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Introduction (Chapter 1/Episode 1)
The series begins about a month into Yuu Koito's first year of high school, with her struggling to choose a club, eventually joining the student council on her teacher's suggestion.
On her way to the student council building, an Old School Building near the main school building, and happens upon Touko Nanami, a second-year, getting a Love Confession from a fellow student. Touko gently turns down the boy's confession, saying that she doesn't intend to fall in love with anyone. After the confession, Touko asks Yuu to keep what she witnessed secret, leads her to the building and introduces herself.
Some time later, Yuu eats lunch with her friends, Akari Hyuga and Koyomi Kanou, and tells them about her meeting Touko, who's famous and well-respected at their school. Akari is a bit disappointed that the "cool sempai" Yuu mentioned isn't a male, since she has a crush on Oogaki, her senior in the basketball team. Yuu remembers that a boy asked her out on the day of their graduation from middle school, but she hasn't responded to him yet. She considered asking her friends for advice, but feels as though she can't.
At the student council room, Yuu serves tea to Touko and another girl —Touko's classmate, best friend, and fellow student council member, Sayaka Saeki. Sayaka mentions that at least ten students, both boys and girls, have confessed to Touko, and Touko, annoyed, says that none of them have any idea what they'd do if she said yes. Touko reiterates that none of their confessions have made her heart pound. Yuu is about to ask Touko for advice when a first-year, Seiji Maki, reports joining the student council.
At home, Yuu gets a text from the boy who confessed to her, asking for an answer. She texts a reply, apologizing for waiting so long and promising an answer tomorrow before going to bed.
The next day, Yuu reports to the student council early. Touko stops by and remarks that Sayaka will be absent. After briefly being distracted asking about Maki, Yuu tells Touko about the boy who confessed to her.
After hearing Yuu's story, Touko remarks that the boy must be serious if he waited over a month for Yuu's reply. Yuu describes him as someone she knew for three years, and often spoke with, but didn't feel anything "special" about, and so decides to turn him down. Touko reassures Yuu, saying that there's nothing wrong with her.
The boy calls at the agreed-upon time, and Touko holds Yuu's hand as she takes the call. Yuu turns the boy down with a simple, "I'm really sorry," and ends the call after a few words with the boy.
Yuu thanks Touko for her help but notices that Touko's hand is clasped to hers, sweating. Touko, observing that Yuu can't fall in love with anyone, declares that she's falling for Yuu.
On her way to the student council building, an Old School Building near the main school building, and happens upon Touko Nanami, a second-year, getting a Love Confession from a fellow student. Touko gently turns down the boy's confession, saying that she doesn't intend to fall in love with anyone. After the confession, Touko asks Yuu to keep what she witnessed secret, leads her to the building and introduces herself.
Some time later, Yuu eats lunch with her friends, Akari Hyuga and Koyomi Kanou, and tells them about her meeting Touko, who's famous and well-respected at their school. Akari is a bit disappointed that the "cool sempai" Yuu mentioned isn't a male, since she has a crush on Oogaki, her senior in the basketball team. Yuu remembers that a boy asked her out on the day of their graduation from middle school, but she hasn't responded to him yet. She considered asking her friends for advice, but feels as though she can't.
At the student council room, Yuu serves tea to Touko and another girl —Touko's classmate, best friend, and fellow student council member, Sayaka Saeki. Sayaka mentions that at least ten students, both boys and girls, have confessed to Touko, and Touko, annoyed, says that none of them have any idea what they'd do if she said yes. Touko reiterates that none of their confessions have made her heart pound. Yuu is about to ask Touko for advice when a first-year, Seiji Maki, reports joining the student council.
At home, Yuu gets a text from the boy who confessed to her, asking for an answer. She texts a reply, apologizing for waiting so long and promising an answer tomorrow before going to bed.
The next day, Yuu reports to the student council early. Touko stops by and remarks that Sayaka will be absent. After briefly being distracted asking about Maki, Yuu tells Touko about the boy who confessed to her.
After hearing Yuu's story, Touko remarks that the boy must be serious if he waited over a month for Yuu's reply. Yuu describes him as someone she knew for three years, and often spoke with, but didn't feel anything "special" about, and so decides to turn him down. Touko reassures Yuu, saying that there's nothing wrong with her.
The boy calls at the agreed-upon time, and Touko holds Yuu's hand as she takes the call. Yuu turns the boy down with a simple, "I'm really sorry," and ends the call after a few words with the boy.
Yuu thanks Touko for her help but notices that Touko's hand is clasped to hers, sweating. Touko, observing that Yuu can't fall in love with anyone, declares that she's falling for Yuu.
Student Council Elections (Chapter 2-5/Episode 2-3)
While in the bath at home, Yuu thinks back to just after the call. After making her declaration, Touko lets go of Yuu's hand and apologized for saying what she had.
Some time later, Kuze, the outgoing Student Council President, holds a celebration in which he hands off his duties. Sayaka chides Kuze, saying it's hardly appropriate for him to walk back in after barely doing anything for a semester. Kuze greets the new recruits, Yuu and Maki, and the latter expresses an interest in becoming a student council officer. Kuze's fairly confident that Touko will succeed him as president, and if she does, that Maki will get a spot. While Touko says nothing's set in stone, Sayaka mentions that Touko was the face of the student council, so she'll probably get elected, and Sayaka is content to support Touko. Touko then asks Yuu to become her campaign manager.
Yuu talks with her friends about her responsibilities —handing out fliers, making posters, and giving a campaign speech— the last of which is the largest. Less than confident about her qualifications, Yuu wonders why Touko didn't choose Sayaka, the second-ranked student in their grade after Touko herself.
Touko plays volleyball in gym class, showing off her athletic prowess, and takes a break to find Sayaka sitting sullenly on the sidelines. Sayaka is bitter about Touko not choosing her as her campaign manager, but while Touko apologizes, she stands by her decision, since Yuu is capable, and because a first-year's endorsement will mean a lot. Sayaka's a bit skeptical, especially when Touko proposes making Yuu an officer if she wins, but nevertheless wins the game together with Touko in an effective display of teamwork. Touko asks if something like this could come between them, and Sayaka says no, insisting that Touko win. Touko promises to do so and offers to make Sayaka her vice-president.
Some time later, Sayaka gives Yuu a draft of a campaign speech, claiming that it's incomplete, but Yuu can refer to it when she makes her own speech. Yuu contends that Sayaka would be better, and Sayaka doesn't disagree but says Touko has made her decision and asks Yuu to treat her well.
Yuu and Touko walk home and briefly discuss Touko's campaign and future plans before Yuu changes the subject to ask about what Touko said to her after her phone call. As Yuu dismisses the possibility of them falling in love, Touko suddenly turns around and kisses her as a train passes by behind them.
After a campaign meeting, Touko apologizes to Yuu for kissing her, only to find that Yuu doesn't really mind, and accepts Touko's request to work on the campaign as friends. Yuu ponders about how she didn't feel anything— positive or negative— about the stolen kiss.
Touko and Yuu work on their campaign. Yuu stops by the faculty office to get a stamp, and overhears two teachers talking about Touko's candidacy, and how they're sure "she" must be happy about it.
Touko and Yuu accept an interview, then are photographed with the other candidates and campaign managers. Yuu holds hands with Touko, and bitterly notes that unlike her, Touko knows what it's like to feel that someone's special to her.
The next day, after school, Touko and Yuu meet in a cafe owned by a woman named Miyako Kodama. After Miyako brings them their orders, Touko tells Yuu that she isn't going to ask to go out with her, merely to keep loving Yuu without Yuu returning her feelings. Yuu, despite being confused, agrees to the request.
On the way home, Yuu and Touko talk about the future. Just before the point at which their routes home diverge, Touko instead continues following Yuu, wanting to buy a book for when she goes on a trip for Golden Week with her parents. To Touko's surprise, the bookstore she stops in happens to be owned by Yuu's family, since it bears her maternal grandmother's family name. Touko's a bit nervous to meet Yuu's family but composes herself as Yuu introduces Touko to her mother.
At dinner, Yuu's family— her parents, her grandmother, and her older sister Rei— discuss Touko. Rei asks if Yuu brought home a boyfriend, but is told that her sempai was a girl, prompting her father to joke that he wouldn't have been able to take it if her friend had been a girl. Yuu doesn't say anything to that, but her father's words bother her.
For Golden Week, Yuu, Akari, and Koyomi go out with their mutual friend, Natsuki Sonomura, who went to a different high school. They go shopping, play at an arcade and see a romance movie together. While they're discussing the movie, Natsuki gets annoyed at how long it took the main couple to confess and asks Akari whether she's confessed to Oogaki. Akari says that Oogaki rejected her, causing Natsuki to regret choosing a romance movie. Akari, however, is fine with it, saying that Oogaki simply wants to focus on basketball, so she may eventually have a chance.
On the last day of Golden Week, Touko returns from her trip and stops by Yuu's family bookstore, despite it being far from her house. She gives Yuu a souvenir— a mobile planetarium that projects stars onto the ceiling— and says that she dropped by because she wanted to see Yuu.
Yuu turns out the lights, turns on the mobile planetarium, and wonders why Touko likes her so much. She's briefly interrupted when Rei barges in to get the phone charger, then hopes that someday, she'll "reach the stars" and fall in love.
Yuu soon finishes her speech but is unwilling to commit to joining the student council. Her friends remark that Yuu is hesitant to join things, but is eager and performs well once she does, so they're sure she'll be a good fit.
Inside the gymnasium, the candidates and their campaign managers prepare for their speeches. Sayaka comes by to tease Touko, and when asked, says that she believes Touko won't fail at a time like this. Feeling uneasy, Yuu speaks to Riko Hakozaki, her literature teacher, and asks to go outside for a moment, asking Touko to follow her there.
Touko and Yuu discuss how they're feeling about the speech, and Touko notices that Yuu asked to come outside for her sake. Yuu, suspecting that Touko won't confide in her easily, starts to go back inside, but Touko catches her by the sleeve, her arm trembling. Touko ruefully remarks that her distress is more obvious than she thought, but when Yuu suggests talking to Sayaka or one of Touko's other friends, Touko forcefully says no, since they believe in her.
Touko reveals that when she was young, she had mediocre grades, few friends, and a timid personality. She said that one day, she realized that had to change, and she worked hard to become the person she is today. When Yuu asks what the catalyst for that change was, Touko refuses to answer the question, simply saying that she can't go back to the way she was before, even if Yuu's seen that vulnerable side of her.
Yuu expresses disbelief at Touko's last statement, saying that she's seen Touko's imperfections ever since they first met, so this display is nothing new. Touko, touched, spends a while with Yuu, who begins to realize why she's so special to Touko.
Yuu comes up to give her campaign speech. As she speaks, she has Internal Monologue about how she's learned that Touko is a weak person who's trying to be strong, and who doesn't rely on anyone besides Yuu. On the spur of the moment, Yuu says that she wants to work for Touko, having realized that as competent as Touko is, there are ways Yuu can help Touko. Touko then takes her turn to speak, remarking about how kind Yuu is.
Soon afterward, the results come in, and Touko wins the election. Overcome with joy, she glomps Yuu and says she loves her, until Sayaka convinces Touko to give Yuu space. Yuu thinks about how she became close to Touko, but that at the time, being close to Touko would force her to give up something else.
Some time later, Kuze, the outgoing Student Council President, holds a celebration in which he hands off his duties. Sayaka chides Kuze, saying it's hardly appropriate for him to walk back in after barely doing anything for a semester. Kuze greets the new recruits, Yuu and Maki, and the latter expresses an interest in becoming a student council officer. Kuze's fairly confident that Touko will succeed him as president, and if she does, that Maki will get a spot. While Touko says nothing's set in stone, Sayaka mentions that Touko was the face of the student council, so she'll probably get elected, and Sayaka is content to support Touko. Touko then asks Yuu to become her campaign manager.
Yuu talks with her friends about her responsibilities —handing out fliers, making posters, and giving a campaign speech— the last of which is the largest. Less than confident about her qualifications, Yuu wonders why Touko didn't choose Sayaka, the second-ranked student in their grade after Touko herself.
Touko plays volleyball in gym class, showing off her athletic prowess, and takes a break to find Sayaka sitting sullenly on the sidelines. Sayaka is bitter about Touko not choosing her as her campaign manager, but while Touko apologizes, she stands by her decision, since Yuu is capable, and because a first-year's endorsement will mean a lot. Sayaka's a bit skeptical, especially when Touko proposes making Yuu an officer if she wins, but nevertheless wins the game together with Touko in an effective display of teamwork. Touko asks if something like this could come between them, and Sayaka says no, insisting that Touko win. Touko promises to do so and offers to make Sayaka her vice-president.
Some time later, Sayaka gives Yuu a draft of a campaign speech, claiming that it's incomplete, but Yuu can refer to it when she makes her own speech. Yuu contends that Sayaka would be better, and Sayaka doesn't disagree but says Touko has made her decision and asks Yuu to treat her well.
Yuu and Touko walk home and briefly discuss Touko's campaign and future plans before Yuu changes the subject to ask about what Touko said to her after her phone call. As Yuu dismisses the possibility of them falling in love, Touko suddenly turns around and kisses her as a train passes by behind them.
