Nemurubaka (2025)

[bunniefuu]

And so, Senpai vanished without a trace.

SAEBA GIRLS DORMITORY

I'm home.

Ah, welcome back.

Ugh, Im starving.

You didnt eat anything?

What happened to the the change from the rent?

I forgot they raised it by 1,500 yen this month.

Damn it...

1,500 yen is a lot.

Everythings more expensive lately.

Maybe I should pick up a part-time job.

No way I can afford to rent a studio this month.

Youll hit a wall after like two weeks. Didnt you

just get fired for snapping at a customer?

They kept yelling, I spent 30,000 yen on

gacha and still didnt get the character I wanted!"

I wish I had the talent to work

a job five days a week.

So even that takes talent now?

Customer service cheerful environment

early morning shifts

Your spirits already broken.

Ill make us something to eat.

Ow...

Dumping money into something with

no future just feels pointless

Speaking of investments, shouldnt

we finally buy a new rice cooker?

I saw one at Don Quijote for 6,000 yen.

Split between us, thats just 3,000 each.

Yeah, and then when one of us moves out,

well totally fight over it.

I just hate losing money little by little like this.

We definitely couldve bought one by now

with all the money we spend on instant rice...

Man, if only wed just

replaced it right after it broke...

3,000 yen is still a lot though.

Thats half a rice cooker...

DOORS AT 6:00pm, SHOW AT 6:30pm

ADMISSION 3,000 YEN

Here you go.

Whoa.

Wait a tempura rice bowl?

Whats the occasion?

Thanks! Time to dig in!

Youre not eating, Irisu?

Im good. You eat, Senpai.

Youre a literal angel.

Huh? Wait, theres nothing in this

Yeah, I made it using just

crunchy bits and tempura sauce.

Wait, but this tail...

Thats from the fried shrimp I had for lunch.

I dug it out of the sink strainer.

I washed it! I just wanted to

give you the authentic experience!

Is it good?

Are you insane?

Huh?

Oh, the chili pepper! Hang on...

Ah... no... stop...

Please dont. Sorry.

Wake up, wake up!

Your pal Yumi is hungry!

How long are you planning to sleep?

Seriously, get up already.

What are we doing for dinner?

Theres only that fish sausage in the fridge.

You go buy something, then.

What? Rude.

Lets go together!

Ugh, annoying.

Its just the supermarket, go by yourself.

Alone? To the supermarket?

Come on, you woke me up, right?

So follow my line...

Line...?

Like, you owe me.

Is that a band thing?

Are you mocking me?

Hey, why not just call that guy?

You know, the one who buys you stuff.

Taguchi?

Yeah, I guess!

"Buys you stuff"... dont make it sound like that.

Hello? Taguchi?

Hey, I feel like drinking.

Can you bring over some food and booze?

Senpai? Yeah, shes here.

Yup.

Tell him to drive.

Hey, can you come by car?

Who knows? Maybe she wants to go somewhere.

Oh, alcohol? Yeah, Im in.

Yup, thanks. See you soon.

That guys totally into you.

Ah so thats what this is.

Yeah, I guess that explains it.

Huh. Yeah I mean

Makes sense it does make sense.

You okay?

Did your brain just short-circuit?

Listen...

So in English class the other day,

we paired up and asked each other quiz questions,

like in English conversation, you know?

He guessed all my favorite things,

like food and color. Totally nailed everything.

I guess its 'cause we talk a lot or whatever,

but remembering random stuff like that?

Thats gotta mean something, right?

Yeah I guess.

Its like he actually sees who I am, like, as a person?

Its not the same as just being nice, you know?

Its like were on the same wavelength?

Guys like that are really rare.

Wait...

Could this be love?

Is this love?

I mean, it kinda feels like it, right?

It does, right?

Yeah seems like it might be.

Evening!

Yes! Food's here!

Oh, Senpai...

I watched the video for Nemurubaka.

For real?

Sushi!?

It was seriously cool.

You looked super cool right at the start.

Dont play that, you idiot!

- Sorry

- I told you I dont like sushi.

- I said that in English class, remember?

- Ohhh, sushi sushi!

I got chicken too! You like that too, right?

Here.

Chicken and sushi?

What are you, a billionaire?

Yep.

- Wheres my japchae?

- No japchae today.

I'm gonna go wash my hands.

Delicious!

Is he doing this on purpose?

Like, negging?

Maybe that's his plan.

Seriously!

Nemurubaka is a masterpiece.

What language is that title even in?

Sounds kinda African or something.

Thats a secret...

No way!

Man, Im drunk

I really think it shouldve gone viral.

Thats easy to say,

but going viral isnt everything.

Like theres a wall, you know?

Once you get to a certain point,

you hit this ridiculously thick, solid wall.

Everyone fights to get over it, right?

But every so often,

some so-called genius comes along

and just glides right over it like its nothing.

Maybe people like that were born

on the other side of the wall from the start.

When you think about it like that, it just feels stupid.

Loves kinda the same, isnt it?

Dont lump that in with this.

With love, all you need are

the guts to throw open a window

and scream, I love you! at the top of your lungs.

Fair enough.

Then Ah, no...

If its one-sided love, that walls pretty thick too.

Then I hope my love for music isnt one-sided.

Just borrowing this for a sec.

Sorry for the small change.

Where should I go? Doesnt really matter.

What the hell?

He bought the CD?

Good evening! I'm Navi-ko!

Its been a while! I missed you~

Huh?

Where would you like to go?

What is this?

Perfect night for a drive, huh?

Just shut up and give me directions.

Okay! Turn this way!

Wait, what? Which ways this way?

Oh no, it was that last street just now.

What the hell is this?

Come on, no need to rush!

