Watashi no Shounen (TAKANO Hitomi)

Satoko Tawada, a nearly thirty-year-old office worker, feels unfulfilled despite her years of searching for happiness. One day, she stumbles upon Mashuu Hayami, a striking twelve-year-old boy practicing soccer alone in the park. On a whim, she offers to assist him, drawing from her own understanding of the sport. Their daily training sessions gradually forge a deep emotional connection between them. When Satoko faces betrayal from her former partner, Mashuu steps in to console her. Similarly, upon discovering Mashuu’s distant relationship with his parents, Satoko takes a genuine interest in his well-being. Their shared loneliness bridges the gap between their ages and life experiences, creating an unexpected bond. As their relationship deepens, Satoko begins to question the nature of her growing emotions. Are these feelings maternal, or do they signify something more complex? The line between care and affection blurs as their connection evolves.