Mitsuki, if you have
one thing that is important to you, you can be strong too.
I want to be strong like you, Aya.
[ Haru Matsu Bokura Waiting For Spring We Wait for Spring We Hope for Blooming ]
Aya, how are you?
This time of the year has finally arrived again.
I plan to make lots of friends this year
and spend a very fun high school life.
Want to come eat with us, Mitsuki?
Yeah!
Wow!
- Isn't the one at the top, cute? - Yeah, I really like it.
- It's really cute. - I want to go.
Want to come eat with us, Yamada?
Ah, I want to!
Look at this. Isn't it cute?
Wow, it's really cute.
Excuse me.
Shall I do the rest of the cleaning?
- Really? - You're a lifesaver!
Thank you, um...
Ah...
Haruno.
Thank you, Haruno.
Thanks. We'll leave them to you then.
Thank you.
Excuse me...
Everybody already left...
Wake up!
There he is!
- You're late, Towa! - You fell asleep again?
Sorry.
You never wake up that easily once you fall asleep.
- It's all of them! - Them?
Yes. The highly talked about big hottie four of the basketball club!
The sophomore, Ryuji Tada.
His position is small forward.
The sophomore, Kyosuke Wakamiya.
His position is power forward.
The freshman, Rui Miyamoto.
His position is point guard.
Last but not least,
is the freshman, Towa Asakura!
His position is shooting guard!
I can't seem to get into any circle of friends.
What do you think of this pancake shop?
It's pretty much recommended by high schoolers.
Ah...
How cute!
Why don't you invite some people?
You just need a bit of courage.
But girls who came from the same middle school already made circle of friends.
Why didn't you just go to your local high school?
Didn't you attend your local school till middle school?
I used to live here. And during that time, it was really fun.
Nanase, I need you here.
Okay, okay.
I'll send you the link. Don't be afraid and do it!
Okay.
Oh! Nice shot!
Alright!
Welcome!
Ah...
Excuse me. What time do you get off work today?
Huh?
We just want to talk to you in private.
Talk...?
Ah, well, my friend who went here
saw you that one time.
He really sucks at these kinds of things.
These kinds of things?
You get it, right?
He said, he wants to confess to you.
What?!
Not her!
I told you that she's as beautiful as a goddess!
How can you say she's a goddess?!
Well, she was the only one there!
Besides, you should've be the one who went there!
- Well... - You usually wonder right?
The girl who Ryuji would confess once in his lifetime would be her.
She's too plain.
- That's right! Call her out! - Go do it yourself!
- I told you I can't do it! - I'll get it wrong again, you know!
Excuse me...
Excuse me!
How rude of you!
To think you've made a mistake.
Even saying "only one" and "plain".
Ah, sorry to drag you into this.
Just call her out already!
Hey, Towa!
What?
Huh? Have you met somewhere before?
You know her?
Are you from the same school?
That doesn't matter!
Excuse me.
Haruno!
You're Mitsuki Haruno, right?
Oh, so you're name's Mitsuki?
Then, Mitsuki.
Please!
Can you call that girl who's like a goddess from the shop?
I refuse!
Thank you very much!
Excuse...
Yamada.
Haruno!
- Yes? - You're still not done with the modern Japanese assignment?
It's an essay, right?
Be sure to submit it by next week.
Yes, Sir.
I kinda want to go to that shop once.
Huh?
Want to go with me next time?
Good afternoon!
Oh! Okay, okay, okay.
Nana, listen!
Because of you, I got invited by someone on the same class to...
Hey, Mitsuki!
What do you mean it's because of Nanase?
Well...
We're really sorry about before, Mitsuki.
What do you think you're doing?!
You're cute when you do that.
That's because you're kind to girls.
That's because some of her hair is sprung up.
Nana, what's going on?
You properly turned him down last time they called you, right?
You said there's no such guy who can't confess by himself.
I did but...
He said to get to know him more and asks for another chance.
Does this mean they'll always be coming here?
They said that there won't be club practice while exams are near.
- Nana! - Hm?
Is it alright I go outside the shop a little?
Sure, go ahead.
Hello.
You're always here.
You know,
long time ago, I had a friend who plays basketball.
And I always watched him from here.
Don't you want to play basketball with them?
If you'd like, I'd go ask them to...
I...
I am not in youth basketball like them, so I can't.
Hey, can I talk to you for a sec?
What?
I'll go properly introduce you to the guys.
Forget it.
I don't really want to be introduced to them.
Why?
Why...?
Because this place means a lot to me.
It bothers me that guys like you would always be here.
Guys like us?
Just because you're in the basketball club, girls are fawning over you.
And maybe that's why you're really rude to girls.
I don't like being around with shallow people!
We're not shallow.
We started playing in the youth basketball since elementary.
And we've always been playing only basketball.
We all want to play basketball seriously.
Anyway,
I don't want you guys here!
What's wrong?
I messed up.
Messed up?
I tried talking to the girl who's always outside the court.
