A Friend I Haven't Seen for a Long time is Actually a Girl and We Began to Live Together
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 Masato Suzuki, and I'm officially a college freshman at 19.
00:06Yeah, I took a gap year and barely made it into Koiwa University with the later exams.
00:12My grades are hanging by a thread, and it's over two hours from my countryside home,
00:18but I had to get in for a reason.
00:21Man, this famous university really shines.
00:25But honestly, if I can just meet that person...
00:27Uh, excuse me?
00:31Huh? Yeah?
00:34Uh, are you a new student?
00:37Yeah, well, I took a gap year, so...
00:41I knew it! I'm a second year, but we're the same age!
00:46Whoa, who's this stunner? What does she want with me? Could it be?
00:52Is this some shady solicitation? I gotta stay on guard.
00:57But why'd you want to come to Koiwa so bad, even after taking a gap year?
01:03It's because I have an old friend here.
01:07Ah!
01:09Uuugh! It hurts!
01:14Geez, Yuki, you're so clumsy! Here, let me help.
01:18Thanks!
01:20This is Yuki Mori. We've been neighbors and childhood friends since we were little.
01:26Our families were close, but our personalities were total opposites.
01:31Yuki went to private school from kindergarten, being from a wealthy family.
01:35On the other hand, I was just the son of a humble green grocer.
01:40But we'd meet up after school every day and play until sundown.
01:45We even made a promise to always be friends, but...
01:49I had to move away in third grade because of my dad's job.
01:53You never told me you were moving!
01:56Sorry, but my parents said we'd come back someday.
02:00Will you see me again?
02:05Of course! When we grow up, let's hang out again!
02:09It's a promise!
02:11But I couldn't take that promise at face value.
02:15I went to middle and high school, but my shyness kept me from fitting in.
02:19I clung to Yuki, contacting him occasionally, but Yuki was changing fast.
02:26Yuki got into a prestigious high school and then straight into Koiwa University.
02:31I started feeling inferior and stopped reaching out altogether.
02:36But I couldn't forget the days we spent together, so I just barely got into Koiwa.
02:42Wow!
02:44I figured my parents might have mentioned it to his parents, but I wanted to surprise him.
02:49He might freak out. He has always been a scaredy-cat and kinda girly.
02:55Wait a sec.
02:57This childhood friend...
02:59It's a girl, right?
03:02No, it's a guy. Didn't I mention that?
03:05No, I mean, maybe you haven't seen him in a while, right?
03:09What if he looks totally different now?
03:12Hmm, I don't care. I like his kind personality.
03:17Uh-huh.
03:18But this place is huge. Finding him might be tough. Better give him a call.
03:24You'll find him. See you later.
03:27Oh.
03:29Who was that hottie? Did she mistake me for someone else?
03:33Should've at least asked her name.
03:35I finally got a response from Yuki after I got home.
03:40Sorry about today. I was in a rush.
03:43I was shocked when my parents told me.
03:46Two hours is a long commute. You must be tired.
03:52Seems like he hasn't changed much.
03:55Guess what?
03:57I got a room this year. Wanna share it?
04:01Sounds awesome.
04:03Knew you'd be up for it. Let's meet at the apartment after class on Monday.
04:07Can't wait to see him again after all this time.
04:10And I've got some great news for you, too.
04:13Huh? Just moving in together is already great news.
04:18This is the place, right? Where's Yuki?
04:21I wonder what he looks like now. Will he even recognize me?
04:25Well, I haven't changed much.
04:28Sorry I'm late.
04:30Geez, took you long enough.
04:32What?
04:34Sorry. Got held up at school again.
04:38That hottie from last week? Why is she here?
04:41Why is she here?
04:43Let's go in.
04:45Wait, where?
04:47To the room, duh. I've got the key and everything.
04:51Wait a sec. Could the great news Yuki mentioned be...
04:56We're rooming with three people?
04:59Man, Yuki's got some wild plans, huh?
05:03Sorry it's so cramped. We kinda had to rush it.
05:07Nah, it's cool. But where the heck is Yuki?
05:10Dude's running late.
05:12Come on, get here already. We're running out of stuff to talk about.
05:19Yuki's right here, though.
05:23Wait, what?
05:25Yup.
05:27Yuki... Mori... Same birthday as him.
05:34Long time no see.
05:36We both grew up, huh, Masato?
05:39What?
05:41Doesn't matter if I look different, right?
05:44I knew it was you right away, though.
05:46Who would've thought you're a girl now?
05:50I've always been a girl.
05:53Why didn't you say anything?
05:55You don't go around telling your best friend you're a girl.
05:59Well, yeah, I guess.
06:02I can't believe you thought I was a dude, though. I was surprised, too.
06:06That laugh. It's definitely Yuki.
06:10Sorry for testing you.
06:12I heard from my parents that you'd gotten to Koiwa.
06:15But I wondered if you still remembered me.
06:19Is it true? You came here just for me?
06:24Uh, yeah, kinda.
06:28Good thing I rushed to rent the place.
06:31Let's hang out like old times, Masato.
06:33Old times, Masato?
06:35Can we really?