Just enjoy the journey!

Dont you have a normal navigation mode?

Ugh So annoying.

People like that really piss me off, right?

Do they think they're invincible or something?

What the hell is wrong with you?

Oh! You missed the turn!

You've arrived at your destination~

Where even is this?

Oops, I messed up! So sorry!

As an apology...

Huh?

Ow! Damn it this sucks

Ugh... this is the worst...

Senpai.

How did you even know I was here?

You wanted someone to come looking, didnt you?

Your hint was way too obvious.

What hint?

The money you left on the table.

Exactly 1,360 yen.

If you take the bus from our dorm with 1,360 yen,

this is where it gets you.

That was a pretty cute little runaway.

No, it wasnt like that

I think "Nemurubaka" is a great song too.

So why'd you leave last night?

If you dont want to talk, Ill tell you

a secret Ive never told anyone.

I'll tell you why I hate sushi.

Why?

A long time ago, I went to a fancy restaurant

with my parents and a friend.

It wasnt like the conveyor belt places I was used to...

It looked really expensive, so I tried eating

seafood I couldnt even handle.

Like, I was pretending I could eat sashimi too.

But the moment I ate raw scallop...

I gagged and spat it out.

Scallop sashimi was too much for me back then.

And as I was sitting there panicking,

my childhood friend, totally clueless, just said:

I'll take it if you don't want it!

Delicious!

Good for you, huh?

After that, I couldnt deal with

him or seafood at all.

Sounds like that poor kid was the real victim.

So, even that sushi yesterday

Just remembering gives me the creeps!

Im starting to feel like none of it

really matters anymore.

Lets go home.

You're going to the hospital first!

The tanks empty anyway.

Lets walk to the bus stop.

Glad it wasnt anything serious.

Yeah...

Oh hes still here.

I love you!

Ruka-senpai! I love you!

What?

Are you kidding me?!

Uh, Senpai?

W-wait! Did you hear that?!

Um What are these?

You don't know? VHS tapes.

Oh Ive never seen one before.

What do you think its worth? 5,000 yen?

No way its worth 10,000, right?

Sorry, we only deal in DVDs and Blu-rays here.

Blu-ray

You kids dont know the beauty of

rewinding a tape, do you?

"Right there! That's the good part!"

What are you even talking about?

What, you only watch subscription services?

Man, I hate that stuff!

Streaming this, streaming that

Everythings streaming now.

Its got no weight to it.

I didnt even say anything

Here, hold these.

Just hold 'em once, go on!

Okay

Feels heavy, right?

Yeah

That weight thats the weight of cinema!

Streamings got none of that weight, y'know?

I guess not.

See what I mean?

- You think this is funny?

- A little.

Fine, I give up. You win.

Ill give them to you.

Wait, what? No thank you.

- You ever seen the show?

- No.

Didnt think so, right?

Its fine, just watch it. Its seriously good.

Ahh, man Feels good doing something nice.

Tonight Im splurging. Beer at CoCo Ichibanya.

Thats been my biggest pleasure lately.

- Tonight Im splurging! Beer at CoCo Ichibanya!

- Wait, whathang on, I can't

That looked rough, Yumi.

Yeah, well

Old guys like that are scary, right?

Hes totally gonna ask what you thought of it.

- Wait, isnt this Millennium File?

- I dont usually watch shows like this...

Well, I uploaded a summary video

on YouTube, actually.

You could just check that out.

Here, look.

Youre on YouTube?

Turns out there's still

a demand for analysis of old shows.

Theres not much competition.

Im aiming for the blue ocean market, which means...

Wow, youve got a lot of subscribers.

Well, about 6,000 so far.

Nowadays, even if you watch everything

at double speed, you still cant keep up.

Thats why I think its the youth's duty to

preserve these rare cultural relics.

"The youth," huh?

But isnt posting things

like this a copyright issue?

Anyway, what time are you off today?

Huh? Oh five oclock.

Want me to show you some cool stuff after that?

I found this nice cafe, you know?

We can discuss cultural sensitivity

while eating Taiwanese castella cake.

Actually, Im going to my senpais

live show after this.

Your senpai? A guy?

No, a woman.

Ah right. Hmm...

Well, either way, I just remembered

I need to post a video today.

- sh**t, that's right.

- Well then, good luck with that.

- Your senpais show is it a girl band, or what?

- Indie rock...

Oh, indie rock!

I saw them at Shimokita!

Ah yeah yeah, I know them. They're great.

Theres a customer at the register.

Oh, right. Guess I gotta go help them.

Okay.

Welcome. Rentals for one week.

Thatll be 150 yen.

So, the other day...

I made Khao Man Gai and

it turned out really good.

Really? From scratch?

There's this pre-made base you can use.

It tasted like a restaurant meal.

What do you call it?

Ready-to-eat? Pouch?

Frozen foods are so good these days.

- Restaurants might go out of business.

- Yeah, maybe.

Lucky you.

I bought up a bunch of dried noodles

at the supermarket recently.

Figured I could get down to 10 yen per meal.

Now that's all I eat.

You mean ramen?

Nah, udon.

So with udon,

after eating it every day,

even if you change up the flavors

and still think it tastes good

you end up spitting it back out.

Spit it out?

I mean, even if youre enjoying it,

you end up spitting it out anyway.

It just comes out.

So I started chopping it up real small

and told myself it wasnt udon anymore.

Just something else.

Thats how I made myself eat it.

What a gross story.

Why's everyone talking about spitting food out?

I went to Yayoi Ken for the

first time in ages and cried.

It was so warm, you know?

The staff probably thought you were nuts.

Bad signal in here.

You get me though, right?

Customer service is a mirror.

Wanna hear my theory on that?

