I Have a Crush at Work Episode 11: Each One's Start

Tateishi stares at the screen, number fifteen, a clean pass on his bookkeeping exam. Joy radiates from him, a well-earned triumph after endless study. Mitsuya is there, her smile bright, sharing in his success, a quiet acknowledgment passing between them that her steady encouragement had fueled him. But the moment of shared happiness shatters when Mitsuya checks their vacation booking, her face draining of color. One hundred and twenty thousand yen for a single night, a luxury room accidentally booked. The celebration curdles into panic, a stark reminder that even the happiest moments can carry a hidden cost.

At the izakaya, Tateishi clinks glasses with his friends, basking in the glow of his exam success. The conversation, however, quickly pivots from his achievement to another life-altering announcement. Tamura, a long-time friend, reveals he is marrying his girlfriend. Tateishi watches, surprised, as another of his peers moves irrevocably forward, crossing a threshold he has not yet considered. Six years into his career, he feels the subtle pull of time, the quiet question of where he stands in the grand progression of adult life.

Back in the office, the air thickens with whispers. Tateishi catches fragments of a conversation, a rumor about a young male from his division being transferred to HR. His breath catches, a prickle of cold sweat on his skin. Later, Morizono mentions an 'idou,' a transfer, and he braces himself, his mind already spinning with what this change might mean. Yet, it is merely a fund transfer, a bureaucratic misunderstanding that only deepens his underlying panic. The cafeteria chatter further fuels his dread, colleagues speculating about the chronically understaffed HR department, making him feel like a bullseye.

At Mitsuya's apartment, Tateishi unburdens himself, his fears about the HR transfer now openly expressed. Mitsuya admits she has heard similar rumors, specifically concerning movement between Accounting and HR. His recent bookkeeping qualification, once a source of pride, now feels like a wasted effort, irrelevant for a human resources role. Mitsuya offers what comfort she can, but even her attempt at reassurance carries a sting, recalling a colleague's story of sudden, dreaded phone calls from HR. Tateishi is left on edge, every ringing phone a potential harbinger of his new fate.

The office becomes a minefield of ringing phones, each one sending a jolt of fear through Tateishi. His superior, Hayakawa, calls him aside, asking him to document his responsibilities. For Tateishi, this is the definitive sign; the transfer is no longer a rumor but a reality. Lying on his bed that evening, in the quiet aftermath of the meeting, he texts Mitsuya, the words confirming his move to HR. Six years of his working life, distilled into a single, melancholic message, now ending.

A new resolve takes hold of Tateishi. Instead of despair, he embraces his final days in Accounting with a manic energy, guiding Morizono through every task with an almost saintly patience. On his commute, a moment of introspection strikes him; his processes, he realizes, have become idiosyncratic, perhaps even a hindrance. He concludes that a fresh perspective, a 'new wind,' could benefit the department. This understanding fuels his frantic pace, creating meticulous manuals and flowcharts, much to the bewildered amusement of Hayakawa and Morizono. He is determined to leave no loose ends, a legacy of order for his successor.

The laughter of his colleagues planning a camping trip echoes through the hallway, a reminder of the life that will continue without him. Tateishi, buried under his handover work, feels a pang of loneliness, an outsider looking in. Later, in the quiet of the office after hours, he confides in Mitsuya by the vending machines. He admits the transfer no longer upsets him; the sheer volume of his handover work has made him realize his value. He thanks Mitsuya, acknowledging her unwavering presence as the strength he needed to face this new challenge, her expression softening at his words.

Tateishi proudly displays his meticulous manuals to Mitsuya, his excitement a tangible thing. Mitsuya seizes the moment, inviting him to join the camping trip. He hesitates, the question of their secret relationship looming large, but Mitsuya is firm. It is a way, she argues, to celebrate his time in Accounting. They share a tender handhold, a silent understanding passing between them. Mitsuya then speaks a truth that carries weight: she is becoming comfortable with the idea of their relationship becoming known.

The camping trip begins under a clear sky. The Accounting team, including Mita's wife Shiori and their children, arrives at the mountain campsite, spirits high. Tateishi and Mitsuya maintain a professional distance, but stolen glances betray their private connection. Later, Tateishi sheds his work persona, playing with Mita's children in the river, revealing a gentle, unburdened side. Hayakawa and Somei share a relaxed moment by the river, sipping beers, a quiet intimacy developing between them as they observe their colleagues.

Inside a cabin, Mitsuya helps Shiori prepare curry, seizing the opportunity to ask about dating a colleague. Shiori offers sage advice, suggesting transparency with trusted friends is often the best path. This insight weighs heavily on Mitsuya. Soon, a secret birthday plan for Mita takes over, with Shiori orchestrating a cake decoration with Mitsuya and Tateishi. Outside, Mita's colleagues keep him distracted, maintaining the joyful charade.

As dusk settles, Tateishi and Mitsuya stand together, watching Mita and Shiori share a quiet moment by their sleeping children. The scene resonates deeply with Tateishi, offering a vision of a stable, loving family, a future he might aspire to. The surprise birthday reveal bursts forth shortly after, with everyone gathered, singing for a visibly moved Mita. His genuine tears of gratitude fill the air with warmth, a shared moment of simple, profound joy among friends.

Around the crackling campfire, conversation flows freely, revealing the genuine camaraderie forged through shared work and this weekend away. Tateishi and Mitsuya sit close, a quiet sense of belonging settling over them. Tateishi understands now; these are more than just colleagues. A montage of their private moments flashes by, a testament to their hidden affection. As the group laughs and plans future outings, Tateishi looks at Mitsuya, receiving an encouraging nod. He takes a deep breath, the words forming on his lips, hinting at a truth about to be revealed.