Teppei & Soichiro are playing chess in Soichiro's apartment. Teppei moves a piece "Check!" Soichiro's taken off guard "Check? All of a sudden....as reckless as ever...." Teppei retorts "Not reckless....taking the initiative for certain victory....you're always just defending...." Soichiro takes his time "Thinking again....not making a move....no wonder girls all run away from you...." Soichiro says "Aren't you the same? Being dumped by the girl you love...." making his move. Teppei asks "You're making that move?" Soichiro answers "Attacking or defending....when it's time to lose, you lose...." Teppei goes "Eh?" & makes his counter move. Soichiro goes "You can do that? Ah yeah...." Teppei finally says "Take so long to think....I'm going to the bathroom....don't move them...."

In the bathroom Teppei sees 2 toothbrushes still on the sink. Coming he sees some letters on the side cabinet "airmail...." Picking one up he looks at it "A letter from Mizuhara? Did you write back?" "No...." "Hah? Why? She still doesn't know you're transferring to Hokkaido to work?" "Uhm...." "What uhm....why didn't you write back? She took the trouble to write....write back & tell her what's happening....ask her to come back too...." "If it were you, what would you do? Can you say it? To someone whom you love with all your heart & couldn't persuade her to stay....'Come back to me'...." Teppei answers "Maybe I can't....both sides giving one's best & making their choice...." Soichiro looks at Teppei "Uhm? Have you moved?" Sochiro mumbles & makes his move....

Teppei takes down the decorations from the Christmas tree out in his veranda....

In the office Kurosaki says to everyone "Everyone, from next week, Kanazawa will be doing Uesugi's work...." The new OL introduces herself "I'm Kanazawa Haraumi....uhm, because I still don't know this department's work & may make a mess of everything....when that happens, everyone please laugh & forgive me...." The guys go "No matter what you do, we'll laugh & forgive you....we'll teach you the ropes, don't worry.... Kurosaki says "Alright, let's start the meeting...." & then to Kanazawa "Sit over here...." He asks "Katagiri how's the Lytax presentation coming along?" Teppei answers confidently "Alright....no problem...." "You're always like that....talking big...." & Teppei grins....

Back at her family inn Riko's busy washing up in the kitchen. Midori teases here "Working working....trying to forget painful memories huh...." Riko tells her "Don't just stand there, help out!" Midori continues "Under stress huh....still can't get over your ex-boyfriend....he's cool...." Riko finally says to her "Midori, don't get in the way, go study!" Someone calls "Is anyone here?" Midori says "One-chan, a guest...." Riko answers "Coming...."

Going to the entrance she sees Erika "I'm here...." Riko smiles. Erika looks at Riko's dressing "Ah! How one adapts...." Riko answers "Come on in...."

Taking a bath in an outdoor onsen, Erika says "It feels really great here....I feel like going home to....don't know why but Tokyo makes one feels really tired....working everyday, asking what's all this for...." Riko says "Although you say that, but it's your choice....you want to live within 100 meters of a convenience & video store, & a place where you cell phones work...." Erika laughs "That's me...." & then says "Riko, are you still mad at Teppei?" Riko answers "No, not mad....it's me who's in the wrong...." "Then just call him & apologise....it'll be fine...." "Can't do that now....feel ashamed too...." "Really?" "Teppei really tried to treat me well....& I....just because of a little thing, made a big mess of it....that's why I'm ashamed to see him....I've lost confidence....even if I go back to him, somehow I get the feeling that we'll only break up in the end...."

After their bath, just as Erika goes up the stairs, Youko arrives. Riko says "One-chan, what's up?" "I have something to discuss with you....come...." Erika overhears their conversation. Youko says "Now that you've decided to stay here, there are things you have to think about....that's why I'm here today...." Riko asks "What's that supposed to mean?" Youko laughs "Here...." handing Riko something. Riko looks at it "Eh? Arrange marriage?!" Erika listens on the stairs as Riko goes "No, I won't go, don't want it...." "Don't say that....at least meet up with him....he's a good guy, he's the son of the guy who runs Kitamura Photographs...."

