- 2 years ago
Secretly Shared My Lunch with a Poor Classmate Girl in the Past. Ten Years Later…
Japanese Manga in English
Manga video to learn English
Japanese Manga in English
Manga video to learn English
Category
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LearningTranscript
00:00My name is Riku Sato, a 20-year-old office worker, or at least I used to be.
00:06Sudden bankruptcy, huh? What am I gonna do now?
00:12The company I was working for went bankrupt out of the blue, and I found myself officially unemployed.
00:18I was at a loss for what to do next.
00:21Our guest today is the incredibly popular model, Meika!
00:27Thank you for having me today!
00:29I've been seeing this girl a lot lately.
00:33So, Meika, you're turning 20 this year, right?
00:37That's right!
00:39Being young is so wonderful!
00:42Is she the same age as me?
00:45But while she's a successful model, I'm just jobless.
00:49Reality can be so cruel.
00:52Hmm?
00:54Riku! Long time no see!
00:58Huh? You're the model who was just on TV!
01:02Why is she here? And why does she know my name?
01:07I've missed you so much!
01:10What in the world?
01:12Wh-wh-what's going on here?
01:14Am I hallucinating from the shock of losing my job?
01:18N-no, this soft touch is undoubtedly real!
01:22Uh, um, are you sure you have the right person?
01:26No mistake at all!
01:28Riku, you haven't changed a bit since the old days!
01:32Uh, old days? What are you talking about?
01:36Huh? You don't remember?
01:39I really don't remember anything.
01:42I'm Mei! Mei Fukuda!
01:45We went to the same elementary school until 4th grade, remember?
01:49Mei? Wait, could it be?
01:52Remember now?
01:55B-but that's impossible! Because Mei, you see…
01:59Indeed. Back in the 4th grade, there was a girl named Mei in my class.
02:05Alright! Starting today, you'll be sitting here for a month!
02:09Nice to meet you for the next month! Uh, Mei?
02:14N-nice to meet you!
02:17At that time, Mei was quite shy, always looking down, and I rarely saw her talking to anyone.
02:24Her family seemed to be a struggling single-parent household,
02:27and she appeared slightly thinner than the other kids, often wearing tattered clothes.
02:32During lunchtime…
02:34Ugh…
02:36Huh? Mei has already finished eating!
02:40We have some extra bread! Anyone want seconds?
02:44I'll take some!
02:46Me too! Me too!
02:48Mei, aren't you gonna get seconds?
02:51Huh? Oh no, I'm fine!
02:55Could it be?
02:57She actually wants seconds, but finds it hard to join in with everyone?
03:02Here, have some of mine!
03:05Huh? But I…
03:07It's alright, it's alright.
03:10Hey, Niko!
03:12Hm? What's up?
03:14Let's play dodgeball during lunch break!
03:16Okay! Hey, is there still some bread left?
03:21I'd like seconds too.
03:23I think there should be some left.
03:25Thanks!
03:27Um, thank you!
03:29Don't mention it.
03:31From then on, sharing my lunch secretly with Mei became a daily routine.
03:36That's the memory I have of Mei.
03:40No, seriously, this is too much of a change!
03:44Hehe, you think so? But it's all thanks to you, Riku!
03:51Huh? Thanks to me?
03:53Back then, you helped me and I'm grateful for that.
03:57Uh, yeah. I mean, it wasn't that big of a deal.
04:01By the way, how did you find this place?
04:04When I went to your house, your mom told me to tell you hello.
04:08But you didn't hear that?
04:10I didn't hear it at all!
04:12Come on, mom, get it together!
04:15So, what brings you here today?
04:19I wanted to repay the favor from back then.
04:22Huh? You really don't have to do that.
04:26I can't settle with just leaving it be.
04:29Even if you say that, there's nothing I really want you to do.
04:34Your mom told me that your work went bankrupt, right?
04:37Uh, yeah, that's true, but...
04:41Then, I'll take care of you, Riku!
04:44Huh?
