When My Childhood Friend Becomes a Mega Star and Notices I'm Getting Married...
Japanese Manga in English
Manga video to learn English
Japanese Manga in English
Manga video to learn English
Category
đź“š
LearningTranscript
00:00My name's Kota Ono. I'm a second-year college student rolling with the theater club.
00:06Alice is on TV again!
00:09Ugh. She's become such a distant star.
00:13That girl, Ali Sakato, she's actually my childhood friend.
00:17We both shared this dream of becoming actors.
00:21We were next-door neighbors, so we were like family, always chilling together.
00:26Back in elementary school, one day, we went to see a movie.
00:30The actress playing the heroine was stunning, huh?
00:33And the main actor was so freaking cool!
00:36I'm thinking I want to be an actor too someday.
00:39Hey, how about we both give it a shot?
00:42And if our dreams come true, let's get married!
00:45Huh? Alisa, you...
00:48Of course I like you! What about you?
00:51Yeah, me too! Let's make our dreams come true together and get married!
00:56And that's how we made a pact to get married.
01:00Right after, we even wrote our marriage certificate together at home.
01:04After that, we joined the same child actor training agency.
01:08But turns out, only Alisa got the job as a child actor.
01:12When we turned 15, we graduated from the training agency.
01:16Alisa went on to a showbiz agency.
01:19But me, I kept auditioning for acting agencies, struggling with my lack of skills.
01:25Summer of my senior year in high school.
01:28Hey, when I graduate high school, they're asking me if I want to go to Tokyo.
01:32More jobs, and it's just easier, you know?
01:35I get it. I'll be rooting for you, Alisa.
01:38Thanks! I'll keep giving it my all over there.
01:42Time passed. We kept in touch.
01:45But lately, she hasn't been reading my messages.
01:48She hasn't been back home either, and I couldn't meet her.
01:51Guess I'm still far from it.
01:53Here I am, running errands for the club's afterparty.
01:5730 minutes later. I'm back!
02:00Took you long enough! Kept me waiting, man!
02:03He's Charao Yabasugi, same age as me, and the star of our theater club.
02:08He's a rookie actor signed with a talent agency, and he's always taking the lead in our performances.
02:14Though right now, jobs in our hometown are scarce, so he sometimes travels to Tokyo for shoots.
02:20Well, I'm heading home.
02:22Aren't you joining the afterparty?
02:24Nah, don't want to be the topic of your boasts.
02:28Ain't like that, man.
02:30Well, sooner or later, I'll be co-starring with Alisa.
02:34Can't blame me for being a bit jealous, being fellow aspiring actors and all.
02:40This guy running his mouth.
02:42I'm working super hard to get a shot at acting alongside Alisa, too.
02:47An hour later. I'm back!
02:50Oh, Kouta, there's some arrangements for the group date.
02:53Wanna give it a shot?
02:55What?
02:56Seems like a kid from Alisa's mom's acquaintances is looking for a spouse.
03:01I'm only 18, mom.
03:03Start looking early to have more options, dear.
03:07Or are you still hung up on Alisa?
03:10It's not like that!
03:12Well, my mom's kinda right, though.
03:15I'm rooting for Alisa all the way.
03:17I follow her on Talkator, catch all of Alisa's shows.
03:21Plus, there's that promise we made.
03:23Ain't no way I'm going on a mixer.
03:26But a few days later.
03:28Could this mean Alisa's thinking about retiring?
03:31Why and how come?
03:33But the agency's social media account says otherwise.
03:36What's going on?
03:38Afterward, Alisa's agency formally announced her hiatus.
03:42According to the agency, there isn't any trouble between her and them.
03:46She'll take a break after finishing her ongoing job.
03:49I'm worried and wish I could talk to Alisa.
03:52She isn't even reading my texts.
03:54Movie shooting nearby? Huh?
03:57And Alisa's last job before her hiatus is in it?
04:00I might just get to see her around here!
04:03Afterward, I applied as an extra.
04:06And now, the day of the shoot has arrived.
04:09Oh, Alisa!
04:11Wait, what? Why is she looking away?
04:14We're on schedule, but we're missing an actor!
