After the Ring's Taken Off

A single glance from the one who once mattered can still overturn everything. So begins a poignant, ardent story of first love offered a second chance between two emotionally complex men. French chef Leo Yamashita crosses paths again with Makoto Mikoshiba, his former university senior, after twenty years. Leo had developed feelings for Makoto in the past but ultimately chose to walk away; that history lingers as a source of pain. When Makoto reveals that his marriage has ended in divorce, Leo is swept into emotional turmoil, torn between remembered hurt and renewed attraction. Then Makoto makes his plea: "Take off my ring for me, Leo." No longer able to withstand the temptation, Leo sees that nothing restrains them now. As he slides the ring away and captures Makoto's lips, Makoto's face softens into aching longing...