Riko returns to her hometown in Nagano. As she approaches the family inn, she sees her younger sister at the front "Midori...." She turns around surprised "Sis?" Riko smiles "I'm home...." Midori asks "What happened?" Riko going in answers "Nothing...."

"Bucho, how is it?" "I'll try this...." Teppei is out entertaining some clients with Kurosaki, Yoda & Ootemon. Teppei says "Thank you" taking a plate from the waitress. "Ah, have some...." as he pours some sake for the client in front of him "This is really delicious, you must try it...." "I'll have to, since you said so....where's that interesting girl from your office? What happened to her?" Kurosaki answers "Ah, Uesugi? She's gone back to her hometown...." "Is that right? Bring her along the next time....ah, excuse me....toilet...." When the client's gone from the table, Kurosaki says to Teppei "You're pulling a long face....even if you don't feel up to it, it's showing....watch it...." Teppei says "Sorry...." watching Kurosaki ask the other client "How about another drink?" pouring the sake....

Teppei goes home & as he takes off his tie, sees the little flags & silk hat "Say it was all a lie!" Flashback to the night before on the bridge where Riko says "Together with Sanae chan....holding each other....kissing each other....say it was all a lie! I only have you....can only see you....I can't turn back anymore...." Teppei throws his tie aside & takes his cell phone out, looks at the stickers on them.

Coming out of the inn, Midori says "Welcome!" to some guests, Riko following behind "Welcome...." "Thank you...." nod the couple as they go in with Midori. Riko's father says "Is it alight if you don't go back?" Riko nods "Uhm....I've got lots of vacation...." "Hmmm...." mutters her father, going inside....

The Uesugi family sits down to a nabe dinner "Wow! Itadakimasu!" Riko's mom says "This portion is only for Riko, no one else is allowed to touch this!" Midori pouts "Why does she get the special treatment?" Riko retorts "Why not! I'm only back here occasionally!" Sachiko says to Youko "Talking big isn't she! 'Why not!' Hey Riko, you should come back soon to help out...." Midori agrees "That's right! Sachiko is like this...." pointing to Sachiko's pregnant stomach "....I'll also be going to Tokyo next year, it's better if you come back...." Riko answers "If you get into university...." Her father interrupts "How's the fire? Haven't used this in a while....is the flame alright?" Everyone assures him "It's alright....looks ok...." Youko says "Dad, I'll take something for you....what would you like?" "Anything's fine...." he replies & then says to his wife "beer please...." "Beer, ok...." Midori asks Riko "Sis, are there cute guys in Tokyo?" Youko says in a "Midori....what's your intention of going to Tokyo?" Midori answers "Just thought I'd ask....checking...." Riko tells her "There aren't any....you like watching TV don't you? You just want to go to Tokyo so you can meet guys like Shazna & Izam right!" Sachiko asks "What? What sort of guys?" Both Riko & Midori answer "Don't you know?" "No...." answers Sachiko. Riko continues "Even if you go to Tokyo, you'll only find people from the countryside....only guys trying to be cool, telling lies, guys with no substance....Sachiko & Youko getting married to local people was the right choice...." Sachiko answers "What's that....seems like you dislike Tokyo men, talking like that...." Midori says "I know! Sis was dumped by a Tokyo guy! No wonder you returned so suddenly....kind of strange...." In a warning tone Youko says "Midori!" Riko tells everyone "This persistent guy kept bothering me....you know that's currently going around....a stalker....it was a nuisance, so I came home....if I don't go back, I thought maybe he'll give up...." Sachiko says "But I still think that it's better to marry someone from Tokyo....although they may be arrogant but at least it's an interesting place to live in!" Midori answers "Right right!" "Not for you to say!" says their mother to Midori. Riko agrees "That's right!" Midori gives Riko a plate "Sis, peel the crab...." "Please peel the crab!" "Say it properly!"

