Sweet Season - Episode 2

falling deeper in love

Shinya walking home, late in the evening
Mahiro runs down the stairs, having had her overnight cover blown when she read the phone note left by her mom from Saki
Mahiro: "okasan", "kore" (this)...
Mahiro shows her mom (in the kitchen) the phone note
Mahiro: Saki called, didn't she?
her mom keeps quiet (she's the quiet type) and just walks off to do housework, ignoring Mahiro
Mahiro: "doushite" (why? ====> why didn't you tell me earlier?)
Mahiro following her mom to the dining table
Mahiro: why don't you say something?
Yayako: what do you want me to say?
Mahiro: when i came back, you should have told me Saki called.
mom is still laying the table for dinner quietly
Mahiro: since you already know, why keep quiet? pretending not to know, listening to me tell more lies. i feel like a complete idiot. do you think that's very funny?
Mahiro has followed her mom back to the kitchen
Yayako: "okasan" did not think in this way
door closing sound
Shinya: "taidaima"
Yayako: "okaeri nasai" (same as okaeri, but more polite form)
Shinya entering the main dining area and greets his wife
Shinya: "taidaima"
Yayako: "okaeri nasai"
Shinya sees his daughter, looking rather quiet (suddenly)
Shinya: oh
Mahiro: "okaeri nasai"
Shinya goes up close to get a good look at his daughter, then looks away and gives a sheepish grin
Shinya: ah, really useless. thought i wouldn't lose to the younger guys. i need to put in more practice.
Mahiro ignores her dad and goes upstairs, but her dad stops her
Shinya: "chotto matte". i have something to talk to you about
Yayako: dinner will be ready shortly
Shinya: i've already eaten with my colleagues
Yayako: you said yourself that you'd be home early today-
Shinya: when i am with my colleagues, we would always have dinner together
Yayako: then you should have given me a call to let me know
Shinya: i know i should have given you a call, but playing golf is also a part of my job. is the bath water ready?
Yayako is deflated already, and submits to the fact that her hubby is like that, and goes to check on his bath
Yayako: "hai", i will see to it now
Shinya is now at leisure to question his daughter
Shinya: where were you yesterday?
Mahiro: nowhere
Shinya: what do you mean nowhere?
Mahiro: what do you care where i went? i'm not a child anymore
voices start to rise. quarrel starting?
Shinya: it's because you're not a child anymore that i care.
Yayako comes back from checking the bath and tries to cool things down
Yayako: didn't you just come back from Saki's place? your high school friend...
Mahiro doesn't like her mom covering up for her (still boiling over from her earlier efforts at confronting her peaceloving mom)
Mahiro: you're really too deceitful!
she runs upstairs, and her mom is shocked at her accusation (true, but shocking, nevertheless)
Yayako: Mahiro!
Shinya turns to look at the shopping Mahiro brought back, and notices the gifts were bought from the same place he was at. ====> i think he has a slight suspicion but chooses not to act on it.

Akira is playing with his cat's bell (====> well, actually, the poor cat's being used by him to cover up for his infidelity. the bell's not really for the cat, is it?) he's so engrossed thinking about Mahiro that he doesn't notice his wife has returned home
Chikako: "tadaima"
Akira: oh. "okaeri" why so late?
Chikako: why so moody?
Akira: nothing, just a little tired
he puts the cat on the table (====> time to put his plaything away and be the proper husband)
Akira: hey
Chikako does not like cats on tables. ====> she's rather prim and proper. she slaps the cat's bum to get it off the table
Chikako (to cat, and i think to Akira too, so that he doesn't do it again, i.e. put cat on table): ah. no sitting on the table
the cat, surprised, meowed loudly as it jumps off. Akira is surprised too!
Akira: ah. that is really pitiful
Chikako is tired after a long day's work, sits herself on the carpeted floor by the table
Chikako: the one that should be pitied is me
Chikako: today we had to do editing, but Ashitamo-san could not be found. we looked all over the place
Akira: so did you find him?
Chikako: caught him by the neck, and told him to get the job done
Akira: ha. "ah so" ("desuka")
Chikako, although tired, was not too tired to remember something, and sticks her hand out
Chikako: ah. where's my "omiyage" from your trip?
Akira pats her hand, and gets up to get it. he gives it to her
Akira: hoy!
Chikako opens her present joyfully
Chikako: ah! "onsen" (hot spring) buns! how i love to eat these sweet things!
Chikako reads the packaging
Chikako: Ginsuiso (====> check out their website: http://www.ginsuiso.co.jp/index.html)? you stayed there?
Akira: um
====> Akira to change the subject, since it brings back wrong memories, ha ha
Akira: ah. i will make tea.
he gets up to go to the kitchen to make tea
Chikako: thank you
Chikako: "otsukare ta" (that's short for the full sentence, "otsukare sama deshita". she said it to herself cos she's had a hard day's work)
Akira: rest awhile then
Akira opens the fridge to get stuff
Akira: occasionally, we should also go out and have fun.
====> Akira asking for trouble. he should follow Shinya's example of never going on vacations with wife, ha ha.
Chikako: what about Kyoto?
Akira: Kyoto's not good (====> ha ha, he doesn't want people to know he's two-timing his wife)
Chikako: "doushite"?
Akira: it's too cold. i've heard it's the coldest for the last 10 years. Chika (wife's name, minus the 'ko'), aren't you most afraid of the cold?
Chikako: "so ka" (short for "so desuka")
====> too bad for Akira, but his wife is one smart apple, so she thinks immediately of the opposite of cold, which is also another taboo location for his wife
Chikako: "jaa". "onsen"! was there an outdoor hot spring where you were staying?
====> Akira has to think real quick now, since there's no good excuse now, as it should be warm enough! i should know, i've been to a japanese bath in a hotel at Hamanako (Lake Hamana, near Hamamatsu) (i'm not sure it's a hot spring bath) and they are HOT!
Akira: ah. outdoor... outdoor bath... eh...
Chikako: Ito! (====> that's at Izumo Peninsula, where Akira had fun with Mahiro)
Akira: let's go to Hakone! (====> between Izumo and Yokohama) it's near and i know this really great outdoor bath.
Chikako: "ah so". yes! then it's settled we'll go there.
====> Chikako is really happy at the thought of a long-deserved rest and recreation with her beloved. so sad for us viewers cos we know what's happening behind her back and long to tell her she's got a **** of a husband.
Chikako: "watashi wa ne"...

