AIAI-assisted translation·Read the source version
A reading version of my WebGAL script 『The Innkeeper』, arranged in three acts while retaining the original sequence and dialogue. Game instructions for waiting, character sprites and transitions have been removed. This is an alternate-future setting: the characters are adults.
Act One
(Soyo Nagasaki and Uika Misumi face each other in Sakiko Togawa's inn.)
Uika: You and I are quite different.
Soyo: Here, my money spends just as well as yours.
Uika: If Saki gives me special attention, I deserve it.
Soyo: Oh? On what grounds?
Uika: I have a doctorate in mathematics from Queenston.
Soyo: What a coincidence. I have a master's degree.
Uika: A worthless master's you bought yourself.
Soyo: Yes… bought at that very university you're so proud of.
Uika: Enough! Show me some respect.
Soyo: Who's disrespecting you? Can you find anyone more impertinent here?
Uika: You know why I'm here. I've made my claim clear to everyone. Stop staring at her.
Soyo: You want to stop me? What do you think I visit this place every day for?
Uika: Whatever. You don't matter.
Soyo: I don't? And you do?
Uika: I am who I am… Sakiko needs my protection.
Soyo: Saki needs money, not your protection.
Uika: Money? She has enough.
Soyo: Dr Misumi, I spend ten thousand yen here every day. I've lost count of the presents I've given her.
Uika: She knows what I've done without my telling her.
Soyo: Of course. You may not say it, but everyone knows.
Uika: What could they possibly know?
Soyo: Well… a waiter told me you only spend five hundred yen a day on a glass of water. How thrifty.
Uika: … Speaking of waiters, that Mutsumi Wakaba is the most disagreeable. Sakiko is inexplicably kind to her. Such favouritism.
Soyo: It wouldn't be surprising if Saki wanted to marry. Her father's just died; running a place this size alone must be difficult. When she marries, I intend to give her ten million yen.
Uika: If she marries, as someone of standing… naturally I'll use my connections to do something for her.
Soyo: Just come to the wedding empty-handed. Part of that ten million will be on your behalf. By then, I'm sure we'll be good friends.
Uika: Ha. I'll be the one sending the invitations. I don't advertise what I do for her like some nouveau riche… Hey, you over there! Come here.
Soyo: (Changing the subject again…)
Mutsumi: Yes, guest? What can I do for you?
Uika: Guest? You don't even know the proper form of address?
Mutsumi: Sorry…
Soyo: Tell me, how is Saki?
Mutsumi: She's well, Sensei.
Uika: Is she up?
Mutsumi: Yes, Sensei.
Uika: Idiot…
Mutsumi: …What is it, Sensei? Have I offended you?
Uika: Who told you to call me Sensei?
Mutsumi: But you don't enjoy that distinction alone. I've always used it for Ms Nagasaki, too.
Uika: Hmph… I'm different from her. How can you address us by the same title?
Soyo: Oh… Mutsumi Wakaba, can you tell the difference between us?
Mutsumi: Certainly… from the daily bills.
Uika: Go and tell Sakiko to come here. I want to speak to her.
Mutsumi: With pleasure, Sensei… Sorry. I seem to have said it again.
Uika: Three months here and still like this. No manners.
Soyo: Want to see the difference between me and Dr Misumi?
Uika: What are you planning now?
Soyo: Mutsumi, here's ten thousand yen. Call Dr Misumi Sensei again and I'll give you another ten thousand.
Mutsumi: You're so generous! Thank you, Ms Nagasaki. And thank you, Sensei…
Uika: Get out…
Mutsumi: Thank you again, Master Nagasaki. I'll fetch the innkeeper.
Soyo: So very amusing, wouldn't you agree?
Uika: You think presents make you superior? My intellect is worth more than all your wealth.
Soyo: I don't care about what's valuable. I care about what I can spend.
Uika: Keep throwing money at her. She doesn't take you seriously.
Soyo: And you think she cares about your books? She needs money.
Uika: What money? She needs someone who can solve problems when it matters.
Soyo: Meaning someone who can help her borrow a hundred thousand yen?
Uika: Such insolence! Show some respect.
Soyo: If you had money, everyone would flatter you.
Uika: Absurd nonsense.
Soyo: Still better expressed than your ideas.
Tomori: Friends, what are you arguing about? What's the disagreement?
Soyo: She's upset by a brilliant observation of mine.
Uika: Master Nagasaki is preaching that education is useless again.
Soyo: I'm not particularly interested in qualifications, but I have nothing against knowledge. Still, it takes money to indulge life's little whims.
Tomori: Naturally, Master Nagasaki.
Uika: Enough! Let's talk about something else.
Tomori: How did you come to quarrel like this?
Soyo: For an amusing reason.
Uika: Ha. You turn everything into a joke.
Soyo: Our doctor has fallen in love with the innkeeper too, though my love far exceeds hers. She thinks her degree entitles her to the innkeeper's love. I merely hope for some return on my care. Isn't it funny?
Uika: Do you know how much I've done for her?
Soyo: You do things for her. I pay for things for her.
Tomori: I don't understand all this excitement. Losing your composure over feelings? Since finishing middle school, I've never quarrelled with anyone over such inexplicable emotions. I don't fall in love; I've never felt my heart stir. I've always considered irrational emotion extremely harmful.
Uika: But Sakiko has her own charm.
Soyo: I must agree with Dr Misumi there. Our innkeeper really is lovely.
Uika: I love her, so she must be special.
Tomori: Ridiculous. What's special about her? She seems no different from anyone else.
Uika: Her noble bearing captivated me.
Soyo: Her voice, her make-up, her face—like a rose.
Tomori: Where do you see that? I've stayed here three days without noticing anything special.
Soyo: You haven't looked at her properly.
Tomori: I see her every day. Apart from that blue hair feeling familiar, she's like anyone else.
Uika: Sakiko is different. She's… truly, truly special. I've never met anyone who combines bitterness and sweetness so perfectly.
Soyo: Unbelievable… I get on well with plenty of people and know exactly what they want. But I've spent so much on Saki without even holding her hand.
Tomori: Pathetic. I'd never waste my efforts like that.
Soyo: Have you never loved anyone?
Tomori: Not since the confusion of youth passed. Love, to me, is merely an illusion people invent.
Soyo: But aren't you an only child? Don't you want a child of your own?
Tomori: Of course. I've thought about it often. But if that requires living with someone else, I'd rather not.
Soyo: Then what's your wealth for?
Tomori: Enjoying life, naturally. Occasionally sharing its pleasures with friends like you.
Uika: Well said, Bachelor Takamatsu.
Soyo: What about love? Won't you be lonely?
Tomori: I can't afford it.
Soyo: Look! Sakiko! Our innkeeper.
Tomori: Pretty… but an Adélie penguin is much cuter to me.
Uika: Lovely again today…
Tomori: Never mind. I'd rather go to the roof and observe Venus.
Sakiko: What can I do for you all?
Uika: I want to ask you something, but not here.
Sakiko: Where would you like me to go, Uika?
Uika: Well… to my room.
Sakiko: Your room? If you need anything, I'll send a waiter.
Soyo: Dear Saki, I can say what I want in public. No room required. Look at these earrings. Do you like them?
Sakiko: They're beautiful.
Soyo: Diamonds.
Sakiko: Yes, I know. I meant the diamonds are beautiful.
Soyo: They're yours now.
Tomori: (Why throw money into the sea?)
Sakiko: Why would you give me these earrings?
Uika: A fine gift. Unfortunately, Sakiko already has a better pair.
Soyo: This is the latest style. Please accept them, darling.
Tomori: (Madness.)
Sakiko: I can't… they're too expensive…
Soyo: Refusing would be an insult.
Sakiko: Very well… I suppose I must accept, rather than spoil your pleasure.
Uika: Ha. A considerable gift indeed, Master Nagasaki. Merely to gratify your own vanity. Saki, our conversation should take place privately, looking into each other's eyes.
Sakiko: I'll come if nobody else needs anything.
Tomori: Innkeeper. The pattern on my sheets is offensive to my eyes. It doesn't suit my taste. Change them immediately or I'm checking out today.
Sakiko: I'll certainly find you better sheets, but please show a little courtesy when issuing commands.
Tomori: I've spent my money. I don't intend to spend my courtesy too.
Soyo: Forgive her. She's always been eccentric.
Tomori: I don't need her forgiveness.
Sakiko: Why treat me like this? What have I done wrong, Bachelor Takamatsu?
Tomori: Enough. Don't try that on me. Change the sheets. I'll send someone to check. Ladies, excuse me.
Sakiko: So rude! I've never met anyone like her.
Soyo: Don't be upset, Saki. Not everyone appreciates your charm.
Sakiko: I've had enough of her arrogance. I want to throw her out right now!
Uika: Say the word and I'll do it.
Soyo: I'll cover all the lost room charges. Better still, throw out the doctor beside me as well. I'll pay for that too.
Sakiko: Thank you both, but I'm only complaining. I can handle something this minor myself. My inn has never lacked guests.
Mutsumi: Sensei, someone is asking for you.
Soyo: Who?
Mutsumi: A senior designer from a fashion company. (Quietly.) Saki, know when to stop.
Soyo: Ah yes, she's brought jewellery for me to see. Saki, I want something to match those earrings.
Sakiko: Really, there's no need… Soyo…
Soyo: These things suit you. It's nothing to me. I'll look at the jewellery now. Goodbye, Saki.
Uika: (That wretched master's graduate and her filthy money.)
Sakiko: Master Nagasaki really is spending too much.
Uika: That's what people with a little money are like. Showing off to gratify their vanity. I've seen plenty.
