Event Year: 1996

Thomas turns out to be the childhood friend of Sakurako Sanjo. He promises to keep their night a secret if she sees him again. Meanwhile, Tsukushi helps Sakurako with her fear of boys by introducing her to the F4. She later sees the supposedly innocent Sakurako at a club.

A photo of Tsukushi and Tsukasa causes everyone at school to believe they are dating. Yuriko and her friends attempt to befriend Tsukushi. They take her to a club, where she meets Thomas. Tsukushi wakes up the next morning in a hotel room with no recollection of what happened.

Tsukasa asks Tsukushi on a date, though she does not hear him at first. As such, she is confused and arrives several hours late. She offers to treat him to tea and the two become stuck in an elevator. When Tsukasa develops a bad fever, Tsukushi takes care of him despite still disliking him.

Concerned for Rui, Tsukushi begs Shizuka to stay in Japan. Shizuka clearly explains her reasons for leaving. Rui overhears the conversation and becomes angry. After Shizuka leaves, Tsukushi yells at Rui to follow her. He reveals that he was already planning to.