sweet season bar is open for business. someone pats the back of Mahiro sitting alone at the bar counter, who is sipping a drink.
woman: juice?
Mahiro: Saki!
Saki: you can't drink?
Mahiro: i drove here (====> in Japan, it is against the law to drink and drive. a very sensible policy i personally endorse)
Saki: you've always been very law-abiding. "masutai" (proprietor, barkeep), gin-tonic
barkeep: ayo (ok)
Mahiro: long time no see. how long has it been since we last met? why did you suddenly look for me?
Saki: i am getting married (====> doesn't look too happy. reason coming up shortly)
Mahiro: "hontou"?
Saki: it's a bit of a rush, next month. I will need you to make a speech
Mahiro: "doushite"?
Saki gets a cigarette and starts smoking
Saki: for the sake of my unborn child
Mahiro: for the sake of my unborn child? you're pregnant?
Saki: it's been already 3 months
Mahiro: but you are able to do your job smoothly? (Mahiro is afraid the usual morning sickness will affect Saki)
Saki: they say that once you have a child, your voice will change and become ugly to listen to. (====> old wives' tale, i'm afraid) so i am still considering (====> an abortion). "demo"... ah, forget it!
barkeep: here you go.
Saki: thanks
Saki's drink is put in front of her, but Mahiro takes if from her immediately (====> alcohol is bad for the fetus, ie. the unborn child)
Mahiro: "sumimase" (apologizes to Saki as she takes away her cigarette as well)
Saki: what are you doing?
Mahiro (to barkeep): please give her a glass of juice
while Mahiro was distracted, Saki tries to recover her drink, but to no avail. Mahiro gets it back from her.
Saki: it's ok. just a little drink won't hurt
Mahiro: "gomen"!
Saki: Mahiro's "Ma" (real, truth) is the 'serious, taking things really seriously' "Ma"
Mahiro: i'm not that serious
Saki: don't pretend to be a bad girl, Mahiro is Mahiro
at the end of the meeting, by herself
Mahiro (to herself): yet again, losing to others. "demo", so what if you get married?

driving home, she continues to ask herself questions
Mahiro: why get married?
Mahiro: destiny?
Mahiro: even if you have lots of guys you like, if it's not destined then you can't get married, isn't that right?
Mahiro: for example, the other person is a married man
Mahiro is frustrated, and she presses on her car horn to vent it out.

the next morning, she wakes up and takes a stroll out on the balcony. Yayako is already up and tending to her plants
Yayako: "ohayo"
Mahiro: "ohayo"
Yayako: breakfast is ready, hurry up and eat
Mahiro: um