Okay. Then?
I said too much, and in the process, I might have hurt her.
Don't just blame everything to yourself. Why don't you ask them about it?
What?
They're from the basketball club, right? They might help you.
They got tired of studying.
They said they'll take a break.
Excuse me!
Thank you.
- What's wrong? - Are you okay, Mitsuki?
Did we do anything?
- Okay, let's go! - Okay! Defense!
I was surprised since you were crying.
Sorry.
Does it have to do with having this place mean a lot to you?
Huh?
Ah...
Yeah.
She somehow reminds me of myself a long time ago.
Back in elementary,
when I was alone,
I met a girl
named Aya in this place
and saved me.
It's alright. You're not alone, Mitsuki.
Aya was so strong and cool.
And she always protected me.
I want to be strong like you, Aya.
Mitsuki, if you have one thing that is important to you, you can be strong too.
I always wanted to be like Aya.
But I couldn't do it at all...
In the end,
I wasn't able to do anything for that girl.
That's why,
thank you.
I'm glad you guys are here.
I like your honesty.
Towa!
Mitsuki!
Here.
Let's play together.
Okay.
Okay, spread out!
Mitsuki! Shoot!
Shoot with all you've got.
We won't laugh even if you miss.
Ah!
Sorry! Asakura!
Tell me if you're actually going to pass.
I've always wanted to go out to shops after school with a friend even once.
You can do it any time.
That's not true. It has been my dream.
You're really strange, Mitsuki.
Really?
Ah, we didn't exchange Line accounts yet, huh?
Yeah!
That's...
Ah, that's from one of my collections.
Reina,
are you a fan of them?
No, I'm not a fan.
Not a fan?
I watch over them more creatively.
I don't really understand.
I'll make an exception for you.
Oh! Wow!
Are you...
taking photos of them in secret?
Don't word it so casually.
This is their real beauty.
Anyway,
I'm different from those weird fangirls.
I'm in a higher level than them.
I won't allow any girl who gets too chummy with the basketball club members.
All of them are enemies.
You're not a fan, aren't you?
I am...
...not a fan.
Good.
Let's eat.
Oh! Good afternoon!
Good afternoon.
They're here again.
What took you so long, Mitsuki?!
- We were waiting for you. - Yo!
Huh? You're ignoring us?
Are you okay? Don't you feel well?
What is she so embarrassed about?
Kyosuke here who doesn't smile at all
and suddenly smile here is like Kyohei Shibata.
- Morning. - Which reminds me,
I heard there's a Kichijoji branch of the shop we last went to.
Really?
You really love bread.
Well, I could more or less say they're like desserts.
Ah!
The croquette bread is not here.
Go on ahead without me. I'll go get it.
Okay.
Can I talk to you for a sec?
Sorry, I'm in a hurry.
Wait. Why are you avoiding me?
Reina.
You've got the wrong idea!
What's going on?
So that's why you were avoiding us.
Since I finally made a friend...
But you know,
can you really call someone like that a friend if your
relationship will be broken just like that?
Are you satisfied with that?
You won't understand.
That's because
you naturally have friends.
Okay.
It's alright if we distance ourselves, if we are in the way.
But
if you want to become good friends with her,
I think it would be best to tell her everything.
Towa don't understand anything at all.
Friendships between girls can easily be broken if guys get involved.
If you tell that girl, Reina, everything,
your friendship will be over?
Well...
But you know,
I think Towa is right here.
If you don't tell her everything, then you're not really friends.
Well, that's true.
Yeah.
For Mitsuki, she's a very important friend, you know.
Right?
Huh? But Mitsuki is an important friend to me too.
I wonder if Towa thinks the same.
What?
He thinks you are his important friend.
That's why he didn't come here today.
I think he would stop talking to you though.
Stop talking about filthy things!!
It is filthy right? If you think about it...
Are you worried about Towa?
What?
You know, when Towa joined the youth basketball,
he didn't talk to us at all.
He tends to be alone and always chase after the ball.
I found out later but
during that time, he just lost his parents.
He's actually really delicate and sensitive.
But he's so absorbed in basketball to hide that.
He became the best among us in the sport because of that.
Even though he pretends to be fine with it, when he started to distance himself to you,
I'm pretty sure it was hard for him.
Reina.
I want to talk to you after classes.
Okay.
I see. So you met them in your part-time work.
I'm sorry for lying to you.
I understand if you think we can't be friends anymore.
But...
I don't want to lie to you any more.
Because you're an important friend.
It would have been better if you told me from the start.
What?
It's true that I can't really accept
that a girl would really get along with them.
But what I'm shocked the most is that you lied.
I'm sorry.
But thank you.
You said I am an important friend to you.
Yeah.
Until I have really accepted the reality,
I might have great urge to kill you.
But since I'm your friend, forgive me, okay?
Urge to kill...
I'm just joking!
Asakura!
I told Reina everything.
I'm sorry for avoiding you.
For me,
all of you four
are important friends to me too.