After a campaign meeting, Touko apologizes to Yuu for kissing her, only to find that Yuu doesn't really mind, and accepts Touko's request to work on the campaign as friends. Yuu ponders about how she didn't feel anything— positive or negative— about the stolen kiss.
Touko and Yuu work on their campaign. Yuu stops by the faculty office to get a stamp, and overhears two teachers talking about Touko's candidacy, and how they're sure "she" must be happy about it.
Touko and Yuu accept an interview, then are photographed with the other candidates and campaign managers. Yuu holds hands with Touko, and bitterly notes that unlike her, Touko knows what it's like to feel that someone's special to her.
The next day, after school, Touko and Yuu meet in a cafe owned by a woman named Miyako Kodama. After Miyako brings them their orders, Touko tells Yuu that she isn't going to ask to go out with her, merely to keep loving Yuu without Yuu returning her feelings. Yuu, despite being confused, agrees to the request.
On the way home, Yuu and Touko talk about the future. Just before the point at which their routes home diverge, Touko instead continues following Yuu, wanting to buy a book for when she goes on a trip for Golden Week with her parents. To Touko's surprise, the bookstore she stops in happens to be owned by Yuu's family, since it bears her maternal grandmother's family name. Touko's a bit nervous to meet Yuu's family but composes herself as Yuu introduces Touko to her mother.
At dinner, Yuu's family— her parents, her grandmother, and her older sister Rei— discuss Touko. Rei asks if Yuu brought home a boyfriend, but is told that her sempai was a girl, prompting her father to joke that he wouldn't have been able to take it if her friend had been a girl. Yuu doesn't say anything to that, but her father's words bother her.
For Golden Week, Yuu, Akari, and Koyomi go out with their mutual friend, Natsuki Sonomura, who went to a different high school. They go shopping, play at an arcade and see a romance movie together. While they're discussing the movie, Natsuki gets annoyed at how long it took the main couple to confess and asks Akari whether she's confessed to Oogaki. Akari says that Oogaki rejected her, causing Natsuki to regret choosing a romance movie. Akari, however, is fine with it, saying that Oogaki simply wants to focus on basketball, so she may eventually have a chance.
On the last day of Golden Week, Touko returns from her trip and stops by Yuu's family bookstore, despite it being far from her house. She gives Yuu a souvenir— a mobile planetarium that projects stars onto the ceiling— and says that she dropped by because she wanted to see Yuu.
Yuu turns out the lights, turns on the mobile planetarium, and wonders why Touko likes her so much. She's briefly interrupted when Rei barges in to get the phone charger, then hopes that someday, she'll "reach the stars" and fall in love.
Yuu soon finishes her speech but is unwilling to commit to joining the student council. Her friends remark that Yuu is hesitant to join things, but is eager and performs well once she does, so they're sure she'll be a good fit.
Inside the gymnasium, the candidates and their campaign managers prepare for their speeches. Sayaka comes by to tease Touko, and when asked, says that she believes Touko won't fail at a time like this. Feeling uneasy, Yuu speaks to Riko Hakozaki, her literature teacher, and asks to go outside for a moment, asking Touko to follow her there.
Touko and Yuu discuss how they're feeling about the speech, and Touko notices that Yuu asked to come outside for her sake. Yuu, suspecting that Touko won't confide in her easily, starts to go back inside, but Touko catches her by the sleeve, her arm trembling. Touko ruefully remarks that her distress is more obvious than she thought, but when Yuu suggests talking to Sayaka or one of Touko's other friends, Touko forcefully says no, since they believe in her.
Touko reveals that when she was young, she had mediocre grades, few friends, and a timid personality. She said that one day, she realized that had to change, and she worked hard to become the person she is today. When Yuu asks what the catalyst for that change was, Touko refuses to answer the question, simply saying that she can't go back to the way she was before, even if Yuu's seen that vulnerable side of her.
Yuu expresses disbelief at Touko's last statement, saying that she's seen Touko's imperfections ever since they first met, so this display is nothing new. Touko, touched, spends a while with Yuu, who begins to realize why she's so special to Touko.
Yuu comes up to give her campaign speech. As she speaks, she has Internal Monologue about how she's learned that Touko is a weak person who's trying to be strong, and who doesn't rely on anyone besides Yuu. On the spur of the moment, Yuu says that she wants to work for Touko, having realized that as competent as Touko is, there are ways Yuu can help Touko. Touko then takes her turn to speak, remarking about how kind Yuu is.
Soon afterward, the results come in, and Touko wins the election. Overcome with joy, she glomps Yuu and says she loves her, until Sayaka convinces Touko to give Yuu space. Yuu thinks about how she became close to Touko, but that at the time, being close to Touko would force her to give up something else.
Touko's Proposal (Chapter 6-13/Episode 4-7)
Touko arrives at school and meets up with Sayaka, excited that she can finally begin a personal project of hers.
As class ends, Yuu notices that Koyomi is writing something. Soon afterward, Touko arrives and loudly calls out to Yuu, much to her embarrassment.
The two walk to the student council room together, where they see Sayaka, Maki, and Suguru Doujima, a first-year whom Kuze recommended to the student council. Doujima's flippant attitude toward his work doesn't impress Sayaka, although Touko reminds her that since Kuze delegated his work to others, he's a good judge of talent.
Touko introduces herself and Sayaka, then tells the student council that they will be busy during school events, especially the culture festival. Touko then uses that to segue into what she wanted to say— that she plans to revive the school play. According to her, the student council used to put on a play at the culture festival, working in collaboration with the other clubs for the props and costumes they needed. Since the school lacked a drama club, the student council starred in the play. The play became a yearly tradition until it went on hiatus seven years ago.
While Doujima is enthusiastic about the play, Maki worries that it's a bit too much work, and Yuu says that she didn't sign on for a play. Touko says that this was just a proposal, and offers to talk more about it later.
Doujima asks about Yuu's reasons for joining the student council, and Yuu admits to making her campaign speech remark without thinking, much to Sayaka's annoyance. Maki says that he used to be on a sports team, but instead of playing, he helped out behind the scenes and found he had a knack for that sort of thing. The fact that he doesn't seek the spotlight is part of the reason why he's not as keen on the idea of a play. After stumbling on some old student council scripts, Yuu innocently asks why the student council stopped putting on a play seven years ago, but doesn't get an answer.
Sayaka, Doujima and Maki head home, while Touko and Yuu stay behind. Ostensibly, both want to use the laptop for homework, only for them to claim they don't need it. Touko asks to kiss Yuu, much to Yuu's surprise, since Touko had previously been content with just falling in love with Yuu, but Touko replies that her feelings had changed. Yuu agrees, despite not loving Touko, prompting Touko to tease her, and they kiss.
Maki witnesses the kiss, and runs away, while Yuu notices that Maki left his pencil case behind. The next day, Yuu returns the pencil case to Maki. He thanks her and asks about what she did with Touko, but she insists that they only did homework together.
At the student council room, Touko and Sayaka try to convince Yuu to do the play, only to find that she's still firmly against it. Yuu is surprised that Touko and Sayaka are so confident about acting, and Touko claims that she'd be fine with even a leading role. Even though Yuu believes that Touko is obviously lying, she concludes that Touko would be a natural when it comes to acting. Touko proves similarly evasive when asked about her reasons for putting on a play, saying that she wants to make the one culture festival she presides over a success.
As Touko continues to try to persuade Yuu, Doujima notices Maki spacing out and asks him which of the student council girls is his type. Maki, however, claims that he isn't interested in romance at all.
Maki accompanies Sayaka to the reference room. Sayaka is disappointed that both he and Yuu are against it, but Maki clarifies that he isn't as firmly against it as Yuu is. Maki asks if Touko is fond of Yuu, and Sayaka, annoyed, says she doesn't see why. Maki asks if Sayaka is jealous, and Sayaka denies it, claiming that Touko will eventually get over the joy of having a kohai.
Outside, Yuu tries to recruit Maki to make a united effort to stop the play, but Maki suspects that Touko and Sayaka have already worked on it for a while. Maki asks Yuu if she gets along with Touko, prompting Yuu to vaguely claim that they get along, but have only known each other for a month. Maki then gets to the point, asking if Yuu and Touko are going out.
Yuu panics at the idea of rumors spreading and destroying Touko's reputation, and insists that Maki not talk about it, since Touko has enough to worry about. Maki is intrigued that Yuu is more worried about Touko than herself, but accepts. According to Maki, he has enjoyed watching other people's romances more than being in one himself. When one of his classmates confessed to him, he didn't feel anything, likening it to an actress falling in love with an audience member.
Maki warns Yuu to be more careful, then muses that he suspects that Touko's interest in Yuu may not be Unrequited Love after all, considering how much Yuu worries about her. As Maki leaves, a flustered Yuu protests that it's "a normal reaction."
The student council takes a break for midterms. Maki asks Yuu if she'll see Touko until the student council reconvenes, but Yuu says no. In class, she thinks about what Maki said and concludes that she's only worried about Touko because she knows about her vulnerability, and she'd do the same for anyone else.
Koyomi falls Asleep in Class, prompting the teacher to bop her on the head and Yuu to realize that Koyomi doesn't usually do that. It turns out that Koyomi has finished a draft of a novel, and wants Yuu's opinion on it. Yuu eagerly agrees to read it.
As school lets out, neither of Yuu's friends is interested in studying with her— Akari cheerfully doubts it will do much good, while Koyomi is sleep-deprived— so Yuu asks to go with Maki. Maki almost agrees, but backs out when he sees Touko walking up to study with Yuu. Yuu studies with Touko, but insists that anyone would have sufficed. Touko, however, is happy to be with Yuu, prompting Yuu to reflect on how, whether by choice or not, she's with Touko.
Yuu and Touko continue studying in the library for a few days, until one day when they see that it's already too full for them to sit together. Yuu then invites Touko to her home. Once at the Koito home, Touko meets Yuu's mother and sister again, as well as Rei's boyfriend Hiro. Yuu sends Touko upstairs to her room while she gets cheesecake. Touko relaxes in Yuu's room, before noticing that Yuu has the planetarium.
When Yuu comes back with the cheesecake that Rei baked, Touko asks about Hiro and finds that he's on good terms with Rei's family. Touko enjoys the cheesecake, and Yuu offers to thank Rei for her.
Yuu notices that Touko seems distracted, and leans in close. Touko claims that it's because she's in Yuu's bedroom, and offers to let Yuu take her pulse. Touko warns Yuu to be more cautious, lest someone else fall in love with her, like Maki, but Yuu denies the possibility. Touko, however, isn't quite reassured, since she knows that Yuu doesn't feel the same way about her that she does, but Yuu insists that she'll be there for Touko, which Touko says is one of Yuu's most endearing characteristics.
Touko goes home, and as the Koito family has dinner with Hiro, Yuu wishes her heart would choose for her.
The student council gets back together after midterms, with the first-years comparing their results. Touko is happy to see Yuu again, a happiness Yuu wishes she could share.
The student council resumes discussing the play and finds that they're missing one important thing— a script. Their usual source, the literature club, is more focused on reading than writing, so the student council will have to look elsewhere. Sayaka suggests that they could adapt an existing story as a last resort, but Touko decides to ask the first-years first. Doujima and Maki deny knowing anyone and, after a brief pause, Yuu does the same. Sayaka gives Yuu a knowing look, having realized that Yuu does, in fact, know a possible script writer.
After school, Yuu looks over Koyomi's work, and thinks that she'd be a good choice for a script writer, but is hesitant to recommend her, for Touko's sake. Sayaka then seeks out Yuu, and after asking about the script, confronts her about deliberately refusing to refer Koyomi to the student council. Since the student council wouldn't have forced Koyomi to write the script, Sayaka asks if this is about Touko. Yuu unconvincingly says that she thinks that Touko would be perfect for the lead role, and Sayaka pretends to agree, before asking if Yuu really thought Sayaka would fall for Touko's act. Sayaka says that she knows that Touko, despite seeming confident, is struggling to bear the pressure. Despite that, Sayaka also knows that Touko's where she wants to be in order to achieve her goals, and is offended that Yuu would undermine her efforts. Sayaka then tells Yuu that the reason behind Touko's efforts relates to the Student Council President from seven years ago. Yuu asks if Sayaka worries about Touko, but Sayaka insists that Touko will be fine with Sayaka at her side.
Touko meets up with her homeroom teacher, who tells her that the student council president from seven years ago was Mio Nanami, Touko's older sister. Yuu mentions that Touko had said she was an only child, and the teacher says that it's true now; Mio died in an accident seven years ago, which was what caused the play to be put on hold. The teacher describes Mio as a popular and well-respected student, and claims Touko takes after her in that regard. Yuu mentally disagrees, knowing that Touko is a weak person who worked hard to become stronger.
