Yes X No 4 – Sakuya Hojo

CV: Masuda Toshiki

Thank you Nurie for your commission!

Track 1

Oh?

I’m home.

So you’re here?

You usually call me before you come.

That’s alright though.

You missed me so much that you forgot to call first?

I’m only joking. Don’t take it seriously.

Hey… Are you cooking something?

That’s great! I was feeling hungry.

This smell… It’s stew… Stew with cheese in it.

[01:02]
I was right. Yay!

Give me a reward.

I meant exactly what I said.

It doesn’t need explaining. Come on.

What is it? You’re so mean.

Or are you pretending not to know?

There’s only one reward you give your boyfriend when he gets home, isn’t there?

Come on, something you give to welcome someone home…

Okay. Thank you.

Alright, I’ll help you get things ready.

What? You’re not going to let me help?

Ah… So you finished up while I was washing my hands?

Oh dear.

[02:03]
Today was another tiring day.

Ah. I forgot to change the towel this morning.

Yes, get me a towel.

Please! My hands are wet. Come on!

You know where the towels are, right?

They’re in the drawer.

Thanks.

Alright, I’m going to serve the stew.

I’m going to do it. I’m done washing my hands. I’ve got to do something to thank you for getting the towel too.

It’s your fault for not getting it ready before I came home.

[03:04]
Oh? Did I ask you to come early? I don’t remember.

Ah, it looks good.

It smells good. My stomach is going to start growling.

Let’s eat it quickly.

Here, take a spoon.

Alright, put your hands together.

Okay, let’s eat.

Mmm… It tastes great! This is amazing!

[04:02]
I’ve been wanting to eat stew all day.

Having stew for lunch is impossible.

My school doesn’t provide lunch. Even though the rules are pretty relaxed, the teachers don’t have enough time to go out for lunch.

Anyway, there’s no end to the number of students coming to see a popular teacher like me during lunch break!

I was joking. Don’t take me so seriously.

Well, it’s true that I was busy though. I had to mark some short tests. Because of that, I was at my desk with a sandwich in one hand.

I’m glad you made stew. My patience during lunch paid off.

Mmm…

Hmm?

What is it? You made this because I like it?

[05:04]
That’s such a cute thing to say. Have you always been this honest?

Ah. You’d usually say something like “Jeez” and puff out your cheeks.

What’s the matter?

Is that so?

Well… Compared to me, you’re always honest.

Right… You’ve got a day off tomorrow, haven’t you?

Then how about you stay the night?

What do you mean “huh”? That’s a pretty surprising reaction to your boyfriend’s invitation.

Or have you got plans tomorrow?

You don’t…

But what?

[06:01]
It’s okay?

What do you mean?

Jeez. What’s the matter today?

Well, I suppose I am tired. I did my best at work again today.

But I’m not just going to let you go when you’ve come here on a weekend.

You don’t have to be considerate like that. Just stay over.

Alright, that’s decided.

By the way, since you’re staying over, having dinner isn’t the only thing we’re going to do.

How do you feel about that?

Ah, you’re blushing!

So you’re okay with that?

Or you’re not interested today?

Hey. Which one is it?

Track 2

Okay.

Now that’s decided, we should get ready.

Hmm? It’s important, isn’t it?

It’d be no good if we got into bed and I ran out of energy right away.

Ah, there you go.

Okay! We’ll have dinner, take a bath and then go to bed.

You’re laughing.

You don’t have to act like me. It’s not necessary.

Or you’re telling me to say it properly?

I’m not telling the truth. I couldn’t go to sleep without doing anything.

[01:05]
I’m going to prepare the bath once we’ve had dinner.

You’re going to have a hot soak in the bath, right?

It’s alright. I’ll do it. I want to thank you for the stew. All I’ll be doing is pressing the hot water button though.

You’re going to wash the dishes? Why not just take your time doing it while you watch TV?

You must be tired too, right?

