The chapter opens with Seiji recalling that he has been fearful of strangers ever since he was born, even though everyone around him kept saying that he was so cute. But it wasn't a bad thing and since he was given a lot of presents, he mistakenly felt that it would probably be okay to stay like this. The scene changes to an 18-year old Seiji who is looking at a book that has the words, "guys are brave; girls are charming". It seems like it's good for guys to be gutsy and for girls to be cute and friendly. Kawabata catches up to Seiji at the bookstore and tells him that he shouldn't just leave on his own, but it isn't hard to figure out where Seiji is. He remarks that the book looks difficult with lots of words in small print. Seiji responds that it's just a dictionary. Kawabata mentions that it's almost time for them to graduate and that graduation practice already feels sad. He feels that Seiji will continue to be a part of his life and tells him that he will see him at the university. Seiji agrees and asks Kawabata if there is something he wants to do, a dream. Kawabata smirks and wants to know if he means like marrying a celebrity and wants to know if Seiji is curious. Seiji says that's not the kind of talk he was thinking about. They both stare at a magazine. Kawabata asks if the Japanese confectionery shop by Seiji's place sell pudding. Seiji answers back that it's a western sweet and thinks that Kawabata is kind of a funny guy who randomly changes topics often.

The scene changes to the tennis courts. A woman is telling Seiji to join them at their next drinking party since he hasn't participated once yet. Kawabata responds that Seiji can't because he's very bashful around strangers. The woman leans over to look at Seiji and laughs in disbelief. Seiji hides his face with the tennis racket. Kawabata and Seiji are walking together and Kawabata mentions that Samejima-senpai is really cute, but Seiji didn't notice. Kawabata asks Seiji if he heard Samejima-senpai say, "Oh, he's hiding." and thinks that Seiji really wants someone to discover him. Seiji doesn't get it. Kawabata suggests that Seiji show up at least one time. Seiji wonders if Kawabata finds Seiji amusing. Kawabata tells Seiji that if anything happens, he will back him up so it's fine if Seiji wants to leave early, at least he showed up. Kawabata stares in disbelief when Seiji shows up wearing traditional men's clothing. He laughs at Seiji and asks if he came like that to make Kawabata's life harder or something. Seiji wonders if he somehow made a mistake, but Kawabata tells him that it's okay and they should go in and he will back him up. Kawabata introduces Seiji to the group, saying that they have been friends since junior high and that he's going to sing a song for Seiji. Seiji wonders if this is being brave but feels like it's somehow different. Meanwhile, Kawabata is singing his heart out. Some of the group thinks that Seiji looks like someone famous. After singing, Kawabata tells Seiji that the color of his face looks bad but at least now people will remember who he is. A waitress cleans up the table and as she offers Seiji some cold water to drink, she passes him a note.

Outside the shop, Samejima-senpai asks Seiji why he's dressed that way. She apologizes for being pushy about inviting him, but she's glad that he came and mentions that they go the same way home. She asks if she can go with Seiji and Kawabata. She thinks that Kawabata is interesting and wants to know what they normally do together. Seiji starts to walk away so she tries to grab his hand, saying that the light is still red. Seiji surprises her by yanking his hand away. He looks at her embarrassed and she stares back, telling him that it's not good and he needs to look where he is going. She asks him if he's okay since he looked like he was feeling bad in the shop. He responds back that he's fine and going to head home by himself. As he walks away, his face is completely red. Kawabata watches him leave and then tells Samejima-senpai that Seiji will be fine going home by himself. The waitress from earlier is waiting by a telephone booth. Seiji approaches quietly and then calls out, startling her. He thanks her for the cold water and apologizes for scaring her. He then gives her back the note and tells her something like that is troublesome and apologizes for not being able to accept it. She tells him that she understands and that he's conscientious since he could have just thrown it away. Seiji glances at her as she smiles back. That is the day he met Kuniyama Midori. Another girl in the shop got all excited over him and she told her to stop. But she was a cute girl, so Midori asks him if he's disappointed that it's not her. He says that he's not and she asks him if he's sure. He says that he is and she's glad to learn that he's a shy, honest guy. She flicks the note toward the burnable trash can, as he tries to catch it.

Ichikawa Seiji, college sophomore. Kawabata greets Seiji and asks if he can sit next to him. Seiji tells him that he always sits where he likes anyway. Kawabata agrees that's the kind of guy he is, not very practical. Seiji mentions that it seems quiet today, while Kawabata continues to talk about himself, saying that he's a poor talker. Seiji appears to ignore Kawabata. Kawabata is familiar with that reaction. Even though Seiji wanted to be friends, he showed Kawabata his unfriendly attitude from the very beginning. Sooner or later, Kawabata became accustomed to his strange, flighty disposition. That's why there's really no need for Seiji to change. Kawabata will hang out with Seiji anyway. Kawabata says that if he wants to change, he needs to force himself but will he think that it's dumb? And even though Seiji failed with another girl, does it mean that he's a failure as a man? Seiji replies that he doesn't think so. Kawabata tells him that he's a good guy for real and that it's useless if he can't be happy. Sooner or later he will succeed because he's a winner. Seiji tells him, "yeah." Kawabata wants to make sure that Seiji is with him and tells him not to worry even if he doesn't have fixed destination. Then Kawabata asks if Seiji is aware that Chie quit school. Seiji doesn't know who that is. Kawabata answers, "Samejima Chie-senpai." Kawabata goes on to say that there are rumors Seiji is meeting up with a women since he doesn't show up at the club and wonders if it's true? Seiji is surprised. 

Midori and Seiji are walking together. Midori mentions that it's almost time for the summer festival. Seiji started meeting Midori after her work is over, once or twice a month. Midori asks Seiji how the movie was and he answers that it was interesting. She glances over at him, so he explains that he also likes to watch movies alone. He's bad at conveying his feelings to others and he thinks that it seemed only half-way interesting but if he doesn't convey that properly, it wouldn't be good. Midori giggles and says that he doesn't have to worry about being so formal. Then she tells him that he cried a little. He gets embarrassed that she saw him and covers his face. Laughing, she tells him that if he's that upset, next time she will pretend that she doesn't notice but it's not something to be embarrassed about. She thinks he's funny. Seiji ponders over the fact that there will be a next time. Midori tells him that she has to hurry and pick up her child. He confirms that her child is a girl and Midori says that she's almost two and she wants to dress her up in a yukata for the summer festival. Seiji remembers that the paper lanterns are extremely pretty during the night of the summer festival. Midori looks up at the stars and then says that she thinks those words just now are more embarrassing. She tells him that if he says to forget about it, she will do so.

Seiji is at home, getting ready to fly a paper airplane. His grandfather wants to know what's wrong and asks him if he wants to drink a little. Seiji replies that he just turned 20 (the legal drinking age in Japan). The grandfather is a little miffed and says that he's been waiting for the day when he can drink with Seiji. Plus, Seiji's father doesn't drink. Seiji tells him just one drink then, but if it's talking, Seiji will be around so the grandfather needs to live a long time. The grandfather says not to think of pros and cons, since it's good to be alive and remembering the good things will come naturally. The grandfather continues to give Seiji advice and also tells Seiji not to worry his mother because she has her hands full with his grandmother being the way she is and his father being henpecked (dominated by the wife). The grandfather tells Seiji that he will not die before he has a great-grandchild. Seiji just laughs and the grandfather tells him that it's not something to laugh about. Seiji feels the life that his grandfather lived has shown up in his world a little, things like values and outlook, and that his grandfather taught him by leading with his hand. The scene changes to a young Haru who is holding her mother's hand and eating cotton candy. Seiji introduces himself to her. He feels that people can find many opportunities to discover the world, happy times, sad times, fun times, and painful times. Opportunities will change a person's life.

