Chapter I

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Shin, a senior employee at a Tokyo-based business corporation. Known for his serious behavior and unapproachable nature, Shin has spent seven years at the company, now aged 28 and still single.

Rumors suggest he has never been in a relationship since joining the company, leading to a reluctance among colleagues to engage with him socially. Despite being highly respected within the company, few attempt to engage him in personal conversations.

Shin stops by a convenience store, intent on purchasing his favorite comfort food, natto. As he enters, he heads straight for the natto section, relieved to find a container available. Snagging it quickly, he heads to the checkout counter, where an unexpected turn of events awaits.

Without warning, Shin suddenly feels a wetness seeping through his clothes, accompanied by the unmistakable scent of oranges. Glancing down, he notices bright orange stains spreading across his pristine white polo shirt. Standing before him is a visibly nervous individual clutching a bottle of orange juice, unable to meet Shin’s gaze.

“I’m sorry!” the guy exclaims at the top of his lungs, nervously shaking and holding tight to Shin’s hands, pleading for forgiveness.

“It’s fine, can you please let go of my hand?” Shin asks as the guy’s grip tightens in his nervousness.

“Ah… yes… I’m sorry. Please let me wash your shirt,” the guy asks politely.

The guy continued to apologize profusely without even making eye contact, his bowing becoming a constant and repetitive gesture of remorse.  Despite Shin’s attempt to halt the apologies, the guy persisted and even offered to wash Shin’s clothes himself.

As Shin contemplated refusing, he suddenly realized they were already in his own house, leaving him feeling conflicted.

“How did it end up like this?” Shin wondered as he contemplated the current situation.

They were just sitting awkwardly next to each other, the silence inside the room is making them hurt their ears.

“Please take off your-” The guy initiated and asked him.

“Don’t!” Shin shouted as his voices cracks. Shin was stunned. He was shaken that he can’t even make a move. 

Several minutes passed before Shin managed to regain his composure, though he still avoided making eye contact with the other individual.

Clearing his throat, the guy attempted to lighten the atmosphere.

“Sir, may I use your toilet?” he inquired. Shin nodded silently, allowing the guy to proceed to the restroom.

As he left, Shin took a moment to collect himself further, gazing into the mirror beside him and grappling with his inner turmoil.

“What am I afraid of?” he questioned anxiously, searching for answers within himself.

“Excuse me, may I join you?” The man returned from the restroom with a glass of water in hand.

“I hope you don’t mind me helping myself to your kitchen, but I figured you need water,” he said, offering a smile.

“Is it alright if I sit here?” He asked Shin, who nodded in agreement and accepted the water. “Thank you,” Shin expressed his gratitude.

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