1 00:00:34,829 --> 00:00:36,539 There is someone... 2 00:00:38,874 --> 00:00:41,293 that I want to meet first thing every morning. 3 00:00:48,843 --> 00:00:50,052 That person is... 4 00:00:57,560 --> 00:00:58,894 Are you all right? 5 00:01:00,187 --> 00:01:01,313 I'm okay. 6 00:01:01,397 --> 00:01:04,441 Sorry! I was practicing my elbow pass. 7 00:01:06,277 --> 00:01:07,444 Show me. 8 00:01:09,196 --> 00:01:10,698 It's turning red. 9 00:01:11,699 --> 00:01:12,867 Did it hurt? 10 00:01:14,827 --> 00:01:16,495 It's really okay! 11 00:01:16,579 --> 00:01:17,621 But... 12 00:01:18,164 --> 00:01:19,248 Wait. 13 00:01:20,916 --> 00:01:21,959 Here, take this. 14 00:01:25,171 --> 00:01:27,131 A treat from her pocket... 15 00:01:28,716 --> 00:01:30,009 Will you forgive me... 16 00:01:31,802 --> 00:01:32,970 in exchange? 17 00:01:35,264 --> 00:01:36,765 Of course! 18 00:01:38,058 --> 00:01:39,643 EIMEI PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL 19 00:01:39,727 --> 00:01:43,105 Eimei Private High School is an integrated junior and senior high school 20 00:01:43,188 --> 00:01:44,857 known as a sports powerhouse. 21 00:01:46,233 --> 00:01:48,485 After retiring from my junior high club activities, 22 00:01:49,194 --> 00:01:52,656 I now practice with the senior high badminton team. 23 00:01:54,116 --> 00:01:56,785 Mornings are for free practice, 24 00:01:57,453 --> 00:02:00,789 and I always want to be the first one in the morning. 25 00:02:01,874 --> 00:02:05,377 But Chinatsu Kano from the girls' basketball team always beats me to it. 26 00:02:07,546 --> 00:02:10,382 In the cool, still air of the school gym, 27 00:02:10,466 --> 00:02:12,801 she practices her shooting with intense focus. 28 00:02:14,511 --> 00:02:16,513 Chinatsu Senpai is someone... 29 00:02:17,556 --> 00:02:18,641 I like. 30 00:02:28,275 --> 00:02:31,528 BLUE BOX 31 00:03:48,063 --> 00:03:54,028 BLUE BOX 32 00:03:54,653 --> 00:03:58,782 EPISODE 1 CHINATSU SENPAI 33 00:04:20,679 --> 00:04:23,182 - If only I could marry her... - Not happening. 34 00:04:23,974 --> 00:04:25,184 Wow, harsh! 35 00:04:25,267 --> 00:04:27,603 What's all this talk about marriage? 36 00:04:27,686 --> 00:04:30,230 I mean, I'd get to see Chinatsu Senpai's face first thing 37 00:04:30,314 --> 00:04:31,982 when waking up in the morning! 38 00:04:32,066 --> 00:04:33,150 That would be awesome! 39 00:04:33,233 --> 00:04:34,360 Do you want coffee? 40 00:04:34,443 --> 00:04:36,820 You can't even go out with her in the first place. 41 00:04:38,822 --> 00:04:41,867 Chinatsu Senpai is the basketball team's next ace. 42 00:04:42,868 --> 00:04:44,620 She not only has talent 43 00:04:44,703 --> 00:04:47,122 but also personality and star quality. 44 00:04:47,206 --> 00:04:50,376 She's popular both inside and outside the school. 45 00:04:50,459 --> 00:04:55,255 On the other hand, you have yet to achieve much in badminton. 46 00:04:55,339 --> 00:04:57,174 And you're not even close to being popular. 47 00:04:57,925 --> 00:05:02,638 You're just a low-level underling who participates in high school practice. 