Well, I guess that’s alright. We can go to bed earlier if we sort everything out at once.

Alright, you can wash up when we’re done eating and I’ll prepare the bath. Alright?

Okay!

Ah. Hmm?

I thought I would clean the bath before filling it up.

Ah, I normally clean the bath tub when I run the water…

[02:01]
But I didn’t do it properly yesterday, so I thought I’d clean it again.

I’m done. Thanks for the food.

You too?

Give me the dishes. I’ll go and rinse them.

It’s okay! I’m just going to carry them there.

Alright, I’m going to clean the bath. I’ll leave the dishes to you.

Track 3

Ah, I’m done running the bath.

You’re welcome.

Oh? Has it been that long?

Well… I cleaned it properly so it’d help you relax.

How about you? Are you done?

Okay. Let’s get in the bath then.

What? You don’t want us to take a bath together?

Right… This is our first time taking a bath together. That’s why you don’t want to?

That’s not much of a reason.

Hmm… So you don’t want to take a bath with me.

[01:00]
I think I’m going to cry.

You don’t mind? Okay, let’s get in the bath then.

It’s embarrassing? What are you talking about?

That doesn’t matter.

If you get it, then let’s go already.

Okay, okay.

Hmm? What is it?

We’re only getting undressed and you’re already embarrassed?

It’s too late for that.

Jeez, you’re such a shy person.

What’s more embarrassing, undressing yourself or letting me do it?

[02:01]
Alright. Do it quickly then.

I’m going to get in first, so come whenever you’re ready.

Like I said, when you’re mentally prepared.

I’ll be waiting for you.

Hey! Are you ready?

[03:03]
Hurry up then!

Hey.

Hmm? It’s bubble bath. I got a sample from the drug store the last time I went there, but I haven’t had a chance to use it.

Ah, close the door. It’s cold.

I’m surprised. You’ve got a really dumb look on your face.

I’m telling you it’s cute.

Hmm? I can see. Not that clearly though.

I’d be able to see better if I had my glasses.

How about you wash your body and get in quickly?

[04:18]
You’re finally here.

You can’t see anything because of the bubbles, right?

Isn’t that just right for someone shy like you?

Bubble baths are good for when you’re tired.

You can relax because of the fluffy bubbles or something… I don’t really remember.

It doesn’t matter about the reason. Anyway, wouldn’t thinking about it just make it less relaxing?

We’re not going to talk about difficult things. We’re going to relax.

[05:13]
Hmm? You know? Know what?

Ah… I really did clean the bath earlier.

But then I wanted to use the bubble bath. I didn’t want to throw it away without using it.

Don’t keep questioning all my answers! That kind of thing isn’t polite.

Okay, okay. You’re welcome.

I’m going to wash your hair.

It’s alright. Stay in the bath. I’ll wash your hair.

Come closer.

[06:14]
Is the water too hot?

I guess that’s enough.

How many squirts of shampoo do you use? Two?

Close your eyes. The bubbles will get into your eyes.

Does that feel good?

I’m glad.

I haven’t washed someone else’s hair before. I didn’t know what I’d do if I wasn’t good at it.

[07:06]
Hmm? I haven’t done it before. You know that, don’t you? This is our first time taking a bath together too.

My ex-girlfriend? I never took a bath with her. Anyway, don’t talk about that kind of thing right now.

Well, it doesn’t matter though.

I prefer taking a bath alone. I’m an only child and I stopped taking a bath with my parents when I was a kid. I suppose I can’t relax when I’m with someone else.

There are lots of guys who like to take baths with their girlfriends, but I couldn’t imagine it.

Hmm? Ah… Well, today… I guess I don’t know…

You seemed to be more tired than you usually are.

Hey! Keep your eyes closed.

[08:11]
I don’t know whether you noticed, but your face looks pretty tired today.

That’s right. Everyone goes through a lot and it shows on their faces, right?