Mahiro comes down for breakfast. her dad has already eaten and is reading the papers
Mahiro: "ohayo"
Shinya: "ohayo"
Shinya wants to talk to his daughter about the other day
Shinya: Mahiro, you...
Mahiro: "nani"?
at this point in time, his wife enters the house and he stops
Yayako: Mahiro, Yuma "wa" (where's Yuma)?
Mahiro: don't know, perhaps she's still sleeping?
Yayako: that child
the mother goes to get Yuma up, as Mahiro sits down to breakfast. now's the chance for Shinya to ask again
Mahiro: "itadakimasu" (a phase you say before eating)
Shinya: Mahiro
Mahiro: "nani"?
Shinya: you... haven't decided to get married yet?
====> indirect manner of verifying the couple he saw in the hotel register
Mahiro: why do you suddenly ask such a question?
Shinya: you're nearly 25 years old, it's perfectly normal to have a boyfriend
====> Shinya gets to the point, almost...
Shinya: where were you staying over the night before?
Mahiro: i said i was staying over at a friend's house
Shinya: friend?
Mahiro: Koma Subara Saki. hadn't "okasan" already said so?
Shinya: "so ka"? well, then that must be so
====> Shinya still continues to hint, hoping his daughter will confess, fat hopes!
Shinya: for the completion of the building, we went on a trip to an "onsen". there was an outdoor bath. the place was quite nice, but a bit big. had to walk a long way to the reception. really tiring. when i was walking along the corridor...
Mahiro has been listening, and now she stopped eating, turned to look at her dad (====> cos she was at the corridor watching the snow falling). ====> Shinya didn't get to the point, probably felt it was too early to pry
Shinya: i bumped into a colleague. that fellow had a bit too much to drink, so he pestered me for a long time, really troublesome.
Mahiro relieved that he didn't seem to know she was there, began eating again
Mahiro: was he tipsy?
Shinya: after that, he kept apologizing to me
Shinya puts out his cigarette, and gets up to get something which he brought back from his trip
Shinya: i told him it was ok, but he kept feeling bad about the incident.
Shinya shows a box to Mahiro
Shinya: so he gave me an "omiyage". it's "onsen" buns
====> complete with the Ginsuiso brand on it, trying to get a reaction from his daughter again, but she calls his bluff
Mahiro: you stayed there?
Shinya: yes, it was a well-run place
Shinya still trying to test the waters and watching her for signs
Shinya: when night fell, suddenly it began snowing. it was very beautiful.
====> Mahiro just continues to eat, cool as a cucumber. then she pretends as if nothing has affected her and looks up, and pretends to be surprised to see her father looking hard at her.
Mahiro: "nani"?
Shinya: nothing
====> Shinya lost this round.
Shinya gets up and goes back to his seat. just then, the entrance of his younger daughter in a foul mood interrupted the mood
Yuma: "onechan" why didn't you wake me up?
Mahiro: i've finished
Mahiro gets up to go, making her sis really frazzled (they work in the same HIS office)
Yuma: "chotto matte" (wait for me!)
Mahiro: not getting up is your problem
Yayako: Mahiro, you should just wait a while for her. After all, you are both going to same place of work.
Mahiro: "itte kimasu" (i'm leaving. see you later)
Yuma: "onechan"!
Mahiro leaves the house.
====>she's worried cos her father nearly found out the truth about last night (ok, it was the night before last)

someone's lower half of the body running along the streets
Chikako: husband dear, hurry up!
Akira: oi! (it's his body running, and he starts to run)
Chikako: we're going to be late (for the train or work?) quickly! are you out of breath?
the two of them are running along the path in a hurry
Akira: yes, not enough exercise. let's work out at a gym, ok?
Chikako: yes
Akira: you're (going to work) even earlier than yesterday
Chikako: today, i have to do an interview on the topic of "the working woman's view of love". it's too much!
Akira: why?
Chikako: because i'm too old. lately, talking to the younger girls, i get easily angered
Akira: you're too strict. just because they have youth and beauty, you think you can bully them. (teasing wife)
Chikako: what nonsense! (jesting back)

switch back to the Fujitani household, where both sisters are rushing to get to work too
Mahiro: you're making me late (====> remember Akira reprimanded her for being late the other day?)
Yuma: but you still waited up for me. that's the concern "onechan" shows
Mahiro: don't just think it's just work, you can take it easy
Yuma: no such thing. i'm very serious, very serious
Mahiro: repeating it twice just shows you're not serious. "onechan" recommended you for the job, so if you don't do a good job, it will be difficult for me
Yuma: i have to trouble you to do an interview today
Mahiro: and i have said before that i don't want to
Yuma: but it's a favour for my university sorority sister, as i am not really a working woman (====> having just started to work)
Mahiro (repeats Chikako's topic): "the working woman's view of love". just listening to these words, there's nothing to talk about
Yuma: because you have never fallen truly in love?
Mahiro: what? (she stops in shock at the truth in her sister's words)
Yuma: you've split up with Chiyo-san again. "onechan" you really cannot hold on (to a guy) for long.

the guy (Chiyo Yutaka) in question is running along the office, looking for...
Yukata: "sumimasen", i want to enter (the lift)
Yukata gives a sigh in relief (====> glad he got the lift, makes you wonder how long it takes to get a lift in Tokyo)
Yukata (looks to apologize to the person who held the lift door open): "sumimasen"
Yukata (then, in surprise): Mahiro
Mahiro, to avoid him, gets out of the lift.
Yukata (action man!): "chotto! matte!" (he pulls her back in the lift, she is shocked!)
Yukata pressed the ground floor button so they can be alone together in the lift
Mahiro: "nani"?
Yukata: why "what"? i should be the one asking you what you are doing
Yukata finally asks her about the train incident, cos he's jealous (although he's EX)
Yukata: yesterday morning, at the train station, in front of the lockers. you were holding 2 big travel bags. what were you doing? i had called your mom and left a note for you to return my call. why didn't you contact me?
Ding-dong. lift has reached the ground floor
Yukata: Mahiro, "doushite"-
door opens and there are lots of people waiting to enter the lift. Mahiro takes the opportunity to run out. he goes after her.
Yukata: "sumimasen".
he calls out to her
Yukata: Fujitani
then stops, cos it's futile to chase her in public.
Mahiro's colleague: Mahiro, there's a call for you on line 2
Mahiro: "hai"
Mahiro walks to her desk, past Akira, who sees her and is grinning to himself.
Mahiro picks up her phone: hai-
man's voice: "ore" (====> it's me)
here, you are deceived into thinking it's Akira who called her, you're thinking that's why he's smiling. but you see her surprised look (which is not a happy surprise) and follow her eyes to another desk
Yukata: why are you avoiding me?
Mahiro: i'm not avoiding
Yukata: i can't do it.
Yukata: are you listening?
Mahiro: "gomen". it's not a good time to talk now. "chotto" (in this context, asking to talk a little later)
Yukata: what i am going to say now, i know that shows how useless i am and i wouldn't do it if i could help it, but... can you see me again?