48 00:05:04,598 --> 00:05:08,268 If we were to compare you to schools, Chinatsu Senpai would be a seeded school, 49 00:05:09,228 --> 00:05:11,855 and you'd be the school that gets knocked out in the first round. 50 00:05:11,939 --> 00:05:13,774 You're at completely different levels. 51 00:05:14,650 --> 00:05:17,027 Talking to her at practice is your only point of contact... 52 00:05:17,111 --> 00:05:18,529 I have a point of contact! 53 00:05:19,488 --> 00:05:23,283 My mom's an alum of our school's basketball team. 54 00:05:23,367 --> 00:05:26,036 Private schools are full of kids whose parents also went there. 55 00:05:26,829 --> 00:05:29,289 I get what you're saying, Kyo. 56 00:05:30,958 --> 00:05:34,044 But you can't win if you don't try. 57 00:05:34,837 --> 00:05:38,090 Besides, it's fun to play against a powerhouse school. 58 00:05:39,383 --> 00:05:43,053 At least aim to get to the second round. 59 00:05:43,929 --> 00:05:48,183 Get her to remember your name, or ask for her contact info. 60 00:05:48,892 --> 00:05:50,811 - I see. - What are you talking about? 61 00:05:52,646 --> 00:05:54,273 The heck are you doing? 62 00:05:54,356 --> 00:05:56,567 Salutations! 63 00:05:56,650 --> 00:05:58,360 Are you in elementary school? 64 00:05:58,443 --> 00:06:02,573 Wrong! This spring, I became a high schooler, just like you guys. 65 00:06:02,656 --> 00:06:07,286 I've also gained 7 cm since my elementary school days. 66 00:06:07,369 --> 00:06:09,746 You're still under 150 cm. 67 00:06:10,414 --> 00:06:11,582 Shut up! 68 00:06:11,665 --> 00:06:14,459 You're not even 170 cm! 69 00:06:14,543 --> 00:06:16,753 I'll get taller! 70 00:06:16,837 --> 00:06:18,589 They're both like elementary school kids. 71 00:06:22,176 --> 00:06:24,094 So? Something on your mind? 72 00:06:24,178 --> 00:06:26,263 Not really... 73 00:06:28,932 --> 00:06:30,976 Just asking for reference. 74 00:06:31,059 --> 00:06:35,355 What kind of things... make girls happy? 75 00:06:35,939 --> 00:06:38,483 What's this? Are we talking relationships? 76 00:06:39,193 --> 00:06:42,112 If so, leave it to me! 77 00:06:42,196 --> 00:06:44,865 First of all, don't be weak. 78 00:06:44,948 --> 00:06:48,869 You need to act like someone who is relaxed and reliable! 79 00:06:49,453 --> 00:06:52,122 And the most important thing is... 80 00:06:52,206 --> 00:06:53,415 {\an8}LIKE MARCE* NGUYEN 81 00:06:53,498 --> 00:06:55,375 {\an8}...physical beauty! 82 00:07:08,222 --> 00:07:10,390 {\an8}EIMEI PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL 83 00:07:12,976 --> 00:07:15,354 Asking Hina was a mistake. 84 00:07:15,437 --> 00:07:17,523 Her tastes are way too specific. 85 00:07:25,906 --> 00:07:27,741 Maybe the door's still locked. 86 00:07:37,834 --> 00:07:39,002 Right. 87 00:07:39,086 --> 00:07:40,295 It's now or never. 88 00:07:41,046 --> 00:07:42,839 This is my chance to talk to her! 89 00:07:47,386 --> 00:07:50,472 I should introduce myself... No, that might be too sudden. 90 00:07:50,556 --> 00:07:51,723 THIS AIN'T NO JOB INTERVIEW 91 00:07:52,266 --> 00:07:56,270 I should thank her for the treat... But I haven't eaten it yet. 92 00:07:56,353 --> 00:07:57,354 I OFFER MY THANKS 93 00:07:57,938 --> 00:07:58,897 Got it! 94 00:07:58,981 --> 00:08:00,732 I should ask what she's reading. 