Episode 17 – Shota's Business Trip, Ryoko's Breaking Point, and Osaka

"Ryoko-senpai, I'm off!"

At the shinkansen(bullet train) ticket gate, Shota flashed a bright smile, one hand pulling a carry-on suitcase.

"...Take care, Shota-kun."

Ryoko smiled back, but her eyes held the slightest trace of loneliness.

"It's just one week, okay? I'll be back before you know it!" "...Yeah."

—Because we’ve never been apart this long before…

She said nothing more and watched him go.

Days 1–4: Ryoko's Loneliness

The apartment felt abnormally spacious without Shota.

—"Good morning, Shota-kun." But there was no one to greet.

—"Dinner’s ready~" No one sitting across from her grinning, saying "Delicious!"

—"Good night, Shota-kun." No response.

(This is unbearable...)

Every night, they’d video call. But no matter how much they talked or saw each other’s faces, it couldn’t fill the aching void in her chest.

Day 5: Ryoko Snaps

"...That’s it. I can’t take this anymore!!!"

She screamed into her empty bedroom the moment she woke up.

Seeing Shota wasn’t enough—she needed to touch him, be with him.

(If it hurts this much… then I’ll just go to him.)

She booked the next shinkansen to Osaka that morning.

"Wait for me, Shota-kun."

Surprise Reunion

That evening, Shota had just finished work and returned to his hotel room.

"Phew… Just two more days."

It had been five days without Ryoko. He’d never admit it out loud, but yeah, he missed her.

(Once I’m back in Tokyo, I’m gonna let her spoil me rotten.)

Just then— Knock knock

"Huh? Didn’t order room service…"

He opened the door—

"Ta-da~! I came to see you!"

"...EHHHHHHHHHHH!?"

There she stood. Beaming, radiant Ryoko.

"R-Ryoko-senpai!? What are you doing here!? You’re supposed to be in Tokyo—" "Mmm, but I missed you♡ I just couldn’t wait any longer~"

With a wink, she slipped into the hotel room like she belonged there.

"Wait, what? How!?" "The shinkansen, duh~ It’s been five days, you know? I was scared you’d forget me." "No way I’d forget you!!" "Then it’s fine, right?"

She spun on her heel and smiled at him.

And in that moment, Shota realized—

(Yeah... I really wanted to see her too.)

"Geez... seriously, Ryoko-senpai." "So, Shota-kun?" "...What?" "Will you give me my welcome-home kiss?"

Tilting her head sweetly, she looked up at him.

He couldn’t resist. Without another word, he pulled her into a gentle embrace and kissed her.

(...Yeah. I need her with me.)

Later, on the hotel bed, Shota lay with his head on Ryoko’s lap.

"Ahhh… I’m so glad you came, Ryoko-senpai…"

She softly stroked his hair, cradling him like a child.

"You missed me, didn’t you~?"

"Maybe... a little." "Hehe~ You’re so bad at pretending. But it’s okay♡ From now on, we’ll be together all the time."

She poked his cheek.

"You worked hard today, Shota-kun. And for that… I think you deserve a reward." "A reward?" "Yep! The full healing course: head pats and cuddles~"

She pulled him close, hugging him snugly while patting his head.

"Good boy, Shota-kun. You handled work and travel like a champ today♡"

"Please don’t treat me like a kid…" "Ehhh~? But you look so happy."

She caught him red-handed. He looked away, flustered, still pressed against her chest.

"Haaah… whatever. Do whatever you want." "I intend to~"

Her hands trailed slowly down his back.

"See? Isn’t this relaxing? You can rely on me more, Shota-kun."

"You’re amazing, Ryoko-senpai." "Hmm?" "It’s like… you always know exactly what I need." "Of course I do♡ I know everything about you." "Then... can I just leave everything to you from now on?"

He wrapped his arms around her waist.

"You may~ Now, come here."

She giggled and wrapped him up in her arms.

"You’re such a cute Shota-kun~ I’ll always be here, spoiling you, so don’t worry about a thing."

And that night, in a cozy Osaka hotel room, the only sounds were Ryoko’s doting whispers and Shota’s contented breaths as he drifted into peaceful sleep.