Note: There are a few references to the special short story that came out in Japan in 2006. You don't need to read the short story to understand this chapter fully, but it helps.
A mass of people are gathered around in a large circle. The focus of attention in the center is unknown to those around the outside.
"Come on!" Karin badgers Tsukushi as she pushes through the crowd holding onto Tsukushi tightly so they don't get separated in the mob.
The two finally break through into the center of the circle. Tsukushi looks up at what the cause of the commotion is and gasps, her hands shoot up to cover her mouth as tears brim in her eyes. There, leaning against a shiny red sports car, is none other than Tsukasa Doumyoji.
He looks in their direction and a huge smile spreads across his face. "Hey, I'm back", he says trying to act suave.
"You idiot." Emotions overwhelm Tsukushi and she runs to him leaping into his open arms and kisses him passionately ignoring all the astonished and enraged gasps and whispers from the crowd. At first, Tsukasa is amazed at Tsukushi's boldness but relishes in the joy of having her in his arms once more. She holds onto him tightly and kisses him with all the passion she can as if this was the only chance she was going to see him for another year or more.
"Break it up. There's nothing more to see here." Soujirou Nishikado, Akira Mimasaka, and Rui Hanazawa appear after making the audience diminish as Tsukasa and Tsukushi finish their kiss. Tsukushi looks around and turns red from head to toe as she realizes what she has just done. The guys and Karin all laugh at her embarrassment and Soujirou, Akira, and Rui take the chance to welcome Tsukasa. After the guys have their hardy greetings, Tsukasa turns back to Tsukushi, not having finished with his own greeting for her.
"Since you are now finished with your finals…"
"How did you…" she interrupts but then shakes her head. "Never mind, I think I know." Tsukasa would have made sure to check up on her class schedule since he was the one who paid for her entire tuition.
Tsukasa walks over to the driver's side of the car and reaches in through the open window and pulls out a single, long stemmed, red rose. He continues from where he left off, "I was hoping you would accompany me this evening." He walks back over to her and extends the rose out to her.
"Are you asking me out on a date?" she toys with him accepting the rose.
He smiles his goofy grin. "I am."
"Very well." She points the rose at him as if it was an extension of her finger and commands, "I am not allowing you to take me anywhere too expensive. I'm not dressed properly and you are not buying me a new outfit just to take me somewhere overpriced."
Tsukasa laughs, "You still haven't changed much have you?"
"You'll have to wait and see", she flirts with him.
Tsukasa goes over to open the passenger door for her.
"Tsukasa", Karin calls with a serious look on her face. Tsukushi stops right before she is about to get in the car with Tsukasa still holding the door open. They look at Karin questioningly. "She's still my roommate and that means we have a set curfew." She crosses her arms across her chest. "Have her home by tomorrow night." Tsukasa sighs in relief. "Plus, I think these guys", Karin throws a thumb over her shoulder to point at Rui, Akira, and Soujirou, "are already planning your welcome home party, which I'm sure is going to be at that time." She smiles menacingly at the couple. "Have fun you two."
Karin walks over to the guys as Tsukushi gets in the car and Tsukasa closes the door before heading over to the driver's side and getting in. Karin, Rui, Akira, and Soujirou stand there and wave as the car pulls away and drives off.
Karin turns to Soujirou and Akira, who she knows are the two masterminds behind any and all party planning. "Let me in on your plan and let's get to work." The three of them smile mischievously as they walk back to campus and discuss their plans. Rui follows a few steps behind, shaking his head in amusement.