Summary

In Chapter 24, before Kiyoshi's dinner, Mizuki discovered that he "used to be married" (173). The revelation distracted Mizuki. She could not stop imagining his ex-wife. She also learned that one of the women who was attending the dinner was one of Kiyoshi's old flings.

At the dinner, Mizuki did her best to feel comfortable. When she met the old fling, Tamao, she felt self-conscious. When people asked how Mizuki and Kiyoshi knew each other, Mizuki said he had been a friend of her brother's (178). Kiyoshi played along with the lie, but confronted her about it after the dinner. She tried explaining herself. She and Kiyoshi shared an intimate moment before parting, then he kissed her.

In Chapter 25, spring arrived "the very next day" (188). Mizuki and her family spent the day biking, and visiting the park. Tatsu got distracted by a work call. Mizuki entertained...