Yuu asks to walk home with Touko, who agrees. When they reach the stepping stones by the river, Yuu asks Touko about her desire to become like her sister, and Touko confirms it, since she wants to do what Mio couldn't. Yuu asks if Touko has to go through all that trouble, since there are people who will accept her for who she is, but Touko refuses to hear it. She loved her sister, and mourned her loss, so she feels happy when people tell her that she's special, just like Mio. Touko tells Yuu that she appreciates Yuu letting her be herself, but she can't give up on her goal, and insists on doing the play, regardless of whether Yuu chooses to support her. Yuu's disheartened by her failure to get through to Touko, but knowing that Touko is lonely, resolves to support her, help her with the play, and never fall in love with her or anyone else. The two walk home Holding Hands, and Yuu remarks that she knows that she's lonely, too.
Koyomi asks Yuu what kind of person Touko is, hoping to learn more about the actors so she can write the characters that they will play. Yuu claims that Touko's true to her reputation as The Ace, but Koyomi says that such a perfect character would be "boring," and that good characters need flaws. Yuu knows about Touko's flaws, from her secret vulnerability to her endearing quirks, none of which she's prepared to tell Koyomi about.
As Koyomi gets annoyed at Yuu's reluctance to tell about Touko's flaws, they're interrupted by Akari begging Koyomi for tutoring in modern Japanese. As Akari tries to convince Koyomi to help her, and Riko to let her call her "Riko-sensei," Yuu checks her phone and sees that Touko has invited Koyomi to meet with them.
Elsewhere, Touko has just sent the message when Sayaka comes up to her, remarking about how easily Yuu changed her mind about the play, despite being the most opposed to it before. Touko remarks that Yuu is "kind," once again prompting Sayaka to jealously ask about why Touko is so interested in Yuu.
Touko has an Inner Monologue remarking that Sayaka's also kind, but in a different way from Yuu. Unlike Yuu, whom Touko trusts with her vulnerable side, Sayaka lets Touko have secrets, and as long as Touko is her perfect self, Sayaka doesn't ask any questions.
Touko, Sayaka, Yuu and Koyomi meet in Miyako's cafe. Miyako recognizes Touko from before, since Touko is a "cute girl," and Yuu confesses that she thought Miyako was a waitress. Touko thanks Koyomi for her help, and Koyomi says that this is a good opportunity to gain experience.
As the four girls are talking, Riko arrives, and Miyako greets her with a "Welcome back." Both she and her students are surprised to see each other, and Riko mentions that Miyako (whom she calls by her first name) is a friend of hers from college, and claims that the "welcome back" is because she's a regular. While Toomi East High School doesn't forbid students from making stops on the way home, Riko insists that the four girls not get home too late, implying that she's less than happy that they frequent Miyako's establishment.
After Riko leaves, Yuu mentions that Riko is her modern Japanese teacher, while Touko says that she's the deputy advisor for the student council. The student council is mostly independent, so the actual advisor, Yuu's homeroom teacher, never comes to the office. Sayaka then glances over to see Riko sitting at the counter, across from Miyako.
The meeting adjourns, and Touko notices that something's on Yuu's mind. Yuu recalls how she wasn't sure how to answer Koyomi's question about what sort of person Touko was, and Touko immediately understands why. Touko notes that Yuu and Koyomi seem close, and Yuu mentions that she's been friends with Koyomi since middle school, although she only just found out that Koyomi's a writer.
Touko then asks permission to call Yuu by her first name, since until now, Touko had called Yuu "Koito-san" most of the time. Yuu remarks that Touko had already called Yuu by her first name (as she did when in a playful or flirty mood), but Touko says that she's asking about doing it in front of everyone else. Yuu nonchalantly agrees, saying there's nothing unusual about a sempai doing this for a kohai. Touko, emboldened, asks Yuu to call her by her first name, but ends up blushing when Yuu calls her "Touko-sempai," prompting Yuu to remark that Touko's aggressive about showing affection but shy about receiving it.
Inside an apartment, Miyako tells Riko that the bath is ready, and notices her looking for DVDs to lend to the student council for reference material. Miyako's surprised that Riko, a theater teacher at her previous school, choosing to help the student council, and Riko says the only reason she didn't say anything was becuase of Miyako's "welcome back," since she didn't want the students to ask her anything else or find out that they live together. Riko decides to work for a little while longer, while Miyako goes to bed, and Riko gives Miyako a good night kiss.
In class, a teacher decides to assign harder quizzes, hoping to break Touko and Sayaka's perfect streak. Touko and Sayaka's friends ask Sayaka if coming in second to Touko bothers her, but she says she's fine with that.
At the student council meeting, Sayaka's surprised to hear Touko call Yuu by her first name in front of others, and is grateful that Doujima took the initiative to ask about it in her stead. Touko tries to play it off as being "friendlier," but nonchalantly shoots down Doujima when he invites her to use his first name. Sayaka proposes calling Yuu by her first name, as if to show that doing so isn't special, but after Yuu says yes, Sayaka retracts the offer, saying that she didn't do that for her kouhais at her old school. Touko jokes that's just how things work at Sayaka's "rich" high school, a description that annoys Sayaka. Maki notices that Touko and Sayaka didn't go to the same middle school, and Touko replies that they met in high school. Yuu asks why Sayaka chose to transfer to Toomi East High School rather than advance to the high school division of Tomosumi, but Sayaka claims that the commute was inconvenient.
At home, Sayaka ponders Touko's closeness with Yuu. She tries to convince herself that they'll never get into a romantic relationship, but ends up thinking about Miyako and Riko.
Sayaka goes to Miyako's cafe by herself and sits down at the counter. She then asks whether Miyako and Riko are a couple, preemptively apologizing for overstepping her bounds. Miyako says yes, but hastily asks Sayaka not to tell Riko, lest Riko get upset for telling her. Sayaka's surprised that Miyako told her, and Riko remarks that at Sayaka's age, she thought she had to keep it secret, too. Miyako then asks if Sayaka has anyone she likes.
Sayaka recalls how an older girl at her middle school, Chie Yuzuki, confessed to her one day, and Sayaka accepted, despite finding it strange. The two enjoyed a Gay Romantic Phase for some time, even after Chie entered high school and the two didn't see each other nearly as often. One day, Chie suddenly broke up with Sayaka, claiming that they were no longer little kids, and shouldn't "play at dating," upsetting Sayaka. In response, Sayaka transferred to the coed Toomi East High School, and wanted to forget all about loving girls. That lasted until she met Touko, the one person who outdid her on the entrance exams, and it was Love at First Sight. Sayaka then decided that she was fine with loving girls.
After Sayaka finishes her story, without having referred to Touko by name, Miyako then asks what she likes about her. Sayaka replies that she likes Touko's beauty, work ethic and talent, soon apologizing for rambling. Sayaka admits to being jealous of Riko and Miyako for being in a relationship, since she knows that getting together with Touko is out of the question. Sayaka is worried that Touko isn't attracted to girls, and even more worried that Touko's current situation precludes romance. Sayaka believes that if she confesses to Touko, Touko would not only reject her, but also feel pressure, thus possibly risking her and Sayaka's friendship. Sayaka fears that this degree of restraint makes her a coward, but Miyako offers Sayaka a free cup of coffee, saying that by putting aside her feelings for the sake of Touko's wishes, she shows herself to be a true friend.
The results for the next quiz come back, and while Touko gets a perfect 10, Sayaka makes a mistake and gets a 9. Touko is elated, while Sayaka's content with the outcome, promising to pass Touko if she lets her guard down. Touko thanks Sayaka for being there for her, so that Touko will continue to put all her effort into school and student council work. Sayaka smiles, content with her relationship for now.
On a rainy early summer afternoon, Yuu recalls what Touko said back at the river when Akari meets up with her, an umbrella in tow. The two briefly talk about the preparations for the school play and the upcoming field day, until Akari notices that Oogaki doesn't have an umbrella, and Yuu lets her go home with him.
Yuu, lacking an umbrella to shield her from the rain, searches for someone with whom she can go home, but to no avail. She tries to use a loaner umbrella, but finds that none of them are in working condition. Yuu calls Rei, but Hiro picks up, informing her that the two of them are driving. Yuu, not wanting to interrupt their date, ends the call.
Yuu's resigned to not having anyone to walk home with when Touko arrives, having tried to call Yuu while she was on the phone earlier. As Touko walks with Yuu under the umbrella, Touko reminisces about how she once brought her sister an umbrella, but didn't think to bring one for herself. Yuu asks if Touko's house is far away, but Touko mentions that she lived in the area until- middle school, so they might have gone to the same middle school if Touko hadn't moved. Touko remarks that Yuu's the only one she's told about her childhood.
The two girls playfully argue about who should carry the umbrella, since Touko, at 163 cm tall, is at least ten centimeters taller than Yuu. As Yuu laughs, Touko remarks that this is the first time she's witnessed that, but while Yuu claims that Touko's causing her trouble, she mentally admits that she's having fun. The two stop under an awning so that they can dry off, and Touko notices that Yuu's good at taking care of people despite being a younger sister. Yuu notes that in a way, Touko came to her rescue that day, and the two sit at the bench for a while.
As class ends, Yuu notices that Koyomi is writing something. Soon afterward, Touko arrives and loudly calls out to Yuu, much to her embarrassment.
The two walk to the student council room together, where they see Sayaka, Maki, and Suguru Doujima, a first-year whom Kuze recommended to the student council. Doujima's flippant attitude toward his work doesn't impress Sayaka, although Touko reminds her that since Kuze delegated his work to others, he's a good judge of talent.
Touko introduces herself and Sayaka, then tells the student council that they will be busy during school events, especially the culture festival. Touko then uses that to segue into what she wanted to say— that she plans to revive the school play. According to her, the student council used to put on a play at the culture festival, working in collaboration with the other clubs for the props and costumes they needed. Since the school lacked a drama club, the student council starred in the play. The play became a yearly tradition until it went on hiatus seven years ago.
While Doujima is enthusiastic about the play, Maki worries that it's a bit too much work, and Yuu says that she didn't sign on for a play. Touko says that this was just a proposal, and offers to talk more about it later.
Doujima asks about Yuu's reasons for joining the student council, and Yuu admits to making her campaign speech remark without thinking, much to Sayaka's annoyance. Maki says that he used to be on a sports team, but instead of playing, he helped out behind the scenes and found he had a knack for that sort of thing. The fact that he doesn't seek the spotlight is part of the reason why he's not as keen on the idea of a play. After stumbling on some old student council scripts, Yuu innocently asks why the student council stopped putting on a play seven years ago, but doesn't get an answer.
Sayaka, Doujima and Maki head home, while Touko and Yuu stay behind. Ostensibly, both want to use the laptop for homework, only for them to claim they don't need it. Touko asks to kiss Yuu, much to Yuu's surprise, since Touko had previously been content with just falling in love with Yuu, but Touko replies that her feelings had changed. Yuu agrees, despite not loving Touko, prompting Touko to tease her, and they kiss.
Maki witnesses the kiss, and runs away, while Yuu notices that Maki left his pencil case behind. The next day, Yuu returns the pencil case to Maki. He thanks her and asks about what she did with Touko, but she insists that they only did homework together.
At the student council room, Touko and Sayaka try to convince Yuu to do the play, only to find that she's still firmly against it. Yuu is surprised that Touko and Sayaka are so confident about acting, and Touko claims that she'd be fine with even a leading role. Even though Yuu believes that Touko is obviously lying, she concludes that Touko would be a natural when it comes to acting. Touko proves similarly evasive when asked about her reasons for putting on a play, saying that she wants to make the one culture festival she presides over a success.
As Touko continues to try to persuade Yuu, Doujima notices Maki spacing out and asks him which of the student council girls is his type. Maki, however, claims that he isn't interested in romance at all.
Maki accompanies Sayaka to the reference room. Sayaka is disappointed that both he and Yuu are against it, but Maki clarifies that he isn't as firmly against it as Yuu is. Maki asks if Touko is fond of Yuu, and Sayaka, annoyed, says she doesn't see why. Maki asks if Sayaka is jealous, and Sayaka denies it, claiming that Touko will eventually get over the joy of having a kohai.
Outside, Yuu tries to recruit Maki to make a united effort to stop the play, but Maki suspects that Touko and Sayaka have already worked on it for a while. Maki asks Yuu if she gets along with Touko, prompting Yuu to vaguely claim that they get along, but have only known each other for a month. Maki then gets to the point, asking if Yuu and Touko are going out.
Yuu panics at the idea of rumors spreading and destroying Touko's reputation, and insists that Maki not talk about it, since Touko has enough to worry about. Maki is intrigued that Yuu is more worried about Touko than herself, but accepts. According to Maki, he has enjoyed watching other people's romances more than being in one himself. When one of his classmates confessed to him, he didn't feel anything, likening it to an actress falling in love with an audience member.
Maki warns Yuu to be more careful, then muses that he suspects that Touko's interest in Yuu may not be Unrequited Love after all, considering how much Yuu worries about her. As Maki leaves, a flustered Yuu protests that it's "a normal reaction."
The student council takes a break for midterms. Maki asks Yuu if she'll see Touko until the student council reconvenes, but Yuu says no. In class, she thinks about what Maki said and concludes that she's only worried about Touko because she knows about her vulnerability, and she'd do the same for anyone else.
Koyomi falls Asleep in Class, prompting the teacher to bop her on the head and Yuu to realize that Koyomi doesn't usually do that. It turns out that Koyomi has finished a draft of a novel, and wants Yuu's opinion on it. Yuu eagerly agrees to read it.