04:46Don't worry. Despite how I may look, I make quite a bit of money.
04:50N-no, it's not that kind of problem.
04:53Seriously, that would be too much.
04:56It's weird for a complete stranger like me to be taken care of.
05:00Then, I'll live here with you.
05:03If we're living together, taking care of you isn't strange, right?
05:07That feels even weirder?
05:10You're right.
05:13It's probably annoying to suddenly barge in and demand to repay a favor.
05:17I'm sorry.
05:19No, no, it's not like that.
05:21But...
05:23Alright, I get it. So please, go ahead.
05:27Really? You're okay with it?
05:29Uh, yeah.
05:32Yay!
05:34Only until I find my next job.
05:37Got it! So, let's get along from now on, Riku.
05:42And that's how Mei appeared in my life like a storm.
05:45And for some reason, we ended up living together.
05:49Ta-da!
05:51Oh, amazing!
05:54Did you make this, Mei?
05:56Well, yeah. Come on, hurry up and eat before it gets cold.
06:01Thanks, I'll dig in.
06:04Wow, this is delicious!
06:07It's been a long time since I had such a heartfelt meal.
06:11Really? I'm so glad.
06:14It makes it all worth it when you say that.
06:17Do you cook regularly?
06:19Yep. Except when I'm out for work, I usually make my own meals.
06:24Huh, that's surprising.
06:26I thought someone as successful as Mei, the top model, would eat out more often.
06:31Well, it's not something to brag about.
06:34But now, I have more financial stability compared to the past.
06:39So I've had my fair share of fancy meals.
06:42But you know, even so, nothing beats my mom's homemade cooking and the school lunches you used to share with me.
06:49In the end, more than any high-class cuisine, there's nothing like a meal made with love.
06:55That's why I'm working hard to be able to cook those kinds of dishes, too.
07:00She's such an incredibly kind person.
07:05I can't cook every day because of work, but I'll do my best to make meals whenever I can.
07:10Uh, thank you.
07:12Uh, she's too kind, and I feel guilty for making someone as great as her live together with someone like me.
07:21And then...
07:23Is there anything you want me to do?
07:26Huh? N-no, it's fine.
07:29T-too close.
07:32I'll do anything I can.
07:34Uh, anything?
07:36Yeah, anything.
07:38D-don't say things like that so casually.
07:42Huh? Why not?
07:44Just because.
07:46There were many moments where the proximity felt uncomfortable.
07:51How is it? Feels good, right?
07:54Y-yeah.
07:56It feels good, but this position is tough in various ways.
08:04While I appreciated her rewards in the name of repaying kindness, the closeness between us made my heart race.
08:11Furthermore...
08:13Well, it's getting late, so shall we go to bed?
08:17Yeah, sounds good. By the way, where's your bedding?
08:21I didn't bring one.
08:23Huh? Then where are you gonna sleep?
08:27In your bed, Riku.
08:29Whaaat?
08:31Is that a problem?
08:33Of course it's a problem!
08:35Two people of the opposite sex who aren't even dating shouldn't sleep in the same bed.
08:40I mean, I absolutely don't have that intention, but what if something were to happen?
08:45It's not a big deal. I don't mind even if something happens, you know?
08:49Wha-?
08:52Ah, I'm so tired.
08:54I have to wake up early again tomorrow, so I need to go to bed now.
08:58Wait...
09:00Why is this happening?
09:03Hey, Riku.
09:05Do you think I've properly repaid your kindness?
09:08Huh?
09:10Oh, uh, yeah, of course.
09:12She might be going a bit overboard.
09:16I'm glad.
09:18Hey, why are you doing all of this for me?
09:21I just shared some school lunches.
09:24For you, it might be just that, but I was genuinely happy.
09:29And it's not just that.
09:32Huh?
09:34Don't you remember? After that...
09:37R-Riku!
09:39Hmm?
09:41Um, th-that...
09:43Thank you, as always, for sharing your lunch.
09:47Oh, it's no big deal.