Back to the present day, Seiji stares at the divorce paperwork and thinks that she (Midori) was searching for that, too. Kawabata wonders if the handwriting is Midori's. Seiji thinks that it is, but he can't remember too well. Kawabata ponders over the fact that Seiji's grandmother gave the paperwork to him. Seiji tells Kawabata that he didn't realize Midori went to his family home and Kawabata responds that Seiji is taking it rather calmly. Kawabata wants to know if Seiji is sulking and says that women also have one or two things that they keep hidden. Seiji replies that he isn't good with women and doesn't want to think about any of it, if possible. Kawabata thinks that Seiji should tear it up and throw it away but then concludes that Seiji wants to get rid of Haru and not the paperwork. Seiji laughs and splashes tea on Kawabata. Kawabata grumbles, telling Seiji not to take it seriously and he's acting like a hysterical woman. Seiji glares at Kawabata and tells him that he says a lot of improper things. Kawabata wipes his face while a female co-worker chastises him for fighting with Seiji. Kawabata starts laughing and tells her not to worry about it. Seiji always acts like that towards him and he thinks that Seiji is interesting to watch. The co-worker tells him that's in bad taste and scolds him. Kawabata thinks to himself that women are troublesome. He tells the woman that if he had to rate her bento, he would give it 60 points. She gets upset and says that he's horrible. Kawabata think that it's cute that she tried really hard though. He tells her that he will take the bento since it would probably upset Seiji's stomach. Imaging Seiji telling her that the bento looks delicious but he really wants to eat her instead, the woman blushes and says that it's absurb to think that she wants Seiji to eat her bento. She just wanted him to see the results of her hard work. Kawabata tells her, "40 points" and says that she should give up as she grabs the bento back, replying that she doesn't need his advice. He warns that this company is owned by his father's acquaintance and he was asked to look after Seiji. He tells her that she should watch her actions and words towards him.

Seiji meets Chie outside, apologizing for being late. Chie tells him not to worry about it and apologizes for bothering him while at work. She was nearby so she thought they could talk for a bit. She says that she's with her friend so it may have been good to ask Kawabata to join them since they get along so well. Chie then looks down, embarrassed, and apologizes for yesterday. Seiji chuckles and says, "the supermarket?" Chie hids her face and tell him not to laugh. She thinks she was very rude and she's reflecting on her behavior. Seiji keeps on chuckling. Telling him that he's laughing too much, Chie's face is all red. Seiji apologizes but says that he can't forget the image of her chasing after the cabbage. She tells him to forget about it right away. He says that it's impossible and remembers it as soon as he sees cabbage. She wants to know why he's still teasing her, after she apologized. He says that he can't forget it but it doesn't make any difference. Whether she's dressed up or not, he likes Chie either way. She blushes. He wants to know if she thinks of herself as a people pleaser, and if that's the case, does she know that she won't always be recognized in return? He tells her that the people who notice her good points are right next to her. She looks somewhat embarrassed and tells Seiji that he's changed. He responds that it's probably because of Haru. Chie is confused, so he explains that he thinks he's growing up along with Haru.

Yajirobee (Balancing Toy) - Chapter 6

The chapter opens with Seiji recalling that when he was a little boy, until he was six years old, he didn't leave the yard. One time, his overprotective parents and strict grandmother were upset that he had disappeared, but the hand that pulled him was a wrinkled hand... Back to the present day, Seiji and Kawabata are standing on the station platform, waiting for the train. Kawabata leans over to a woman and tells her that she has a cherry blossom petal on her head. He plucks it out of her hair as she tells him, thanks. He asks Seiji if Seiji just saw that. With a determined look, Kawabata makes a fist and states that since there are nice woman all around, there will be one for him. Seiji replies back that it's just that the number of pretty women have increased and Kawabata agrees. Kawabata says that in the past, women devoted their time by working hard for the men, but now they devote time for themselves. He think girls after work are tempting. Seiji is amazed and asks Kawabata if it's okay to say something like that and wonders if he should tell Kawabata what the women in company would say about that. Kawabata chuckles and calls Seiji an ordinary guy. Seiji tells Kawabata, goodbye, but deliberately says his name wrong. Kawabata angrily accuses Seiji of liking older women. Seiji shouts back that Kawabata should thank Seiji for pointing out that he's a real airhead. Seiji thinks that he may want to end their friendship...

Seiji heads to his family home and thinks to himself that he was estranged from his family for a long time. As he enters the yard, his father sees him and calls to Seiji's mother and grandmother. Seiji asks his grandmother about her strained back and wonders if she got a hernia. The grandmother replies that she hasn't seen the doctor. Seiji asks if she suddenly twisted her back and tells her not to strain her body too much. The grandmother tells him that she doesn't want to be treated like an old lady. She thinks it's not a big deal, but her bones seem to hurt. When Seiji tells her that it must be tough and she shouldn't have to endure it, his grandmother glares at him. She wants to know how many people nowadays know the meaning of endurance. Seiji decides that it's time to go and tells her to rest quietly. She yells back, "Stop treating me like a patient." as Seiji and his mother flinch. His mother scolds the grandmother for acting like that when Seiji made the effort to come back home. The grandmother replies back that she didn't ask him to do that. Seiji's father doesn't want everyone to be so edgy since he feels ashamed that there's only one man in the house. Seiji looks thoughtful and then shows the picture of Haru to his parents, telling them that she graduated from junior high. His father says that it's nice to have a girl for a grandchild while his mother wonders when Haru will come back for a visit. The grandmother speaks up and says that Haru is now an adult since she's almost 16, the same age as when the grandmother got married. It's the first time Seiji has heard that and he's surprised. Seiji asks his grandmother if it's okay to visit his grandfather and she responds that even if she refused, that's the main reason he came back home. As he turns to leave, his grandmother calls him back and tells him that there's something she wanted to give him in the third drawer of the dresser. It's an envelope with his name on it. His grandmother is embarrassed and tells him to be careful when he bends down. Seiji thinks to himself that last summer, his grandfather gave him a reason to return to the family home. With his mother and father next to him, he pays his respects to his grandfather and mentions that he went cherry blossom viewing recently. He feels that life is determined by such encounters.

Flashback to the cherry blossom viewing. Kawabata asks Chie if she golfs and Chie replies back that she hasn't played any sports since college. Kawabata mentions that golf seems to be popular among the women in the office right now and wants to be introduced to a cute girl. Chie, who is trying to spread out the blanket, tells Kawabata not to act like he's drunk. He says that nice women must certainly exists with all the women around and even someone with tennis experience is fine. Chie is flustered and wants him to restrain himself from saying those kinds of things in front of her son. Towa hands his mom a bottle of water and says that he likes interesting people. While laughing, he mentions that many of his mother's friends have strong personalities and invites Kawabata over to his house. Kawabata agrees that it's talk that a guy would certainly understand and that a slightly mysterious woman is more passionate. Seiji tells Chie that although she seems put together, she's really a scatterbrain. Chie is embarrassed and thinks that she made a bad impression when they first met up again after so long. Seiji says that he was surprised to see her at the flea market and also that the child she was watching got lost. She replies that she's still reflecting on it and got a lecture from her friend. She also didn't think that she would see Seiji at the flea market. Seiji apologizes for surprising her and thinks that it also wasn't fair to Haru. Seiji says that Kawabata was too hasty, telling them to get rid of the things they didn't need. Chie mentions that is Kawabata's disposition, but he's a good guy. Seiji agrees. He mentions that he was afraid of strangers up until he graduated from elementary school, and Kawabata says people don't need to be shy when they meet him. Seiji goes on to say that the one who took him out to play was his grandfather. Kawabata slaps him on the head and tells him not to talk about bad things. Chie disagrees and thinks that it's good, pleasant story. She lets Towa meet a lot of her friends and tries not to confine him to the house. While Seiji glares at him, Kawabata looks chagrined and says that it sounds sensible and that he can't hold a candle to Chie and will leave it to her. Haru and Towa are sitting together, separate from the rest of the group. Back in the present, Seiji recalls that they saw a lot of petals falling.