04:18Oh, right! He was saying he won't do small roles for a while.
04:22What? Screw that guy!
04:24Gonna have to pick a stand-in from the extras.
04:26Anyone here got theater experience?
04:29Uh, kinda, I do.
04:31Alright, you're in!
04:32But, uh, I haven't been making it through auditions at agencies.
04:36Don't worry about it.
04:38All you gotta do is hand Alisa some prop as a forensics dude.
04:42You're gonna face away from the camera.
04:44Cap's gonna hide your hair, so it's all good.
04:47Plus, you're about the same height as the guy you're subbing for.
04:50Got it.
04:51Alright, let's do this.
04:53Action!
04:54This is the crime scene, huh?
04:57Whoa, up close, she's even cuter than back in high school.
05:01Okay, focus on the shoot now!
05:03Here are the evidence items!
05:05Yeah, thanks.
05:07Was Alisa's hand this soft?
05:10Get it together, Kouta!
05:12The shoot went on without a hitch.
05:14Alright, everyone, good job!
05:17Phew, it actually went smoothly.
05:20Hey, Alisa, there's something I wanna ask you.
05:25Sorry, got another shoot to head to.
05:28Yeah, bet she's avoiding me.
05:30In the end, I couldn't find a chance to talk to Alisa.
05:33A whole month passed without me being able to do anything.
05:37No messages from Alisa, huh?
05:39I'm back.
05:40Wait, Alisa, why?
05:43She got off work early yesterday.
05:45Since it's been a while, we're throwing a party.
05:49I see.
05:50Welcome home, Alisa.
05:52Yeah.
05:53Alright then, Kouta, join us.
05:57Mmm, this is so good!
05:59Alisa actually made that.
06:02Really?
06:03You've always been good at cooking,
06:05but you leveled up even more, didn't you?
06:08You think so?
06:09Thanks!
06:10Her blush is cute and all,
06:12but she won't even look at me!
06:15The next day.
06:16You're off today, right?
06:18Why don't you two go out together, you and Alisa?
06:21Why the sudden...
06:23Isn't there some distance between you two?
06:26Did she figure it out?
06:28I bought tickets for a movie Alisa's in from Alisa's mom.
06:31Go enjoy!
06:33Th-thanks.
06:35Alisa, I wanna watch a movie together.
06:38B-but...
06:39It's fine, right?
06:41You said you wanted to watch that movie, didn't you?
06:44But what if we stand out outside?
06:46Just wear a disguise.
06:48Besides, it's dark in the theater.
06:50No one will notice you.
06:52Fine.
06:53Let me get ready.
06:55Thirty minutes later.
06:56Ugh.
06:57Hella awkward.
06:58What were we even talking about till now?
07:01I wanna know why she retired,
07:03but can I ask her?
07:04Not sure.
07:05Oh, we used to come to this park a lot, right?
07:09Yeah, we did.
07:11Back when we were in acting school,
07:12we practiced here.
07:14Yeah, that's right.
07:16Thanks to that time,
07:17I am who I am now.
07:19Oh, yeah.
07:20We used to play hide-and-seek here too.
07:22Remember, you couldn't find me,
07:24so we got all anxious and cried.
07:26Since then, you've been a bit of a loner, huh?
07:29Hey, forget that.
07:31Can't.
07:32Those memories with you, Alisa...
07:34W-well then,
07:35I'll expose one of your embarrassing stories too.
07:38Alright, alright.
07:40Sorry.
07:41Wait, turns out we can talk like the old days.
07:44Few dozen minutes later.
07:47Can't wait for the movie.
07:49Wait, it just hit me that
07:50I'm sitting next to that megastar,
07:52feeling kind of nervous now that I'm conscious of it...
07:55Oh.
07:56That's mine.
07:58Pfft.
07:59S-sorry.
08:01No worries.
08:02Besides, we're not at the age to fuss over this stuff.
08:05Y-yeah...
08:07Yup, Alisa's definitely grown up.
08:10Two hours later.
08:11Phew, that was a blast.
08:13You were on fire, no doubt.
08:15Every act was flawless.
08:17R-really?
08:19Hehe, I'm glad you think so.
08:21I don't think so.
