Chapter 21

Field TripThe opening color page shows the students arriving at the aquarium. They're reminded to take all of their belongings with them, because there will be different buses on the trip back. Mio is excited over how big the aquarium is, and Shii asks if it's her first time there. Mio says it is, and she's looking forward to it. Yuni complains about the wind, and as Shii jokes that it's like being at the beach, the wind sweeps away Mio's guide. She chases after it, as Yuni yells, “Run!” She laughs that it made it to the top of the stairs, and Shii notices Marui looking around. He laughs when he notices Mio running after the guide, and then continues to look on affectionately. Shii notices the way he's looking at Mio, and accidentally makes eye contact. (Meanwhile, the guide flies out of sight, and Yuni runs off to help Mio look.) Marui tries to play it off, and their class is called over for a meeting. As he approaches Shii, she tells him not to worry – she didn't tell anyone about yesterday. Recalling what happened with Akane, Marui says, “Ah, that...”. Shii tells him she said all that yesterday (about Marui being unexpectedly harsh) without even knowing the circumstances. Marui says that it's nothing, but Shii goes on. If she thinks about, if know you can't return someone's feelings, it may be kinder to let them know clearly and not let them get their hopes up. So, she's sorry, for everything. Yuni and Mio reappear, having found Mio's guide, and Shii tells them that the class meeting is starting. Marui wonders if Shii means that now she does understand the circumstances (that he shut Akane down because of his feelings for Mio), or if that was just his imagination... Glaring over at Taki, Marui thinks that until that conversation with Shimizu, he was under the impression that only Taki had noticed his feelings for Mio, but this could be bad. Hopefully, it's just his imagination... Taki notices that Marui is glaring at him, and asks, “What?” Marui tensely responds, “Nothing!”

At the high school, Kohashi is complaining that she has to go to basketball practice today. Another girl in the class points out that she's usually being noisy about how excited she is, and Kohashi replies that she isn't excited because the second years won't be there. Overhearing their conversation, Akane is also thinking that the second years won't be there... Which is good, because she won't have to see that rage-inducing face. Turning her attention to Akane, Kohashi asks if she really didn't know about Marui's chocolate allergy. Akane asks how she could have known about something like that, and Kohashi yells, “Are you also angling towards him!? Did you lie to me!?” Akane's grip tightens on her book, and she grits her teeth, replying, “Even if you're kidding, stop... I don't have the tiniest sliver of interest in that idiot. If anything, I despise him.” Kohashi says that she has her doubts; it certainly didn't look like Akane hated him yesterday... Annoyed, Akane blurts out that she knows who he does like... Then, realizing what she said, Akane closes her book and leaves, with Kohashi asking her who that is. As she walks off, Akane thinks that she should have fired back at Marui yesterday. Certainly, that unwanted conversation was the last thing she expected yesterday. How flustered would he have been if she had responded by telling him she had him figured out? With an evil smile, Akane says, “The second years aren't here today. What a shame...” 

Back at the aquarium, Mio spots Taki staring into a tank. She asks him if he's squatting there because there's something interesting in the tank, and takes a look. She can't find anything, and Taki explains that it blends into the background. His eyes are adjusting... Mio starts to say that she doesn't see anything, then she spots it, blending into the rock. As she's pointing it out to Taki, Yuni tells her that she's going on ahead. Mio says she'll join them, but Shii tells her that she's always giving her friends top priority. Instead, she should take this chance to look around with her boyfriend. Yuni and Shii go on ahead, and Mio suggests that Taki join her and look around, thinking that those two are thoughtful. They end up looking at things around a large, circular tank. Mio grabs what she thinks is Taki's shirt, and starts to suggest taking a picture with the penguins when she realizes she has the wrong person. She apologizes, embarrassed, and runs off to find Taki (while the guy tries to reassure his girlfriend that was a misunderstanding). She calls out for Taki, feeling flustered as a crowd of students from the other classes gather around her. She runs to look from the stairs, but Taki grabs her hand from behind. (He hadn't gone ahead, they just got turned in opposite directions as the crowd gathered around the circular tank.) She turns to look at him, and he notices tears in her eyes. Looking at the penguins, Mio says she thought he must have gone ahead before... Reading the sign about how penguins can recognize their mates from the rest of the colony, she adds that if she were a penguin, she might have known where he was. Taki responds that he was just admiring some things (he fell a little behind). They take some pictures with the penguins, noting that they only have about 30 minutes left to look around. As they start up the stairs, Taki offers Mio his hand. She blushes, thinking that they won't get separated that way. Mio laughs that it's probably better not to be a penguin. Mio is excited to see a scorpionfish, and tries to get a picture of it. Taki tells her they need to get moving, and Mio says she wants to take just one more picture. Taki replies that she'll cry again if they get separated, and Mio denies she was crying. Her eyes were watering. They argue over that, and end up in the gift shop. Mio picks up a dolphin keychain that she thinks is cute, and Taki notices that they all have unique faces. He wonders if they're finished products, and Mio suggests they might be handmade. Looking at the one in her hand, she thinks it looks a little like Taki. She puts it down, noticing that it's time for class, and they hurry off. 

