Ep 7. Growing Affection

Aggretsuko season 2 episode 7, titled "Growing Affection," follows the journey of Retsuko as she navigates her newfound relationship with Tadano, the billionaire CEO. In this episode, Retsuko is able to experience the privileges of being with a wealthy partner as Tadano invites her to go on a trip to the Raging Waves Waterpark on a private jet. Retsuko, who had initially been hesitant about dating Tadano given the differences in their lifestyles, starts to enjoy the luxurious life that he's able to provide her.

However, as the episode progresses, Retsuko begins to feel increasingly uncomfortable with the dynamic of the relationship. She finds herself constantly trying to prove herself worthy of Tadano's love and affection, and begins to feel like she's losing a sense of herself in the process. Her new job as an accountant at Tadano's company also starts to become a source of stress, as she realizes that she's been hired primarily based on her relationship with Tadano and not on her own merit.

As she struggles with these feelings, Retsuko turns to her friends for support. Haida, still harboring feelings for her, tries to reassure her that she's still the same person he's always known and that she doesn't need to change herself for anyone. Gori and Washimi, successful career women who have also struggled with relationships in the past, provide their own perspectives on love and self-worth.

Throughout the episode, Retsuko goes back and forth on whether to continue the relationship with Tadano or not. Despite the many perks that come with being with a wealthy partner, she realizes that the relationship isn't making her happy and that she doesn't want to lose herself in the process of trying to keep up with him. Ultimately, she decides to break things off with Tadano, a decision that's both heartbreaking and empowering.

"Growing Affection" is a poignant exploration of the complexities of modern relationships, particularly those between partners with different socio-economic backgrounds. It's a reminder that sometimes, even when we're initially drawn to someone's wealth or status, what we really need is someone who loves us for who we are. Through her struggles, Retsuko learns to value her own worth and to not compromise her own happiness for the sake of a relationship. It's a lesson that's relatable to anyone who's ever struggled to find love and acceptance in a fast-paced, often judgmental world.