Hey, is there a Don Quijote around here?

Donki? Is there one?

If you walk far enough,

theres always a Donki somewhere.

- Thinking of making Khao Man Gai?

- What? Whered that come from?

Oh, its almost time.

Here's to half a rice cooker.

Lets do this.

Yeahhh.

You go ahead.

600 yen for a drink...

Oh right, hey...

Dont go jajajajaan, it should be jajajajajat!

Got it?

- Yeah, got it.

- Okay, were good.

Okay, okay.

Look over here, Ruka!

Ruka! Ruka!

Hello.

Noise in my head!

My minds going round and round and round

Everybody's drinking hooch

North! Sunny Zoo~!

Get setcharge on in!

Lies, spin, and rumors

The easiest way to blow off steam in the world!

Drenched in culture, drowning in free time

Deluded t*rrorists all puffed up on pride

Selfish greed and violent outbursts

Rebranded as 'moral values'

Strike a posemeek and ashamed

And theyll pat your head

Toss you a treat

Holding a list of polished lies

You run around lighting fires

Like a chimpanzee!!

I stop thinking and just move forward

On this highway to hell paved in good intentions

Got nothing to lose, so Ive got no fear

Eyes shut, ears coveredcan't hear you!

Freedom, but only the kind I approved

Equality, by my personal standards

My town, and only minejust for me!

Stand up! Sing out!

Noise in my head!!

- Ruka!

- Yeah! Ruka!

You don't need to split it up so precisely.

Drink, drink, drink.

Let's have a smoke first.

Smoke, smoke, smoke.

Let's go to Toriichizu this time.

Ill just take this.

Yeah, go ahead.

- Here you go.

- Alrighty.

There we go...

That was amazing!

- Was it your first time today?

- Yeah, it was actually...

- Ow, my ears...

- I saw the flyer on my way home...

Yeah, seriously

Whoa, youre seriously cute!

Can I ask you out?

- Sorry, no thank you.

- I mean, I'm already in love!

So how about just one drink?

Just one, I swear. Come on.

Please, gimme a chance!

Just one chance -- ow!

What?

Off to see your sugar daddy?

Shut the hell up.

Senpai What about the afterparty?

I bought this instead.

A rice cooker? That things ancient.

Donki was too far.

I bought it used at Treasure Factory.

Treasure Factory divine!

Senpai, you really are something.

The live show was seriously amazing.

Honestly, I was kind of shocked...

The crowd was super hyped, too.

Everyone was hyped! Just going wild!

Ruka! Ruka!

Yeah, they were.

I started thinking, maybe we

really do live in different worlds.

If that were true, I wouldn't be drinking

with you in a cheap bar like this.

But Im here, with you, right now.

So dont say were from different worlds.

Senpai, you're just too cool

Alright, what do you wanna eat?

Oh! A paper menu!

- Paper?

- Yeah, paper menus.

Paper menus are just easier to read, you know?

I like paper menus.

- I went to that cat robot place the other day.

- Wait, the one from TV?

- Is the food as fast as they say?

- Nope, it's slow.

- The server still walks with it and hands you the food.

- Then what's the point?!

And after a customer left, it just sat there going,

Please take the plate, meow! over and over again.

- Thats so sad.

- So sad.

Cheap sweaters itch. They're so scratchy.

This song again?

No matter where I go,

its always playing. So annoying!

I liked it at first Now I hate it!

Hey, stop that!

Its super popular right now, though.

If it were one of your songs, I wouldnt mind.

Even if it played on loop forever?

Yeah.

- Really?

- Really!

Really, really?

Actually I kinda want to listen to Mao Abe, too.

Ahhh, betrayal!

Youre always gonna be ahead of me, no matter what.

Huh?

Watching your live show

It made me feel kind of lonely.

Want some water?

You good?

What time is it now?

Three oclock.

Rise 'n' shine...

Ah crap, I missed the deadline for my report...

Ugh, I feel sick bleh...

Thats one puke you owe me.

- You seriously dont remember?

- Water...

I dont want to live some washed-up life, you know?

I wanna have my act together.

And yet

My body and soul are both just... sagging now...

Even your speech is sagging.

Wait, did you get rich off that gig?

Opposite.

Im broke, so I took on a side job.

I'm helping some rich familys housekeeper.

Gotta shine it up and send it back.

I'll help as penance.

Okay then, you do this corner.

So its like Im the assistant to

the assistant of some rich family's maid.

I know Im at the bottom.

I do know that.

But I just cant see the ladder up from here.

Alright then, if you help with half...

Ill give you half the pay.

Really?

See? You just moved up a rank.

Is life really that simple?

Then never mind!

No, I want it!

Apparently, someone who

used to live here left this behind.

What is this video?

I can finally watch Millennium File while we work.

What do you mean, "finally"?

Is this a gift or something?

More like homework.

Day's already shot anyway.

Let's watch it.

Is this hooked up right?

There are way too many cords...

You just match the colors.

Yellow to yellow, white to white.

Spoken like a true guitarist.

- Don't make fun of me.

- No, it's respect!

Millennium File was good!

You watched it?!

It was more fun than I was expecting!

Yeah, right? Older shows actually

move along pretty fast.

Y'know the Osaka episode?

I'm actually in the background of that one.

No way! Thats like, historical!

Is it okay for me to have it?

Yeah...

My dad ended up in the hospital.

So, Ive had to start organizing things

and that kind of stuff.

I see...

- Im even thinking maybe I should just move.

- Oh, really?

But I might not....

Good work.

Please dont spray that around the merchandise.

You dont like the scent of sweet osmanthus?

- Its kind of melancholic, huh?

- Excuse me.

Oh right, about that show you went to the other day...

