Equinox Flower Page #4

There's a lot you need to consider.

You said that we were lucky.

It wasn't always like that

for your father and me.

We went through difficult times.

That's why your father is so concerned.

Do you understand?

Promise me you'll think it over?

Enough. I'm opposed to it.

The young make trouble

as soon as they go out into the world.

Stay home two or three days

to think things over.

I have to go to work.

You will do as I say.

You don't have to go.

Setsuko, you should go to bed now.

She is so taxing.

But...

Taniguchi looks like a good man.

You've met him?

Yes, at the door, when he brought her back.

How can you know him after meeting him

only once. You're being ridiculous.

Anyway, I can't consent.

Come in.

You called me?

Yes, come here please.

Right away.

I didn't take you away from your work?

No.

- Then you were just killing time?

- Yes.

No, I mean...

No, I guess not.

- But there's something I want to ask you.

- Me? What?

How well do you know Taniguchi?

We went to the same school.

He was a senior.

I see.

He is two years older than me,

and he played basketball.

I see, and what else?

Is that all you know?

We worked in the same office one summer.

You did? Where?

It was a warehouse in Hakozaki.

I see.

Come in.

Mr Mikami is here.

Bring him in.

Yes.

- We'll talk later.

- Yes, sir.

- Thank you.

- Thank you.

I'm sorry to be a bother.

Not at all.

I don't want to be a nuisance,

but have you had a chance?

Have you had a chance to go to Luna?

I've been a bit preoccupied.

I haven't had a chance yet.

I see.

There's no need to rush, of course.

I'm just a little worried.

I'll go tonight.

You will? I appreciate it very much.

Children can be a handful.

Maybe it's because we spoil them

as parents.

But what can we do?

Isn't it ironic?

Welcome.

I haven't seen you in a while, Mr Kondo.

How have you been?

Is this all right for you?

Welcome.

Welcome. What can I serve you?

One highball.

Certainly. How about you, Kondo?

- The same for you?

- Yes.

Make it two.

You've been here before?

Yes... No.

- They all seem to know you.

- Yes.

Then why didn't you just say so?

We would've found this place in no time.

I apologise.

I didn't think this was the place you meant.

Then what other place? There can't be

that many bars with the same name.

Right, there can't be. I apologise.

Is there a Fumiko working here?

Her last name is Mikami.

We call her Kaoru.

She'll be back in a moment.

There you go. This one's for Kondo.

Why so quiet tonight?

Go ahead.

Yes, I will.

That Taniguchi, what's he like?

He's two years older than me,

and he plays basketball...

You said that already.

Yes, he played offensive.

He had a good lay-up.

I mean, what kind of man is he?

His character.

He's a good man.

How good is he?

I don't know him that well,

but he's pleasant.

You told me you had worked with him.

He worked at a desk,

and I was just the delivery guy.

So you don't know him very well at all.

No, I suppose I don't.

Why didn't you just tell me that?

I apologise.

She's right here.

Are you looking for me?

- Are you Fumiko?

- Yes.

Do you remember me?

I'm Hirayama, a friend of your father.

Let's have a seat.

It's been a while since I've last seen you.

Indeed.

How are you?

I'm fine.

Did my father tell you I was working here?

Yes, and I was curious how you were doing.

Well, I don't need advice.

I just want to be left alone.

No, I didn't come here for that.

Can we talk somewhere more private?

What do you want to talk about?

Well, can't we talk anywhere more private?

I can't leave right now.

I understand.

I'll wait until you finish your shift.

Is that okay?

Where's your usual liveliness?

What's wrong?

What's the matter?

Don't act so familiar. That man's my boss.

Then you can drink all you want.

It's not like that.

Want another one?

Not tonight.

Don't stand here. Go away.

You're such a scaredy-cat.

Come again? I'll get you for this.

- Welcome!

- Welcome!

- You!

- Yes!

Thank you.

Do you always wait for him

around this time?

He'll be here soon.

We always go home together.

He's a nightclub musician?

Yes.

He's a pianist. In school, he studied music.

I see. What do you think of your father?

My father?

I feel sorry for him,

but he's just so stubborn.

Stubborn?

He's just so stuck in his ways.

Too much so.

Too much so?

He thinks his way is the only way.

Really? Is that what you think?

Yes, it is.

Father has to have everything his way.

- Surely you're exaggerating.

- No, it's the truth.

Maybe it's because he worries about you.

He shouldn't.

He's your father. What about you?

Are you happy?

Me?

Yes.

I'm happy.

I don't see myself as unfortunate at all.

I see.

Welcome.

He's here.

Welcome!

Welcome!

Welcome!

- This is...

- I'm Naganuma. It's a pleasure to meet you.

Hello. How do you do?

It's getting late. We'll head home.

Fine. Thank you for coming.

- Goodbye.

- Goodbye.

- Hold on.

- Yes?

Here's some spending money.

I can't take this.

It isn't much.

I just can't. I'm sorry.

Thank you.

Come again.

Welcome home.

Where were you tonight?

I went to see Mikami's daughter.

Fumiko? Is there something wrong?

She's managing somehow, but it's not right.

Did Setsuko stay home today?

Yes, what are we going to do about her?

Leave her alone for a while.

Soon, she'll realise what she's asking.

Are you still up?

Yes, I couldn't sleep.

Setsuko!

Did you...

What?

Did you sleep with him?

Father, you should have more trust in me.

He's not that kind of man.

Tell her to think it over.

Tell her not to go to work.

She can even leave her job.

Keep an eye on her. Don't let her go out.

I will not allow this kind of behaviour,

or a wedding.

You understand?

Nightgown.

- Welcome!

- Welcome!

Why were you so quiet the other night?

Do you know how nervous I was?

You were sweating like a pig.

This place needs air conditioning.

- Kondo, what would you like?

- A highball, with water.

- Same as last time?

- I can't afford a brand like that.

My usual brand, please. Cheap.

Not that expensive stuff.

- Right?

- Right, let your boss treat you to that.

He won't come here again.

Kaoru.

How does your father know my boss?

They went to high school together.

What does he do now?

- He works for a printing company.

- He came to see my boss yesterday.

Really? Did you hear anything?

I'm not sure.

I wasn't in the room for very long.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Now, that tastes good!

It tastes so much better when I pay for it

myself, even if it is the cheap stuff.

Get me some peanuts.

You're much livelier tonight.

Of course.

Last night was an exception.

Where are my peanuts? Don't be so stingy.

If you get pompous,

your boss might come back.

Don't scare me like that.

He won't come back to a dump like this.

Give me my peanuts!

- Welcome!

- Welcome!

- Welcome and thank you for the other night.

- Not at all.

Welcome.

Hello. You're here again?

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