At a nightclub Teppei's out with some people. As the others cheer him on, he takes a stick of Glico Pocky (famous brand of chocolate covered biscuits) & puts one end in his mouth, a girl takes it in hers the other end. Teppei chickens out & bites it off. The girl says "Let me have your cell phone, I'll put in my phone number...." He takes it out & gives it to her. Taking it she sees the photos on the phone & Teppei takes it back....

Arriving outside the building Teppei looks up with a big sigh & goes in....in the office Hosaka goes out saying "I'll call back in the afternoon...." Teppei & the creative guys are having a meeting. Teppei doesn't seem to be his normal arrogant self "Sakai san, let's use this....is this ok? Yeah?" "Teppei, what do you think?" Teppei shuffles some papers "Me....I personally prefer the picture of this girl....I think it's a good picture but to be safe, I think it's better to use a clear & natural image for Raitax's project....for the sake of shafu appeal (the way things are done in a company) let's use this other one....it's ok isn't it?" Ishihara replies "Ah, that's true....let's end here for today...." As they leave Teppei says "Sakai-san, would you take a look at these copies?" Sakai replies "You've changed...." "What has?" "You used to say what you thought....what happened?" "Really?" "Somehow....depressing...." Sakai says as he goes out. Kurosaki looks at Teppei as he returns to his desk....

Having a meal together Kurosaki asks Teppei "How's everything lately?" "Eh?" "You're not like your usual self...." "No such thing....really, it's ok....but recently, when I had to make some decisions, like whether or not I like something....been bothering me....somehow can't make up my mind....like, when I want to say something, what the others think, like Ando & Sakai san....feel like what their opinions also make sense....somehow how another, makes me stop...." Kurosaki says "That's cause you've grown up a little bit....what's happening with you & Uesugi?" After a pause Teppei answers "I feel like going there & getting her...." Kurosaki continues "But you're hesitating?" Teppei answers "No, that's not it....if I go see her now, it's like I'll have to take care (literally undertake) of her (life)....when I think about it, I don't even feel OK towards myself, to be responsible for someone else's life....can't do it...." Kurosaki says "Feel OK towards yourself....do you think you can decide that by yourself? Human beings aren't that strong....towards anyone, towards whoever's closest to you....trying to be ok to yourself, in the end, you'll still find meaning in your life the way you are now....isn't that so?" Teppei doesn't say anything, just looks at Kurosaki as he orders more sake "One more bottle please...." "ok...." "make that 2...."

(-= CJ =- This bit's weird to translate....what Teppei's saying is that if he isn't ready/satisfied with who he is, what right has he to look after someone else....)

Back in Hokkaido Youko says "I brought mom's old kimono....how is it?" Riko says "I said I don't want to go for this arranged marriage meeting...." "Why? For my sake, just go, meet up & come back....why do you hate it that much?" Riko pouts "But...." Youko asks "By any chance there's someone you like?" Their mother asks "Is there?" Riko answers "No...."

In the Indian restaurant Erika says to Teppei "But I didn't think that you'd ask me out on your day off....what wind blew you here? Ah, so you finally noticed me...." Teppei answers "No, I heard you went to Nagano...." "You wanted to ask about Riko right?" Teppei nods. Erika says "After having curry, somehow feels hot....why not forget about the past? Why not go out someplace together?" Teppei goes "Huh?" Erika says suggestively "someplace romantic...." Teppei laughs "romantic? We're eating...." Erika says "Ah, I give up! Such a good guy & Riko's going for an arranged marriage meeting...." Teppei says "What did you say?" "Arranged marriage meeting...." "Who?" "Riko?" "Where?" "Back home!"