- The indie band.

- Yeah, that one!

I actually know people in the music business.

Maybe I could introduce them.

Which of their songs do you like the most?

The one called "You're So Annoying."

I'm a 32 year old part-timer named Furita!

I'm broke and bad with women,

but somehow I got a girlfriend!

But my happiness didn't last very long...

My girlfriend was stolen by a rich CEO!

In this world, money truly is

more important than love...

When I was at my lowest point of despair,

my buddy introduced me to this side gig website!

I can earn 500,000 yen with just my smartphone!

You can earn 1 million yen

by taking this simple survey!

The success rate is 97%!

Skip, skip.

Ugh Were seriously being exploited.

How many ads do I have to

sit through to watch a single video?

- Two highballs with dice, please.

- Sure.

- If you pay for premium, you can skip them, right?

- Exactly! It's just exploitation!

You seem like you enjoy hating everything.

Dice roll time.

Too bad.

Even here, Im getting scammed

- Whoa!

- Congrats!

Mega size is free!

Of course You always end up on top.

I told you, theres no top or bottom.

Youre sulking too much.

- Arent you drinking a bit much lately?

- I drink to forget the mistakes I made while drunk.

- Ahh, Ive hit my limit.

- Yeah, me too. Totally done.

"Ruka-senpai! I love you!"

- Ew, stop!

- With his hands out like this!

- Try it!

- Nope, not doing it.

I could never!

- I did it! Your turn!

- Who says?!

Just once, please?

No way.

- Give me that.

- No way!

Now you're pissed...

Man I want ice cream or something.

Thats so indulgent.

Dont use words like indulgent for food.

I dont like it.

Oh Then I wont say it.

- Rock-paper-scissors.

- Here?

Rock-paper-scissors! sh**t!

- Yes!

- Aw, man

Why are you having dinner with

that pretentious guy?

Well, Nakazaki quit to start a full-time job.

Once I heard that,

I figured he wont be around anymore.

So I thought, getting a meal

out of him once wouldnt hurt.

Youre not usually this done-up.

Its my armor against annoying people.

Do I look like a badass woman?

Yeah you do.

Okay then

Whatever.

Oh, I already rinsed the rice,

so feel free to eat it if you want.

- Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!

- Are you kidding me?

Tissue, tissue

Ugh, whats even the point

- We dont even have rags in this place.

- Not this...

Ah! Crap, Im late!

Ill clean it up when I get home, so just leave it.

Sorry, sorry, sorry

Excuse me... Sorry!

Pardon me -- ah, sorry again!

Sorry, here I go

Im off!

Art history is really a history of struggle.

See? Everything here depicts the struggle.

Kinda makes you wanna cry.

Nice atmosphere, right?

Yeah, its really lovely.

The manager said he opens the place up

to artists -- or, "creators," I guess you'd call them.

He lets them use the space to showcase their work.

- Creators

- Exactly!

Why not ask him to carry your senpai's CD?

Ill talk to him for you.

Thanks for waiting.

Wow

Please enjoy.

Nice presentation.

No, thank you. I appreciate the thought.

Why not?

You'll never get anywhere if you don't

put yourself out there in places like this!

If she's around other creative people

your senpai might push herself

to climb a little higher.

Well, she has her own way of thinking...

You eat really neatly, Yumi.

I like people who eat neatly.

Anyway, I just wanted to say,

connections really matter.

My senpai recommended this to me, so I bought one.

You gotta wear stuff like Giorgio Armani,

otherwise people wont take you seriously.

Giorgio Armani...

How d'you like the place?

Shigaki! Good to see you!

This is the owner of the place.

- Nice to meet you.

- Hello.

So, check this out

Its a piece created by one of our local artists.

Title: Apocalypse.

It's seriously incredible.

It totally hits you.

Thanks.

Here's a song to celebrate Nakazakis

next chapter. And to this young ladys future...

- Hey now, dont say stuff like our future...

- Just listen, okay?

Here's the debut of an original song: Legend.

Oh!

When you come back, youll get a 'Welcome'

Whats with the sudden burst?

But you get it, right, my friend?

Were the strongest

But now the spotlight's on everyone

Were rising toward the legend

With no guide, we keep going

Dont worry, Ive got eyes on you

I see you perfectly from here

Youre the brightest star

And its that distance that makes you shine

If you ever run away,

your family will be there to hold you

That original song

It really hit home!

Made me feel like I should push harder.

Yeah, I kinda feel like I got a new burst of energy.

You too, Yumi.

Use today as fuel. Do something with it.

Everyones got something.

At least one talent that stands out from the rest.

With an iPad, you can do anything nowadays.

Itd be a waste to do nothing!

Talent, huh

wh*re you?

What a coincidence. Heading home?

Senpai

Well, thanks for the evening.

Wait, hold on --

Shes my junior at school.

Thanks for walking her home.

Huh?

Wait, were not hitting another bar?

Theres this place that serves

c*ck inspired by movies!

Lets run for a change.

So youthful.

Hellooo?

Huh?

So this place, its like an artsy spot, right?

It was just awful and gross.

That's all there is to it.

The classic no-go cycle...

No-go cycle? Whats that?

Its a term I made up.

You keep going in circles

without taking a single step forward.

A cycle thats just stuck in place.

In that little loop,

supply and demand are artificially balanced.

A bunch of so-called artists gather, look at each

other's work, praise each other, and repeat.

I see.

They even called themselves creatives.

Yeah, creatives, artists,

whatever they want to call it.

These so-called artists...

Theyll practice to the extent it feels fun,

but never go through the

painful training that actually builds skill.

Theyll host solo exhibitions where

they can present whatever they want

but theyll never enter

judged competitions or contests.