At the office Yoda puts some documents on Riko's table "express please....ah, still a lot undone....otsukare sama" & goes off. Hosaka puts another document on Riko's table on the way out "Transport expenses but have to discuss it first...." Teppei looks at them & then back at whatever he's working on, irritatingly muttering "I don't understand...." punching the calculator....

Back at Riko's family home, her father says "It's been a long time since we've eaten nabe...." Sachiko yawning back "Finally had it after a long time...." He asks Youko "Don't you have to be getting back?" "Husband will be back late, probably gone out drinking too...." Riko helps bring in the dishes into the kitchen where her mom's washing up. Riko says "Get Midori to wash up...." Her mom replies "It's alright, she's busy studying...." & then looking up to see Riko staring at her "Hum?" Riko shakes her head "I'll leave these here...." As the guys leave the office "How about going for a drink? Sounds good...." Tsuji says "What about you Teppei?" Hioki "Let's go...." but Teppei replies "I can't get these figures to match so I'm going try a little bit more...." "Is that right? Then we'll go ahead....otsukare...." says the guys leaving. Teppei replies "Otsukaresama deshita...." looks back at his documents "What's wrong with this...." &.... then looks at Riko's desk....

At the inn, the phone rings. Riko, by the fireplace says "I'll get it...."this is Pipolo...." Teppei says "Hello....hello Riko? It's me...." Riko answers "Wrong number...." & hangs up....Teppei frowns....Riko turns to see Midori looking at her....Teppei looks at his cell phone "It wasn't a wrong number, idiot!"

Teppei meets up with Erika who says "You're worried that Riko might not come back aren't you...." Teppei goes "Hm?" Erika smiles "Her mother's not feeling well so would like her to be at hand....if you leav her alone, she just might end up staying there for good...." Teppei pauses "That right...." "Perhaps...." replies Erika. She comes on to Teppei "But then, this is a chance for our relationship to develop...." Teppei looks surprised but not interested....Erika laughs "What's that....just kidding...." then getting serious she asks Teppei "Why did you kiss Sanae?" Teppei looks at her & Erika says "Just asking...." Teppei thinks & then answers "I was an idiot...." Erika says "You're a kind person....but this half-hearted kindness will only end up hurting women...." Teppei doesn't reply & Erika tells him "Seems like Riko's coming back tomorrow...." Teppei still silent looks at Erika....

Riko's father goes with her to the train station to send her off. Riko says "It's alright if you go back, the train will be here soon...." He gives her a can drink "Here...." "No, it's alright...." rejects Riko "I'm not thirsty...." He insists however "Take it, even if you're not thirsty just holding it you'll feel warmer....& this is for your colleagues...." giving her a bag. Standing next to her he says "Riko...." "Hm?" "If it gets too tough, come home...." Riko looks at him as he says "The man....if it doesn't work out with him, it's alright to come home....you don't have to put up a show in front of us...." Riko's touched as she replies "It's working out fine....& I'm still working in Tokyo....just because things don't work out with boyfriends....I won't come back just because of such a trivial reason...." Her father looks at her as the train pulls in....

Mizuhara & Soichiro are at the Fujita's home, Fujita says "Won't you reconsider?" His wife adds "That's right, if you make a mistake you'll regret it...." He tells Soichiro "If you cancel the wedding now, it'll be a negative impact on your reputation...." Mizuhara mutters "That...." but Soichiro says "The fault is mine....mine alone....I'm really sorry to have troubled you...." Misuhara looks at Soichiro....

Walking along together after, Mizuhara says "I've misunderstood you....when I heard that you abandoned a woman just to protect yourself, I was afraid....I also thought that you considered appearances (social standing) really important...." Soichiro admits "I was that sort of a man....I won't deny it....at the time, I had just become a public prosecutor....no confidence, afraid of the world....didn't know what was important....now, to me, what's most important are your feelings....appearances don't matter anymore....if you don't want to be with me, I'll go along with that...." Mizuhara says "I'm sorry...." the both of them looking at each other....

