I Brought Home This Homeless and then Realized She Was My Favorite Retired Idol…
I Brought Home This Homeless and then Realized She Was My Favorite Retired Idol…
Japanese Manga in English
Manga video to learn English
Japanese Manga in English
Manga video to learn English
Category
📚
LearningTranscript
00:00My name's Riku Okada, just a regular 24-year-old guy working in an office.
00:06I'm stuck doing door-to-door sales for a sales company.
00:10Ah, another tiring day.
00:14But just seeing Mei will make everything better!
00:19Mei Saito is my support system.
00:22She used to be a famous child actress before becoming a super popular idol in Japan.
00:27I used to be obsessed with her until last year.
00:31Ah...
00:33Mei, where are you now and what are you doing?
00:37I still search desperately for her online and in magazines.
00:41Some fans are still furious about her sudden retirement.
00:45But she must be living a glamorous life.
00:47Hm?
00:49Wait a sec, is there someone there?
00:52Um, are you okay?
00:54My stomach...
00:57Is it hurting?
00:59I'm hungry...
01:02Oh, um...
01:04She seems younger than me.
01:06But everything's closed now, so I guess I'll just deal with it.
01:10I'm sorry, this is all I have.
01:13It's really delicious, thank you.
01:16She's got more energy than I thought she would.
01:19And even though she's young, she seems pretty mature.
01:23Hey, can I have all of this soup too?
01:26Of course! She's kinda cute!
01:29Oh, isn't that...
01:32Oh, uh, yeah. Actually, I'm a huge fan of her.
01:36Didn't she call it quits as an idol?
01:39Yeah, well, just because she called it quits doesn't mean I stopped liking her.
01:44How do you think she's doing now?
01:48Huh?
01:50I bet she's getting a ton of haters because she called it quits.
01:55Oh, um, it sucks that she's not an idol anymore, but as long as she's happy, that's all that matters.
02:02Huh?
02:04Yeah, she was a big deal as an idol, but at the end of the day, she's just a regular girl.
02:10Huh?
02:12Oops, my bad for going on and on like that.
02:16No, I'm sorry too. I'm grateful for your help.
02:20No worries. Well then.
02:22Um, I know this might sound kind of forward, but...
02:27If you want to hop in the tub, go ahead and use it for as long as you like.
02:32Really? Woohoo!
02:35She's one mysterious girl.
02:38But I'm too busy dealing with my own stuff to worry about others.
02:42Maybe I'll just let her stay over tonight and then ask her to leave in the morning.
02:47Thanks for letting me use your bath.
02:50Oh, uh, feel free to use the towels or...
02:54I already grabbed a towel for myself.
02:58What?
03:00By the way, is there anything I can do to thank you?
03:04Wait a minute, you can't possibly be...
03:08Oh, you finally figured it out?
03:11But there's no freaking way this is real.
03:15Oh, yes, it's real.
03:18That wink and voice, I'm sure it's you. You're May, right?
03:23Bingo!
03:25Although I guess you wouldn't have recognized me if I hadn't taken a bath for a few days.
03:30Wait, hold on. How come you, who was a top idol for so long, ended up in the park?
03:38Maybe because I was a top idol?
03:41You know, I've been in showbiz since as long as I can remember, right?
03:46Of course.
03:48I'm so grateful that I could live without any worries. It's been a real blessing.
03:53Other girls my age were different, and it made me feel insecure and pathetic.
03:59So you quit being an idol at 20 because of that?
04:04Of course my agency and parents opposed it.
04:08She took a break from the public eye and stayed home for a bit, but people kept bugging her to come back.
04:14So she got super annoyed, had a big argument with her folks last week, and just stormed out without grabbing her stuff.
04:21But now I can't do anything alone, and I have nowhere to go.
04:26You could still rely on your parents.
04:29I went against their wishes to come out here. I can't go back now.
04:33Well, I guess so. But it's dangerous being all on your own outside, you know?
04:40Yeah, but you helped me like this, right?
04:44Yeah, but...
04:46So, I'd like to ask you something. Can I crash here for a while?
04:53Say what?
04:56I know it's a hassle, but please? I'll only be crashing here for a bit.
05:01Well, this is seriously a dream come true for me.
05:06Then can I?
