It's the last sports festival of middle school. Kotaro gets put in the relay race. He becomes friends with one of Akane's friends who bandages his scraped hand.
With the school trip looming, the third-years are abuzz with dating gossip. Meanwhile, Kotaro is busy with his writing, and Akane is working on her running performance.
Things get awkward between Kotaro and Akane after he asks her out. He tries to find some time alone with her on the school trip, but sneaking his cell phone past the teachers proves to be a challenge.
Akane and Kotaro want to spend more time together at school, but they can never seem to find the time or space. Chinatsu, meanwhile, seems to have no trouble finding ways to hang out with him.
Kotaro is determined to get into Komei High School, where Akane is set to attend. But with his grades and his parents' opposition, he will be fighting an uphill battle.