While looking at the flowers, Haru remembers telling Seiji that when it becomes summer, she's going to ask the grandfather for a favor, that if he happens to see her mom, please tell her thanks. Haru calls out to Seiji and says that she's going to get new flowers for the vase. He thanks her and she gives him a big smile as she rushes off. When she and Seiji pray in front of her mom's picture, Haru's face suddenly turns grim. Seiji is concerned and wonders why she is praying so hard. Haru then says, "I hope Seiji doesn't go bald!!" just as the cutting board falls and bangs his shin. Haru asks him if he's okay and to be more careful since the cardboard box has kitchen items in it. He still hasn't figured out where to put all the items, so she asks him what's the hold up. He replies that ease of use is important, but he needs to organize them quickly so that Haru won't get injured the next time. She takes the box from him and says that if he's not making progress, she will do it. Seiji spreads his arms out and tells her that the kitchen area is his domain. She laughs, asking him what is he saying since she also cooks and always helps him. He thanks her but replies that her cooking can't be called food. With a scary face, she stamps her foot and says that she won't help any more then. Seiji scolds her, telling her to stop acting selfish because that's different. She shouts back that she's not acting selfish. They look at each other. Seiji asks her if she's really not being selfish and she says that she isn't. He goes to her room and grabs the polaroid camera. She runs after him and tells him not to enter her room like that. Holding the camera, he asks her who was the one selfishly begging him for it. She grabs him and wants to know if he lied about giving it to her. He responds that it wasn't a lie and that he was happy that she selfishly asked for it. He then tells her that she looks nice in her school uniform and that it's a present for graduating. Telling her to take good care of it, he puts the camera on her desk. As he leaves the room, Haru calls out to him and says that she wants to give him the pictures that their former landlord gave to her. She thinks that the landlord wanted him to have them. Seiji looks down at the pictures and thinks that their landlord is a good person. Seiji wants to know if Haru has been lonely since leaving their former apartment six months ago. She tells him that she hasn't been lonely and wonders about him. He answers back that he's fine because he has Haru and her mom. She tells him that she's fine because she has him. Seiji is glad and tells her to do her best. He looks forward to new buds growing every year.

At school, Hikari and Haru greet each other. Haru asks Hikari if she's gotten used to her class and Hikari has but she's sad that Haru isn't in the same class. Haru grabs Hikari for a hug as a male classmate greets them. The male classmate, Yoshida, is thinking about checking out the basketball club and wonders if Haru is going to continue with basketball. She tells him that she's not sure but she thinks that she will at least check it out. Hikari tells Haru that she thinks Yoshida may like Haru, but Haru doesn't agree. Hikari says that it seems like he came to this school because he's chasing after her. Haru doesn't know how to respond to that. 

At Seiji's work place, a female co-worker exclaims in surprise at Seiji's cute bento. She thinks it's because he has a daughter, but he says that he's planning to make his own bento from now. She's surprised that he made it all himself and then tells him that she just started learning to cook for herself but she's not really good at it. Seiji suggests that he can help her out and tells her to talk to him later. She tells him okay and walks off. After work, Seiji greets her and she imagines him as a sparkling, handsome man. He tells her that he checked online during lunch time and found a bunch of web sites and blogs that have easy-to-make recipes. He hands her the list and suggests that she check them out. Then he looks at the time and says that he has to go since the supermarket has special deals. As he leaves, she again imagines him as a sparkling, handsome guy. Seiji returns home from shopping and is greeted by Haru and Hikari. He tells Haru to give the pictures to Hikari. As they look at the pictures, Haru says that Hikari takes good pictures but she's shocked at how her own face looks. Hikari replies that it's because Haru jokes around a lot. Hikari thinks that Seiji wanted to take a cute picture of Haru. She then notices a strange stuffed animal and the 4-leaf clover. Haru says that the clover is getting wilted, so Hikari tells her to put it the book for now and then she can use it later as a bookmark. Hikari sees Seiji's camera and wants to know if Haru will become a photographer. So, Haru asks Hikari if she will be her model. Hikari looks stunned. Haru remembers that she has makeup from Chie, so she asks Hikari if it's okay to fix her up and if it looks good, they can show Seiji. Hikari blushes when she thinks about showing Seiji. Seiji is making dinner when Haru yells at him to come quickly. She grabs his arms and points to Hikari, saying "before and after". Hikari, who is all made up, is embarrassed as she looks at them. Haru tells Seiji that she made Hikari even cuter and Seiji agrees. They ask Hikari if she's staying for dinner, but she says that she's going home. After she leaves, Seiji wants to know why Haru put make up on Hikari and why does she have make-up. He looks a bit angry and asks if Haru got it from Chie. Haru runs off, saying that she will walk Hikari home.

Back at school, a ball rolls over to Haru so she bends down to pick it up. A snobby girl asks Haru who gave her permission to touch the ball, so Haru apologizes. Haru looks a little stunned and starts to leave. From behind her, Bonta says that it's bad form to drive away first year students. He goes on to say that no one is going to want to join like this and that if it were him, he would hold back. Haru is surprised to see him. Bonta wants to know if she's going to join the club, but Haru isn't sure. He tells her that it's okay not to join because she could get bullied. He says to forget about it, but he won't stop her if she wants to continue. He starts to walk away and she follows him. He turns back and asks her why she's tagging along. She stutters a bit and then says that she wanted to go home together. He puts his arm around her and they start walking. They notice Hikari and Bonta tells her to join them. Haru asks Hikari if she's okay and Hikari says that if Haru is around, she's fine. Hikari notices that Haru has been chasing after Bonta. Bonta's classmate tells Hikari that she's cute. Haru stares at him as Bonta laughs.

At the house, Haru is watching Seiji in the yard and wants to know what he is doing. He replies that he wants to make a vegetable garden. She asks him if he's being a house-husband. He looks over at her and tells her to look at the newspaper ads to see if there's anything on sale at the supermarket. She says that the cabbage is cheap but only until 11 AM. The supermarket is a kind of far away, so they should leave soon if they want to make it in time. They rush off with Seiji telling Haru not to worry about him and go. She tells him to leave it to her, but unfortunately doesn't make it before the sale ends. Upset, Haru pounds the ground with her hands, while Seiji begs the shopkeeper if there are any more left in stock. A woman stands in the store with a couple of heads of cabbage in her basket. Seiji greets her with a "fancy seeing you here, Chie-chan. It seems like Haru received something from you." Chie, with her her pulled back in a headband, glasses, and no makeup, looks stunned. She drops the basket and Seiji wonders what's wrong. She tells him that her name is Saitou. Seiji is confused. Chie tells Yousuke (Towa) that they are leaving. As she frantically grabs the cabbage rolling around on the floor, Seiji wonders if her eyes are bad. Towa stands back and watches. He chuckles as he walks by Haru. As Chie and Towa walk off, Seiji is still confused and wonders what just happened. Brushing his teeth that night, Seiji is still puzzled about it, so Haru tells him that he doesn't understand a woman's feelings. They say goodnight. 