Riko arrives back in Tokyo. The announcement comes on "Tokyo, Tokyo, thank you for taking this train....this train is...." As Riko approaches the exits, she sees Teppei waiting for her. They walk out together in silence. At the crossing, Teppei takes her bag for her. The light changes to green & Riko walks on, Teppei following. Finally Teppei breaks the silence "Busy at the inn?" Riko answers "Uhm....the Olympics are coming...." Teppei asks "Have you eaten?" Riko nods "Uhm...." looking at him. Walking on Teppei ask "Aren't you cold?" "I'm fine...." answers Riko but Teppei takes off his muffler & gives it to her, putting it around her neck. Riko asks "Why are you being so nice? I was angry with you all this while....if you're that nice to me, I can't stay angry...." Riko starts crying & walks off, Teppei follows her. After a while they stop & talk. Riko tells Teppei "When I was back home, I kept thinking about you....the more I thought about you the angrier I got....the more painful it got....told myself to stop thinking about you but I still ended up thinking about you....like why you & Sanae did those things....or what are you doing with Sanae now...." Teppei tells her "I haven't seen Mizuhara since then...." Riko asks Teppei hesitatingly "Teppei....me &....Sanae....who do you...." Teppei answers "You....the one I love is you...." Riko looks at him"You said that before too....but Mizuhara....it isn't over with her is it...." Teppei doesn't answer & Riko says "I want you to forget about Sanae....because you are everything to me, that's why I want to be everything to you too....maybe I'm selfish....thinking that way, maybe I'm selfish...." She looks at Teppei who answers "No, I don't think so....just extravagant thinking...." They both smile....

Coming back into her apartment, Riko fills a glass of water & waters the plants by her bed. She looks at the cactus on the table & waters it too....

As Teppei enters his apartment, the phone rings "Coming, coming....hello, this is Katagiri....Dad? What's wrong....Ha??!"

Teppei goes to Soichiro's apartment. Soichiro says "I'm busy....hurry & say what you want...." Teppei sits down at the table "I heard from dad....that you've broken off the engagement...." Soichiro replies "The one Sanae loves is you...." Teppei doesn't say anything & Soichiro continues "The day of the engagement party, Sanae burned your photograph, the high school yearbook....burned everything....she loves you that much...." Soichiro turns around "What are you going to do? Making her like this...." Teppei answers "I can't accept Mizuhara....Mizuhara's existence is very important to you....I too have someone who's existence is very important to me...." Teppei tells Soichiro off "Even if you say that I'm being wilful, I'll admit that I am selfish....but if Mizuhara is alone, I can't not care....why didn't you hold on to her properly?!"

At a café Teppei looks around with a tray in his hands. Riko sees him, goes behind him & bends her knees, hitting Teppei. His orange juice wobbles & he says "Watch it! Sorry...." Turning around he sees Riko who greets him "Morning....sit down?" Teppei sit down at Riko's table as she says, reading the newspaper "Saw the sorrow of the bachelor salaryman oozing out from your back...." Riko jokes "But just looking at your back I really saw you, really lonely, touching the word sukebe that I wrote on the fridge, crying that you were wrong...." Teppei replies "That's because you've been neglecting me lately...." Riko's surprised at his reponse "Eh?" Teppei replies "I'm still a guy you know...." Riko's smiles. Teppei says "Oh yeah...." Hm?" "I'm....meeting with Mizuhara tonight....I want to tell her clearly what my feelings are...." Riko says "That's really naïve....do you think I'll just forgive you if you did that? On top of that, I also want you to stand in front of Shibuya station junction & yell "I love Riko!" " Teppei mutters "That kind of thing...." but Riko continues "& then only in your underwear, do a handstand & walk from the park to PARCO, I might forgive you...." Teppei smiles "I can't do handstands...." Riko takes his half eaten bread from his plate "Give this to me?" Teppei asks "Are you serious?" Riko bites into the bread & smiles....