In our next match,
come cheer for us with Yamada.
Sure!
- Ah, it's here! - Huh? Are you okay?
[ Interhigh Preliminaries Venue ] - Ah, it's here! - Huh? Are you okay?
[ Interhigh Preliminaries Venue ]
I'm okay! I'm okay! [ Interhigh Preliminaries Venue ]
Shortcut! Mitsuki! Here's a shortcut!
Oh! Oh!
Ah!
Are you okay, Mitsuki? Let's go!
Hurry, Mitsuki!
They seem to be different from usual.
That's because they look 5% better when they're in their uniforms.
It's the first time I saw them with such serious expressions.
They look 8% better during the game.
I want them to win.
I'm really going to nosebleed if they win and embrace each other!
Probably.
[ 2nd Quarter Seiryo - 30 : Kitagawa - 33 ]
Kitagawa! Beautiful!
Wow!
So cool!
So handsome!
So cool!
Mitsuki!
Here.
Let's play together.
Hang in there!
Um...
Shouldn't we all cheer for them?
I think that way,
the team would be more thankful.
Who does she think she is?
- She might be just some fan of them. - Annoying.
She should shut up.
She's right, you know.
Reina...
Don't you think it's a bother to the team making a fuss having ulterior motives?
Didn't you come here to cheer for them and not just take pictures?
Look who's talking.
Go, go, Seiryo! Go, go, Seiryo!
They sure are cheering for us.
We must properly repay them then.
Okay! Let's get serious!
- Right. - Okay, let's go!
Yeah!
[ 3rd Quarter Seiryo - 38 : Kitagawa - 41 ]
Ready, bow.
Thank you very much!
Yeah!
Ah! Ah! Good job!
Calm down! Calm down!
Oh! Here's Mitsuki's friend!
C-Congratulations!
Thank you for coming today.
That's quite a camera!
It's a necklace.
Where's Mitsuki?
She seems to have dropped something so she's looking for it.
Jeez, Mitsuki's so clumsy.
To think we came looking for her to hang out.
Shall we wait for her here till she comes back?
Ah, how about we take commemorative photos while waiting?
- Ah, that's a good idea. - Is it alright?!
Here goes.
No! No! No! They're mine! They're mine!
Can't find it?
Asakura...
I dropped my hair band.
Hair band?
Thank you.
It's a hair band matched with Aya's...
Ah. Congratulations! You did it!
It's because of your cheering.
Your voice resounded the most.
It stand that much?
Whenever I look up, you really look so frantic.
Asakura.
I'm sorry that
last time I said to you all
that you were shallow.
When I watched the game today,
I really understood that you are all serious with basketball.
I now know that basketball is something important to you.
Probably not just basketball.
But also those three I met there.
That makes me envy you.
I also want something that once I'll have
will make me strong.
I very sure you'll also be able to find one.
Thank you.
Boyfriend?
Long time no see, Mitsuki.
Huh?
So you had always held onto this.
It's me.
Aya.
Aya?
You don't remember me?
Here.
Aya Kamiyama...
Makes you remember when I do this, right?
Aya...
You haven't changed at all, Mitsuki.
But well, I didn't expect that you'll be with a guy.
Asakura is a friend.
I see.
Kamiyama.
Let's go!
Got it.
Okay, Mitsuki...
I'm going to see you again.
Didn't you say Aya was a girl?
Yeah.
She was a girl...
[ Aya Kamiyama Hojo High School ]
Why would a girl like like that?
What?
Help me, Mitsuki!
Hey, Miyu! Give my ice cream back!
No!
There are two of those, so you should just have one each.
Don't bother Mitsuki, you two!
It's alright, Mom.
It's better that each of you just have one.
Reina, I think it would be better if we just eat at the courtyard.
What're you saying?
I just can't miss this great spot.
Hey, why don't you two eat with us?
We won't!
Something's really Aya-dd.
It's Aya-nsafe so stop it.
Aya-pologise, Rui.
It's Aya-llegory, just an Aya-llegory.
Hey! Let's play Aya-t's cradle with string!
Get to the point if you want to say something!
Was it too obvious?
We heard that you met a guy you knew in our last game?
Just who is this Aya?
I thought so...
Mitsuki.
Who is this guy you knew?
You see, Aya's just a childhood friend...
He's Aya Kamiyama of Hojo.
Asakura.
I thought I heard him from somewhere and he was featured in a magazine.
Their school is the Interhigh champions.
The ace of Hojo High School, Aya Kamiyama.
You mean that "Aya" is that Kamiyama?
Nice, Mitsuki.
I told you, he's just a childhood friend.
But didn't you do lewd things with him?
No, I didn't!
- It's 10 years too early for you, Mitsuki! - You're too aggressive.
I said, I didn't...
Whoa, his field goal percentage is 90%. That's something.
Well...
That's true.
Oh!
- Here they are. - Here they are!
Whoa! Looks delicious!
That's 'cause I heard you did well in your last game.
These are rewards from Nana.
