Mizuki dreams about Sano asking to kiss her...Even during gym class, Mizuki can't stop thinking about it, and even over-runs to get
away from Sano. Ending up falling in exhaustion and skinning her knee, Sano carries her piggy-back style to Umeda's office. When he
leaves, Umeda asks Mizuki directly what happened between them. Although Mizuki's convinced Sano asked her to kiss him in anger,
Umeda knows better...but won't tell Mizuki!
Suddenly, Nakatsu asks Sano what his feelings for Mizuki are! Sano hesitantly admits he likes Mizuki...and Nakatsu insists on a rivalry to win Mizuki over. Alone, Sano decides he won't let anyone else get her...When Mizuki makes them dinner, he hugs her closely as thanks. The next day, Kagurazaka shows up at Sano's high jumping practice. When Kagurazaka bugs Nakatsu, he comes running over, then runs back to practice, which Sano finds weird since he hates physical training...Kagurazaka tells them that a new star from Hokkaido is emerging and it's none other than Shin! Sano warns Kagurazaka to not underestimate his brother. When he leaves, Kagurazaka quite casually asks Mizuki how far they've gotten, freaking Mizuki right out!
Nakatsu continues to act weird, and Mizuki finally calls him on it. After meandering around the issue, Nakatsu asks Mizuki what she'd
do if Sano told her he liked "him"...but quickly says he's joking, dropping the issue. But Nakatsu still acts strange, and everyone's
confused until Nanba tells them he must be love-sick, and it's all because of Mizuki! Elsewhere, Kayashima comforts Nakatsu. Mizuki meets
up with Kinuko, who wants to interview Sano about his brother. That night, Mizuki asks Sano if anything's happened between he and Nakatsu...
and Sano realises he has to do something. Mizuki keeps bugging him, and Sano absently goes to push her away by her chest...and both
are really embarassed, realising what he's doing.
Nakatsu wanders around alone, worrying about Sano and Mizuki. Soon he comes across Umeda and Nanba, who know exactly what's going on and tell him to just accept the way he feels and stick to it. But Nakatsu still can't make things right between he and Sano, even when given the chance to tell him they're still best friends despite their mutual love for Mizuki. Snow falls, and everyone gets soaked playing in it. Sano and Nakatsu end up in a public bath, and finally discuss their friendship and how it'll remain strong even though both are after Mizuki.
Things are back to normal, for the most part, between the three...Although later Sano gets a chance to make a move on Mizuki again when she cuts herself on a blade. Not thinking, he licks the blood off, then runs off to get bandaids...!
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