Sakiko: I understand.
Uika: They think a few presents will win over someone like you.
Sakiko: There's no harm in accepting gifts.
Uika: I'd be insulting you if I kept giving you things.
Sakiko: Naturally. You've never insulted me.
Uika: If there's anything I can do, just ask, Saki.
Sakiko: First I'd have to know what you can do.
Uika: Er…
Sakiko: Anyway, thank you, Uika.
Uika: I'm almost beginning to resent all those years of study.
Sakiko: Why?
Uika: Sometimes I wish I were like Master Nagasaki… (Quietly.) If only I'd decided to find you in Tokyo back then…
Sakiko: Because of her money?
Uika: That money is worthless. If I were a ridiculous person like her…
Sakiko: What would you do?
Uika: Enough! I'd propose to you!
Sakiko: What did she just say? That Dr Misumi wants to propose to me? Even if she does, there's one small problem. I don't want to give myself to her. I like triangular patterns… but Misumi herself? Far too abstract to be useful. I have no time to indulge her ponderous self-admiration.
Sakiko: Everyone who approaches me falls in love and fawns over me. Managing them every day is exhausting. Yet this Bachelor Takamatsu, cold as a penguin, treats me like that? She's the first person to dislike me so much. Of course, I'm not saying everyone has to like me. But what gives her the right to dismiss, with such unquestioning coldness, the dignity I work so hard to maintain?
Sakiko: She hates feelings? Hates love? Poor thing. She's simply afraid of connection and hides behind a shell of reason. But she'll encounter it. She will. Who knows? Perhaps she already has. Now I'm curious about this Bachelor Takamatsu. I want to see whether she can stay so cold.
Sakiko: Knowledge doesn't interest me. Wealth does, and doesn't. What I enjoy most… is watching people serve me, adore me, lose their heads over me, fall under my control. Marriage? Never considered it. I need nobody. If I wanted marriage, why didn't I return to the Togawa family? I live respectably by myself and enjoy my freedom. I can grant them a moment's dream, but I'll never hand over my heart.
Sakiko: I'm going to have some fun with them. I'll use every means to tear apart that supposedly invincible heart… Since fate has put me here, you can all perform your parts in my play.
Mutsumi: Saki…
Sakiko: What is it?
Mutsumi: A guest in the corridor wants fresh sheets.
Sakiko: I know. She told me too.
Mutsumi: Leave them by the door. I'll take them over.
Sakiko: No need. I'll take them myself.
Mutsumi: Saki? Yourself?
Sakiko: Yes.
Mutsumi: You seem to care a great deal about this guest.
Sakiko: Every guest matters. Do your own job.
Mutsumi: (Saki keeps stringing me along…)
Sakiko: (I ought to give Mutsumi a little sweetness, or why would she willingly stay?)
Mutsumi: I've always served the guests.
Sakiko: You're too cold with them.
Mutsumi: You're too kind to them.
Sakiko: I know what I'm doing. I don't need your advice.
Mutsumi: … Find another waiter.
Sakiko: Mutsumi? Have you come to hate me?
Mutsumi: Saki, do you remember what Uncle Kiyotsugu told us before he died?
Sakiko: Of course. I remember every promise I made.
Mutsumi: I don't want you to serve her.
Sakiko: What sort of person do you think I am? Stupid? Frivolous? Licentious? Do you think I enjoy running around for people, forcing a smile? This is for our interests and the inn's reputation. I don't depend on those presents. As for a lover, one is enough, and I already have that person. When I want to marry… naturally, I remember Father's words… Whoever has sincerely cared for me won't be disappointed in future. I understand gratitude and devotion. Unfortunately, nobody understands me… If only you could, Mutsumi.
Mutsumi: I can't work you out, Saki. One moment you seem to like me, the next you don't. I love you. I want you to live a little better. That's why I work here… Perhaps I really should turn a blind eye. Fortunately, guests come and go. I'm the only one who can remain beside her.
Mutsumi: Sensei, your letter.
Tomori: An Earl Grey, please. Your best leaves.
Mutsumi: Certainly. One moment.
(Tomori opens the letter and reads aloud.)
Tomori: Tokyo, April 2030. Dear Tomori Takamatsu, I'm the arranger who worked with you last time. Is there such a person? I don't remember. Our profound friendship prompts me to bring you good news. Interesting. I understand you're twenty-six and still single, so I'd like to introduce my cousin, Mana Sumita. She's a five-time champion of the National Amateur Singing Contest and has inherited a considerable fortune. I hope you might…
(Tomori tears up the letter.)
Tomori: Spare yourself the trouble. What do her inheritance and titles have to do with me? Living alone, I can manage with less money. With a partner, no amount would suffice. I'd rather be a smelly penguin all my life than marry.
(Uika appears.)
Uika: May I sit here?
Tomori: Of course. Sit down.
Uika: At least we can speak openly to one another… How could that worthless master's graduate join our conversation?
Tomori: I only have a bachelor's degree.
Uika: Better than a master's earned in a year.
Tomori: Show others some respect, Dr Misumi.
Uika: You know me. I'm courteous to everyone. She's the one exception I can't endure.
Tomori: You quarrel because you love the same person. People like us should keep our distance from someone like her. She's not worth it.
Uika: No… Saki's charm is incomparable.
Tomori: Hopeless. The same tricks every time: sweet talk and showing herself off, and you're bewitched? Why are you so obsessed with love anyway? Lust? No wonder you still haven't published in one of the top four journals.
Uika: Stop! All right, I do care about her… But what really troubles me is that there's still no news about the paper I submitted months ago.
Tomori: …
Uika: Effort can change so little…
(Mutsumi places an Earl Grey before them.)
Tomori: Sorry, I forgot to order you one… Bring this guest another Earl Grey like mine.
Mutsumi: We're out of those leaves today.
Tomori: If you don't mind, this cup…
(Uika picks it up and starts drinking.)
Tomori: Er… (She actually took it… What do I drink?)
Uika: I compiled a textbook recently. The publisher promised… (Sips tea.) …two million yen in royalties. (Sips again.)
Tomori: That's very good.
Uika: But the agreed date has passed… (Sips.) …and they haven't paid. So the problem is… (Sips.) The problem is… (Finishes the tea.) I'm a little short just now, so…
Tomori: Well… perhaps the money will arrive in a few days.
Uika: You know how much people like us value our word. I need money urgently…
Tomori: Ah… you have my sympathy… (Oh no. How do I escape this?)
Uika: Would you help me with this small favour?
Tomori: Ahaha… Uika, I'd gladly help if I had the money… I'm waiting for royalties too.
Uika: You can't fool me. You just ordered that tea. That cup must cost quite a bit.
Tomori: All right. This is what I have on me.
(She opens her wallet: a hundred thousand yen and some coins.)
Uika: A hundred thousand.
Tomori: It's the last money I have…
Uika: Then lend me the hundred thousand.
Tomori: What am I supposed to do afterwards?
Uika: Don't worry. I'll repay you.
Tomori: Fine…
(Tomori hands Uika the money.)
Uika: I'll be off. See you at lunch.
Tomori: … All right… First Dr Misumi calmly boasts about two million in royalties; then she delights in my hundred thousand. Better if she never repays me. At least she won't bother me again. It's only a small sum anyway.
(Tomori notices the empty cup.)
Tomori: And the tea hasn't even been paid for… How rude.
Sakiko: Tomori, may I come in?
Tomori: Tomori? What do you want?
Sakiko: I've brought you better sheets.
Tomori: Leave them on that table.
Sakiko: You'll certainly like this pattern.
Tomori: What is it?
Sakiko: Limited-edition penguin sheets from the nearby aquarium.
Tomori: Nothing so expensive was necessary. A little better would have done.
Sakiko: Oh, and I found a piece of marble nearby. Look.
Tomori: Enough of this flattery. Where did you find out about me?
Sakiko: (Still on her guard.) Tomori, what would you like for lunch?
Tomori: Anything.
Sakiko: But I'd like to know your tastes, so I can prepare it.
Tomori: I'll tell the waiter.
Sakiko: Mutsumi isn't as attentive as I am in these matters. If you'd like something special, just say.
Tomori: Thank you, but don't try handling me the way you handle those two.
Sakiko: They're simply too quick to fall in love. I'm only doing business. Agreeing with them is just a way to keep my guests.
Tomori: Honest enough.
(Sakiko puts down the sheets and picks up a notebook.)
Sakiko: This notebook… how nostalgic. I used this series as a child.
Tomori: Put it down. Going through other people's things is rude.
Sakiko: Wanting… to become a human's song? Did you write these? “Although I've made friends like everyone else…” “Even though I'm with everyone…” Are these lyrics?
Tomori: Yes…
Tomori: (Why bring me here?) Where are we?
Sakiko: My piano room. I used to love music, but I had to give it up. Only last year did I save enough to buy a piano again. To make up for that old regret, I set aside a room in the inn for it. I may be rusty.
(Sakiko plays and sings the lyrics Tomori wrote long, long ago.)
Tomori: (So it was you… The girl who knocked me down on the bridge.)
Sakiko: Thank you for listening. I love music. I once wanted to form a band, but…
Tomori: (If only I'd found the courage to invite her home then… What am I thinking?)
Sakiko: Give me your hand.
Tomori: What are you doing?
(Sakiko takes her hand.)
Sakiko: See? Now you can feel my warmth. People aren't so hard to understand. We're connected to one another. Sorry to have taken so much of your time. I must return to work. It feels good to talk freely, without flirtation or entanglements.
Tomori: You're… leaving already? (What are you doing? I don't understand.) Go ahead…
Sakiko: All right.