Mio and Taki arrive at the class meeting, and Shii calls them over. She points out that they took their time getting there, and Mio explains that they got caught up looking at the souvenir shop. Mio starts to talk about their free time that afternoon, but notices that Yuni seems to be in a bad mood. She asks what's wrong, and Yuni says it's nothing. Shii points out that they don't actually have that much free time; they still have assignments to work on. They needed to write reports on at least two events at the aquarium. Ishida complains about how annoying that is, but Inoji continues smiling and asks Shii what she and the others plan on seeing. Shii answers that they haven't decided yet, but Yuni stands up and declares that she wants to get a closer look. She drags Mio and Shii to seats in the front, even though they had decided before that it would be better to get seats in the middle. Mio asks Shii if something happened, and Shii tells her that she doesn't know. The show begins, and the chapter immediately jumps forward to after the show. Yuni is complaining that her clothes are wet (having been splashed in the front row), and Shii points out that it's her own doing. They rejoin the boys, and Inoji notices that she's wet. Is she OK? Shii laughs and explains what happens, and Mio notices that Taki isn't there. They tell her that Taki took off as soon as the show ended, and Ishida suggests that he went to eat (and so should they). Mio isn't certain, thinking that they hadn't decided where they were going. Inoji notices some drops of water in Shii's hair, and reaches to point it out, but Yuni gets in the middle. She demands that they go eat, and Shii asks if that's the problem. Laughing, she says they'll hurry and eat, as long as Yuni stops complaining about it. They start up that stairs, and Inoji motions unsuccessfully to get Shii's attention (as Ishida hurries after them for food). Marui, who has been observing the whole time, puts his hand on Inoji's shoulder to console him. 

At the food court, Shii tells Yuni that she should have said something if she was hungry; Mio brought plenty of snacks. Yuni says she forgot, and Mio thinks that it seems like Yuni's hunger disappeared (especially given the noise she was making about it). As Mio starts to drink, she notices Taki in the doorway. (She smiles to herself about how he found her even though he isn't a penguin.) Taki sees Mio and smiles brightly, calling out her name. Mio is surprised and starts to blush, seeing how he smiled when he spotted her. He tells her that he's glad he found her, then notices that she's letting her cup slip and is about to spill the drink. As he grabs her hand to steady it, Mio is still stuck on how seeing her made him smile like that. She's so happy... Taki tells her that she's losing her grip; her drink will spill. She doesn't respond, and he leans in and presses their foreheads together. Mio suddenly seems to remember where they are (Yuni and Shii are watching) and pulls back. Taki says that she doesn't seem to have a fever; is she all right? (She was bright red and seemed a little out of it, so he thought she might be feeling sick.) Can he let go of her hand? Mio puts the cup down, and Taki hands her a package. He explains that it's a souvenir/gift. Mio opens it, and finds that it's one of the dolphin keychains they were looking at earlier. Taki tells her that it's from before; it's the one that's face she liked, right? They all looked different, so he was anxious, wondering if someone had purchased that one. He was glad it was still there. Mio remembers being told that Taki hurried off as soon as the show ended, and realizes he must have been thinking about that the whole time. He explains that since they all look a little alike, he was wavering a bit on which one. Mio starts to laugh, thinking that it's the structure of it's face that reminds her of Taki, which is why she liked it. Taki's friends call to him that it's time, and Mio asks if he's already decided what he's seeing this afternoon. He tells her yes, and hurries off. Mio thinks he's awfully quick. Looking back at the dolphin, it really does sort of look like Taki... She yells back at him, “Taki, thanks!” as he walks out the door, and he smiles again. Mio attaches the keychain to her bag, thinking it's like being with a tiny version of Taki.  

