Despite the lack of romantic chemistry—by design—Ai Hashimoto and Issei Takahashi share a compelling, comforting on-screen dynamic that anchors the entire show.
What the episode does well
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: Sakuko faces constant pressure from her mother to marry and feels out of place among coworkers who only discuss romance.
The English subtitles highlight this by translating Satoru’s line literally: "I’m not looking for a partner. I’m looking for a comrade." The word comrade ( dōshi ) feels intentional—it removes all romantic connotation.
Compare it to something like Perfect World (which deals with disability and romance) or Rinko-san wants to try (sexually curious virgin). While those are fine, they still center the couple as the ultimate goal. destroys the very premise that a couple is necessary.
: A supermarket clerk who has known he is aroace for a long time and lives by strong principles .