Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “After One Wave Settles, Another Rises!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After the fireworks, Mido Orihime declares that she enjoyed their outing and insists on calling it a date, despite Natsume Chikage’s objections. Before leaving, she kisses him unexpectedly and instructs Konoe Hitomi to escort him home.
• During the drive, Hitomi displays unusual hesitation and teasing behavior. She pulls Chikage close as if intending to kiss him, then calls him a coward when he refuses to acknowledge the implication.
• Just before Chikage leaves the car, Hitomi suddenly kisses him as well. Embarrassed by her own actions, she immediately pushes him away and drives off, leaving Chikage confused and wondering whether she has always liked him.
• Chikage returns home preoccupied by having been kissed by both Orihime and Hitomi. His sisters, Natsume Ruri and Kaga Resaki, are preparing dinner and mention that Fujiwara Aoi is also at the house.
• Unaware that Aoi is showering, Chikage enters the bathroom and accidentally sees her bathing. Both are shocked and deeply embarrassed. They apologize awkwardly through the closed door.
• Aoi realizes that the embarrassing rumor about Chikage at school was likely true, while Chikage agonizes over how to face her after the incident.
• When Aoi returns to the living room, the two avoid eye contact, immediately alerting Ruri that something unusual happened.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Becomes increasingly overwhelmed by the romantic attention directed at him. Orihime’s and Hitomi’s kisses leave him confused about their feelings, while the accidental encounter with Aoi causes intense embarrassment and self-consciousness.
• Mido Orihime: Remains confident, assertive, and unconcerned with Chikage’s objections. She openly defines their outing as a date and treats her kiss as natural and expected.
• Konoe Hitomi: Shows a rare break from her normally emotionless composure. Her hesitation, teasing, blush, and impulsive kiss suggest that she has strong feelings for Chikage, even though she immediately hides them behind a calm exterior.
• Fujiwara Aoi: Becomes flustered and bashful after being seen in the bath. Although she tells Chikage she understands the accident was unintentional, the experience leaves her deeply embarrassed.
• Natsume Ruri and Kaga Resaki: Continue caring for Chikage and preparing dinner, but both notice his suspicious behavior. Ruri especially becomes determined to discover what happened.

Significant Themes

• Romantic confusion and escalating tension: Chikage is caught between multiple girls whose feelings are becoming more obvious, while he struggles to interpret their actions.
• Hidden emotions: Hitomi’s kisses reveal feelings she normally conceals, contrasting sharply with her controlled personality.
• Embarrassment and misunderstandings: The accidental bathroom encounter and the characters’ evasive reactions create comedic tension and suggest further complications.
• The contrast between confidence and vulnerability: Orihime acts boldly, whereas Hitomi and Aoi reveal their affection through uncharacteristic shyness and awkwardness.

Character Interactions

• Orihime and Chikage argue playfully over whether their outing qualifies as a date, ending with Orihime asserting control.
• Hitomi and Chikage engage in flirtatious, ambiguous teasing before Hitomi unexpectedly kisses him.
• Chikage and Aoi exchange embarrassed apologies after the bathroom incident, both struggling to speak normally.
• Ruri and Resaki question Chikage about his strange behavior, while Ruri later notices the mutual awkwardness between him and Aoi and suspects that an undisclosed incident occurred.

Chapter Summary

• Dinner reveals awkwardness between Chikage and Aoi: Natsume Ruri and Kaga Resaki notice that Natsume Chikage and Fujiwara Aoi are behaving strangely, repeatedly exchanging shy glances and avoiding eye contact. Although both deny that anything happened, their embarrassment strongly suggests a developing romantic tension.
• Aoi’s cooking becomes a romantic moment: Aoi prepares hamburger steak and croquettes for everyone, partly to impress Chikage. After realizing that Resaki had accidentally soaked Aoi’s clothes earlier, Chikage notices Aoi wearing Resaki’s outfit and becomes flustered by her appearance. Aoi secretly enjoys his attention, even while calling him a “pervert.”
• Chikage unintentionally encourages Aoi: When Aoi asks about her cooking, Chikage praises it by saying he could eat it “for the rest of [his] life.” Aoi is delighted, interpreting the statement romantically, while Ruri and Resaki react with annoyance and jealousy. Ruri especially views her brother as hopelessly dense for giving Aoi such an intimate-sounding compliment.
• The festival is discussed: Ruri asks where Chikage went earlier. He explains that he attended the Amaterasu Festival with Mido Orihime, the heir of the Mido family, who invited him. The girls are surprised and immediately suspect that the outing was a date.
• Chikage struggles to define his relationships: Chikage insists that he and Orihime are not dating, but his hesitation and memories of kissing her—and of Konoe Hitomi—make him feel guilty and confused. He also cannot fully explain his complicated connection with Orihime because of Manatsu’s previous warning.
• The girls become relieved but more competitive: Ruri, Aoi, and Resaki relax upon hearing that Chikage and Orihime are not officially together. However, Aoi and Resaki grow increasingly anxious because Orihime possesses far greater status, wealth, and influence. Despite feeling inferior to her, both remain determined to compete for Chikage’s affection.

Character Developments and Interactions

• Chikage remains romantically oblivious and emotionally confused. He cares about several girls but has difficulty understanding or defining those relationships.
• Aoi becomes bolder in expressing her feelings through cooking, while Chikage’s praise gives her confidence that he may like her.
• Ruri acts as a protective and suspicious younger sister, teasing Chikage and trying to prevent Aoi from gaining too much ground.
• Resaki quietly shows jealousy and concern, especially because Chikage praises Aoi in a way he has never praised her.
• Aoi and Resaki begin viewing each other more clearly as romantic rivals, particularly after learning about Orihime’s interest.
• Orihime, though absent from the dinner, casts a strong influence over the group because of her mysterious relationship with Chikage and her powerful family background.

Significant Themes

• Romantic misunderstanding and jealousy
• Chikage’s emotional and relational confusion
• Rivalry among the girls pursuing him
• The contrast between sincere affection and social status
• The importance of indirect gestures—such as cooking, praise, and invitations—in expressing romantic feelings

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fujiwara Aoi plans to leave Natsume Chikage’s home after dinner, but a sudden thunderstorm forces her to stay overnight.
• While waiting for the rain to stop, Aoi plays board games with Chikage, his sisters Ruri and Chikage, and Kaga Resaki. When the storm worsens, Chikage invites Aoi to remain at the house.
• Ruri suggests that Aoi sleep with her and Resaki, partly to prevent Aoi from being alone with Chikage.
• Later, Aoi visits Chikage’s room to discuss the earlier incident in the bathroom, where he accidentally saw her undressed.
• Aoi admits that she does not mind being seen by Chikage and reveals that she also saw him, jokingly calling them even. Her embarrassed confession strongly implies that she has romantic feelings for him.
• Their conversation develops into an intensely awkward and intimate moment as they stare at each other, but Ruri, Chikage’s other sister, and Resaki interrupt while searching for Aoi.
• Aoi hurriedly leaves, and Chikage realizes he is disappointed that the moment ended. He begins seriously questioning his own feelings and acknowledges that Aoi probably likes him.
• Unable to sleep, Chikage checks his messages:
  • Akita Sana reminds him of a provocative condition connected to a previous bet.
  • Konoe Hitomi attempts to explain away her earlier kiss with Chikage as a maid’s duty to “confirm” his kissing ability for her mistress.
  • Mido Orihime sends a pointed message saying she heard from Hitomi that Chikage has been “getting involved with a lot of girls,” but she does not respond when he asks what she means.