95 00:08:01,650 --> 00:08:03,443 RUNNING A STACK PLAY 96 00:08:10,576 --> 00:08:12,119 I'll just keep quiet... 97 00:08:15,831 --> 00:08:16,915 Hey! 98 00:08:17,541 --> 00:08:19,626 Use this if you like! 99 00:08:19,710 --> 00:08:21,044 It's just been washed! 100 00:08:23,422 --> 00:08:24,339 And... 101 00:08:25,132 --> 00:08:26,592 here's some hot tea. 102 00:08:26,675 --> 00:08:29,136 This thermos is great at keeping things warm. 103 00:08:29,219 --> 00:08:32,222 Here are some gloves, and a pocket heater! 104 00:08:32,306 --> 00:08:34,057 It gets warm if you shake... 105 00:08:39,021 --> 00:08:42,816 Shoot! I jumped the gun! 106 00:08:47,362 --> 00:08:49,239 What is it? 107 00:08:49,865 --> 00:08:52,659 I was curious what you'd hand me next. 108 00:08:58,123 --> 00:08:59,583 I'm kidding. 109 00:09:01,335 --> 00:09:02,961 Thanks for looking out for me. 110 00:09:03,503 --> 00:09:04,796 No worries. 111 00:09:04,880 --> 00:09:06,131 She laughed... 112 00:09:11,720 --> 00:09:15,515 I'm fine, so make sure you keep warm. 113 00:09:20,020 --> 00:09:21,271 Isn't this... 114 00:09:22,147 --> 00:09:26,276 kinda like a newlywed wife tying her husband's tie. 115 00:09:27,861 --> 00:09:29,488 - Sorry. - It's okay. 116 00:09:31,448 --> 00:09:33,659 I noticed this the other day too, 117 00:09:33,742 --> 00:09:37,079 but Chinatsu Senpai has a low body temperature. 118 00:09:38,205 --> 00:09:39,331 Finished. 119 00:09:40,207 --> 00:09:41,875 Sorry I'm late. 120 00:09:41,958 --> 00:09:42,793 It's okay. 121 00:09:43,502 --> 00:09:46,672 Don't catch a cold, Taiki Inomata. 122 00:09:47,881 --> 00:09:49,174 How do you know my name? 123 00:09:49,800 --> 00:09:51,802 Good question. I wonder why. 124 00:09:54,262 --> 00:09:56,056 Has she known all this time...? 125 00:09:56,139 --> 00:09:57,808 You have a great mom. 126 00:09:59,226 --> 00:10:00,352 Mom? 127 00:10:01,144 --> 00:10:01,978 TAIKI INOMATA 128 00:10:02,062 --> 00:10:03,146 So embarrassing! 129 00:10:03,230 --> 00:10:04,981 But she said my name... 130 00:10:07,651 --> 00:10:12,531 It's still so embarrassing! 131 00:10:26,420 --> 00:10:27,546 Break time! 132 00:10:28,505 --> 00:10:31,091 Taiki, get a damp cloth. 133 00:10:31,174 --> 00:10:32,134 Roger! 134 00:10:35,512 --> 00:10:38,557 In any case, she remembered my name. 135 00:10:39,307 --> 00:10:40,642 Taiki Inomata. 136 00:10:42,602 --> 00:10:46,565 Her saying my name was more destructive than I expected. 137 00:10:51,069 --> 00:10:54,364 Anyway, I made it to the second round. 138 00:10:54,906 --> 00:10:57,200 Now to the third round. 139 00:10:57,951 --> 00:11:00,495 Ask for her contact info! 140 00:11:07,794 --> 00:11:11,089 Chinatsu Senpai and the girls' basketball coach? 141 00:11:12,340 --> 00:11:13,175 What're you up to? 142 00:11:14,009 --> 00:11:15,218 Hina! 143 00:11:15,302 --> 00:11:16,845 Nothing! 144 00:11:20,682 --> 00:11:23,101 You mustn't aim too high. 145 00:11:23,226 --> 00:11:24,853 You're one to talk. 146 00:11:25,770 --> 00:11:29,983 I just thought they looked serious. 