Tomori: If you have time… you could come and sit with me…
Sakiko: I don't usually visit guests' rooms. But you're an exception. Because… I like you very much.
Tomori: What?! You like me?
Sakiko: Your lyrics feel like a cry from your heart. And you're the only person who doesn't stare at me strangely. I feel safe with you. (Just as planned.) (After all that, if she hasn't fallen for me by tomorrow, I'll eat this piano.)
Tomori: …I wish she'd stay away. But… she likes my earliest lyrics. No, don't go… She really is special. We could be friends… Yes. Friends. I won't fall in love with her.
Mutsumi: Um… honoured guests? Your rooms are on the third floor. The private dining room is on the left; the VIP lounge is on the right.
Nyamu: Understood… Are you an employee or the owner?
Mutsumi: An employee. Call me Mutsumi. At your service whenever you need me.
Raana: (Honoured guests?)
Nyamu: Mutsuko?
Mutsumi: Yes?
Nyamu: Have your innkeeper come here. We'd like to speak to her.
Mutsumi: I'll tell her. (She carries herself like Master Nagasaki. Another society lady, presumably.)
Raana: She seems fooled. She really believes you're rich.
Nyamu: Away from home, you give yourself your own identity. Then people treat you properly.
Raana: Won't that cost more?
Nyamu: Relax. I'll get us a discount.
Raana: Could there be trouble?
Nyamu: I play society ladies, princesses and jealous wives on camera every day. How could they see through me? I'm sick of plum rice on set. Look, even the restaurant has private rooms. Don't you want a matcha parfait?
Raana: Matcha parfait… It's been so long… But when the rest of the troupe arrives, we'll be exposed…
Nyamu: They won't reach Tokyo today. That's what they get for taking the coach.
Raana: They have no money.
Nyamu: We're lucky we got an economy ticket.
Raana: Good thing we played that live show.
Nyamu: My idea. Eat whatever you want in the restaurant.
Raana: Really?
Nyamu: The private dining room has a buffet. Enjoy yourself.
Raana: Yay!
Mutsumi: The innkeeper is coming.
Nyamu: Good.
Raana: (Nyamu really is a good actress. Soon I'll have my parfait.)
Mutsumi: I need your details. Names, places of origin and universities, please.
Raana: Huh?
Nyamu: Why the universities?
Mutsumi: The innkeeper's rule. She wants VIP treatment reserved for truly educated people.
Raana: (No parfait…?)
Nyamu: What if somebody invents a name?
Mutsumi: I write down whatever the guest says.
Nyamu: Then write this: Nyamu Saionji, Kyoto, doctorate from Tokei University.
Mutsumi: (Writing.) And you?
Raana: …?
(Raana looks at Nyamu.)
Nyamu: Just your name and where you're from. Raana Minamoto, Tokyo…
Raana: Um… Raana Minamoto, Tokyo…
Mutsumi: (Writing.) University?
Raana: University?
Mutsumi: Yes.
Raana: Um… (Matcha parfait… soba noodles…)
Mutsumi: Yes?
Raana: Matchasoba University.
Mutsumi: A Cambridge doctorate? Very well. I won't trouble you further. The innkeeper is on her way.
Nyamu: Were you trying to say matcha parfait and soba noodles?
Raana: Mm-hm.
Nyamu: You nearly gave us away.
Sakiko: (An odd pair.) (Such cheap fabric… They don't feel wealthy.) Allow me to kiss your hand.
(Nyamu holds it out.)
Sakiko: And yours, if you please.
Raana: Huh? No need…
Nyamu: Remember your manners. Hold out your hand.
Raana: O-okay. (It tickles.)
Sakiko: Where have you come from?
Nyamu: We flew from London…
Raana: (Laughs.)
Sakiko: What's so funny?
Raana: I… remembered something happy.
Sakiko: No travelling companions? Only you two staying?
Nyamu: My husband, the professor…
Raana: (Laughs.)
Nyamu: Is busy at an academic conference.
Raana: (I can't hold it in…)
Sakiko: Very well. We're alone. Let's speak plainly. Did you really graduate from prestigious universities?
Nyamu: Are you doubting us?
Sakiko: I simply don't want to keep making you laugh.
Nyamu: You guess…
Sakiko: Why pretend to be someone else? We're all just earning a living. If you're in difficulty, say so.
Raana: Huh? She saw through us?
Nyamu: Er…
Sakiko: Indeed, Dr Saionji and Dr Minamoto. I appreciate your ingenuity…
Nyamu: Just having fun.
Sakiko: I like amusing people. Make yourselves at home. But if someone important really arrives, please give up this room. I'll find you a comfortable smaller one.
Raana: Yes, yes, the restaurant…
Nyamu: Having paid, I expect the treatment I've paid for.
Sakiko: The private dining room is open to you… Do be accommodating, Lady Saionji… A learned bachelor staying here is looking for true love. She'll certainly approach you.
Nyamu: Oh? Is she rich?
Sakiko: Well… very rich indeed.
Uika: Could you stop blocking the door?
Nyamu: Come in, come in.
Raana: (Eating.)
Uika: Are they guests?
Sakiko: Yes. They've come to grace my inn.
Nyamu: (She looks wealthy.)
Raana: (Eating.)
Uika: Who are they?
Sakiko: Let me introduce Dr Nyamu Saionji of Tokei University, and Dr Raana Minamoto of Cambridge.
Nyamu: And you?
Uika: A doctorate from Queenston.
Nyamu: You must be terribly clever! I wanted to go there, but my grades weren't good enough… I had to settle for second best.
Raana: (This is fun.)
Uika: Ah… you're too kind.
Nyamu: Not at all. You must have worked very hard to get where you are.
Uika: Indeed.
Nyamu: May I call you Uiko?
Uika: Please do. Dr Saionji… what was your field?
Nyamu: Business school. I'm with a private equity fund now.
Uika: A bright future ahead of you, then.
Raana: (Laughs.)
Sakiko: (You really are socially inept, Dr Misumi.) (A little flattery and your head spins.)
Raana: An interesting woman.
Sakiko: Dr Uika Misumi is a distinguished guest. So clever. We depend on her for all sorts of difficulties.
Uika: Yes. Ask me anything you don't understand. I'm happy to answer questions. If there's trouble, my connections can settle it.
Raana: An important person, then.
Nyamu: At university, I loved discussing academic matters over afternoon tea with professors.
Uika: Really? Perfect.
(Uika produces a stack of paper.)
Raana: What's all that paper? Menus?
Uika: What? I stayed up all night writing this. Saki, look at my new paper—and the typesetting.
Sakiko: Yes, the Greek letters are beautifully aligned. Such taste, Uika.
Uika: It's called 『The Distribution of Zeros of the Riemann Zeta Function in the Complex Plane』.
(She carefully lays out the pages.)
Uika: A major undertaking. I'd say it's good enough for at least one of the top four journals. You've never seen a mathematics paper like this, have you? Take a proper look.
Nyamu: (All this English makes my head hurt.) Ah… very fine.
Raana: ?
Sakiko: Enough, Uika. Don't make things difficult for them.
Uika: Saki, I want you to have this paper. I've even had it gold-stamped.
Sakiko: Huh?
Uika: I added your name as an author, right beside mine.
Sakiko: That's… not right, is it? I contributed nothing.
Uika: I'd like you to frame it on your bedroom wall.
Sakiko: Really… my bedroom…
Uika: Gladly at your service.
Nyamu: How generous.
Uika: I always am.
Sakiko: (Her first present to me.)
Nyamu: You must know about electronics? I dropped my phone and need a new one. Any recommendations?
Uika: Certainly. I'll recommend one shortly.
Raana: Will you eat with us?
Uika: Of course.
Raana: (Then she can pay.)
Soyo: Saki, I've been looking for you.
Sakiko: I'm with our new guests. Ladies, this is Master Nagasaki.
Uika: (Quietly.) Show Nagasaki the paper.
(Sakiko reluctantly picks it up.)
Soyo: What's that stack you're holding?
Sakiko: Dr Misumi's new paper. She's given it to me.
Soyo: Very nice, Dr Misumi.
Uika: Nothing much. A small gift. Put it away, Saki. I don't want it attracting attention. What I do doesn't need advertising.
Sakiko: (Then why make me show it? Penniless, and still maintaining her vanity…)
Soyo: Saki, there's something I'd like to say.
Sakiko: Go ahead.
Uika: Don't fold the paper. You'll damage it.
Sakiko: Sorry… I'll leave it on the table.
Soyo: Look at this diamond necklace.
Sakiko: Beautiful.
Soyo: Doesn't it match your diamond earrings?
Sakiko: It does.
Soyo: I want to give it to you.
Sakiko: It's too valuable.
Soyo: I never take presents back. I've handed it over, so it's yours.
Sakiko: Well, there's no refusing. Thank you, Soyo. Uika, what do you think? Isn't it exquisite?
Uika: Diamonds are vulgar. A tax on stupidity.
Soyo: The differences between things can be considerable. Some can only languish in dark folders. Others attract attention to their owner.
Uika: Stop showing off in public!
Soyo: Did you choose to sneak your present to her in private?
Sakiko: (While they fight, I profit.)
Uika: Never mind… Doctors, let's go and eat.
Soyo: Would you two care to join me instead? Saki, arrange lunch in my room. I'd like to entertain them properly.
Uika: They're already engaged.
Nyamu: Sorry, Dr Misumi… With pleasure, Master Nagasaki.
Raana: Is that all right?
Nyamu: (Quietly.) The brown-haired one's richer.
Uika: Then why don't we all eat together…
Soyo: Sorry. My little table only seats three.