Back in his apartment Teppei frantically throws some clothes into a bag. The buzzer goes off & he yells "Come in!" & Soichiro enters. Teppei asks "What's up?" "I brought some wine, thought I'd have some with you....it's good...." Teppei gets his back & activates the answering machine saying to Soichiro "You're acting strange lately, making yourself lonely...." "Where are you going?" "Something came up, sorry....next time....I'm going to lock up, going out...." Soichiro says "I'll just put this in the fridge then...." "Leave it, it's red wine, better not to chill it...." Soichiro opens the fridge "I'll put it in...." Teppei in a rush tells him "Hurry up...." & opens the door. Mizuhara says "Te-chan! How's Soichiro? Is he alright? Socihiro?" Teppei goes "Huh? Uhm...." Soichiro comes to the door & Mizuhara surprised "Soichiro!" "Sanae! What's wrong?" "What you mean what's wrong? Aren't you supposed to be in the hospital?" "In hospital?" Teppei sidles out as the 2 of them talk. "Yes, acute hepatitis & pneumonia so...." "Who said that?" Both Soichiro & Mizuhara look at Teppei "I did....if I didn't say that, Mizuhara wouldn't come back....I couldn't stand it....everyday moaning on the phone why you went to China...." Soichiro says "It's none of your business!" Teppei coolly answers "I understand....sorry....my fault....here my keys....go in have tea or something....when you leave, lock up & leave the keys at the restaurant downstairds....don't forget....bye...." & Teppei runs off.... leaving a very awkward Mizuhara with an equally uncomfortable Soichiro in his apartment.... As Teppei comes out of the building he looks up & grins. Then starts running....

Mizuhara says "Thank god you're alright...." Soichiro apologises "Sorry, stupid reason for you to come all the way back...." "It's ok, I have work to do here too so I was planning to come back once anyway....here" Mizuhara give him the keys "Bye...." Soichiro asks "Wait, how about eating something?" Mizuhara nods with a smile....

In a restaurant, Mizuhara asks "You've been transferred to Hokkaido?" "You heard from Teppei?" "Because we broke off the engagement, caused Fujita san to be angry with you?...." "No, it's not that....don't worry about it....I'm not disappointed about going to Hokkaido....on the contrary....I'm seeing for the first time things I couldn't see before....Todai law faculty....public prosecutor's office....I thought it was really something....but I was just being arrogant....now I see clearly my weak points...." Mizuhara just looks at him not saying anything. Soichiro says "Come on, eat...."

It's snowing & Teppei walks on muttering "Pipolo...." Finally seeing it he runs up & sees Midori in front. "Good afternoon....is Riko inside?" Midori answers "One-chan's gone for the arranged marriage meeting...." Teppei looks anxious "Where?"

At the meeting Kitamura asks "Riko san, what are your hobbies?" "Magic tricks...." "Magic tricks?" "Yes, shall I show you? Watch closely...." Riko hums & does the trick showing a little toy in her hand. Everyone in the room can't believe she does magic, Youko mutters "Riko!" & she puts it on the table "It's a triceratops...." Youko laughs & asks "Shoichi san, what are your hobbies?" "I like watching rugby...." "Watching rugby?" "I used to play rugby in high school...." "I remember!" "We won a match in university...." "I went to cheer you guys on!" "Is that so?" As the conversation goes on around her, Riko looks outside the window & sees Teppei walking in the snow.

Teppei runs into the cottage & goes upstairs, opening the door to the room without knocking. Riko turns around slowly & looks at him. Turning back to everyone she says "Excuse me...." & goes out of the room pushing Teppei out at the same time. Riko's parents look on....

Going outside Riko says to Teppei "What are you doing?" Teppei retorts "Can't you tell? Because you're having an arranged marriage meeting....so I just came to see who the guy was...." "What right do you have to do that? It's got nothing to do with you!" "What right? What do you mean nothing to do with me?! Who goes for an arranged marriage....that's ridiculous!!" "I do! It's my life! You're not satisfied? You don't have to say anything...." "How can you just say that? Haven't changed since you came back, self centered, selfish, wilful as ever....what are you doing in such a beautiful place like this?!" "Those are my lines! After breaking up you haven't even thought about your past actions....after breaking up you haven't changed....overbearing....arrogant...." Teppei finally yells at her "Breaking up, breaking up! Stop saying that we broke up! I haven't made that decision yet....or have you made up your mind already?" (about the arranged marriage) Riko doesn't answer. Her family comes out & her father says "We're going home...." "Bring your friend home...." says her mom & Youko tells her "You're on your own...." Riko starts walking off & then turns back to say "It's cold....hurry....hurry up...."

