Kotoko finally confesses her crush on Irie and he rejects her; after an earthquake hits Tokyo, Kotoko's house is damaged; a friend of her father's opens up his house to their family.

Using an embarrassing childhood picture, Kotoko blackmails Irie into tutoring her on the next exam; the two become closer while studying.

Kotoko and Irie end up competing against each other in the relay race; Kin boasts of his passion for Kotoko.

Kotoko, Irie and friends visit Waterland; Kotoko sneaks into Irie's room to get answers for the homework and he catches her and teases her.

Irie abandons the entrance exam for Tokyo University in order to bring Kotoko to the hospital; after this incident, Kotoko tries to leave the Irie household blaming herself for ruining Irie's chance.