09:49You see, my family is poor, so we don't get much food at home.
09:54So, I actually wanted to get seconds of school lunch, but all the kids who do that are boys,
10:00and I was afraid of getting teased if I did.
10:03I see.
10:05So, how about trying to get seconds next time?
10:09W-what? But...
10:12It might be okay for now, but when they change our seats, I won't be able to share my lunch anymore.
10:18That's true, but...
10:21Don't worry, no one will tease you.
10:24If you're embarrassed, I'll go with you.
10:27Ugh, okay.
10:30The next day...
10:32Anyone want seconds?
10:35Yes, please!
10:37Me too, me too!
10:39Can we also get seconds?
10:42Sure, but...
10:44Is Mei getting seconds too?
10:47Uh, yeah...
10:49I-is it weird if I get seconds?
10:52Weird? What do you mean?
10:55Huh?
10:56Let's all eat a lot together!
10:59Y-yeah!
11:01See, it was fine, right?
11:04Yeah, thank you, Riku!
11:06You're welcome.
11:08From then on, Mei started getting seconds for herself,
11:12and became more friendly and cheerful with her classmates.
11:17However, one day, Mei had to move due to family circumstances.
11:22Take care!
11:24R-Riku!
11:26What is it?
11:28Thank you for changing me!
11:30Someday, I'll definitely come back to repay you!
11:34I'll be waiting!
11:36After moving, Mei continued to grow and became a strikingly beautiful girl.
11:41She was scouted as a model by chance while walking in the city, so the story goes.
11:46If you hadn't pushed me forward back then,
11:49I'd probably still be timid and withdrawn.
11:53Thanks to you, I am who I am today.
11:56Really, thank you.
11:58Th-that's exaggerating it.
12:01Your current self is the result of your own efforts, Mei.
12:04You really don't need to repay me like this.
12:07N-no, that's not it!
12:10Huh? W-what?
12:13I really am grateful to you, Riku.
12:16And it's true that I want to repay you.
12:19But, it's not just that.
12:21I want to support you and be with you.
12:24Huh? Is that...
12:27S-sorry.
12:29I said something weird all of a sudden.
12:31I'm going to bed now. Goodnight.
12:34G-goodnight?
12:36W-what was that just now?
12:39And so, despite a minor hiccup, we continued living together.
12:43Meanwhile...
12:45Another rejection email.
12:48Since then, I had been to several job interviews,
12:51but the results were as you can see.
12:54Huh...
12:56I knew it wouldn't be easy, but this is really discouraging.
13:01Well, well. There are ups and downs.
13:04Could it be that I'm just not a valuable asset to society?
13:08That's not true.
13:10Let's keep trying, okay?
13:12Thanks, but I'm feeling a bit tired today,
13:15so I'm gonna sleep now. Goodnight.
13:20One hour later.
13:22Huh...
13:24I ended up thinking about a lot of things,
13:26and I can't sleep at all.
13:28Riku, are you sleeping?
13:31Huh? Her voice sounds close.
13:36You did great today too, Riku.
13:39You're amazing.
13:41As a reward, I'll give you a pat.
13:44W-what?
13:46What's going on?
13:48Your sleeping face is so cute!
13:51Should I give you a kiss?
13:54W-what?
13:56Well, maybe that's a bit too much.
14:01I feel like I've accidentally seen something I shouldn't have.
14:05Riku, earlier, you seemed really down.
14:09But it's okay.
14:11You're a kind and considerate person, Riku.
14:14Right now, maybe your charm isn't getting through to others.
14:17But don't worry.
14:19Someday, I'm sure you'll find a place where someone needs you.
14:25Oh well, even if you didn't find a job,
14:28I'll take care of you for the rest of your life, okay?
14:31You don't have to push yourself.
14:33No, I'll give it my all.
14:36What?
14:38May, thank you. I've got my motivation back.
14:42W-wait, were you awake?
14:45This is no time to be feeling down.
