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.
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.