Character Developments

• Fujiwara Aoi: Becomes more open about her attraction to Chikage. Though shy and embarrassed, she deliberately visits his room to clear up the bathroom incident and indirectly confesses that she is comfortable with his interest in her.
• Natsume Chikage: Grows increasingly aware of Aoi’s feelings and of his own attraction to her. His disappointment when she leaves suggests that his feelings are becoming mutual, though he remains confused by his relationships with several girls.
• Natsume Ruri: Shows protectiveness and suspicion regarding Aoi’s intentions toward her brother. By arranging for Aoi to sleep with the girls, she tries to prevent anything from happening between Aoi and Chikage.
• Kaga Resaki: Quietly supports Ruri’s plan and participates in searching for Aoi, unintentionally interrupting the private moment.
• Akita Sana: Maintains a teasing, forceful attitude and reminds Chikage of the consequences of their bet.
• Konoe Hitomi: Tries to rationalize her kiss with Chikage, but her defensive explanation suggests she may also have romantic or personal interest in him.
• Mido Orihime: Becomes suspicious of Chikage’s growing connections with multiple girls and hints at possible jealousy or concern.

Significant Themes

• Romantic ambiguity: Chikage is surrounded by several girls whose feelings and actions blur the boundaries between friendship, teasing, and romance.
• Growing intimacy: Aoi and Chikage’s private conversation marks a shift from accidental embarrassment to deliberate emotional and physical tension.
• Jealousy and rivalry: Ruri’s efforts to keep Aoi away from Chikage and Orihime’s pointed message suggest that the girls are becoming aware of one another’s involvement with him.
• Confusion and self-discovery: Chikage struggles to understand his own reactions as he recognizes that he may genuinely desire Aoi and may be involved in a complicated web of relationships.
• Interruption and restraint: The sisters’ arrival prevents Aoi and Chikage from acting on their mutual attraction, emphasizing the tension between desire and social boundaries.

Character Interactions

• Aoi and Chikage share the chapter’s central romantic exchange, moving from embarrassment over the bathroom incident to mutual acknowledgment of attraction.
• Ruri and Resaki act as a protective barrier between Aoi and Chikage, while their later interruption prevents the pair from becoming more intimate.
• Sana teases Chikage through messages and pressures him about their bet.
• Hitomi exchanges an awkward, evasive explanation with Chikage about kissing him.
• Orihime indirectly confronts Chikage about his relationships with other girls, leaving him uncertain about her motives.

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• The morning after Aoi stayed overnight at Chikage’s house because of the storm, she and Chikage ride the train to school. Aoi acts shy and jealous when Chikage mentions going shopping with Nanase, but is reassured when he insists it is only for collecting items.
• At school, Nanase and Suzune discuss joining Chikage and Nanase at an oddity shop after class. Since this prevents normal club activities, they decide to use Chikage’s house as the temporary meeting place for the Collection Club.
• Nanase and Suzune learn that Aoi slept at Chikage’s house. Chikage explains the storm-related circumstances, easing Suzune’s jealousy while Nanase remains innocently accepting.
• Teacher Sakai summons Chikage, Nanase, and Suzune to discuss the unusually large number of applications to the Collection Club. Most applicants are girls attracted by Chikage’s popularity, so Sakai warns them not to accept unnecessary members and cautions Chikage about overenthusiastic fans.
• Sakai reveals that she knew Chikage was the novelist Sanqianli before his identity became public. She had discovered this when trying to help him obtain a scholarship, though Suzune had previously dismissed Chikage’s own claim that he was Sanqianli.
• The Literature Club advisor, Yamada Yoshimi, asks Chikage and Suzune to transfer to the Literature Club, arguing that their literary talent would be better developed there.
• All three Collection Club members defend their club and reject Yamada’s proposal. Chikage and Suzune argue that they already write successfully without formal instruction and that the Literature Club’s rigid or unproductive environment could harm their creativity.
• Suzune criticizes the Literature Club’s lack of literary activity and recounts how its president focused on asking for her LINE contact and relationship status rather than discussing literature.
• The trio leaves without changing their minds. Sakai then advises Yamada to stop trying to recruit them, noting that several other clubs have also failed to attract Chikage despite recognizing his talents.

2. Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Remains calm and independent, but becomes more assertive in defending the Collection Club and protecting Nanase from Yamada’s criticism. He firmly rejects the idea that he needs institutional guidance to improve his writing.
• Fujiwara Aoi: Displays growing romantic attachment to Chikage, becoming visibly jealous when he spends time with Nanase. Her behavior resembles that of an acknowledged girlfriend, and she privately takes comfort in believing Chikage accepts their relationship.
• Saionji Nanase: Continues to appear airheaded and innocent, but becomes serious and passionate when defending the Collection Club’s purpose. She is also increasingly comfortable including Chikage’s house in the club’s activities.
• Yukimura Suzune: Shows jealousy over Aoi’s overnight stay but quickly relaxes once Chikage explains the situation. She aggressively defends both Chikage and the Collection Club, openly criticizing the Literature Club’s poor organization.
• Sakai Shion: Acts as a protective and perceptive advisor. She recognizes Chikage’s popularity and potential risks, supports the Collection Club, and subtly enjoys seeing Yamada’s recruitment attempt fail.
• Yamada Yoshimi: Is introduced as a proud but frustrated Literature Club advisor. She sincerely wants to cultivate Chikage and Suzune’s talent, but her dismissive attitude toward the Collection Club causes her argument to fail. Her confidence collapses after learning how poorly the Literature Club is perceived.
• Akita Sana: Is briefly mentioned as a member added mainly to fulfill club-number requirements, though the club is otherwise functioning well.

3. Significant Themes

• Independence versus formal instruction: The chapter questions whether gifted individuals need conventional mentors or institutions to develop. Chikage and Suzune believe excessive structure may suppress originality.
• The value of different interests: The Collection Club’s investigation of objects, history, and stories is defended as meaningful despite being dismissed by the Literature Club.
• Loyalty and belonging: Chikage, Nanase, and Suzune unite to defend their club, demonstrating their strong attachment to one another and to the community they have created.
• Romantic jealousy and ambiguity: Aoi and Suzune both show jealousy over Chikage’s interactions with other girls, while Chikage’s relationships remain emotionally close but not clearly defined.
• Popularity and unwanted attention: Chikage’s fame brings club applications and potential safety concerns, emphasizing the complications of public recognition.
• Appearance versus reality: The Literature Club’s prestigious reputation contrasts with its actual lack of literary activity, while the supposedly “pointless” Collection Club proves to be a meaningful and supportive environment.