Seiji peeks in on the sleeping Haru before going to bed. He remembers that when he was a little boy, his grandfather asked him to race with him, play tag, climb trees, make paper airplanes, etc. His grandfather said that he will teach Seiji how to make planes that fly a long distance. Seiji also remembers being dressed up in girl's clothing because of the hand-me-downs from the neighbor kids. He wonders about being raised quietly and being trained to behave since he gradually became timid. He thinks that maybe he was given very little stimulus during the time when he was most susceptible. In elementary school, he sat alone while watching the boys and girls socialize with each other. He went to an all-boys junior high and high school. He did make friends, but never fell in love. His life meandered until he met her, Haru's mom. Coming back to the present, Seiji notices the envelope that his grandmother gave him. Looking thoughtful, he takes it and turns it over.

Yajirobee (Balancing Toy) - Chapter 5

The chapter opens with Haru thinking about how she told Bonta that she likes his room and that's it's the best room in the house, while Bonta says to her that they should go and eat ramen. Haru is worried that she said something bad again to upset him. They walk out of Bonta's room and end up in another bedroom. When Haru asks if this is his parents' room, he tells her that it is and that it's a defect in the house. In order to get to his room, he has to go through his parents' room. Haru thinks that the house is interesting, but Bonta disagrees and tells her she's an idiot. Then, Haru is lying on the floor, exclaiming that there is no face in the ceiling. Bonta asks what is she doing and she explains that in their previous apartment, there were plenty of "The Scream" faces. Bonta replies that it's just the grain of wood. Haru wonders if she still a kid. She says that she used to be a little scared that they might take her away, but Seiji always stayed with her until she fell asleep. Bonta advises her not to talk about that kind of thing to others, like earlier when she said the futons were laid out next to each other, because some people will laugh. He tells her to just talk about normal things, something pure, like the sky is pretty today. Haru starts to shake with laughter, thinking that saying "the sky is pretty" doesn't really fit him. Bonta is a little put off by her laughter.

All of sudden, the door opens and someone starts shouting at Bonta about school. It's Bonta's mom. She stops shouting when she sees Haru. Haru greets the mom, saying that it's been awhile. Bonta asks his mom why she came home. His mom tells him that she came to get her insurance card because she's feeling under the weather and left work early. His mom also wants to know why Bonta is acting huffy, and he tells her that he's not. His mom goes off to find her insurance card, talking to herself, while Haru grabs Bonta's sleeve to stop him from following. Haru glares at Bonta and tells him to act more gentle towards his mom. He tells her that he is and talks about how in the past, his mom didn't want the dad smoking in front of him. Haru is surprised to hear him talking about his past since he told her that he didn't remember much. He tells her that he worried about his mom in the past. Bonta's mom joins the conversation and says that it's different. Bonta really liked his father and would copy him, even with dangerous things, and because he didn't stop, the mom got a little irritated. She then asks if Haru knows about the chocolate candy that looks like a cigarette. She says that Bonta would pretend to smoke with it. Bonta, looking annoyed, tells her that she should be embarrassed for talking about silly things. His mom smiles and agrees. Bonta starts to walk away and Haru chases after him, saying that he should go with his mom. He tells her that it's fine because his mom always goes by herself. Haru launches herself at Bonta and grabs onto him, saying that she thinks his mom will be happy if he treats her well. Bonta and his mom are both stunned. After that, Bonta and his mom are sitting at the entrance. Laughing, his mom asks if he's been fidgety lately because he's seeing Haru again. She says that she's been worried that he may leave their house. She starts to tell him something...

The scene changes to Seiji who looks happy because the weather is getting warmer. He and Kawabata are walking together when they see Towa. Seiji greets Towa and asks him if he cut his hair. Towa replies back that he did a little. Towa apologizes to Seiji, saying that he thought Seiji was Haru's older brother instead of Haru's dad and that his mom told him that Seiji would get angry about it. Seiji brushes his comments off. Towa thinks that Seiji is strange because he's seems happy about it. Towa tells Seiji that he and his mom also get mistaken as siblings. Seiji asks how she's doing and Towa replies that she went to the beauty shop before coming over because she wants to look pretty. Towa jokes around, saying that he's more pretty and that she can't win. Seiji just laughs but stops suddenly and tells Towa not to move. Right next to Towa's foot is a four-leaf clover. It's the first time that Seiji has seen a real one. Seiji picks up the four-leaf clover and says that the clover flowers will bloom soon. Towa agrees. Seiji tells Towa that he's going to make a stop before continuing on, and Towa asks where Haru is.

Bonta and Haru are at their old apartment building. Bonta mentions that the building looks really run down and Haru agrees. She says that if the place gets cleaned up, it would actually look fresh. Bonta apologizes for bringing her to see the apartment, but she says that it's okay because it's kind of nostalgic. He replies that it's too early to get nostalgic. He goes on to say that it seems that his mother is pregnant, so he's going to have a sibling. Bonta really likes kids, so normally he would be happy about it, but it's still a shock. Haru puts her arm around his shoulder and gives him a hug from the side. Bonta mentions that the age gap between him and his sibling-to-be will be around the same age difference as Seiji and Haru. Flustered, Haru wonders why he's using that as a comparison. He asks her if she knows how it is for a guy to raise a child. He says that he will be the one to look after his brother or sister from now and that his dad doesn't even know about the pregnancy yet. She starts to ask him about his dad, but he cuts her off and says that his dad is still "Inoue" and that he will talk to his dad about it today. He thinks that his mom is using the pregnancy as a motive to reconcile with his dad, but it doesn't really bother him if this is the last time she manipulates him. He also hopes that his parents stay healthy because it's troublesome to look after old people and he hopes they figure out quickly what they want to do with the house in the future. Bonta then changes the subject and talks about their former landlord and how he always dressed in carpenter clothes. Haru giggles. He tells her to stop laughing because it's rude and he doesn't get the meaning. Haru responds that it's because he suddenly started talking about nostalgic things. Suddenly someone calls out to them. It's their former landlord, dressed in carpenter clothes. He tells that that it's good timing because he has something he wants to give to Haru. Bonta starts to laugh and says that it's no good and leaves for his part-time job as Haru starts to protest. The landlord tells her to come to his apartment, while Bonta smiles and tells her, "good luck". Haru is happy that Bonta talked with her about many things and by just being there with him, she feels reassured. The landlord asks Haru how Seiji is doing and says that he feels bad about evicting them from the apartment. She tells him that they're fine, and the landlord gives her pictures that he took of the place before it gets demolished. Haru then wonders if she can exist like that for Seiji.

Bonta's dad is taking a smoke break with a co-worker. He suddenly notices that the cigarettes aren't real, but chocolate. He bursts out laughing and the co-workers want to know what's wrong. He tells them it's nothing. When Haru meets up with Towa, he tells her that she's late. He smiles and says that the weather is nice today and that he likes springtime. Haru gives Chie's good luck charm to Towa and tells him that she's returning it and he should hold on to it instead. He replies that he has exams next, so it makes sense. Haru mutters that isn't what she meant. They look at the crowd of people under the cherry blossom trees and remark that lively is better. They see Seiji, Chie, and Kawabata. Haru mentions to Towa that his mom is beautiful and then wonders why she said that. Towa replies that Seiji is a kind person. They exchange phone number. He then gives her a comic book, but she says that it was hers to begin with. He's surprised to discover that she's born in the summer since he thought that it was in the spring. He tells her that the name "Haru" is cute. Haru blushes and says that "Towa" is a nice name, too, while he laughs. Haru thinks that Towa is weak, but a good guy. Towa tells her that he's happy so he will give her one more thing. He reaches forward and tucks a flower behind her ear, saying that a clover is a promise that a flower will bloom. Haru realizes that kind people tend to gather around Seiji.