Because that would show

exactly where they stand.

While they're being praised by

others in their no-go cycle,

they start to believe they actually have talent.

And honestly, it happens in all sorts of ways

Its not limited to these artists.

You see it everywhere.

Maybe even here...

When you put it that way,

it kind of makes you feel bad for them.

Yeah, it does.

Still, that guy had 6,000 subscribers?

Isnt that enough to feel fulfilled?

What's that like?

Huh?

Copyright Violation Account Suspended,

Legal Action Pending

What?

Movie company sues a

'Fast Movie' uploader for 500 million yen.

Looks like hes being sued for 500 million yen.

Wait, seriously?

Its true.

Wow, hes trending now. Guess hes famous.

- Do you think he can pay that?

- No way he can.

I must announce my

account suspension to my followers.

We all feel so frustrated.

Sorry, everyone.

I cant do movie commentary anymore.

Ill never forgive these outdated laws.

Ugh, using internet meme language

in a moment like this is so cringe.

What meme language?

You dont know the Switch Reseller meme?

Shouldn't you have a little sympathy

for your former coworker?

I mean, its his own fault, isnt it?

Whoa total strangers are flaming him now.

Even this is a no-go cycle...

Thats not really how

I wanted my term to be used.

I CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU!!

THE EMOTIONAL MUSIC OF PEAT MOTH

Hey! Why are you reading that without asking?

You literally left it out with a sticky note.

Of course I read it.

Someone from the magazine

just happened to be at our show.

Wow, thats pretty amazing!

Feels like youre heading off to

some faraway place, Senpai.

Idiot, this is nothing.

Ive gotta go way farther than this.

Lately I havent even written a new song.

If I got arrested now,

theyd just call me a so-called musician.

So-called, huh...

Ugh I just wanna make it.

Still, just being able to call yourself a

so-called musician is impressive!

I dont even have anything I can call myself.

So-called, so-called, so-called.

Booze, booze, booze.

Youre drinking again?

Quiet, you. This sound revives me.

As many times as it takes.

Mitsui the Booze Goblin.

Cut it out!

Youre gonna puke again.

The way youre eating is more puke-worthy.

- No way! Seriously?!

- See? Thats what happens.

RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS!!

KOI WATCHING CIRCLE

Still unread...

Yumi Irisu

Yeah

Thanks.

When did you send that?

Like two days ago.

Think you got blocked?

Blocked, huh...

If you like her senpai more,

why not just ask her directly?

I couldnt. Thats why I always used

Irisu as the go-between.

Go-between

So its like a marathon, huh?

- A marathon?

- Yeah.

Its all about endurance.

I mean, you dont even know why shes mad, right?

Just wait till the dog barks itself out.

- Dog?

- Yeah, a dog.

The kind that bites.

You use too many metaphors.

Anyway, this Irisu...

Wasnt there a goddess with that name in some myth?

A goddess?

I guess that has nothing to do with this.

Maybe yelling in the dorm

was what got me in trouble.

Like, maybe she got scolded afterward

Or the sushi thing.

Maybe she didnt want her senpai taken?

Even when we see each other

on campus, she ignores me.

Man, other peoples love drama is so fun.

See? Even the koi are happy.

Are you listening to me?

This is a serious problem, you know.

Im listening.

Youve got earbuds in.

Huh? Oh yeah.

These?

Just an illusion, huh?

Back in the day...

There was this girl I liked who

was always wearing earbuds.

Every day Id wonder, Whats she listening to?

Im trying to give that sense of intrigue

to someone who might fall for me.

Has anyone even asked you?

Well, that girl ran off with her

music teacher, got divorced, and

I hear shes in the Self-Defense Force.

- What kind of story is that?

I wonder if Yumi Irisus free today.

I mean, I heard about the situation and...

I thought maybe Irisu might be hurt by all this.

And... Taguchi had something he wanted to say.

Since were here, dont hold back.

Order whatever you want.

- Lets order from the expensive pages!

- All the grilled stuff. And champagne.

A whole box of ice tiramisu.

T543...

- Excuse me.

- Dessert first or later...?

Please wait just a moment.

Hey, shes waiting for you to speak.

Uh I liked Irisu.

Huh?

But, after hanging out and talking with her a lot...

I started feeling like... she has no depth?

No depth?

And then, when we had drinks

at her place, and her roommate...

I saw you, Senpai!

And it was love at first sight!

I even went to your shows in secret.

You have a real dream and look so cool.

Then Irisu just started to seem kinda...

How do I put it...

Yeah just kind of like a fool.

So I kept using Irisu as

a go-between to see you, Senpai.

Im sorry I used you like that, Irisu.

Youre being way too honest!

Pick your words better!

Did it never cross your mind how she might feel?

I mean, I felt kinda bad, but I didnt think that far...

Thats not an excuse!

Who are you, Shinji Ikari?!

No depth, a go-between, fool?

Who the hell do you think you are?!

Hey hey hey, chill, chill, chill!

Taguchi, come on...

I wonder... if he meant...

No depth, in a... positive sense?

Like, um...

Shes more like a bowl than a glass.

What the hell are you even saying?

- A bowl...

- This is absolute hell.

Used me as a go-between?

What am I, a food delivery app?

Senpai -- I mean...

Ruka.

What do you think of me?

Using Irisu as a go-between?

Thats just not okay.

Wait, not okay like...?

Like she would never date you.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Heres your Napolitan.

- Excuse me, this is the Caesar salad.

- Thanks for the food.

And this one is the demi-glace hamburger steak.

Please enjoy your meal.

Okay, now I really gotta ask who are you?

Oh, Im Taguchis friend. Names Ito.

He showed me a video of your live performance.

It had a really unique vibe.