Don’t you want to rely on someone else on days like that? Without having to do anything…

But you came to my house and made dinner. You went along with my jokes too.

So if we took a bath together, we’d be able to go to sleep earlier. I thought it’d be easier for the both of us.

It’s okay if you depend on me.

Alright! I’m going to rinse your hair now.

Hmm? Did I say anything? I don’t remember.

Come on. Close your eyes.

[09:11]
Hmm? You’ve been looking tense for a while now.

Stay still. You’ll get water on your face if you don’t.

I haven’t missed anything, right?

Is there anywhere I haven’t rinsed enough?

There isn’t? Okay, we’re done.

Alright, the next thing is…

It’s okay. I’ll wash it myself.

You don’t have to worry about doing something in return.

I said it’s okay. Jeez!

I’ve closed my eyes. Is that okay now?

Okay, okay, I’ll leave it to you.

[10:20]
Ah, I only use one squirt of shampoo.

Huh? Ah, it doesn’t hurt.

It doesn’t itch either.

It tickles though.

Rinse the shampoo off now.

It’s okay!

There wasn’t anywhere you missed. I spend the same amount of time when I wash it myself.

Yes, that’s right. I do it quickly.

[11:15]
Okay.

Thanks for that.

So are we going to wash each other’s bodies too?

I thought you’d say that.

Well, it’s fine if we don’t do it.

Move that way a little.

Did you know? You can wash your body inside the bath if you use bubble bath.

It seems to be true. Haven’t you seen it in foreign movies?

Shall we try it?

[12:16]
Rub the bubbles all over your body like this…

Haha. You’re embarrassed.

I want to tell you something… I got embarrassed too. When you washed my hair…

So I’m getting you back for that.

I’m only half-joking though. We’re having a bubble bath, so we should make the most of it.

Washing your body with bubble bath is something wonderful that’s both relaxing and practical.

Hmm, is there something else? That’s so naughty.

I’m sorry. I really was joking that time.

[13:13]
We’ve got to wash our bodies though.

It’s alright if I hold you, isn’t it?

I understood something today.

Like I said, I prefer to take a bath alone.

But I suppose I could take one with someone I love.

Why’d you go quiet?

Oh? Isn’t your face red?

Hey! You’re feeling dizzy, aren’t you?

Let’s get out of the bath. Come on, hold onto me.

Track 4

Here, have some water.

It’s okay.

Are you alright?

Have some more water. You’ll get dehydrated.

I’m not worrying too much. You were like a boiled octopus earlier.

Huh? Conditioner? What’s more important, your body or how shiny your hair is?

Just put up with it for one day. I’ll do it properly tomorrow.

[01:02]
Alright, good girl.

Let’s dry your hair.

Just stay sitting down.

Is it too hot?

Hey! Don’t move. It’s dangerous.

Even if it tickles, just put up with it.

If you keep moving, then I seriously will tickle you later.

Women’s hair is difficult to take care of. Your hair isn’t drying at all.

Don’t you find it annoying?

Well, it’s good that you don’t mind.

It’s nice how different it feels from my hair.

[02:04]
Why are you smiling?

I’m kind?

Hey, you. Have you forgotten that you were feeling dizzy earlier? You’re too easygoing.

Anyway, I’m always kind.

Don’t admit that! It’s embarrassing.

Being cute, huh…

Okay, I’m done.

No, you don’t need to thank me for that.

Shall we go to bed?

Don’t worry about it. My hair will dry quickly on its own.

I’ll put the hair dryer away tomorrow.

Bring the water here too, so you’ll be able to have some right away, even if it’s in the middle of the night.

[03:05]
Alright, don’t move.

Here I go.

It’s okay if I go to bed like this. Stay still.

Come on, get under the quilt. Move a little that way.

I’m going to turn off the lights.

Cover yourself properly with the quilt. You’ll catch a cold.

I messed up.