4. Character Interactions

• Aoi and Chikage share a shy, intimate exchange on the train, with Aoi testing whether his outing with Nanase is romantic.
• Nanase and Suzune discuss the club’s future with Chikage, and Chikage readily agrees to host club activities at his house.
• Suzune questions Chikage about Aoi’s overnight stay, revealing her hidden jealousy.
• Sakai gives the three students practical warnings about club recruitment, Chikage’s popularity, and his personal safety.
• Yamada attempts to persuade Chikage and Suzune to join the Literature Club, but they reject her together and challenge her assumptions.
• Nanase, initially quiet, joins Chikage and Suzune in defending the Collection Club, strengthening the sense that the trio functions as a unified group.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• On the way back, Chikage, Nanase, and Suzune discuss Suzune’s past experience with the Literature Club. Suzune explains that the club members focused on collecting personal information rather than discussing literature, prompting her to angrily reject it.
• Chikage and Nanase credit Suzune’s decision with helping lead to the creation of the Collection Club, viewing the outcome as a matter of fate.
• After school, Chikage and Nanase travel to Motomachi Chinatown to visit a shop. Chikage becomes visibly excited by the Chinese atmosphere and food, which evokes feelings of nostalgia.
• They explore the area together, eating char siu buns and discussing beef offal noodles. Chikage’s large appetite and familiarity with Chinese food stand out.
• Nanase struggles to finish her food so Chikage can eat the remainder, viewing the shared food as an “indirect kiss.” She later takes Chikage’s hand herself, claiming she is afraid of getting lost in the crowd.
• Nanase gives Chikage part of the char siu bun she has already eaten, and he accepts it without hesitation, making her feel as though they are on a romantic date.
• Konoe Hitomi secretly watches and photographs the pair, reacting with disapproval and calling the situation “the worst.”
• Nanase notices Chikage’s unusual happiness and correctly suspects that Chinatown has personal significance for him. Chikage gives a vague explanation, eventually telling her that he may simply be happy to share food he likes with her.
• Chikage senses someone watching them, causing Hitomi to hide, but he cannot identify her. The chapter ends as Nanase and Chikage arrive at the shop they originally intended to visit.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Shows strong nostalgia and emotional excitement in Chinatown, suggesting a personal connection to Chinese culture or food that he is not ready to reveal. He is attentive toward Nanase, willingly helps her finish her food, and enjoys spending time with her.
• Saionji Nanase: Becomes increasingly affectionate and proactive. She initiates hand-holding, worries about sharing food with Chikage, and interprets their actions as resembling those of a couple. Her feelings for him are becoming more obvious through her shy but sincere behavior.
• Yukimura Suzune: Her past rejection of the Literature Club is reframed positively, as it helped make the Collection Club possible. She expresses a moment of wistfulness while recognizing the importance of her choices.
• Konoe Hitomi: Acts as a hidden observer, secretly photographing Chikage and Nanase and reacting jealously or critically to their closeness.

Significant Themes

• Fate and meaningful choices: Suzune’s refusal to join the Literature Club is portrayed as an accidental decision that allowed the Collection Club to exist.
• Growing romance: Shared food, hand-holding, embarrassment, and Nanase’s “indirect kiss” thoughts create a date-like atmosphere and highlight their developing intimacy.
• Nostalgia and concealed identity: Chinatown’s familiar language, food, and symbols awaken Chikage’s memories, but he remains evasive about why the place affects him.
• Observation and jealousy: Hitomi’s secret photography introduces an element of surveillance and suggests tension surrounding Chikage and Nanase’s relationship.
• Cultural presentation versus personal connection: The chapter contrasts Chinatown’s commercialized Chinese imagery with Chikage’s more genuine emotional response to the food and atmosphere.

Character Interactions

• Chikage, Nanase, and Suzune bond over the history of the Collection Club and affirm Suzune’s role in its formation.
• Chikage and Nanase share a playful, increasingly intimate food outing, with Chikage guiding her through unfamiliar dishes and Nanase eagerly trying to accommodate him.
• Nanase initiates physical contact by holding Chikage’s hand, while Chikage accepts it naturally and responds warmly to her innocence.
• Their shared food becomes a symbolic romantic moment for Nanase.
• Hitomi watches their interactions from a distance, photographing them and reacting negatively, setting up possible conflict or embarrassment later.

Chapter 705 Summary: “The Magic of the Flower Field! How Did You Do It?”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage and Saionji Nanase visit the remote Horizon Oddities Shop, which Nanase found online but had avoided visiting alone because of her parents’ safety warnings.
• Konoe Hitomi secretly follows them, photographing their date from outside. She avoids entering because Chikage might recognize her and continues waiting for them to leave.
• Inside the sparsely populated shop, Chikage and Nanase browse various oddities. Nanase buys several attractive stones, while Chikage examines a strange doll resembling Annabelle but puts it back after teasing Nanase about it.
• Chikage discovers an inconspicuous wooden stick identified by his supernatural system as the Cyan-Wood Floral Staff, a gold-quality special item capable of conjuring any flower in the world.
• He purchases the staff for fifty thousand yen. The shop owner says it was likely salvaged overseas and had been left unsold for a long time.
• After leaving, Chikage registers the item, gaining an attribute point, and equips it. The staff instantly grants him knowledge of how to use its flower-summoning ability.
• Chikage asks Nanase which flower she likes. When she chooses snow-on-the-mountain, he performs a “magic trick” by tapping her sealed paper bag with the staff.
• The flower appears inside the bag despite Chikage never visibly placing it there. Nanase is amazed and excited, repeatedly wondering how he accomplished it.
• Chikage refuses to reveal the truth, calling it a secret and preserving the illusion of magic. He then tells Nanase that the flower’s meaning—curiosity—matches her personality.
• Nanase becomes deeply embarrassed and wonders whether Chikage’s gift and compliment reveal romantic feelings. Watching from nearby, Hitomi becomes jealous and silently condemns Chikage.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Gains another powerful special item and an additional attribute point. His affection and comfort around Nanase become increasingly apparent, especially when he calls her his “treasure girl,” notices her cuteness, and feels the urge to pinch her cheek. He also begins using the staff’s magic creatively to delight her.
• Saionji Nanase: Shows herself to be cautious, well-supervised, and genuinely passionate about oddities and minerals. She becomes increasingly comfortable and emotionally attached to Chikage, reacting with intense shyness to his compliments and interpreting his flower gift as a possible confession.
• Konoe Hitomi: Continues spying on Chikage and Nanase, collecting evidence for Orihime. Although she avoids being discovered, her jealousy becomes obvious when she sees Chikage conjure a flower for Nanase and offer her an intimate compliment.
• Nanase’s parents: Though not present, they are characterized as responsible and supportive, encouraging her hobby while warning her against visiting isolated shops alone.

Significant Themes

• Magic and secrecy: The chapter blurs the line between supernatural power and “magic tricks.” Chikage hides the staff’s true nature, believing that explaining the trick would destroy its magic.
• Romantic subtext: Chikage’s compliments, physical familiarity, and personalized flower gift cause Nanase to suspect he may harbor romantic feelings.
• Curiosity and wonder: Nanase’s chosen flower symbolizes curiosity, reflecting her personality and her eagerness to understand Chikage’s mysterious abilities.
• Hobbies and shared interests: Chikage and Nanase bond through their mutual fascination with unusual objects, while their shared “hoarder” tendencies make the shopping trip especially enjoyable.
• Jealousy and surveillance: Hitomi’s secret observation contrasts with Nanase’s innocent closeness to Chikage, heightening the romantic tension among the characters.

Character Interactions

• Chikage and Nanase flirt while examining an amethyst whose color resembles Nanase’s eyes, making her blush and decide to buy it.
• Chikage teases Nanase about the frightening doll, while she insists that he return it.
• After discovering the staff, Chikage praises Nanase as his “treasure girl,” causing her embarrassment.
• Nanase supports Chikage’s enjoyment of the wooden staff even though she cannot understand why he values it.
• Chikage’s conjuring of the snow-on-the-mountain brings Nanase physically and emotionally closer to him. His statement that the flower suits her intensifies her romantic uncertainty.
• Hitomi watches this exchange from a distance and reacts with resentment and jealousy.