Coming back into the inn Riko's mom says "Have dinner with us tonight...." Youko says "Come on in...." & Midori coming down the stairs says "Welcome...." Teppei & Riko look at each other in silence....

At the dinner table, Sachiko says "I'm Riko's elder sister Sachiko!" Riko asks "How come you're here?" "Just came to see...." "Don't have to look after your husband?" "No, in any case he's out drinking again, even if I'm home he won't come back til late...." Riko's mom asks "How about some beer?" but Teppei declines "I'm fine thanks...." "In that case, Riko, get him some food...." Youko asks Teppei "What do you see in her?" Teppei is speechless & Midori says "I have a question....are you the eldest son?" Her mother says in a warning tone "Midori...." but she continues "But everyone's curious to know about him anyway....his birthsign, bloodtype, whether he's the eldest son or the 2nd eldest....on behalf of everyone I'll ask the questions that you want to know but is hard to ask...." Sachiko adds "But Riko's really fortunate....someone to break up the arranged marriage meeting is so romantic! Just like that movie 'The Graduate'!" Midori adds "In any case he's cuter than Kitamura's photo!" Youko says sharply "Midori! Just because you're young doesn't mean you can ask questions! Sachiko too!" The sisters start squabbling & finally their father says "Quiet down & eat!" Total silence descends & he asks Teppei "How about a drink?" Teppei takes a glass "Then alright....thank you...."

By the fireplace later on, Teppei light his cigarette & sits by the fire. Riko comes in "Sorry about that, noisy family...." "Aren't you the nosiest?!" Riko smiles without answering. Teppei continues "But it's really nice, four sisters....I now understand how come you talk so much...." Riko says "Honestly speaking....I feel really happy that you came today....but then since I came home alone, I've been thinking....why I couldn't trust you....the more I loved you, the more I couldn't trust you, kept doubting you, made myself really unhappy....when I was with you, I lost myself....couldn't go on like that....I want to become stronger....even if I'm alone, or even if I'm with you....I want to be the same person...." The both of them look at each other & then Riko says "Goondnight...." Teppei sits alone by the window & looks out, it's snowing....

The next morning Teppei says to Riko's family "Thank you for last night...." "Don't mention it....come again....bye bye...." As Teppei leaves some guests arrive & Riko goes to help. Riko's father tells her "Send him off...." Riko tells him "Sit behind...." as she gets into the van. Turining around she says "I can't see...." & Teppei moves over. As Riko backs the van up Teppei says "Before going to the station, there's some place I'd like to go....that place where you're always talking about....where you can see a shooting star every 10 seconds....I'd like to see the place...." Riko looks at Teppei in the rearview mirror & then starts driving without a word.

Finally stopping atop a hill the both of them get out. Next to them a billboard that says 'True love never runs smooth.' Riko says "Here...." Teppei looks around & mutters "Wow...." Walking a bit, they look out at the beautiful scenery around them. Riko says "When I was in grade school, I snuck out with Midori in the middle of the night & came here, waiting to see UFO's....when we didn't see any, we got really mad...." "What grade were you?" Riko thinks "Fourth grade...." Teppei laughs "Idiot...." Riko answers "I've always been an idiot...." "Hey...." "Hm?" "I didn't come here to see who the guy from arranged marriage meeting was....I came because I have something I want to say...." "Something you want to say? What? If you want to scold me I've heard it over 200 times already...." Teppei tells her "Don't joke....listen to me....you hate bald men?" Riko answers "Hate it...." "What about pot-bellied old men?" "Don't like them...." Teppei asks her "Will you stay by me & watch me become a bald & pot-bellied old man? In exchange at the same time....I'll watch you grow wrinkles, become a flat-chested old lady by your side...." Riko looks at Teppei & asks hesitatingly "You're talking about....marriage?" Teppei nods "Yes...." as he walks a little ahead. Stopping he says "There are things about you that annoy me....always thinking why you're like that....but even then, somehow, I can't hate you....no matter how many years pass, that feeling won't change....so, watch me become an old man....I'll also watch you....become an old lady...." Riko starts to say "I...." but Teppei tells her "I'll come here again next week....ok? Next Saturday....before it gets dark, I'll come here again....if you're not here then....I'll give up...." Riko looks at him, not saying a word. Teppei continues "When I was in Tokyo I was also thinking....same thing as what you said last night....not even adequate myself, how can I take on someone else's life? But then if I keep thinking that, we'll never ever be together....doesn't matter now....becoming strong alone....so you don't say it anymore, wanting to be a stronger person alone....two of us becoming strong together, that'll be ok...." Teppei walks next to Riko & says "If we come here again as an old man & an old lady, let's sit together & watch the shooting stars...."

(-= CJ =- What a baka (silly) way of proposing but it's kinda sweet....beautiful scene, even more beautiful scenery....)

At a meeting Ando says "I don't agree...." Teppei following "You forgot this....think it over....believe me ok?" Ando answers "That's impossible!" but Teppei insists "I'll guarantee it!" Ando says "Guarantee? That's no need to change it!" Teppei's persistent "Give me another chance! Think it over?" Ando replies "It's fine the way it is now...." Teppei continues "It's fine? One more time...." Ando says to Sakai "Listen...." Sakai asks "What's happening?" Ando explains "This Saturday is the presentation right?" "Uhm...." "He wants to change the design...." "Eh?" says Sakai, taking some papers from Teppei & flips through them. Ando continues moaning "He wants to do it his way....really!" Sakai looks up "This is interesting!" Teppei excitedly goes "Yes? Yes? So we'll use different poses of the model....like in the school textbooks? Remember?! That's it! For example like putting up string of different posters along the subway corridors...." "What about creating the posters?" Teppei assures them "Don't worry about that....I've spoken with the printing department, it's alright....""Really?" "No problem...." "You'll need a minimum of 10 posters....dno't have enough time....it's impossible....no way!" Teppei's not giving up "I know we don't have enough time....I understand that we don't have enough time....but if we say it's impossible before we even try then we can't do anything!"

Riko's cleaning up in a restaurant, daydreaming. Youko tells her "Riko, help clear up over there...." When Riko doesn't hear her Youko turns around & says sharply "Riko! You've been wiping the same spot since just now! I'm busy so help out!" Riko mutely nods, half in a daze. Youko looks at her, an understanding expression on her face, & then turns to go....

Coughing Soichiro opens the front door "Sanae!" "I'm going back to Shanghai....I just came by to let you know...." "You're going back already?" "What's wrong? Dressed like that...." Soichiro starts coughing & Mizuhara asks "You're not feeling well?" "I'm fine...." he answers but has a coughing fit....

Soichiro in bed takes a look at the thermometer. Mizuhara comes by with an ice bag "Lift your head up...." & places it under Soichiro's head. He says "Sorry to bother you...." but Mizuhara shakes her head "Let me see...." & reaches for the thermometer "It's a really high fever....have you taken any medication?" Soichiro shakes his head & Mizuhara says "I'll go get it...." Going to the medicine box & getting out the medication, she looks around at the whole apartment which is in a mess....

Back in Hokkaido, Riko is with Youko. "So....he proposed to you...." Riko nods "Uhm...." "So? Why are you hesitating?" Riko explains "A lot of things happened in Tokyo when we were together....when we were happy we were really happy....but when it got hurt it was really painful....a lot of times I didn't know what to do....not understand the other person's feelings....just keep feeling unhappy (uneasy)....if I'm with him again, I have this feeling that I'll be going back & forth between heaven & earth...." Youko asks "What's wrong with that? You feel that way because you love him....there are people who will never be happy even when they marry the person they love....but I don't think about that....because you're with the person you love, it'll be tough & painful....for example even if you get hurt by that person, you have to go on living & not regret it...." Riko says "Perhaps...." Youko tells her "& you feeling uneasy & disappointed....that's your fault Riko!" "My fault?" "Yes! You're only thinking about yourself, that the guy has to bring you happiness....forget those ideas....reach out with your own hands & create your own happiness...." Riko ponders, not saying anything. Youko then says "Alright....have a drink....come one!" Riko smiles....

Riko leaves the inn. Outside she sees her father "Riko!" Riko says "Dad....I'm going back to Tokyo after all...." "You're going back to him?" Riko nods "Uhm...." "You're sure now aren't you...." "You knew?" "Yes....I knew when you came back...." "Sorry to have made you worry...." "I was never worried....I knew that when you came back you were running away....just as long as you know where you can always run too, that's enough...." Riko smiles "Thank you....bye...." She starts walking when her father calls "Riko!" She turns around & her father takes an apple from inside the van, tosses it to her "Hang in there!" Riko smiles & walks on, her father looking at her....

(-= CJ =- Ii otousan ne! What a nice dad....)

In the office Yoda alone, answers a call "Hello, this is the Eikou Agency, business department....ah! Riko chan! It's been a while....what's up?"

Teppei sticks his head out & places an order "Excuse me! 2 pitches of beer, 1 oolong tea...." Inside the room, the business department folks are having dinner. Harumi asks "Katagiri, what sports did you use to play?" "Sports? In middle & high schools I used to play basketball...." "That's so cool!" Ootemon says "I used to be in the archery club!" Tsuji adds "I did judo...." Hosaka "I did handball...." Hioki "I played soccer...." Kurosaki adds "I was also great...." but Harumi cuts him off "But I love basketball!" The room is silent & then Harumi looks at her watch "Ah it's late! I have to go...." Kurosaki says "Katagiri! Go get her a cab! It's late...."

Riko's back in Tokyo, walking along the streets....

Harumi's had a little too much to drink says to Teppei "Actually I'm really afraid of drinking....my heart's beating really fast now! Wondering if I'm going home alone...." Teppei runs up to the street "Can get a cab here right...." Harumi says "Wait!" Riko happens to see Harumi & Teppei together. Harumi asks "Aren't you cold? You're not wearing a coat...." "I'm not cold...." "Come over to my place for coffee?" "No, kachou & the others are still here...." "Don't worry about them...." Teppei tries to shake her off "Taxi's here!"but Harumi grabs his arm "Let's go, let's go!" Right then Teppei's cell phone rings "Wait...." Answering it "Yes...." "Hello...." "Hello...." "I can't believe you! You proposed to me....what are you thinking?!" "What?" "Who's the woman beside you?" Teppei starts to say "The new girl who just...." & then realizes that Riko's nearby "Where are you now?" "It doesn't matter who sits next to you?" Harumi pouts "Katagiri!" but Teppei tells her "Shut up!" & then to Riko "Where are you now!?" Riko says "You're really sukebe! I understan! Goodbye!" "Wait! Calm down & listen!" "Don't want to!" "Where are you!?" "I don't want to listen any more!" says Riko & hangs up. Harumi asks "Done? Let's go?" but Teppei's in a bad mood "Go home!" & flags down a cab. "Eh? You're not going?" pouts Harumi. Teppei bundles her into a cab "Where do you stay?"

Riko walks away....Teppei takes out his cell phone & calls but gets the recording....

The day of the presentation arrives. Ando anxiously paces along the corridor & Teppei tells him "Take sit...." Some guys come out of the room, their presentation done. Someone announces "Next, Eikou Agency....this way please...."

Soichiro comes out into the living room to see everything all cleaned up. Going to the foyer, he looks but Mizuhara's shoes aren't there....

At the presentation Teppei starts "I am the representative from Eikou Agency, business department....Katagiri....let's start...." Touching a screen, the binds draw close & the projector comes on "Lietax J-Body....the latest & lightest compact camera will be launched Spring 1998....for the promotional campaign of this product, our company has suggested this idea....using 30 posters with a repeated composition...." As the images flash of the same model in different poses with the compact camera, Teppei looks at reaction of the men around the table....

Teppei goes to Soichiro's apartment, knocks on the door but no one answers. Teppei mutters "I'm in a hurry!" & then by chance tries the door to find it unlocked. Going in he shouts "Aniki!" but no one's around. He opens the bedroom "Aniki, your car...." but no one's in the bedroom either. His cell phone goes off "Yes hello...." "It's me...." answers Soichiro. Teppei asks "Where are you?! You said yesterday that you'd let me use your car!" "I'm at the airport now...." "Airport? Why?" "When I woke up this morning she was gone....I made some announcements earlier but there were no answers....I think she's gone back to Shanghai...." "Then what are you going to do?" "I'm taking the evening flight to Shanghai....go ahead & use the car....bye...." Soichiro hangs up on Teppei "Wait a minute! Keys?" but it's too late. The door opens & Mizuhara walks in "Te-chan!" Teppei's surprised "Mizuhara! What are you doing here? Airport?" Mizuhara explains "I decided to stay a few more days....just went to change my ticket....Soichiro was sleeping soundly so...." Teppei tells her "He got the wrong impression....he's gone to the airport...." "Eh?" Teppei says "Said he's going to Shanghai....got it wrong...." Mizuhara goes out "I'm going to the airport...." leaving Tepei going "Wait...." Going back into the apartment Teppei mutters "I have to go too....keys....where are the keys...."

At the airport Mizuhara looks for Soichiro & finding him "Soichiro!" "Sanae, aren't you in Shangai?" "I'm here...." Soichiro tells her "When I proposed to you before, I said that I'd make you happy....I don't have the courage to say that to you now....but I need you....I want to be with you....will you stay by my side?....Don't say you can't forgive yourself any more....it doesn't matter any more, don't worry about it....it's no use apologising or blaming each other....there aren't people whose hearts never waver....as long as we cherish each other, isn't that ok? I only care about you...." Mizuhara, tears in her eyes says "Thank you...." & then hugs him....

Teppei drives Soichiro's car anxiously looking at his watch....Riko goes to the top of that hill where she's suppose to meet Teppei & looks at her watch....there's a truck in front of Teppei & as it turns off, Teppei sees a rabbit in the middle of the road & swerves off the side "What!" Managing to get out of the car he mutters "What now?" A farmer comes up & says "Are you alright? What happened? Doesn't look good...." Teppei asks "Looks bad?" "Yeah, very....from Tokyo huh...." Teppei takes out his cell phone & the guy says "Won't get through...." "Eh?" "We're surrounded by mountains...." Teppei looks at his cell phone muttering "That's true...."

Riko walks up to the benches by the poster....Teppei gets a lift from the farmer....the sun's going down & Riko sits on the bench by the poster waiting. She gets up & looks at the sun "It's setting...." Teppei in the van looks at his phone....Riko still waits, it's getting dark....Teppei's anxiously looking at the speedometer....Riko waits....it's dark, Teppei still hasn't arrived....finally Riko gets up & starts walking. The lights around the poster come on & she turns back to look, tears in her eyes....

Finally Teppei arrives at the bottom of the ravine. He gets out & starts running up the slope, slipping. Finally reaching up the top, panting he looks around, Riko's not there & he falls to his knees. He turns & looks at the poster, something catching his eye. He runs to it & puts his hand on it....scribbled on it are the words "Teppei sukebe'. Looking around & grimacing, tears in his eyes, he leans back against the poster. Still panting he mutters "Can't see any shooting stars...."

At the office everyone's anxiously waiting. The phone rings & Teppei turns around to here Kurosaki answer it "Yes, business department....not enough....? Not today....bye...." Hosaka comes up to Teppei "Teppei-chan, stay calm stay calm....we all understand how you feel...." Hioki says "That's right, you looked so anzious that I started getting worried!" Ootemon adds "If you get the contract I'll treat you to yakiniku to celebrate!" Yoda says "Don't say that! We still don't know the results! What happens it the same thing happens like before?" Tsuji adds "Also, aren't you diabetic too? Ootemon...." Hosaka says "Eh? Didn' we say the same thing before?" "You're just being superstitious...." "Yeah yeah...." & everyone returns back to their places. The phone rings again & Kurosaki answers "Yes, business department....yes, thank you....thank you!" Teppei smiles as Kurosaki congratulates Ishihara. Everyone cheers & clapping "Got it!" Teppei runs over to Ando & Sakai shaking their hands "Thank you...." & then going over to Ishihara "Bucho, thank you!" "Congratulations Katagiri!" Kurosaki slaps Teppei on his back "Well done Katagiri!" "Thank you...." Kurosaki tells him "You said before that you only wanted to do successful work, but failure is the mother of success....our work is such that if we don't win, we don't get commendated....doesn't mean that working hard will definitely get the results....so don't worry too much about results....the people that work with pessimism are the ones who fail....so? You finally enjoy this work now?" Teppei looks around & then grins "Yes...."

