Series by 中原アヤ

Shibata Michiko, a 29-year-old unemployed woman struggling after her company went bankrupt, lives a dreary life until she meets Kurosawa, her sharp-tongued but caring former boss, at a café where she now works part-time. As Kurosawa steps in to help her get back on her feet, their bickering masks a growing connection, drawing the attention of Michiko’s cheerful coworker Hana and Kurosawa’s friend Sudo. This sweet tale blends romance, humor, and the journey of self-worth as Michiko finds love and purpose in unexpected places.

Kaori Kagaya and Haru Aoyama have been childhood friends since their days in kindergarten, growing up next door to each other with their families sharing a close bond. Now, at 24, they find themselves living in adjacent apartments, but their relationship is anything but straightforward. Kaori harbors deep feelings for Haru, yet he sees her more like a caregiver than a potential partner, often calling her "Mom." As they navigate the complexities of adult life, work, and unrequited love, other characters, including another childhood friend, Iori, enter the mix, stirring the pot of their stagnant romance.

Suzu Sakuragawa, a hardworking woman in her thirties, finds solace from her hectic mornings by admiring a handsome stranger on her daily train commute in Osaka. Her routine takes an unexpected turn when her company’s president falls ill, entrusting her with the business. Enter Kanato Kamiya, the charming stranger revealed to be the president’s nephew, who steps in as acting CEO and begins working alongside Suzu. As they tackle workplace challenges together, Suzu’s life transforms into a whirlwind of excitement and romance, fueled by Kanato’s Kansai dialect and undeniable charisma. Amidst the chaos of corporate life and personal growth, their connection deepens, blending humor, heart, and the vibrant energy of Osaka.