147 00:11:32,777 --> 00:11:36,865 I saw that girl walking with a boy the other day. 148 00:11:40,744 --> 00:11:42,037 Just kidding! 149 00:11:43,997 --> 00:11:46,625 The nerve of her! 150 00:12:04,267 --> 00:12:05,477 Catch you guys later. 151 00:12:05,560 --> 00:12:06,686 See ya! 152 00:12:09,731 --> 00:12:11,942 I forgot my towel at the gym. 153 00:12:13,109 --> 00:12:14,528 What? Forgot something? 154 00:12:14,611 --> 00:12:16,488 - Yeah, you can go... - I'm leaving. 155 00:12:20,992 --> 00:12:23,203 Good. It's still open. 156 00:12:32,587 --> 00:12:33,922 What the heck... 157 00:12:34,589 --> 00:12:35,715 Again... 158 00:12:37,217 --> 00:12:38,468 Taiki Inomata! 159 00:12:39,427 --> 00:12:41,179 She remembered my name! 160 00:12:42,389 --> 00:12:43,974 Were you still practicing? 161 00:12:44,975 --> 00:12:47,602 I wasn't satisfied with the way I played during practice. 162 00:12:48,395 --> 00:12:50,480 You shouldn't overwork yourself. 163 00:12:51,106 --> 00:12:52,524 You're probably right, 164 00:12:52,607 --> 00:12:56,236 but I just wanted to play for a little while longer. 165 00:12:58,071 --> 00:13:00,240 She must really love basketball. 166 00:13:03,618 --> 00:13:05,078 She caught me lookin-- 167 00:13:06,621 --> 00:13:07,998 Let's play one-on-one! 168 00:13:08,623 --> 00:13:09,708 What? 169 00:13:22,637 --> 00:13:24,222 Should we take a break? 170 00:13:24,306 --> 00:13:26,391 I'm... sorry... 171 00:13:27,434 --> 00:13:28,893 That was pathetic. 172 00:13:29,811 --> 00:13:32,897 Must be all that badminton you play. You really move well. 173 00:13:33,690 --> 00:13:38,486 My mom was on the basketball team, and we'd play together sometimes. 174 00:13:38,570 --> 00:13:39,904 Me too. 175 00:13:40,572 --> 00:13:42,824 My mom was also on the basketball team, 176 00:13:42,907 --> 00:13:46,911 and we used to play together before I joined the youth basketball team. 177 00:13:47,537 --> 00:13:49,914 Something in common! It's fate! 178 00:13:50,665 --> 00:13:53,418 Have you ever thought about playing basketball? 179 00:13:54,711 --> 00:13:55,837 Pass... 180 00:13:56,630 --> 00:14:00,050 Turns out I'm not cut out for team sports. 181 00:14:00,133 --> 00:14:01,092 Sorry for asking. 182 00:14:01,968 --> 00:14:04,346 Besides, I like how it feels... 183 00:14:05,221 --> 00:14:07,849 Standing alone on the badminton court, 184 00:14:08,516 --> 00:14:11,478 with all the responsibility bearing down on me. 185 00:14:13,146 --> 00:14:17,150 Whether I win or lose, it's all on me. 186 00:14:17,233 --> 00:14:19,277 That rush of nerves is exhilarating. 187 00:14:20,487 --> 00:14:21,655 So, you're a masochist, then. 188 00:14:24,908 --> 00:14:26,242 But I get it. 189 00:14:26,952 --> 00:14:29,245 That's why you practice so hard. 190 00:14:32,248 --> 00:14:34,084 That's rich coming from you... 191 00:14:34,167 --> 00:14:35,877 I was complimenting you. 192 00:14:35,961 --> 00:14:37,379 I mean... 193 00:14:38,338 --> 00:14:39,673 Chinatsu Senpai, 194 00:14:39,756 --> 00:14:43,218 weren't you practicing the day after you retired from junior high? 195 00:14:43,718 --> 00:14:44,803 What? 196 00:14:45,512 --> 00:14:47,639 About a year and a half ago. 197 00:14:49,224 --> 00:14:51,142 {\an8}There were no club activities that day. 198 00:14:52,143 --> 00:14:56,147 But I used to live nearby and happened to come by the school 199 00:14:56,231 --> 00:14:57,983 to pack up my things. 