Event Year: 1996

Tsukushi is unable to find Tsukasa at school. She and their friends head to his house, where he is being held forcibly. Tsukushi confronts Kaede about her fear of losing control of her son. In the end, Tsukushi decides that they cannot survive this way and breaks things off with him again.

After Tsukushi passes the exam for the exchange program, Tsukasa learns that his mother arranged it all to separate them. He tells Tsukushi and explains what really happened with Shigeru. Confessing that he still loves her, Tsukushi finally accepts his feelings and he kisses her.

Rui reconciles with Shizuka and decides to return to France. Seeing him change makes Tsukushi want to as well. She enters Eitoku's exchange student program. Shigeru is against her going and Rui believes she is running from her feelings. Tsukushi remains steadfast in her decision.

In a surprise move, Shigeru transfers to Eitoku so that she can be closer to Tsukasa. Tsukushi feels sad about it, realizing that she will have to see the couple together every day now. Shigeru leaves Yuriko and Sakurako both lost for words in two separate incidents.