When Taira hears that Yamada has a girlfriend, he’s able to offer his honest congratulations. Later, in the middle of a conversation, Taira is assailed by his past trauma. After the last day of the school year, Taira and Azuma head to a local restaurant together. Azuma realizes that she doesn’t want to lose her connection to Taira as she, along with everyone else, prepares to face the new season.

Though Yamada wants to confess his feelings to Nishi, he con't find the right timing. The two of them go on a date, and as Nishi turns things over in her mind, her feelings for Yamada swell. She blurts out, "I love you!" Yamada is taken aback by the sudden turn of events, but... Valentine's Day arrives and Suzuki gives Tani homemade cookies, but his too-honest reaction sends her into a sulk.

The new term begins. Taira realizes that he has been under a misconception for years. Suzuki takes Yamada to the school library, with an ulterior motive in mind. Nishi is happy that Yamada came, but anxious that others might find out about their relationship. When Honda asks what that relationship is, Nishi feels absolutely overwhelmed, but with a little nudge, Nishi realizes her true feelings.

Tani tells his family that he's dating someone, and asks Suzuki over on New Year's Day. Flustered by the invitation, Suzuki makes one gaffe after another in front of his family. On the last day of winter break, the usual group of friends enjoy visiting a shrine together. Moved by Tani's words about living with no regrets, each of them step into the new year with hopes and feelings in their hearts.

In the middle of winter break, Yamada grows anxious about the fact that his relationship with Nishi just hasn't made much progress. He uses homework as a pretext to see her, but he can't find the right timing to confess his feelings.

As their first Christmas Eve together approaches, Suzuki and Tani plan their date. They decide to challenge themselves to make a cake, and Suzuki's heart flutters as she watches how seriously Tani takes everything, and then...