Fish and Water(2022)

Uo to Mizu

Having met at a mutual friend's wedding, Akira, a business sales administrator, and Koji, a freelance writer, quickly become close buddies. One day, during a visit with a farm client, Akira is offered a case of freshly picked cabbage. Since no one at his office wants it, and he is no cook, Akira decides to see if Koji (who loves to cook) might be interested. Lonely and in the midst of pandemic-related shutdowns, Akira uses this as an excuse to come hang out at Koji's house. Once they get past how to be COVID-cautious, they become quite relaxed with each other, creating an amusing but emotionally confusing scenario. Akira and Koi grapple with deciding if they are just friends or something more.

(Source: Pantheon)

Note: Includes one extra chapter.