Kokonotsu Shikada’s father, Yo, owns a dagashi shop, and he envisions Kokonotsu following in his footsteps. However, Kokonotsu harbors aspirations of becoming a manga artist. Their differing desires are disrupted by the arrival of a girl na…

"Kinako-bou," Hotaru explained to Kokonotsu, "doesn't rely on flashy packaging or cute mascots. It’s a survivor, really – a desert warrior in the world of sweets." She then launched into a detailed history of Fue Ramune, lecturing Kokonotsu…

The summer heat intensified under Hotaru’s care, as she deactivated the shop's air conditioning and heated water for Buta-men. A flicker of unease stirred within Saya when Hotaru inquired about the nature of her connection to Kokonotsu.

Hotaru proposed a challenge to Kokonotsu: a blind tasting of fugashi. Later, realizing he'd left something of great importance behind, she urged him to hurry back to Café Endo.

After the shop had closed for the night, Hotaru slipped into Shikada Dagashi for a clandestine meeting with Yo, Kokonotsu’s father. Afterward, she confided in Kokonotsu and To, revealing the secret to her unusual way of earning money.

Kokonotsu, To, and Saya made a visit to the temple, finding Hotaru exhibiting an even more peculiar demeanor than was typical. On another day, Saya recalled a memory of playing with Kokonotsu during their third year of schooling.

The summer festival approaches, and Hotaru is already devising a plan to transform her meager two hundred yen into a substantial prize at the die-cutting game. Later, Saya finds herself delighted when Yo suggests Kokonotsu accompany her thr…

A typhoon has confined Kokonotsu and the others to Shikada Dagashi. To, seeking to break the monotony, begins recounting chilling tales. On another occasion, he confides in Kokonotsu that he's been studying methods for gaining popularity wi…

A painful mouth ulcer offered no deterrent to Hotaru, who disregarded Saya’s gentle objections and consumed a surprisingly potent piece of dagashi. Afterward, she confided in Kokonotsu, revealing the truth about where she came from.

Two days passed without a sign of Hotaru at Shikada Dagashi, prompting concern from Kokonotsu and Saya. They went to her house to find out what was amiss. It seemed Hotaru had succumbed to a particularly virulent cold, one that had even rob…

Kokonotsu pressed Hotaru for an explanation of Shidare Company's interest in his father, and Hotaru, with a determined air, attempted to convey to him and Saya the depth of Yo’s capabilities. In another instance, while idly awaiting a train…

As Hotaru and Saya spoke of love, Kokonotsu and To sought to regain their luck through the sale of dagashi. On another day, Kokonotsu attempted to impress a hopeful Hotaru with his expertise in the sugary treats.