Haiji chases down Kakeru and invites him to come live in his dormitory, which is filled with quirky young men; at Kakeru's welcoming party, Haiji reveals his ultimate goal for the roommates.

The residents shrug off Haiji's proposal but find it difficult to withstand his persistence; Kakeru thinks about leaving the dorm; when the dorm bath fails, the residents must use a public bath.

Kakeru actively works against Haiji's goal and some of the residents boycott the daily jog; a young girl who knows Haiji introduces herself to the team.

Kakeru's reunion with Sakaki stirs up troubling feelings of loneliness from his past.

Kakeru and the other residents realize they are growing closer to one another; Kakeru and Haiji argue over whether to enter a track meet when the team is still in its early stages.

King becomes distant from Haiji and the others as his job prospects flounder.