Is that supposed to be a compliment?

Here, this might cheer you up.

That voice is something else.

Hes not worth crying over.

He cant play instruments, and even if

hes got money, its just his parents anyway.

Wasting brain space on a guy like thats just a loss.

Thats not really how I think of things...

For me...

More than being dumped or used as a go-between...

Its just something else.

Oww! What the hell?!

Damn, that really hurts...

You okay? Let me see it.

What the hell are you doing?!

Righteous punishment...

- Ow ow ow! Dont touch me!

- Just let me see it!

Yeah no, that was just regular ol violence.

Its bleeding.

- Are you serious?!

- Dead serious.

Here too, theres blood.

- Oh, never mind. Thats just a pimple.

- Just a pimple?

Oww... that really hurts...

Im really sorry.

Well, at least Navi-ko didnt get smashed.

So I'm okay.

Hi there!

Navi-kooo!

Man, you really love that thing, huh?

If we just go home like this,

its gonna stay awkward.

- Lets just go for a random drive.

- Ooh, I like that.

Ive got the whole day off too.

Lets do it.

- Dont call it a day off.

- What? Why not?

Navi-ko, where should we go?

Isnt that amazing?

Seriously, yeah.

Senpai, what were you like in high school?

I played in a band for

the school festival, I guess.

But we broke up right after.

I wouldve loved to see that!

Bet you looked super cool.

Yeah, me too...

Having a dream already in high school!

Impressive!

But chasing a dream is something

you can still start now, right?

Chasing a dream, huh?

I wonder what I even want to do.

I want a cushy, high-paying part-time job.

Ah yeah, same here.

First, I want to finish

Navi-kos skin collection.

No, I mean something deeper.

I just read whatever manga is trending,

watch YouTube...

and before I know it, the whole days gone.

Feels like lifes just gonna pass by like that too.

Damn, thats way too real.

When I was a kid, I wanted to

run a takoyaki stand, or maybe a udon shop.

Hey, at least that had some realism to it.

I wanted to be a superhero, believe it or not.

Well, guess that hasnt really changed.

HEN-TAI!

I don't get it...

He never makes any sense.

No, not that...

Dont you ever feel anxious,

living so aimlessly?

Anxious about what, exactly?

Huh?

I mean like, whats your goal or purpose in life?

Like a reason to live?

Doesnt it bother you not having one?

Theres gotta be something, right?

To you, we might look weird,

but from our perspective...

youre the one who seems like an alien, Senpai.

An alien? How?

At this age, you're lucky to stick to a clear goal.

I just do it because I love it, thats all.

Isnt that how its supposed to be?

But acting like I have no dream at all...

Isnt that just an excuse?

Senpai, if you look at your phone,

its just big-shot people saying big-shot stuff

and getting tons of attention.

People like us can already see

how far were ever going to go in life.

I kinda already know Im not gonna achieve

anything special, so trying feels like a bad deal.

Bad deal, seriously?

Deep down, don't you feel the same way?

Like your music...

You kind of know your own limits, don't you?

Knowing that, and still

pushing forward doesnt it hurt?

Being able to put in the effort is a privilege.

God, you just keep whining and whining.

Give it a rest!

Wait, Senpai?

Hey, hey, hey, hold up...

You two are seriously violent.

People who talk a big game but never

do anything are the absolute worst!

Oh, good. Its not broken.

Senpai kind of lost it,

but honestly, you went too far.

You couldve just said, Good luck.

She really doesnt get it, huh.

Huh?

Theres a space between people who know

what they want to do and people who dont.

Thats a whole category of its own.

I think most people like 80% fall into that group.

Maybe I really should just

aim to open a takoyaki stand.

Whered that come from?

You know how it is...

In Taguchi's mind, Ive become just this

totally irrelevant background character.

Like I was never seen as

a real person to begin with.

Feels like Im gonna be NPC #1 for the rest of my life.

Thats really how it feels sometimes.

Idiot.

Dont go underestimating

your own worth like that.

You matter to me, you know.

Were here.

Thanks for the ride. Catch you later.

Yup, see ya.

Huh? What?

Whats up?

Navi-kos...

...shutting down at the end of the month...

Shutting down...

I'm just... after all that...

Ugh, what the hell is up with today?!

My life sucks! Damn it!

Do you know how much money I dumped into that game?!

You think the car can go a bit farther?

Wanna drive to Kamakura?

Yeah... lets go...

So you do have a heart.

Whats that supposed to mean?

Owowowow... hot... hot...

Hot hot hot...

Aww, is that a hot water bottle?

Alright, all set for bed.

- What about a bath?

- Its too cold, Im skipping it.

Gross. I cant stand people who

crawl into bed without bathing.

Youre one to talk.

You cant even go grocery shopping alone.

- Hey, hands off!

- So clingy!

What do you mean, "clingy"?

Hey, hey Your foot's sticking out!

Yikes, scary scary scary...

Right? Totally!

Hello?

Whats up? You finally took a bath?

Ah, sorry, did I wake you?

I dont really get it, but someone from

a record label wants to meet me.

Wait, seriously? Thats huge!

Are they talking debut-level stuff?

I mean, I'm going there without any expectations.

Youre not even gonna dress up or anything?

This is literally the nicest outfit I have.

Even in this cold?

Howve you managed to survive up until now?

By trying really hard, thank you very much.

Hold on...

Am I doing this right?

Its my first time wrapping someone else up like this.

So warm...

Alright... here we go...

This is my favorite scarf, so dont lose it, okay?

Got it.

Good.

Alright then. Im off.

Good afternoon.

Um, Im Kujirai from Peat Moth.

Im here to see someone named Arabiya...

Thank you.

Please wait just a moment.

