Hotaru and Hananoi-kun kick off their second year of high school together, and things are off to an interesting start as Hotaru comes to notice how both they and their relationship are changing—not to mention how hard those changes can be.

Hotaru, at long last, is able to tell Hanaoi-kun how she feels. But his reaction isn't exactly what she was expecting, leading her to contemplate what they're both looking for in a relationship.

Hotaru and Hananoi-kun are closer than ever, but in many ways, they're still navigating the twists and turns of their new relationship. Thankfully, an adorable dog just may help them see new sides to each other!

Hotaru is finally sure of how she feels... so why is it that she can't seem to say it out loud? Will Valentine's Day give her the opportunity she needs, or is there more at play? An unexpected development at work may just make or break things.

Hotaru spends the day with the bookstore crew, including Hananoi and Yao, who don't see eye to eye about the past. Perhaps a little nudge is just what Hananoi needs to be more open with Hotaru...

Hotaru and Hananoi-kun both reflect on where they are and how far they've come, from the past to the present.

Hotaru and Hananoi-kun's plans to spend his birthday together fall through when Hotaru has a family event suddenly crop up. The thing is, even while she's with her family, she just can't stop thinking about him...

Hotaru and Hananoi-kun's trial dating period is set to expire on Christmas, and Hananoi-kun has promised her a Christmas Eve to remember. But now he isn't responding to her and Hotaru's not sure how to face him, if she ever sees him again at all.

Hotaru is still puzzling out her feelings, but she has an eye-opening moment when she and Hananoi-kun reunite for the first shrine visit of the year. Afterward, her desire to learn more about him just may draw them closer together.

Hotaru has never really understood love. She loves her friends and family, but romance? That's an entirely different story. So what's a girl to do when someone she's just met immediately asks her out?

Hotaru and Hananoi-kun have agreed to start dating on a trial basis so Hotaru can figure out how she feels. But with the Christmas deadline quickly creeping up, will the whole experiment blow over without any real results, or...?

Hotaru isn't sure what to do when a coworker asks to be introduced to Hananoi-kun. She has tough choices ahead of her, including all the details of her big date! But earnest Hotaru is determined to sort things out and come up with a plan.