08:23Alisa, give me your hand.
08:25Yeah.
08:27It's risky to split up. Let's stick together.
08:31Yeah.
08:33I ended up holding her hand, but when on earth do I let go?
08:39Wait, when I try to let go, she's still holding on?
08:43Gotta distract her.
08:45Oh, by the way, I see your face all over the place.
08:49Seriously, you're something else.
08:51D-do you think?
08:55Hey, your face is kinda red, though. You okay?
08:59G-getting kinda hot, I guess. Wanna have some ice cream?
09:03Few minutes later. There aren't so many people around here, and it's kinda dim, so she could probably take off her mask.
09:11Mmm, it's so good!
09:14Man, she's cute.
09:16Huh? Why are you staring like that?
09:19Uh, well...
09:21Wanna have a bite? Well then...
09:24Here comes the plane!
09:26What?!
09:27C'mon, open up! It's gonna melt if you don't hurry!
09:30U-uh...
09:33Hahaha! Now you're blushing!
09:36It's totally your fault!
09:38Hey, but seriously, why'd you even think about retiring?
09:43Well...
09:45What? Alisa?
09:47Charo!
09:49Whoa! It's Alisa! I knew we were from the same area, but never thought I'd bump into you like this!
09:56Um, who are you?
09:59Remember, we were supposed to be in a movie together recently!
10:03Yeah, the newbie actor who bailed right before shoot.
10:07Yeah, that's me! Just didn't feel right for me to do a role that doesn't match my charm!
10:13But enough about that! It's destiny we meet in a place like this! Let's go on a date!
10:18Cut it out! She's on a break right now, man!
10:22Get lost, will ya? And why are you even here?
10:25Besides, Alisa's a necessary piece in the showbiz puzzle!
10:29You think she'd want to be seen with a background character like you?
10:33Uh, but that doesn't mean you should make her uncomfortable!
10:37Ugh, you've got some nerve, Kota!
10:41Wait, isn't that Alisa?
10:43Yeah, it is!
10:45Shoot! Let's go, Alisa!
10:47Y-yeah!
10:49Hey, wait up!
10:54Think we're fine here.
10:56Thanks, Kota!
10:58Nah, but seriously, Alisa, isn't it better for you to get back into the showbiz game?
11:04What?
11:05I mean, you're still needed by everyone, right?
11:08W-well, it's your call, Alisa. No matter what you decide, I'm rooting for ya!
11:13So, catch you tomorrow!
11:15Are you more into the girl in that group date?
11:18What?
11:19You think I'm in the way, so you want me back to the entertainment biz, huh?
11:25You promised we'd get married, you traitor!
11:28What?
11:29I heard from Mom that you were arranged to meet someone!
11:32I worked so hard to become an actress just so I could marry you!
11:36It's all pointless if you get married with someone else!
11:39So that's why she tried to quit?
11:42I kept this all these years, you know!
11:45That's the marriage registration form we wrote together back then!
11:49Even with my busy schedule, I've held onto this! Did you forget, Kota?
11:54I didn't forget! And I haven't even gone on any mixer!
11:58Really?
12:00Yeah! How can I make you believe me?
12:03Oh, I know! Come over to my room!
12:06Huh?
12:08It's this thing, see?
12:10What?
12:11I've been working my butt off, too, to make our dream come true!
12:15I've never forgotten it, not once!
12:24Kota, you were totally crushing on me, huh? Thank God!
12:30There, there. But, uh, your mom must know I turned down the mixer thing, right?
12:38You know, after I heard about you going on those dates,
12:41I was so devastated that I blacked out.
12:44And I avoided that topic afterward.
12:46So that's the reason!
12:48But sorry for keeping you. Wait.
12:51I've been trying in my own way, but I'm not getting any auditions from the agency.
12:56I wonder if I'm cut out for this.
12:58You can totally do it!
13:00If you can't throw away that notebook, then you're not ready to throw away your dream, right?
13:06With all this effort, your dream's gotta come true, no doubt!
13:11Yeah, you're right. Thanks.
13:14I want to fulfill the promise with you, Alisa. I'll put in more effort.
13:18Then let's start practicing acting together from tomorrow!