Uika: Damn… Saki, keep that paper safe. It's worth far more than that lump of coal. I'm… going out.
Sakiko: Ha…
Soyo: Do you mind me dining with them, Saki?
Sakiko: Not at all. Do whatever you like here.
Soyo: Won't you join us?
Sakiko: Not this time.
Soyo: … I'm doing all this for you! I'd be happy if I could help even a little. You looked after me when I was struggling. Isn't returning a little of that only natural? If you mind, I won't make arrangements without asking again. But… if you won't look at me more, I'll be sad. I have plenty of money now. I rescued Mother's company… I'm not that newly graduated student anymore… I can carry your life now.
Sakiko: So condescending. Unpleasant… Some of my former kindness was wasted. One brings a paper, the other diamonds. Both troublesome, yet both convinced I'll like them. Uika thinks that proving her excellence will make people look at her. Soyo tries to draw closer little by little, until she becomes indispensable. Frightening.
Sakiko: If I really wanted to depend on someone, I'd choose the more valuable one. But neither papers nor diamonds interest me. Still, watching someone who keeps herself so tightly hidden become flustered isn't bad. And the other has so much, yet still looks terrified of abandonment. People are strange. What they flee most desperately is what catches up with them. What they couldn't attain in youth becomes their sole lifelong obsession.
Sakiko: So I'll live freely: bound to nobody, bowing to no money, enduring nobody's gaze. As for Bachelor Tomori Takamatsu… Someone who does nothing but flee may indeed remain unconquered. But once she stops and listens, day after day, she too will change.
Act Two
Mutsumi: Tomori Takamatsu's lunch. Will you take it?
Taki: Leave it to me. I'm her assistant. Actually, Tomori… she isn't a bad person. Years ago she was very shy. To adapt… Never mind. These days she feels considerable hostility towards some people.
Mutsumi: Really? Why tell me? (As long as she doesn't like Saki.)
Taki: Tomori, I brought your lunch.
Tomori: Thank you, Taki.
Taki: I collected your last royalty payment from the bank too.
Tomori: What do you think of this place?
Taki: Well run. The innkeeper is capable.
Tomori: You like her too?
Taki: No! I'm perfectly happy beside you. But… Tomori…
Tomori: What?
Taki: Don't treat people too harshly. They'll resent you.
Tomori: I never expected that reminder from you. These people infuriate me. I'll be more careful.
Taki: Sigh…
Tomori: We'll leave for Osaka tomorrow.
Taki: Isn't the event next week?
Tomori: Yes… This innkeeper makes me uneasy. Reason tells me to leave early.
Mutsumi: The innkeeper made this chicken herself. If you don't like it, she says she'll bring you pigeon.
Tomori: I like both.
Mutsumi: She asks whether Your Learned Excellency likes her homemade sauce.
Tomori: I can't help accepting her care. (Tastes it.) Delicious. Tell her I love it, and thank her for me.
Mutsumi: (Changed in a day. She ignored Saki before.)
Tomori: If she takes such care of everything, this inn will never close.
Mutsumi: May you be right.
Tomori: The food's excellent. The sheets too. I can't deny she's gentle and considerate. What I appreciate most is her sincerity. I hate people who impose their will on others while pretending to be harmless. Disgusting. She's different.
Taki: ! (Oh no.)
Mutsumi: Esteemed Sensei, a snack from the innkeeper. She made it herself.
Tomori: Let's see… Konpeito. My favourite. Beautifully made.
Mutsumi: (Saki, you're playing favourites.)
Tomori: So thoughtful. I'd pay double for this.
Taki: Um… Tomori, why don't we leave today?
Tomori: Too rushed.
Taki: But… sigh…
Tomori: Relax, Taki. I've had an idea. I'm going to write a song.
Taki: For that project?
Tomori: No. Something like my earliest songs.
Taki: Really? You want to write those again? That's wonderful!
Tomori: You seem very happy.
Taki: Yes… because… (Quietly.) Your earliest songs felt like my own heart speaking.
Tomori: What?
Taki: Nothing. If… you need help arranging it, ask me… You must be thirsty. I'll buy you honey water.
Tomori: Thank you, Taki.
Sakiko: Tomori, may I come in?
Tomori: Who's there? Don't touch my things. Put my notebook down.
Sakiko: Sorry… I only wanted to see what you were doing and perhaps help.
Tomori: This is private. Nothing to do with the inn.
Sakiko: Don't say that. I've worked many jobs and picked up skills along the way. I'm sure I could help. “Kajikanda kokoro, furueru manazashi, sekai de…” New lyrics? I can't do much, but I know a little arranging.
Tomori: I am struggling with the arrangement, but my friend…
Sakiko: Let me help.
Tomori: Well… all right…
Sakiko: Let's write a song of our own.
Tomori: Our song…
Taki: Tomori, I bought Teio-brand honey water. They say it's good for your throat… Huh? Why are you here? What do you want with Tomori?
Sakiko: Ah, and you are?
Taki: Her friend and assistant.
Sakiko: Oh, Miss Assistant. I'm helping Tomori with her arrangement.
Taki: What? But… Tomori… weren't… I…
Tomori: Taki… sorry…
Taki: (Some random person thinks she can arrange Tomori's song.) May I see?
Sakiko: By all means.
(Taki takes the tablet.)
Taki: … (Flawless…) I'll handle the rest.
Sakiko: May I stay nearby?
Tomori: Yes.
Taki: Tomori!
Tomori: Miss Togawa isn't an outsider.
(Taki works on the arrangement.)
Taki: (Oh no. I don't know how to continue.)
Sakiko: Stuck? Perhaps changing this would help.
Taki: … (Like facing Maki herself…) You…
Sakiko: Is something wrong, Miss Assistant?
Taki: Please… look after Tomori's song.
Sakiko: Gladly.
Taki: Tomori, how's the honey water?
Tomori: Delicious. I've always liked theirs. Would you like some?
Taki: (The straw Tomori used… If I drank…) (No. Don't think about it. I'm not someone who takes advantage.) I had some outside.
Tomori: What's wrong?
Sakiko: So moving… Tomori, did you really write this?
Tomori: Yes. Miss Togawa…
Sakiko: Call me Sakiko.
Tomori: Sakiko… You arranged it so beautifully. You must be thirsty. Taki…
Taki: …
Sakiko: Don't trouble Miss Assistant. If you don't mind, may I have some of yours?
Taki: What?!
Tomori: I don't mind.
(Smiling, Sakiko takes the cup and naturally drinks through the straw.)
Taki: (Even I haven't…)
Sakiko: With your sweetness, this honey drink tastes sweeter still.
Tomori: You've been standing so long. Would you… sit beside me? We could look at the score together. Taki, bring Sakiko a chair?
Taki: Tomori?! You hate people sitting too close when you write!
Tomori: She's different.
Taki: …If that's what you want.
Sakiko: An honour to sit beside you.
Taki: (Quietly.) Smooth talker…
(Once Sakiko is seated, Tomori glances awkwardly towards the window. Having watched Tomori for years, Taki immediately recognises her displeasure.)
Tomori: Taki, could you do one more thing?
Taki: (Send this woman away?) Yes! What is it?
Tomori: Go to Miss Yahata's and fetch my old blue lyric notebook. I want to refer to some discarded drafts.
Taki: But… that round trip takes at least an hour…
Tomori: Please, Taki.
Taki: …Understood. (This woman… no.)
Tomori: Sakiko.
Sakiko: Yes, Tomori?
Tomori: I want to tell you something. You might be surprised.
Sakiko: I'm listening.
Tomori: I've always struggled to get along with people. They think I'm strange and gloomy; many try to force me to change… But you're the first person with whom talking feels effortless, even comforting. And… and… (Quietly.) Warm, like spring sunshine…
Sakiko: Ah…
Tomori: Why sigh?
Sakiko: I'm only an ordinary person. Sometimes I have… illusions. In truth, I've never felt this kind of communion with another guest. Your heart and mine seem to resonate. I understand your emotions so clearly.
Tomori: Really?
Sakiko: But I'm a little afraid.
Tomori: Afraid?
Sakiko: If you're only looking for a moment's inspiration, amusing yourself with an innkeeper like me… Once the song's finished, you'll leave, and perhaps I'll lose my former peace of mind. If that's the case, I ought to stop coming near you now.
Tomori: No! I'm not so casual. I'm serious about this song—and you. Would you… (Form a band with me for life?)
Sakiko: I understand. You're so gentle. Then, to celebrate this rare understanding… shall we listen to the complete demo together?
(Sakiko offers her an earphone.)
Tomori: Yes…
Uika: Excuse me. Anyone inside?
Tomori: (Displeased.) What is it, Dr Misumi?
Uika: Sorry… The door was ajar. I knocked several times and nobody answered, so I thought it was empty and came in. Ah, Saki's here too.
Sakiko: Good afternoon, Uika. If there's nothing else, may I leave…
Tomori: Wait. I didn't invite you in.
Uika: Sorry, sorry. Don't be so distant. I thought you were all alone in here. I didn't know Saki was here.
Sakiko: I'm attending to Tomori. She noticed I was tired and offered me honey water for my throat.
Uika: That… cup?
Sakiko: Er… yes. If you'd like some, I'll buy you one.
Uika: No need. If you don't mind, this cup will do. Honey needs careful tasting to relieve fatigue.
(Uika savours the honey drink.)
Tomori: (I hope none of us has a cold.) Would you like chicken?
Uika: Chicken?
Tomori: Yes.
Uika: No… I've eaten out.
Sakiko: I made it specially myself.
Uika: Ah… Since you made it, suddenly I'm rather hungry.