[04:01]
Even though I thought we could do something together today, because I asked you to take a bath…

I’m sorry.

I didn’t notice that you were feeling dizzy, you see. I thought taking a bath would help you relax. I really am useless at things like this.

Your face is still warm.

It’s not okay. I actually…

Why’d you kiss me all of a sudden?

What do you mean “it’s not like that”?

Your face is warm because you’re with me?

[05:03]
You dummy.

What? Are my legs cold?

They feel good? Jeez, you’re being too easygoing again.

But if we stay close like this, I might be able to share some of your warmth.

Take away my coldness.

I’m sorry. I almost didn’t stop.

Let’s go to bed. I don’t want to push you too hard.

[06:00]
What is it? You don’t want to sleep?

You can’t say that. What if you get dizzy again?

You’re not listening. Is that really okay?

Alright, I’ll take it slow so that you don’t feel uncomfortable.

Track 5

Are you comfortable?

I like that look on your face.

Why are you hiding? It was a compliment.

I want to keep looking. Move your hands.

[00:31]
Can you tell that my hands and legs are warming up too?

It’s thanks to you.

You smiled.

I’m glad that you smiled.

It’s nothing. I’m just talking to myself.

[01:04]
Like I said, it was nothing.

I said we wouldn’t talk about difficult things today. Don’t think about anything unnecessary.

Or have you got time to be thinking about things like that?

Even when you’re thinking about me…

[01:28]
I’m concentrating on this, but you’re not.

That’s not true? Concentrate on me then.

Good girl.

So now that you’ve said it’s okay…

What am I talking about? We’re going to continue what we were just doing.

I’ll be gentle.

[02:00]
So that you’ll forget about everything, except me.

Let’s feel good together.

Track 6

Huh? Huh?

What is it?

Huh? It’s not okay?

Are you serious? You haven’t said no before.

Well, you’re tired today.

[00:35]
Okay, let’s take things easy then.

So we should take a bath early, right?

Alright.

There’s still some hot water left over, isn’t there?

Hmm? What is it?

It’s okay. I cleaned the bath yesterday.

[01:06]
That’s not it… What is it?

It’s okay. Don’t apologise. I don’t think you’re being selfish.

Ah… Does that look on your face mean you’re taking back your reply from earlier?

[01:30]
Just kidding. I said it’s okay.

Let’s finish up dinner and go to bed early.

This tastes great.

Okay, I’m done. Thanks for the food.

When the bath is full, you can get in first.

It’s alright. You go first.

[02:03]
Ah… It’s almost done.

Are you finished eating?

I’ll prepare the bath then. Your clothes are in the usual drawer.

Or shall I choose your clothes? Like your underwear…

I was joking.

Ah, leave the dishes. I’ll wash them.

Like I said, you go and take a bath.

[02:32]
We can go to bed earlier if we get things done at the same time, right?

It’s okay. Come on, go already.

I’ll take a bath after you’re done.

You can go to bed first.

Okay. Take your time in the bath.

See you later.

Track 7

Ah… Jeez. I knew you’d be awake.

Hey…

It’s not like that, I finished up early on purpose! I had a feeling you’d stay up and wait.

Why are you watching TV? I told you to go to bed first, didn’t I?

Your body feels cold. It’s like there was no point warming yourself up in the bath, right?

What if you caught a cold?

Did you think I’d forgive you if you said something cute like “I wanted us to go to bed together”?

I’m going to forgive you though.

[01:02]
Let’s have something hot to drink. Just wait.

Oh? I didn’t buy any?

What is it? I told you to wait over there.

I’m glad you’re concerned, but it’s nothing really.

Huh? Well, I’m not really looking for something… I just thought that I bought some cocoa, but there’s none here.

I don’t drink it. It’s for when you come here. But it really isn’t here.

[02:03]
There’s coffee… But that’s got caffeine in it…

Regular tea and green tea are no good either.

So… What about boiled water?

No… We can’t have that.