woman's voice: so you agreed to meet him?
Mahiro: um
scene has cutover to lunch with her sister
Yuma: but didn't you not want to see him again.
Mahiro: it's nothing special, why we decided to split
Yuma: that's because of the past
Mahiro: what past?
Yuma: the many splits and reunions you've both had. poor Chiyo-san
====> hmm, does Yuma have feelings for Mahiro's ex?
Mahiro: "doushite"?
saved by the bell, Yuma sees the interview crew has just arrived
Yuma: ah! they're here!

back in the office, Akira is walking around, and bumped into someone
Akira: sorry
he spots Yukata walking nearby, and calls to him
Akira: Chiyohachi, Chiyohachi
no response, cos Yukata is pretty moody right now.
Akira (louder and nearer): Chiyohachi!
he finally gets Yukata's attention
Yukata: "kachou"
Akira: why so listless? woman trouble?
Yukata: i am confused as to what is happening
Akira: it couldn't be. you mean i guess right? tell me in depth what's it all about (====> ...alfie. hee hee. silly song pun here, please excuse me. douzo.)
Yukata: "yoroshiku" (please remember me)
Akira: let's go to the coffee shop opposite, ok?
Yukata: "hai"

back to the interview. for the first time, wife meets mistress (====> not really, since Akira has never had to spend to keep her) but neither knew yet
Chikako: i am from the "gekkan" (monthly publication), 'Ebihara' (====> her maiden name) "desu". "onegaishimasu" (formal introduction, means "please", probably means "pleased to meet you")
====> Mahiro looks very shocked. she hadn't expected this sharp looking and direct speaking pro. of course, she doesn't know it's Akira's wife, since she uses her maiden name at work.
Mahiro: "doumo" (thanks, literally, it means "indeed")
Chikako: during the interview, we will be taking some photos, so just be natural and it will be fine.
Mahiro (hesitates): taking photos?
Yuma: "otosan" and "okasan" will be very happy. you should take it as a form of honoring your parents while they are still alive. (cos Mahiro will get her 15 minutes of fame). "jaa ne" (see you later)
Mahiro holds her sis back
Mahiro: "chotto"
Yuma: ah. sorry, "onechan", today's my turn to take the noon shift. come back (to the office) soon. "jaa ne"
Mahiro: Yuma
too bad, she's not getting any sisterly support here
Chikako: so, is it ok if we start now?
Mahiro: lunch break is only 1 hour...
Chikako: ah, then we must quickly discuss the topic.
even the photographer quickly gets to work, shooting Mahiro
Chikako: regarding your love life, what is the longest time you've been with a partner?
Mahiro: "san-nen" (3 years), "desu" (polite phrase, "please", and usually its "desu ka")
Mahiro thinks about the 3 years with Yukata
Chikako: and the reason for going separate ways is?
Mahiro (rouses from her reverie): eh?
Chikako: ah. "gomen nasai". i thought it would be better to ask you direct questions
Mahiro: ah. there were many reasons...
Chikako: "iroiro" (various)?
Mahiro: how to say? it's just that i couldn't see that we had a future together.
Chikako: "ja". so now, amongst your circle of friends, can you see a future with one of them?

Mahiro ponders the question of future, even as her past and present are walking towards the cafe.
Yukata: the future? of course we have thought about it. we met in high school, it's been 15 years
Akira: true
Yukata: i'm still a child
Akira: marrying too early will only bring regret
Yukata: "kachou", have you any regrets?
Akira: this... no

back to the interview
Chikako: so, Fujitani-san, you consider that a love affair is not really love? do you think you will never become involved in a love affair?
Mahiro: "chotto matte kudasai" (please wait awhile, polite form) i do not know how answer this sort of questions
Chikako: "gomen nasai". this question is to find out more about you
Mahiro: nevertheless, "sumimase", i must leave
Mahiro gets up to go, but Chikako stops her in her tracks
Chikako: why take it so seriously? is it because you have something to hide? it's ok. love comes in all forms. illicit love is always hidden and painful. it may even causes you to act against your principles. but if you meet a person you like, no matter what the circumstance, that sort of feeling is not easy to express in words. this is fate
Chikako's words have been pressing all the right buttons in Mahiro, then Chikako's phone rings, breaking the spell.
Chikako: "chotto", "gomen nasai"
Chikako answers her phone, and Mahiro sits back down, even as the 2 guys are walking up the stairs to the cafe
Chikako: "hai", "hai". how did this happen? "chotto matte", i will call again. (to Mahiro) "chotto matte gomen nasai"
Mahiro nods, deep in thought over the words just said