06:37Oh? Did my stuff from home arrive?
06:40Let's get to it.
06:43Take that! Go get him!
06:46Yuki, behind you!
06:48Whoa! Nice save, Masato!
06:51Yes, got it!
06:53Yeah!
06:55Oh!
06:56Huh?
06:58Sorry, I got carried away.
07:01No, it's my bad.
07:03Weren't you stronger back then?
07:06I'm a girl, duh.
07:09But you're strong, Masato.
07:12Well, I'm a guy, duh.
07:15Even if our hearts are the same, everything else is so different.
07:21So yeah, that's how our unexpected room share started.
07:25We got two rooms, at least.
07:27And since we've known each other forever, I promised myself I wouldn't let it get weird.
07:32Plus, college is all about studying.
07:35But man, the academic gap is real.
07:38If I flunk out, the gap between us will just get bigger.
07:42Uh, what was I...
07:45It's right here.
07:48Why are you here?
07:49Gotta support you as a senior, right?
07:52Plus, it's a good review for me, too.
07:55Well, that's a help, but...
07:57We were never in the same class in elementary school, right?
08:01So I've always dreamed of taking classes together with you.
08:05Was Yuki always this cute?
08:08So what about middle and high school?
08:11Were you a girl or a guy?
08:14Girl, duh.
08:17But not much different from now.
08:20Bet you were super popular.
08:23Yeah, but why are guys always so obvious about their feelings?
08:28I just want to be friends.
08:31I mean, with that cuteness, who wouldn't?
08:34You're the only one who I can just have fun with as friends, Masato.
08:39Yeah? Just friends, huh?
08:43So, were you popular, Masato?
08:46Just a normal, really.
08:49Still stubborn as ever, huh?
08:52After a while.
08:54Hey, I'm gonna use the leftover dinner for lunch tomorrow.
08:58Living with my best bud is cool and all,
09:00but knowing she's a girl makes things kinda... complicated.
09:06Oh, and you still haven't found a part-time job, right?
09:09Come work at my place.
09:11It's a cafe, but we're short on kitchen staff.
09:15Uh, about that cafe...
09:19Yeah! It's a cross-dressing cafe!
09:23Why didn't you tell me about the cross-dressing first?
09:26Just using my childhood memories to my advantage.
09:29Well, it suits you, kinda.
09:33All right! I'm counting on you, my lady!
09:38Okay, quit making my heart race!
09:44Let's do our best.
09:46Wait, if it's a cross-dressing cafe, are the customers girls too?
09:51Yo! You must be the newbie!
09:54Another lost lamb in this chaotic hellscape!
09:59Nice to meet you!
10:01These people are characters, all right.
10:04Hey, don't be so nervous!
10:08Oh, Masato, I forgot to mention.
10:11Huh?
10:12Never mind.
10:14So, that girl with the takoyaki hair ties...
10:19Are you listening? Something on your mind?
10:22No, just thought you looked happy surrounded by girls.
10:27Yuki's definitely a girl.
10:30Maybe I should move to a regular maid cafe.
10:33Nah, stick with where you are.
10:35If you worked with guys, I'd get jealous.
10:40And seeing you as a maid, I'd laugh too much to work!
10:44What the heck? I'm still a girl, you know!
10:49Kinda, yeah.
10:51Ugh!
10:53Days flew by like when we were kids.
10:56I got used to college and our shared place,
10:59but still couldn't wrap my head around Yuki being a girl.
11:03But it feels like she's forgotten I'm a guy.
11:06Masato, I'm done with the bath.
11:09Okay, I'll go next.
11:12What the?
11:13Huh? What's up?
11:15What's up? Put some clothes on!
11:18I am wearing clothes.
11:21That's not what I meant by clothes!
11:24What? Wanna join me?
11:27Best friends bath time.
11:29No way!
11:31Kidding, kidding!
11:33Ah, she has no idea how this messes with me.
11:38Yuki's just treating me like a childhood friend, right?
11:41Gotta do the same.
11:44Hey, you're free this afternoon, right? Let's hang out!
11:47Uh, um...
11:49Hey, Yuki's got plans with me. Let's go.
11:55Yeah!
11:56Geez, you're not a kid anymore. Just say no.
12:01Didn't know you had a manly side.
12:06What? Remember, I used to protect you from bullies.
12:10Oh, right. Well, let's go.
12:14Huh?
12:15We've got plans, right?
12:18Let's hang out.
12:20Uh, yeah!
12:22Wow! This outfit's cute!
12:25Oh, but this one's cool, too!
12:27You're busy shopping, huh?
12:29I can rock both looks. Which one do you like?
12:34How about something girly? I mean, you've got long hair.
12:38Hmm... I'll try this one on, then.
12:42Ta-da! How do I look?
12:45My childhood friend is way too cute!
12:49Is it a bit too girly?
12:52No, it looks great. I mean, it really suits you.
12:58Hey, this would look good on you, Masato!
13:01I'm fine with the clothes I have.
13:04You mean those from elementary school?
13:06They're from middle school, geez!
13:09Same difference.
13:11Mayuki's turned into this total babe, and I'm still the same as ever.
13:17All right! Decision made!
