Chapter 3 marks the beginning of Takamine Akihito's narrative, where he resolves to confess his seven years of unrequited love to Miyauchi Sayuri, his childhood friend and crush. In the quiet of the classroom after school, he confesses, but Sayuri gently rejects him, explaining she only sees him as a childhood friend and is already in a serious relationship with a senior. Akihito is devastated, his world shattering.
Chapters 4-12 detail Akihito's immediate aftermath and the subsequent developments. He spends the next day in a daze, replaying Sayuri's words and reflecting on their shared past, particularly how he was drawn to her strength and integrity from elementary school. His despair turns to frustration and a desperate urge to shout his feelings, which leads him to encounter Harumi Hinata, a popular girl from his class, also yelling from her classroom window. They discover they both experienced rejection, though Harumi is more guarded about her situation. Harumi, noticing Akihito's distress, pulls him into a pact of secrecy regarding their respective emotional turmoil.
The following day, Akihito is still deeply affected, having barely slept. He encounters his cheerful, charismatic friend, Kijima Hiromune, who quickly deduces his failed confession. While walking to school, Akihito bumps into Daimon Ryuji, a respected second-year karate club captain, who kindly helps him pick up his scattered belongings. Akihito is struck by Daimon's imposing presence and kindness, realizing he might be Sayuri's senior boyfriend.
Later, at school, Akihito is still emotionally fragile. He notices Harumi, who seems to be avoiding him. During lunch, Harumi boldly invites Akihito to eat with her, causing a stir among their classmates. Hiromune intervenes, claiming Akihito has plans with him, and whisks Akihito away to the courtyard. There, Hiromune reveals he knows about Akihito's situation and advises him to be decisive about his relationship with Harumi.
Meanwhile, Harumi is questioned by her friends about her interaction with Akihito. She deflects their curiosity, but the conversation shifts to Sayuri, whom her friends believe Akihito is close to. Sayuri then approaches Harumi, inquiring about her relationship with Akihito. Harumi, feeling a pang of jealousy, responds evasively.
Back with Hiromune, Akihito explains his complicated feelings: he still likes Sayuri but recognizes Daimon's suitability for her and respects her choice. He also acknowledges that his seven-year pursuit of Sayuri has left him emotionally unprepared for anything else. Harumi, having overheard some of this, proposes they date each other as a way to cope with their respective heartbreaks and move forward. Akihito, after initial shock and hesitation, agrees, seeing a potential for mutual support and growth.
The narrative then shifts to Harumi's perspective, detailing her own unrequited feelings for Daimon and her past struggles with social interactions due to her outgoing nature and subsequent rejections. She sees Akihito's determination to move on as admirable and believes they can help each other heal.
The chapters conclude with Akihito and Harumi officially starting their relationship. They exchange contact information and agree to get to know each other. Harumi reflects on her feelings and the surprising turn of events, while Akihito, though still processing his loss, feels a glimmer of hope for the future with Harumi. The final scene shows Akihito preparing for their first date, determined to move forward.