(Uika snatches Tomori's plate and attacks the chicken.)
Sakiko: If there's nothing else, I'll go.
Uika: Saki! Could you stay a little longer?
Sakiko: Doctor, I have work, and Tomori…
Uika: May Saki stay a while?
Tomori: What for?
Uika: I want you to taste a drink I've brought. A rare delicacy. You've never tasted anything so fine.
Tomori: Well, since the doctor asks, stay a little longer.
Sakiko: The doctor will let me go.
Uika: Don't you want a taste?
Sakiko: Another time, certainly.
Tomori: …Stay.
Sakiko: Are you ordering me?
Tomori: I said stay.
Sakiko: As you wish.
Tomori: (Why is my heart racing…?)
Uika: This sauce is delicious.
Tomori: (Quietly.) If the doctor notices how close you're sitting, she'll be jealous.
Sakiko: (Quietly.) I don't care about her.
(Uika takes another long sip.)
Tomori: What do you think?
Uika: Frankly, the honey drink is mediocre. Too sweet.
(She produces a small bottle.)
Uika: Beijing douzhi. A rare delicacy.
Sakiko: Such a small bottle. Hardly enough for a taste.
Uika: This? You savour it drop by drop, like an essential oil.
(Uika fetches glasses.)
Uika: Too big. Anything smaller?
Sakiko: Smelling it would be enough for me.
(Uika finally finds three tiny glasses and pours a little into each.)
Uika: Nectar of the gods. (Drinks.)
(Tomori downs hers and struggles to keep her expression.)
Tomori: (Quietly.) What do you think of this swill?
Sakiko: (Quietly.) Worse than dishwater.
Tomori: So fresh. So delicious.
Sakiko: I won't put on an act, so forgive my honesty. It's awful. I can't pretend otherwise. I admire performers, but… if someone tries desperately to pretend over a small matter, how much of her usual coldness and firmness is real?
Tomori: !
Uika: Saki… a pity you can't appreciate it. It's made by slowly simmering fermented mung-bean liquid. Grey-green, with a rich flavour… though the smell can certainly be off-putting. Inconsiderate of me. If you dislike it, I'll take the remaining half-bottle home.
Sakiko: (Quietly.) Hear that explanation?
Tomori: (Quietly.) I wouldn't do that.
Sakiko: (Quietly.) Your great virtue is despising people.
Tomori: (Quietly.) And yours is conquering them.
Sakiko: (Quietly.) Not everyone.
Tomori: (Quietly.) Everyone.
Uika: You at the door. I saw you ages ago. Come in.
Mutsumi: ! Yes… Sensei, what do you need?
Uika: I shouldn't keep this delicacy to myself. Take some to Master Nagasaki on my behalf?
Mutsumi: Yes.
Mutsumi: Master Nagasaki thanks you for the swill and sends you a bottle of wine.
Uika: …What's that supposed to mean? Is she looking down on me? Who wants her wine? How rude! Always trying to get one over on me… provoking me, trying to make me lose my composure… Hmph!
(Uika storms out.)
Tomori: Completely mad.
Sakiko: And she's forgotten her wine and her precious douzhi. Really lost her wits.
Tomori: You made her mad.
Sakiko: Did I? Am I someone who can drive people mad?
Tomori: Yes… you are…
Sakiko: Tomori, I'd like to go…
Tomori: Stop!
Sakiko: Forgive me. I have so much to do.
Tomori: Wait! Listen!
Sakiko: Sorry.
Tomori: Stop!
Sakiko: Let go of my hand.
Tomori: …
Sakiko: What do you actually want?
Tomori: We… could… have another… another glass. Yes, another glass of wine together.
Sakiko: Very well. I'll accept your kindness. But it's late… I must leave soon.
Tomori: Sit down, then.
Sakiko: I'll stand.
Tomori: Saki… take this.
Sakiko: I hate alcohol, really. Such a corrupting thing… But life requires facing what we dislike. And it's what you want.
(She downs the wine.)
Tomori: Saki… what do you really think of me?
Sakiko: I'm dreaming the same dream as you. But…
Tomori: But?
(Leaving that last word hanging, Sakiko slips away.)
Tomori: …Saki. My heart's racing… But even if she doesn't like me, what right have I to object? What does it have to do with me? Sakiko… But? But what? Why not make it clear? Affection? Disgust? Malicious teasing? Why won't she give me an answer?
(Restlessly, she gets up, then sits again. She opens the window. Wind howls outside; rain strikes her face and clears her head a little.)
Tomori: Togawa… frightening… I have to leave…
Uika: Lights out?
(Outside her window the lights dim; everything grows quiet.)
Uika: Saki…
(She takes out childhood drawings they made of each other's faces.)
Uika: Surely some trace of Saki's fragrance from twenty years ago remains.
(She holds the paper to her nose. Faint mould mingles with the sharp smell of crayons: a bitter disappointment beside the distant sweetness of memory.)
Uika: …
(She takes out the straw Sakiko's lips touched. As her tongue touches it, a faint sweetness of Sakiko seems to remain.)
Uika: Saki…
Soyo: Dr Misumi is amusing. Her degree is real; she worked hard for it. Yet after all that study, she can't find a decent job. As an investment, a complete loss. She hasn't even repaid her student loans. Making a living is a problem, but she still hangs around this inn. She desperately wants to preserve her dignity, at least look successful.
Nyamu: You can tell. She wants to show off without the means. Gives away a stack of paper, then wants the whole world to know.
Soyo: Exactly… She should act in your troupe.
Raana: That would be fun.
Nyamu: We have people who specialise in roles like hers.
Soyo: Keep pretending in front of her.
Nyamu: Naturally. But Raana keeps laughing.
Raana: She's so funny.
Soyo: Let's change the subject. My heart already belongs to someone.
Nyamu: Oh?
Soyo: The innkeeper here.
Nyamu: Ah, such a grand lady. Surprising you'd fall for someone like that. Isn't there a better choice before you? Us, for example.
Raana: ???
Soyo: Ha… No, thank you. Affectionate today, gone tomorrow with the money.
Nyamu: What's wrong with something quick, if everyone agrees? At least we wouldn't bankrupt you like pursuing her will.
Soyo: I'm serious. I love her.
Nyamu: What's so wonderful about her?
Soyo: Too much to tell.
Nyamu: Pretty, I suppose. You can tell beneath all that powder.
Soyo: Intelligent. Kind. Charming.
Nyamu: Better than us? That landlady in her shabby clothes?
Soyo: I love Saki. And watch your mouth. Otherwise consider us strangers, and forget this meal.
Raana: !!! Saki is the goddess Shizuwis! An angel on earth!
Soyo: Much better.
Anon: Soyorin! There you are!
Soyo: Huh?
Anon: I've been looking everywhere. Eating without me!
Nyamu: Who's this?
Anon: Anon Chihaya.
Soyo: Founder of ANONTOKYO, and ANONYMOUS.
Nyamu: What?! The fashion company? And that famous record label?
Anon: Hehehe…
Soyo: Sit down, Anon. There's a seat left. This is Nyamu Saionji, and Raana Minamoto.
Anon: Huh? Important-sounding names. Who was that jewellery for? Does Soyorin have a sweetheart? Suspicious… Suddenly deciding to stay here, asking me to bring jewellery for the first time… And dining with important people, when you hate that sort. (Why does Miss Nyamu Saionji look so much like Nyamuchi, whom I used to watch?)
Soyo: Did you see that person pass?
Anon: Um? The grey-haired one?
Soyo: Yes. She hates love.
Nyamu: Madwoman.
Anon: Perhaps someone hurt her.
Soyo: No. I've worked with her. She's never dated. Even her assistant's constant affection goes unnoticed. She even looks down on Saki.
Anon: (Saki?)
Nyamu: I could win her over.
Soyo: A little entertainment… If any of you can make her fall in love, I'll buy you whatever present you want.
Raana: Sounds fun.
Nyamu: Something to do before the others arrive.
Anon: Huh? I have to seduce her too?
Soyo: Yes. Though I doubt you'll manage.
Nyamu: You underestimate us. I may lack the innkeeper's charm, but I have some experience.
Soyo: Mutsumi, come here.
Mutsumi: Yes, Sensei?
Soyo: Fetch the bachelor. Urgent business.
Mutsumi: She's not in her room.
Soyo: Then she's probably near the kitchen. (Making trouble for Saki, I expect.)
Nyamu: Oh, the doctor said she'd help me find a phone. I doubt anything will come of it.
Soyo: Easy. Pick one and I'll buy it.
Raana: She promised me a year's matcha parfaits.
Soyo: I'll get you a meal card. When you approach the bachelor, maintain your status and manners. Then she'll have to respond out of courtesy. Otherwise she'll sense your purpose and run.
Raana: What's her name?
Soyo: Tomori Takamatsu. A famous music producer. Her assistant's Taki Shiina.
Nyamu: Is she rich?
Soyo: Very.
Anon: Ah… um…
Soyo: Don't you want to play, Anon? There's a reward if you succeed, no punishment if you fail.
Anon: Fine. Challenge accepted.
Nyamu: Leave it to us.
Tomori: Master Nagasaki, did you send for me?
Soyo: Yes. Sorry to trouble you; thank you for coming.
Tomori: What for?
Soyo: These two ladies want you.
Tomori: I have urgent business.
Nyamu: Your Learned Excellency, we don't want to trouble you. Just a little chat, please.
Tomori: Sorry. Another time.
Raana: A few words. Please…
Nyamu: A moment won't hurt.
Soyo: Surely you won't abandon them.
Tomori: (Soyo Nagasaki… what are you doing?) Fine… What do you want?