14:48Now that I've decided, I'll give it my all starting tomorrow.
14:52U-um...
14:54With this renewed determination, I can sleep soundly.
14:58Thanks, May. Goodnight.
15:00Please, forget about what happened earlier.
15:04One month later.
15:06Despite facing various challenges,
15:08with May's support, I managed to progress to the final interview with a certain company.
15:13D-do your best.
15:15I-I'm sure you'll be fine if you stay calm.
15:19Why are you more nervous than me, May?
15:22But thanks.
15:24Well, I'm off then.
15:26If May hadn't been here,
15:28I might have given up halfway.
15:30I'm really glad she's here.
15:32And so, the time for the final interview arrived.
15:36I will wholeheartedly dedicate myself to your company.
15:40I see.
15:42I now understand your personality and your feelings towards our company.
15:47Now, for the final question.
15:49Yes.
15:51Do you have someone important in your life?
15:55Uh...
15:57Well, yes, I do.
15:59In that case,
16:01if you were forced to choose between that important person and the company,
16:05which one would you choose?
16:07Huh?
16:09W-what kind of question is this?
16:12It's completely unexpected.
16:14Is he testing my loyalty to the company?
16:16If that's the case,
16:18the answer should be the company.
16:20But...
16:22Of course, it would be the important person.
16:25I messed up.
16:27I see.
16:29That's fine.
16:31Having someone you care about to that extent is a wonderful thing.
16:34Please make sure to convey those feelings to them properly next time.
16:38That concludes the interview.
16:40We will inform you of the results at a later date.
16:43Thank you for today.
16:45Y-yes.
16:47Thank you very much.
16:49What did I just do?
16:51That's a place where I absolutely had to answer the company,
16:55but I didn't.
16:57I must have failed for sure.
16:59But strangely, I have no regrets.
17:01However,
17:03three days later.
17:05Huh?
17:07I passed?
17:09Yes.
17:11Thank you.
17:13Honestly, I thought I was definitely going to fail.
17:15Especially after my response to the last question.
17:18Not at all.
17:20We were looking for someone like you
17:22who can clearly say that an important person is indeed important.
17:26We truly appreciate your character.
17:28Is that so?
17:30I'll do my best to meet those expectations.
17:34Congratulations, Riku.
17:36I'm really happy for you.
17:38Thank you.
17:40It's all thanks to you.
17:42No, it's not.
17:44It's the result of your hard work.
17:46So, um...
17:48Does this mean our life here together will end now?
17:52Yeah, you're right.
17:54We promised it would be until I found a job.
17:56You've already repaid your debt to me.
17:58Yeah.
18:02So, um...
18:04From now on, could you stay by my side
18:06without any obligation for repaying kindness?
18:08Huh?
18:10I-I love you, Mei.
18:12Will you be with me?
18:14No way.
18:17Really?
18:19I wouldn't lie about this.
18:21I'm so happy.
18:23I've loved you for a long time, too.
18:25Then...
18:27I'm looking forward to it.
18:31And so, we started dating.
18:33Fortunately, Mei's agency had a policy
18:35of respecting individual privacy.
18:37So when we informed them,
18:39they were very supportive and congratulated us.
18:43Three months later.
18:45How's it going?
18:47Are you getting used to your job?
18:49Yes, thanks to your help.
18:51I gradually got used to my job.
18:53And the relationships
18:55with my co-workers were great.
18:57And then...
18:59She's working so hard.
19:03Mei's popularity continued to rise.
19:05And there wasn't a day
19:07when I don't see her on TV or online.
19:09However...
19:11Riko,
19:13I'm tired.
19:15Good job.
19:17Pat me with love.
19:19Alright, alright.
19:21There, there.
19:25I feel better now.
19:27She's just
19:29too cute.
19:31While I like the mature Mei
19:33I saw on the screen,
19:35I couldn't get enough of the adorable side
19:37of her that she only shows to me.
19:39I plan to support Mei from now on
19:41and watch over her with this smile
19:43forever.
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