Jeez. Why’d you hug me? What’s the matter?

Just because? Huh? That’s really cute though.

Oh? Don’t you seem warmer than earlier?

I see. So there’s no need to have a hot drink, we can just do this.

Hmm? My hair is still wet?

Ah, you’re right. I did dry it a little though.

This is okay!

[03:07]
It’s alright! It’ll dry quickly if I leave it.

Hey, don’t pull me!

I said it was alright though.

Ah, the hair dryer won’t reach far enough.

Okay, okay.

Huh? It’s not too hot. I’m fine.

Hah… It tickles.

Okay, okay. I’m going to sit still.

[04:02]
You’re good at drying hair, aren’t you?

Well… It feels nice because you’re doing it gently.

Hey… It shouldn’t be like this! Today, I’m supposed to…

Ah… It’s nothing.

Hmm… You worry too much.

Shouldn’t I do it?

There’s no reason to worry about me.

I should rely on you?

Hmm…

It’s nothing!

I was just thinking “so you’re like that, huh”.

[05:03]
Like I said, it’s nothing!

Isn’t my hair dry now?

I told you so, it dries right away.

So we’re going to sleep now, right?

If we don’t hurry up, there’ll have been no point in getting warm earlier.

Jeez. You’re sneezing. You dummy.

Let’s go to bed.

Track 8

Come on, come here. I’m going to turn out the light.

Come closer. You don’t have to worry about the bed being too small.

I can’t see your face properly unless you’re this close.

Even though I decided I was going to bed, it took longer than it should have.

You don’t have to apologise. I said so earlier, right?

[01:04]
I’m not angry. Even though you said no, I know that you love me.

I’m only joking.

I was a little surprised that you said no.

I said something strange just now, didn’t I?

Forget about it.

Well… You’re really tired today, aren’t you? Don’t worry about it.

You’re welcome.

It’s alright. Just close your eyes.

Huh? You’re not feeling sleepy?

Jeez. I told you so.

Ah… I’m not angry.

Well, it doesn’t matter. We’ve got the day off tomorrow, so we can stay up a little later.

[02:10]
Ah… Were you that busy today?

Kind of? What do you mean? How much is that?

Tell me more.

Nothing’s the matter.

Right… Thanks for dinner today. The stew was great. It really was.

No, that’s not it. I don’t want to talk about how happy I am.

[03:05]
It’s not like there’s something wrong… You know, it’s just unusual for you to be so tired.

Ah… Maybe it’s not unusual, but I just haven’t noticed it?

Even though you were tired, you came here in the evening and made dinner.

You haven’t had a chance to relax, have you? I don’t like that.

No, it’s not that I don’t like it. Hmm… I can’t think of the right words.

Anyway… If something happened, I think you should talk about it. I’m not sure I can give good advice. For starters, I’ve got a tough way of saying things and I’m not kind. I can listen though.

[04:02]
People say you should try everything once, right?

No… Maybe things have been different recently though.

You see… You do your best, even on days when you don’t feel up to it. I think that I want to try my best at a lot of things.

I guess that’s not something for a modern literature teacher to be saying.

Don’t laugh. I’m not used to this kind of thing.

I’m not used to it and I’m terrible at it too. I really want to be kind to you though.

Why don’t you depend on me more? Do it.

If something happens, then tell me. It doesn’t matter what it is.

[05:01]
You came to my house because something bad happened today?

I see. You finally said it.

I was worried that you weren’t saying anything, even though I had a strange feeling.

So are you feeling a bit better now that you’re at my place?

That’s good. I haven’t done anything though.

Is that all? Is there anything else you want to talk about?

It’s alright. Tell me about everything, so you can feel better. You always say “I talked to my friends about this and that”, but why don’t you tell me anything?

[06:06]
You thought I wouldn’t want to hear about it?

Even if I don’t ask…

I want to hear about you. I don’t mind being relied on.