Special deluxe omelette rice!
You made these, Nana?!
Yeah, together with Mitsuki.
Thank you very much!
Mitsuki, write something with this!
What should I write?
Something like "Be the Interhigh champions!"
"Beat Hojo" would also be good.
It should be "Beat Aya Kamiyama".
It doesn't matter!
You should just gladly accept Nana's sentiment!
Should I write something?
Really?! Are you sure?!
Hey! I thought it doesn't matter?!
It should matter, idiot!
- Let me write something then. - Don't!
You should..
Don't you find interesting
that Mitsuki has a guy?
I wonder if he's really just a childhood friend?
I'll never accept him when my eyes are white.
You won't be able to see him then.
As long as I live and my eyes are black, I'll definitely guard Mitsuki when some
vermin gets along with her.
You've got Nana, Ryuji.
Mitsuki's not like that. She's like our mascot.
I think Mitsuki's okay.
She's usually cute.
What do you think, Towa?
What?
What do you think of Mitsuki?
I guess she's like the air.
What do you mean air?
Well, true. She really doesn't have any other traits except that.
Good night.
Mitsuki.
Why are you here?
- We're still gonna eat? - Shut up! Let's go!
When you said
Mitsuki is like air,
don't you actually mean something more than that?
Huh?
Like you'll realise she's actually there.
Or like it'll be bad if she's not there.
I haven't really thought about it that far.
Just that we are naturally together with her...
Naturally, huh?
Since it's the Interhigh prelims, I can only think of basketball right now.
But
I won't blame you if you fell for her.
What do you mean?
Nothing.
When did you come back to Japan?
Last year.
Just when I got into high school.
You really worked hard in America.
Yeah.
I only played basketball there.
But
I've never forgotten about you, Mitsuki.
Me too.
I've never forgotten...
the girl named Aya.
You've admired the girl named Aya
who's cool and strong.
That's why I didn't tell you so that we would get along.
Because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to protect you.
Because you also saved me.
What do you mean?
Are you having fun these days?
Are you already okay?
Ah...
Yeah.
I only have few friends like always
but I guess I'm having fun recently.
I see...
Though I'm a bit jealous.
Tell me if anything happens.
Like before.
Sorry.
It feels like I lied to you about Aya.
Why do you have to apologise?
You also didn't know, right?
Yeah, but...
I've told you
various things about him.
I don't really mind.
Bye then.
But isn't it great you finally saw him?
Huh?
Isn't Kamiyama
someone important to you?
Ah...
Since we don't have stamina, we're gonna run three laps in the oval starting tomorrow.
- Really? - Yeah.
Oh!
- Wait, wait, wait... - Huh?
What're you doing here?
You're the one before.
You're her friend?
I'm Asakura.
Mitsuki's off from work today.
I know.
Because I've met her yesterday.
I just thought of coming here since I've remembered things about Mitsuki.
Because this place means a lot to me.
Mitsuki also said that.
Isn't this a place where you have many memories with her?
Did Mitsuki
tell you that?
She did.
Would you play a game with me?
A game?
One-on-one.
The loser will give up on Mitsuki.
How about it?
What does it have to do with Mitsuki?
Don't have what it takes to win?
I just don't want to get hurt with something trivial.
Then I'll take Mitsuki away from you.
Are you alright with that?
Mitsuki's got nothing to do with it.
If you only feel that way,
you don't have the right to be with Mitsuki.
Can't I just pop out from the left?
No, I'm stronger in the left so you go from the right.
I want to get three points from 45 degrees.
Ryuji will act as decoy so that's okay, Towa.
No, I'll shoot from here.
- Good night. - Yeah, goodbye.
Mitsuki.
Come here.
Okay, let's take a break.
Here.
Okay, sit down.
Oh, wow.
So there are two games in a day in the Interhigh prelims.
Right?
That's gonna be tough, right Towa?
Yeah.
Lemme see.
It's not really big of a deal if there are two or three games.
As expected from the next captain, you're really reliable.
Ryuji, you'll be the next captain?
That's because our seniors trust Ryuji.
Even if he's like that, there are a lot of freshmen who admires him.
What do you mean "like that"?!
They are just expecting me to change the history of Seiryo Basketball Club.
Is that so?!
History, huh?
Our school never went to the finals after all.
- Our school only got till the best 16. - Yeah.
We really should become champions.
Since all four of us will be able to play.
We feel the same.
Alright! We'll definitely go to the nationals!
Hm?
We should win against that Hojo to go there.
In other words, Aya Kamiyama.
Good luck.
I'll definitely support and cheer for you.
Then,
give me a message of support.
Why did you add me?!
I should be the one who will finish the game.
I'm really sure to make a three pointer with 45 degrees.
Decide already, it doesn't matter which.
Then, my home's this way.
- See you then. - See you.
See you tomorrow.
Huh?
My home's this way too.
Let's go.
About what we talked before...
What?
The one who said to you that if you find something important, you'll become strong.