Nyamu: You're from Tokyo?
Tomori: Yes.
Raana: Relatives or friends here?
Tomori: Both.
Anon: Um… Bachelor Takamatsu. (So familiar… Did we meet long ago?)
Nyamu: Let me speak… You know…
Tomori: Enough! Leave me alone! It's urgent.
Soyo: Perhaps my presence makes everyone uncomfortable. I'll go.
Tomori: Wait! You can stay…
Soyo: My task is done. Enjoy yourselves.
Nyamu: Please sit.
Tomori: No, thank you.
Nyamu: So rude to us?
Tomori: Stop talking in riddles. What do you want?
Nyamu: Sigh… We're in difficulty…
Tomori: What happened?
Nyamu: Our travelling companions abandoned us. Took our luggage and money too. We've supported one another since, but today we spent our very last penny.
Tomori: Oh? Abandoned?
Anon: Ah… yes, really.
Tomori: Really? Look me in the eye. Is every word true?
Nyamu: (Quietly.) Oh no. Hard to keep this going…
Raana: Scary woman.
Tomori: Goodbye, then.
Nyamu: Wait! Is that how you treat us? You look educated. Don't you know basic respect?
Tomori: What have you to do with me? I care about my peace. I don't like studying these false niceties between people.
Anon: Um… we weren't actually abandoned.
Tomori: (Displeased.) You weren't?
Nyamu: We were… joking.
Tomori: Ha. Joke over.
Nyamu: Wait. Stay a little longer.
Tomori: I told you it's urgent.
Nyamu: We won't eat you. Besides, you don't want that conversation getting out, do you? I recorded everything. If the public learned what the famous musician Tomori Takamatsu is really like… what would they think?
Tomori: Do as you please.
Nyamu: I know you hate love and relationships.
Tomori: Good.
Nyamu: We're actresses, actually.
Anon: Ah…
Tomori: Actresses… I know you're acting both onstage and off.
Raana: Not in life.
Tomori: Oh? Is this your sincere nature, then?
Anon: Bachelor Takamatsu…
Tomori: Stop pretending. Don't put on that face in front of me. Disgusting!
Nyamu: How dare you? You hurt me!
Tomori: Don't overestimate your importance. It makes no difference whether you're here.
(They part on bad terms.)
Tomori: Finally free. They thought those tricks could trap me? I'll have Taki watch the publicity situation… I could have ignored them and left at once. But people like that deserve humiliation. Still… Saki… I think I really love her… No. Love is unacceptable. This could be a trap. I can't trust her. Yet before her… I lose all self-control… I must go. Tomorrow. No, tomorrow isn't safe enough…
Taki: Tomori…
Tomori: Ah… You're back. Sorry about earlier. I don't know why I sent you away.
Taki: It's fine. Someone called Uika Misumi is looking for you.
Tomori: What now? She won't swindle another penny from me. Let her wait and get bored. Let's settle the bill and leave.
Taki: All right.
Tomori: Let's pack together. Don't let Misumi know.
Taki: She'll notice when we leave. What is it with her?
Tomori: Begging for money. Never mind her.
Taki: I'll go and pack.
Tomori: Strangely reluctant to leave. But staying would be worse. Sakiko Togawa… a frightening woman… Better go soon.
Mutsumi: Checking out?
Tomori: Yes. Is it ready?
Mutsumi: The innkeeper is calculating it herself. Please wait.
Tomori: Herself?
Mutsumi: Yes. She does all the accounts. Even when Mr Kiyotsugu was still alive, she kept the books.
Tomori: (Capable indeed.)
Mutsumi: Leaving so soon?
Tomori: Can't help it. My schedule.
Mutsumi: Shall I bring the bill to your room, or will you pay here?
Tomori: Here… That Dr Misumi has taken over my room.
Mutsumi: … I… don't much like her.
Tomori: Why?
Mutsumi: She's pursuing Saki. Annoying. Always clinging to her.
Tomori: You seem close to the innkeeper.
Mutsumi: We're childhood friends… Saki and I are bound for life.
Tomori: Enough! The bill!
Mutsumi: Um… coming.
Tomori: Everyone loves Saki. Even me… But I'll go far away. I won't let this mysterious force control me. Hm? I think I see… Saki? What now? A paper in her hand… My bill. Time to settle our accounts, once and for all… What do I do?
Sakiko: Tomori.
Tomori: What is it, Saki?
Sakiko: Sorry. I can't quite control myself.
Tomori: Come closer.
Sakiko: Your bill is ready.
Tomori: Give it here.
(Sakiko wipes away tears.)
Sakiko: Here.
Tomori: …Why are you crying?
Sakiko: Nothing. Smoke in my eyes.
Tomori: Smoke… impossible… How much?
Sakiko: Fifty thousand yen.
Tomori: Four days… only fifty thousand?
Sakiko: That's your bill.
Tomori: And… those two dishes?
Sakiko: Gifts from me. No charge.
Tomori: You gave them… to me?
(Sakiko bursts into tears.)
Sakiko: Please accept them. A little token of my feelings…
Tomori: Saki… what's wrong?
Sakiko: I'm not quite sure myself… whether these tears… are from smoke anymore.
Tomori: I don't want your concern for me to hurt you.
Sakiko: For you, I'd do it willingly.
Tomori: (No… I must go! Now!) Take this. Two hundred thousand. Keep the change. Saki, accept it… for me. Forgive me…
(Sakiko collapses.)
Tomori: Saki! Does she really not want me to leave? Does… she love me? But it's so sudden… Why impossible, though? Don't I love her too? What do I do… Yes… check breathing and pulse… keep her going until the doctor comes.
Sakiko: (Just. As. Planned.) (Hehe. I have plenty of weapons.) (The best is tears, followed by a faint from overwhelming emotion.)
(Her eyelids flutter, to Tomori's delight.)
Sakiko: To… mori?
Tomori: It's me. I'm here. I'm not leaving for now.
(Sakiko faints again.)
Tomori: Saki… she's fainted again.
Taki: All packed. Let's go, Tomori.
Tomori: We're staying.
Taki: But…
Tomori: Put the luggage back.
Taki: Sakiko Togawa? Her, of course… Pretending to faint in your arms… How dare she bewitch you…
Tomori: Taki! Enough gossip. Saki just fainted. Bring water? She needs rest.
Taki: Tomori! You… sigh…
Uika: Bachelor Takamatsu?
Soyo: Huh?
Uika: Saki! Why is she in your arms?
Soyo: An explanation, Tomori Takamatsu?
Tomori: …
(Ignoring them, she watches Sakiko, who slowly wakes.)
Sakiko: Tomori… thank goodness…
Uika: Let go of my Saki!
Soyo: Didn't you say you despised love? Why won't you let go now?
Tomori: Go away…
Uika: You won't take my Saki!
(Uika shouts and lunges forward. Taki arrives and blocks her.)
Taki: What do you want with Tomori?
Soyo: So that's all you amount to. Say one thing, steal behind our backs. Too afraid to compete openly?
Taki: You… insulting Tomori? All of you, stay away from her!
Sakiko: (Tomori, I'm winning. I've conquered your heart.) (Just one last step to declare my victory.)
Act Three
Sakiko: Playtime is over. Back to the inn's business. I must iron these clothes before they're completely dry. Mutsumi, come here.
Mutsumi: Here, Saki.
Sakiko: Bring me the iron.
Mutsumi: Yes.
Sakiko: Sorry to trouble you again.
Mutsumi: I don't mind.
Sakiko: Wait, listen… I know you have no obligation to stay, and I know you're here for me. And I… never mind. Off you go.
Mutsumi: I'd do anything for you… But… it's all wasted…
Sakiko: Why say that? Am I ungrateful?
Mutsumi: You like them more than me…
Sakiko: Silly. I have reasons I can't explain. Fetch the iron.
Mutsumi: But I saw everything…
Sakiko: Enough. Be quiet.
Mutsumi: …
Sakiko: Fetch it.
Mutsumi: I will. But not for much longer.
(Mutsumi steps outside.)
Sakiko: I have treated her unfairly. Perhaps we could set a date…
Mutsumi: ! Saki, what did you say?
Sakiko: Are you getting the iron or not?
Mutsumi: Right away. (I can't understand her.) (If she really can't choose…) (…) (I have methods of my own…)
(She leaves again.)
Sakiko: Hahaha… Her thoughts are written all over her face. However reluctant she is, she obeys. Watching people follow my wishes is such fun. Wasn't that bachelor icy at first? Now she'll do anything I want.
(Someone knocks and enters.)
Taki: Miss Togawa.
Sakiko: Good day. What is it?
Taki: Tomori… never mind that for now. How are you feeling?
Sakiko: Very well.
Taki: Tomori's lyrics and score. She asked me to bring them.
Sakiko: Oh? That song?
Taki: Yes. 『Haruhikage』.
Sakiko: Finished already?
Taki: Today. She sent me immediately.
Sakiko: A little late… I appreciate the thought. Take it back.
Taki: Take it. It's from Tomori. Don't betray her feelings.
Sakiko: Impossible to refuse… Are you always so forceful, Taki?
Taki: …You were pretending to faint, weren't you?
Sakiko: Who knows?
Taki: What do you really feel for Tomori?
Sakiko: Enough. I won't accept the score. Take it back.
Taki: Fine. But if I discover you're playing with her feelings, I won't forgive you!
Sakiko: …A threat?
Taki: Think carefully about what you're doing.
Sakiko: Completely hooked. I'm not doing this for money. It's simply amusing.
Mutsumi: Saki, the iron.
Sakiko: Heat it up. Why aren't you handing it over?