Translator: Sarah
Scans: Shmook

Chapter 20: 

DiversionThe chapter starts with the roll being called in homeroom. When Ichii gets to Marui's name, he notices that both Marui and Mio aren't there. He asks if the failures are skipping together today, and Shii tells him that Mio is coming on a later train. (Also, she didn't fail last time.) He asks Marui's friends about him, and Inoji says he hasn't heard while Ishida suggests that he's skipping. It looks like he hopes his supplemental lessons will be extended. Ichii has printouts for tomorrow's field trip; everyone is asked to take one and pass them back. Taki seems to realize that Mio may have tried to call him, and finds his phone. Just as she and Marui arrive at school, Mio sees that she got a text from Taki, saying that homeroom is over. She smiles, noticing that it's from Taki. (Full message: “Are you all right? SHR ended.”) Mio texts back: “I just got here.” Mio and Marui get to the classroom, embarrassed about being late, and Taki seems surprised to see her with Marui. Yuni calls out, “You're finally here!” and Shii asks if she ran into Ichii. Mio says she did, and he was saying very cruel things. (Meanwhile, Marui is yelling at Ishida for accusing him of skipping.) Shii says, “You came with Marui?” and Mio awkwardly explains that they ended up on the same train. Shii figures that being with Marui meant that some of Ichii's comments would be deflected towards him, and Mio agrees that it helped. Mio greets Taki (who's still looking at the other side of the room). Mio says, “You noticed my email?” and Taki explains that when she wasn't in homeroom, he tried checking it. Mio explains that it was funny, since Marui happened to be on the train she picked when she was late. It's been a while since she had to run like that... Mio wonders why she seems to be explaining herself. Taki may not seem concerned, but Shii's question made her heart pound. They just met by chance; Mio thinks there's nothing that requires explanation.

Flashing back, Mio is asking Marui if they can make it if they run. Marui looks back, and Mio is trailing far behind. Mio asks why he's stopping, and he tells her he's walking. Mio points out the time, and he tells her they're already out. Right now, they'd get there in the middle of homeroom. Mio pictures how Ichii would respond to their late arrival, and sees what Marui means. He explains that, since they're already going to be late, it would be better to arrive just before first period and be less conspicuous. Mio agrees, and the chapter comes back to the present. Mio thinks that, at the time, she took his explanation at face value, but if she really thinks about, wasn't he just trying to match her pace? He always makes it on time... he was just being nice. Looking a little worried, Mio thinks that their meeting was a coincidence, but the other things... Taki notices her expression and says her name, and Mio responds with an over-the-top, “Yes!?” Surprised, he tells her, “The bell... is about... to ring...” Mio crouches down in front of his desk, and says she's staying just a little longer. She tells Taki that she didn't get to see him this morning, so she needs to charge. As Mio promises herself that she definitely won't be late anymore, Taki smiles and offers her a candy. He explains that the glucose will help perk up her brain.

