Ep 7. The Duel

Retsuko is continuously struggling to cope up with the challenges of her life. Her work life is already a mess, and she doesn't have any friends to share her thoughts with. However, things take a turn for the worse when she learns that her mother has fixed her with a date. Retsuko is already stressed out and can't keep up with the idea of an arranged meeting. She decides to go on a date and ends up meeting with a pushy and arrogant guy. Retsuko is annoyed by his demeanor and wants to escape the date. However, he challenges her to a karaoke duel.

Retsuko is now scared and doesn't want to face him. However, the guy threatens her that he will go to her mother and complain about her behavior. In addition to it, Retsuko's mother has already set this meeting up, and Retsuko doesn't want to ruin their relationship. So, she reluctantly agrees to the karaoke duel.

The next day, Retsuko prepares for the duel and practices her singing. She is aware that she's not a good singer, but she doesn't want to back down either. She's determined to do her best and not let her mother down. On the day of the duel, Retsuko and the guy meet at the karaoke bar. They both take turns to sing, and Retsuko starts picking up things about the guy's personality.

Retsuko realizes that the guy is too arrogant and self-centered. He only cares about himself and doesn't have any interest in Retsuko's life. She is disgusted by his behavior and decides to play dirty. Retsuko chooses a song that she knows she can sing perfectly- Death Metal. The song is too extreme and heavy for the guy, and he starts panicking. However, Retsuko continues to sing with her heart and soul and ends up winning the duel.

Retsuko is relieved and happy that it's over. She thinks that she can finally go back to her normal routine, but the guy starts pushing her buttons. Retsuko loses her cool and tells him everything that's on her mind. She even tells him how arrogant and rude he is and that she doesn't want to see him ever again.

Retsuko goes back home, and her mother invites her to talk about the date. Retsuko is afraid of her mother's reaction and tells her that everything went well. However, her mother can tell from her expressions that something is wrong. She tells Retsuko that it's okay not to like someone and that she doesn't need to worry about it. Retsuko is happy that her mother understands her and now feels relieved.

In the end, Retsuko realizes that it's okay not to be perfect. She learns that she can still strive to be the best version of herself and not let anyone bring her down. She is happy that she stood up for herself and feels empowered with her decision to end the date. Retsuko also learns the importance of communication and knows that she needs to be honest with herself and others.