Akira: "demo" (but), if the marriage was brought forward, without careful thought, in future, you will not be able to clear up this misunderstanding
Yukata: "so dena" (that is so)
Akira: is it a girl from the office?
Yukata: "iya" (yes)
Akira: wow, quite crowded in here
waiter: "sumimase". table for 2?
Yukata: "hai"
waiter: this way, please
they follow the waiter, towards the interview table, and Yukata catches sight of Mahiro.
Akira: what luck (to get a place), i need to go to the gents first
Chikako: i have caused you to be troubled, haven't i?
Mahiro: no, not at all
Akira has been dragged off by Yukata, much to his surprise, cos he wanted to go to the loo
Yukata: this way, this way
Akira: toi... toilet.
Yukata: shhhh!
Akira: "doko"?
Yukata has dragged Akira out of the cafe, to the surprise of the waiter as well, whose mouth is wide-open
Yukata: she's inside
Akira: isn't that good?
Akira makes to go in, but Yukata stops him
Yukata: no! let's eat tandoori
Akira: tandoori...
Yukata: isn't that a good idea? my treat! let's go
Akira: aren't you going to introduce me?

Chikako comes back into the cafe, having to make her call outside (for privacy, since the call was about something bad that happened)
Chikako: "gomen nasai"
Mahiro: is everything alright?
Chikako: no, everything is not alright. i have to leave immediately. can i give you a call later?
Mahiro: today is not convenient
Chikako: yes, i see. then, anytime is fine. can you please call me at my home anytime today?
Mahiro: "e" (hmm)?
Chikako: please forgive me for this impertinent request. the essay has to be submitted very shortly. no matter what, i must finish it by today
Mahiro: "wakari mashita" (i understand)
Chikako: you have really helped me a lot. "jaa". then i will write down my home number for you.
Chikako writes the number on the back of her name card, and gives it to Mahiro
Chikako: "onegaishimasu"
Mahiro reads the card
Mahiro: Yokohama "nan desu ka" (is where you live)?
Chikako: "e" (Yes)
Mahiro "watashi" Yokohama "desu"

scene switches to a birthday cake, someone's sneaking a bite
voice: what are you doing?
Yuma: "obachan", you're here. "irasshai" (welcome)
Her grandma and mom's entrance may have surprised Yuma, but she still put the piece of cake she pinched into her mouth
Yayako: how can you eat the cake first?
Yuma: what does it matter? after all, i am the main character
the father, hearing some noise in the living room, comes in as well
Shinya: mother is here?
Shinya: so sorry that you have to specially come to visit
Fuji: "iie" (no). although i am getting on in years, i can still manage it
Shinya: your eyesight and hearing are both very good
Fuji: not to worry, i won't live beyond a hundred
Shinya: where's Mahiro?

a cooked bird being chopped. Mahiro has forgotten her sis's birthday and is out having dinner with...
Mahiro: yummy! this is great. please give me another glass
Akira: "hai". forget your troubles and fears. so what's the good news?
Mahiro: hmmm, i met with a good thing
Akira: "nani"
Mahiro: secret
Akira: don't be like that
Mahiro: actually, it should be a wish. anyway, i heard something today that perked up my spirit and gave me new insight
Mahiro: oh, the dishes are here
Akira: indeed
it's a Chinese restaurant, complete with Mandarin-speaking waiter.
waiter: rang4 ni3 men2 jiu2 deng3 le4 (sorry to have kept you waiting) bie2 dong4 (don't touch)! bie2 dong4! zhe4 ge4 hao3 tang4 (this is very hot)!
he lays out the food, and the silly japanese actors go close up to smell the fragrant food
waiter: xiao3 xin1 (be careful), zhe4 ge4 hao3 tang4!, hao3 tang4 (very hot)! bie2 tang4 huai4 shou3 le4 (don't scald your hands).
Akira: he's saying we should be careful
Mahiro: "hontou"?
====> it's quite a performance by the waiter, even i'm getting hungry just watching him prepare the dishes (some hot plate stuff, sizzling sounds)
Mahiro: looks very delicious
waiter leaves, and the couple decides to try their one Chinese phrase
Mahiro: xie4 xie4 (thank you)
Akira: xie4 xie4
they pick up their chopsticks and get on with the business
Akira: this sort of plate causes the food to make the loud sizzling sound, which causes you to be happy and to celebrate
Mahiro: celebrate?
Akira: um. it's a dish for celebration
Mahiro: for celebration... ah!
====> Mahiro suddenly remembers it's her sister's birthday

