With a mixture of excitement and trepidation, Nao finally moved into her own apartment. However, her newfound independence was immediately challenged when a male classmate appeared, claiming to be the rightful tenant. A resolution was found…

The aftermath of the morning’s events left Nao unsteady, while Uehara seemed utterly oblivious. A prickle of unease settled upon Marina; she began to press Nao for details, sensing a hidden current beneath the surface.

Nao looks after Hisashi, who is recovering in the hospital from exhaustion. Then, a woman of uncertain origins enters the scene. Whispers circulate among the students – tales of a relationship between Hisashi and Nao.

As Christmas Eve drew near, a chance meeting with a delivery person unexpectedly steered Nao toward a new career. It was there she encountered Abe, a man known for his remarkable ability to elicit confessions.

Abe’s confession only deepened the complexities of Nao’s connection with Uehara. Afterward, she learned that he would be spending the New Year with Nanako, a colleague.

Following Marina’s suggestion, Nao and Uehara share a lunch bento in a public space. The experience is pleasant, yet a subtle unease lingers within her; she can’t help but wonder if his thoughts drift to Yuri during their time together.

Yuri made the announcement of her impending divorce, requesting permission to remain in the apartment. Uehara returned to his brother’s home, leaving Yuri and Nao to reside together in the space.

Takuya, Uehara’s elder brother, attempts an explanation, but Yuri will not hear it and discards her wedding ring. Nao strives to bring them back together.

Nao caught snippets of Uehara’s voice, a confession of his affections directed at her. Overwhelmed by the unexpected declaration, she retreated, avoiding his gaze and his presence. Later, Marina proposed a Valentine's Day outing.

The news of Yuri’s overnight stay reached Nao, and with it, a declaration: she would be leaving. Meanwhile, Daichi summoned Uehara to a private meeting on the school rooftop.

Upon learning the truth, Uehara departs to reside with her parents. Following her father's termination of the agreement, Nao flees, and Uehara sets out to confront him.

To deflect Yukari’s advances, Icchan asserted that Nao was his girlfriend. Uehara overheard the exchange, yet his silence unsettled Nao.

On the rooftop, Nozomi Kitaura found Nao and spoke frankly about her feelings for Uehara. Troubled by Nozomi’s words, Nao resolved to plan a thoughtful outing for him.

Nao feels a lightness of spirit simply by being near Uehara, though Issei returns her gaze with a complicated expression. Fate intervenes when Nao and Issei find themselves unexpectedly partnered for a night of dares.

Following the journey, Nao is hospitalized with a case of food poisoning, where she encounters a compassionate college student. During her recovery, she discovers that Uehara has been receiving visits from a charming young woman.

Following a family dispute, Issei has relocated to the apartment. Meanwhile, Marina is developing an interest in a visiting college student – one that Nao recognizes from their time at the hospital.

Nao, in a hopeful misjudgment, allows herself to believe that Uehara will soon ask for her hand in marriage. The school quickly fills with whispers of their impending engagement. When he vehemently denies these rumors, the weight of the rej…