A kiss incident with Natsume causes misunderstandings between Uehara and Nao. He takes a job in a lab while she scopes out clubs at college.

Natsume and Nao take lead roles in Abecchi's play, but the script's kiss scenes annoy Uehara. Meanwhile, Micchan and Marina are on the rocks.

Uehara and Nao have broken up, and Nao is trying to reinvent herself. She hopes they'll get back together, but Saeko's feelings haven't changed.

Nao and Uehara head off to college, but Uehara's popularity worries Nao, and their new acquaintance Natsume seems to want to separate them.

Nao learns that Uehara is on first name terms with Saeko in his lab. She confides her fears to Natsume during a trip to a petting zoo with his sister.

With Uehara's birthday approaching, Nao takes a job at the store where Natsume works. A customer's request makes them both think about what they want.

Nao plans a surprise party for Uehara's birthday, but unbeknownst to her, he quickly finds out about it. Natsume gives Nao some advice.

Nao stresses out after Uehara tells her he wants some space. Worrying about her, Natsume punches Uehara, then tells Nao how he feels.

Uehara suspects Natsume has feelings for Nao. Natsume confides in Saeko, and Nanase and Nao discuss love while working on a project.

Nao doesn't tell Uehara that Natsume kissed her, but he figures it out. Nao, Natsume and the group go camping while Uehara and Saeko attend a lecture.