Mutsumi: Bachelor Takamatsu sent you a song. Her assistant told me.
Sakiko: Yes. I refused it.
Mutsumi: Why?
Sakiko: Because… Mutsumi, never mind.
Mutsumi: (Does she really have eyes only for me?) (Never mind…) (Better forget what happened. Think of it as her practising.) Saki, the iron. If we took a trip in July…
Sakiko: Enough. There's plenty to do.
Mutsumi: But…
Sakiko: Another time.
Mutsumi: All right…
Sakiko: That worked too. Recovered plenty of affection.
(Sakiko begins ironing. She notices Tomori from the corner of her eye and keeps working.)
Tomori: Saki?
Sakiko: Ah… Tomori.
Tomori: How are you feeling?
Sakiko: Very well. Thank you.
(She continues without looking up.)
Sakiko: What do you need?
Tomori: Um… my dirty clothes… Could you…
Sakiko: This is my private changing room, but never mind. Put them in that basket.
(Tomori does so and watches her work.)
Tomori: Why…
Sakiko: What?
Tomori: Didn't you accept the song we wrote together?
Sakiko: 『Haruhikage』? What's it to do with me?
Tomori: Isn't it our shared memory?
Sakiko: Do whatever you like with it.
Tomori: Saki… is it because you fainted? I didn't mean to cause that.
Sakiko: Didn't you?
Tomori: Huh?
Sakiko: Didn't you make me drink the wine? It made me ill.
Tomori: Really? How could it?
Sakiko: I'll never visit your room again.
Tomori: Wait… but… Don't you want to come? You'd like it… I've brought all my old collections. I'm planning to live here.
Sakiko: Ah! The iron seems broken. Mutsumi! A new iron!
Tomori: Please accept 『Haruhikage』. I want to perform it with you.
Sakiko: I don't accept gifts.
Tomori: But you accepted Dr Misumi's and Master Nagasaki's.
Sakiko: Only to spare their embarrassment. Besides… isn't such a sentimental song crossing a line? Don't you hate love?
Tomori: It's different now.
Sakiko: Yes, the weather's lovely now.
Tomori: Not the weather. Saki, I love you.
Sakiko: Hahahaha!
Tomori: Please take it!
Sakiko: All right, all right. What's the rush?
(She takes the score and drops it straight into the dirty laundry.)
Tomori: Saki! You! Why?
Sakiko: Mutsumi!
Mutsumi: (That nuisance is here too.) Here, Saki.
Sakiko: The new iron?
Mutsumi: Here.
Sakiko: Something on your mind?
Mutsumi: Nothing.
Sakiko: Feeling unwell?
Mutsumi: If you don't want me here, give me the broken iron.
Sakiko: I'm worried about you.
Tomori: Take it and go, then.
Sakiko: Tomori, do you know? I like Mutsumi very much. My most loyal employee. Adorable, like a puppy.
Tomori: …(I can't take this.) Saki, why? Aren't we… one?
Sakiko: Darling Mutsumi, throw this useless iron outside for me? Remember, broken irons go in the non-recyclable rubbish.
Mutsumi: Saki…
(She gazes at Sakiko with affection.)
Sakiko: Off you go.
Mutsumi: (I can hardly bear it.)
Tomori: …You're so kind to that Wakaba.
Sakiko: And? What do you mean?
Tomori: It's obvious you like her.
Sakiko: Like her? My taste isn't that bad. Even if I wanted romance, I wouldn't waste my time on a block of wood.
Tomori: …(Perhaps I should be honest.) Saki, spring is beautiful this year. Whenever I remember our happiness together, everything about you becomes a lovely memory to comfort me for life. So would you live with me… no, form a band with me for life?
Sakiko: My time is precious.
Tomori: Let's be serious. Stop joking.
Sakiko: Go on. I'm listening.
(She keeps her eyes on her ironing.)
Tomori: Can't you stop ironing?
Sakiko: Sorry. These clothes are needed tomorrow.
Tomori: More important than me?
Sakiko: What else?
Tomori: You… really?
Sakiko: Yes. More important. I have a use for them. I can't find any practical use for you.
Tomori: Please, Saki. I'll do anything you ask. What must I do to make you accept me?
Sakiko: My… didn't you despise love?
Tomori: Don't torture me anymore. I respect you. I love you. Have mercy.
Sakiko: Yes, yes. I know.
(She deliberately drops a garment. Tomori immediately bends to pick it up.)
Sakiko: Don't trouble yourself.
Tomori: I want to help.
Sakiko: Hahahaha!
Tomori: Why laugh?
Sakiko: It's amusing.
Tomori: Saki… I can't stand it…
Sakiko: Are you unwell?
Tomori: I can't hold on…
(She reaches for Sakiko's hand; Sakiko burns her with the iron.)
Tomori: Argh!
Sakiko: Sorry. An accident.
Tomori: Fine. Doesn't hurt much. Somewhere else hurts more…
Sakiko: Where?
Tomori: My heart.
Sakiko: (Unable to keep a straight face.) Mutsumi! Come here!
Tomori: Don't call her!
Sakiko: But I need her.
Tomori: If she comes again, I'll beat her up.
(Sakiko raises the iron and moves towards the wall, away from the agitated Tomori.)
Sakiko: You're being rather extreme.
Tomori: I can't take it!
Sakiko: !
Tomori: Saki!
Sakiko: (Following me like a puppy. Amusing.) What do you want?
Tomori: … Saki, I love you!
Sakiko: Well, I don't! So there. Remember that next time.
(While Tomori stands stunned, Sakiko runs from the room.)
Tomori: … I can't resist her at all… And I don't understand her attitude. Infuriating… yet adorable… Weren't we getting on so well? Saki… why run away…
Soyo: Finally found you. Time for an explanation.
Tomori: Nothing to say.
Soyo: Did Saki faint for no reason?
Tomori: Fine. I apologise. I can't deny my part.
Soyo: When are you leaving?
Tomori: Not for now.
Soyo: After hurting Saki, you still intend to stay beside her?
Tomori: …
Soyo: I never expected this from you.
Tomori: …And?
Soyo: She rejected you, didn't she?
Tomori: Enough!
Soyo: Well… who knows why you changed your mind. Keep this up and it'll turn ugly for everyone. Face reality. You and she are impossible.
Tomori: Stop talking!
Soyo: Ah… finally gone… This laundry room is usually locked. It only opens when Saki works. Where are her clothes…?
(She spots the dirty-laundry basket in a corner.)
Soyo: Saki's clothes… A few won't be missed… Hm? Papers? 『Haruhikage』?
(She reads the lyrics over and over.)
Soyo: This is exactly about Saki and me!
(Delighted, she glances at the credits.)
Soyo: How? Lyrics by Tomori Takamatsu, music by Saki… Well, I found it. Now it's mine. This garment looks odd. Not Saki's taste…
(She lifts it to her nose.)
Soyo: That Tomori Takamatsu's smell…
(Disgusted, she throws it back and checks everything she's collected.)
Soyo: Isn't this Saki's private changing room? Why are that woman's clothes mixed with hers? Did they… last night… Saki… So insincere.
(Soyo leaves with her spoils.)
Nyamu: Doctor, what are you doing?
Uika: Ah! Nothing… Thinking about a problem…
Nyamu: Oh?
Uika: Hey! My phone!
Nyamu: Oh… Lyrics? For the landlady?
Uika: …
Nyamu: I know a little music theory. If you want to improve the song…
Uika: You know music theory too?
Nyamu: A little of everything.
Uika: Really? Then…
Nyamu: Five hundred thousand.
Uika: Five hundred thousand!
Nyamu: Too much?
Uika: Er… I'll try myself… I can play a little guitar.
Nyamu: I can make it better. If you let me help, Raana and I can perform it with you. You want the landlady to hear it, don't you?
Uika: … Fine… All the money I have.
Nyamu: (Pockets it.) Thank you so much. I'll bring it when it's ready.
Uika: Sigh… Penniless again… Never mind. A hundred thousand came from Tomori's generosity. The other four hundred thousand I got from her assistant. If money can make Saki love me, I'll find any amount. But what if she loves someone else? Takamatsu still owes me an explanation for yesterday. Perhaps I should prepare some measures…
Soyo: Dr Misumi. Remember yesterday?
Uika: What about it?
Soyo: That bachelor really has fallen for Saki.
Uika: Let her suffer. Let her want what she can't have. Saki would never like her.
Soyo: What if she does?
Uika: Impossible! What about me?
Soyo: Saki's been treating her differently. Favouritism she never showed either of us. In love, the more you understand, the less you get. Laugh at your suitors, chase those who despise you. Haven't you heard? Sitting intimately beside her, special sheets, cooking for her every day?
Uika: What?
Soyo: I've spent who knows how much. She treats me like a fool. One face in public, another in private.
Uika: But I've given gifts too.
Soyo: Ha. That bachelor gave Saki a song.
Uika: What?
Soyo: Now it's in my hands.
Uika: What will you do?
Soyo: One last test… I'll perform it for her. If her heart still won't move, then… I'm short of a guitarist. Join me?
Uika: No. I've written a song too. Playing for you would help you win Saki. I understand now. Let's compete fairly one last time. Tomorrow we each perform and see who moves her. If she really loves Takamatsu…
Soyo: We both have ways. I know what you've been preparing.
Anon: I heard something alarming. Never seen Soyorin this angry. I should warn Sakiko Togawa. Where is she? Can't find her… Dr Takamatsu looks furious too… Perhaps her assistant can calm her.
Taki: Yes… I know. Tomori's not herself. I'm going to help that Soyo Nagasaki perform. Tomori's own song… Perhaps it'll wake her reason.
