Old Fashion Cupcake (2022)

As Nozue approaches his 40s, he is neither motivated by life nor does he have any ambition at work, refusing every possible opportunity for a promotion at his job. The same remains the case with love, as he finds it too troublesome to go out on dates and have someone to be with. All of this has his co-workers curious questioning as to why such a kind and popular guy is still single. One day, Nozue and his subordinate, Togawa, go out to visit a client. On their way back, they see girls from high school frolicking around to which Nozue casually comments, "I envy them!” Upon hearing this, Togawa decides to take Nozue to a pancake shop that is often frequented by young and attractive girls. As the two sit down for desserts and start talking, Togawa decides to share a secret with Nozue.

In an attempt to revive Nozue’s enthusiasm for life, Togawa invites Nozue to join him for a sugary round of treats on their day off, to which Nozue reluctantly agrees. Upon meeting each other, the two decide to go grab some parfait together at a popular dessert shop with long queues. Spending the weekends with Togawa over desserts seems to bring about a sudden change in Nozue’s behavior, as Togawa and the rest of his co-workers are able to observe his renewed energy at work. One day, Nozue invites one of his female colleagues for lunch, which ultimately results in Togawa feeling upset.

Having regained his zeal for life, a renewed Nozue decides to stop hanging out with Togawa. Although sad and hurt at heart, Togawa nevertheless hides his loneliness and jokingly asks Nozue to return the favor. In his act of appreciation, Nozue visits Togawa and cooks him a warm meal. The two sit down again for a hearty conversation and Nozue is pleased to see Togawa enjoy the meal that he’s prepared. Upon returning home, Nozue ultimately has a change of heart and decides to text Togawa for an outing on the weekend, to which Togawa never replies. The next day, they meet at the office, and Nozue is left puzzled by Togawa’s apparent lack of reaction. The same day, Nozue is invited to a drinking party by his subordinates and while Nozue hears that Togawa will not be attending the gathering, Nozue still chooses to go ahead.

Kirishima, a contemporary of Nozue’s who expresses her interest for Nozue but ends up getting rejected, is set on organizing a gathering with the aim of bringing Togawa and her colleague, Ochi, who secretly admires Togawa, together. Although Nozue is strictly against the idea of Togawa participating in the gathering, Nozue ultimately joins the party with Togawa. Upon seeing Togawa and Ochi enjoy a friendly conversation, Nozue is left feeling uncomfortable. The next day, when Togawa wakes up, he finds Nozue at his home. It turns out that Nozue carried Togawa home after the gathering and was too tired to return back. As the two souls come closer, a feeling of affection begins to spread in the air.

Although Nozue is ultimately unable to accept Togawa's confession, Togawa hopes that the two can continue their usual boss and subordinate relationship at the office. The next day, they spend time together as if nothing has happened. Although Nozue wishes to behave more naturally, Togawa's lingering presence makes him feel awkward. Even if he tells himself that he is just a boss, Nozue just can't seem to avoid thinking about Togawa. At the same time, Nozue and Kirishima meet for a meal and Kirishima invites Nozue to become the head of the new department of the company. Nozomu, who has never been interested in promotion until now, decides to think positively about Kirishima's invitation. However, If Nozue is to take the promotion, Nozue will no longer be able to meet Togawa.