I really like this show anyway, but it does give a share a “I feel seen” moments. Even though I’m not remotely obsessed with cute things – honest to Goc, I’m not – I have found myself in some of the same situations as Mitsutaka, trying to avoid embarrassment. It seems to happen a lot more here than it did in the States, and it generally involves being someplace where I’m the only guy. I think we have in common that we both probably think those women care a lot more than they actually do, but it’s hard to convince yourself of that in the moment.
Take the dessert buffet. I’ve gone to Sweets Paradise a few times and honest to Goc, I’m there because I love all you can eat. Occasionally I see a dude like me but it’s overwhelmingly women, and very young as a rule at that (though at a pricier hotel buffet like in this episode it would surely skew older). At SweePara inevitably they’re doing some tie-in with some otome property or another and there are hordes of girls snapping photos. Here, Oji-san joins the two girls from the office who’ve gotten free passes – he was originally going to demur but when he heard about the character sweets, he went all-in (much to the delight of Moshina-san).
It’s all in good fun but I must say, it was not cool for her to invite Oji’s ex-wife and not tell him. And kind of an odd choice given she’s interested in him (though as an idol, she says). The mere fact that he calls his ex-wife “Takebayashi-san” reflects how awkward things are. And she doesn’t help by almost blowing his cover (not that anyone would care) and enjoying seeing him panic over it. Also, what’s with all the young women in this show and the “hot old guy!” obsession – is that, like, a thing? A sort of reverse cougar (ragouc?) syndrome?
Next up Mitsutaka helps out at the neighborhood flea market and immediately gets tasked with looking after a lost toddler (with how he is, I could totally see that happening). Fortunately the kid is wearing a Pugtarou T-shirt, which gives Oji-san a lead on how to calm him down. That’s a little Pugtarou bag which he buys the buy, and then refuses to accept payment (200 Yen, but still) from his Mom. This creates yet another casualty and adds another member to his admiration society.
As for that matter of the clothes not drying, I’m wrestling with that right now. With in-home dryers rare as hen’s teeth here drying clothes is a real problem when it’s damp for weeks at a time. And that’s not even factoring in the Pugtarou towel you can’t risk anyone seeing when you hang it out to dry. I’m at the point of wishing Masumi would just come clean about knowing Uncle’s secret (I just assume he does at this stage) so Mitsutaka could just relax around the house
Poor Mitsutaka and Kenta-kun are pining for each other, desperate to review their bromance bonding over kawaii but unable to because Kenta is dealing with designer’s hours. They are a pretty adorable pair, I have to say – it really does warm the cockles of the heart when you find someone to share your obsession with, no doubt about it. Fortunately the other young lady in Mitsutaka’s office tasks him to go to the local cafe with 3D latte art (hint: the coffee at those places will always suck, if you care) and snap some pics. Kenta can call it research, so that gives both of them an excuse for a date.
