Unable to respond, Shintarō asks Chika for space to think of her confession, leading Chika to run off and Koto to slap him when he does not reciprocate Koto's remark of them being childhood friends. Kazuhiko sees Shintarō caught up with his dilemma and Shintarō seeks for advice on who to pursue, revealing to Kazuhiko he has no feelings for Chika at all, and has confessed to Koto once before being turned down. Anna approaches the boys and reveals Koto left ahead, prompting Kazuhiko to run after her and talk which ends in Koto reciprocating Shintarō's feelings. Kazuhiko sees Chika heartbroken after Shintarō declined her, but she still keeps her head high, and remains in good terms with Shintarō and Koto. Later at school, Kazuhiko hears rumors being spread of him and Anna dating and how he is out of her league, making him wonder what their relationship is. Kazuhiko meets with Anna and cuts off his ties with her because of the rumors and out of fear he's taking advantage of her, hurting Anna. Some days later, Sōsuke approaches Kazuhiko to congratulate him on his relationship with Anna, leading Kazuhiko to clear up they are not dating. Anna confronts them and stands her ground to not let both boys dictate her life, while also confirming she still has feelings for Sōsuke despite him dating Karen. At the start of summer vacation, Kazuhiko and Anna talk on being friends, gleefully laughing and humoring each other as they mend their friendship.