Minato finds himself unable to resist following Shin and the stranger, eventually arriving at their university where he is introduced to Dr. Kirihara.
Following what happened in the last episode, Minato steps into the university again to find out the relationship between Shin and the stranger he saw him being friendly with. Meanwhile, Asuka and Shuu’s relationship sees no development after Shuu starts ignoring Asuka’s calls and messages.
WARNING: Spoiler alert! Read at your own risk.
Episode 5: Dr. Kirihara
While counting the items he brought for the swimming club, he sees Shin crossing the street and is about to call out to get his attention when another man calls out to Shin and rushes up to him. Minato is surprised by Shin’s warm and friendly interaction with the stranger. His curiosity got the better of him, prompting him to discreetly follow them to the university. From behind the cover of a tree, he couldn’t help but sneak peeks, wondering about the nature of their relationship. As he observed, three college students noticed his secretive actions and couldn’t contain their giggles. As Minato continues to spy on them, he eventually decides to forget what he saw, attempting to convince himself by muttering that he didn’t see anything. However, he accidentally says this out loud when a school guard taps him on the shoulder and questions his presence. Despite his rather conspicuous appearance, Minato claims that he isn’t anyone suspicious. He is fortunate to be rescued from this awkward situation by Shin, who is surprised to find him there, considering he had previously warned Minato not to come. Kirihara arrives, curious about the commotion, and Minato is surprised to discover that the stranger is a doctor. Shin introduces Kirihara Satoshi, the orthopedic surgeon who helped him during his middle school injury. Minato recalls this and is happy to meet the person who had helped Shin in the past. He extends his hand for a handshake, but Dr. Kirihara surprises him with a warm hug. Shin immediately interrupts their hug, explaining that Kirihara is currently visiting from abroad and occasionally gives lectures at the university. Kirihara mentions that he happened to pass by Shin on his way to the school. Shin asks about Minato’s reason for being at the university, and Minato starts to panic so he quickly fabricates a story about passing by the school while running errands for the club and deciding to pay Shin a surprise visit. Shin believes Minato’s story and sees it as a sign of Minato’s eagerness to see him. Kirihara notices their closeness, prompting Shin to introduce Minato as his boyfriend, much to Minato’s surprise. Kirihara chuckles and remarks that they make a great couple, Shin happily agreeing with him.
During dinner, Minato expresses his concern to Shin about publicly announcing them as lovers, worried about how his university will perceive them. Shin questions if this is also why Minato can’t reveal their relationship to Sakuma. Shin emphasizes that he isn’t concerned about others’ opinions. He proudly considers Minato as his lover, and if it weren’t for the fear of someone stealing him away, he’d introduce Minato to everyone on campus, in the shopping district, and throughout humanity. Minato counters by pointing out that the older folks in the shopping district have known him since childhood, and it would be embarrassing to suddenly announce that he has a boyfriend now. Trying to shift the topic, Minato praises Dr. Kirihara, inadvertently making Shin jealous, as he believes Kirihara is much like Minato’s type, which is why he doesn’t want to introduce them. Minato clarifies that it’s not that way, but Shin asks if someone like him is his type. Minato can only answer that he’s very complicated and that there are no words to describe it. Shin challenges Minato to list ten things he likes about him, although Minato doubts if Shin can do the same. However, Shin effortlessly shares the ten things he likes about Minato, getting a bit carried away and listing eleven instead. Minato becomes flustered by Shin’s compliments, so when it’s his turn to list what he likes about Shin, he struggles and can only mention Shin’s good looks. Shin then reiterates his concerns about Minato going to the university alone, talking privately with club members, or leaving the laundromat without him. Minato is taken aback, gripping Shin’s wrist and questioning whether he thinks he would easily fall for someone else. Shin can’t provide a definitive answer and brings up the issue with Sakuma once more. Feeling a lack of trust from Shin, Minato thanks him for the meal with a shaky voice and withdraws from the conversation. Asuka visits Shuu at the Sakuma store, but Shuu, busy with work, can’t talk. While trying to help him with a band-aid after a cut, Asuka accidentally touches Shuu’s hand. Shuu asks him to let go, and Asuka checks if Shuu has a fever, to which Shuu responds that it’s because Asuka is there, making it hard for him to concentrate. Asuka, feeling hurt, apologizes and leaves, asking if they can still talk on Line but Shuu remains silent. Asuka walks away and crouches outside the store, whispering to himself that Shuu is an idiot.