05:08But I'm just leading a super boring life, working, drinking beer, and sleeping.
05:13For a top idol like you to crash here is a bit...
05:17But that's exactly what I want!
05:21Leading just a regular life with regular days? I've always admired living a normal life.
05:28So I think you're awesome just being your normal self.
05:31Is that a compliment?
05:34Come on, please? I'll leave as soon as I have a plan.
05:38I can't say no to that face of yours. Fine, but just make sure to contact your parents properly.
05:46Yay!
05:48The next morning...
05:52Wow, I've been working already. Tough life.
05:57I still can't believe my favorite idol is at my place.
06:01Well, have a good day. Good luck.
06:05Yeah, thanks.
06:07I can't believe she's seeing me off like this.
06:10Oh, you seem unusually fired up today.
06:14Good morning, sir.
06:16Have you finally realized how fun work can be? I'm glad.
06:21When I get back, May will be there. When I get back, May will be there.
06:27I'm home!
06:29Huh?
06:31Could this all have been a dream?
06:33Wait, that's possible. If I think about it calmly, there's no way something like that could happen.
06:39Oh, sorry, my bad.
06:42I just went to the convenience store.
06:45Hey, you're back! I got us some drinks.
06:49It wasn't a dream at all!
06:52You like these, right? There were a bunch in the trash.
06:56Oh, uh, it's the cheapest one, so...
07:01Mmm, this tastes good.
07:04Really? I'm sure you've had better drinks before, though.
07:08Well, yeah, but this suits my taste buds.
07:12She surprisingly has a down-to-earth side.
07:15Oh, look at this!
07:17I can't stand how these weekly magazines print whatever they please.
07:22I bet they didn't think you'd be crashing at the place of a regular boring guy like me.
07:29You're not boring! To me, this is paradise.
07:34M-me too! This is seriously a paradise!
07:40I'm glad to hear that.
07:43Life was like a dream and just whizzed by.
07:47May patched things up with her folks and kept in touch.
07:50But about a month later, she started feeling bored with normal life.
07:55I'll ask you one last time, are you sure you're going to do this?
07:59Of course! Guide me step by step, Riku.
08:04I can't believe she wants to try my job!
08:08Well, it's a relief that the president is out of the loop with what's popular.
08:13Do you have any customer service experience?
08:16Yes, I've had talks with around 500 people in a single day.
08:21Yeah, at a meet-and-greet.
08:24Um, Riku? Your tie is crooked.
08:28Wha—
08:30Hey, pull yourself together, alright? Come on, let's go!
08:34I hope this is okay. I guess most of the customers are old folks, so they won't catch on to who she really is.
08:41You're such a bright and nice young lady. I suppose I'll give this a try.
08:47Really? Woohoo!
08:49Of course, the old idol is killing it in sales. She's selling like crazy!
08:55If this keeps up, you might get a big promotion, huh?
09:00But I can't rely on her completely! I need to do my best, too!
09:05This is more fun than I expected! Come on, let's keep going!
09:11That's good to hear, but—wait, I'm supposed to be the one greeting them first!
09:17It's okay, I'm getting used to it.
09:21Um, hello? Excuse me, may I have a moment to talk with you?
09:26Uh-oh! This feel is—
09:29What's the deal with all this sudden racket?
09:35Yep, he's definitely a fiery old man. It's understandable if he gets mad.
09:41I'm sorry for the sudden intrusion! If you're busy, we'll leave right away!
09:46Hold on a second! Who do you think you are? Acting so carelessly! Is this how a responsible adult behaves?
09:56Ah...
09:58Young women these days don't know how to act politely.
10:03Sir, I'm sorry for the unexpected visit.
10:07But I would appreciate it if you could avoid making rash judgments about her.
10:12She holds an important position as my co-worker.
10:17Well then, please excuse us.
10:20Hold on! I still need to vent my frustration to you both!
10:26C'mon, let's go!
10:28O-okay!
10:31Phew, certain folks can be a bit much. That's why I should go greet them first.
10:38You've got some unexpectedly cool and handsome qualities!
10:43Wha—
10:45Oh my! What's wrong? Your face is all red, you know.
10:50D-don't tease me like that!
10:53Because of Mei, I was doing better with sales and feeling more motivated. But then one day...