Later, as people are moving around in the classroom, Inoji notices that someone spilled water near the door, and someone else mentions that they're going to the audio-visual room for the next class. Looking at the handouts from earlier, Mio notes that their field trip is to the aquarium. Shii explains that it's pretty close, and they can go their own way after the entrance ceremony. Mio asks if it's just the second years, and Shii explains that the third years are taking their trip tomorrow and the first years next week. By the door, a girl slips on the spilled water, and Marui grabs her arm. Realizing what he did, he starts to explain that it took him by surprise, and the girl says she's sorry. Marui asks if she's all right, and she says yes (it was just really embarrassing). As she leaves, her friend explains that there was spilled water, and Mio thinks that Marui really does do those things without thinking. Ishida tells him how cool he was, and Marui explains that he had to do it to prevent her falling into Ishida and creating a domino effect. Ishida lunges at Inoji for laughing at that, and he bumps into Shii while avoiding Ishida. Shii slumps over the desk, seeming to have hurt her arm. She says she's all right, it just surprised her. (Yuni is violently demanding an apology from Ishida.) Inoji apologizes and asks if Shii is hurt, and she assures him that she's fine. She just lost her balance; even at volleyball, she's always like that. So, no need to worry. Inoji punches Ishida in the head again as Shii walks off.
As Mio, Shii, and Yuni approach the audio visual room, they hear a commotion, as Akane is yelling at that boy who follows around to leave her alone. He says that she's lying, and she tells him he's noisy. He starts talking about her involvement with a second year boy, and she calls him obstinate. She became manager of the boy's basketball club because she's aiming for one of the guys, didn't she!? Akane tells him his complaints are incomprehensible, and Mio calls out to her. Shii and Yuni notice that Akane is with that kid who looks like Detective Conan. Akane replies, “Ootaka-san...” and Mio tells her that they're on their way to the audio-visual room, too. Down the hall, Akane notices Marui, and she starts to blush. She quickly turns away, saying that she's going back. Once Akane is gone, the boy turns to Yuni and Shii and asks why they've been mewling at him. Yuni starts to answer, “Because you look like Cona-...” and Mio and Shii stop her. Mio tells him that they were saying how cute he was (the arrowed text underneath notes that this isn't really a lie). He blushes, and responds, “I, I'm not cute, idiot! Don't say weird things!” before storming off. (In another Detective Conan reference, Yuni notes that it was disappointing he called her “baka” rather than “barou.”) Once in the AV room, Mio sighs. Shii asks what's wrong, and Mio says that Akane had a really cute look on her face before. Shii comments that she's a pretty girl, and Mio agrees, but that's not what she meant. She looked somehow really... grown-up. Shii wonders if Mio was just imagining things, but Yuni pipes in to suggest, “Maybe it's love?” Wasn't Conan saying earlier that she became a manager for the basketball team because she had her eye on a second-year boy? Mio looks surprised, saying that she didn't hear that. So she became a manager because there's someone she likes? Yuni wouldn't know, but doesn't it seem likely? She turns and asks Marui if he knows if there's anyone Akane is close to on the basketball team. He says no, and Mio wonders aloud that if it's true and the guy is a second year, maybe there's something she could do to help. Marui remembers how Akane was blushing when he grabbed her hand, and thinks that it couldn't be him... probably.

After basketball practice, the boys gathered on the stage are complaining that they're hungry. They rattle off some things they'd like to eat, but they also don't have any money. Then, Mayuu comes in with a bag for them, announcing that she brought muffins that she made today. (One of the guys responds, “That's just what I'd expect from my wife, Mayuu!” She continues to smile and snaps back, “Please die. [heart]”) She offers a muffin to Marui, and he thanks her and starts to reach for it. He pulls back, though, when he sees the chocolate chips, and looks disappointed but amused. One of his teammates informs Mayuu that Marui is allergic to chocolate. She looks back and says, “Eh!?” and suggests that the chocolate chips could be removed. Marui tells her that, no, in his case that would still be a problem. Mayuu collapses to the floor, apologizing for her failure to get that information. Marui laughs, and tells her not to worry about it. Marui sees another muffin beside him, and Akane explains that her group also made some plain muffins. This is the only one left, though. Marui just says, “...Eh?” but one of his teammates tells Akane how thoughtful she is. Isn't Marui glad? Akane spots that he has a basketball, and says, “Senpai, can I put that away for you?” She grabs the ball from his hands and walks away. (Mayuu complains that she should have made plain muffins, too.) After having the basketball taken, he says that Ebihara is cool, though he doesn't think he's ever seen her smile. As Akane goes to put the basketball away, she thinks that she didn't have any choice but to give Marui that muffin. Considering that he was the only one who didn't have one, it was too pitiful. Thinking about it, Akane's expression moves from neutral to blushing to smiling.

