Akanai Tobira
あかないとびら
A collection of short stories. One follows Usui, who once ignored Masuoka, a quiet younger student with a crush on him, but now employs him as an assistant. Managing Masuoka's shyness is manageable, but his pheromones attract inappropriate attention. Another story centers on Tayama, once overshadowed by the charismatic Tachibana in high school. Now in college, Tachibana becomes Tayama's close friend, complicating Tayama's feelings. A third story continues their dynamic from Tachibana's viewpoint. Lastly, Muraoka Takeo, who admires a reserved store clerk, is surprised when his crush reciprocates in an unexpected way, challenging his assumptions.