As school lets out, neither of Yuu's friends is interested in studying with her— Akari cheerfully doubts it will do much good, while Koyomi is sleep-deprived— so Yuu asks to go with Maki. Maki almost agrees, but backs out when he sees Touko walking up to study with Yuu. Yuu studies with Touko, but insists that anyone would have sufficed. Touko, however, is happy to be with Yuu, prompting Yuu to reflect on how, whether by choice or not, she's with Touko.
Yuu and Touko continue studying in the library for a few days, until one day when they see that it's already too full for them to sit together. Yuu then invites Touko to her home. Once at the Koito home, Touko meets Yuu's mother and sister again, as well as Rei's boyfriend Hiro. Yuu sends Touko upstairs to her room while she gets cheesecake. Touko relaxes in Yuu's room, before noticing that Yuu has the planetarium.
When Yuu comes back with the cheesecake that Rei baked, Touko asks about Hiro and finds that he's on good terms with Rei's family. Touko enjoys the cheesecake, and Yuu offers to thank Rei for her.
Yuu notices that Touko seems distracted, and leans in close. Touko claims that it's because she's in Yuu's bedroom, and offers to let Yuu take her pulse. Touko warns Yuu to be more cautious, lest someone else fall in love with her, like Maki, but Yuu denies the possibility. Touko, however, isn't quite reassured, since she knows that Yuu doesn't feel the same way about her that she does, but Yuu insists that she'll be there for Touko, which Touko says is one of Yuu's most endearing characteristics.
Touko goes home, and as the Koito family has dinner with Hiro, Yuu wishes her heart would choose for her.
The student council gets back together after midterms, with the first-years comparing their results. Touko is happy to see Yuu again, a happiness Yuu wishes she could share.
The student council resumes discussing the play and finds that they're missing one important thing— a script. Their usual source, the literature club, is more focused on reading than writing, so the student council will have to look elsewhere. Sayaka suggests that they could adapt an existing story as a last resort, but Touko decides to ask the first-years first. Doujima and Maki deny knowing anyone and, after a brief pause, Yuu does the same. Sayaka gives Yuu a knowing look, having realized that Yuu does, in fact, know a possible script writer.
After school, Yuu looks over Koyomi's work, and thinks that she'd be a good choice for a script writer, but is hesitant to recommend her, for Touko's sake. Sayaka then seeks out Yuu, and after asking about the script, confronts her about deliberately refusing to refer Koyomi to the student council. Since the student council wouldn't have forced Koyomi to write the script, Sayaka asks if this is about Touko. Yuu unconvincingly says that she thinks that Touko would be perfect for the lead role, and Sayaka pretends to agree, before asking if Yuu really thought Sayaka would fall for Touko's act. Sayaka says that she knows that Touko, despite seeming confident, is struggling to bear the pressure. Despite that, Sayaka also knows that Touko's where she wants to be in order to achieve her goals, and is offended that Yuu would undermine her efforts. Sayaka then tells Yuu that the reason behind Touko's efforts relates to the Student Council President from seven years ago. Yuu asks if Sayaka worries about Touko, but Sayaka insists that Touko will be fine with Sayaka at her side.
Touko meets up with her homeroom teacher, who tells her that the student council president from seven years ago was Mio Nanami, Touko's older sister. Yuu mentions that Touko had said she was an only child, and the teacher says that it's true now; Mio died in an accident seven years ago, which was what caused the play to be put on hold. The teacher describes Mio as a popular and well-respected student, and claims Touko takes after her in that regard. Yuu mentally disagrees, knowing that Touko is a weak person who worked hard to become stronger.
Yuu asks to walk home with Touko, who agrees. When they reach the stepping stones by the river, Yuu asks Touko about her desire to become like her sister, and Touko confirms it, since she wants to do what Mio couldn't. Yuu asks if Touko has to go through all that trouble, since there are people who will accept her for who she is, but Touko refuses to hear it. She loved her sister, and mourned her loss, so she feels happy when people tell her that she's special, just like Mio. Touko tells Yuu that she appreciates Yuu letting her be herself, but she can't give up on her goal, and insists on doing the play, regardless of whether Yuu chooses to support her. Yuu's disheartened by her failure to get through to Touko, but knowing that Touko is lonely, resolves to support her, help her with the play, and never fall in love with her or anyone else. The two walk home Holding Hands, and Yuu remarks that she knows that she's lonely, too.
Koyomi asks Yuu what kind of person Touko is, hoping to learn more about the actors so she can write the characters that they will play. Yuu claims that Touko's true to her reputation as The Ace, but Koyomi says that such a perfect character would be "boring," and that good characters need flaws. Yuu knows about Touko's flaws, from her secret vulnerability to her endearing quirks, none of which she's prepared to tell Koyomi about.
As Koyomi gets annoyed at Yuu's reluctance to tell about Touko's flaws, they're interrupted by Akari begging Koyomi for tutoring in modern Japanese. As Akari tries to convince Koyomi to help her, and Riko to let her call her "Riko-sensei," Yuu checks her phone and sees that Touko has invited Koyomi to meet with them.
Elsewhere, Touko has just sent the message when Sayaka comes up to her, remarking about how easily Yuu changed her mind about the play, despite being the most opposed to it before. Touko remarks that Yuu is "kind," once again prompting Sayaka to jealously ask about why Touko is so interested in Yuu.
Touko has an Inner Monologue remarking that Sayaka's also kind, but in a different way from Yuu. Unlike Yuu, whom Touko trusts with her vulnerable side, Sayaka lets Touko have secrets, and as long as Touko is her perfect self, Sayaka doesn't ask any questions.
Touko, Sayaka, Yuu and Koyomi meet in Miyako's cafe. Miyako recognizes Touko from before, since Touko is a "cute girl," and Yuu confesses that she thought Miyako was a waitress. Touko thanks Koyomi for her help, and Koyomi says that this is a good opportunity to gain experience.
As the four girls are talking, Riko arrives, and Miyako greets her with a "Welcome back." Both she and her students are surprised to see each other, and Riko mentions that Miyako (whom she calls by her first name) is a friend of hers from college, and claims that the "welcome back" is because she's a regular. While Toomi East High School doesn't forbid students from making stops on the way home, Riko insists that the four girls not get home too late, implying that she's less than happy that they frequent Miyako's establishment.
After Riko leaves, Yuu mentions that Riko is her modern Japanese teacher, while Touko says that she's the deputy advisor for the student council. The student council is mostly independent, so the actual advisor, Yuu's homeroom teacher, never comes to the office. Sayaka then glances over to see Riko sitting at the counter, across from Miyako.
The meeting adjourns, and Touko notices that something's on Yuu's mind. Yuu recalls how she wasn't sure how to answer Koyomi's question about what sort of person Touko was, and Touko immediately understands why. Touko notes that Yuu and Koyomi seem close, and Yuu mentions that she's been friends with Koyomi since middle school, although she only just found out that Koyomi's a writer.
Touko then asks permission to call Yuu by her first name, since until now, Touko had called Yuu "Koito-san" most of the time. Yuu remarks that Touko had already called Yuu by her first name (as she did when in a playful or flirty mood), but Touko says that she's asking about doing it in front of everyone else. Yuu nonchalantly agrees, saying there's nothing unusual about a sempai doing this for a kohai. Touko, emboldened, asks Yuu to call her by her first name, but ends up blushing when Yuu calls her "Touko-sempai," prompting Yuu to remark that Touko's aggressive about showing affection but shy about receiving it.
Inside an apartment, Miyako tells Riko that the bath is ready, and notices her looking for DVDs to lend to the student council for reference material. Miyako's surprised that Riko, a theater teacher at her previous school, choosing to help the student council, and Riko says the only reason she didn't say anything was becuase of Miyako's "welcome back," since she didn't want the students to ask her anything else or find out that they live together. Riko decides to work for a little while longer, while Miyako goes to bed, and Riko gives Miyako a good night kiss.
In class, a teacher decides to assign harder quizzes, hoping to break Touko and Sayaka's perfect streak. Touko and Sayaka's friends ask Sayaka if coming in second to Touko bothers her, but she says she's fine with that.
At the student council meeting, Sayaka's surprised to hear Touko call Yuu by her first name in front of others, and is grateful that Doujima took the initiative to ask about it in her stead. Touko tries to play it off as being "friendlier," but nonchalantly shoots down Doujima when he invites her to use his first name. Sayaka proposes calling Yuu by her first name, as if to show that doing so isn't special, but after Yuu says yes, Sayaka retracts the offer, saying that she didn't do that for her kouhais at her old school. Touko jokes that's just how things work at Sayaka's "rich" high school, a description that annoys Sayaka. Maki notices that Touko and Sayaka didn't go to the same middle school, and Touko replies that they met in high school. Yuu asks why Sayaka chose to transfer to Toomi East High School rather than advance to the high school division of Tomosumi, but Sayaka claims that the commute was inconvenient.
At home, Sayaka ponders Touko's closeness with Yuu. She tries to convince herself that they'll never get into a romantic relationship, but ends up thinking about Miyako and Riko.
Sayaka goes to Miyako's cafe by herself and sits down at the counter. She then asks whether Miyako and Riko are a couple, preemptively apologizing for overstepping her bounds. Miyako says yes, but hastily asks Sayaka not to tell Riko, lest Riko get upset for telling her. Sayaka's surprised that Miyako told her, and Riko remarks that at Sayaka's age, she thought she had to keep it secret, too. Miyako then asks if Sayaka has anyone she likes.
Sayaka recalls how an older girl at her middle school, Chie Yuzuki, confessed to her one day, and Sayaka accepted, despite finding it strange. The two enjoyed a Gay Romantic Phase for some time, even after Chie entered high school and the two didn't see each other nearly as often. One day, Chie suddenly broke up with Sayaka, claiming that they were no longer little kids, and shouldn't "play at dating," upsetting Sayaka. In response, Sayaka transferred to the coed Toomi East High School, and wanted to forget all about loving girls. That lasted until she met Touko, the one person who outdid her on the entrance exams, and it was Love at First Sight. Sayaka then decided that she was fine with loving girls.
After Sayaka finishes her story, without having referred to Touko by name, Miyako then asks what she likes about her. Sayaka replies that she likes Touko's beauty, work ethic and talent, soon apologizing for rambling. Sayaka admits to being jealous of Riko and Miyako for being in a relationship, since she knows that getting together with Touko is out of the question. Sayaka is worried that Touko isn't attracted to girls, and even more worried that Touko's current situation precludes romance. Sayaka believes that if she confesses to Touko, Touko would not only reject her, but also feel pressure, thus possibly risking her and Sayaka's friendship. Sayaka fears that this degree of restraint makes her a coward, but Miyako offers Sayaka a free cup of coffee, saying that by putting aside her feelings for the sake of Touko's wishes, she shows herself to be a true friend.
The results for the next quiz come back, and while Touko gets a perfect 10, Sayaka makes a mistake and gets a 9. Touko is elated, while Sayaka's content with the outcome, promising to pass Touko if she lets her guard down. Touko thanks Sayaka for being there for her, so that Touko will continue to put all her effort into school and student council work. Sayaka smiles, content with her relationship for now.
On a rainy early summer afternoon, Yuu recalls what Touko said back at the river when Akari meets up with her, an umbrella in tow. The two briefly talk about the preparations for the school play and the upcoming field day, until Akari notices that Oogaki doesn't have an umbrella, and Yuu lets her go home with him.
Yuu, lacking an umbrella to shield her from the rain, searches for someone with whom she can go home, but to no avail. She tries to use a loaner umbrella, but finds that none of them are in working condition. Yuu calls Rei, but Hiro picks up, informing her that the two of them are driving. Yuu, not wanting to interrupt their date, ends the call.
Yuu's resigned to not having anyone to walk home with when Touko arrives, having tried to call Yuu while she was on the phone earlier. As Touko walks with Yuu under the umbrella, Touko reminisces about how she once brought her sister an umbrella, but didn't think to bring one for herself. Yuu asks if Touko's house is far away, but Touko mentions that she lived in the area until- middle school, so they might have gone to the same middle school if Touko hadn't moved. Touko remarks that Yuu's the only one she's told about her childhood.
The two girls playfully argue about who should carry the umbrella, since Touko, at 163 cm tall, is at least ten centimeters taller than Yuu. As Yuu laughs, Touko remarks that this is the first time she's witnessed that, but while Yuu claims that Touko's causing her trouble, she mentally admits that she's having fun. The two stop under an awning so that they can dry off, and Touko notices that Yuu's good at taking care of people despite being a younger sister. Yuu notes that in a way, Touko came to her rescue that day, and the two sit at the bench for a while.
Field Day(Chapter 14-16/Episode 8-9)
The student council practices to prepare for the club relay race in the field day. Most of them are performing adequately, but Yuu and Sayaka are having trouble passing the baton and blame each other, prompting Touko to ask them to practice more later. Doujima seems to think that Yuu doesn't get along with Sayaka, but Yuu denies it. During class, Yuu thinks about how Sayaka may be the only person besides herself who knows about Touko's vulnerability.