It’s alright to be selfish sometimes, isn’t it?

Like me? That’s nothing to be proud of though.

We’ve been together two years and I think we’re doing pretty good.

So follow my example. If something happens, don’t hold back. Keeping things locked up isn’t good. Tell me if something happens. Anything at all.

Okay?

Good.

[07:10]
This is no good. If things go any further, then I won’t be able to stop myself.

It’s not alright. You’ve got dark circles under your eyes.

I’m not okay with it. I don’t want to push you too hard.

You should make sure you’re ready once you’re feeling better though.

Track 9

It’s already this late, huh?

Are you feeling sleepy?

It’s best to sleep when you’re tired. A well-slept child is a well-kept child.

I know you’re not a child. But it’s alright for you to be one just for today, isn’t it?

I want to spoil you.

What is it? It’s not enough?

Did you like being patted on the back?

Okay, I’ll keep going. Just for you.

[01:00]
If you’re tired, then you can sleep.

Hmm? What’s amazing?

You’re feeling better? That’s good.

I’m not that amazing though.

It’s nothing.

Go to sleep now. You won’t be able to fall asleep if you keep talking.

It’s difficult to keep talking while I’m patting you on the back too.

I’m too clumsy to do two things at once.

Hmm? I’ll go to sleep after you.

It’s alright. Close your eyes. Relax.

[02:14]
I’m just talking to myself, but I’m really not amazing.

You were happy that I was being kind, but this is nothing special.

I probably don’t usually do enough for you.

Even if something bad happens, you don’t tell me about it. You probably think that’s natural.

I’m happy about your feelings. But it’s probably not right.

I feel a little sad that you think it’s natural.

I can’t even talk to you properly. I’m no good.

[03:14]
You’re finally asleep? You look cute when you’re sleeping.

I’ll be able to say it one day. I’ll do my best.

Have a good rest. Let’s relax together tomorrow.

See you tomorrow. Good night.

Track 10

Hello everyone. This is Masuda Toshiki, the voice of Hojo Sakuya. I’m going to answer some questions which have been prepared for this free talk.

First of all, please give your thoughts on the recording. This work is a story that the listeners can enjoy by imagining different situations. Even as I was going through it, there were many different situations that made me feel envious. I had fun too. Coming home to someone making dinner and being able to say “I’m home!” is something that makes a lonely person like me, who buys convenience store dinners on the way home, feel happy…or more like envious.

[01:10]
It’s nice when you can tell what a dish is just by smelling it. Like stew or curry. Stew is nice, but the experience of having someone cook a set meal of Japanese food, with one main dish, rice, soup and two side dishes for me would make me think “Ah! I want to marry this person!”

The next topic is the scene I would recommend. As I said earlier, I liked the scene when Sakuya was arriving home. I felt envious about the scene in the “Yes” part of the story where Sakuya and the heroine washed each other’s hair.

[02:03]
I love hair, so I would like to wash and dry someone else’s hair one day. I’d like to comb someone’s shiny hair. I was envious about the bath scene too. I would particularly recommend it.

In the “No” part of the story, after they ate dinner and had a bath, there was a scene showing their consideration for each other. The heroine waited up for Sakuya and he responded with something like “you’re still awake, huh”. I’m envious of what a fulfilling story this is.

[03:04]
The script had detailed notes such as “kiss the heroine, but then pull away”, “look at each other” or “come closer, then pause, as if you might not be able to stop yourself if you kept going”. What is this? A shoujo manga? No, I suppose a shoujo manga wouldn’t go that far. Shoujo manga are usually refreshing, right? Maybe if it was a more mature shoujo manga, this situation could be possible… I’m not sure though.

[03:46]
Last of all, please give a message as Sakuya. Some lines have already been prepared, so I’m just going to say them. Here I go.

Life has many different experiences and things will probably get tough. Doesn’t that prove you’re doing your best? Just come to me if something happens. I’ll embrace you. Got it?