Ep 8. Travelers Have No Need for Shame

Shinobu returns from his travels to see his brother, Miyagi, and meets his new lover, Hiroki. Shinobu is surprised that Miyagi has moved on from his previous relationship with his ex-wife and is now dating Hiroki. Shinobu becomes jealous of Hiroki and tries to break them up by sending Miyagi a fake love letter. However, Miyagi realizes that the letter is fake and confronts Shinobu about his behavior.

Meanwhile, Takahiro, Usagi's childhood friend, comes to visit. Takahiro is unaware of Usagi's true feelings for him and plans to announce his engagement to his girlfriend. Usagi is devastated but tries to hide his true feelings. Misaki sees how upset Usagi is and encourages him to tell Takahiro how he feels. Usagi finally confesses his love for Takahiro, but Takahiro tells him that he can only see Usagi as a brother.

Throughout the episode, the theme of shame is prevalent. Shinobu is ashamed of his feelings for Miyagi and tries to cover them up by sabotaging his relationship with Hiroki. Usagi is ashamed of his feelings for Takahiro and tries to suppress them. In the end, both Shinobu and Usagi are able to confront their feelings and express them openly.

The episode also touches on the idea of acceptance. Hiroki is accepted by Miyagi's family despite being a man and not fitting the traditional role of a wife. Takahiro accepts Usagi's feelings for him and does not judge him for them. And in the final scene, Miyagi accepts Shinobu's love for him, but tells him that it is impossible for them to be together.

Overall, "Travelers Have No Need for Shame" is a heartfelt episode that explores the complexities of love and relationships. It shows how fear and shame can hold us back from expressing our true feelings, but also how acceptance and understanding can bring us closer together.