Going into the office together "Good morning...." greetings go off. Yoda making tea says "You're back Riko chan!" Riko takes out a little box "It's not much but here...." Yoda asks "What's that?" Riko smiles "I'll make the tea instead...." "Thanks!" Another lady in the office says "Katagiri!" "Yes?" "This is Shinoyama Fuzu's report...." "Ah sorry...." says Teppei going to get it from her. The guys says"This is great, back to being as cheerful as ever....when you weren't here we lost all our enthusiasm! Everyone was worried! We were gossiping that you had fought with Teppei & returned to your hometown! Returned to your paren'ts home...." Riko says "Nothing of that sort....how do you correct a guy who likes to flirt? Hm Yoda san?" Yoda's caught off guard "Ah, first thing in the morning, asking this...." Ootemon says "How huh....flirting...." Kurosaki comes in "Good morning! Uesugi! You're back!" Riko smiles "Yes!" "That's great!" answers Kurosaki, going to his desk. "Ah Katagiri!" Yes?" "Have some entertaining tonight at the Katsuhana Restaurant....are you free?" Teppei answers "Sorry, tonight...." Riko volunteers instead "Kachou, I'll go....Katsuhana specializes in fugu (blowfish) right?" Kurosawa replies "Yeah, if you're free then that's fine...." Riko smiles "ok...." while Teppei goes "Sorry...." As Riko makes tea for Kurisaki, Teppei says to her "Sorry about that...." Riko answers "It's alright, felt like eating fugu anyway...." Teppei promises "After I meet up with Mizuhara I'll call you right away....& then we'll meet up later...." Riko nods "ok....when we meet tonight, you'll be the Teppei that sees only me...." Teppei nods but somehow doesn't look all that thrilled....

Teppei leaves the office to meet up with Mizuhara....Mizuhara is waiting....

At the restaurant entertaining everyone goes "Cheers!" & has a drink. Kurosaki says "Today, I've brought two beautiful women from the office....Uesugi & Tsuruoka...." Riko says to the customer "Excuse me bucho, but has anyone said that you look like Harrison Ford?" He laughs "Eh? Never!" Kurosaki adds "You do look like him!" Riko laughs & mutters to Kurosaki "Where's the fugu?" Kurosaki mutters back "We had it already last time...." At the Indian restaurant the waitress asks Teppei "What would you like to order?" Teppei answers "The usual...." "Tandoori chicken...." says the waitress & looks at Mizuhara who says "Me too...." The waitress goes off & gets the bill for the next table, leaving an awkward silence beteen Teppei & Mizuhara. Finally Teppei starts "Uhm...." but Mizuhara cuts him off "I pretty much know what you want to say....the one that you love isn't me....it's Riko....oh yes, I've got great news....I'm going to China...." Teppei is stunned "China? Why?" Mizuhara explains "The translation work that I sometimes do for the China office has invited me to work in Shanghai....I think that going overseas & starting a new life isn't bad...." Teppei doesn't answer....

At a lounge still entertaining clients Riko looks at her watch, it's past 9pm. The client says "Your female colleagues are very capable...." Kurosaki answers "The business world is now also a woman's world these days...." "But once women get married they'll quit...." "That's true...." but one of the girls go "No no, I'm aiming to be managing director!" Riko adds "I'm aiming for president!"

Coming out of the Indian restaurant Mizuhara says "shen tan kuai le" (cringe, Mizuhara's accent is terrible here....) Teppei goes "huh?" Mizuhara smiles "In Chinese, Merry X'mas is shen dan kuai le....it's written with the characters for sei (saint), tan (birthday)....celebrating happiness....this Christmas I'll be in Shanghai so I'll say it to you now....shen tan kuai le....goodbye Te-chan...." Mizuhara walks off but Teppei says "Mizuhara! I want to give you something....ok for time?" Mizuhara nods....

Finally the clients Riko's entertaining leave "Had a good time, thank you....take care....bye...." As the clients' car pulls away, Kurosawa turns back to the girls "Thank you for tonight....otsukaresama deshita....how about going somewhere else for a drink?" "Tired!" answers Tsuruoka. Riko says "I'll go back now...." "Eh?" "Sorry!" "oh, then otsukaresama...." Riko says "Take care...." as they walks off "How about karaoke...."

