Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop

Cherry works at the elderly care center inside the Oda Nouvelle Mall, where he is quiet and reserved and uses haikus to express himself. He struggles to recite them in front of others, hinting at his self-doubt. The bustling mall environment contrasts with his solitary writing habit.

A chaotic chase between Beaver and mall security leads Cherry to accidentally swap phones with Smile, the masked online influencer. The swap instantly changes Cherry's world, as he begins to learn about Smile through their messages. The incident sets the stage for their eventual in-person connection.

Cherry and Smile connect online and realize they share hobbies, from writing haikus to music. They gradually start planning to meet in person and explore each other’s interests beyond the screens. The budding connection introduces a new dynamic to both of their lives.

Smile begins working at the elderly care center and immediately gets involved with the residents and staff. She helps Cherry rehearse the Daruma Folk Song for the upcoming summer festival. The duo bonds over music and mutual support.

Fujiyama, a vintage record shop owner and regular at the care center, expresses a wish to listen to the recording 'YAMAZAKURA' one more time. He only has the album cover, which magnifies the mystery and sentimental value behind the missing record. The moment hints at a deeper connection to the past.

Cherry and Smile decide to help Fujiyama locate the elusive record. They discover that the recording is tied to Fujiyama's late wife, turning the search into a touching family history quest. The reveal deepens the emotional stakes for all characters.

The duo enlists several friends from the mall to scour the place for the lost recording. After a thorough search, they finally uncover the record hidden behind a refrigerator. The discovery rekindles hope and fuels their plan to preserve Fujiyama's memory.

Smile suggests they watch the summer festival fireworks together, and Cherry agrees with a smile. The moment foreshadows the festive climax and which strengthens their bond. Preparations for playing the record become a central goal.

During preparations to play the record, Smile fractures it while attempting to flatten it. The break threatens their plan and tests their resolve to honor Fujiyama’s memory. The incident adds a sense of urgency to recover what was lost.

The next day, Cherry and Smile intend to apologize to Fujiyama, but they learn that Cherry will be moving away on festival day. Smile is left disappointed and must bid farewell to the burgeoning romance. The impending separation raises the stakes for the festival’s moments.

On festival day, Smile presents Fujiyama with a reassembled version of the record as an apology. To her shock, she discovers a working copy repurposed as a wall clock in the elderly care center. This revelation reframes the object’s meaning and motivates her to act.

Spurred by the discovery, Smile schemes to play the record during the care center's performance at the summer festival. The plan intertwines mislaid memories, family ties, and the performers' courage. The community atmosphere makes their act feel personal and risky.

As Cherry’s family car passes the mall, he spots his haiku spray-painted on street signs by Beaver. The public display of his writing confirms the personal relevance of his feelings. The graffiti motivates him to hurry to the festival.

Cherry races to the festival and confesses his feelings through haikus inspired by Yamazakura. Smile removes her mask and reveals her true smile as the fireworks begin. Their moment marks the emotional peak and the payoff of their evolving relationship.