Chie peeks around the tree and calls out to Haru. Chie tells Haru that she looks different with her hair tied but thinks it's cute. Chie asks Haru if she's interested in cosmetics. She hands Haru a bag and tells her not to say anything to Seiji since guys don't understand. Haru thanks her. Chie notices the camera that Haru is holding and comments that it looks expensive. Haru tells her Seiji said that anything was fine, so she got the camera from him. Haru then asks Chie if she's being kind to her because Haru is a special person to Seiji. When Chie said earlier that she was a good-for-nothing woman, was that the reason, because Haru doesn't think so. Chie just stares at Haru and then pulls at Haru's cheeks and plays with her hair. Chie then sighs and says that she gives up. She completely dug a hole for herself. Chie explains that it's true she used to like Seiji but she was rejected and he already had a girlfriend. Right now, she's happy. Chie says that she's a people-pleaser, so even in front of someone she used to like, she wants to look good which can mean various things and can be misunderstood. She's sorry for that. Haru wonders if the feeling of liking someone goes away with time and Chie replies that it probably depends on the situation. Haru tells Chie that she just learned that after being apart, once people get back together, there's the possibility that they can create a child. Chie is shocked. Haru thinks to herself that although she wants Seiji to know, there is one thing she doesn't want him to find out. Chie continues to talk to Haru and says that she thinks the reason why she was rejected was probably because Haru's mother was Seiji's girlfriend. Chie feels that she has something to teach Haru going forward. Haru feels that guys really cherish memories. Chie says that if Haru can at least understand that, then she's already becoming a little more like an adult. Haru feels that love seems difficult, and Chie is worried about Haru. Chie thinks that once Towa is aware of it, it will be troubling.

Seiji is on the phone, talking with his father about the grandmother. After he gets off the phone, Haru asks about the grandmother. Seiji tells her that his grandmother strained her back, so he's going to visit her after work tomorrow. He tells her that his grandmother doesn't get sick, so she should live a long time. However, if he doesn't go to see her, she will pester him about it. Haru stares at Seiji and then blushes, saying that when it becomes summer, she's going to ask Seiji's grandfather for a favor. That if he happens to see her mom, please tell her thanks. Seiji looks at her, stunned. Haru wonders if Seiji's grandfather will listen. She wants her mom to hear. The things she's learning about that she didn't know about her mom. The things that she can do going forward.

The chapter opens with a young Seiji walking down the stairs and through a room that has one person sleeping and one person sitting up. The guy sitting up coughs and gets out a cigarette. As Seiji looks back, the guy offers him a cigarette. The scene then changes to a sleeping Seiji dreaming about a young man holding a little girl's hand and he can hear his name being called. Startled, he wakes up and sees Haru's mom sitting next to the futon, looking at him. They continue to stare at each other. Seiji's eyes start to close a little and then he jerks awake. He stares down at Haru who is sitting on the floor and ends up with a book falling on her head. As she rubs the top of her head, Seiji chuckles. She scolds him and tells him that it's already morning and she has exams. The clock reads 6:35 AM. When Seiji apologizes to Haru for oversleeping, she smiles at him and asks if he mistook her for her mom again. She teases him and says that he loves her mom so much that he dreams about her and that his face looks flushed. Blushing, Seiji doesn't know what to say. Haru tells him that it's too bad, but this is reality and she's Haru. Seiji wonders why she seems a little worked up in the morning. She replies back that an exam student's morning starts early and she already made breakfast so he should eat it quickly. He tells her okay and rubs her head as he walks off. Something falls to the floor and Haru notices that it's the good-luck charm from Chie. She picks it up and puts it in her pocket. Haru thinks that there are all kinds of different families and wonders if Chie is the attentive type. Seiji is washing his face as Haru peeks around the corner. She tells him that there's no one else like her mom. He responds that he knows and that he's sorry for loving too much. He tells her that even her voice is starting to sound like her mom. She replies back, "sorry, but I'm Haru." and he apologizes.
 
The scene changes to someone else's house. The door opens and someone leaves, waking up a person who was sleeping. The person sits up and calls out, "... Bonta?" Haru is walking by herself to school, when she hears her name. She turns around and sees Bonta on a bicycle. He wishes her good luck on the exams. Surprised, Haru asks if he came over just to tell her that. He replies that he was heading to the convenience store and just happened to see her. But Haru told him about the Kita High School exam in an email, so she was surprised that he remembered it. It's the start of the exams and the students are told that they can only have the necessary items needed for taking the exam, such as pencils, erasers, and a ruler. Haru's number is 235. Haru's pencil breaks as she's writing and she thinks to herself that she needs to calm down. She recalls talking to Bonta about whether a person who doesn't exist in this world anymore can borrow someone's body? She means like doing something but doesn't know why she's doing it, like accidentally going to sleep in Seiji's room and when she wakes up, she wonders what's going on. Bonta replies that it's because she just can't let go of the way she was living back in the apartment. As Haru twirls her pencil, she wonders if that's true.
 
Haru and her friend, Hikari, are graduating from junior high. They smile for the camera as Seiji takes the picture. Seiji asks if the picture is okay and Haru says that Hikari looks cute. Hikari asks Seiji to hand over the camera so she can take a picture of him and Haru. Seiji jokes around that he's already taken too many pictures for her. Haru grabs the camera and says that she will delete the ones that she doesn't need. But unfortunately, she deletes all of them. Seiji is in shock because she deleted everything. He cries out that it's cruel and she retorts that it's because he didn't teach her how to use it. He replies back that it's something she can pick up on her own and asks Hikari to stand next to Haru again for another picture. In the picture, Hikari is smiling a little sheepishly and Haru is making a face. Seiji sobs because he wanted Haru to look cuter in the picture while Haru glares at him. Haru wants to know why Seiji has two cameras with him. He tells her that the one he's holding is a polaroid camera and takes her picture. He likes it better because you can't retake pictures like a digital camera. As they wait for the picture to develop, Haru eyes the polaroid camera. She's not too happy seeing the polaroid picture, though. As they stand next to each, one wants to know what's wrong and the other replies that nothing is wrong.
 
It's the day of the exam results. Haru and Hikari are estatic to see their numbers on the list. Suddenly Bonta appears riding his bicycle. He wants to know if she's going home. Haru answers back that she is but needs to report to her teacher first. He decides to go with her. The teacher is surprised to see Bonta and asks about his school. Bonta greets the teacher while another student tells the teacher that he passed. The teacher tells them that they should come to school properly in their uniforms but they respond back that they already graduated. Then one of the students complains that the school regulations are out of fashion and wonder if they can make it so that the girls' skirts are a little shorter? They tell the teacher and he gets upset with them for complaining about everything. Bonta tells the teacher to please make improvements for the sake of the new students. As they walk together, Haru looks down and smiles as Bonta looks over at her. She tells him that it's not good if he doesn't go to school. He replies back that it's fine since it's already settled that he will advanced to the next grade. He then tells her that they should go to his place. She asks if it's okay and he wonders why not. 
 
