On the way home from school, Amane finds Mahiru stuck with a sprained foot after rescuing a cat in a tree. He performs first aid and then carries her home. The next day, Mahiru brings Amane a container of food as thanks, and Amane accidentally blurts out something he has been thinking: "I'd love to eat it freshly made sometime." As a result, the two agree on conditions that will allow them to share fresh-cooked dinners in Amane's apartment. When Amane stuffs his face while praising Mahiru's "delicious" cooking, it isn't hard to imagine the two as a newlywed couple...

Mahiru and Amane ring in the new year together. When the exhaustion from cooking catches up with Mahiru and she falls asleep in Amane's arms, Amane has no choice but to let her stay the night in his bed. The sight of her sleeping peacefully but totally unguarded gives him a bit of a jolt. Two days later, Amane's parents come to visit. When the four go to Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year), Amane is taken aback by how pretty Mahiru looks in a kimono. Meanwhile, Mahiru keeps blushing at the sight of Amane dressed up so handsomely.

When the new school term starts, Amane and Mahiru are put in the same class. At home, Amane makes meal requests and gives Mahiru gifts. The two neighbors' relationship is almost as intimate as if they were married. At school, however, Amane treats Mahiru like a stranger. When Mahiru notices how differently Amane treats Itsuki and Chitose, she gets the uncomfortable feeling that she is being left out. Mahiru tries to think of a way to gradually get closer to Amane.