Meanwhile, in the girls' locker room, one of the other girls from the volleyball club asks Shii if she can have the CD she loaned her back. Shii tells her that it's in her other locker, and the girl suggests she bring it tomorrow. Shii reminds her that the second years won't be at school tomorrow, so she'll just go get it. Akane runs into the head manager of the basketball team as she leaves the gym, and she compliments Akane for always working hard until the end of practice. She asks her to take care of things tomorrow, and Akane says she will. Looking down sadly, Akane remembers that the second year students won't be there tomorrow. She sighs, and looks up when she hears her name called. She sees Marui coming down the stairs, and asks him what he wants. He hasn't left yet!? He responds, “No. I was waiting.” Akane blushes and looks away, stammering, “Eh... What, why!?” Marui takes out the muffin she gave him, and tells her that he thought he should return it. Akane asks why, and he apologizes and explains that it isn't that he doesn't trust her. But, if she accidentally got any chocolate in the mix, he might end up in the hospital. Akane seems surprised, saying, “Your allergy is really that bad?” He tells her it is, and Akane tells him she thought he might be making that up as an excuse to turn down the muffins. Marui laughs, saying it might have been troublesome. Seeing him smile, Akane blushes again. She tells him she understands, and takes the muffin back. Hearing it like that, she's scared, too. Marui thanks her, and Akane turns to go, telling him that he didn't need to wait for something like this. He should have just given it to someone else. He responds that no, there's one other thing... Akane asks him what it is, and he says, “Well, I'm sorry if I'm off the mark on this, but... Akane, do you like me?” Akane stutters and hides her face, and Marui continues, “If that's the case, I'd like you to stop. Sorry, but it's a problem.” Akane tries to collect herself, and responds, “What are you talking about? It's nothing like that; I wouldn't like you!” Marui laughs it off, saying he must have been thinking too highly of himself. Akane yells back, “Seriously! Are you stupid!?” He apologizes again, and Akane complains that for this idiocy, she ended up being kept at school until dark. She's leaving! Marui asks if he should escort her, and Akane tells him she doesn't want him jumping to the wrong conclusions again. She'll be fine. He laughs and tells her to be careful, but looks like he doesn't quite believe her refusal as he watches her go.

As Marui gets to the door, he spots Shii trying to hide in the hall. He asks her what she's doing, and she responds that he caught her. Marui asks what she was thinking... Akane didn't see her, did she? Shii apologizes, and explains that it seemed like she shouldn't go down the hall with that atmosphere, and she wasn't sure what to do. So, she heard all of that? Shii tells him that she did, and speaking of that... Marui was surprisingly harsh. He doesn't seem to understand what she means, and Shii explains that he basically told Akane that she wasn't even allowed just to like him. Well, she doesn't mean to criticize him, but it was unexpected. Marui waves it off, explaining that she didn't like him, he was just being self-absorbed. Shii tells him that she's off, then, and Marui thinks about what she said. Was he being harsh? Most likely... The chapter ends with Akane running down the street, wiping away tears. She's thinking, “Who does he think he is, that self-important jerk! I would never like some like him!!”

/Chapter 20 end

Sarah's notes: Poor Akane. That really was pretty painful. Apparently, the recently released Volume 5 of this series ranked 9th in manga sales. I guess the series must be fairly popular. The next chapter is their field trip to the aquarium, and it's not too exciting. 