200 00:14:58,692 --> 00:15:00,026 And there... 201 00:15:13,206 --> 00:15:17,419 After that, I heard you missed the nationals by just a hair. 202 00:15:18,795 --> 00:15:20,880 You must've been really disappointed. 203 00:15:21,715 --> 00:15:25,802 To think you must've worked so hard to be that disappointed... 204 00:15:27,095 --> 00:15:29,681 It made me want to work that hard as well. 205 00:15:32,017 --> 00:15:37,564 Thinking back, maybe it was then that I began to like you. 206 00:15:47,907 --> 00:15:49,075 I'd forgotten... 207 00:15:52,954 --> 00:15:56,458 Hey! You guys should head home soon! 208 00:15:56,541 --> 00:15:57,625 Okay! 209 00:15:58,334 --> 00:15:59,419 Let's tidy up. 210 00:16:00,295 --> 00:16:01,921 What the heck. 211 00:16:02,589 --> 00:16:04,716 For a moment, I thought she was crying. 212 00:16:19,064 --> 00:16:19,981 Thanks. 213 00:16:22,692 --> 00:16:23,568 No problem. 214 00:16:29,991 --> 00:16:32,118 Maybe it's because we just exercised... 215 00:16:34,412 --> 00:16:38,666 but Chinatsu Senpai's hand felt warmer than last time. 216 00:16:52,597 --> 00:16:55,016 It will be sunny across the country today. 217 00:16:55,850 --> 00:16:56,976 Morning! 218 00:16:57,060 --> 00:16:59,395 Good morning! Your lunch box is over there. 219 00:16:59,479 --> 00:17:00,522 Thanks. 220 00:17:01,356 --> 00:17:03,399 Aren't you wearing your sweatshirt today? 221 00:17:03,483 --> 00:17:04,818 No, it's too warm. 222 00:17:05,860 --> 00:17:07,904 After I went through all the effort to wash it. 223 00:17:07,987 --> 00:17:08,988 Sorry. 224 00:17:10,365 --> 00:17:12,534 GOING STRAIGHT FOR THE NET! 225 00:17:12,617 --> 00:17:14,077 {\an8}Chinatsu Senpai! 226 00:17:15,036 --> 00:17:16,412 {\an8}Do you know her? 227 00:17:17,080 --> 00:17:18,039 Not really! 228 00:17:18,957 --> 00:17:24,921 Actually... I used to be teammates with Chinatsu's mom. 229 00:17:25,004 --> 00:17:26,381 What? 230 00:17:26,464 --> 00:17:28,383 Why are you shouting? 231 00:17:29,008 --> 00:17:30,051 No reason... 232 00:17:30,885 --> 00:17:33,555 {\an8}That's a huge point of contact! 233 00:17:34,639 --> 00:17:37,142 We stayed in touch from time to time, 234 00:17:37,225 --> 00:17:41,563 but I never imagined her little girl would get this good. 235 00:17:41,646 --> 00:17:43,439 It's a pity though. 236 00:17:44,065 --> 00:17:46,067 They're transferring overseas... 237 00:17:53,158 --> 00:17:55,743 Apparently, they're moving in mid-March. 238 00:17:55,827 --> 00:17:57,579 How sad. 239 00:18:00,748 --> 00:18:01,875 Come to think of it... 240 00:18:05,545 --> 00:18:06,629 Taiki? 241 00:18:08,089 --> 00:18:10,884 Transferring? Overseas? 242 00:18:10,967 --> 00:18:12,343 What the... 243 00:18:12,427 --> 00:18:13,761 What the heck? 244 00:18:19,434 --> 00:18:22,020 Is she really okay with that? 245 00:18:23,563 --> 00:18:25,773 She's the first one at the gym every morning, 246 00:18:26,399 --> 00:18:27,942 practicing harder than anyone. 