Downfall (零落)

In the time when I was still a novice manga artist,

I dated a girl who was a junior in college,

Her eyes were like that of a frail stray cat,

fitting her reserved personality.

Every time I saw celebrities fake smiles on TV,

it made me nauseous.

She always subtly revealed dissatisfaction.

Please don't be like this.

I hate my own smile.

She rarely laughed,

only finding comfort when held tightly.

Sometimes she mumbled incomprehensible words.

Squeeze me.

She was the first to critique my manga.

Your manga,

I read it.

I really liked it,

but

I won't read it anymore.

I'm afraid I...

know you too well.

I'm not really that kind of person.

I just…

Just playing the role you think I am.

Do you know how empty it is

to pretend to be someone else?

I'm tired.

Fukasawa, you always

talk about manga.

I admire your pursuit of ideals,

but I'm always so lonely.

Sometimes I wish

we were just ordinary lovers, happy and carefree.

You say you like me,

but you don't understand me at all.

But Fukasawa,

I know…

I know what kind of person you are.

Goodbye.

I haven't seen her again.

Don't know where she is, what she's doing.

After that, I got busy in serialization.

Married an editor I met through work.

And that's how more than ten years passed.

You're back. Quite rare at this time.

I'll be returning to work soon.

You've just finished your serialization. Take a short break.

My staff must have work to do.

Hmm?

My staff must have work to do.

After each serialization, Ms. Makiura dismisses the staff.

Everyone has their own way of working.

Can't hear what you're saying.

Ah, did you read it? It's fantastic.

- Really? - Ms. Makiura liked it too.

I might meet this author later.

She's in her twenties,

looks like a promising future.

You might like it. It could be a reference for your next serialization.

- Have you fed chi? - Not yet. Can you do it for me?

I have a meeting with Ms. Makiura until midnight today.

- Understood. - Yes, thank you.

I'm about to leave.

I'll be there at three sharp. Yes, thank you.

Is it delicious?

Chi.

Smells really good.

Mr. Fukasawa.

Mr. Fukasawa.

Mr. Fukasawa.

What are we going to do today?

Let's start by drawing some backgrounds in advance.

Got it.

Tonight at 7 PM in Shinjuku, right?

The celebration for "Goodbye Sunset.

Hmm?

Mr. Fukasawa’s passion for this work

greatly inspires me as the responsible editor.

I want to say again,

thank you for the eight years of serialization.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Would you like to say a few words on stage, Sensei ?

Sure.

Thank you all for coming today.

It's been eight years...

This is the first time for me,

creating a work for such a long time.

Now,

looking back on these days,

it feels incredible.

Even so…

- Hello? - Rather than clinging to the past.

Yes, hello?

Look towards the future.

After the event, I have to go back to work.

I will continue to work hard...

- Creating more interesting... - Oh no.

Creating more interesting works for the readers.

I want…

Continue creating.

Thank you.

I'm so full.

I'm honored to be your assistant.

It's great that many editors attended the celebration.

This celebration is just a formality.

No one listens to me talk.

That's not true.

The publishing house probably thinks I'm useless now.

But…

Your "Goodbye Sunset" is really great.

You have a lot of fans, right?

Do you know how much the print run dropped for the last episode?

Social media is just a useless toy.

Is it?

The marketing department doesn't care about the content of the work.

They follow the money.

My readers are young and easily lose interest.

Even with loyal fans,

I've reached my limit.

I can only boast about being a washed-up manga artist from the past.

Why is there always road construction here?

Tomita, are you listening to me?

Of course, I am.

By the way, how's the recent newcomer award?

I made it to the finals.

Editors are approaching me with various projects.

Your efforts are finally being recognized.

You can do it.

Thank you.

I'll do my best next year too.

I can't go.

I said I can't go.

What kind of breast preference do you have?

You decide.

We'll choose for you.

Just someone easy to get along with is fine.

Yes, I'll find someone suitable for you.

Wow, such a cute room.

So cute.

Hello, I'm Yūmbo.

See, I'm a high school girl.

You should relax a bit.

Don't be nervous, okay?

After graduating from college…

I haven't done this in a while.

I've been working and I really don't have time.

What do you do? Wait, let me guess.

Mangaka.

A professional manga artist?

I have a friend who wants to be a manga artist too.

Have you read "Singing for You"?

I haven't.

You have to read it. My friend said it made her cry.

Really?

I wait for my favorite shoujo manga to go on sale before buying.

Being a manga artist seems like a boring job.

Why? Why would you say that?

It's strange.

You're a manga artist, yet you dislike manga?

Yes, I do.

It seems like I can understand...

Sometimes, liking something too much makes you end up hating it.

I feel the same way about visual kei bands.

is that so?

Little bro, you must be exhausted.

I understand. I was in pain back then too.

I'll make you feel heavenly and forget everything.

Oh, you're getting excited.

What's wrong?

Thank you.

You're so gentle.

Huh? What's wrong?

Don't cry.

Good boy, good boy.

Good boy, good boy.

Boss.

What should we draw today, Sensei?

Can you start by drawing some backgrounds in advance?

Got it.

Got it.

I'll go wash some clothes.

Got it.

Got it.

Hello?

Yes.

Drawing manga for a cosmetics ad?

The quote is too high.

I won't take it.

I want to focus on preparing for my next work.

I'm just a manga artist, nothing special.

What?

What did you say?

It's nothing.

By the way, this wedding is really nice.

Right?

Yeah, a great wedding.

Kaga, are you going to the after-party?

not going.