Amane and Ryuji’s fates cross paths in the first episode of ‘If It’s With You‘.
Amane likens himself to a jellyfish, something that has no feelings. He has kept feelings aside and constantly settled for casual hook-ups. Right after the deed, one of his hook-ups tells him he wishes he would like someone in his new area. Amane says he’s not really looking forward to it because hook-ups are easier. But if he finds someone that’s his type, he will probably try. On his way to his new home, a.k.a his grandma’s house, Amane was startled by a stray cat, which made him drop the food he was carrying. A man suddenly runs up to him apologizing profusely. When he goes up to him, Amane thinks he is his type. As he was petting the stray cat, he asked what his name was, to which the stranger said “Yamasuge Ryuji”. Amane grinned and said he was actually asking for the cat’s name. Ryuji, feeling embarrassed, said the cat’s name was “Tarusuke”. He explained that Taru was actually not his cat, but often went to his restaurant. As an apology, Ryuji asked Amane if he would like to go to his restaurant where he would presumably treat him food. He warned that it would be quite a walk, but Amane didn’t really mind. However, it was a real hike, with the amount of stairs they had to take. Amane complained and sat down in exhaustion, but Ryuji came back to him and touched his fringe encouraging him to go on. Amane was taken aback but liked how smooth he was. When they reached the restaurant, Amane was amazed at how beautiful the view was, all exhaustion forgotten.
As Ryuji prepared food for him, Amane kept glancing at the charming new guy, thinking how handsome he was but was probably straight. Despite this, it didn’t stop Amane from praising him for the food he prepared. Ryuji said that doing this is normal to him because it’s a family business so it’s easy, but Amane said that doing normal things does not necessarily mean it’s easy. Ryuji was dumbfounded by this comment.
Amane is about to leave, and Ryuji apologizes for not being able to send him off. As Amane was taking off, he almost fell down the stairs before Ryuji pulled him in to save him from the fall. They ended up hugging each other which prevented Amane from falling down. Later that night, Amane kept thinking about the hug, thinking about how sturdy Ryuji’s back was, wishing someone would hug him warmly like that, and hoping he would meet him again. After his bath, he receives a message about his new class. This made him quickly reminisce about his past which included a possible past flame (?).