10:59Are you sure it's alright for us to enjoy this tea you made? You really didn't have to do that.
11:05Of course! I really appreciate both of you informing me about the excellent product!
11:12I'll happily receive your kind words.
11:17That room...
11:19Tamotsu, my one and only son, is now a shut-in.
11:24It's been a year since his favorite idol quit out of the blue, and he was very shocked.
11:30Huh?
11:32I want to do something to help him, but I don't know what.
11:36Um... Could you please let me talk to your son?
11:42Mei?
11:44I don't mind, but I don't know if he'll respond.
11:48Hey Riku, do you think it's okay? There might be something I can do for him.
11:54Yeah, you're right. If anything happens, I'll protect you, so don't worry about it.
11:59Thank you!
12:02Tamotsu! Sorry for barging in like this.
12:06What the heck? Are you M-Mei?
12:10I'm really sorry for quitting the idol gig out of the blue, but now I'm trying something new and exciting in life!
12:17Life can throw curveballs, but it's also enjoyable and fulfilling.
12:22So why not jump into a new life adventure as well?
12:26Your mom seems worried too.
12:35Mom, I'm really sorry. I'll give life another shot, I promise!
12:42Tamotsu! Just so you know, I'll always be cheering you on as your mom!
12:50I'm cheering too! Oh, but let's just keep this solving a secret, okay?
12:57Of course! But why as a top idol like you here?
13:02Well then, we'll excuse ourselves.
13:06Thank you for having us.
13:09You really worked hard today! I never expected it to turn out like that!
13:14Um, what's wrong?
13:16I can't shake the feeling that my retirement might have caused problems for a bunch of people.
13:22Mei...
13:24Maybe I should have stuck with being an idol, even if it's tough.
13:29That's not true!
13:31Yeah, I was a little sad when you decided to stop being an idol.
13:36It's your life, and you should do what makes you happy.
13:39Huh?
13:41Plus, you're totally putting a smile on every customer's face right now.
13:45Forget about the numbers. As long as you're happy with what you're doing, that's what counts.
13:51Riku...
13:53You're right. Alright, let's drink today!
13:57Hey, that's mine!
14:00Oh, you're right. Here, I'll give you mine.
14:04B-but...
14:07Hmm? Why can't you just have a sip of my beer?
14:12Or is it because you're worried it'll be like an indirect kiss?
14:17It's not like that!
14:20Quit lying. You're totally excited about it.
14:24Why is she so darn cute?
14:29Oh, by the way, what do you think about hitting up an amusement park on our next day off?
14:35But if people find out about you, it'll be a huge problem.
14:39Oh, don't worry. It'll be fine.
14:42What do you think? This way, no one will suspect a thing.
14:47Y-yeah, you're right. But why are we holding hands?
14:52We're holding hands to stick together.
14:55Whoa, look at that!
14:57Look at that pier! It seems like it has a pretty sweet view, doesn't it?
15:02Wait a second, isn't that...
15:05Huh?
15:06I knew that would happen.
15:08Hey, look! Isn't that...
15:11Whoa, no way. Seriously?
15:14Oh man, everyone knows who she is already?
15:18Uh-oh...
15:20Alright, let's just make a run for it.
15:23But where should we run to?
15:26Um, well...
15:29To the ferris wheel!
15:31Whew, that was a close call, right?
15:34I thought I was gonna get caught.
15:36She really is the idol everyone loves.
15:39People are just dying for her to come back as an idol.
15:42Can I really keep her all to myself?
15:45Hey, May, don't you ever want to go back to being an idol?
15:49Back to being an idol?
15:52Well, it's not like I don't think about it at all.
15:56I still get calls from my agency every day.
15:59What? Seriously?
16:02Then why?
16:04Well, you see...
16:07Ah! Oh my gosh, I got so scared!
16:11It seems quite windy, huh?
16:15You're probably okay now, right?
16:18Nope, I'm not okay.
16:22I really like it here.
16:24I don't want to leave by your side.
16:27But even if you say that...
16:30Is everything okay?
16:32Yes, all good here.
16:34The wind spooked my girlfriend as she cried,
16:36and now she's feeling shy because her makeup is all messed up.
16:42Did you just call me as my girlfriend?
