fine.

Mother had a good comeback.

He's really a busybody.

Otoyan's father passed away

early in life.

Despite that,

or is it because of that,

there is a strong bond of trust

between the three of them.

Moreover, they are quite free-spirited.

Let's go drinking again, Ichiko.

Without the annoying nagger this time.

In that case, absolutely.

I think that was my salvation.

Take care.

Bye.

Wait, Otoya.

This.

-These are extra. Take them.

-We already have one.

Just take it.

But there are moments

when I get jealous of the things

my husband has

that I don't.

A close family.

A close relationship with his mom.

Okay. But Mom should take one too.

Home sweet home.

It's good to be home.

Good to be home.

I'm really sorry about my uncle.

He's really conservative.

It's okay.

And it's true I'm 35,

so there will always be people

giving me advice like that.

Maybe I should have been more direct.

And tell him he was being rude.

You said enough.

Your mother and sister even came

to my defense.

Thanks.

Hey, Otoya.

Yeah?

Do you ever think about having kids?

I don't know.

I haven't given it much thought.

Right?

It's still a vague idea for me too.

Well, I shouldn't be saying

"still" at my age.

Yeah.

Anyway, me too.

Yeah?

I could have my own "thing" too.

Why have I never thought

that Ichiko could also have an affair?

I keep thinking about that lacy bra

I saw for the first time.

It's not like I'm disparaging her.

Nor am I being conceited.

I just never thought about it.

I took our trust for granted.

Is it because I'm an idiot in love?

Probably yes.

If Ichiko exercises her right

to have an authorized affair,

she would fall in love with another man,

and if she has sex with him

No, if she already slept with him

Today is the third Thursday of the month.

The one night out of the month

my husband sleeps with his lover.

And today

marks the very first time

I'm visiting a brothel.

THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION.