Oh, you're went to Indonesia
for the conference?
That sounds great.
Yeah,
the schedule was tight and hectic.
Ah,
here,
- a souvenir. - Huh?
You really shouldn't have.
- But wait, is this… - Come on,
just take it.
Pure white pearls.
I can't accept this.
- Why not? - Think about it sensibly.
Giving a pricey gift
to a business partner...
What are you talking about?
I'm a man trying to win you over.
Huh?
Just seeing your reaction
made it worth it, cost-wise.
I'll respectfully return this.
I thought it would suit you.
Oh well.
Alright!
- How about lunch together after this? - I'm going home.
No time for lunch?
What kind of management system
does your company have?
You needn't worry.
We operate ethically.
Miyata-kun, you're too upright.
Even though we've kissed before.
That remark is a perfect case
of sexual harassment.
I can sue you.
Good job.
Going out for lunch for a bit.
Understood.
Hmm?
How about something ethnic?
There's a delicious
Vietnamese restaurant nearby.
I already told you I'm going home.
Haa...
Poor thing...
No, wait, who am I to judge?
Nothing's going to happen between
me and Senpai.
"Love is Better the Second Time Around"
"Episode 3"
I can't believe Sasaki-san
is leaving for another job.
We're losing another colleague
who shares our age.
Looks like the group is dwindling
down to just Miyata-san.
Talk about bad luck.
Well,
if you're so particular about editing,
wouldn't it be better to go freelance?
I'm considering it too.
I prefer running around instead of
being buried in paperwork.
Thinking about changing jobs?
That's right
thirty is that kind of age.
'Late twenties' is just a fluffy term to
deceive yourself.
It's not an age where
you can play around with
love and romance.
Hmm, it's tough.
Printing paper is more
challenging than expected.
With the main East Business
magazine sales dropping like this.
And considering our target audience
is mostly in their 40's or older.
How long can we keep publishing "Business Now" for younger audiences in print...
True.
So, with that said,
the new web magazine,
Miyata-kun will lead it.
Oh.
You'll still have to do Business Now.
Huh? Me?
The target is young career women, right?
Don't worry.
But if it fails,
it'll be on you, Miyata-kun.
Also,
ask Iwanaga-sensei for a new serial.
Huh?
Again?
Yes.
Sensei,
please, I'm counting on you.
Hmm, what should I do?
Lately, I've been getting
some recognition,
and I have other offers too.
But, sensei, we are close, right?
As lovers?
No.
Hmm...
alright,
let's do it.
Thank you so much!
It'll also give me more chances
to see Miyata-kun.
It's an honor.
Ah.
Sorry, can I take this?
Of course.
Hello.
Yes.
Yes, this is Takashi.
Aha.
Oh, thank you for calling me.
Yeah. Did you check my email?
Okay.
I'm also concerned about
the impact of the change in government.
It'll be great if
we can discuss that further.
About that, right?
Let me just double-check.
I have that papers here.
Sorry, can we call it a day?
Yes.
Sorry, what were you saying?
Ah, a moment, please.
Oh, Shiraishi-kun. Perfect timing.
Can you see Miyata-kun off for me?
Understood.
Sorry.
Miyata-san, hello.
Would you like to have
a chat if you like?
Yes.
Come on,
don't be so wary of me.
Ah...
Being an editor seems tough.
Weekly meetings and all.
Well, no.
Personally, I hope
he'll focus more on his main job
than magazine serials.
Sensei is so busy that I wonder
when he sleeps or rests.
Well, we're grateful for your support.
Well then.
Miyata-san.
I...
have decided to give up on Sensei.
Huh?
Is that so...
Because no matter
how much I try to approach sensei,
he just doesn't respond at all.
I'm a bit tired of it.
Well,
I'm not entirely sure...
but is that a good thing for you?
Who would say that,
old man?
Huh?
I'm saying
you're not the one welcomed here.
Goodbye.
What's with that guy...
It's amazing,
the power some people have
when it comes to love.
I had that too once,
the power of youthful,
passionate love...
Hoshizawa-senpai,
what are your plans for the future?
Probably Tohoku University.
I knew it,
that's amazing.
But...
Right...
You'll be leaving your hometown,
won't you?
Well, I have not
completely decided yet.
Still unsure about which department.
Senpai, you can become
anything you want to be.
I'll always be rooting for you.
Hey,
why do you cheer for me?
Because I like you.
Senpai,
how do you feel about me?
Come to think of it,
even back then, I was being teased.
Poor high school me.
Well, we're still working.
Looks like someone's motivated.
Well, just a little.
Just a little?
Oh!
Miyata-kun, looks like
things are going smoothly.
Thank you.
Wow, you've been working hard.
Thank you.
Chief Editor.
(February)
(Deadline for the serialization)
Huh?
Oh no.
What's wrong?
Hmm?
Seems like he can't
reach Iwanaga-sensei.
- Huh? - It's about the column for the serial.
Is everything okay?
I already told the assistant
about the deadline over the phone.
You're not the one welcomed here.
That guy... Don't tell me...
I should have contacted him directly!
Hello?
This is Miyata from Tokyo Business.
I'm trying to reach Iwanaga-sensei
from the Economics Department...
I've tried calling his mobile
but couldn't reach him.
Yes.
(Lecture. Plans to stay overnight)
(Inn Kikori) Yes.
(From 13 to 14)
Alright. Thank you.
Chief Editor, I'll be right back!
There might be no signal,
I'll make sure to contact regularly!
You'll get the submission, right?
I'll defend it with my life! Definitely!
Iwanaga-sensei!
Huh?
What a coincidence to
meet here in the mountains.
Please, write the column
manuscript right now!
Yes.
Iwanaga-sensei is urgently writing it.
I'll contact you again.
I heard this time it's going on hiatus.
No, it's business as usual.
Really?
Did Shiraishi-kun do it on purpose?
That doesn't matter right now.
Miyata-kun, sometimes you
have a sharp tongue.
Quite different from the cuteness
you had in the past.
Please focus!
Is that how you ask someone for help?
Alright, alright, alright.
It's at five, right?
I can make it.
Relax.
Take a deep breath.
There, it's done. Please check it.
Thank you so much!
I'll thank you properly another time.
Excuse me for intruding.
Take care...
Ah...
He's already gone.
Haa...
I'm exhausted.
Senpai.
You see...
I'm really sorry about this.
Well, at least the manuscript
made it on time.
I never expected to be stranded
due to road closures.
It's a common occurrence
in the countryside.
And I'm sorry for inconveniencing you
by staying over.
I'm sorry.
I was actually planning to
invite you over sometime.
Let's take it easy,
since we're here.
Yes.
I knew it would be like this.
There weren't any other rooms available,
so it can't be helped.
Then, good night.
Sleeping already?
That's early.
Ah...
I'm just a bit tired.
Yeah.
Good night.
Sweet dreams.
Senpai.
Hmm?
I'm wondering
why are you bothering me?
It's not amusing to tease me, right?
Someone like me.
Because you're cute.
I've had enough of that.
I'm serious.
Yeah yeah, I understand.
Any more and I'll get angry.
I have to push him away.
Right now!
Ah, it's no good.
Do you hate me?
I don't hate you,
but I'm not sure.
Is this your first time?
Yes.
I'm sorry.
Why are you apologizing?
Are you alright?
Sorry.
Don't be sorry.
If you like me, don't be sorry.
I couldn't run away.
I don't want to hope
for Senpai's feelings
like I did back then.
If I get carried away
with my feelings any further...
Well then, I'll be heading out soon.
Yeah.
I'm sorry.
I'll talk to Shiraishi-kun too.
Since I made it on time,
no need to worry.
Well then, excuse me.
Yeah.
Senpai.
Hmm?
We might have done it,
but I haven't thought about
wanting to date you.
Well then, good work.
So that's how it goes.
Hello,
Miyata-san.
Another meeting?
Yes.
By the way,
was the hot spring enjoyable?
Must have been tough.
You had to stay over too.
Hey.
Don't joke about about staying over.
It's pointless to make
sarcastic remarks to me.
By the way,
don't underestimate the work.
How many people do you think
were inconvenienced by
your childish pranks!
That's all.
Reflect on that.
(The future of globalization from the foreigners perspective)
(Associate Professor Iwanaga Takashi) Congratulations,
Your serial article ranked first
in the reader survey by a landslide.
I'm glad I could be of help to you.
Ah.
Oh, our girls' team said
they'd love to give you this.
Huh?
How cute.
Thank you.
Mm!
By the way,
you're not going to dating me, huh?
Yes.
You're not conscious of me?
Of course I am.
I have little experience,
and that was my first time
with someone of the same sex...
But...
I won't become your lover.
Why not?
Because I'm...
losing to you.
In work,
in feelings,
even in that thing we did the other day.
I can't compete with you.
My high school self
would be disappointed.
I was seriously going to elope with you!
I was serious.
Do you understand
how much you hurt me by betraying me?
I was still in high school.
You didn't put in any effort.
You think everything comes easy.
That's why,
from now on, let's be
good business partners.
Thanks for your hard work.
I didn't put in any effort?
It's always been that way,
It was probably even written
on my notebook.
In reality, deep down,
I thought everything would come easy.
(Next episode) It was just a one time thing,
I don't need it.
I want to try spending
the rest of my life with you.
If we made a mistake,
we may lose everything.
Please try to love me.
I really like you.