Ms. Kujirai has arrived.

Understood.

Please have a seat on that sofa.

Ah, thank you...

Maybe I should buy at least one decent suit.

Are they taking us out for sushi? Or steak?

Im starving...

Wonder if well get to play a summer festival...

Things are about to get busy.

We should introduce ourselves to

the big acts, right? I suck at greetings...

- "Good morning!"

- Shut up, you idiot!

Act more confident, will you?

Youre way too stiff.

You dont look like a band guy at all.

What are you doing? Seriously, what are you doing?

Stop it, dont bring that out.

- They might ask us to play something, you know?

- Oh, good point.

Hey, what are you doing?

Cut it out.

Youre Ms. Kujirai, right?

Good morning!

Good morning, yes.

We really appreciate you

coming all this way today.

This is Jil Sander.

-Wow...

- Jil... Jil Sander...

Im with OT Records, talent division.

My name is Arabiya. Nice to meet you.

Ah, sorry... I dont have a business card or anything...

Oh, no worries at all.

Theyre just a hassle, really.

I'm Kujirai.

And these are the other members...

Oh, thank you for escorting her.

- Very considerate.

- "Escorting"...?

Good morning!

Alright, shall we get started?

Now?

You're really good.

You all get along like

elementary school kids. Nice vibe.

Alright, shall we get going?

Are you hungry?

- Yeah, kinda...

- Then lets go.

Lets head out.

Come on, lets go.

No, it's cool... I got it...

Hurry up!

What are you doing?

Ouch, ouch...

We can't all go?

He said we were just escorting her...

Yeah...

Alright, please get in, Ms. Kujirai.

Um...

- Please.

- Excuse me...

Oh, uh well

Okay then, to your three companions

Thank you for bringing your

large instruments all the way out here...

All four of us are...

We're heading out!

Good luck! Right?

Yeah, good luck!

Yeah, yeah! You'll k*ll it!

Yeah! Good luck!

Stay safe, yeah?

Wanna smoke first, then drink?

Drink! Lets drink!

Yeah, Toriichizu would be perfect right now.

They might have one

nearby theyre a chain.

Should we go for hotpot?

Unusual order for an izakaya.

Hotpot at an izakaya...

What a luxury...!

Is your seatbelt bothering you?

Eh not really.

- Are you feeling cramped or uncomfortable?

- I'm fine.

Nice to meet you. Im Uruma, the producer.

Wait? Not a private room today?

No way wed get a private room with a girl!

Sorry, he's just old-school.

- No more private rooms?

- Nope, we cant do that anymore.

Um, so todays meeting is about... uh...

Oh, yeah, right!

Lets talk business before you get too drunk, okay?

Straight to the point...

OT Records would like to to sign

an exclusive contract with you.

An exclusive contract?

Yes. Great, right?

A professional solo debut.

Solo?

Oh, well, I'm actually part of a four-member band...

Peat Moth, right?

Right, yeah. Your escorts earlier.

Escorts?

That's nice too, but hmm...

They're a bit well...

The idea is --

We have a concept to make

your music reach everyone!

To everyone...

Yeah.

But as for me...

Do you ever read these?

Sure...

Impressive, you really do your homework.

- You should study properly too.

- I dont have much time, sorry.

Itd be wonderful if the world

were full of people like you, Ruka

But sadly, thats not how things are.

Most music we hear is random

shuffled on YouTube or out on the street.

Thats what counts

as selling music these days.

People who find what they love

and form their own opinions are rare.

There it is!

Please stop teasing me!

Its embarrassing.

Getting published like this, so people can

get to know you is genuinely important.

For us, being unknown is a crime.

If I can rephrase, its a criminal offense!

Exactly, you nailed it.

Thats it.

First, we push lots of exposure

on TV and elsewhere.

Let more people know Ruka, and make them love you!

Then what happens next, you might ask?

Uh, honestly I dont really know.

We and the fans all grow together.

Grow...

From now on, you might have steak every day...

Or maybe todayll be the first and last time.

No one can guarantee anything.

You may face harder times in the future, too.

But we give it our all, and were betting on you.

So Ruka, I hope youll bet on us too.

Lets do this together, yeah.

Welcome back!

How did it go?

Hey...

Want some dinner? Curry maybe?

I already had steak.

What?! You had steak? Thats unfair.

I just watched a YouTuber down 100,000 yen

worth of yakiniku while I ate instant curry!

- Oh...

- Don't just say, "Oh."

Hey, where's my scarf?

You lost it?

What?

This is really too much.

Im back...

I got rice, toilet paper, and a bunch of other stuff.

Convenience store prices

arent that different, I guess.

Why do household goods

all seem to run out at once?

What's going on?

Another side job?

I decided to drop out of college and move.

But still within Tokyo.

Huh?

Excuse me? No, no! What?!

Huh? What? Huh?

Sorry...

That's so selfish!

Huh? What...

What are we supposed to do with these?

I just bought them!

Im sorry.

I wont help with the move.

That's fine.

I can handle it on my own.

Thats not what I mean...

Huh? Wait... what? Seriously?!

Explain...!

I'll help.

Once we finish this,

lets go to the convenience store.

Buy anything that catches your eye.

Whatever looks good.

Lets drink until morning.

So good!

This is store-bought?

Tastes like something from a restaurant!

- This might be the greatest luxury on Earth.

- I didnt know they sold grilled fish like this.

Technology's amazing.

So good!

But you're gonna be living it up from now on, right?

Man...

If Id known, I wouldve hung out with you more.

- We never got to go back for that giant naan curry.

- Right!

I wanted to try that samgyeopsal!

Well, if you're staying in Tokyo,

there's tons of good spots.

If you find somewhere cool,

you better take me there.