Sakiko: Well… Hidden all day.
(Through her room's monitor, she checks the cameras and sees Tomori searching.)
Sakiko: I may have gone too far… She's gone mad. What if she comes here? Lock the door first. A little regret, but it was fun. Now she's thoroughly furious. If I ask Mutsumi… No. I'd lose control. All those promises—she's beginning not to believe me… Unless I really marry her. That would secure her. And bring in the Wakaba family…
Tomori: Saki, open up! Come to my room! Urgent business!
Sakiko: ! (Quietly.) Who'd open up in this situation? Coming!
Tomori: Saki… If you won't come… I'll make you come by my own means!
Sakiko: (Quietly.) I'd be done for if I went.
(Hearing footsteps recede, Sakiko creeps to the door and peers through the keyhole.)
Sakiko: Looks like she's really gone. I'll use the back door.
(Knocking.)
Sakiko: ! I thought the back door was blocked too. Only Mutsumi.
Mutsumi: Saki, what do you need?
Sakiko: Um… You know Tomori Takamatsu's fallen for me?
Mutsumi: Obvious long ago.
Sakiko: Really? I only just noticed.
Mutsumi: Stop pretending. I saw your seduction tricks.
Sakiko: I didn't mean to.
Mutsumi: Remember Mr Kiyotsugu's words.
Sakiko: …I remember our engagement. I've decided to accept…
(Loud pounding.)
Tomori: Open up!
(The door shakes violently.)
Mutsumi: ?! Saki…
Sakiko: Um… let me out the back. Once I'm gone, hide the back door and open this one.
Mutsumi: Don't be afraid. I'll protect you. Go.
(The door shakes harder, then gives way.)
Sakiko: !
Tomori: Where is she?
Mutsumi: Who?
Tomori: Sakiko! Where?
Mutsumi: Don't know.
Tomori: That wicked woman! I'll catch her.
Mutsumi: What will you do to Saki?
Tomori: I have the right to give her orders.
Mutsumi: You paid, yes. For ordinary service. Saki isn't your plaything!
Tomori: What do you know? None of your business!
Mutsumi: You want to drag her to your room.
Tomori: Move!
Mutsumi: No.
Tomori: I heard your conversation. That wicked woman won't answer me, but whispers with you in her room.
Mutsumi: What are you talking about?
…
Tomori: What's that sound?
Sakiko: (Quietly.) Isn't that…
Tomori: Who? Who's playing my 『Haruhikage』? SOYO NAGASAKI!
Mutsumi: My chance!
(Mutsumi leaps and kicks Tomori down.)
Mutsumi: Saki, it's safe.
Sakiko: Not yet… Soyo and Uika… And those lyrics… What do they mean…? No! Mutsumi, let's leave the inn. Somewhere out of town, until this blows over.
Sakiko: Away from home, friends are everything. I'm troubling Mutsumi so much. (After all that time with me, she can still return to the Wakabas so easily.)
Mutsumi: Your room's ready. I'll show you shortly. But first… I want the truth. How far did you and Tomori go? What happened in the laundry room when I wasn't there?
Sakiko: Why ask so suddenly… Nothing happened. Didn't I tell her you're the one I like best?
Mutsumi: Then what about the clothes? After you left, I found her underwear in the laundry basket.
Sakiko: Huh? Really? She only came to have her clothes washed… That bachelor kept pestering me and clinging to me.
Mutsumi: I see.
Sakiko: (Under someone else's roof. Completely at her mercy.) Um… You know my situation. You help run the inn, too.
Mutsumi: I've never been happy there. Serving tea, cleaning—I hate those jobs. But you needed me, so I stayed. Yet you're always watching somebody else… Uika, Soyo, Tomori… How much do I matter to you?
Sakiko: No. You're my childhood friend. Of course you matter.
Mutsumi: Haven't you always ordered me about like a servant? Like a dog, wagging its tail, coming and going at your call?
Sakiko: I value you. It's just…
Mutsumi: … Do you love me?
Sakiko: Of course I…
Mutsumi: Will you stay beside me all your life?
Sakiko: I… I… I…
Mutsumi: Never mind. A joke. Go and eat. Our cook's made dinner.
Sakiko: Yes. Dinner first. You've learned to joke too. I'll go…
Mutsumi: Butler, we won't need the room upstairs… Use the basement.
Mutsumi: Well, Saki?
Sakiko: I never knew your house had a basement. (No windows to the outside, except a vent…)
(Looking up, she notices discreet red lights in two ceiling corners.)
Sakiko: (Cameras?!) Um… You've worked so hard. You must be tired. Shall I fetch you water?
Mutsumi: Not thirsty.
(She blocks the basement exit.)
Sakiko: We left so quickly. My clothes are still at the inn. Let's fetch them.
Mutsumi: Want to leave? I've bought clothes that fit you. Everything you need is here. Outside is unsafe.
Sakiko: This isn't right… I only meant to stay a few days. By then they'll probably give up.
Mutsumi: Not your decision.
Sakiko: !
Mutsumi: Liar. You've strayed long enough. Time for punishment.
Mutsumi: You know what to do now, don't you?
Sakiko: I don't…
Mutsumi: You soon will. Watch me and do as I do.
…
Mutsumi: Saki, I'm here. The wedding's set for next week.
Sakiko: I-is it?
Mutsumi: Not happy?
Sakiko: No, no. I'm happy to be with you. But today…
Mutsumi: Today?
Sakiko: Could I rest a little?
Mutsumi: No. So many games left to play. I've brought lots of nice things.
Sakiko: Perhaps… let's not.
Mutsumi: Not your decision.
Sakiko: Aaah! No! Please!
Sakiko: So tired… Luckily Mutsumi has Wakaba family business and can't stay here all day. If I'd known her desires were so frightening, I'd have stayed at the inn. At worst they'd have beaten me. Better than Mutsumi beating me with cucumbers. This can't continue… Perhaps I can still escape.
(An alarm sounds through the Wakaba house.)
Mutsumi: Saki!
(She rushes to unlock the basement. Thick, choking smoke pours out.)
Mutsumi: Cough… Saki! Where are you? Come out! Fire!
(The expected heat never comes. As the door opens, the smoke disperses. The basement is empty.)
Mutsumi: Saki… escaped.
Sakiko: Finally out. Still one step ahead of her. I'll rest on a park bench. After days of Mutsumi, I haven't the strength to go far.
(As she sets off, a van stops beside her. She looks at it, puzzled, but cannot see through its dark windows.)
Sakiko: Huh?
(The door suddenly opens. A club strikes her head.)
Sakiko: Argh!
(Two people lift her and throw her inside. The door shuts and the van drives away. Nobody knows what happened.)
Sakiko: Where am I…? Who's talking? This is… my room? You?!
(She tries to move and discovers ropes binding her tightly.)
Sakiko: Um… Can we settle this? You want an apology? I was wrong to play with your feelings. But surely this is too much. Isn't it rather extreme?
Tomori: …
Sakiko: Tomori, you liked my cooking, didn't you? Let me out and I'll cook for you every day.
Uika: …Really?
Sakiko: Uika, aren't you my dearest childhood friend? I'll cook for you too. Anything you want, I'll learn.
Uika: I do like it. But I'd rather cook up something with you, Saki.
Soyo: And me? All those expensive gifts…
Sakiko: Yes… I haven't forgotten. Um… I still have the inn. Yes! I'll give it to you. Don't you love staying here? Why take out a stick all of a sudden?
Soyo: This? It's “Purple Mood”. I use it to “correct” what's wrong. Shall I correct you now?
Sakiko: Eek! No, Soyo… You owe me. When you were at your lowest, I helped you. Please. What will make you let me go? If you release me, I'll do anything.
Tomori: Finished? Do you understand what you're saying? When you trampled on others' feelings, did you consider ending up here? Someone like you can spend the rest of her life paying for deception and manipulation.
Sakiko: …! Let me leave! If the Togawas discover I'm missing, they won't let you get away with it! And Mutsumi… yes, she'll look for me. She has the Wakaba family behind her.
Tomori: Look at this contract. We signed it with the Togawas, together with the very Mutsumi Wakaba you're thinking of.
Sakiko: Impossible… How is this different from selling myself into bondage?
Mutsumi: Put simply, we've formed a company. Your father owed the Togawas money. As his heir, you're required to repay it. We bought the debt. The inn is now mortgaged to us, and you're our employee.
Uika: A special employee. On call twenty-four hours a day.
Tomori: Mondays and Thursdays, you're mine. Tuesdays and Fridays, Dr Uika's. Wednesdays and Saturdays, Master Nagasaki's. Sundays belong to Mutsumi Wakaba.
Sakiko: But… why?
Mutsumi: I'm disappointed. You've never truly loved anyone. People were only means to your pleasure and interests. I thought if I waited long enough, one day you'd really look at me. But… If you hadn't escaped, I wouldn't have had to join them.
Tomori: You made me feel love for the first time. Then, before my eyes, you tore it up and threw it into the dirty laundry. You'll repay that pain slowly.
Uika: I did so much for you. You knew. You just kept me dangling, neither accepting nor rejecting me.
Soyo: Saki… I was willing to carry your life. But behind my back, you were flirting with that woman in the laundry room. You made me feel like an idiot.
Sakiko: I… I only…
Tomori: Enough. Your tricks don't work anymore. From today, we'll take very good “care” of you, Sakiko Togawa.
Sakiko: No… Don't come near me!
(Sakiko Togawa got her wish: a blissfully happy married life. And so everyone reached their own Happy End, delighted with how things turned out.)
(Curtain.)