Chapter Summary: “Laughing to the Point of Anger!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage returns to the villa, where Ruri, Aoi, Suzune, and Resaki are playing games. Nanase accompanies him and is carrying a snow-on-the-mountain flower that Chikage magically created for her.
• The other girls become subtly jealous and ask Chikage to perform the same magic for them. Because Ruri eagerly requests it as his younger sister, Chikage agrees.
• Chikage explains that he cannot repeat the exact same flower trick, so the girls choose different flowers:
  • Aoi: sunflower
  • Ruri: balloon flower
  • Resaki: white hyacinth
  • Suzune: blue Phalaenopsis orchid
• To make the trick more difficult, Chikage uses Nanase’s apparently empty paper bag. After allowing everyone to inspect it, he mysteriously pulls out the requested flowers one by one.
• He first produces a purple Phalaenopsis orchid instead of the requested blue one, calling it a bonus, then immediately conjures the correct blue orchid after Suzune rechecks the bag.
• The girls are astonished because several of the flowers are out of season, rare, or unavailable in Tokyo.
• Chikage refuses to explain his methods, jokingly imitating a television magician and telling them to watch a “Magic TV Show” instead. The girls are amused but also frustrated, teasing and questioning him without success.
• The chapter ends with Ruri suspiciously asking Chikage and Nanase where they went together that day.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Demonstrates extraordinary skill, confidence, and playful evasiveness. He enjoys entertaining the girls and provoking their curiosity but deliberately keeps the secret behind his magic hidden.
• Natsume Ruri: Displays strong affection and possessiveness toward her older brother, immediately claiming his attention and using her special status to make him perform. She also notices the possible romantic implications of Chikage’s outing with Nanase.
• Saionji Nanase: Becomes excited and intensely focused on uncovering Chikage’s technique. Her shy reaction to receiving a flower suggests she values the personal gesture and may harbor romantic feelings for him.
• Yukimura Suzune: Takes a skeptical, challenging approach by requesting a rare blue orchid and carefully inspecting the bag. Her confidence collapses when Chikage succeeds.
• Fujiwara Aoi and Kaga Resaki: Both become caught up in the excitement, choosing flowers they like and reacting with genuine wonder when Chikage produces them.
• Saionji Qilan: Shows curiosity about Chikage’s magic and sits nearby to observe the performance.

Significant Themes

• Mystery and wonder: Chikage’s impossible flower production creates a playful sense of magical mystery.
• Jealousy and romantic ambiguity: Nanase receiving a flower causes the other girls to feel jealous, highlighting the complicated emotional dynamics surrounding Chikage.
• Playful intimacy: The girls’ teasing, demands, and physical closeness with Chikage reveal their comfort and affection toward him.
• The limits of explanation: Chikage’s refusal to reveal the trick emphasizes the charm of mystery and lets the others enjoy being amazed, even as their curiosity becomes frustration.
• Seasonality versus the impossible: The flowers’ unusual availability reinforces how extraordinary Chikage’s performance appears.

Character Interactions

• The girls collectively react with jealousy when Nanase reveals that Chikage made a flower for her.
• Ruri openly clings to Chikage and uses her relationship with him to secure his cooperation.
• Suzune challenges Chikage with increasingly difficult requests, while Nanase watches closely in hopes of discovering his secret.
• Chikage entertains everyone by producing each girl’s chosen flower, then playfully frustrates them with his television-magician imitation.
• Ruri’s final question about Chikage and Nanase’s outing hints at renewed jealousy and possible questioning about their relationship.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage and Saionji Nanase return from a trip to a secluded curiosity shop in Motomachi Chinatown. Nanase buys an amethyst and rhodochrosite for 200,000 yen, while Chikage purchases a Huaqing Wood “magic wand” for 50,000 yen.
• The group discusses their purchases, with the others shocked by the prices. Nanase and Chikage defend them as reasonable because of their quality and personal value.
• Chikage and Nanase admit that they mainly ate Chinatown food and visited the shop, disappointing the girls who suspected they might have gone on a more romantic outing. Nanase becomes embarrassed, while Chikage remains oblivious to the implications.
• Chikage reminds everyone that they have already solved the sixth of the school’s Seven Mysteries. Their physics teacher plans to gather information about the final mystery, allowing the club to begin its next investigation.
• Because Chikage’s growing popularity has caused people to linger around the clubroom, the group decides to discuss the final mystery at Chikage’s home. Ruri and Resaki are invited to participate.
• The upcoming auction of the Natsume family home is mentioned. With only a few days remaining before the family can buy it back, Ruri is thrilled, and the other girls offer to help with the move.
• The house discussion reminds Chikage of the Natsume main family and his cousin Natsume Kayo. He is surprised that neither the main family nor Kayo has contacted him recently and decides to message Kayo later.
• That night, Chikage checks his messages:
  • Tsukishima Rin questions him about his outing with Nanase and invites him to meet Yua at the end of the month.
  • Konoe Hitomi also probes him about Nanase, then asks him to perform new magic. Chikage promises to show her a trick that makes flowers appear.
  • Mido Orihime sends the cryptic message, “You’re more twisted than I imagined,” but does not explain herself.
• Chikage receives no response from Kayo and assumes she is merely busy. He goes to sleep, preparing to accompany Yukimura Suzune after school the following day.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Continues to enjoy unusual curiosities and proudly treats the wand as another piece of special equipment. He remains socially naïve, failing to recognize the romantic jealousy and suspicion surrounding his outing with Nanase. He also becomes increasingly aware that Kayo’s silence and the main family’s lack of action are unusual.
• Saionji Nanase: Shows enthusiasm for minerals and grows visibly embarrassed when the others interpret her outing with Chikage romantically. Her happiness at having Ruri and Chikage praise her stones suggests she values their approval.
• Natsume Ruri: Demonstrates strong emotional awareness by complimenting Nanase’s amethyst and noticing the possibility of romantic progress between Nanase and Chikage. She is excited to participate in solving the final Seven Mystery and especially happy about reclaiming the family home.
• Fujiwara Aoi: Remains outspoken and somewhat unreliable, joking about the expensive purchases and proudly discussing the group’s progress. Despite her blurriness, Suzune acknowledges that Aoi’s unconventional observations can sometimes produce useful clues.
• Kaga Resaki: Is timid but increasingly willing to participate, offering to help investigate the final mystery and cautiously asking about Chikage and Nanase’s outing.
• Yukimura Suzune: Quietly monitors the relationship dynamics and feels relieved that Chikage and Nanase’s trip was innocent. She recognizes Aoi’s limited but occasionally useful investigative contributions.
• Tsukishima Rin and Konoe Hitomi: Both display curiosity—and possible possessiveness—about Chikage’s time with Nanase. Their messages resemble playful questioning from people emotionally invested in him.
• Mido Orihime: Sends an unexplained accusation that Chikage is more “twisted” than expected, creating a new mystery around her reaction.
• Natsume Kayo: Her sudden lack of communication is unusual and may foreshadow trouble or a change in her relationship with Chikage.