Ah...
Yeah.
I think Kamiyama
only had basketball before meeting you.
I think he thought of you like that.
But I'll definitely win against him.
Huh?
In basketball.
Ah...
Yeah.
So you also get off at this station.
I get off three stations before this.
What?
Then be careful on your way home.
Asakura!
Thank you.
See you tomorrow.
[ Five Members ]
[ Members: Towa Asakura Tada Ryuji Rui Miyamoto Kyosuke Wakamiya Pending: Mitsuki Haruno ]
Great going.
If I don't do this, they won't exchange contacts with each other.
Hey guys, she's awesome! She's like this and like this.
Ah, look.
[ Rui Miyamoto invited Mitsuki Haruno Mitsuki Haruno accepted the invite ]
[ To Towa Asakura: Thank you for sending me home. Good luck with your games. ]
[ Seen ]
Ah.
Yeah.
Just "Yeah"...
[ Let's go home together again ]
[ Towa: Let's go home together again. ]
[ Yeah. ]
[ Interhigh Preliminaries Venue ]
[ C Block Finals ]
If they win this, they'll be among the Best 4.
- Yeah... I wonder if it'll be okay. - What's wrong?
They've been playing non-stop since the game earlier this morning.
Are you that worried?
Aya!
Aya Kamiyama!
Nice to meet you, I'm Mitsuki's boyfriend.
What? B-Boyfriend?!
No! He's just joking, Reina.
Nice to meet you, Reina.
Likewise...
Ah, congratulations on being the A Block winners.
Thank you.
Mitsuki's not that happy about it though.
That's not true.
Congratulations.
Can I also watch them here?
Of course! Take a seat.
Thank you.
[ 2nd Quarter Seiryo - 44 : Hayama - 34 ]
We'll make Wakamiya and Tada rest for the second half.
Yes, Sir.
- In exchange... - Coach.
I'll still play.
Okay.
[ 3rd Quarter Seiryo - 52 : Hayama - 44 ]
Basket counted.
- Matsunaga, substitute him. - Yes, Sir.
Ryuji's in a bad shape.
Ryuji.
I'm fine.
Kudo!
- Ryuji, take a rest. - I told you, I'm fine.
They don't seem to possess the ball much starting the second half.
As soon as two of the main players were benched, they can't regain the flow.
Also that number 7
is just showing off and doesn't see his surroundings.
Ryuji, zone!
Ryuji!
[ 4th Quarter Seiryo - 61 : Hayama - 62 ]
- Hey, Ryuji! - Ryuji, calm down!
Ryuji!
Ryuji, are you okay?
- Tada, are you okay? - Ice pack!
Can you move?
Ankle? Where?
- Ryuji. - How bad is it?
It's just a light sprain.
The doctor said he'll be fine after two weeks of rest.
That's good to hear, Ryuji.
What's good with that?
Huh?
We lost!
We can't go to the finals, you know!
What's good about that?!
It's not good at all!
I'm sorry. That's not what I meant...
Don't take it on her.
Mitsuki's got nothing to do with it.
Aren't you all frustrated?
We weren't even gone to finals nor the nationals!
Of course we're frustrated!
Things won't be like this if you only you relied more to others!
Rui.
Ryuji, it's not only because of Ryuji.
We're frustrated, but this is how good we are right now.
Don't just be okay with it!
Like hell I'll be satisfied with that!
I'm not satisfied with it either!
Stop it!
We're not playing basketball just to argue like this.
It's all my fault.
Go there, go there.
I see...
Those four, huh...
To think I said "that's good to hear".
I was really insensitive.
I'm horrible...
Don't be like that.
It's alright.
You're not alone, Mitsuki.
Don't be like that.
You don't have to worry about not being good at reading essays.
But I lied to Mom.
I said everyone clapped for me.
The truth is, everyone laughed at me.
I was so scared and trembled that I made a lot of mistakes.
But you read till the end, right?
That's good, very good.
That's why, stop crying.
Aya, please always stay by my side.
Okay.
I...
...haven't changed at all.
I'm still the same like before.
I'm...
...always by your side.
From now on,
just like before.
I'll protect you whatever happens.
Go! Go!
Ah!
- Sorry. - Sorry.
Defense. Defense.
I wonder when will Ryuji come back.
They might be too noisy when they're here, but when they're not, it's kind of lonely.
It would be better if Ryuji...
would get back as soon as possible.
Are you still worried about him?
I haven't properly talked to him.
I'm really jealous of you all.
You're too straightforward and honest.
It's okay to act normally, Mitsuki.
Tell him to return the mug he borrowed here.
Okay.
Then does that mean he won't come back to the shop?
He said he'll bear not seeing Nana.
Ryuji will go that far?
He's always been like that.
He was also like that in our first loss during youth basketball.
Ah, yeah, yeah.
I remember him saying he'll bear not playing video games and reading comics.
He said he'll go practise instead.
I see...
He stopped playing video games for two weeks.
He stopped reading comics for a week.
