THE RAMPARTS OF ICE

To Koyuki's relief, Yota comes to her rescue. After their initial study session, they grow more comfortable with each other, which unsettles Minato.

Bothered that Koyuki still has her guard up around him, Minato tries to make small talk. As Miki grows suspicious of his intentions, she confronts him.

At Miki's prodding, Minato clarifies his interest in her best friend. An unexpected visitor triggers Koyuki's bad memories, leading to a harsh outburst.

Koyuki mulls over the tense exchange in the infirmary. After Yota clears the air, she tries to have an honest conversation with Minato for the first time.

As winter break ends, the usually calm Minato begins to realize his feelings are changing. Miki notices how close Yota and Koyuki have become.

After reflecting on her own loneliness and worrying that Yota is bottling everything up, Koyuki reaches out and asks about his true feelings.

Determined not to mess up high school, Miki has faked her persona since day one. But not being herself around her classmates starts to wear her down.

Minato realizes how Koyuki is always on his mind. Later, while hanging out at the new mall, the misunderstanding between the four friends deepens.

A spring break trip to the amusement park brings the four friends closer. Back at school, Koyuki's surprised by a familiar face, and Minato takes notice.

Koyuki broods over her complicated past with Akine's sister, Manatsu, and what the first year might know. Meanwhile, Momoka sets her sights on Minato.

As Koyuki slowly notices her new, surprising feelings towards Minato, first-year Momoka suddenly tries to cozy up to her, for reasons she can't grasp.