Hinamatsuri

Good, everyone's asleep.

Come with me.

Tell me honestly.

What have you been doing lately?

I told you, I'm having someone help me study,

and I'm staying at my friend's place and stuff.

I told you to be honest with me.

You're going out at night, aren't you?

I'll tell her honestly.

This is all because Utako-san told me to lie.

Sorry, Mom.

I'm not going out at night.

I'm working.

I was working as a bartender at a bar.

That's enough!

What's the point of lying like that?

No, it's true.

Y-You can't be...

No...

You'd better not be doing anything depraved.

Mom...

Episode 10

Like a River Stream

I don't want to be at home anymore.

I want to leave.

She wouldn't believe me.

I showed her my bank book to prove I was working, and she asked if I was selling my body.

I have no idea what she's talking about.

Well, yeah.

Just leave.

Why not?

I used to leave home all the time, too.

Dude...

But the difference between you and me...

is that you work and make money.

You're a grown-up woman.

Live free.

Live free, where I had no choice but to go home in shame and frustration.

Stop, Utako-san.

What the hell are you teaching her?

I can't go back.

I can't go back to the days when I didn't have the revenue that Hitomi was making.

Why was I in love with her again?

I'm going to leave home.

You said it!

Where is she going, though?

I have a plan, of course.

Leave it all to me.

This is your home from now on, Hitomi.

It's already furnished, so you can move in right away.

How much does this place cost, though?

It's supposed to be 300,000 yen, but you can stay for half that.

Don't mind the deposits or key money, either.

But that's still 150,000.

I can't afford that.

Well, yeah, but this is the cheapest place my real estate agency offers.

You'd never find another place like this for 150,000, let alone already furnished.

There's nowhere you could move in right away, either.

All you have to do is sign this contract, and you can live here.

Now!

It's time for you to move out of your blockheaded parents' house!

Name: Mishima Hitomi

She just strong-armed a friend.

She's dirtier than a yakuza.

You've moved out on your own, huh?

You're making money for college, too, aren't you?

Yeah.

It must be tough being on your own.

It is.

I don't know if I can keep it up.

Want to work at my place, then?

I'm sure you'd do a good job.

Really?

There's some physical labor involved, but you'll be fine.

It's good money, too.

All right, let's begin.

This is scary.

I need to get this over with quickly, before I pass out.

Quickly...

Quickly...

Quickly...

Wow.

My employee told me Hitomi-chan works super hard.

Huh, want to work at my place, too, then, Hitomi-chan?

Hold it, me too.

Or my place?

That's too many all at once.

Come on, Hitomi-chan.

Kids these days are so useless.

Um...

For me, too.

Come on, please.

I'll pay you extra.

Please, work for me.

Hey, are you the new monster?

Yes.

Huh...

Are you Central Park?

Wow.

You've heard of us?

Yes, I'm a fan.

I've never been to your concerts, but I have your CDs.

Thanks.

But why are you here?

We're on hiatus right now.

Why?

We're preparing to go to the States to study stage magic.

Why?

Looks like it's time.

All right, I'm counting on you.

Pleased to work with you.

Special attack!

Danger Oiler Masokick!

Booyah.

Ouch...

Okay, can you handle that?

Okay.

About this part...

Oh, that...

Right.

Did you see that new Mishima kid?

She was taking notes and stuff, signaling her enthusiasm and all that.

She's too desperate to please the brass.

Even though she's only a temp.

And seriously, she's way too baby-faced.

She probably takes advantage of that to get around.

With pervy pedophiles.

And thus, it's said that the "namahage" comes from "namami wo hagu,"

My schedule's packed.

as in the low-temperature burns that result from sitting next to an open fire.

Shoot...

I can't study at home, so I'll have to learn here.

Yo, look.

I've never seen you doze off, Mishima.

What's up?

Too much gaming?

Speak for yourself.

It must be nice to live so freely.

I'm exhausted from work here.

Did you see the drama last night?

That was so satisfying.

I'd totally fight my boss if I worked for a crappy one, too.

That's cute.

Working at an office is nothing like that.

Being a member of society...

Mishima-san, didn't I ask you to photocopy this?

Right.

Sorry.

She never did.

Poor girl.

Here're the photocopies.

Also, here.

Isn't this...

Those who enjoy eating can do no wrong.

The snacks by Okashi that've been really popular lately?

I happened to pass by the shop the other day,

so I thought you might like to share it during the break.

Huh?

You said you wanted these before, remember, Shiho?

Good for you.

I wonder if she just "happened" to pass by.

Hey, can someone...

I took care of the documents.

By the way, I have a question about them.

Want to take a break?

You can ask me there.

Huh?

I hear you work a lot.

Yes.

Are you in debt or something?

Um...

You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.

You seem like you'd have a pimp.

Wait, what is this?

Most girls either leave or suck it up when they get bullied.

You may be the kind who moves up.

Work hard, kid.

Later.

Asagiri-san...

She didn't answer my question.

Half off

When are assorted sides ever not half-price?

What, Mom?

Where on earth are you, Hitomi?

I'm living on my own.

I'm fine.

What?

I'm tired from work.

Bye.

Wait, Hitomi!

Just a little longer...

Just a little longer...

I...

Huh?

Did I fall asleep?

I haven't put it in the fridge.

My suit's wrinkled, too.

I have to go to my next job!

Huh?

Why can't I stop crying?