A love therapy between a germaphobic secretary and a psychotherapist — “Ten Count” Vol. 1 by Takarai Rihito（宝井理人）

Introducing Shinshokan Dear+ Comics “Ten Count Vol. 1”!

Below is a quote from the back cover. The impressions and review touch on the story’s content! If you just want a quick overview of what it’s about!! I’d be happy if you could read only the red text and highlighted sections.

“Everything in this world is dirty.” …―――――

“When I’m with Kurose-kun, I start to feel—just a little—as if I’ve become a normal person.”

Shirotani, a company president’s secretary with severe germophobia, happens to meet Kurose, a counselor, and ends up receiving personal counseling to help overcome his condition. As they proceed through a therapy that involves clearing ten specific steps one by one, Shirotani gradually finds himself drawn to Kurose—but…?

A sensitive romance therapy between a blunt counselor and a germophobic company president’s secretary.

From Shinshokan Dear+ Comics “Ten Count Vol. 1”

The delicate way it’s portrayed and Kurose-kun’s choice of words are simply irresistible…!!

Due to a certain incident in his past, Shirotani’s germophobia has worsened, and he happens to cross paths with Kurose, a counselor. While interacting with him warily because of his blunt demeanor at their very first meeting, the calm, matter-of-fact responses somehow become amusing in their own way (＾＾). Even if you’re not particularly familiar with germophobia, you’ll find yourself drawn deeply into the world through the delicate choice of words, the expressive gazes, and the steady, composed progression of the story, making it a work you can take your time savoring as you read.

Blunt yet kind—the true source of that racing heartbeat

After being told by Kurose-kun at their very first meeting that he has germophobia, Shirotani begins writing down the steps they’ll take together to overcome it in a notebook and putting them into practice. Since Shirotani has never truly tried to cure himself before, he doesn’t know what he’s supposed to do. As Kurose-kun gently stays by his side and supports those feelings, Shirotani gradually finds himself drawn to him. However, because Shirotani is completely unaware of it,the true cause of his racing heart remains unknown. And that’s exactly what makes it so good…!! Shirotani’s blushing face is more than enough to enjoy a delicious bowl of plain white rice.（So cute…!!）

The suddenwithdrawal from Kurose-kun,and the overwhelming sense of loss that follows…

As they continue meeting every Saturday and working through the steps written in his notebook to overcome his symptoms, Shirotani is suddenly told by Kurose-kun that they should stop seeing each other. Unable to understand Kurose-kun’s true feelings, Shirotani decides to try carrying out the practice with other people as well—but even so, he can’t help wanting to see Kurose-kun. Caught in inner conflict and lingering frustration, the heartbreaking expression he shows at this point is simply irresistible. A must-see…!!

From the early exchanges where Shirotani is on full guard and prickly in his interactions, to the moment he finally opens his heart just a little—only to then be practicing the notebook’s steps with other people in an effort to overcome his condition—his mind ends up completely filled with Kurose-kun’s words and their past interactions. Volume 1 ends at a point that leaves you desperately wanting more, so I truly hope you’ll follow the story through in the subsequent volumes as well! It may even offer hints, encouragement, or a push to start again when facing something you struggle with yourself.