In Teppei's apartment Teppei puts the his high school yearbook on the table "This....I head from my brother....you burnt yours....take this one....this is really convenient....can also say that it's helpful....everytime I hit a wall, I think about the past....running away from the future....when I look at you now, that's what I think....running away from my brother....take it...." Mizuhara remains silent....

Riko walks along the streets....still at Teppei's Mizuhara looks thru the yearbook....Riko has a drink at a café, taking her cell phone she opens it, changing her mind, she gets up & leaves....

Back at Teppei's apartment Mizuhara's reminiscing "Do you remember this fountain?" "Hm?" "During the graduation, everyone threw you into the fountain...." They both laugh as Teppei replies "But why was it only the captain's fault when we lost the national competition?" "Can't be help...." "In the end they threw you into the fountain too didn't they...."

Riko arrives across the street from Teppei's apartment & looks up to see the windows lighted up "He's in...."

In the apartment Mizuhara all of a sudden gets up & says "Te-chan, I'll get going...." Teppei tells her "Take this with you.... as Mizuhara at the door, puts on her shoes & hits the light switch at the same time. As the lights go off Riko stops & stares at the windows now in darkness. Her imagination goes wild & thinks back to when she entered Teppei's apartment to see Sanae & Teppei kissing....

In the apartment Mizuhara in tears says "Te-chan, why did I meet you again? The first time I met Soichiro, I felt like it was you....maybe it was from then that I fell in love with you...."

Outside, Riko thinks & takes out her cell phone & calls Teppei....

Teppei's phone rings & he takes it out but Mizuhara begs him "Don't answer it! Please!" After a few more rings, Teppei turns it off & tosses it on the table....

Riko listens to the engaged tone & then looks up at the apartment....

Teppei tells Mizuhara "I'm sorry....I....for a long time, a very long time, I was really in loved with you....I also feel sorry that I did the other time....but....she's now in my heart....Riko's in my heart....she's not like you, she has a sharp tongue, she's selfish, quick-tempered....she makes a mess of everything....but when she's not around, I don't feel like I'm me....(as he says this Riko's still standing across the street from his apartment....)....& right now, I'm really looking at her....maybe it's not only me....this is the first time I've felt like this...." Mizuhara with tears streaming down her face says "I understand....goodbye...." & turns to go out the door. Teppei takes the yearbook "Mizuhara....here....even if I don't have this anymore, I'll be fine....lately you've been crying a lot....here...." Taking the book from him Mizuhara says "Thank you....goodbye Te-chan...."

Riko sees Mizuhara coming out of the building & turning back to look up at Teppei's apartment. Mizuhara walks on & then looks up to see Riko across the street. Both women look at each other & then Mizuhara walks away....Riko looking sad, turns around & walks away too....

In his apartment, Teppi takes his cell phone, makes a call but no one answers....

Coming into the office the next morning Riko cheerfully greets Teppei "Good morning...." As Teppei sits at his desk, Riko says "By any chance did you call me last night? Was suppose to have fugu last night but ended up having shabu-shabu instead, after that we went to a club in Ginza & then went to a basement karaoke...." Teppei says "I...." but Riko doesn't give him a chance to say anything "Oh yeah, change these figures, they're wrong....that bucho's really sukebe, would sing & touch me at the same time....really irritating...." Teppei finally says "Sorry, I didn't get a chance to call you....after meeting with Mizuhara...." Riko cuts him off "Hey, will you take me to the amusement park tomorrow?" "Amusement park?" "Uhm, I want to enjoy spending the day with you...." From his desk Kurosaki looks at the both of them....a round of good mornings go off & as Riko goes to the tea corner to make some tea, she grimaces....Teppei looks at her from his desk....

Eating together Kurosaki says to Teppei "Riko's been looking rather depressed lately....altho she's pretending to be cheerful....the both of you fighting again?" Teppei says "I did something stupid....& ended up hurting her...." "Hurting her?" "But now, I know how much she means to me....uhm to have worried you....sorry....you don't have any more shrimp, have some of mine...." "No, that's fine...." "It's alright, I've got plenty...." Kurosaki reaches over & takes a shrimp from Teppei's plate "Is that alright?" "ok...."