247 00:18:29,068 --> 00:18:32,697 All that disappointment she felt... 248 00:18:34,240 --> 00:18:35,700 her emotions, 249 00:18:35,783 --> 00:18:37,410 her effort, 250 00:18:37,493 --> 00:18:40,455 her goals, everything. 251 00:18:41,122 --> 00:18:43,208 She can't just leave that all behind! 252 00:19:00,058 --> 00:19:02,810 What's wrong, Taiki? 253 00:19:03,895 --> 00:19:05,063 Chinatsu Senpai! 254 00:19:05,813 --> 00:19:07,732 Please make it to the nationals! 255 00:19:10,068 --> 00:19:13,238 I learned it from you, Chinatsu Senpai. 256 00:19:13,988 --> 00:19:16,991 Working hard every day toward your goals 257 00:19:17,075 --> 00:19:20,787 and continuing to look forward even when you lose. 258 00:19:21,829 --> 00:19:24,749 So please... don't give up! 259 00:19:25,792 --> 00:19:30,755 Even for reasons beyond your control, like your parents transferring overseas. 260 00:19:30,838 --> 00:19:32,757 - Don't... - Sorry. 261 00:19:32,840 --> 00:19:35,260 I'm not going... abroad. 262 00:19:36,844 --> 00:19:37,887 What? 263 00:19:39,347 --> 00:19:41,140 Wait... I... 264 00:19:42,308 --> 00:19:45,228 To be precise, my family will be going, 265 00:19:45,353 --> 00:19:48,648 but I'll be staying with an acquaintance. 266 00:19:49,607 --> 00:19:51,234 No way... I... 267 00:19:52,402 --> 00:19:54,445 jumped the gun! 268 00:19:55,863 --> 00:19:57,448 Well, that's a relief then! 269 00:19:57,532 --> 00:19:59,450 I was really torn. 270 00:20:01,411 --> 00:20:04,038 It'll be lonely being away from my family. 271 00:20:05,164 --> 00:20:07,917 But I had a chance to remember the time 272 00:20:08,626 --> 00:20:12,005 I retired from the junior high team. 273 00:20:13,131 --> 00:20:16,050 How I wanted to make it to the nationals. 274 00:20:17,760 --> 00:20:19,429 How I didn't want to give up. 275 00:20:25,643 --> 00:20:27,186 It's all because of you. 276 00:20:27,895 --> 00:20:30,606 Thank you, Taiki Inomata. 277 00:20:36,195 --> 00:20:38,823 But... I didn't do anything... 278 00:20:41,576 --> 00:20:43,828 Let's play one-on-one again sometime! 279 00:20:48,082 --> 00:20:50,084 Let's play badminton as well. 280 00:20:50,168 --> 00:20:51,336 Okay. 281 00:21:06,976 --> 00:21:10,772 Wait, I said something really embarrassing, didn't I? 282 00:21:21,324 --> 00:21:23,618 I'm glad today's Sunday... 283 00:21:29,207 --> 00:21:32,126 For the first time in my life, I don't want to see... 284 00:21:34,128 --> 00:21:36,339 Chinatsu Senpai today... 285 00:21:39,884 --> 00:21:40,927 Good morning. 286 00:21:44,514 --> 00:21:48,059 What is Chinatsu Senpai doing in my house? 287 00:21:50,311 --> 00:21:52,647 You're up, Taiki. 288 00:21:52,730 --> 00:21:55,650 Remember? We talked about this. 289 00:21:55,733 --> 00:21:58,653 This is Chinatsu Kano. 290 00:21:59,737 --> 00:22:02,198 She'll be living with us starting this spring. 291 00:22:03,032 --> 00:22:04,158 Please look after her. 292 00:22:04,242 --> 00:22:05,952 Thanks for helping out. 293 00:22:06,035 --> 00:22:08,037 - Thanks for having me. - Come on, we were teammates. 294 00:22:12,333 --> 00:22:16,879 What the heck? 295 00:23:43,007 --> 00:23:48,012 Subtitle translation by: Bakul Binjola