Part 2/9:

Akira, fresh out of college and ecstatic about starting his dream job, steps into Tokyo's bustling streets with visions of success. On his first day at work, he meets Otori, a colleague he admires and quickly becomes infatuated with. Their shared meal with co-workers signals the start of what Akira hopes will be a rewarding career. But the embrace of corporate life soon reveals itself to be suffocating.

His enthusiasm wanes as the reality of long hours, strict deadlines, and an overbearing boss named Kasugi sets in. As Akira's mental and physical health deteriorates under the exhausting grind, he finds solace discussing his plight with his best friend Kensho, who appears to be thriving in his career. Jealousy rears its ugly head, leading to tension in their friendship.