everyone is waiting for Mahiro at the Fujitani home. Yuma is reciting a poem
Yuma: why does the stomach get hungry? is it because of quarrelling? even if you are happy you still get hungry
Yuma: "ne" (isn't that so), "otosan"
Yayako: let's start first
Shinya (to his mother-in-law): "okasan wa" (what do you think, mother)?
Fuji: it's fine with me
Yuma: "onechan" is really slow. let's eat first
Fuji: just wait a bit more
Yuma shows she is still a kid, as she starts reciting the poem again
Yuma: the stomach and the back have stuck together! (====> when you're really hungry, it does feel that way, doesn't it?)
Fuji: stuck together?
door closing sound
Mahiro: "tadaima"!
ladies: "okaeri na..."
Mahiro enters the room, quite out of breath
Mahiro: "gomen nasai"
Yuma: "onechan", so late!
Mahiro: "gomen", "hontou", "gomen"
Shinya: what took you so long?
Mahiro: "chotto de" (there was something to do)
Shinya: "chotto de" "nan da" (what is it)?
Mahiro: "chotto de"
Yayako: let's eat. Mahiro, you haven't eaten, right?
Mahiro sits down at the seat reserved for her at the dining table, but Shinya wants to get to the bottom of the matter with his daughter. (====> she's been behaving too strangely for some time now)
Shinya: is it something that you cannot tell your parents?
Yuma: "otosan", let's eat
Yuma doesn't want things to blow up, as they are prone to when father and daughter are together, especially so it's her birthday
Yayako: let's do so
====> Shinya uses Mahiro's weak point, her grandma, to put pressure on her. yes, things are coming to a head again.
Shinya: "obachan" came specially, and has been waiting for you.
Fuji: please do not use me as the excuse
Mahiro: i've already apologized, it that not enough?
Shinya: you're too irresponsible. you've kept everyone waiting, and you didn't even inform us in advance
Mahiro: i couldn't contact anyone then. "otosan", wasn't it just yesterday you played golf-
Shinya: don't try and evade!
Mahiro: didn't "otosan" ever evade?
Yayako: Mahiro!
Yuma: don't say anymore
Shinya: can't we ever properly celebrate as a family?
Yuma: it doesn't matter. it's just a birthday, and i'm not a child anymore. i never said you all have to help me celebrate it, right?
Shinya: we are not talking about this
Fuji: Shinya-san-
Shinya: "okasan", shut-up! this is my family's business, don't interfere!
Mahiro: "nan de" (why) must you use such words?
silence... then the father bangs the table as he gets up and goes to his room.

it's still the same night, Mahiro's walking along the corridor in the house
Mahiro: Yuma
she knocks on the door. no reply. she walks back to her room, then sees her sister on the balcony outside her window. she goes out to join her.
Yuma: "onechan"
Mahiro: can i join you?
Yuma: um
Mahiro: it's warm tonight.
a short pause follows the opener from Mahiro
Mahiro: "gomen ne"
Yuma: "iie", it's alright
apology accepted
Mahiro: i'll make it up to you properly
Yuma: no need
another short pause
Yuma: "onechan", why do you hate "otosan" so?
Mahiro does not answer, so Yuma continues
Yuma: because you and him always quarrel, not that it's a big deal, but what's the real reason? is there something i don't know?
====> Yuma has hit on the reason, and Mahiro has to deflect it. why, i don't know, but families will always have secrets from one another.
Mahiro: "nani"? nothing's the matter
Mahiro changes the subject, before Yuma goes deeper
Mahiro: oh yes, that interview was really tiring
Yuma: so, how did it go?
Mahiro: something cropped up, so in a short while, i've got to give her a call.
Yuma: calling Takashima-san's (her sorority sister) home?
Mahiro: no, it's Ebihara-san's (in case you forgot, it's Chikako's maiden name) house
Yuma: that woman's got a very sharp look about her
Mahiro: she's just very straightforward. she's a nice person

phone rings in the dark. it's Akira's house, and he's running to get the phone. it's Mahiro calling. he reaches for the phone, but the cat is obstructing the way
Akira (to the cat): sorry, you're in the way
he picks it up, then gets the phone
too bad, the phone had stopped ringing by then
Akira: dropped

scene switches to the Goto's study
Chikako: i've been waiting for you. i'm so glad you called
Mahiro: "sumimasen", for calling you so late
Chikako: "iie". "chotto matte"
Akira opens the door to the study. Chikako has managed to pick up Mahiro's call inside
both the cat's bell, which Akira's holding, and the bell Mahiro's holding, are ringing
Akira: "denwa" (phone)?
Chikako: um...
Akira: "tadaima"
Chikako: "okaeri"
Akira closes the door, as Chikako resumes her call with Mahiro. all still unaware how close they came to recognizing each other
Chikako: sorry, my husband's just came home
Mahiro: Ebihara-san is married?
Chikako: yes, in principle
Mahiro: in principle?
Chikako: that will have to wait till next time to explain. today, you are the interviewee and i am the one who asks the questions
Mahiro: "hai"

a man is walking in the house at night. you think it's Akira, but no, the silhouette is that of Shinya. he unwraps the birthday cake left for him and takes a bite, but he is not happy. his wife goes looking for him, and turns on the light. he looks to see who it is, and does not comment. they are husband and wife for so long, things need not be said between them. she automatically goes to make tea for him
Yayako: i'll get the tea

