The fourth episode of the NTV drama series "Tsukiyo Koro - The Answer Lies in Masterpieces -" (Wednesdays at 10 PM), starring Haru and Kumiko Aso, aired on April 29th. In this episode, the reason why Kazuto (Ryuto Sakuma) boyfriend, chose to break up with her was revealed, which caused a stir on social media.
◇The following contains spoilers.
Episode 4 explores the questions: "Why did he suddenly abandon me just two months after we promised to marry?" and "A voicemail came a week after our breakup... what did he want to talk about when we met in person?" Luna (Haru) and Ryoko frantically search for Kazuto in Osaka, determined to reclaim the "unfinished business" that has been weighing on their hearts. Just as they are about to give up, a young man named Kanade (Sakuma, playing a dual role) appears before them, bearing a striking resemblance to the Kazuto they knew. He, too, seems concerned about Luna and Ryoko as they search for Kazuto.
The wooden house that he led her to was waiting for her, where Sato Kiwako (played by Suzuki Sawa), who had been by Kazuto's side when he said goodbye to her years ago. Kiwako was actually Kazuto's older sister and Kanade's mother. Kiwako then revealed to Ryoko, "I've always wanted to apologize to you. Kazuto... my brother passed away 23 years ago, four months after he said goodbye to you."
Kiwako reveals that Kazuto was diagnosed with terminal cancer in the winter of his senior year of college and given six months to live, that he decided not to tell anyone about his illness, and that he asked Kiwako to pretend to be his girlfriend so as not to get in the way of Ryoko, who is aiming for the Olympics in badminton.
After everything was revealed, Ryoko fell ill and had to stay at Kiwako's house. Meanwhile, Luna, who was looking into a book that Kazuto had been reading, noticed that Kazuto's thoughts and feelings were written inside. Encouraged by Luna, Ryoko read the book and, touched by the words written inside such as "Ryoko, you'll be alright" and "Thank you, Ryoko," which were Kazuto's thoughts during his illness, she burst into tears.
On social media, the truth behind Kazuto's decision to break up was revealed, prompting comments such as, "Ah... so that's how it turned out," "I can't accept this, it's so unexpected," "It's too painful," "It's too agonizing," and "I'm crying over this ending."
In addition, the scene in which Kazuto's feelings for Ryoko are revealed elicited comments such as, "This is going to make me cry," "I can't watch this without shedding tears," "I'm going to bawl my eyes out," "I was so engrossed I couldn't stop crying," "It's so heartbreaking," and "I cried so much along with Ryoko."