Significant Themes

• Romantic tension and jealousy: Several girls question Chikage about Nanase, while he insists their relationship is proper and fails to see the emotional subtext.
• Friendship and group cooperation: The characters support one another in the Seven Mysteries investigation and volunteer to help the Natsume family reclaim and move into their old home.
• Material value versus personal value: The expensive minerals and wand provoke debate over whether objects are worth their prices, with emotional attachment and craftsmanship presented as important factors.
• Mystery and anticipation: The group is approaching the final Seven Mystery, while the unexplained silence from Kayo and Orihime’s cryptic message introduce additional uncertainties.
• Home and belonging: The imminent return to the Natsume family home represents restoration, stability, and emotional fulfillment for Chikage and Ruri.
• Chikage’s social obliviousness: His straightforward interpretation of events contrasts with the more perceptive or emotionally charged reactions of those around him.

Important Character Interactions

• Ruri and Chikage receive Nanase’s mineral stones and wand with admiration, while Aoi questions their excessive prices.
• Nanase becomes flustered when Kaga and the others wonder whether her outing with Chikage involved anything romantic.
• The group collaborates on plans for investigating the final Seven Mystery, with Ruri and Resaki joining the effort.
• Aoi announces the imminent return of the Natsume home, prompting emotional reactions from Chikage and Ruri and offers of help from the others.
• Rin and Hitomi separately interrogate Chikage about his time with Nanase, revealing their interest in his relationships.
• Orihime’s enigmatic message leaves Chikage confused, while Kayo’s continued silence raises concerns he does not yet fully investigate.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The morning after his workout, Natsume Chikage spends his remaining attribute point on Constitution, raising it from 11 to 12.
• Instead of feeling the usual pain, Chikage loses consciousness and enters a strange state where he observes his body being enclosed in a pulsating white cocoon.
• After emerging, he discovers that his body has evolved dramatically. He can:
  • Stretch his limbs.
  • Reshape parts of his body.
  • Grow additional arms or legs.
  • Transform his fingers into flexible tentacles or other body parts.
• Chikage concludes that increasing Constitution is transforming him into an “extraordinary organism.” Although fascinated by his abilities, he decides to remain inconspicuous because he is not yet powerful enough to survive extreme threats such as nuclear weapons.
• His Charm has also increased, making him exceptionally handsome and giving him an almost supernatural aura. He is frustrated that improving his Constitution also seems to make him more attractive.
• While his sister, Natsume Ruri, and Kaga Resaki are still asleep, Chikage prepares breakfast. Both girls immediately notice that he looks even more handsome than before.
• Chikage tells them that he will not go straight home after school because Yukimura Suzune has asked him to accompany her somewhere.
• Ruri becomes suspicious that Suzune’s invitation is actually a date. She subtly informs Fujiwara Aoi, Saionji Nanase, and Akita Sana, prompting them to think seriously about the situation.
• The girls realize that Chikage, recently revealed as the talented writer Sanqianli, perfectly matches Suzune’s stated ideal type.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Gains powerful biological transformation abilities through his Constitution upgrade. He becomes more self-aware of both his supernatural evolution and increasingly overwhelming attractiveness. Despite his power, he remains cautious and prefers to hide his abilities.
• Natsume Ruri: Continues acting possessive and protective toward her brother. She is annoyed that Chikage prepares breakfast instead of letting her handle the kitchen, but she also becomes concerned that Suzune may be romantically pursuing him.
• Kaga Resaki: Becomes visibly flustered by Chikage’s enhanced appearance and struggles to look directly at him.
• Yukimura Suzune: Though absent from the chapter’s main scenes, her planned outing with Chikage is treated as potentially romantic because Chikage fulfills the literary and personal qualities she values.
• Akita Sana: Becomes especially anxious because she believes she cannot compete with Suzune except in video games.
• Saionji Nanase and Fujiwara Aoi: Realize that Suzune may genuinely be compatible with Chikage, creating an emotional conflict because they also have feelings for him.

Significant Themes

• Human evolution and transformation: Chikage’s Constitution upgrade pushes him beyond normal humanity, raising questions about what he is becoming.
• Power versus secrecy: Although Chikage gains extraordinary abilities, he understands that openly displaying them would make him a target.
• Attraction and unintended consequences: His increasing Charm creates romantic complications, despite Chikage’s lack of interest in cultivating it.
• Friendship versus romantic rivalry: The girls are torn between supporting their friend Suzune and protecting their own feelings for Chikage.
• Jealousy and emotional conflict: Suzune’s apparent compatibility with Chikage forces the other girls to confront the possibility that they may lose him to someone they care about.

Character Interactions

• Chikage and Ruri exchange playful sibling banter over breakfast, with Ruri pretending to be angry that he took over the kitchen.
• Ruri and Resaki both react strongly to Chikage’s improved appearance, though Resaki is too embarrassed to express herself openly.
• Ruri subtly manipulates Aoi, Nanase, and Sana by framing Chikage and Suzune’s outing as a date.
• Aoi, Nanase, and Sana privately recognize that Suzune may be Chikage’s most natural match, but this realization clashes with their own romantic feelings, leaving all three distressed and uncertain about what to do.

Chapter 709 Summary: Inferiority, Jealousy, and Basketball

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage returns to Class 1-A and attracts even more attention than usual. Both boys and girls notice that he seems especially handsome and radiant, leaving him overwhelmed by the attention.
• Saionji Nanase asks whether Chikage and Yukimura Suzune are going out after school. Suzune reveals that she plans to take him to her family’s home because her grandfather, a respected novelist, wants to meet him after reading Snow Country.
• Chikage agrees to go, partly because he has no plans and believes exploring new places may help him discover special equipment.
• During P.E., Class 1-A shares the lesson with Class 1-B. The students compare the attractive members of both classes, but the boys conclude that Chikage’s appearance and presence surpass everyone else.
• Chikage notices Akita Sana and Kondo Miki from Class B. Sana enthusiastically waves to him, and he politely waves back. Miki mistakenly believes he is waving to her as well and shyly returns the gesture.
• Yamaguchi Hirota, who has long admired Sana, becomes jealous and insecure after seeing her interact with Chikage. Knowing he cannot compete with Chikage in most areas, he decides to challenge him through basketball, his own strength.
• Asagiri Kazuya, who already dislikes Chikage, eagerly joins Hirota’s plan. They arrange a basketball match between students from Classes A and B during free time.
• Chikage agrees to participate despite having little experience with basketball. Four other boys from Class A join him, forming a team against Hirota, Kazuya, and the Class B players.
• Sana realizes that Hirota and Kazuya are deliberately trying to embarrass Chikage. She initially considers stopping the match but decides to watch after Miki suggests that Chikage may have his own confidence and ability.
• Suzune and Nanase also discuss Chikage’s chances, noting that he apparently has not played basketball before, though his natural athletic ability may give him an advantage.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Remains modest and somewhat helpless under the attention he receives. He is open to visiting Suzune’s family and casually accepts the basketball challenge, showing confidence in his physical abilities despite lacking experience.
• Yukimura Suzune: Shows growing personal interest in Chikage by inviting him to meet her grandfather. She is quietly pleased that he agrees, though she tries to conceal her feelings.
• Saionji Nanase: Displays curiosity about Chikage’s plans and maintains a close interest in his activities.
• Akita Sana: Openly admires Chikage and becomes protective of him when she realizes the basketball match is intended to target him.
• Kondo Miki: Continues to appear reserved and composed, but her shy reaction to Chikage’s wave hints at her growing feelings. She also expresses confidence that he may surprise everyone.
• Yamaguchi Hirota: His admiration for Sana turns into insecurity and jealousy when she interacts with Chikage. He attempts to restore his pride by competing in basketball.
• Asagiri Kazuya: His existing dislike of Chikage intensifies, motivating him to join Hirota in trying to defeat and humiliate him.