After school, a teacher asks Touko to stay behind, leaving Yuu and Sayaka alone. Yuu asks Sayaka if they should practice, but Sayaka dismissively refers to the club race as "a game." Yuu's surprised that Sayaka isn't more serious about it, but Sayaka contends that she knows what's worth taking seriously and what isn't. Sayaka is about to say goodbye to Yuu when Yuu invites Sayaka out to fast food.
At a stand-in for McDonald's, Yuu asks Sayaka if this is her first time in a fast food establishment, and Sayaka, annoyed, says no. Despite having attended a private all-girls school, Sayaka still went out to fast food and karaoke with her friends.
Sayaka then gets to the point, and asks if Yuu invited her out because they don't get along, a description that Yuu doesn't exactly like. Yuu observes that Sayaka is less lighthearted than she thought, prompting Sayaka to reply that Yuu is ruder than she expected, but mentally noting that she doesn't dislike Yuu's straightforwardness.
Yuu asks Sayaka if she really wants to do the play, and Sayaka says she's ambivalent, but wants to do it because that's what Touko wants. Yuu asks if Sayaka likes Touko, and Sayaka says yes, since Touko is her closest friend. Sayaka asks the same thing of Yuu, who's less certain of her answer, saying that Touko is her sempai. Sayaka simply concludes that's how far the relationship goes for the two of them.
As the two leave, they discuss the importance of the play to Touko, as a way of finishing the last thing her sister left behind, and wonder what will happen once it finishes. Yuu asks if Touko will stop putting on an act once the play is finished, but Sayaka doubts that's what Touko wants. Nevertheless, both girls wonder what will happen if Touko chooses to be herself- Sayaka believes she might be able to confess to Touko, while Yuu doesn't know what will happen to her.
Practice resumes and Touko manages to pass the baton to Sayaka. As Touko congratulates them, they, having gotten a bit closer, complain about how fixated Touko is on the relay race.
As preparations for the field day continue, Sayaka sends Yuu on an errand to get last year's banner from the storehouse. Yuu retrieves it, but on her way out, sees Touko, who steps inside the storehouse and shuts the door behind her. Touko, starved for affection after having so little "alone time" with Yuu, asks to kiss Yuu, who says yes, but pushes her away once she's had enough. Touko then makes a deal with Yuu- if Touko behaves herself until the field day is over, Yuu will kiss Touko.
The field day comes, and the student council helps oversee the events. Akari and Koyomi meet up with Yuu and Doujima, with Yuu introducing them.
Koyomi sits down with Akari and Doujima, and mentions that she's still having trouble with Touko's character, since Yuu hasn't given her enough information. While Akari proposes that Touko might be the same way on the inside that she is on the outside, Koyomi then reaches an epiphany- Touko's inscrutability could be the core of her character.
Elsewhere, Yuu and Maki finish an errand, then go to get drinks. Maki asks Yuu if she's lonely without Touko, and Yuu reiterates that she isn't in love with Touko, because she can't love anyone. Maki suggests that Yuu might be like him, and shares about how viewing people in love is like watching a movie. Yuu asks if it makes him feel lonely, but Maki says no. Maki asks if Yuu is lonely, and she says that she was for a while, since she was different from everyone else she knew, but Touko helped her understand that feeling this way is normal. Yuu leaves, thanking Maki for the opportunity to talk with someone like her, but Maki realizes that Yuu is lonely, even if she doesn't admit it. Yuu then thinks about the reward she promised Touko.
Miyako arrives at the field day, and meets Sayaka at the gate. She admits that she came to make fun of the unathletic Riko, much to Sayaka's annoyance. Sayaka says goodbye to Miyako and rejoins Touko, prompting Miyako to realize that Sayaka loves Touko, and she's likely to have her heart broken.
Touko gives a pep talk to the student council team, only to find that Sayaka and Yuu are unenthusiastic, lacking interest and confidence in their chances, respectively. At that point, Serizawa, captain of the basketball team, shows up to taunt Touko. As Akari puts it, the two girls are rivals who seem to get along surprisingly well. Akari also expresses disappointment over not getting to pass Oogaki the baton, but Touko and Serizawa break up the conversation, not wanting their clubmates to "fraternize" with the enemy.
The relay race begins. Yuu hands off the baton to Sayaka without a hitch, and cheers on Touko as she brings it home. In the end, the student council places third, to Touko's comical disappointment.
Yuu seems distracted for the rest of the field day, and eventually meets Touko in the storage building, where Touko holds her to her promise. Yuu is unable to bring herself to kiss Touko, resulting in Touko breaking her own promise and doing it to Yuu. Touko apologizes, but Yuu says it feels good, and the two exchange kisses. As Yuu kisses and holds Touko, she thinks about everything she loves about Touko. She feels a heartbeat, and assumes it's Touko's, since she believes it's too fast to be her own.
After school, a teacher asks Touko to stay behind, leaving Yuu and Sayaka alone. Yuu asks Sayaka if they should practice, but Sayaka dismissively refers to the club race as "a game." Yuu's surprised that Sayaka isn't more serious about it, but Sayaka contends that she knows what's worth taking seriously and what isn't. Sayaka is about to say goodbye to Yuu when Yuu invites Sayaka out to fast food.
At a stand-in for McDonald's, Yuu asks Sayaka if this is her first time in a fast food establishment, and Sayaka, annoyed, says no. Despite having attended a private all-girls school, Sayaka still went out to fast food and karaoke with her friends.
Sayaka then gets to the point, and asks if Yuu invited her out because they don't get along, a description that Yuu doesn't exactly like. Yuu observes that Sayaka is less lighthearted than she thought, prompting Sayaka to reply that Yuu is ruder than she expected, but mentally noting that she doesn't dislike Yuu's straightforwardness.
Yuu asks Sayaka if she really wants to do the play, and Sayaka says she's ambivalent, but wants to do it because that's what Touko wants. Yuu asks if Sayaka likes Touko, and Sayaka says yes, since Touko is her closest friend. Sayaka asks the same thing of Yuu, who's less certain of her answer, saying that Touko is her sempai. Sayaka simply concludes that's how far the relationship goes for the two of them.
As the two leave, they discuss the importance of the play to Touko, as a way of finishing the last thing her sister left behind, and wonder what will happen once it finishes. Yuu asks if Touko will stop putting on an act once the play is finished, but Sayaka doubts that's what Touko wants. Nevertheless, both girls wonder what will happen if Touko chooses to be herself- Sayaka believes she might be able to confess to Touko, while Yuu doesn't know what will happen to her.
Practice resumes and Touko manages to pass the baton to Sayaka. As Touko congratulates them, they, having gotten a bit closer, complain about how fixated Touko is on the relay race.
As preparations for the field day continue, Sayaka sends Yuu on an errand to get last year's banner from the storehouse. Yuu retrieves it, but on her way out, sees Touko, who steps inside the storehouse and shuts the door behind her. Touko, starved for affection after having so little "alone time" with Yuu, asks to kiss Yuu, who says yes, but pushes her away once she's had enough. Touko then makes a deal with Yuu- if Touko behaves herself until the field day is over, Yuu will kiss Touko.
The field day comes, and the student council helps oversee the events. Akari and Koyomi meet up with Yuu and Doujima, with Yuu introducing them.
Koyomi sits down with Akari and Doujima, and mentions that she's still having trouble with Touko's character, since Yuu hasn't given her enough information. While Akari proposes that Touko might be the same way on the inside that she is on the outside, Koyomi then reaches an epiphany- Touko's inscrutability could be the core of her character.
Elsewhere, Yuu and Maki finish an errand, then go to get drinks. Maki asks Yuu if she's lonely without Touko, and Yuu reiterates that she isn't in love with Touko, because she can't love anyone. Maki suggests that Yuu might be like him, and shares about how viewing people in love is like watching a movie. Yuu asks if it makes him feel lonely, but Maki says no. Maki asks if Yuu is lonely, and she says that she was for a while, since she was different from everyone else she knew, but Touko helped her understand that feeling this way is normal. Yuu leaves, thanking Maki for the opportunity to talk with someone like her, but Maki realizes that Yuu is lonely, even if she doesn't admit it. Yuu then thinks about the reward she promised Touko.
Miyako arrives at the field day, and meets Sayaka at the gate. She admits that she came to make fun of the unathletic Riko, much to Sayaka's annoyance. Sayaka says goodbye to Miyako and rejoins Touko, prompting Miyako to realize that Sayaka loves Touko, and she's likely to have her heart broken.
Touko gives a pep talk to the student council team, only to find that Sayaka and Yuu are unenthusiastic, lacking interest and confidence in their chances, respectively. At that point, Serizawa, captain of the basketball team, shows up to taunt Touko. As Akari puts it, the two girls are rivals who seem to get along surprisingly well. Akari also expresses disappointment over not getting to pass Oogaki the baton, but Touko and Serizawa break up the conversation, not wanting their clubmates to "fraternize" with the enemy.
The relay race begins. Yuu hands off the baton to Sayaka without a hitch, and cheers on Touko as she brings it home. In the end, the student council places third, to Touko's comical disappointment.
Yuu seems distracted for the rest of the field day, and eventually meets Touko in the storage building, where Touko holds her to her promise. Yuu is unable to bring herself to kiss Touko, resulting in Touko breaking her own promise and doing it to Yuu. Touko apologizes, but Yuu says it feels good, and the two exchange kisses. As Yuu kisses and holds Touko, she thinks about everything she loves about Touko. She feels a heartbeat, and assumes it's Touko's, since she believes it's too fast to be her own.
Preparing for the Play (Chapter 17-22/Episode 10-12)
Touko dreams about winning a game of rock-paper-scissors against Mio, who goes out on an errand (strongly implied to be just before Mio's death), then wakes up as she hears sirens. She discusses the dream with her friends, and Sayaka proposes that it's a memory Touko often revisits.
Koyomi has finished her script of the play, which has no title, but is less than confident about it. Yuu gives a copy to Touko, who notices that Yuu seems unusually distant, and promises to show more restraint.
Yuu and Touko read over the play's basic concept. A high school girl gets into an accident and wakes up in the hospital without her memory. Three people who know her- a family member, a friend and a lover- all offer different perspectives on her, and the protagonist doesn't know which is real. The protagonist must then choose one of three roles to play, lest her life have no meaning. Both Yuu and Touko realize that the character has many similarities with Touko herself.
Not long after, Yuu and Touko arrive at school near the start of Tanabata. Touko wishes for the play to be a success, but Yuu isn't sure what she wants.
The student council has Koyomi come over for a meeting to discuss the script, since while Koyomi had certain members in mind for each role, she didn't include that information in the script, so that the student council members could read it without being influenced by that knowledge. Touko correctly guesses that she's the lead, and Koyomi adds that Yuu is the nurse, Maki is the protagonist's younger brother and Doujima is the protagonist's classmate.
Touko concludes, by process of elimination, that Sayaka is the protagonist's lover. Koyomi chose Sayaka based on her friendship with Touko, and rumors about them being like a married couple. Sayaka wonders if Koyomi knows about Sayaka's feelings for Touko.
Riko arrives and informs Touko that her proposal for a training camp has been approved. The student council will stay in a boarding house on campus for two nights and spend time practicing for the play.
Touko and Yuu go out for donut holes and discuss the play and training camp. Touko promises to behave herself, especially since Sayaka will be around, since she doesn't want Yuu to hate her. Yuu realizes that she doesn't have the initiative to make a move of her own.
Riko calls Tomoyuki Ichigaya, an acquaintance, to help teach the student council how to play their parts during the training camp. Ichigaya is initially reluctant to teach amateurs but changes his mind and agrees to come the moment he hears Riko mention Touko's name.
The next day, Yuu puts up a blank piece of paper up on the tree, unable to express what she really wants.
Summer break arrives, and Yuu spends her time playing video games and watching the store. Yuu eventually goes for a run and encounters Natsuki for the first time since Golden Week. The two run together and catch up on current events. Back at home, Rei's annoyed that Yuu took her slippers, and disappointed to hear that Yuu went out with Natsuki, not Touko.
Yuu shops for pajamas with Natsuki, then goes to Miyako's cafe with her, somewhere Yuu didn't typically go before meeting Touko. Natsuki notices how close Yuu is with Touko, whereupon Yuu complains about Touko pushing her around. Natsuki's rather amused about Yuu getting worked up with Touko, saying that it's the first time Yuu has ever been emotionally invested in something. Natsuki reminisces about when Yuu was on the softball team with her, describing her as reliable, yet dispassionate. Natsuki then admits that she considered asking Yuu to apply to the same high school, but decided against it. She concludes that she's glad to see Yuu get fed up over something, but mentally adds that she wishes it was over softball.
At the Nanami home, Touko talks about the training camp with her mother, when her father insists that she doesn't need to push herself to follow in Mio's footsteps. Touko then gets upset and takes her dinner to her room. Unable to concentrate on her homework, Touko calls Yuu, and the two end up happily conversing.
Ten days into summer vacation, the student council, plus Koyomi(who is commuting), arrive at the school for the training camp. They begin rehearsing the play, but Koyomi is less than satisfied with the ending- in which the protagonist chooses to become the person her lover saw her as- even if she doesn't know why. Yuu says that the ending makes sense, since the protagonist chose to be with her lover, and Touko asks Koyomi to give the others advance notice if she wants to change the ending.