Riko tosses a glass apple up & down, up & when it comes down it becomes a real apple....

At the celebration dinner Kurosaki says "Alright, to celebrate the success of this competition, let's have a toast, bucho, please...." Ishihara declines "No....this time, let Katagiri say a few words...." Kurosaki says "Alright, Katakiri...." Teppei says "ok....um, the success this time was due to everyone's efforts working together....ah, sorry for all the trouble I've caused everyone...." The creative guys laugh, "Us too...." Teppei continues "this is my own personal feelings but....I am really happy (honored) that I could participate as part of the business department in this competition...." Everyone claps & Teppei says "Thank you for all the hard work! Cheers!" Everyone eats & Teppei joins in but looks unhappy....

After dinner Teppei walks along the streets thinking about Riko...."Will you stay by me & watch me become a bald & pot-bellied old man?" Flashbacks........Riko at the bus station telling him "I said I hate you, that's lie...."........on the bridge hugging him "I'm happy....just to be by your side....can't be any happier than this...."........on his bed looking at him "look over here....look over here...."........at the company trip "from top of the hill you can see shooting stars...."....in front of the refrigerator "permanent ink, it's not going to come off....doesn't matter if it doesn't...."........at the message board square looking at her "I'm in your eyes...."........at the golf driving range where Teppei hits a perfect shot........in her apartment when Riko got sick "Where?....Don't touch me!....I'm not!....anything's fine, just buy something....salmon will be fine...."........on his birthday "I came you to show you magic!"........at the beach where she throws the diamond ring into the water........Teppei walks on, his mind full of images of Riko, remember the first time he met her where her boyfriend left her........

Walking by the same place he sees someone sitting on the rails. He walks on & then turns to take another look. Riko's sitting on the rails, holding an apple. Teppei says in surprise "Riko!" She turns around shocked to see him. Teppei takes a step forward but she jumps of "2 meters!" Teppei stares at her "What are you doing here?" Riko answers "Uh....I want to start over again in Tokyo....I was thinking....who I was before I met you....being an OL & learning magic tricks at the same time....trying to find out who I was....shouldn't give up on myself just because of all this....that's my conclusion....if I met you again by chance, I just wanted to say this....I'm very happy that I met you....put your hand out...." Teppei doesn't move, just stares at her in silence. Finally Riko walks past him & puts the apple in his hands "We'll meet again when we meet again...." & walks away. Teppei holding the apple in his hands just stands there. Finally e turns around shouting "Riko!" She stops in her tracks. Teppei yells "Don't lie! You can't see a shooting star every 10 seconds from there! Also, don't simply scribble things all over the place!" Riko smiles. Turning around she says "I'm not going to become an old lady....I'm going to become a cute grandmother...." Teppei's touched but then acts cool "What did you say?" "I'll become a cute grandmother!" Walking towards each other Riko says "Did you think I could leave you?" Teppei answers "That's not possible!" "Don't talk big! Someone as sukebe & irresponsible as you only I can put up with!" "Look who's talking big! Aren't you the one who loves me? Vexing! Then hate me...." Riko smiles "Of course I hate you....but then I won't ever leave you....even if you kick me, even if you slap me....I'll stay by your side forever!" Teppei looks at her & then says "Let's go to a hotel...." Riko replies "Karaoke?" Teppei shakes his head & then nods, leaning forward to kiss her. Riko says "Ah!" pointing to the sky. Teppei mutters "Again?! Really! Only an idiot would look....you've done this so many times already...." Riko says "It's snowing...." & Teppei looks up as the snow falls around them........

The credits roll & right at the end there's a picture of Teppei & Riko....