Akira is opening a tin of cat food. cat is hungry and mews in anticipation of dinner
Akira (talking to the cat): "chotto matte"
the study door opens, and he hears his wife still on the phone with Mahiro
Chikako (laughingly): "hontou"?
Akira (quietly, to the cat): seems very happy. ok. let's eat
Chikako: ok, we're almost finished. "hontou", "arigato"
Mahiro: "iie". i should thank you too, cos i've had a good time talking with you. at first, i had my suspicions, not sure where it would all lead up to.
Chikako: you thought i was a sharp-eyed old lady, right?
Mahiro: no. because i have never shared about this (her love affair) with anyone before. but you have been a great help, listening to my outpouring of feelings
Chikako: "so"? that's great
Chikako: oh, yes, can i trouble you to have your photos taken one more time? the shots taken today were not good enough
Mahiro: ummm...
Chikako: tomorrow evening, after work, how about it?
Mahiro: feels a bit forced into it (she's teasing Chikako)
Chikako: it's work
Mahiro: "wakari mashita", "jaa"
Chikako having done her job, is feeling high. she goes to look for her husband
Chikako: what are you doing?
Akira: ah? "chotto ne" (nothing)
Akira: you're in a good mood
Chikako: interviewing a working woman. met a nice girl, quite interesting.
Akira (surprised she could like this type of woman): is there still a working woman who can make you think well of?
Chikako: you are making me into a critical old woman again
Akira: hmm
Chikako picks up his coat to put away
Chikako: smells good
Akira: eh?
Chikako: a delicious smell. what did you eat?
Akira: nothing
Chikako: nothing at all?
Akira: eh... "ramen" (chinese noodles)
Chikako: eating those things again. it's like you were back in your bachelor days
Akira smells himself

photo session, bulb flashing. the photographer is Takashima-san
photographer: smile a little. "douzo"
Chikako: almost done?
photographer: yes. now to take the profile (side view)
photographer: "otsukare deshita" (short form of "otsukare sama deshita")
Chikako: "otsukare sama deshita", "hontou" "arigato"
Mahiro: "iie", no need to thank me

Chikako with Takashima and Mahiro, walking off
Chikako: Takashima-san, can you send it over before 3 pm tomorrow?
Takashima: i will rush it
they all say "otsukare sama deshita" to one another and leave
Mahiro (to Chikako): do you still have to work today?
Chikako: no, i have a date with my husband
Mahiro: eh? "so nan desu ka" (is that so)? that's great
Chikako: it's a shame. everyday, i just toss him aside. we haven't gone out for a date for quite a while
Mahiro: i envy you
Chikako: where's your office?
Mahiro: ah. "gomen nasai". i haven't given you my name card
she gets a card from her purse and gives it to Chikako
Mahiro: hei
Chikako takes the card and reads in surprise
Chikako: HIS?
Mahiro looks queryingly at Chikako, that she should be surprised at her working in HIS
Chikako: my husband is also an employee at this company
Mahiro: "hontou ni"? "doku desuka"? "Ebihara-san"?
Mahiro tries to recall if there is a Mr Ebihara in her office
Chikako: Ebihara is my maiden name. My husband's name is...
Chikako looks up and sees Akira walking towards her, she waves to him. Mahiro follows her look, and sees Akira
Chikako: Momotaro! (remember the nickname in episode 1?)
Akira was smiling when he was walking towards his wife, but hadn't seen Mahiro cos she had her back to him, so when she turned to look at him, he got a SHOCK!
Chikako: this is my husband, Goto Akira
Mahiro, in state of shock, sees happy Chikako, who is unaware of the deception as yet.
both Akira and Mahiro acts as if nothing's different
Mahiro (to Akira): "konbanwa"
Chikako (is now surprised): you know each other?
Akira: oh, yes, but not from the same department.
Mahiro (plays the game): so you are Goto "kachou"'s wife
Chikako: never thought it would be like this (====> if she only knew!!!)
Mahiro: "jaa", i shall leave first
Chikako: ah. "chotto matte". if you don't mind, we can all go for dinner together. what do you think? at the same time, i can thank you properly for your cooperation and help.
Chikako (to Akira): "ne" (right)?
Akira: "o" (ok)
Mahiro (has to make the excuse to leave): i have a date
Chikako: oh? next time, then. gambatte!
Mahiro: "arigato gozaimasu"
Mahiro: "jaa". please excuse me
Chikako: my stomach's growling. what are we going to eat?
Chikako walks off, unaware her husband is lost in his thoughts, looking at Mahiro go off.
Chikako: is anything the matter?
Akira (rouses from his thoughts): um? "nande".
Mahiro walks on, away from the couple, deep in thought.
Chikako: it's cold
Mahiro hears that and turns to look the couple walk hand in hand, and leaves in tears, sobbing.

she is still crying back in her room, in front of her dead brother's photo. her mobile rings, but she doesn't answer it.

moody Akira is at Sweet Season bar. the bartender serves him a drink
bartender: "hai". "okaeri" (welcome)
Akira: oh. thank you
someone puts a coin in the jukebox. his song is playing, and he is suddenly alert to the presence of his woman. he looks up and sees her, looking at him. he doesn't know how Mahiro will respond.
Mahiro (breaks the ice): you gave me a big fright!
Akira: oh. ah. me too
Mahiro: (looking at Chikako's name card with her home phone): i've never called you at home, so i never knew it. and true enough, she calls you 'Momotaro'
Akira: ah
Mahiro: and you call her 'Chikako', right?
Akira: just Chika
Mahiro: you have never called me 'Mahiro'. calling a person by their given name is much more intimate
Akira: Mahiro
====> Akira is such a sweet puppy. never called Mahiro before, but does it immediately when it was pointed out to him. Mahiro is abashed.
Mahiro: you don't have to force yourself
after a short silence
Mahiro: 'Mahiro' (which is made up of 2 words, "real" and "ask a question" => really questioning herself), the answer is she's a fool
silence again, then Mahiro slides the name card to him