The girls who are rooming together- Touko, Yuu and Sayaka- go in for a bath together. Sayaka's unease about taking a bath with Touko fades when she becomes jealous about her being alone with Touko. Yuu quickly undresses, not wanting to make things awkward by hesitating. After bathing, Touko takes a picture of Sayaka wearing glasses, while Yuu takes a picture of Touko, resulting in some horseplay until Riko calls for a lights out. Sayaka resists her urge to touch the sleeping Touko because Touko wouldn't let her get close again if she did that and because Yuu is around. Touko considers stealing a peek at a sleeping Yuu, and Yuu ponders touching Touko, but they refrain from doing so with Sayaka around. The three members of the Love Triangle are glad that they're all in this together.
The next day, Riko introduces Ichigaya to the student council. Touko walks up to speak with him, and after he mentions he was in the student council, recognizes him as her sister's classmate and fellow student council member. Ichigaya also remembers Touko, who was timid when she was younger and is pleasantly surprised by how far she's come. Sayaka overhears this conversation.
Ichigaya supervises the group in various exercises, and discusses prep work with them. He's impressed by Touko's work ethic, and casually remarks that he always thought student council presidents tended to delegate work to others. Touko immediately understands the significance of him saying that as a colleague of her sister, but before she can ask him about it, Riko asks him a question, and Doujima then inquires about whether Ichigaya is in a relationship with Riko.
As the sun sets, Ichigaya goes home for the day, but Touko walks with him, asking about what he said earlier. Ichigaya reveals that Mio delegated all her student council work, save for the fun parts, to her officers, and even asked them to do her summer homework for her. Ichigaya says this with a certain fondness for Mio, but Touko protests that the Mio she knew was different. Ichigaya says that Touko is much better at being president than Mio is, and the two of them are nothing alike, not realizing that Touko's putting on an act. He then leaves Touko with much to think about.
Night falls, and the student council plays with fireworks that Riko gave Miyako. Touko remains somewhat distant from Yuu, since she appreciates Yuu's kindness but doesn't trust herself not to take advantage of it. Sayaka sits down with Touko, and notices that something is bothering Touko. Sayaka asks about Touko and Ichigaya's conversation, and says that she knows about Touko's sister. Touko tells Sayaka about how she's realized that Mio may not be the person that she knew, and while Sayaka apologizes for prying, Touko is grateful that Sayaka knows.
The next morning, the student council rehearses the play, and Touko has an emotional breakdown while reciting the line in which her character realizes that no one, herself included, knows the "real" her.
While on a break, Sayaka and Yuu go shopping together. Yuu becomes concerned about Touko's change of attitude, and is frustrated when Sayaka blows her off, saying that Touko will eventually be better off, and this is none of Yuu's concern.
The group reconvenes and continues rehearsing, but Ichigaya notices that Touko isn't quite as passionate as she was that morning. Yuu asks Koyomi if she still wants to change the ending, but Koyomi claims that it's good as-is.
The training camp ends, and Touko and Yuu walk home together. Before they split up, Yuu invites Touko to her home. Touko refuses, but Yuu insists, asking Touko what she's so afraid of, since Yuu kept the promises she made. Touko then agrees. coming to Yuu's room and placing her head on Yuu's lap as they enjoy popsicles together.
Touko then tells Yuu about her conversation with Ichigaya, and why it's troubling her- if the sister she knew was a fake, she doesn't know who she should try to be. Despite that, Touko insists that she has to become her sister, since she believes that there's no point to being herself.
Touko reminds Yuu not to fall in love with her, and when Yuu agrees, says why- Touko hates herself, and can't love someone who loves what Touko hates. Yuu sees Touko off to the station, but then breaks down and angrily calls Touko an idiot once she's out of earshot, since Yuu has come to love Touko.
That night, Yuu calls Koyomi and asks her to write an ending in which the protagonist doesn't have to choose any of her three personas. She realizes that she's selfishly defying Touko's wishes, but nevertheless wants Touko to change.
Koyomi has finished her script of the play, which has no title, but is less than confident about it. Yuu gives a copy to Touko, who notices that Yuu seems unusually distant, and promises to show more restraint.
Yuu and Touko read over the play's basic concept. A high school girl gets into an accident and wakes up in the hospital without her memory. Three people who know her- a family member, a friend and a lover- all offer different perspectives on her, and the protagonist doesn't know which is real. The protagonist must then choose one of three roles to play, lest her life have no meaning. Both Yuu and Touko realize that the character has many similarities with Touko herself.
Not long after, Yuu and Touko arrive at school near the start of Tanabata. Touko wishes for the play to be a success, but Yuu isn't sure what she wants.
The student council has Koyomi come over for a meeting to discuss the script, since while Koyomi had certain members in mind for each role, she didn't include that information in the script, so that the student council members could read it without being influenced by that knowledge. Touko correctly guesses that she's the lead, and Koyomi adds that Yuu is the nurse, Maki is the protagonist's younger brother and Doujima is the protagonist's classmate.
Touko concludes, by process of elimination, that Sayaka is the protagonist's lover. Koyomi chose Sayaka based on her friendship with Touko, and rumors about them being like a married couple. Sayaka wonders if Koyomi knows about Sayaka's feelings for Touko.
Riko arrives and informs Touko that her proposal for a training camp has been approved. The student council will stay in a boarding house on campus for two nights and spend time practicing for the play.
Touko and Yuu go out for donut holes and discuss the play and training camp. Touko promises to behave herself, especially since Sayaka will be around, since she doesn't want Yuu to hate her. Yuu realizes that she doesn't have the initiative to make a move of her own.
Riko calls Tomoyuki Ichigaya, an acquaintance, to help teach the student council how to play their parts during the training camp. Ichigaya is initially reluctant to teach amateurs but changes his mind and agrees to come the moment he hears Riko mention Touko's name.
The next day, Yuu puts up a blank piece of paper up on the tree, unable to express what she really wants.
Summer break arrives, and Yuu spends her time playing video games and watching the store. Yuu eventually goes for a run and encounters Natsuki for the first time since Golden Week. The two run together and catch up on current events. Back at home, Rei's annoyed that Yuu took her slippers, and disappointed to hear that Yuu went out with Natsuki, not Touko.
Yuu shops for pajamas with Natsuki, then goes to Miyako's cafe with her, somewhere Yuu didn't typically go before meeting Touko. Natsuki notices how close Yuu is with Touko, whereupon Yuu complains about Touko pushing her around. Natsuki's rather amused about Yuu getting worked up with Touko, saying that it's the first time Yuu has ever been emotionally invested in something. Natsuki reminisces about when Yuu was on the softball team with her, describing her as reliable, yet dispassionate. Natsuki then admits that she considered asking Yuu to apply to the same high school, but decided against it. She concludes that she's glad to see Yuu get fed up over something, but mentally adds that she wishes it was over softball.
At the Nanami home, Touko talks about the training camp with her mother, when her father insists that she doesn't need to push herself to follow in Mio's footsteps. Touko then gets upset and takes her dinner to her room. Unable to concentrate on her homework, Touko calls Yuu, and the two end up happily conversing.
Ten days into summer vacation, the student council, plus Koyomi(who is commuting), arrive at the school for the training camp. They begin rehearsing the play, but Koyomi is less than satisfied with the ending- in which the protagonist chooses to become the person her lover saw her as- even if she doesn't know why. Yuu says that the ending makes sense, since the protagonist chose to be with her lover, and Touko asks Koyomi to give the others advance notice if she wants to change the ending.
The girls who are rooming together- Touko, Yuu and Sayaka- go in for a bath together. Sayaka's unease about taking a bath with Touko fades when she becomes jealous about her being alone with Touko. Yuu quickly undresses, not wanting to make things awkward by hesitating. After bathing, Touko takes a picture of Sayaka wearing glasses, while Yuu takes a picture of Touko, resulting in some horseplay until Riko calls for a lights out. Sayaka resists her urge to touch the sleeping Touko because Touko wouldn't let her get close again if she did that and because Yuu is around. Touko considers stealing a peek at a sleeping Yuu, and Yuu ponders touching Touko, but they refrain from doing so with Sayaka around. The three members of the Love Triangle are glad that they're all in this together.
The next day, Riko introduces Ichigaya to the student council. Touko walks up to speak with him, and after he mentions he was in the student council, recognizes him as her sister's classmate and fellow student council member. Ichigaya also remembers Touko, who was timid when she was younger and is pleasantly surprised by how far she's come. Sayaka overhears this conversation.
Ichigaya supervises the group in various exercises, and discusses prep work with them. He's impressed by Touko's work ethic, and casually remarks that he always thought student council presidents tended to delegate work to others. Touko immediately understands the significance of him saying that as a colleague of her sister, but before she can ask him about it, Riko asks him a question, and Doujima then inquires about whether Ichigaya is in a relationship with Riko.
As the sun sets, Ichigaya goes home for the day, but Touko walks with him, asking about what he said earlier. Ichigaya reveals that Mio delegated all her student council work, save for the fun parts, to her officers, and even asked them to do her summer homework for her. Ichigaya says this with a certain fondness for Mio, but Touko protests that the Mio she knew was different. Ichigaya says that Touko is much better at being president than Mio is, and the two of them are nothing alike, not realizing that Touko's putting on an act. He then leaves Touko with much to think about.
Night falls, and the student council plays with fireworks that Riko gave Miyako. Touko remains somewhat distant from Yuu, since she appreciates Yuu's kindness but doesn't trust herself not to take advantage of it. Sayaka sits down with Touko, and notices that something is bothering Touko. Sayaka asks about Touko and Ichigaya's conversation, and says that she knows about Touko's sister. Touko tells Sayaka about how she's realized that Mio may not be the person that she knew, and while Sayaka apologizes for prying, Touko is grateful that Sayaka knows.
The next morning, the student council rehearses the play, and Touko has an emotional breakdown while reciting the line in which her character realizes that no one, herself included, knows the "real" her.
While on a break, Sayaka and Yuu go shopping together. Yuu becomes concerned about Touko's change of attitude, and is frustrated when Sayaka blows her off, saying that Touko will eventually be better off, and this is none of Yuu's concern.
The group reconvenes and continues rehearsing, but Ichigaya notices that Touko isn't quite as passionate as she was that morning. Yuu asks Koyomi if she still wants to change the ending, but Koyomi claims that it's good as-is.
The training camp ends, and Touko and Yuu walk home together. Before they split up, Yuu invites Touko to her home. Touko refuses, but Yuu insists, asking Touko what she's so afraid of, since Yuu kept the promises she made. Touko then agrees. coming to Yuu's room and placing her head on Yuu's lap as they enjoy popsicles together.
Touko then tells Yuu about her conversation with Ichigaya, and why it's troubling her- if the sister she knew was a fake, she doesn't know who she should try to be. Despite that, Touko insists that she has to become her sister, since she believes that there's no point to being herself.
Touko reminds Yuu not to fall in love with her, and when Yuu agrees, says why- Touko hates herself, and can't love someone who loves what Touko hates. Yuu sees Touko off to the station, but then breaks down and angrily calls Touko an idiot once she's out of earshot, since Yuu has come to love Touko.
That night, Yuu calls Koyomi and asks her to write an ending in which the protagonist doesn't have to choose any of her three personas. She realizes that she's selfishly defying Touko's wishes, but nevertheless wants Touko to change.
Revising the Play (Chapter 23-28/Episode 13-?)
Touko and her parents visit the family grave. Touko reaffirms her resolve to do what her sister couldn't, but doesn't know what she'll do after that.
Yuu visits Koyomi, and discusses the original ending to the play- the protagonist chooses to be the verison of herself that she was around her lover- and says that if she chooses to let the past dictate her future, she would be discarding her present self and allowing the past to determine her future. Koyomi agrees, saying that the events of the play have to determine the outcome, but is rather annoyed that she couldn't realize this on her own. Koyomi promises to try to change the ending, but can't guarantee that the student council will go along with it, and says Yuu's character will have more lines. Yuu considers going to see Touko, but doesn't think she can reach out.
After Yuu and Koyomi spend some time working on the play in Miyako's cafe, Touko and Sayaka come in. They discuss Touko's plans for the Obon festival, including Touko visiting Mio's grave. Sayaka asks Touko what kind of person Mio was, but Touko says she can only tell about the side of Mio she saw. Sayaka says that side of her was real, and asks Touko to tell her more.
Touko parts ways with Sayaka, and is once again tormented by her doubts about the future. Feeling lonely, Touko composes a text to Yuu, "I miss you," but Yuu sends Touko an invitation to hang out before Touko can hit the send button. Touko smiles, then sends her text.
Yuu invites Touko to the aquarium, where they enjoy seeing various exhibits and getting wet while watching the dolphin show. Touko enthusiastically expresses a desire to go to all sorts of places with Yuu. Yuu remarks about how easily Touko says that she loves Yuu, and Touko replies that it's because it makes her feel better. As far as Touko knows, Mio never fell in love, so the part of Touko that loves Yuu belongs to Touko. Yuu notices the inherent contradiction in that thought, which Touko herself acknowledges. The two enjoy the rest of the aquarium and buy matching charms.