Translator: Sarah
Scanner: Shmook

Chapter 19: Good Person

The chapter starts with an announcement that the class representatives should report to the conference room, and it seems those taking supplemental lessons will be moving to class 1. As they head off to the conference room, Hatano asks Taki if he also had the teacher go over the details of the last test with him. That's how he got first place, right? Taki responds by asking Hatano if that means she knew what was on the test. So then, if she hadn't heard that, she would have ranked even lower? Without ever dropping her smile, she tells him that isn't what she meant; isn't he rude... Listening to their banter, Mio thinks that it's clear enough that her comments are part of Hatano's objective to defeat Taki and take first place in algebra. It looks like Taki is also gleefully accepting her challenge. With her heart pounding as she pictures Taki's dark side, Mio thinks that he also got into that quarrel with Icchi, and put Marui through that Spartan study session. Marui shows up at that point, and asks if Taki is working as a representative. Mio tells him it seems so, but she isn't sure how long it will be. Is Marui here for supplemental lessons? Yeah, but he can get by without taking a make-up test; he just has to show up for lessons. What about Mio? She didn't fail. Didn't she promise that they would always fail together? Mio protests that she did not promise that; she got a little motivated this time. Mio thinks that she was trying to beat Hatano; and though it seems it was a fruitless effort, it got her to try her best. However... Blushing, Mio recalls Taki telling her, “Just being with you is what's fun, Mio.” So, considering that it brought about that result, it was worth it! Watching Mio's reaction to thinking about Taki, Marui asks her if something good happened. Mio looks away, then asks Marui if he said anything to Taki before the midterm. Marui tells her no, and Mio smiles brightly, thanking him for all he did. But, everything is fine now! Marui tells her that's good to hear... Mio leaves, telling him to work hard, and Marui wonders what she was talking about. Did he really go out of his way to do anything? He says to himself that he doesn't feel like he's been a particularly good pers

on this whole time... (Mio is saying good bye to Yuni and Shii, and Yuni tells Mio that her hairstyle makes her hungry for chocolate cornets.)

In the hall, Taki sees that Akane's rival classmate (I can't find a name for him) is angry at her. She tells him to stop shouting, and he continues, “You said you were joining the tea ceremony club, and you're never there!” He tells her that he's just been eating tea cakes and drinking tea, and Akane responds, “Isn't that good?” He grabs her shoulder (causing her to go dark with rage), and says he joined because she said she would. Akane butts in and reminds him that she said she might, and he yells, “And then you ended up managing the basketball club!? Is there a guy you're after?” Akane spots Taki, and calls out, “Nao! Are you on your way out?” Taki starts to respond, and the other guy butts in to ask who he is. Thinking it's the easiest explanation, Akane says, “My brother (from next door).” Playing along, Taki smiles and says, “I'm her older brother. Do you need something from my little sister?” Looking up at Taki, the kid gets flustered and says, “No, nothing...” and retreats. Akane tells Taki he saved her, and Taki notes that he seemed really upset. Akane tells Taki he's always like that. He's unhappy that she got first place on the entrance exams, and these sorts of things keep happening. Taki laughs, telling her that sounds fun (and thinking about Hatano). Akane retorts that it's not fun! She's been ignoring him, but since he's a conspicuous, obstinate loudmouth, he doesn't seem to understand how to shut up. Taki laughs again, saying that the way he keeps an eye on her, you'd think he was her boyfriend. Akane flips out on him, yelling, ”No! Stop right there, because that will never be!! What if the people around us heard that and got the wrong idea!? You hear me!? It would start rumors, so don't suggest such a thing again!! Especially not around the second year classrooms!! Got it!?” Sweating a little, Taki says, “...Right.” Quickly collecting himself (as Akane catches her breath), Taki asks, “Why the second year classrooms...? Oh, anyway, did you really become a manager for the basketball team, Akane?” Akane stammers that a classmate basically forced her to go against her will; so don't read too much into it! It really couldn't be helped!! Taki tells her that he wasn't really reading anything into it. Akane pushes him away, saying that Ootaka must be waiting on him, right? He mentions his council meeting, and Akane says, “Well, then, hurry and go!” He walks off, a bit bewildered, and glances back at Akane. She's still blushing, trying to compose herself.

