Things kept going after the fight against Sariel.
Mao and Emi returned to their jobs just like Chiho, Ashiya was still doing housework, Urushihara was still stuck to his computer and Suzuno was still living in the apartment next door.
Things would continue to go this way until, by chance, certain acts happen that make certain emotions awaken in the heart of each of them and begin to form emotional bonds between themselves.