Koi wa Ameagari no You ni

Dull restaurant manager Masami Kondou and sharp high school student Akira Tachibana experience a vivid shift in their lives when their gazes meet.

Masami Kondou is a middle-aged restaurant manager who struggles to maintain dignity with his staff and frequently cringes under customer complaints. Akira Tachibana, a female high school student employed at the same establishment, watches him with sharp disdain because he seems incapable of doing anything correctly. Kondou becomes deeply depressed by Akira’s expression of contempt. However, their stagnant existence begins to change vividly at the moment their eyes lock. This pivotal interaction marks a turning point for both characters, altering the dynamic of their daily lives as they confront the mutual tension and unspoken emotions that arise from their contrasting positions and interactions within the workplace environment.

Akira reflects on Kondou's touch while recovering from a leg injury sustained during delivery.

Akira takes time off work after injuring her leg while delivering a forgotten customer item. Her mind focuses more on the feelings evoked by Kondou's touch than the physical wound. Meanwhile, at the Garden, Kondou learns details about her past during her absence. When circumstances unexpectedly leave just the two of them together during his visit, Akira reacts suddenly. The narrative explores her internal emotional state and the developing dynamic between her and Kondou as secrets are revealed and personal connections deepen in their isolated interaction.

Akira confesses her feelings to Kondou despite team and friendship struggles

Akira reveals her romantic feelings to Kondou, though he initially fails to interpret them as a declaration of love. She struggles with depression stemming from her inability to connect with her track team juniors and her best friend, Haruka. Despite these interpersonal difficulties, Akira reiterates her affection for Kondou, stating clearly that she likes him. Eventually, Kondou begins to respond to the genuine emotions expressed by the 17-year-old girl, marking a shift in their dynamic as he processes her heartfelt confession and considers his own feelings in return.

Akira faces romantic complications involving Kondou and Kase during a date

Akira anticipates her upcoming date with Kondou, but Kase accidentally discovers her feelings for him. He agrees to keep her secret only if she agrees to go on a date with him. Reluctantly, Akira accepts his proposal and goes on the date with Kase. During their time together, he asserts that her relationship with Kondou will definitely fail. Meanwhile, the day of Akira's scheduled date with Kondou finally arrives, creating tension as she navigates these conflicting romantic situations.

Akira and Yuuto wait at Kondou's house while he is away.

Akira brings Yuuto to Kondou's residence but must remain there because Kondou is not present. Inside his room, they discover numerous books and unfinished novels, revealing a side of Kondou that causes Akira's heart to race. When they hear Kondou approaching, Yuuto suggests hiding to surprise him. Akira conceals herself in the closet as instructed. However, the situation takes an unexpected turn as they attempt to execute their plan to greet him upon his arrival.

Akira and Haruka reunite during summer break before a sudden rainstorm leads Akira to meet Kondou at the library.

During a sweltering summer break, Akira, who is attending remedial classes, encounters Haruka. They travel to school together for the first time in a long while. Haruka intends to discuss the future of their friendship, but the bus arrives at school before she can raise the topic, causing them to part ways. Shortly after, a sudden rainstorm forces Akira to take shelter in a library. There, Akira unexpectedly runs into Kondou. This encounter occurs amidst the humid summer atmosphere, marking a brief but notable interaction between the characters as they navigate their separate paths during the school holiday.

Heavy Rain

Akira seeks to transform her platonic bond with Kondou into romance during a storm.

Haruka feels depressed after Kondou clarifies their relationship is strictly friendly, despite a hug during a typhoon. Akira desires to shift this dynamic from friendship to romance but is unsure how to proceed. While discussing Rashomon with Kondou, Akira realizes she can engineer a situation to alter their status. She decides to take a drastic action to create the necessary opportunity for this change. The narrative focuses on her internal struggle and her subsequent bold move to redefine her connection with Kondou, moving beyond the platonic boundaries established previously.

Akira and Haruka clash at the festival while Kondou reunites with an old friend

Akira invites Haruka to a summer festival, but their brief connection quickly dissolves into a fight as suppressed emotions surface. Meanwhile, Kondou encounters Chihiro for the first time in ten years, leading them to reminisce about writing novels together during their college days. These two characters confront their respective pasts in different ways: Kondou faces his friend directly, while Akira turns her back on hers. Carrying distinct burdens and pain, both individuals eventually cross paths at the Garden, highlighting the divergent ways they handle interpersonal conflict and emotional history.

Kondou neglects Akira at a book fair while obsessing over literature

Akira and Kondou attend a secondhand book fair, ostensibly for him to recommend a book to her as a friend. Kondou becomes overly excited by the available books and neglects Akira's presence. This behavior stems from his long-standing passion for literature, which has previously caused him to hurt those around him. He feels self-loathing for repeating this pattern of behavior. Throughout this incident, Akira maintains direct eye contact with Kondou. The narrative focuses on Kondou's internal conflict regarding his literary obsession and its impact on his relationships, culminating in a moment where Akira speaks directly to him while he is distracted by the books.

Autumn track team discusses a comeback while Akira and Haruka face rain and Kondou reflects on novels

During autumn, the track team discusses a student who recovered from the same injury as Akira. On the way home, Akira passes Haruka, who is sheltering from the rain. Unable to approach Akira directly, Haruka makes a drastic move. Meanwhile, Kondou realizes his feelings for novels after a conversation with Chihiro. The episode explores the emotional developments of these characters as they navigate their personal struggles and relationships. It questions whether Akira and Kondou will take a step forward on their respective muddy paths, highlighting the tension between their internal desires and external circumstances.

Akira and Kondou reflect on their changing lives and intersecting thoughts.

School corridors buzz with student conversation, creating a warm atmosphere that contrasts with Akira's sense of isolation amid shifting surroundings. Meanwhile, Kondou remains occupied with duties at the restaurant and corporate headquarters, dedicating his nights to writing his manuscript. Despite their separate routines, Akira and Kondou frequently think of one another. Their mutual contemplation creates a connection that suggests a shared future. This narrative highlights the emotional distance and subtle bond between the two characters as they navigate their individual paths and anticipate what lies ahead for their tomorrow.