On their way out of school, Taki tells Mio about Akane becoming a manager for the basketball team. Mio tells him that's unexpected; it's not something a top ranking student would usually be willing to do. Taki tells her that Akane insisted that she was practically forced to go with one of her classmates, and Mio finds that to be even more surprising. They end up turning back, because Mio declares that she wants to go try to see Akane doing her job as manager. Doesn't Taki want to see, too? The door is closed, and Mio wonders if people are prohibited from watching. She cracks the door open anyway, and spots Akane. Taki leans in to look, too, and Mio notices that Akane is there, working alone. Smiling, Taki explains that's how Akane is; she may not take the initiative, but you can count on her to do her share of the work well. Kohashi sees the door is cracked, and comes over to ask if they need something. When she opens the door, Mio falls backwards, so she only sees Taki at first. Thinking that he's cute, she repeats her question more politely. Meanwhile, Taki is helping Mio up, and Kohashi clicks her tongue, realizing he already has a girl. Kohashi tells them that, if they don't have a reason to be there, can she close the door? After they're shut out, Marui arrives, and Mio asks if he's finished with his lessons. He tells her yes, but why are they here? Mio explains that they heard Akane was a manager, so they came to get a look at her. Marui says he's pretty surprised about that, too; how did that come about? Anyway, want to go inside? When they open the door, Kohashi, still trying to fall into Marui like Akane did last chapter, comes flying out. She lands on Mio, and looks up cutely, saying, “Sorry, senpai...” Mio responds, “Well, this is awkward. Are you OK?” (Marui seems a little aroused by this.) When Kohashi sees that she missed her mark, she just looks annoyed and leaves Mio confused. When Akane spots them, she yells, “Nao!? What are you doing here!? And Ootaka, too...” Taki tells her they came to see her, and Akane tells him to stop. He is just the worst... Watching the interaction, Kohashi exclaims, “Ah, rather than [Mio's], is he your boyfriend, Ebihara-san!?” Remembering the scene from earlier, Taki smiles brightly and says, “I'm her brother.” Mio looks confused, and Akane just glares at him. Kohashi responds that, now that he says so, she can see the resemblance. Irritated, Akane tells him to stop screwing around... So, why are they really here? Marui leans in and tells her, “Because someone went and did something unexpected like becoming a manager, they came to visit. Honestly.” Flustered, Akane drags them away, yelling, “Stop doing ridiculous things! Go home, already!!” Mio apologizes for bothering her, and they go. Mio remarks that it's the first time she's Akane act shy like that. It was pretty cute. Taki says that he doesn't think he's seen her like that, either... Akane stays outside for a moment, thinking she can't go back while blushing like that. 

Practice ends, and everyone else seems to have left. Akane is still at it, putting the balls away. She thinks that there seems to be too few balls; were they counted correctly? As she starts to take the balls out to recount them, she hears someone ask if the cleaning is finished. She sees Marui in the doorway, and drops the balls, thinking that she's still shaken from earlier. She tells him that she was planning on counting the balls, so... Marui asks why, and she tells him that there should be 25, but it looks like there aren't that many. Marui starts to pick the balls up, and Akane tells him she'll do it herself. He tells her that they can clean this up faster together, and Akane doesn't protest. Picking up a ball, Marui starts talking, “So, those two came today, right?” Nao and Ootaka? Marui continues, “They're probably together somewhere now, too. It's tough, huh?” Akane replies, “Huh? Not really.” Marui pays no attention, and keeps talking. Akane and Taki have been together their whole lives, so it must be difficult to let him go. Marui can't blame her; don't worry about it. Akane responds that she isn't quite sure what he means, but the way he says it makes it sound like she's in love with Nao. Marui looks a little surprised; well, she is, isn't she? Akane yells back, “Not at all! Ever since we were kids, he's seemed like a little brother to me.” Little brother!? Akane says, “That sort of 'love'...” She thinks back to when they were kids. Nao was little and cute, and she always thought that she needed to protect him. There were plenty of girls who said they liked him, but generally they would cool off on their own when he was different than they imagined. Thinking of Miwa, Akane recalls that she was different. Akane says that she thinks it's good, really... But even so, she thinks, it was easy enough when they were little and a bully would tease him. However, when Miwa so casually hurt him... There wasn't anything Akane could do. It was frustrating for her; she wanted Nao to go back to being his usual self as quickly as possible. Looking at her hair, Akane notices that she seems to have grown her hair out like Miwa's. Getting back to Marui, she tells him that, as far as her feelings for Taki, maybe some different types of love are mixed together. But as to what, she isn't sure; it isn't something she's really thought about. Marui sighs; he sees... Well, it sounds like it's somewhere in the “family” range. Throughout the conversation, Akane has been counting the basketballs, and she gets up to “21.” Then, she remembers why Marui said he was there... She yells at him, “Give me that ball! Didn't you say, 'It will be faster if we work together?' You didn't help at all!” Marui laughs, and Akane wonders why she said all that to him [about Taki]. Putting the twenty-second ball away, Akane sees she was right – they're three balls short. Where did they roll off to...? Marui asks if she can do it tomorrow, and she tells him it will bother her if she doesn't finish. Marui remembers something, and suggests that they might be on the stage. Akane finds them there, and awkwardly carries back all three balls at once, telling Marui that when he takes something like that, bring it back. He jokes that isn't his job, and cheers Akane on. She snips back that he was actually the one who took the balls, wasn't he? Akane loses her hold on one of the balls, and Marui leans in to catch it, saying, “Ah, so you caught me?” Akane notices how close they are, and drops the other two balls. Marui asks her what she did, and sees that she's holding her hand in front of her face. He reaches out, asking if she did something to injure her hand, and she smacks his hand away. He sees how much she's blushing, and she tells him, “It's nothing! Cl-, clean the rest up!” and hurries away. Marui watches her flee, baffled.

