Summer 1997.
Ayato suggested that Naoki make a surprise for Misaki.
- Come on, it will be funny!
- You guys are going to make fun of me
- N-no it's not like that Naoki...
You know, in life you have to fool around a bit.
And you are just the most serious of the three of us.
-Suppose I agree, what would it be?
Ayato brought out cat ears from his backpack
-Will you put them on?
-Are you serious? No!
-No one but me and Misaki will see you in these ears.
Come on...
You like her right?
Naoki sighed as he looked at the cat ears that Ayato handed him.
Okay, I'll do it, but only for a minute or two.
Even in the company of his friend Ayato, Naoki did not tell him the truth about his feelings for Misaki.
He kept everything inside, despite so many things he did.
He couldn't dare to confess to Misaki what he felt for her.
- Okay, today I'm going to tell her...
I'll just tell her like this - Misaki...
Naoki was slightly blushing, I'll just tell her like this - Misaki...
No, it has to be different...
Maybe...
Suddenly Ayato interrupted Naoki's musings.
-Misaki is already coming here!
Misaki came to them, Naoki was behind Ayato
-Nyaaa
Misaki can't help but laugh immediately after seeing this, she covers her mouth.
Eventually, she calms down, while still laughing She finally manages to speak
-Naoki!~ Hahaha, you look so cute She approaches him.
-Cute you say…
- Of course!, especially with your girlish face.
-You're not making fun of me?
-Of course not!
You are the second cutest person I ever met.
-In that case, who is the first person?- Ayato replied
- Ummm.
Misaki is deliberating whether to tell Naoki and Ayato about her sister Mei, however, she thinks they should get to know her on their own someday.
Fujioka, however, had no idea that Naoki went to class with Mei.
- Me of course!
Ayato smiled and looked at Naoki.
- See Naoki? It was not the worst idea.
- Maybe you are right Ayato.
-Naoki, Naokii!
Can you please put them on once again?
Pleease!
-Ugh fine.
-Do you really like them?
- You look really cute in them..
- So, what are we going to do today?
- You know what? I would like to study a bit..
Bye
Ayato went to his home, Misaki and Naoki left alone.
- Sooo, What are we going to do?
-I don't know, well I don't have other plans for today.
-Me too, so do you have any idea?
- We can stay for some longer in the park.
-Well, why not?
Neither Naoki nor Misaki knew it, however, this was their first date.
When they hugged, Naoki felt a warm feeling on his heart for the first time, he hadn't felt this since he was a child.
During this date, Naoki used sugar for the first time in 3 years.
After Elisa's death, he promised himself to forget the taste of sugar.
However, he did it for Misaki, adding a symbolic spoonful of sugar to his coffee.
It was nearing the end of their date, Naoki was walking Misaki home when Misaki decided to tell him something.
-You know Naoki?
You remind me of someone.
Naoki knew perfectly well that it was about Mei, however, he tried to pretend he knew nothing.
-Did you find my duplicate?
-No but perhaps your soulmate
- You would not be able to find such a person...
-Well, but I found her!
-Misaki, I think you should know this…
As a child, I was quite cheerful and shy.
However, my whole psyche was destroyed...
My entire childhood was a nightmare.
I would like to weep over my fate, but I have already forgotten how to do it...
Misaki...
Misaki hugged Naoki..
-Don't worry, I will fix your soul, because I ...
-Just don't say anything...
Regrets that I was born into this cursed Muneyoshi clan...
I would have preferred to be born into a poor family, but have both loving parents. Than to go through my life once again.
They keep on hugging.
-When I'm with you… I'm feeling different.
Misaki blushed
-R-really?
Naoki was about to confess his feelings for Misaki when she saw at her watch.
- It's quite late already….
See you tomorrow Naoki…
Misaki smiled.
Naoki smiled geniuelny for the first time for 9 years,
He really felt happiness.
His love for Misaki only had grown..