At his place, he tosses a stuffed animal at her and says that she can have it. He won it at a game center and doesn't want it, so it's hers if she likes it. Haru smiles and tells him, okay. He asks if she's happy and if she likes stuffed animals. Haru says that she is and she doesn't hate them, so Bonta tells her to take them all and starts tossing the stuffed animals at her. She tells him to stop and she can't carry that many. While holding two stuffed animals, he puts them against her face. He blushes a little as she looks at him. Haru is curious about why he looks that way, so he explains that the last time she came over, he got a little mad and said things that he didn't really mean. He was very irritated and now feels bad. Because of his family situation and because he's a real idiot... a lot of things have happened. About 10 years earlier, Bonta's parents got divorced and Bonta's mother took him with her to live in apartment where Haru lived. But now Bonta returned to the house where they used to live and his parents may reconcile. Bonta sits down on the bed and tells Haru that this was his room from before. He wants to know why she's fidgety since she's been there before, and she tells him that she really didn't get a chance to check it out. Haru looks around the room, saying that this is the room of little Bonta. She repeats, little Bonta, again and he throws a stuffed animal at her and tells her to stop saying it so many times. But Haru just smiles and replies that she knew the little Bonta. Bonta then gets serious and says that he's glad he didn't say unnecessary things. He doesn't really remember his father, so he has no feelings whatsoever. But he feels that someone who neglects his family and gives up on his mother shouldn't matter. He doesn't know if his father was lonely or if he died, but that was his choice. It's pitiful to have regrets now. Bonta goes on to say that even though his mother says there is no more love, if feelings remain, it's still the same. Haru thinks that those things are in the past, but wonders about now since Bonta is no longer a little kid. Bonta doesn't want to be treated with contempt by his father who thinks he can simply return home and says that he can't help but get angry. Bonta thinks that Seiji is great because there nothing he wouldn't do for Haru. Bonta feels like he's living with a stranger and even though they're together, it doesn't feel right. Haru tells him that she likes his room though, and it's probably the best room in the house. Haru thinks to herself that it's probably easy for Bonta to find the bad things. But if he can let go of the feelings of "hate" and "irritation" then it will be easier for him to find the good things. It's fine if it's convenient for him. When her mother passed away, there were times when she was lonely, but being able to remember with a smile is a good thing, right? That's what Seiji taught her. Haru smiles over at Bonta. 

The chapter opens with Haru thinking that towards someone she just met an hour ago, she feels like she can see what the past ten years were like for Chie since Chie's son is about her age. As Chie bandages Haru's injury, she tells Haru that she needs to take care of her body since she's a girl. Chie parents also told her that many times. She goes on to say that Towa's a boy, so he can take care of himself. Haru replies that she takes care of herself too, while Seiji says that he's a not a good father. Chie laughs and says that she's glad she could be of some help, otherwise she's a just being a noisy woman. Haru blushes as Towa looks on. Chie turns to her son and tells him that he should say something and he shouldn't be nervous around a cute girl. Haru thinks to herself that she's not cute while Seiji laughs. Towa tells Haru, "Nice to meet you." but Haru doesn't think that it feels that way. Towa then looks up and notices a balloon stuck in the tree. He decides to climb up the tree and get it even though they don't know who it belongs to. He climbs up pretty high, grabs the balloon, and jumps down. Seiji and Haru are impressed. He flashes a peace sign when he lands and then gives the balloon to the little girl. Haru says that the little girl shouldn't get lost any more and Seiji agrees. Seiji then talks about the boy that used to live next door to them at the old apartment. He says that the boy was a good kid. Seiji remembers when he was sick in bed with a high fever, he asked the lady next door to take care of Haru. At that time, Haru was so young and Seiji was worried about leaving her alone. When Seiji heard from the lady that the boy, Bonta, continued to hold Haru's hand the whole time, Seiji felt relieved. Ever since that time, Bonta always stayed by Haru's side. Seiji tells Haru that he really liked Bonta, which surprised Haru. He wonders if Bonta is doing well. Seiji tells Haru that she should let Bonta know that they are doing well and Haru tells him that she will later. Then Towa leans toward Haru, asking for her name. She doesn't know why he can't just ask his mom, but she tells him her name anyway. As Seiji and Haru walk back to their area at the flea market, Seiji mentions that it felt like old times. Haru realizes that she forgot to thank Chie and asks Seiji what she should do. Seiji apologizes and says that he didn't get Chie's number. Haru scolds him, asking him what's wrong with him since they're friends. Seiji says that they can ask Kawabata. When they reach their area, Kawabata is waiting there having a cigarette. Everything is gone and Haru can't believe it. As they leave the flea market, Haru asks Kawabata if he has a girlfriend. When he asks her why, she answers back that he seems to have a lot of free time. Kawabata gets irritated at Seiji for laughing and tells her that it's not polite to tell an adult that they seem to have a lot of free time. Haru apologizes.
 
At the beginning of the new year, Haru and Seiji go and visit Seiji's hometown. It's only the third time that Haru has visited Seiji's home because she isn't good at dealing with Seiji's grandmother. Seiji tells her that they need to pay their respects to his grandfather. He notices that Haru's scabs are finally healed (from her fall at the flea market). She says that they took awhile to heal because she kept scratching at them. She thinks that they kind of look like burns. When they kneel in front of Seiji's grandfather's shrine, Haru notices the paper airplane that she made as an offering hasn't been thrown away. Since there are actually two paper airplanes on the table, she realizes that Seiji must have made the other one when he came to visit by himself. He teases her and says that his airplane will probably reach the grandfather first. Haru replies back that her airplane will probably crash somewhere. Seiji tells her not to worry and that it will reach him. Seiji says that always taking things into consideration and writing down one's feelings is called "shinen*" (*T/N: it's hard to translate "shinen" with one or two words. It's kind of like a deeply held feeling or thought).  Seiji goes on to say that if those kinds of words exist, you want to hold on to them, but it somehow feels like an unrequited love. Haru tells him that they are gentle words. Seiji agrees with her but says it's feels a little sad. Haru looks at her knees and says that when she sees her scars, they remind her of Chie. She wonders if this is also "shinen". Seiji seems concerned about the scarring, but Haru says that it's alright because she wasn't being careful. She's still worried about not properly thanking Chie though and Seiji tells her that she should properly convey her feelings. Seiji's grandmother appears and asks them if they've already visited the shrine out back and that it's okay to go there. Haru stares at her in shock as Seiji invites her to go with them but she already went. The grandmother mentions that the first anniversary of the grandfather's death is coming up this summer and to come back again then. She says that they need to remember the family a little as she walks away. Haru and Seiji wach her go and Haru is stunned. She calls out to the grandmother in a familiar tone and tells her to take care. The grandmother turns back in surprise. Haru is embarrassed by her words and Seiji lets go of her shoulders in shock. Haru then pushes him as he laughs. The grandmother has a small smile on her face. When they leave the house, Haru thanks Seiji for bringing her. Seiji then winces in pain because his shoulder is stiff. He tells her that in the past, he wasn't good at dealing with his grandmother but she really is a kind person. Haru agrees as she massages his shoulders. He tells her that they should stop talking about his grandmother, otherwise his grandfather might appear, but Haru says that she is no longer afraid and Seiji is bummed because now it will be boring. At the shrine, Seiji mentions that maybe he should pray for Haru passing her exams. She tells him that she will do that, so he needs to pray for something for himself.
 