What?
But...
But he's tormenting himself too hard this time.
It's the first time Ryuji cried.
I...
...relied on Ryuji too much.
I've always been like that.
Not only you, Rui.
It's everyone's problem.
Teamwork is important.
But we have to get stronger individually too.
We can be stronger.
Are you okay?
I'm definitely okay!
Ryuji?
Can you touch it again?
What the hell! You're all better!
Well, whenever you touch it...
I told you, I just went there to return the mug!
You can just ask others to do that for you.
It would be rude if I don't thank her personally.
Then you mean you'll bear up starting tomorrow?
No, I just understood it now after talking to her.
Without bearing up, I can work harder 100 times more when I see her!
Don't make me say it, idiot!
How many days did it last this time?
Do you know how worried we were?
To think we were really worried about someone like him.
It's stupid.
Hey!
Ow!
Idiot! Stop it!
I think it's already healed now that you've seen Nana.
It's thanks to you, Mitsuki.
Huh?
There's a saying that says "It rains but settles down".
I didn't do anything.
Having best friends are nice.
I really think like that whenever I see the four of you.
What're you talking about?
You're one of us.
You're also our best friend.
Mitsuki! Hurry and catch up!
- Treat some noodles! - Why would she? You should treat us.
- I'm low on cash. - We know.
Rui, why are you carrying that?
- Huh? Isn't it cool? - It's cool.
- It's over! - It's summer vacation!
- Let's go somewhere during vacation! - Let's go! Let's go! But where?
How about karaoke? We haven't been going recently.
Excuse me.
Is it alright if I go with you?
Yeah, let's go.
Haruno, what would you sing?
- Don't you wanna know? - What're you talking about?
We said we'll go karaoke.
Essay writing competition?
Your essay last time was really praiseworthy.
Why won't you represent our school this year?
"I asked if she was alright..."
"I asked if she was alright."
"If there's someone hurt,"
"we take her to the school..."
"...school clinic."
"And..."
Hey! Be quiet.
Continue.
"I was really happy that she said I'm kind."
Mitsuki.
Really?
That's amazing to even participate in the essay writing competition.
But I haven't decided to write yet.
Besides...
You should do it.
What?
Didn't our teacher said you should write for the competition?
Yeah, but...
My grandpa also supervises a basketball team.
He said I should try playing it too.
But I didn't feel like it at first.
Oh, I see.
Yeah.
But when I entered the youth basketball, I started to have fun.
I couldn't have met them if I didn't play the sport.
And I think I wouldn't be like I am today.
You won't really know
what would be the cause to get into it.
But it's an essay writing competition...
Doesn't that depend on yourself?
The only way you will find something important to you,
I think will only depend on yourself.
The cause to get into it...
"The secret to my strength is because I have someone important to me."
Hey, do you think he's talking about Mitsuki?
Rui, hurry and change or we'll leave you.
Okay.
Don't you think he feels deeper for her than just like her
He said she's someone important to him.
Isn't it the fact that he feels deeper?
Besides, it seems he's someone important to Mitsuki too.
It just means their bond is stronger than we imagined.
Just that
if only he was a girl.
[ 52nd National High School Essay Writing Competition ]
[ - You're free to use any theme.]
Theme...
[ Aya ]
Hello?
It's been awhile since I hear your voice.
Congratulations on becoming the Interhigh champions.
Thank you.
I would've wanted you to see me play.
Sorry.
To think you called me many times for it.
Then...
As my reward,
would you agree to one thing that I would ask?
What?
Huh? Mitsuki?
Who is he?
- Hello! - Good afternoon.
- Welcome! - Welcome.
- Is Mitsuki here today? - Ah, he's off today.
What? How boring.
Nana!
Could you make your deluxe...
Love...
S...
Special!
Ah, okay, okay.
Special omelette rice, got it. How about the others?
- Me too. - I'll have the same.
Then, me too.
Does it say something about Mitsuki?
No. It doesn't say anything about someone important to him.
Ah, it's him.
Hm?
What about him?
- I saw him awhile ago. - Huh? Where?
It didn't change at all.
What?
It's the most fun whenever I spend time with you like it was before.
Aren't you having fun?
That's not it.
Last night,
I've been thinking up what I would write for an essay that I lack sleep.
Essay?
Ah!
Whoa!
Oh right, today's the firework displays.
Ah! Then that means Mitsuki and Kamiyama are...
It's highly likely they went on a date to watch the fireworks display.
Whoa.
Here.
Are you worried about them?
Don't just notice every reaction I'm making.
Don't hide it.
They have their connection and spent time together.
Do you remember
that I said that you saved me before?
It's because I met you that I can continue living like this.
The meaning behind that you can be strong when you find something important to you.
You understand that now, right?
What?
I love you.
Even then till now.
From now on,
I like you to properly see me as a man.
I...
am going home.
I'll send you till you get back home.
I'm fine.
Ah!
Mitsuki!
Are you alright?