outside the bar.
Mahiro: Goto-san has very good taste in women, both myself and your wife. she's a good person
Akira: ah.
Mahiro: my "okasan" is also a good person. that's why i don't like being in this state. let's part. how can you betray such a good wife? if we continue-
Akira: Fujitani (he reverts back to his old way. so much for calling her 'Mahiro')
Mahiro: i cannot allow the one i love fall into the mud. i shouldn't have had this love affair
Akira: don't say "love affair". don't say this is just a love affair!
she looks at him, surprised at his vehemence
Akira: we are in love. "aishiteru" (i love you)
Mahiro: "demo", but we have no choice. Goto-san, before you even knew me, you already belonged to her
Akira: so because of that, we cannot be together?
Akira walks up to her
Akira: i like you
Mahiro: enough. we are finished. "sayonara". it's really "sayonara"
Mahiro walks off
Akira: hold on.
Mahiro continues to walk
Akira: Mahiro!
Mahiro stops
Akira: i don't want to lose you. i cannot lose you. i will divorce my wife.
Mahiro looks at Akira as the scene fades away

a car is moving in the night, flashback to Akira's confession of love
Akira: we are in love. "aishiteru" (i love you)
Akira: i don't want to lose you. i cannot lose you. i will divorce my wife.
Akira arrives home to a dark apartment, his words still ringing in his ears
Akira: "tadaima"
Chikako throws a book at him
Chikako: look at this! "neko" did this! he used his nails to scratch it.
Chikako: are you ok? what happened?
Chikako: now that this happened, i cannot get in the mood to write
Akira: Chika, i have something to tell you
Chikako: "nani"?
Chikako is writing, and she asks him for help
Chikako: is "love affair" the antonym of "marriage"? that can't be right. the opposite of marriage should be divorce.
Chikako: oh... "gomen", Momotaro, you wouldn't know.
Chikako: what is it?
Chikako: oh. sorry, did you have something to tell me?
Akira: oh. that can wait a bit
Chikako: um.
Chikako goes into her study

Mahiro is sneaking quietly into the house, and stops when she overhears her parents talking
Yayako: "anata" (hubby dearest)
Shinya: yes?
Yayako: "obachan"'s matter
Shinya: why must she come here? why can't she stay with your younger sister at Niigata
Yayako: how can i allow her to stay with my sister? there, she already has to take care of a sick mother-in-law
Shinya: then she should just live by herself. since she had your father chased out of the house, she's always been alone
Yayako: how can you say that?
Shinya: even with the situation now, she still refuses to submit to me
Yayako: up till now, have i ever asked you for a favour? i beg you
Shinya laughs sarcastically: indeed. when i was leaving the family and packing my bags, you didn't say anything. you only stood by the door, quietly watching
Shinya laughs again: would you consider that this is "hajimete" you are asking a favour of me?
Shinya walks off without giving his wife a clear answer. Mahiro sneaks up to her room, having overheard everything

upstairs, in her room, Mahiro is looking at the photo and talking to her dead brother.
Mahiro: Goto-san said he'd divorce his wife. "onichan", did "otosan" say that too?

the next morning, the family's at breakfast, as Mahiro comes down, and everyone says "ohayo"
Yayako: yesterday, your father and i have discussed it, and "obachan" will be coming to live with us
Yuma: um? "hontou"?
Shinya: no choice, she was asked to leave
Mahiro: when?
Yayako: this Sunday
Yuma: where will she be sleeping?
Yayako: on the second floor
Mahiro: second floor? (she asks because there is no available room upstairs)
Yuma: second floor, which room?
Yayako: "onichan"'s, Masato's room
the two other persons in the room who knew the significance looked at Yayako's cool reply, then in silence at each other. btw, only Yuma is the ignorant younger sis.
Yayako: so on Saturday, we have to all pitch in to clean house, ok?
Yuma: "iie", i can't make it on Saturday. i have an outing with friends. Saturday is definitely off. how?

lift closing chime
Mahiro: "sumimase"!
she runs to catch the lift, but too bad, it has already closed. she walks off, and bumps into her ex
Yukata: Fujitani
Mahiro: Hachi
Yukata: would you like to go for lunch with me?
Mahiro: i've eaten. "gomen", i need to rush
walking down the stairs
Yukata: how about lunch tomorrow? is that a date?
Mahiro: "iyo" (ok). i have things to tell you anyway
Yukata: you've got good news?
Mahiro: "doushite"?
Yukata: i can sense it. everytime you met with a happy event, you will show it
Mahiro: "so"?
Mahiro (recalling the past): "so ka na". yes, it must be so
Yukata: "jaa". see you tomorrow at the usual place
Mahiro: ok. "jaa"
Mahiro meets Akira at that level, he is just handing off some work to a colleague
Akira: send this over
colleague: yes
Mahiro (whispers loudly): "kachou"
Akira hears the voice and stops. he doesn't look very happy to see her, and the reason is clear. she thinks he's free now, having told his wife, but he hasn't. and she is getting the message loud and clear.
Akira: oh.
ding-dong, the lift rings out. saved by the bell, Akira makes his exit, stage left (literally!)
Akira: "gomen", i have to run

*** End of second episode ***