16:46She doesn't even try to keep a low profile even though she's the top idol!
16:51We had a fantastic day off, and it made me even more motivated for work.
16:56And I got assigned a major project as well.
17:00That major project was about running a booth at an IT expo for a company.
17:05It was a lot of work planning the layout, finding staff, and giving presentations.
17:10But we had to make it a success no matter what.
17:13Like I said, I'm not considering going back to being an idol.
17:18No, it's not about money.
17:20I need to prove that I can handle things on my own here to give May peace of mind.
17:25Oh wow, you're still putting in work like a charm, just like a leader should.
17:31Yeah, I know. Was that call from your agency again?
17:36Yeah, they're willing to offer any amount of money.
17:40But I turned them down because, you know, you can't work without me, right?
17:47Hey, how about I host this stage?
17:50What are you saying? May, you shouldn't be doing that.
17:54Making sure no one finds out who you really are is the most important thing.
17:58Okay.
18:00We continued with the preparations.
18:03And the expo day arrived.
18:06Alright, our booth looks okay. Now it's time for our presentation on stage.
18:12Riku, the campaign girl is on the line.
18:15Oh? Hello? Hold up.
18:18What? The train is delayed and you won't make it in time?
18:22Oh no!
18:24Uh, classic me, messing up when it's super important.
18:29Riku?
18:31I'll go out there.
18:33What are you saying?
18:35If you go out onto the stage, people will find out who you are and it'll be a huge problem.
18:40Please, just give me a chance to be helpful one last time, Riku.
18:45Um, what?
18:47Don't worry. I got this when it comes to the stage.
18:51Oh, wait.
18:53And so, the former big star unexpectedly showed up on stage.
18:58Even though everyone was working, the crowd went wild with the unexpected surprise.
19:03All the reporters there were totally captivated by her, and it was a huge story.
19:08And of course, Mei aced the new product presentation, and the clients were really impressed.
19:14She's really meant for stage, but for now, I need to get her out of the spotlight.
19:20I'm sorry for acting all on my own.
19:23But I felt like this was the only way I could help you, Riku.
19:27That's not true at all!
19:29Riku, thanks for being nice.
19:33But I think I might be slowing you down at work, right?
19:37That's...
19:39Where's Mei?!
19:41Please come back!
19:43I didn't realize so many people were waiting for me to come back as an idol.
19:48Uh...
19:50I'm sorry about everything, Riku.
19:53I won't be a hassle to you anymore.
19:56I just want you to always see me as your idol, okay?
20:01Wait!
20:03I thought I was the one holding you down, and I always knew you were meant to shine on stage, but...
20:09I love everything about you more than any fan out there!
20:12I'm really confident in that!
20:15My life may be boring and mundane as usual, but I'll step up and be the man who can have you all to myself!
20:23So let's be together from now on.
20:26You finally said it, huh?
20:29Sure, being up on stage is nice.
20:33But nothing compares to kicking back with a beer and hanging out with you after a hectic day.
20:39Mei!
20:40Just make sure you don't share me with anyone else, okay?
20:44Of course, absolutely!
20:46But what should we do about all this commotion?
20:50Hey, did you hear?
20:53Apparently that Mei performing on stage earlier was just a hologram created using projection mapping.
21:00They say it's the latest technology from another company.
21:04Huh? Who would say things like that?
21:07Hey Riku, could that person possibly be...
21:11Oops, didn't mean to cause a scene.
21:14I'm a huge fan of her as well.
21:16I got carried away and made her too realistic.
21:19He's the guy we saw from that time!
21:22You guys really made a difference in my life.
21:25I trust you to watch out for her.
21:27Yeah, of course!
21:30I'm trusting you to watch out for me as well.
21:35Thanks to Otakura, the ex-hermit, everything turned out to be a huge success!
21:40Mei is still my rock in all parts of life, and she's still keeping her true self under wraps.
21:46Even after a few years, she still waves me goodbye every day.
21:50Well then, I'm off!
21:52Wait! Aren't you forgetting something?
21:56What do you mean? I already packed my lunch, so...
21:59Pucker up!
22:02Oh, I see!
22:05You're so slow, jeez.
22:09Well, have a great day, honey!
22:13Even now, my cherished wife continues to be the ultimate idol in my heart.