Meanwhile, Koyomi is working hard on the play, but takes a break to attend an autograph session by her favorite author, Hayashi Renma. Koyomi runs into Maki outside, and they talk about Renma. Koyomi is eventually called in to see Renma... who turns out to be a woman with a masculine pen name. Koyomi is so shocked that she can barely say anything to Renma during her allotted time.
Afterward, Koyomi texts Maki, who asks if she's "disappointed" to learn about Renma's gender, but Koyomi insists that she isn't. Shortly afterward, Maki asks if she's "broken-hearted." Koyomi, taken aback, vehemently says no, and is determined to prove that her admiration for Renma is more than a childish crush. After finishing her script, she sends a fan letter to Renma, thanking her for the autograph session and resolving to get onto the short list of the contest Renma is judging, so that Renma will read her work. Her ultimate goal is to stand alongside Renma as a fellow novelist. She then informs Yuu that the play, now titled, "I Only Know You," is finished.
School resumes, and Koyomi shows the student council the revised play. In the new ending, the nurse convinces the protagonist to stay true to her current self; the protagonist agrees and tells each of her visitors about her decision. Maki, Riko and Doujima all support the new script, much to Yuu and Koyomi's delight.
Touko, however, prefers the old script, saying that it was good enough and they had already rehearsed for the old version. She turns to Sayaka, expecting her to agree, only to find that Sayaka supports the new script. Since the majority of the student council supports the new script, they decide to go with the change.
While Sayaka and Yuu do administrative work, Sayaka asks Yuu if she was involved with the new script, and Yuu says yes, since she wasn't happy with the original ending. Yuu says that she knew Touko "was projecting herself onto" the protagonist, and says she hopes Touko would someday stop trying to be her sister. Yuu admits that this is selfish, and Sayaka concurs. Yuu, however, asks why Sayaka chose to support the new script. Before Sayaka can answer, Doujima walks in, interrupting them.
After returning home, Sayaka ponders Yuu's question. Sayaka knew that Touko wanted her to speak out against the new script, but she supported it anyway. Sayaka realizes that both she and Yuu wanted Touko to change, but only Yuu was brave enough to take the step. Sayaka had been satisfied with being Touko's closest friend, and afraid of losing that bond, which was why she was unable to take the step Yuu had.
The next day, Sayaka meets with Yuu, apologizing for their conversation being interrupted. She asks Yuu if she loves Touko, but while Yuu hesitates, Sayaka says, "I do, you know," with a smile on her face and vows to make the play a success. Touko, however, is less than happy.
The student council works on preparations for the culture festival, and hears that the basketball team will sell basketball-shaped takoyaki. Akari eagerly mentions working the same shift as Oogaki, with Oogaki and Serizawa in earshot.
The student council continues to rehearse, but Touko asks to go home by herself. Yuu and Doujima stop by the basketball team on an errand, and see Akari crying. The two argue about who should reach out to her, prompting Akari to cheer up enough to talk to them.
Akari recalls that Serizawa asked her to swap shifts so that Serizawa could work alongside Oogaki. Akari casually asked if Serizawa had a crush on Oogaki, only to find that the two had secretly been going out for a year, even when Oogaki claimed he didn't have a girlfriend. Doujima is furious about Oogaki's dishonesty after Akari had the courage to confess to him, and sets out to exact retribution on Oogaki, but Yuu stops him. Akari thanks Doujima for getting mad on her behalf, and says that she's come to terms with her feelings not being requited. She then comforts Yuu, who seems troubled.
Meanwhile, Touko thinks about how close she is to becoming Mio, and is bitter that Yuu seems to be telling her that she's wrong.
The student council continues to rehearse, but Ichigaya notices that Touko's performance reflects her unwillingness to accept the new script or her character's choices.
The preparations continue, and Sayaka offers to help lighten Touko's workload. Touko is grateful, but calls Sayaka out on supporting the new script. Sayaka stands by her decision, saying that the new ending is better, and that it was "written for (Touko's) sake," but Touko cuts her off, concluding that Sayaka and Yuu think she's wrong.
Touko has Yuu come to the school roof, and asks to kiss her, not knowing any other way to show that she's herself. Yuu refuses, saying that she doesn't mind Touko kissing her or expressing her love, but doesn't want to hear Touko say she's nothing, or that her only worth is as a copy of her sister. Yuu adds that none of Touko's friends know Mio, and that if Touko became like her sister, it's because of Touko's own efforts. Touko still considers herself "an empty shell," but for the first time, wants to believe what Yuu is saying.
Yuu visits Koyomi, and discusses the original ending to the play- the protagonist chooses to be the verison of herself that she was around her lover- and says that if she chooses to let the past dictate her future, she would be discarding her present self and allowing the past to determine her future. Koyomi agrees, saying that the events of the play have to determine the outcome, but is rather annoyed that she couldn't realize this on her own. Koyomi promises to try to change the ending, but can't guarantee that the student council will go along with it, and says Yuu's character will have more lines. Yuu considers going to see Touko, but doesn't think she can reach out.
After Yuu and Koyomi spend some time working on the play in Miyako's cafe, Touko and Sayaka come in. They discuss Touko's plans for the Obon festival, including Touko visiting Mio's grave. Sayaka asks Touko what kind of person Mio was, but Touko says she can only tell about the side of Mio she saw. Sayaka says that side of her was real, and asks Touko to tell her more.
Touko parts ways with Sayaka, and is once again tormented by her doubts about the future. Feeling lonely, Touko composes a text to Yuu, "I miss you," but Yuu sends Touko an invitation to hang out before Touko can hit the send button. Touko smiles, then sends her text.
Yuu invites Touko to the aquarium, where they enjoy seeing various exhibits and getting wet while watching the dolphin show. Touko enthusiastically expresses a desire to go to all sorts of places with Yuu. Yuu remarks about how easily Touko says that she loves Yuu, and Touko replies that it's because it makes her feel better. As far as Touko knows, Mio never fell in love, so the part of Touko that loves Yuu belongs to Touko. Yuu notices the inherent contradiction in that thought, which Touko herself acknowledges. The two enjoy the rest of the aquarium and buy matching charms.
Meanwhile, Koyomi is working hard on the play, but takes a break to attend an autograph session by her favorite author, Hayashi Renma. Koyomi runs into Maki outside, and they talk about Renma. Koyomi is eventually called in to see Renma... who turns out to be a woman with a masculine pen name. Koyomi is so shocked that she can barely say anything to Renma during her allotted time.
Afterward, Koyomi texts Maki, who asks if she's "disappointed" to learn about Renma's gender, but Koyomi insists that she isn't. Shortly afterward, Maki asks if she's "broken-hearted." Koyomi, taken aback, vehemently says no, and is determined to prove that her admiration for Renma is more than a childish crush. After finishing her script, she sends a fan letter to Renma, thanking her for the autograph session and resolving to get onto the short list of the contest Renma is judging, so that Renma will read her work. Her ultimate goal is to stand alongside Renma as a fellow novelist. She then informs Yuu that the play, now titled, "I Only Know You," is finished.
School resumes, and Koyomi shows the student council the revised play. In the new ending, the nurse convinces the protagonist to stay true to her current self; the protagonist agrees and tells each of her visitors about her decision. Maki, Riko and Doujima all support the new script, much to Yuu and Koyomi's delight.
Touko, however, prefers the old script, saying that it was good enough and they had already rehearsed for the old version. She turns to Sayaka, expecting her to agree, only to find that Sayaka supports the new script. Since the majority of the student council supports the new script, they decide to go with the change.
While Sayaka and Yuu do administrative work, Sayaka asks Yuu if she was involved with the new script, and Yuu says yes, since she wasn't happy with the original ending. Yuu says that she knew Touko "was projecting herself onto" the protagonist, and says she hopes Touko would someday stop trying to be her sister. Yuu admits that this is selfish, and Sayaka concurs. Yuu, however, asks why Sayaka chose to support the new script. Before Sayaka can answer, Doujima walks in, interrupting them.
After returning home, Sayaka ponders Yuu's question. Sayaka knew that Touko wanted her to speak out against the new script, but she supported it anyway. Sayaka realizes that both she and Yuu wanted Touko to change, but only Yuu was brave enough to take the step. Sayaka had been satisfied with being Touko's closest friend, and afraid of losing that bond, which was why she was unable to take the step Yuu had.
The next day, Sayaka meets with Yuu, apologizing for their conversation being interrupted. She asks Yuu if she loves Touko, but while Yuu hesitates, Sayaka says, "I do, you know," with a smile on her face and vows to make the play a success. Touko, however, is less than happy.
The student council works on preparations for the culture festival, and hears that the basketball team will sell basketball-shaped takoyaki. Akari eagerly mentions working the same shift as Oogaki, with Oogaki and Serizawa in earshot.
The student council continues to rehearse, but Touko asks to go home by herself. Yuu and Doujima stop by the basketball team on an errand, and see Akari crying. The two argue about who should reach out to her, prompting Akari to cheer up enough to talk to them.
Akari recalls that Serizawa asked her to swap shifts so that Serizawa could work alongside Oogaki. Akari casually asked if Serizawa had a crush on Oogaki, only to find that the two had secretly been going out for a year, even when Oogaki claimed he didn't have a girlfriend. Doujima is furious about Oogaki's dishonesty after Akari had the courage to confess to him, and sets out to exact retribution on Oogaki, but Yuu stops him. Akari thanks Doujima for getting mad on her behalf, and says that she's come to terms with her feelings not being requited. She then comforts Yuu, who seems troubled.
Meanwhile, Touko thinks about how close she is to becoming Mio, and is bitter that Yuu seems to be telling her that she's wrong.
The student council continues to rehearse, but Ichigaya notices that Touko's performance reflects her unwillingness to accept the new script or her character's choices.
The preparations continue, and Sayaka offers to help lighten Touko's workload. Touko is grateful, but calls Sayaka out on supporting the new script. Sayaka stands by her decision, saying that the new ending is better, and that it was "written for (Touko's) sake," but Touko cuts her off, concluding that Sayaka and Yuu think she's wrong.
Touko has Yuu come to the school roof, and asks to kiss her, not knowing any other way to show that she's herself. Yuu refuses, saying that she doesn't mind Touko kissing her or expressing her love, but doesn't want to hear Touko say she's nothing, or that her only worth is as a copy of her sister. Yuu adds that none of Touko's friends know Mio, and that if Touko became like her sister, it's because of Touko's own efforts. Touko still considers herself "an empty shell," but for the first time, wants to believe what Yuu is saying.
Performing the Play (Chapter 29-31)
The student council finishes rehearsing in time for the culture festival to begin. Yuu and Koyomi, who are taking part in the stamp rally, run into Touko and Sayaka, who are doing the same.
After separating from the others, Yuu asks Sayaka if Touko will be all right, and Sayaka says yes. Yuu remarks that Sayaka doesn't seem concerned about Touko, but Sayaka says that neither she nor the rest of her friends will judge Touko if she makes a mistake or if the play ends up being a failure. Sayaka says it would be nice if Touko could realize that her friends love her unconditionally, but is confident that Touko will succeed. The two rejoin Touko and Koyomi, who are oblivious to the discussion but notice Yuu and Sayaka are getting along better.
Touko's parents come to the play, with Touko's father still feeling uneasy about Touko's decision to do the play. Backstage, Touko gives a quick speech to her fellow cast members thanking them for their help. Yuu encourages Touko, saying that she isn't alone.
The play then begins, with the protagonist waking up in the hospital. The opening narration says that she is a high school student, with two parents and a father, who has lost her memories. The protagonist is anguished about not knowing who she is, but the nurse calms her down and suggests that she ask her guests about her memories.
The first visitor is a friend from her school, who describes the protagonist as an honor student who's good at sports and well-liked. The protagonist is unsure whether she could live up to her reputation but is reassured to find that she seems like a good person. The next visitor is the protagonist's younger half-brother, who says that she was distant from him and their parents but hopes that they can become closer. The protagonist is troubled, since this description of her doesn't mesh with the one provided by her schoolmate. The third visitor is a young woman who claims to be the protagonist's lover, and describes the protagonist as a needy crybaby.
The protagonist tells the nurse that she's less sure than ever about herself. The nurse suggests that she check her phone for saved pictures, but neither of them know the four-digit password. The nurse proposes that it's a date important to the protagonist, and one of the guests might know. Each of the guests insists that they knew the "real" protagonist and gives a date- her schoolmate gives the date of their school's field day, her brother gives his birthday and her lover gives Christmas Eve. None of the passwords work, but by adding them together, the protagonist opens up her phone. The pictures seem to line up with what each visitor told her, but the protagonist doesn't know the truth.
The protagonist tries to deliberately play the parts each of her visitors saw her as, but realizes that in the end, she must "choose" one of those masks to wear. The nurse notices that the protagonist is having an identity crisis, and insists that she can't be anyone but herself. The protagonist denies having a true self, but the nurse says that she's known the protagonist since she came in, and she doesn't want that person to disappear. The protagonist then has an epiphany- she'd thought that everyone wanted her back to her old self, and didn't realize that her current self had value.