13:20I gotta level up, too! Become a guy worthy of her!
13:24Masato?
13:26I'm coming in!
13:29Wait!
13:30I'll be late tomorrow because of the seminar. What are you doing?
13:34Uh, I just thought I should start working out more.
13:38Hmm?
13:39Yeah, seminar tomorrow.
13:41Got it! So...
13:44I'm not done yet! I'll help you!
13:47I-I can do it myself!
13:50Come on! You can do it! You can do it!
13:54Yeah!
13:57Boys are so simple.
14:00Can't even argue with that!
14:02But I gotta step up my game and become more of a man!
14:06Time flew by as I worked hard.
14:09Wow! While I was busy with my thesis and job hunting, you got all buff!
14:17Really?
14:18No wonder all the freshman girls flocked to you!
14:22They just asked for directions!
14:25Still, that's impressive.
14:28You really look like a man now.
14:32Hey, stop touching so much!
14:35Oops! Sorry, I'll be more careful.
14:40Oh, by the way, I've got an interview next week, so I'll be out for a bit.
14:45Don't bring any girls over, okay?
14:48You sound like my mom!
14:52Just kidding!
14:53I guess I'm the only one feeling this way, having feelings for her.
14:58Even though we live together, Yuki's a year ahead.
15:02Time, which seemed endless, flew by, and the day of parting was near.
15:07Whoa! This place is a huge company!
15:11Yuki, you're amazing!
15:14It's just luck, but I'm still thinking about staying local.
15:19What do you think, Masato?
15:22Well, you should go for the big city job!
15:26There's nothing to do back home!
15:29You think so?
15:32Yeah, I'm taking over my family's veggie shop.
15:35Leave the hometown to me.
15:38Yeah, you're right.
15:41I'll do that.
15:44I'm saying stuff I don't really believe, but I gotta support her as a friend.
15:49Don't worry! Even if I leave, I'll cover the rent until you graduate.
15:55Nah, that's fine.
15:56Oh, stop acting tough! I signed the lease anyway.
16:01Ugh.
16:03Just promise to listen to my work rants when I need it, okay?
16:08Sure.
16:10In the end, I just couldn't be honest till the very last moment.
16:14Yuki landed a job at a big city corporation and moved into company housing.
16:20Even though I told myself to live my own life, seeing Yuki's face always shook my resolve.
16:27Gimme a piggyback ride, please?
16:30Geez.
16:31All right, here we go.
16:33Huh? You feel heavier.
16:36Well, duh! Comparing to when we were in elementary school.
16:42I'm not going back that far!
16:45Being with Yuki just feels the best.
16:50It's so fun being with you.
16:54Hey, Masato! Wanna work at my company?
16:58N-no way! I'd never get in!
17:01What? You don't wanna be with me?
17:06I-I mean, that's not... Of course I'd wanna.
17:11Oh, hang on a sec.
17:13Yes, I understand. I'll be there right away.
17:18Sorry, Masato. I gotta go. Something came up.
17:22Yeah.
17:23I was just kidding! Do whatever you want, Masato.
17:27Ugh. Yuki always feels so far away. In that case...
17:34I'll catch up to her no matter how many times it takes!
17:38So, I changed my plans last minute and decided to apply to Yuki's company.
17:43Without telling her, I studied hard for the qualifications and a second language.
17:49My efforts paid off, and I passed the first and second rounds,
17:52finally reaching the third interview.
17:55U-um... I'm sorry. Totally blew it. There's no way I passed.
18:02Thank you for your time.
18:04Guess it was impossible for me.
18:06We were just born in the same place, but our worlds are different.
18:10Masato!
18:14Yuki!
18:15Were you taking an interview here? I saw your back and was surprised!
18:22Caught me at my worst.
18:24Yeah, but I definitely failed.
18:27I've been putting up a front, but I didn't want to lose to you.
18:31Or I guess I just wanted to be with you.
18:36But I can never catch up to you.
18:38That's not true.
18:41Since you were always protecting me, I always thought I needed to become a woman worthy of you,
18:46Masato. I worked hard on my studies and how I look, but without you, nothing is fun.
18:54Ah!
18:56Masato, I'm not going anywhere. So let's stay together as childhood friends.
19:04That's not enough.
19:06Huh?
19:08Let's stop being childhood friends. From now on, let's be lovers.
19:13Ah!
19:14I like you as a woman, Yuki!
19:17Masato! Me too! I like you too!
19:22Ah!
19:24I'm so glad I was born a girl. I like you so much, Masato.
19:30Wait, aren't you still working?
19:34In that case...
19:37After that, I graduated college and took over the family veggie shop.
19:41Even though it's just a boring countryside,
19:44I'm always brainstorming ways to bring life to our town from our shop.
19:49And of course, I'm not alone, but with my family.
19:54Honey!
19:56Let's have lunch.
19:58Thanks, but was it really okay quitting that big company?
20:02Yeah, it wasn't a good fit, and I want to be with you.
20:06Right? Don't you think so too, honey?
20:10In a few years, our kids will be running around this town.
20:14Whether they're boys or girls, they'll definitely be the liveliest and cutest around.