13:22We got plenty of time!
13:24Sure thing! Thanks!
13:27Next day.
13:29You got the acting chops, but you freeze up when it counts!
13:32So, practicing here in this crowded park, huh?
13:36Exactly!
13:38But if we're here, won't people recognize you?
13:41It's fine! My disguise is foolproof!
13:44Okay, I'll be the girlfriend this time!
13:47Y-yeah! Got it!
13:49I wanna cook for you every day, darling!
13:53This-this is all just acting, right?
13:56Totally! Come on, your next line!
13:59Uh, yeah, I like your cooking too.
14:02Yup! Let's get married, darling!
14:05Uh, that's not the line, right?
14:09Back home.
14:10You did a lot today, so as a reward, I'll give you a hug!
14:14Why all of a sudden?
14:16Well, I've been holding back cause I thought you were meeting someone for that dating thing.
14:21Couldn't text either, so I felt super lonely.
14:24You've always been a clingy one since way back.
14:27Yeah. So now, I'm gonna fill up that lonely time.
14:31Come on, give me a hug!
14:33Uh, alright.
14:35Ah!
14:37Kouta, you're so warm and big!
14:41You know, Kouta, I've always liked how hard you try.
14:45Uh, and I've always liked how kind you are.
14:50So happy!
14:53After that, me and Alisa, we'd be hitting up the park every day for acting drills.
14:58Thanks to her, I'm getting used to the jitters bit by bit.
15:02A month later.
15:03Guess it's showtime.
15:05Still getting nervous even after all that practice.
15:09Homemade charm Alisa gave me!
15:12Something inside!
15:13A marriage form I filled in with Alisa!
15:16Right, gotta keep hustling for that promise.
15:19Haha, so you were in on this too, huh?
15:22Shadow, how come you- you're with the agency?
15:26Lost my jobs, so I called it quits myself!
15:30Well, with auditions for losers like you, it's a piece of cake for me, you know?
15:35Nah, today's the day! I'm gonna nail this audition!
15:39Then the auditions begin.
15:41Shadow's acting is top notch for real.
15:44Can I beat this guy?
15:45Wait, gonna win this for sure!
15:48Gotta make the dream with Alisa come true!
15:51Alright, next up is Mr. Ono. Please begin.
15:55Yes!
15:56Few minutes later.
15:58Thank you so much!
16:00Your act just now, that was amazing!
16:04Looks like he's our winner.
16:07W-what?
16:09Hey, wait up! My act was way better, right?
16:13No, this person's act had passion.
16:16You, on the other hand, are just drowning in your own world.
16:21Plus, you're pretty famous for causing trouble at another agency.
16:25No matter how good your act is, we can't take you in here.
16:29I won't accept this! You better hire me!
16:32Stop causing a ruckus! Security, get him out of here!
16:36My act's totally better!
16:39Forget about Shadow. I just gotta step closer to my dream!
16:44A few hours later.
16:46Alisa, I finally did it!
16:48Seriously? I always believed in you, Kouta! Congratulations!
16:53You helped me a ton, Alisa. And this charm you gave me, it brought me luck, I'm sure.
16:59You noticed it?
17:01Yeah. One day, I'm gonna be in the same work as you, Alisa.
17:05When that happens, we're really gonna get married!
17:08Yeah! I trust you, Kouta!
17:12Alisa, she jumped back into showbiz right after that.
17:15Shadow's still taking shots at auditions, but his reputation for bad behavior is keeping him out of the game.
17:22And me, I kept hustling to make the dream with Alisa come true.
17:26Two years later, I graduated college and moved to the big city, living with Alisa.
17:31Got another role lined up! If I keep going like this, maybe I can catch up to you, Alisa!
17:37Yeah! Then I gotta reward your hard work.
17:41Reward?
17:43Of course! This!
17:45Wha-? K-Kiss?
17:48I've been wanting to do this forever.
17:51But let's keep this on hold till we fulfill the promise. Okay, darling?
17:56Yeah, won't make you wait. I promise!
18:00Hi! It's me, Mel! Thanks for watching my channel!
18:06I'm super happy if you watch the next and other videos, too!