Significant Themes

• Admiration and overwhelming popularity: Chikage’s exceptional appearance and aura continue to set him apart, attracting attention even from people who previously disliked him.
• Inferiority and jealousy: Hirota’s feelings reveal how Chikage’s superiority in appearance, talent, and popularity affects those around him.
• Competition as self-validation: Hirota and Kazuya use basketball not merely as a game but as a way to prove themselves and undermine Chikage.
• Romantic tension: Several characters show affection or interest in Chikage, with small gestures—such as waving, blushing, and concern—revealing their feelings.
• Natural talent versus experience: The upcoming match sets up a contrast between Chikage’s lack of basketball experience and his exceptional physical ability.

Important Character Interactions

• Chikage and Suzune discuss visiting her family, establishing a more personal connection between them.
• Sana eagerly waves to Chikage, while Miki shyly responds after mistakenly thinking his wave was meant for her.
• Hirota and Kazuya unite over their shared jealousy and hostility toward Chikage, organizing the basketball match.
• Sana and Miki debate whether to intervene, with Sana worrying about Chikage and Miki suggesting that he may be capable of winning.
• Suzune and Nanase discuss Chikage’s athletic potential, foreshadowing the basketball game.

Chapter Summary: “Slam Dunk! If You Don’t Like Someone, You Don’t Like Them!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• A basketball game is organized between Classes A and B, attracting a large crowd because of Natsume Chikage’s popularity and reputation for exceptional athletic ability.
• Basketball coach Honda Kenji and PE teacher Kikuchi Kotona come to watch, curious whether Chikage is talented at basketball as well.
• Class B initially dominates through the teamwork of recruited basketball players Yamaguchi Hirota and Asagiri Kazuya. Yamaguchi easily scores twice, while Chikage appears to loaf around rather than participate.
• Yamaguchi and Asagiri hope to humiliate Chikage. Asagiri especially wants to impress Akita Sana, the girl he likes.
• Yamaguchi proposes a bet: the losing team must buy drinks for the winners. Chikage accepts, and the match becomes more competitive.
• When Class A gives Chikage the ball, he reveals impressive basketball skill. He uses multiple feints to shake Yamaguchi before making a difficult fadeaway three-point shot.
• Yamaguchi assumes the shot was luck, but Honda and Kikuchi realize Chikage’s movements are far too polished for someone inexperienced.
• The chapter ends with Honda anticipating the next test: whether Chikage can also stop Yamaguchi’s offense.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Initially appears lazy and uninterested, but becomes motivated once the bet is introduced. He demonstrates advanced ball-handling, deception, and shooting ability while deliberately restraining his extraordinary physical strength.
• Yamaguchi Hirota: Begins highly confident after easily scoring and believes he can dominate Chikage. His confidence is shaken when Chikage outmaneuvers him, though he dismisses the result as luck.
• Asagiri Kazuya: Supports Yamaguchi and shares his desire to embarrass Chikage, partly to improve his standing with Akita Sana.
• Akita Sana: Worries about Chikage losing and possibly being involved in another bet connected to her. She openly insists that she simply does not like Asagiri, regardless of how kindly he treats her.
• Kondo Miki: Questions Sana’s feelings and begins reflecting on her own emotional response to Chikage, suggesting growing or confusing feelings.
• Honda Kenji and Kikuchi Kotona: Both become increasingly impressed and curious about Chikage’s unexplained athletic ability.
• Saionji Nanase and Yukimura Suzune: Lightly tease Chikage for his habitual laziness, reinforcing his reputation for avoiding effort.

Significant Themes

• Hidden talent and underestimated ability: Chikage’s lazy exterior conceals extraordinary skill, causing others to misjudge him.
• Competition as motivation: The small material bet transforms an unenthusiastic game into a serious contest.
• Pride and humiliation: Yamaguchi and Asagiri are motivated less by the game itself than by their desire to defeat and embarrass Chikage.
• Affection and personal preference: Sana’s statement that she cannot like someone simply because they treat her well raises questions about whether feelings can be explained logically.
• Self-restraint versus genuine ability: Chikage deliberately limits himself, making it difficult for others to determine the true extent of his capabilities.

Important Character Interactions

• Yamaguchi and Asagiri coordinate effectively against Class A and encourage each other’s hostility toward Chikage.
• Sana and Miki discuss Sana’s rejection of Asagiri, with Miki privately wondering whether Sana’s own feelings for Chikage contradict her claim that attraction is purely instinctive.
• Honda and Kikuchi analyze Chikage’s performance and debate whether his movements reveal serious basketball experience.
• Chikage and Yamaguchi face off directly, with Chikage’s feints and fadeaway shot overturning Yamaguchi’s early dominance and setting up the next stage of the rivalry.

Chapter Summary: “Could It Really Be Heaven’s Will?”

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage shocks everyone by displaying exceptional basketball ability, smoothly evading Yamaguchi Hirota and scoring the opening basket.
• Class B’s basketball players, especially Yamaguchi and Asagiri Kazuya, respond seriously. Asagiri breaks through Class A’s defense and passes to Yamaguchi.
• Yamaguchi attempts a powerful dunk, but Natsume anticipates the move and blocks him. Natsume’s strength allows him to seize the ball, leading to another score for Class A.
• Embarrassed and angered, Yamaguchi increases the intensity of the game. He and Asagiri use rapid passing and coordinated tactics to avoid Natsume and keep scoring.
• Natsume deliberately restrains himself after noticing the basketball coach watching him. He allows Yamaguchi to score occasionally so he will not attract too much attention, while secretly studying both teams and controlling the game’s pace.
• The score remains extremely close. Near the end, Class B takes a 62–61 lead with only thirteen seconds left, seemingly securing victory.
• Natsume instructs his teammates to pass him the ball for one final attempt. He breaks through several defenders and reaches the basket, but Yamaguchi intercepts him and blocks his first dunk attempt.
• The ball falls toward Natsume’s other hand, which he had positioned in anticipation. He performs a midair switch-hand dunk just as the final buzzer sounds, giving Class A the victory.

2. Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Reveals extraordinary athletic ability, including speed, strength, anticipation, tactical awareness, and improvisation. He initially tries to avoid attention by limiting his performance, but his competitive nature and hatred of losing ultimately drive him to take control of the game. His final dunk confirms that he is far more talented than anyone expected.
• Yamaguchi Hirota: Begins as the confident star of the basketball team, but becomes increasingly frustrated after being blocked by Natsume. He regains confidence when he manages to score and later blocks Natsume, only to suffer a last-second defeat. His pride and competitive spirit are heavily shaken.
• Asagiri Kazuya: Demonstrates strong dribbling, passing, and teamwork with Yamaguchi. He recognizes that Natsume is the main threat and helps develop the strategy of avoiding him, but becomes confused when Class B still cannot build a decisive lead.
• Kondo Miki: Initially hopes Natsume will lose so she can escape her emotional conflict, but gradually finds herself rooting for him. His victory allows her to rationalize her growing feelings as “heaven’s will.”
• Akita Sana: Openly supports Natsume and becomes frustrated with Class B’s tactics. Her affection for him is clear and unwavering.
• Yukimura Suzune and Saionji Nanase: Both are impressed by Natsume’s performance. Nanase openly celebrates, while Suzune tries to hide how strongly his athleticism affects her.
• Honda Kenji: The basketball coach recognizes Natsume’s unusual talent but assumes Yamaguchi will ultimately win. Natsume’s victory leaves him genuinely astonished.
• Kikuchi Kotona: Becomes increasingly captivated by Natsume after witnessing his skill and confidence.