Your treat.

My treat, huh?

I thought something was

off about you the other day.

Suddenly youre moving out.

Now Ive gotta figure out how to survive on my own.

I wish I could just keep floating through life here.

But I know thats not enough.

You have to do what you can, while you still can.

Always have to...

You startled me.

I mustve dozed off...

I was hoping you moving out was just a dream!

You were singing in your sleep.

I was dreaming of watching your live show.

And I was singing "Nemurubaka" with you.

That was "Nemurubaka"?

Totally off key.

You looked so happy on stage...

But now I'm awake, and you look so sad.

I don't have any talent.

What are you talking about?

You couldnt have written a song

that good if you had no talent.

And they wouldnt be offering you a deal.

I didnt write "Nemurubaka."

What?

You were asleep.

Mumbling it in your sleep, like just now.

Seriously?

I heard it and thought, "Wow, thats a great song."

So I recorded it and transcribed

it into sheet music.

Wait, so "Nemurubaka" really means Sleeping Fool?

You turned my sleep mumbling into a song?

Thats creepy!

Honestly, Ive always felt like

a fraud because of that.

But you're the one who turned it into a song.

You sang it. You made people love it.

That was all you.

I really like that song.

I love it.

Senpai?

During that next year...

I watched her become famous,

unable to do anything but stare.

The sound spills out, rushing forward...

Turn the clock more, just a little more

Can you hear what the wind is trying to say?

Turn the clock more, just a little more

Under the same sky, the two of us breathe

But even our rhythms are out of sync

Still, I want to know everything

The spring color that bloomed in you...

- That melody sounds familiar...

- They play it everywhere.

It's stuck in my head.

- Try singing it.

- I can't!

Just try!

AOr Human, Official

New Song "Haruiro"

Music Video

NEMURUBAKA / PEAT MOTH AT HACHIOJI RIPS LIVE

Video unavailable: This video is private

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You get a Mega for free!

SKIP AD

A MONKEY EATING A BANANA

To Irisu

AOr Human,

FREE TICKE- What's going on?

- Yeah, yeah...

I was too exhausted from work

at the screw factory, so I ditched.

What are you up to these days?

Still playing a little on the side.

I might be getting married.

Excuse me, sorry...

Whoa...

I am AOr Human,

The sound spills out, rushing forward...

Turn the clock more, just a little more

Can you hear what the wind is trying to say?

Turn the clock more, just a little more

Under the same sky, the two of us breathe

But even our rhythms are out of sync

Still, I want to know everything

Even the parts that arent the same

The spring color that bloomed in you

What kind of color is it? Ah...

I want to be dyed by all four seasons

Still completely transparent as I am

Love comes to those who laugh

Ah, would you mind getting a little more drunk?

Acting all cool

You always mumble like that

Hiding behind that deadpan face

I want to get drunk on your eyes, your words

You more, you more, you more, more more humor

That sense of humorlove you forever

When I get drunk I say it

Youre the only one

And then you're a liar again

But I still believe you

You more, you more, you more, more more humor

Vowing in flickering light

What does Love you mean?

If Im serious, heres my best answer

Hey, give me moreyou more

Thank you!

A clever hawk hides its trap

Is this really what you wanted to do...?

You left me behind... for this?

Hiding behind that deadpan face

Idiot!

You more, you more, you more, more more humor

Peat Moths live shows were way better than this.

My full-force answerthen again, you liar

It makes me want to cry

You more, you more, you more, more more humor

Thanks, everyone! I love you all!

See you again! Thank you!

Great job! One more song, okay?

That was great. Really great.

- A guitar?

- Yeah...

Whats going on? Huh?

What... what is she doing?

Tuning?

Just one more song.

Lyrics by me, Ruka Kujirai.

She said it...

She said her name...

Music by Peat Moth.

And... Yumi Irisu.

Nemurubaka!

Sleeping Fool

Am I still okay?

I know its hard to answer

So now

Im asking you anyway

NEMURUBAKA

A rotting wooden window frame

A dusty, sweet smell

The edges of things start to blur

The spring air clings and wraps around me

I tried standing up, shouldering a dream

But my feet are totally unsteady

I put on my shoes and stepped outside

But the map I have is so unreliable

Through the fog

I walk, I walk, I walk

Still not knowing where Im going

Should I just make peace with it and keep going straight?

Or screw it, and sing out loud?

The beers already open

Bags of snacks piled up

Talking about nothing that matters

Thats how we spent the time

In those vague, uncertain nights

Please let it all be worth it

Let it all be worth it

Sleeping Fool

Am I still okay?

I know its hard to answer

So now

Im asking you right now

If there was poison in the bun I tried to eat

Youd tell me, right?

Im counting on you!

Please!

Sleeping Fool

Answer me

Senpai! Senpai!

Answer me

- Senpai!

Take care.

And so, Senpai vanished without a trace.

Senpai?

Good morning! Wake up!

Do you even know what time it is?

Senpai! Senpai!

Come on, seriously, get up already!

Shut up, Akira... seriously...

I'm exhausted from job hunting...

Just let me sleep...

Lets have a strategy meeting about lunch!

You're eating fruit for breakfast? Wild.

What do you mean, wild?

Even living in a dorm,

I want to live like an adult.

You woke me up,

so follow my line.

Line?

How about bringing that

guy youve been eyeing?

What was his name again? Takahashi?

You mean Takase?

Its not like...

Im not eyeing him or anything.

Oh yeah, Senpai.

I found this.

Hm?

What CD is this?

Pea...to...motch?

Pe... Pea... motch?

Its nothing...

Why are you putting it away?

Let's listen to it!

No.

Oh... sorry.

Is it something from an old lover?

Who knows.