Soichiro comes home to find a letter on his table addressed to him & opens it....

Soichiro goes over to Teppei's place. Teppei asks "Coffee ok?" "Uhm....she wrote to say that she'll be going to China....she's not at the office & she hasn't returned home...." As Teppei pours Soichiro a cup of coffee "Uhm, looks like she's going to work in Shanghai...." Soichiro is surprised "You....you knew about this & didn't tell me?" "I just heard about it last night...." Soichiro asks "Last night....Sanae came over here?" Teppei answers "She did....she's decided on going it alone....trying hard....seeing her like that it hurts...."

In her apartment Riko sits by the door & cries....she thinks about her father telling her "If it gets too tough, come home...." She looks at the cactus on the table that Teppei gave her....

At the amusement park, Riko & Teppei have a go at a couple of games, having fun. Finally walking along Riko says "It's been a long time since I've been to an amusement park. When we were in highschool, as we didn't have an amusement park as big as this, everyone took the trouble & came to Tokyo...." Teppei says "Since we're here, we have to ride the roller coaster...." Riko says "No way! I can't! I'll get dizzy & my head will hurt...." "You're kidding...." "Really, really....let's play this!" Riko says to the attendent "Sorry, I'd like to try this!" while Teppei moans "Spending money on this!" Riko tosses a ball & misses "Ah, missed!" Teppei asks "Are you going back to Nagano for the new year?" Riko answers "Ah, haven't really thought about it but....my parents have been nagging...." Riko tosses the ball again & says to the attendent "Can I try again? Thanks...." Teppei asks "How about a drink, juice? Coffee ok?" Riko nods & when he leaves, her expression changes, looking sad....

Teppei comes back with the drinks. Riko reaches out to take one but Teppei says "It's hot!" Riko carefully takes it "It's hot? Thank you...." Teppei says "Put your hand out again...." Riko sticks her hand out & Teppei takes something from his pocket & puts it in her hand. Riko asks "What's this?" "A present...." Riko opens it & says "Tickets to Nagano? There's 2...." Teppei nods "One's mine....I promised...." Riko says "You did but...." Teppei says "I want to see....I want to see what sort of place you were born in, where you grew up....I won't leave you alone ever again...." Riko looks at him & then says "I'm giving it back...." Teppei asks "Why?" Riko gets up & walks away "I don't want it....give it back to you...." Teppei runs after her "Wait....tell me what's wrong?" Riko turns around & says "What did you do the night before last? What did you & Sanae do together?" Teppei asks "What are you saying?" Riko answers "I kept waiting for you to call but you didn't....I was worried, so I ended up calling you....why didn't you answer?" Teppei remains silent & Riko continues "I'm sorry....but I also went to your apartment....I saw Sanae coming out of your apartment...." She turns to go & Teppei follows "Riko!" but she starts crying as she says "Nothing happened, I wanted to think that nothing happened....but I can't!" Teppei asks "You think something happened between Mizuhara & myself?" "Yes!" "That's not possible!" Riko turns around & says "How do you expect me to believe you?" Teppei yells at her "Believe me!!" & then in a calmer tone "I'm not lying...." Riko shouts "Then what happened?" Teppei answers "Nothing happened....we were only looking at the yearbook...." Riko doesn't believe him "You're lying!" "I'm not lying!" "You said that you wouldn't make me worry any more....said you wouldn't make me feel lonely any more...." "I'm trying my best! I don't want to make you worry or lonely...." Riko says "Don't say any more....the whole day today, I was feeling really lonely....the kinder you were, the lonelier I felt....how did it become like this? Tell me Teppei...." Teppei looks at Riko, tears rolling down her face. Finally Riko says "It's not working....I'm just so tired...." walking away. Teppei yells "Riko!" but she keeps walking on, not looking back....