After many months of relentless pursuit, Shin has finally won the love of the owner of ‘Minato’s Laundromat.’
However, after three months of dating, Shin still feels a desire for more in their relationship. He is content that they are together, but he can’t help but want to deepen their connection as Minato still refuses to be honest with his feelings. As a university student now, Shin is determined to open Minato’s heart further.
WARNING: Spoilers alert! Read your own risk.
Episode 1: 29th Birthday
In the scorching heat, Minato runs his beloved coin-operated laundromat, which has been cherished by the community for three decades. While working in the garage, Shin pays him a visit before heading to the university and boldly asks if Minato likes him, stealing a kiss before leaving. Minato touches his cheek where Shin kissed him and reflects on how he has been completely swept away by the 18-year-old guy he’s been dating for three months. At Asuka’s place, his fish-selling father asks about his studies, and though he reassures him, Asuka struggles to focus when alone so he texts Shuu to ask for his help. Shuu replies that he has cram school until the evening but informs Asuka about a special program on architecture airing that night. As Asuka gazes at his fish tank, he recalls Shuu’s suggestion to study fish at university and the offer to assist him. However, Asuka still finds it hard to concentrate. At Shin’s university, a few girls approach him and ask if he’s really dating someone, and he confidently answers yes before leaving. Suddenly, Asuka appears, and Shin reminds him to study but Asuka admits he wants to take breaks from studying sometimes. Shin can tell that Asuka is worried about Shuu, and Asuka admits that he’s jealous of Shin, who seems to have it easy being in a loving relationship with Minato. Shin stops and confesses his concerns that Minato has never even told him that he likes him.
At the laundromat, Shin arrives while Minato is cleaning and asks him if there’s anything he wants. Minato responds that there’s nothing, except maybe a new broom since he notices the broken one in his hand. Shin then asks about non-work-related items, and after some thought, Minato mentions wristwatches as something he used to care about when he was in Tokyo. Satisfied with the answer, Shin appears happy, and Minato suggests he should head home to study. However, Shin insists on going to Minato’s place to stay over instead. As usual, Minato tells Shin that he can’t, but Shin persistently asks Minato if he likes him, making Minato run away to the garage. Shin complains that they’ve been dating for three months, but Minato has only told him he likes him twice. He gently pushes Minato onto the table and leans in for a kiss, only to be interrupted by his phone ringing. Shin suddenly has to go home so he gives Minato one last hug before leaving. After Shin leaves, Minato reflects on feeling nervous since they started dating and that expressing ‘like’ isn’t easy for him. At Asuka’s house, Shuu is trying to help him study, but Asuka is still unable to focus. Asuka questions their relationship, and Shuu responds that they are indeed dating, based on their decision. This upsets Asuka, as he believes it should be about emotions. To console him, Shuu shares that he finds Asuka interesting.