Haru decides to send one last text mail to Bonta at the beginning of the third semester. In her message, she tells him that she's taking the test for Kita High School in February and that he better not be repeating a grade. Bonta was her childhood friend who lived in the apartment next door, a boy one year older than her. They suddenly stopped talking to each other and then he graduated from junior high school. Yet, Haru sometimes wonders if something really did happen and worries about it. The scene changes and Seiji welcomes Haru home. He tells her that she's late and he got tired of waiting. She thinks that he's pretty tense and then notices the shoes in the entryway. She asks if they have guests and Seiji tells her that Chie and Toma are visiting. Kawabata was able to contact them and he's there too. Both Chie and Kawabata say hello to Haru. Haru again wonders how much free time Kawabata has. Chie smiles and says that Seiji and Kawabata have an inseparable relationship. Haru thanks Chie for taking care of her when she got hurt at the flea market. Chie tells her that it's not a big deal and she apologizes for the scars. Haru tells her that it's nothing. Then Towa calls out to Haru. Haru wonders why Toma is making himself at home and tells him that he's reading her manga. He responds that it's interesting and he had a feeling they would meet again. Chie stands up and says that they should be going home. She gives Haru a good-luck charm for the exams. She said that she bought it long ago but didn't get a chance to use it. She was planning to take the state examination after college but quit. She apologizes to Haru, saying that even though it's old, there's still a lot of feeling behind it. Haru wonders why Chie is giving it to her, but Seiji tells her to take it. Then Chie suddenly exclaims that it's already been used. She says that she held on to it when she was giving birth to Towa. Towa asks his mom if she was praying for an easy delivery. Chie happily exclaims that it was a success and it should be full of her power. Haru looks stunned and thinks Chie is really intense, while Towa looks annoyed and wonders if there's anyone who can shut his mom up. Haru asks Chie if she shouldn't be going home soon since her husband will be worried. Chie replies that she's a single mother. Chie leaves the good-luck charm behind and Towa takes the manga with him. Haru wonders why she is reminded of her mom when she looks at Chie, even though Chie doesn't resemble her mom. Her mom is her mom and Chie is different. Seiji tells her that it's not good to compare people but Haru doesn't feel that's what she meant. Plus, Seiji said earlier that Haru resembles her mom a little bit. Then Haru's cell phone rings. She checks it while wondering what Seiji liked about her mother. She thinks if she asks him that, he will be troubled. But she kind of wants to see his troubled face. Then she tells Seiji that the text was from Bonta. His message says that he's not going to repeat a grade, sorry.
 
The scene changes to the outside of Bonta's apartment. When he opens his door, he sees Haru standing at the gate. He tells her that she can come in but he's heading out for his part-time job soon. He also wonders if he told her where he lived since she found it easily. Haru responds that when his mom left the apartment building, she gave Haru his address. In the apartment, Haru notices that he grew out his hair and mentions that his last name is different on the nameplate. He responds that a lot of stuff happened and it's all mixed up. Haru wonders if maybe stopping by to visit was a bad thing. Bonta asks her why she's making that face and Haru wants to know if she's making a strange face. He tells her that she isn't but that her eyebrows are slanting down (T/N: he describes it as a katakana 'ha' shape) more than usual. Haru thinks that maybe she should have stopped by to visit anytime. She laughs and apologizes, saying that she's nervous because it's been awhile. Bonta looks thoughtful and then grabs Haru's arm and tells her that she needs to go home after all. He also tells her not to come over anymore. But she responds that she's glad they got to talk. She's glad to see him because she's been apart from him, Seiji's grandfather passed away, and the apartment is gone. He then asks her if she likes him and says that he's worried about her. He tells her it's fine to say that she likes him and he will protect her like he did in the past. He asks if she's been lonely and Haru tells him that she's been sad. She thinks back to the conversation she had with Seiji about always taking things into consideration and writing down one's feelings. She starts crying so Bonta sits down next to her and dries her tears. Haru tells him that Seiji said he likes Bonta. Because Seiji said that, she wants to be together with Bonta like they were in the past. Bonta is curious and starts to question what Seiji said but then stops when Haru asks him what does he want to know. Bonta puts his head down but then looks up with a small smile as Haru remembers telling Seiji that those were gentle words.
 
It's the middle of the night and Haru leaves her room. She recalls Seiji saying that it feels a little sad and she thinks that at that time, Seiji was a little lonely and cried while remembering her mom. Haru feels that her heart is filled with Seiji, the Seiji who loved her mom so much that she always smiling in his memories. Haru goes to Seiji's room and lies down on the futon next to him. As she starts to fall asleep, Haru has a little thought that if her mom were alive right now, she may be like the current Chie and that it's probably better not to say that to Seiji. 

 
Haru remembers that in the past, when Seiji was sick in bed, she asked for assistance from the next door neighbor. The lady told her, "All kids can do is to let someone know, so Haru-chan is a good girl." Haru could only stay quiet and watch over him. Now, the apartment they lived in for so long is being demolished due to it's deteriorated condition and a new apartment will be built. The place they moved to is not far from the apartment in a residential area elevated on a hill with good ventilation.
 
Chapter 2
 
"The winds blow but the mountain doesn't move", is a phrase Seiji's grandmother said. "You're a difficult child." Haru wonders if the grandmother probably said those words to Seiji too. As Seiji blows bubbles, she thinks that even though it may look like his grandmother is just watching from the sidelines, if that means she's watching over him then they are definitely family after all. Seiji finally notices her and asks how long she's been standing there. Haru tells him that she just got home and wonders what he's doing. She grabs the bubble wand and asks about his fever and cold and reminds him that he promised to stay in bed until she returned home. He tells her that he feels a lot better after staying in bed for two days. It's just a developmental fever (*a fever that brings with it intellectual growth). He says that it was probably brought on by all the commotion lately. He tells her, "Seiji feels good" and she responds back that he shouldn't refer to himself as "Seiji". He then does a cartwheel and lands on his feet. He smiles at her and says that he can take on Johnny's Juniors (*young male idols who are part of the Johnny's talent agency). Haru is impressed and wants him to do it again. Seiji is actually shocked that he did a cartwheel since it's his first time ever. He tries to figure out how to do it again and ends up in a backbend. (T/N: too funny) Haru tells him to stop trying and calls him an old man. Haru smiles to herself, realizing that Seiji always tries hard to not make her worry. Haru thinks back to when she and a playmate were holding hands and was told by the neighbor that she would be staying over at their house that night. When Haru asked what about Seiji, she was told that since Seiji caught a cold, she could see him tomorrow after he got better. Haru was sad that Seiji would be all by himself, but the woman told her that just as Haru was worried about Seiji, Seiji was worried about Haru too. Did Haru understand that?
 
The scene changes to Haru sitting at her desk, studying. She thinks that even though the house they live in now is a little big for the two of them, they are still close in their hearts. She pauses and then turns the page to the entry "childhood friends". She lays her head down on the desk and thinks, "... to meet (as a child)". It's morning and breakfast is on the table. Seiji tells Haru, "good morning" and exclaims that everything looks delicious while counting the number of sausages on the plate. Haru tells him, "good morning" back and gives him a thermos of ginger tea, saying that it's warm. She tells him that when he was sick in bed in the past, she remembered that he drank ginger tea. She tells him that she thinks she can do pretty much anything for him now, so he just needs to let her know. Seiji agrees as he takes a drink and tells her that it's delicious and that she has a good memory. Embarrassed, Haru tells him, "Yeah, I guess." Seiji goes to work and is greeted by a co-worker. The co-worker says that he will go and buy some hot tea and Seiji thanks him. Seiji is sitting at his desk, drinking a cup of the ginger tea and the co-worker leans to take a whiff. Seiji happily explains that his daughter made it for him. The co-worker mentions that they look close (seeing the picture of the two of them at Disneyland). Seiji responds back that he's not sure if he really looks like a father though, but the co-worker says that he looks like he's a great father. Seiji gives him a big smile as another guy walks up and pulls the co-worker away. Someone mentions that Seiji won't fall apart and they think that he shouldn't be putting pictures on his desk now that his daughter is big and maybe he's not interested in a relationship. Seiji is working at his desk when a co-worker approaches and points out that it's lunchtime. As they head out for lunch, Seiji ponders about being a great dad. The co-worker is confused so Seiji tells him that he will do anything for Haru. The co-worker says that is true since Seiji's bought a house for her. Seiji responds back that eventually it will be Haru's property. He wonders how much he can leave for Haru's sake. The co-worker tells Seiji that he's been like that in the past, disappearing into his own world and that it's depressing. Seiji tells him to leave him alone. 
 