Having come to her decision, the protagonist sees each guest again. Her schoolmate accepts that the protagonist may no longer be the talented and charismatic person he once knew, but still treasures their bond. Her brother is happy that she's willing to reach out to him, especially since that's what she wants. Her lover is initially troubled by the protagonist denying being needy, but agrees to start their relationship over again. The protagonist delivers one final monologue, declaring that, "I can be whoever I want to be."
The play receives a round of applause from the spectators, and Touko's parents promise to congratulate her. As the cast sets about dismantling the props, Yuu can't help but think about her relationship with Touko.
After separating from the others, Yuu asks Sayaka if Touko will be all right, and Sayaka says yes. Yuu remarks that Sayaka doesn't seem concerned about Touko, but Sayaka says that neither she nor the rest of her friends will judge Touko if she makes a mistake or if the play ends up being a failure. Sayaka says it would be nice if Touko could realize that her friends love her unconditionally, but is confident that Touko will succeed. The two rejoin Touko and Koyomi, who are oblivious to the discussion but notice Yuu and Sayaka are getting along better.
Touko's parents come to the play, with Touko's father still feeling uneasy about Touko's decision to do the play. Backstage, Touko gives a quick speech to her fellow cast members thanking them for their help. Yuu encourages Touko, saying that she isn't alone.
The play then begins, with the protagonist waking up in the hospital. The opening narration says that she is a high school student, with two parents and a father, who has lost her memories. The protagonist is anguished about not knowing who she is, but the nurse calms her down and suggests that she ask her guests about her memories.
The first visitor is a friend from her school, who describes the protagonist as an honor student who's good at sports and well-liked. The protagonist is unsure whether she could live up to her reputation but is reassured to find that she seems like a good person. The next visitor is the protagonist's younger half-brother, who says that she was distant from him and their parents but hopes that they can become closer. The protagonist is troubled, since this description of her doesn't mesh with the one provided by her schoolmate. The third visitor is a young woman who claims to be the protagonist's lover, and describes the protagonist as a needy crybaby.
The protagonist tells the nurse that she's less sure than ever about herself. The nurse suggests that she check her phone for saved pictures, but neither of them know the four-digit password. The nurse proposes that it's a date important to the protagonist, and one of the guests might know. Each of the guests insists that they knew the "real" protagonist and gives a date- her schoolmate gives the date of their school's field day, her brother gives his birthday and her lover gives Christmas Eve. None of the passwords work, but by adding them together, the protagonist opens up her phone. The pictures seem to line up with what each visitor told her, but the protagonist doesn't know the truth.
The protagonist tries to deliberately play the parts each of her visitors saw her as, but realizes that in the end, she must "choose" one of those masks to wear. The nurse notices that the protagonist is having an identity crisis, and insists that she can't be anyone but herself. The protagonist denies having a true self, but the nurse says that she's known the protagonist since she came in, and she doesn't want that person to disappear. The protagonist then has an epiphany- she'd thought that everyone wanted her back to her old self, and didn't realize that her current self had value.
Having come to her decision, the protagonist sees each guest again. Her schoolmate accepts that the protagonist may no longer be the talented and charismatic person he once knew, but still treasures their bond. Her brother is happy that she's willing to reach out to him, especially since that's what she wants. Her lover is initially troubled by the protagonist denying being needy, but agrees to start their relationship over again. The protagonist delivers one final monologue, declaring that, "I can be whoever I want to be."
The play receives a round of applause from the spectators, and Touko's parents promise to congratulate her. As the cast sets about dismantling the props, Yuu can't help but think about her relationship with Touko.
After the Play (Chapter 32-34)
The School Play is a success, and Touko ends up being recruited for the theater troupe. Yuu is surprised by Touko's decision to join, but Touko explains that Yuu helped her realize that her own achievements belong to her. Yuu then wonders if the time has come to tell Touko that she loves her.
Yuu goes shopping with Rei and asks her some questions about when and how her relationship with Hiro began, and found that Rei wanted to take the ambiguity out of their relationship. Rei realizes that Yuu has feelings for Touko, and while she's worried about how the rest of their family might react, she hopes that everything will turn out for the best.
After student council lets out, Yuu and Touko go for a walk and discuss the upcoming Class Trip. After they return to the river, Yuu decides to make a Love Confession to Touko, who simply replies with, "I'm sorry." Yuu instantly regrets her decision and runs off in anguish. Touko is horrified at the idea that she forced Yuu to suppress her own love for Touko, but her fear holds her back and prevents her from running after Yuu.
Yuu goes shopping with Rei and asks her some questions about when and how her relationship with Hiro began, and found that Rei wanted to take the ambiguity out of their relationship. Rei realizes that Yuu has feelings for Touko, and while she's worried about how the rest of their family might react, she hopes that everything will turn out for the best.
After student council lets out, Yuu and Touko go for a walk and discuss the upcoming Class Trip. After they return to the river, Yuu decides to make a Love Confession to Touko, who simply replies with, "I'm sorry." Yuu instantly regrets her decision and runs off in anguish. Touko is horrified at the idea that she forced Yuu to suppress her own love for Touko, but her fear holds her back and prevents her from running after Yuu.
Class Trip (Chapter 35-40)
In the days following Yuu's confession to Touko, the two are barely able to say two words to each other, much less communicate about the confession. Yuu notices that she did not feel the same way Akari did when she learned the truth about Oogaki, so she wonders if she ever loved Touko. Meanwhile, Touko realizes that she has places to belong other than at Yuu's side, so Yuu is no longer "special" to her. Nevertheless, Touko and Yuu miss each other.
As Touko's class prepares for the trip, her friends become concerned about them, but she refuses to say what's bothering her. Sayaka notices that Touko has changed, suspects that it has something to do with Yuu. Sayaka eats with Miyako, who has realized that Sayaka loves Touko. They talk about Riko, and Sayaka realizes that the time has come to confess to Touko.
Touko's class departs on the trip, and Sayaka takes the opportunity to meet with Touko. Touko attempts to pre-emptively reject Sayaka's confession, but Sayaka persists, saying that she knows about Touko's vulnerabilities but loves her anyway.
The next day, Touko's group takes rowboats out onto the river, and Touko and Sayaka end up together. Touko ponders Sayaka's confession. Touko admits to herself that she wasn't completely oblivious to Sayaka's feelings, but chose not to acknowledge them. She realizes that she, Yuu and Sayaka are changing, and questions whether it's possible to stay in love with someone even as that person changes.
Touko asks Sayaka about how she fell in love with her, prompting Sayaka to admit that she initially fell in love with Touko as a beautiful honors student. Touko asks if Sayaka would love her if either of those aspects changed, and Sayaka replies that loving someone means trusting that they will stay true to what caused you to fall in love with them in the first place.
Touko reflects on Sayaka's answer, and is grateful for having her as a friend, but ultimately decides to reject Sayaka's confession, saying that she's in love with someone else- namely Yuu. Sayaka realizes that she waited too long to make her move, resulting in Touko falling in love with Yuu instead. Touko apologizes to Sayaka, who accepts her decision. On the train home, Touko composes a text to Yuu.
On the same day, Yuu and Maki go to the batting cages together, gossiping about Akari and Doujima possibly getting closer. Yuu tells Maki about what happened between her and Touko, and concludes that she could never fall in love. Maki, however, bluntly rejects Yuu's assertion, saying that she's actually afraid of getting hurt. As Yuu leaves, she reflects on her relationship with Touko and concludes that she wants to love. She then gets Touko's text, which asks her to meet at the student council building, and rushes over.
Touko arrives and shares what she learned from Sayaka- that it's possible to love someone even if they change. She then tells Yuu that she loves her even though Yuu is no longer a person who can't fall in love with her. Yuu says that she's realized that love is something she reaches for, and that at every turn, she's chosen to reach out for and stand by Touko's side. Yuu then confesses her love to Touko, who accepts, and they kiss.
As Touko's class prepares for the trip, her friends become concerned about them, but she refuses to say what's bothering her. Sayaka notices that Touko has changed, suspects that it has something to do with Yuu. Sayaka eats with Miyako, who has realized that Sayaka loves Touko. They talk about Riko, and Sayaka realizes that the time has come to confess to Touko.
Touko's class departs on the trip, and Sayaka takes the opportunity to meet with Touko. Touko attempts to pre-emptively reject Sayaka's confession, but Sayaka persists, saying that she knows about Touko's vulnerabilities but loves her anyway.
The next day, Touko's group takes rowboats out onto the river, and Touko and Sayaka end up together. Touko ponders Sayaka's confession. Touko admits to herself that she wasn't completely oblivious to Sayaka's feelings, but chose not to acknowledge them. She realizes that she, Yuu and Sayaka are changing, and questions whether it's possible to stay in love with someone even as that person changes.
Touko asks Sayaka about how she fell in love with her, prompting Sayaka to admit that she initially fell in love with Touko as a beautiful honors student. Touko asks if Sayaka would love her if either of those aspects changed, and Sayaka replies that loving someone means trusting that they will stay true to what caused you to fall in love with them in the first place.
Touko reflects on Sayaka's answer, and is grateful for having her as a friend, but ultimately decides to reject Sayaka's confession, saying that she's in love with someone else- namely Yuu. Sayaka realizes that she waited too long to make her move, resulting in Touko falling in love with Yuu instead. Touko apologizes to Sayaka, who accepts her decision. On the train home, Touko composes a text to Yuu.
On the same day, Yuu and Maki go to the batting cages together, gossiping about Akari and Doujima possibly getting closer. Yuu tells Maki about what happened between her and Touko, and concludes that she could never fall in love. Maki, however, bluntly rejects Yuu's assertion, saying that she's actually afraid of getting hurt. As Yuu leaves, she reflects on her relationship with Touko and concludes that she wants to love. She then gets Touko's text, which asks her to meet at the student council building, and rushes over.
Touko arrives and shares what she learned from Sayaka- that it's possible to love someone even if they change. She then tells Yuu that she loves her even though Yuu is no longer a person who can't fall in love with her. Yuu says that she's realized that love is something she reaches for, and that at every turn, she's chosen to reach out for and stand by Touko's side. Yuu then confesses her love to Touko, who accepts, and they kiss.
Final Arc (Chapter 41-45)
Touko and Yuu go home for the night. The next day at school, Yuu's friends notice something different about her, and there is some lingering awkwardness between Touko and Sayaka. Sayaka notices that Yuu's bag has a charm that matches Touko. Immediately understanding what it means, Sayaka tells Yuu, "Take good care of her for me, all right?" At student council, Yuu tells Maki that she and Touko are on speaking terms again, but hesitates to say whether they're dating, since she doesn't know what that means.
After school, Touko gives Yuu her souvenir, prompting Yuu to thank her and call her "Touko-sempai" for the first time. Touko proposes that Yuu also drop the "sempai," but Yuu protests that it's too soon for her.
Touko and Yuu go bowling, with the loser promising to do whatever the winner says. Yuu wins, but can't immediately think of what she wants.
The school holds exams, with Sayaka placing first and Touko placing second. Touko, annoyed, refuses to lose to Sayaka next time, and Sayaka, pleased, accepts Touko's challenge.
While watching the store, Yuu wonders whether Touko misses her, then gets a text from Touko, eagerly running to the station to see her. Yuu notices that Touko "has been acting more like a sempai" since they started dating, but still isn't sure what she wants from Touko.
In late December, Touko is set to perform in a play on the day before Christmas Eve. Touko's father won trips to an onsen, so Touko encourages him to go with her mother.
Yuu's friends hold a celebration for Koyomi winning the rookie novelist prize, and talk about Akari's love life, prompting Yuu to wonder if she can tell them about Touko someday.
Yuu attends Touko's play. After the show, she asks for her prize- a sleepover. Yuu arrives at Touko's house and catches Touko's parents on the way out, with them promising to be back by the next evening. The two of them go shopping for dinner, watch a horror movie together and cook dinner, pondering what their relationship will be like in the future. After dinner and dessert, Yuu has a bath, then joins Touko in her bedroom and has sex with her. The next morning, Yuu calls Touko by her first name, sans the "sempai," and asks where they will go today.
A few years later, Yuu, now a university student, attends her school's cultural festival. Touko, who is living separately from Yuu, told her that she was unable to come. By now, Rei knows about Yuu and Touko's relationship, but their mother does not.
Yuu meets up with her friends, as well as her yearmates on the student council. Koyomi has published a novel, and is already working on the sequel. Natsuki teases Yuu about her girlfriend, prompting Yuu to insist that she stop, since Doujima doesn't know. Maki, who also knows about Yuu's relationship, apologizes for being so nosy, but Yuu doesn't hold it against him.
Sayaka joins up with Yuu, and they reminisce about how the school play kept going, and how Doujima succeeded Touko as Student Council President. Yuu gets a text from Touko, who arrives in time to watch the play.
Yuu, Touko and Sayaka go to Miyako's cafe, which is busier. They talk about Touko's acting career, and Sayaka chides Touko for nearly being a no-show. Yuu notices that Sayaka didn't bring Haru along, but is surprised that Touko doesn't know who Haru is- Sayaka's girlfriend, leading to an awkward moment when Touko finally learns about it.
Touko and Yuu part ways with Sayaka, and discuss their respective futures, each confident that the other can do anything she puts her mind to. As night falls, the two leave hand-in-hand and the series ends.
