After Minato rejects Shin, is there still a possibility for them to be together?
There are still many unresolved issues regarding Minato’s situation with Sakuma. Additionally, the question remains whether Shin will truly be able to move on from his feelings for Minato. Find out in the final episodes of the series below:
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD. Read at your own risk!
Episode 9: The Season is Changing
After what happened, Shin stops visiting the laundromat, upsetting Minato. Despite this, Minato tries to stay strong, understanding it is his own choice. Shin’s grades improve, securing his spot in an A-grade medical school. Encouraged by the A on his mock exam, Shin returns to the laundromat. Minato is proud and unconsciously pats his head. He expresses his commitment to supporting Minato and Sakuma, sharing the information he gathered in his notebook from their talk earlier. Minato clarifies that he wants to erase the dark past between him and Sakuma but Shin has decided he will be rooting for him. After, Asuka and Sakurako discuss Shin’s decision to help Minato win back his former love, even after facing rejection. Asuka admires Shin’s deep affection and secretly supports him. Encouraged by Asuka’s advice, Sakurako finds the courage to confess her feelings to Shuu, despite Asuka pointing out his flaws. Later, Asuka meets Shuu and learns that their past dating was just pretending to avoid scammers during their travel abroad. Asuka realizes he misunderstood their relationship, and Shuu playfully refers to him as his “cat.” Minato tries to talk to Sakuma, but Sakuma collapses from heatstroke. Shin comes at the right time and calls for an ambulance, and Sakuma is admitted to the hospital for a few days. During his absence, Minato takes over coaching at the swimming club.
During Minato’s visit to Sakuma in the hospital, he’s surprised to see Shin already there, keeping Sakuma company. They were talking about Minato before his arrival. Shin decides to give them some privacy and encourages Minato to confess his feelings to Sakuma. Returning home, Shin finds Sakurako making tonkatsu to wish him luck for the exams. He senses something is wrong as she cuts an excessive amount of cabbage. She confides in him, sharing her rejection after confessing her feelings to someone. Shin consoles her with a hug, acknowledging the pain of love. Asuka discovers Sakurako’s rejection and feels slightly relieved. He looks at old photos of him and Shuu, reminiscing about their past. feeling dejected, Asuka hugs Minato at the laundromat for comfort, unaware that Shuu is witnessed the scene.
Episode 10: Love Can Be Painful
Minato and Shin try to clarify the misunderstanding with Shuu, but he remains dismissive. At school, Sakuma returns and reveals that Shin visited him daily and is rooting for Minato. Later, Minato finds the food Shin made for him in the garage and a university guide for Tokyo Eiwa University, which he had forgotten. The next day, Asuka recalls his confession to Shuu about starting to date again, but Shuu doesn’t understand the reason behind it. Shuu suggests that Asuka should focus on studying instead. Meanwhile, Shin discovers Sakuma’s injured fingers from sewing amulets for the students and offers to help him. He asks Sakuma about Minato’s past as a student, and Sakuma reveals that Minato was initially rebellious but became more open-minded after joining the swimming club. Asuka and Sakurako walk together to school, and Sakurako shares her experience of confessing. In return, Asuka admits that he also has a crush on Shuu. Asuka recalls how Shuu’s thoughtful gesture of giving him lollipops instead of cigarettes sparked his interest in him. He followed Shuu overseas and admired his passion for architecture. Encouraged by Sakurako, Asuka decides to confess his true feelings to Shuu.
Minato finds Shin studying at the laundromat and expresses his gratitude for everything he has done for him and Sakuma. He wonders if Shin is forcing himself, but Shin admits that he is actually very jealous. However, he prioritizes Minato’s happiness above all else. Shin decides to leave, and Minato returns the forgotten book. As Shin prepares to go home, he asks Minato if he will be lonely without him. After a thoughtful pause, Minato assures Shin that no matter where he is, he will always support him. Minato gathers his courage and finally confesses to Sakuma. He starts by apologizing for kissing him on graduation day and expressing his gratitude for the support he received. In response, Sakuma thanks him and tells Minato that he is a precious student and that he is proud to be his teacher. Though he gets rejected, Minato is still happy to have spoken his heart out. Sakuma pats his head in comfort. Minato calls Shin at the laundromat, unaware that Shin is behind him. Overwhelmed with emotions, Minato starts crying, and Shin immediately embraces him to provide comfort, determined not to let him be alone like in the past.