At school, Haru is bouncing a basketball in the gym while wondering what can she do for Seiji. Her friend, Hikari, tells her that all she does is talk about Seiji and wonders how much of a father-complex she has. Haru tells Hikari to stop and it hasn't turned out like this because she likes him. Hikari changes the subject and mentions that it's time to concentrate on exams anyway. Haru says that her first wish is Kita High School and Hikari points out that the Kita High's girl uniforms are really cute and there are three different styles. A guy classmate overhears them talking and asks if they are aiming for Kita High. Haru answers back that it would be nice to go there. The guy says, "hmm..." as he holds up the basketball and when Haru tries to reach for it, her shirt pulls up. As his friends laugh, the guy plays with the ball but won't give it back to Haru. Annoyed, Hikari tells Haru that they should go to the bathroom. The girls talk about the guys, saying they don't like them because they're perverted. After entering junior high, the guys changed. Up until sixth grade, they were cute but not anymore. Now, they're really disgusting. Hikari says that guys always have ulterior motives and are idiots. Haru agrees. Then Hikari apologizes and says that she wasn't referring to Seiji, though. Haru is confused, so Hikari tells her that it's nothing. Hikari wonders if it's because she doesn't have a father living at home and her mother has trouble with guys. She knows it's a narrow view but it seems like her mother can't live without a man. Haru stares at her friend and then says that she couldn't live without Seiji. They both laugh as Hikari says that Haru is talking about Seiji again. They agree that they're still kids. "All kids can do is to let someone know." Ever since she was small, Haru lived in an apartment. She wasn't sure when she became close friends with the boy next door who was one year older, but they were always together, going back and forth between the two apartments. That boy left their apartment building one year earlier and the last time they met was at his junior high graduation ceremony. Since then, they haven't had any contact but Haru thinks about him occasionally. "Just as Haru was worried about Seiji, Seiji was worried about Haru too. Did Haru understand that?" "Me too..." Haru remembers the boy saying that to her. Snapping Haru out of her thoughts, Hikari points out some girls who are wearing Kita High uniforms. Hikari likes the skirt on the right and Haru likes the one on the left. Hikari definitely wants to go to Kita High and Haru agrees with her. 
 
Haru arrives at home and there are two pairs of shoes in the entryway. She sees Seiji as she steps into the house, but then slips on something and ends up falling on Seiji's co-worker. The co-worker tells her to watch out and asks if she's okay. Concerned, Seiji quickly pulls her up and away from the co-worker. The co-worker scratches his head and grumbles that he wouldn't try anything. Seiji tells Haru, "Welcome home" and Haru looks sheepish as she responds back, "I'm home". Haru looks around the messy room and wants to know who's responsible for the disaster. Seiji says that it wasn't him and blames the co-worker.The co-worker introduces himself as Kawabata. Both Seiji and Haru make a joke of his name, and Kawabata tells them to quit with the nicknames. Kawabata picks up from an earlier conversation and says that they should all go to the flea market at the end of the year.They can get rid of the unwanted stuff that's in their house. Haru is surprised that he has the time to do this. Seiji thanks her for the ginger tea and she tells him she will make more tomorrow. Kawabata is annoyed that they're in their own world and throws a ball at Seiji's head. Seiji turns to Kawabata and says that he already told him there's nothing that they want to get rid of in the house. However, Haru pulls out a unicycle and says that they don't need this since Seiji never plays with it. Kawabata chokes back a laugh as Seiji looks embarrassed, saying that was for Haru's sake. At any rate, they need to organize everything around them. Kawabata is going through the stuff, saying that Seiji doesn't need this and that, while Seiji is in despair. Then Kawabata holds up the bunny mask that Haru had when she was with her mom, and both Haru and Seiji freeze. Haru starts to cry as Seiji chases Kawabata out of the house. As he leaves, Kawabata tells Seiji that he's not going to throw anything away. There are people who will need the items and it's not like they're getting rid of the memories. He's just saying that they should relieve themselves a little of their burdens. Seiji glances back at him, looking thoughtful. When Seiji returns back to the room, Haru tells him that she found something that brings back memories even though she can't use it anymore. She's sitting on a little kid's bicycle. Seiji looks surprised and then starts to smile. 
 
It's December 12th, the day of the flea market. As Seiji carries some items, Haru remarks that it's the first time she's been to one and there are a lot of people. She tells him that it looks fun and she's going to check it out. Seiji is standing by their stuff as people look. Then Kawabata, who's looking for Seiji, sees him and calls out to him. Seiji waves him over but then stops when he sees the woman next to Kawabata. Suddenly, someone taps him on the shoulder. It's Haru, who tells him that she went around the whole flea market and is thirsty. Seiji watches her, smiling. Then the woman with Kawabata calls out to him. Haru looks over at her and the woman and Haru stare at each other. Seiji grabs Haru's head and turns it, telling her that she's staring too much. The woman was his senpai in college. With his arm around Haru, Seiji introduces her as his daughter as Kawabata leans over and whispers in the woman's ear that Seiji got married. She can't believe he's a dad. Both Seiji and Haru look embarrassed by the word, dad. The woman continues on, saying that she didn't know but she also quit school early and it's been over 10 years since they last met. Yet, surprisingly even though they haven't seen each in awhile, they recognized each other. She laughs and tells him that he hasn't changed at all. Seiji replies back that she (Chie-chan) hasn't changed either. Kawabata says that he was shocked though and Chie tells him to stop since she has a child. Haru looks on as the three of them laugh and thinks that Seiji seems to be having fun. She glances over at Chie. Chie introduces herself to Haru. Her name is Samejima Chie and she was one year above Seiji in college. Haru thinks that Chie is someone who's cheerful and smiles a lot. Haru suddenly bows and tells Chie, "Please take care of Seiji." Seiji is stunned. He turns to Haru and scolds her as the other two laugh. Haru tells him that he should walk around with the other two since there's a lot of fun things to see. She says that he should go and she can watch their stuff. The little girl lets go of her Chie's hand and Haru says that she will watch her. Chie wants to make sure that Haru is okay with it and then says they will look around for just a little bit. 
 
The three adults walk off and Haru thinks that they probably have a lot of things to say to each other. The little girl is playing with the dollhouse and Haru tells her that all of the toys used to be hers. As she watches the little girl, she think that she used to be like that too. She wonders what she was like back then and if Seiji did everything for her. She wonders if she was selfish at times and if she was an inconvenience to him. She's deep in thought and when she snaps out of it, she realizes that the little girl is gone. The adults have returned and Haru is crying and apologizing to Chie over and over. Haru wanted to look for the little girl right away but she wasn't sure if she should leave their area. They ask how long the girl has been missing and Haru thinks about five minutes. Chie grabs Haru's hand and tells her that she understands. Chie then runs off to look for the girl. Haru decides to look for her too. Seiji tells Kawabata to stay there just in case the girl comes back and takes off after Haru. Haru is running and crying. She doesn't know what to do and it's all her fault. Suddenly she trips and falls to the ground. As she sits there looking at her injuries, Chie runs up to Haru carrying the little girl. Haru apologizes to Chie as Chie takes care of her injuries. Chie tells her that at first she thought that Haru was too old to be Seiji's child, but then she found out the truth when they were walking around and felt like a bad person. Chie tells Haru that she shouldn't apologize because after all, she (Chie) is the one who took her eyes off the child first. Haru is confused by what Chie is trying to say but feels that Chie understands about Haru and Seiji. Seiji runs up to them, relieved that they found the little girl. Chie apologizes to Seiji as she walks away. Seiji notices that Haru got hurt. He tells Haru that he's glad it didn't turn out to be a huge incident and that Chie was looking after a friend's child. Haru looks over at Chie who's talking on the phone and telling the person to bring the first aid kit and meet her by the toilets. As she looks over at Chie, Haru recalls Chie saying to stop because she also has a child...