3. Significant Themes

• Hidden talent and underestimated ability: Natsume’s performance reveals that appearances and reputation do not accurately reflect a person’s capabilities.
• Competition and pride: Yamaguchi’s pride fuels the increasingly intense contest, while Natsume’s refusal to lose pushes him to reveal more of his strength.
• Control versus recognition: Natsume wants to win without attracting the coach’s attention, forcing him to balance his desire for victory with his wish to remain unnoticed.
• Romantic admiration and emotional conflict: Natsume’s athletic performance intensifies the girls’ attraction to him, particularly Kondo Miki, whose conflicted feelings become harder to deny.
• Tactics versus individual brilliance: Class B relies on coordinated team play to neutralize Natsume, but his adaptability and awareness allow him to influence the entire game even when he is not directly handling the ball.
• Fate and self-justification: Kondo interprets Natsume’s victory as a sign of “heaven’s will,” using it to justify her feelings and lessen her guilt toward Sana.

4. Character Interactions

• Natsume and Yamaguchi develop a direct rivalry, trading breakthroughs, blocks, and ultimately a decisive one-on-one confrontation.
• Yamaguchi and Asagiri cooperate closely, using rapid passing to bypass Natsume and maintain Class B’s lead.
• Akita and Kondo discuss Natsume’s chances and Class B’s tactics; Akita openly defends Natsume, while Kondo’s conflicted emotions become increasingly apparent.
• Saionji and Suzune watch and react to Natsume’s performance, with Saionji enthusiastically praising him and Suzune concealing her excitement.
• Natsume’s teammates initially lack confidence but trust his final instructions and pass him the ball, enabling his game-winning attempt.
• The spectators’ reactions shift from surprise to excitement as Natsume repeatedly proves himself, culminating in widespread admiration after his buzzer-beating dunk.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Class A wins the basketball game against Class B thanks to Natsume Chikage’s last-second buzzer-beater. Although Natsume scores only four baskets, his decisive final play secures the victory.
• Natsume’s teammates celebrate enthusiastically, while Yamaguchi Hirota and Asagiri Kazuya react with embarrassment and frustration. They had expected an easy victory and intended to humiliate Natsume, but instead Natsume becomes the hero—especially in front of Akita Sana, whom Kazuya likes.
• Because of the wager made before the match, Class B reluctantly buys drinks for the Class A players.
• Basketball coach Honda Kenji invites Natsume to join the Basketball Club. Natsume modestly deflects the praise toward his teammates, prompting them to become interested in joining the club themselves.
• Teacher Kikuchi Kotona supports recruiting Natsume’s teammates rather than Natsume, claiming they may be as talented as or better than Yamaguchi. Yamaguchi is insulted but privately struggles to reconcile Natsume’s poor overall statistics with his game-winning performance.
• Yamaguchi later seeks reassurance from Kondo Miki, who tells him that she knows he is strong. However, her attention secretly remains fixed on Natsume, giving Yamaguchi false confidence.
• After school, Natsume and Yukimura Suzune leave together to visit Suzune’s grandfather. Fujiwara Aoi notices them and becomes jealous, fearing that Suzune—who admires literary talent—may develop feelings for Natsume.
• Aoi channels her jealousy into her running and unexpectedly breaks her personal record. When she realizes why she performed so well, she is distressed that her achievement came from romantic insecurity.
• At the Yukimura family home, renowned author Yukimura Takahiro is shown reacting intensely to Natsume’s novel Snow Country. Moved by its beauty and its profound sense of Mono no Aware, he becomes overwhelmed by jealousy and despair.
• Takahiro briefly considers suicide, but the emotional turmoil inspires a new story idea. He begins writing obsessively, ignoring his surroundings and failing to hear Suzune and Natsume arrive.
• Suzune is shocked that her grandfather appears to regard Natsume’s work as superior even to his own, making Natsume’s literary talent seem extraordinary.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Demonstrates that his value lies not in dominating the entire game but in making the crucial play at the decisive moment. He remains humble and redirects praise to his teammates, unintentionally inspiring them to consider basketball seriously.
• Yamaguchi Hirota: His confidence is badly shaken by the loss. He blames his teammates rather than confronting his own shortcomings and becomes increasingly jealous of Natsume’s success with both basketball and girls.
• Asagiri Kazuya: Suffers humiliation after failing to impress Akita Sana. His defeat contrasts sharply with Natsume’s popularity and success.
• Kondo Miki: Offers Yamaguchi emotional reassurance, but her hidden attention toward Natsume suggests that her feelings may not align with Yamaguchi’s hopes.
• Fujiwara Aoi: Her jealousy reveals the depth of her feelings for Natsume and her fear of losing him to her best friend Suzune. Her emotional distress unexpectedly improves her athletic performance.
• Yukimura Suzune: Becomes increasingly aware of the exceptional nature of Natsume’s writing and of the possibility that her grandfather may acknowledge him as a superior literary talent.
• Yukimura Takahiro: Experiences admiration, envy, despair, and renewed inspiration after reading Snow Country. His intense reaction confirms the novel’s extraordinary literary impact.

Significant Themes

• Talent versus recognition: Natsume’s understated performance produces the most important result, while Yamaguchi’s superior statistics fail to secure victory or admiration.
• Jealousy and insecurity: Yamaguchi, Aoi, and Takahiro all respond to Natsume’s success with envy or anxiety, though each expresses it differently.
• Humility versus arrogance: Natsume refuses to boast, while Yamaguchi’s inability to accept responsibility makes his defeat more painful.
• Artistic greatness and suffering: Takahiro’s reaction suggests that pursuing perfection can bring both admiration and destructive despair.
• Competition and romance: The basketball match and literary rivalry are intertwined with the characters’ desire to impress the people they like.
• The power of literature: Snow Country is portrayed as so beautiful and emotionally profound that it affects even an acclaimed master, inspiring both crisis and creativity.

Character Interactions

• Natsume’s teammates praise him after the game, while Yamaguchi and Kazuya resent the attention he receives.
• Honda attempts to recruit Natsume, but Natsume redirects him toward his teammates; Kikuchi reinforces this by praising the other boys and provoking Yamaguchi.
• Akita Sana openly celebrates Natsume, intensifying Kazuya’s humiliation.
• Yamaguchi seeks validation from Kondo Miki and receives it, though her attention remains focused on Natsume.
• Aoi observes Natsume and Suzune leaving together and reacts with jealousy, revealing romantic tension between the three.
• Suzune brings Natsume to meet her grandfather, where the family’s maid recognizes him and Takahiro’s reaction demonstrates the enormous significance of Natsume’s literary achievement.

