Having regained his zeal for life, a renewed Nozue decides to stop hanging out with Togawa. Although sad and hurt at heart, Togawa nevertheless hides his loneliness and jokingly asks Nozue to return the favor. In his act of appreciation, Nozue visits Togawa and cooks him a warm meal. The two sit down again for a hearty conversation and Nozue is pleased to see Togawa enjoy the meal that he’s prepared. Upon returning home, Nozue ultimately has a change of heart and decides to text Togawa for an outing on the weekend, to which Togawa never replies. The next day, they meet at the office, and Nozue is left puzzled by Togawa’s apparent lack of reaction. The same day, Nozue is invited to a drinking party by his subordinates and while Nozue hears that Togawa will not be attending the gathering, Nozue still chooses to go ahead.

Kirishima, a contemporary of Nozue’s who expresses her interest for Nozue but ends up getting rejected, is set on organizing a gathering with the aim of bringing Togawa and her colleague, Ochi, who secretly admires Togawa, together. Although Nozue is strictly against the idea of Togawa participating in the gathering, Nozue ultimately joins the party with Togawa. Upon seeing Togawa and Ochi enjoy a friendly conversation, Nozue is left feeling uncomfortable. The next day, when Togawa wakes up, he finds Nozue at his home. It turns out that Nozue carried Togawa home after the gathering and was too tired to return back. As the two souls come closer, a feeling of affection begins to spread in the air.

Although Nozue is ultimately unable to accept Togawa's confession, Togawa hopes that the two can continue their usual boss and subordinate relationship at the office. The next day, they spend time together as if nothing has happened. Although Nozue wishes to behave more naturally, Togawa's lingering presence makes him feel awkward. Even if he tells himself that he is just a boss, Nozue just can't seem to avoid thinking about Togawa. At the same time, Nozue and Kirishima meet for a meal and Kirishima invites Nozue to become the head of the new department of the company. Nozomu, who has never been interested in promotion until now, decides to think positively about Kirishima's invitation. However, If Nozue is to take the promotion, Nozue will no longer be able to meet Togawa.