Are you okay? Where does it hurt?
Are you alright?
It's alright already.
We're here.
What?
[ Kamiyama Hospital ] What?
[ Kamiyama Hospital ]
Here. [ Kamiyama Hospital ]
Hospital?
It's my home.
It might hurt a bit, but it'll be healed if you don't overdo things.
Thank you very much.
I didn't know
that Aya's mother would be a doctor.
You've always hold onto it too, hh?
What?
The hair band.
It's Aya's treasure.
He has holding on to it carefully even when we went to America.
What should I do?!
Mitsuki might be crying.
Is Mitsuki the girl you like?
No!
She's far more important than me just liking her!
Then how about if you get in touch with her?
I don't know how.
You didn't ask?
No.
Because... I lied to her.
That's because
Mitsuki admired a strong and cool girl.
Is that the reason
you didn't cut your hair till now?
That's because
I'm not strong
nor cool at all.
Doesn't Aya act a bit peculiar?
That's why
it's hard for him to make any friends in school.
Aya's like that?
He only played basketball by himself.
But after he met you,
he started to really have fun.
That's why
he pledged it since then.
Then how about
the next time you'll see her,
you'll really have to be strong and cool.
I'm alright.
It would have been better if you didn't force yourself and spent the night.
I'm sorry.
Aya.
Hm?
I...
only thought of myself.
I never thought
of how you felt that time.
Even so
you stayed being strong and cool even if we parted ways.
Thank you for today.
- Hello! - Hey, Mitsuki.
Welcome.
Why are you being so formal?
No, I'm not.
Yes, you are.
You went on a date with Kamiyama to watch the fireworks display yesterday, right?
What?
I thought so.
No, it's not a date. We just went to watch the fireworks display.
Well, lemme tell you that's normally what you call a date.
That's how dense you are.
I think it's better if you be a bit careful of him.
Even if he's a childhood friend, he's still a guy.
Yeah, yeah! Kamiyama's playing with you.
No, he's not.
I just know when we're together.
Aya's
not that kind of person.
Found you, Mitsuki!
Sorry about before.
Huh?
Sorry that we mocked Kamiyama.
It's not that I'm angry with you.
Mitsuki, what do you really really think of Kamiyama?
I told you, Aya is just...
To be honest, we don't like Kamiyama.
But if you really wish for it,
we might support your decision.
What kind of relationship do you want with Kamiyama?
Well...
To be honest, I don't really know.
But
I want to feel and think in the same perspective.
The same perspective?
I'm full of myself
that I don't see how the people around me feel.
That's why
I'll find something important to me
and would be able to look at the same perspective.
With Aya.
And with everyone.
Even though Kamiyama might be looking in a higher place,
we won't change at all if you're with us.
Well, whatever you decide, I am your friend.
The meaning behind that you can be strong when you find something important to you.
You understand that now, right?
That's because I'm not strong
nor cool at all.
The only way you will find something important to you,
I think will only depend on yourself.
If you keep that ball that passively, it'll be taken away from you.
You're not really good at being forceful with various things.
Kamiyama.
Would you play a game with me?
You go first.
It's not over at all.
It's going to end up the same whatever you do.
Ah...
Oh...
You have work today?
Yeah.
I went to get my umbrella.
I see.
- You see... - Say...
Ah...
Sorry.
No, go ahead.
What is it?
Well,
I just want to say good luck with your practice.
How about you?
I don't really have anything to say.
I see.
Bye.
Ah, right. Asakura.
I decided to send an entry
to the essay writing competition.
Than...
Even though I might not be as good as Kamiyama right now,
I'll do my best.
I'll definitely become strong
so wait for me.
Yeah.
[ National High School Essay Writing Competition Executive Office ]
[ Winter Cup Preliminaries ]
Master Kyo!
[ Winter Cup Preliminary Finals ]
We're going to the nationals!
Yeah!
What'll we do with Rui's?
I'll do it after I'm done with this.
Haruno has won in the National High School Essay Writing Competition.
Wow!
It's amazing you won!
Congratulations, Mitsuki!
Thank you.
Ah!
I'm darn too nervous that I can't eat at all!
Tomorrow's finally the day you'll go against Hojo!
Well, we just have to do our best and what we can right now.
Right
That's right.
We'll definitely beat you, Hojo!
You are eating right now.
You two will go cheer for us, right?
Well...
Huh? What's wrong?
Actually,
tomorrow is the Essay Writing Competition Presentation Ceremony.
- Really?! - Is that so?
That's right.
She can't come tomorrow since she won.
I'll do my best in cheering all of you for her!
- We'll be counting on you, Reina. - Count on me!
I'm sorry.
It's alright, Mitsuki.
Good luck with the presentation then.
Yeah. Thanks.
I see.
Okay.
Then best of luck to both of us!
You too.
Best of luck!
Alright!
Tomorrow will finally be
our final chapter!
Don't just let it end.
Huh?
- What? - Huh?
Get back here.
Hey, let's leave.
