Series by 池田ユキオ

Asuka, a 34-year-old woman obsessed with maintaining a glamorous image, spends heavily on luxury items, dining, and her toy poodle, Sora, to curate a perfect life on social media. Despite her dazzling online presence, her apartment is a chaotic mess, her finances are crumbling with 4 million yen in debt, and she neglects Sora’s care. She relies on her parents’ credit card and superficial relationships to sustain her lifestyle, desperate for validation from followers. Asuka’s interactions with coworkers reveal her as out-of-touch, mocked as an “embarrassing older woman” behind her back. Her pursuit of approval drives her to extreme measures, setting the stage for a dramatic unraveling of her facade.

Ryoko Nakagaki, a 25-year-old woman, works at her family’s cleaning business and a snack bar while caring for her aging grandmother. After her father’s sudden death, she inherits a massive debt, pushing her to protect the family shop. Following her mother’s past connection, Ryoko enters a hostess club in Kabukicho, where she faces a harsh environment and intense bullying. She meets a diverse cast, including cunning colleagues and a supportive male friend, as she navigates the competitive nightlife. Ryoko’s determination to overcome challenges and repay the debt drives her to confront the club’s toxic dynamics.