In the morning, Mio is running late and misses her train. She texts Yuni and Shii that she missed it, and might be late to school. (She sighs, seeing that Taki doesn't seem to have his phone.) As she makes her way to the elevator and tries to decide what to do until the next train comes, she spots Marui. He surprised to see her, and asks if she overslept. Mio explains that she had a bad case of bed hair, and by the time she fixed it... Some older women hurry toward them, yelling to hold the elevator. They crowd into the elevator, pushing Mio up against Marui. She notices her position and apologizes, pulling away and knocking heads with the woman in front of her. The woman yells at Mio to be more careful, and Mio apologizes again. Unsure what to do, Mio steadies herself with her hands on either side of Marui. Marui looks away, thinking that this is like she's hugging him... Looking down, he thinks, “Just do it. It's the opening you wanted.” He puts his arm around her and pulls her toward his chest, telling her it's all right. Go ahead and lean on him. Mio thinks that he said it's all right, but this isn't good. Looking at his hand on her shoulder, Mio thinks that he calls this leaning, but... Mio starts, “Ma-, Marui?” while willing the elevator door to open sooner. She tells him that this may be too much. This is the sort of thing you would do for a girlfriend... She thinks it would be best if they stopped. Leaving his arm around her, Marui asks, “Like what?” Well, the way he's being affectionate, it's the sort of thing you wouldn't do with just anyone. At least, for her... If Taki was being this affectionate towards some other girl, she would absolutely hate it. The elevator jerks, and Marui moves his hand to the back of her head. She starts to question it, and he explains that she was about to hit her head again (while thinking he really didn't want to hear Taki's name, just now). Mio hangs her head, apologizing again. Marui explains that he didn't intend to be this way toward anyone, but... it just sort of happened. The elevator door opens, and Mio hurries out. Marui stops her, saying he understands. He can see what it looks like, but... He wouldn't do it for just any girl. So... he thinks it's OK. They avoid eye contact on the train, and Marui thinks that his reasoning abilities were clouded. Mio is wondering if he said what it seemed like he was saying. Glancing over at him, she thinks that she wants to be friends with Marui, but... She really doesn't know how to deal with something like the mood from earlier. Marui's stomach growls loudly, and he grumbles that he's hungry. Mio asks if he ate breakfast, and he says that he ate some, but... It's just his weird metabolism. Mio digs in her bag, and tells him that he can eat her gummy candy, if he wants. He takes it, and she thinks it's good that he seems to be back to the usual Marui. She's glad. She smiles, and the chapter ends with him gazing longingly at Mio.

Notes: The impression I got in this chapter was that Marui suspected Akane was doing something out of the ordinary, like managing the basketball team, to get Taki's attention. But, it really was a mixture of her classmate begging her and her unwanted crush on Marui. I found it funny that Akane seems to be the only of those girls who takes the managing job even a little bit seriously, as opposed to showing up only to flirt.