What're you doing?
What? What's wrong?
I love Mitsuki.
Air is important after all.
Yeah.
I finally said it.
Jeez. What took you so long, Towa?
Huh? What?
You love Mitsuki?
You're too darn slow, Ryuji.
Huh?
Really?! You guys knew?!
We knew.
You're too dense.
"But my world will not be that easily..."
Hello?
Mitsuki?
Yeah, what's up?
Tomorrow will be the presentation of the essay, right?
Good luck.
Yeah.
Good luck with you too.
I'll definitely win.
When the game is over,
could I have your response?
Response?
I want to hear what you feel.
[ National High School Essay Writing Competition Venue ]
Go! Go! Let's go Seiryo!
Win! Win! Let's win, Seiryo!
[ Winter Cup - Game between Seiryo VS Hojo ] Win! Win! Let's win, Seiryo!
[ Winter Cup - Game between Seiryo VS Hojo ]
Mitsuki!
- Mitsuki! Good luck! - Mitsuki, good luck!
[ National High School Essay Writing Contest Presentation Ceremony ]
- Gather up! - Yes, Sir!
Let's all shout and go.
Yes, Sir!
Let's go, Seiryo!
Yeah!
Go for it!
Let's win! Let's win! Let's win, Hojo!
Beat Seiryo!
Thank you very much.
Next would be the same winning work from
the first year of Tokyo Metropolitan Seiryo Senior High School.
Ms Mitsuki Haruno.
Here.
Ah!
- Are you alright? - Excuse me.
Let's have a good game!
"The Season Waiting for Spring"
Seiryo Academy Senior High School, First Year Class B. Mitsuki Haruno.
"Spring always comes to slowly warm the still cold ground."
"It is a season where there are varieties of farewells, first meetings, and brand new start."
"I really hate that kind of spring."
"Every year, as I gaze the blooming cherry blossoms,"
"by resetting the regrets and failures,"
"I believed that I can make a brand new self."
"But the passing spring never changed me."
"There are many emotions swirling in my heart."
"The surface of my heart is still the cold winter"
"without being able to reveal my true feelings."
"But this spring was different."
"The warm breeze, and bright light melted my frozen heart."
"It taught me me how to live the present, the future, and of course"
"support even the hurting past."
"My heart has escaped"
"just from facing in stillness"
"the hard and cold passing season."
"Until this spring came, l..."
Huh?
- Mitsuki... - Yeah...
Ms Haruno?
Mitsuki, if you have one thing that is important to you, you can be strong too.
I'll definitely become strong
so wait for me.
Until this spring came,
I secluded myself in my own shell
as an excuse for not finding
something important to me.
The warm spring has taught me
that there also those who hesitated the same way,
secluding themselves in their shells.
The bright light of spring taught
that by colliding themselves,
Here!
people can understand each other.
The reason why there is a sun filled with brightness
is because there is a distressing shade.
As the blooming flowers that await for spring sprout from the cold ground,
I finally realized
that there is no such thing as a strong person in this world.
While everyone is carrying their weakness and anxiety,
they still wish to be in the same perspective as someone,
standing on tiptoe and continue to live.
Someday,
while standing in tiptoe,
we believe that it will become true strength.
That's why I will move forward
to be able to reach that important place,
for the people who made me realise it.
Hang in there!
You can do it, everyone!
Go!
Let's get this last one!
In this every moment we devote ourselves,
there might be no right answer.
Even if we win or lose,
when everyone's feelings become one,
people would have courage to take that step forward.
I see.
You've become strong, Mitsuki.
Thank you, Aya.
But the one that's important to me won't change.
I'm fine with whoever you like for now.
But till that time when you turn my way,
I'll always be by your side.
Okay, here goes. Line up.
Okay, make a pose. Okay, say cheese!
Okay, it's good!
Let's hurry up.
There really are many people during New Year's Eve.
Just who suggested we should come here?
We've got no choice! Even Nana wanted to go here.
You should come alone on dates, you loser!
What the hell! Since we lost from Hojo,
I invited you all since you were depressed!
You're the one who was depressed the most.
Huh? It's you!
Huh? Where is Towa and Mitsuki?
Huh?
The countdown will soon start.
Around here, right?
Probably.
Ah. Here it is!
Thank you.
Ah.
Ah!
You've got the wrong idea. Reina selfishly changed the wallpaper.
You know,
I can become strong if you're there.
That's why,
can you always be by my side from now on?
Yeah.
10!
9!
8!
Mitsuki.
I love you.
Mitsuki?
- Ah, Mitsuki! - Towa!
What were you doing?
We weren't able to do the countdown together!
Mitsuki dropped her phone.
I'm sorry.
Happy New Year!
Ah! Fireworks! Fireworks!
We take steps with certainty.
There may be times we have to stop.
And it's alright if we take a look back.
I want to walk with everyone while sharing worries and support each other's weakness.
Till we find what's important to us,
with all that we can do,
we will continue to live in the season waiting for spring.