Hiro’s increasing workload keeps him from returning home on time, leaving Kai feeling disappointed in ‘Perfect Propose‘ Episode 5.
Kaneko’s retirement leaves Hirokuni overwhelmed as he takes on the leadership role at work. Despite Kai’s efforts to support him with home-cooked meal photos, Hirokuni’s workload keeps him from coming home. Meanwhile, Kai learns about Kenji’s approaching hospital discharge.
Warning: Spoiler alert! Read at your own risk.
While washing the dishes, Hiro recalls his emotional outburst by the door and Kai’s comforting words, which brought him to tears. He acknowledges that Kai has remained the same and supportive, which he appreciates deeply. However, Hiro realizes he needs to seriously consider his response to Kai’s feelings. Lost in thought, Hiro is interrupted when Kai enters and asks if he plans to go to work considering he arrived home around 3 am. Hiro responds by telling Kai not to bother preparing meals for him since he anticipates returning home late every day, making it a waste if he can’t eat the food. Suddenly, Kai wraps his arms around Hiro from behind, urging him to come home soon. ightening his embrace, Kai playfully teases Hiro about being gullible before releasing him. In response, Hiro strikes back by putting Kai in a headlock, both in a playful mood. At work, Hiro is drinking an energy drink when his boss enters the room, complaining about the work Hiro did yesterday, stating that it wasn’t up working. His boss scolds him, reminding him that as the team leader, he needs to step up, before walking away. Hiro then informs Sakamoto that the file he sent contains errors, to which Sakamoto assures him he’ll work on it. Observing the energy drinks on Sakamoto’s desk, Hiro offers his assistance if needed. Observing the fatigue among his colleagues, Hiro becomes disheartened. He gazes at Kaneko’s empty seat, questioning why he was chosen to be the leader in the first place. Hiro sits back down at his desk, still feeling overwhelmed about his new responsibilities, when he receives a text from Kai showing him their dinner for the evening. Meanwhile, at home, Kai eats his meal alone, with Hiro’s portion covered in plastic to preserve it until Hiro returns. The following day when Hiro arrives at work, he finds Sakamoto still at his desk, having not gone home at all. Sakamoto admits he feels like he’s constantly causing trouble for others. Despite this, he reassures Hiro that he’s fine, mentioning he managed to take a nap earlier. Concerned, Hiro advises him not to overwork himself.
Back at home, Kai is busy cooking while Hiro’s concern for his colleague Sakamoto weighs on his mind. Amid his worries, Kai once again sends Hiro a photo of the dinner he’s prepared. Over the next few days, Kai continues to send pictures of Hiro’s favorite dishes, prompting Hiro to long for home and reflect on how staying late at work has become routine. Hiro steps out briefly and returns with snacks for everyone, instantly lifting everyone’s spirits. As Hiro approaches Sakamoto, who is still diligently working, Sakamoto breaks down in tears, confessing that he’s struggling to complete the task and is considering quitting. Kai encourages Sakamoto to take a break and head home for some much-needed rest, despite Sakamoto’s concerns about unfinished work. Tearfully, Sakamoto apologizes before leaving. Sensing the toll on everyone’s well-being, Hiro suggests they all leave early, emphasizing the importance of rest to avoid making mistakes. With the office empty, Hiro feels guilty for making Sakamoto cry and doubts his capabilities. He wonders if things would be better if Kaneko were still the leader. Just then, Kai receives another message from Hiro, prompting Hiro to call him. However, before Hiro can speak, Kai interrupts and asks if Hiro feels like coming home. Kai encourages him to return home, knowing that he hasn’t been eating properly. He shares that he visited Hiro’s family, and his mother expressed worry about Hiro’s busy schedule, hoping someone could check on him from time to time. Kai advises Hiro not to overwork himself to avoid collapsing like the old man. Before ending the call, Hiro asks about the old man’s condition, expressing a desire to speak with him a little longer. Right after, Kai receives a call from the old man, Kenji, who informs him of his discharge from the hospital and his decision to close the shop, leaving Kai once again without a place to return to.