Chapter Summary: “Tragic Past!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yukimura Suzune brings Natsume Chikage to meet her grandfather, Yukimura Takahiro, a respected elderly writer.
• Takahiro is initially absorbed in writing, but becomes excited when he realizes that Chikage is the author of Snow Country.
• He questions Chikage about how someone so young could write with such emotional depth. Chikage gives him an invented account of hardship involving his mother’s death, his father’s bankruptcy, and raising his younger sister alone.
• Takahiro reflects on the pain that inspires great literature and reveals that Suzune’s father also died by suicide.
• Suzune explains her family’s tragic history:
  • Her father once loved the elder daughter of a neighboring family.
  • The woman was terminally ill, so her family arranged for her identical twin sister to replace her after her death.
  • Suzune’s father unknowingly married the younger sister, later discovering the deception.
  • Overcome by grief and guilt, he killed himself beside the elder sister’s grave.
  • Suzune’s mother, who was the younger twin, discovered she was pregnant with Suzune on the day of his death.
• Chikage comforts Suzune by holding her hand, and she shyly holds it back.
• Takahiro asks Chikage to explain how he creates such powerful writing. Chikage says literary style comes from life experience but offers to discuss creative ideas instead.
• Takahiro eagerly studies Chikage’s advice and is deeply impressed by his talent.
• The chapter ends with Takahiro calling Chikage Suzune’s boyfriend and declaring him suitable for her, embarrassing both of them.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Demonstrates emotional restraint, compassion, and literary insight. He calmly recounts his fabricated tragic background and responds sensitively to Suzune’s pain. His comfort strengthens his bond with her.
• Yukimura Suzune: Reveals the painful history behind her family and shows vulnerability beneath her normally cold exterior. She accepts Chikage’s comfort and openly reciprocates his affection by holding his hand.
• Yukimura Takahiro: Appears eccentric and literature-obsessed, but is also burdened by guilt over his son’s suicide. He recognizes Chikage as an extraordinary writer and admires him both professionally and as Suzune’s companion.

Significant Themes

• Tragedy as a source of art: The chapter explores the belief that profound suffering can inspire emotionally powerful literature.
• Inherited grief and emotional patterns: Takahiro suggests that his son’s sensitivity—and perhaps his suicidal tendencies—were influenced by the family environment.
• Love, sacrifice, and deception: The twin sisters’ tragic arrangement shows how attempts to preserve love can instead produce betrayal, guilt, and destruction.
• Healing through connection: Chikage’s quiet physical comfort gives Suzune a sense of security and helps establish emotional intimacy between them.
• Guilt and responsibility: Both Takahiro and Suzune’s father are haunted by the consequences of their actions and perceived failures.

Character Interactions

• Suzune acts as a bridge between Chikage and Takahiro, managing her grandfather’s enthusiasm while defending Chikage from excessive questioning.
• Takahiro idealizes Chikage’s talent and presses him to reveal the source of his literary ability.
• Suzune and Chikage grow closer through their handholding: Chikage offers comfort, while Suzune’s response reveals her romantic feelings.
• Suzune confronts Takahiro harshly over his regret and hypocrisy concerning suicide, showing both her resentment and familiarity with his weaknesses.
• Takahiro’s final assumption that Chikage is Suzune’s boyfriend embarrasses them both and openly highlights their developing relationship.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage visits Yukimura Suzune’s family estate and meets her grandfather, Takahiro. When Takahiro asks whether Chikage and Suzune are dating, Suzune secretly warns Chikage that denying it could emotionally devastate her sensitive grandfather.
• Chikage confirms that they are “pretty much” dating. Takahiro becomes delighted, believing they are a perfect match and that their relationship may inspire their creative work.
• Before leaving, Takahiro asks Suzune to tell her mother that the family still accepts her and hopes she will return. Suzune agrees to pass on the message.
• After leaving, Suzune explains why her mother previously forced Chikage to leave their home: Suzune’s father died after her aunt, causing her mother to emotionally shut down and fear that Suzune would suffer similar heartbreak.
• Suzune continues holding Chikage’s hand and deliberately chooses not to let go. She tells him that after the June 1 auction—when he buys back his house—she has something important to say to him.
• At home, Chikage’s younger sisters, Natsume Ruri and Kaga Resaki, tease him about visiting Suzune’s grandfather. They also question him about whether he would consider dating younger girls.
• Chikage says girls should wait until high school or college before seriously considering relationships. Ruri and Resaki each interpret this answer hopefully.
• Later, Chikage arranges to meet Tsukishima Rin, Araki Yua, and Yasui Ryoto after school the next day. Akita Sana also hints that she wants to meet him on June 1 and has a surprise or important matter to discuss.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Becomes more comfortable publicly acknowledging his relationship with Suzune, though he remains oblivious to the romantic implications of her behavior and upcoming confession. He also demonstrates discretion by keeping Suzune’s family problems private.
• Yukimura Suzune: Grows more proactive and emotionally honest. She openly holds Chikage’s hand, worries about losing her chance with him because of his many admirers, and plans to confess something important on June 1.
• Yukimura Takahiro: Shows himself to be emotionally sensitive, affectionate, and enthusiastic about Suzune’s relationship. He also reveals that the Yukimura family still welcomes Suzune and her mother.
• Suzune’s mother: Though absent, her past trauma is explained. Her grief over her husband’s death has made her protective and emotionally guarded, but she no longer objects to Suzune dating Chikage.
• Natsume Ruri and Kaga Resaki: Both show jealousy and curiosity about Chikage’s romantic life. Their reactions suggest that they may harbor personal interest in whether they could one day be considered romantic possibilities.
• Akita Sana and Tsukishima Rin: Both arrange or hint at future meetings with Chikage, reinforcing the growing romantic competition and mystery surrounding his relationships.

Significant Themes

• Romantic progression and confession: Suzune’s hand-holding and planned declaration mark a major step forward in her relationship with Chikage.
• Family acceptance and emotional wounds: The chapter explores how grief affects family relationships while emphasizing the possibility of reconciliation and acceptance.
• Communication versus misunderstanding: Chikage often interprets romantic situations literally, while the girls around him understand their deeper implications.
• Protecting privacy: Chikage chooses not to reveal Suzune’s family circumstances, showing respect and loyalty.
• Romantic rivalry: The messages from Rin and Sana, along with the sisters’ reactions, highlight the increasing number of girls competing for Chikage’s attention.

Important Character Interactions

• Chikage and Suzune: Their relationship becomes more publicly acknowledged. Suzune thanks him, explains her mother’s behavior, and prepares to confess her feelings or make an important request.
• Chikage and Takahiro: Takahiro warmly approves of their relationship and encourages Suzune to reconnect with her family.
• Chikage, Ruri, and Resaki: The sisters tease and interrogate him about Suzune and younger girls, while Chikage innocently gives them an answer that they interpret optimistically.
• Chikage and Rin: They make plans to meet away from school to avoid attention from Chikage’s admirers.
• Chikage and Sana: Sana attempts to arrange a meeting on June 1, hinting that she has something significant to reveal.

Chapter Summary: “I Quite Like Them! A Double Date!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• During lunch, Natsume Chikage tells Aoi, Nanase, and Suzune that upperclassmen Tsukishima Rin and Araki Yua have asked him to accompany them after school. He reveals that Yua intends to confess to Yasui Ryoto and wants Chikage and Rin to help create a suitable opportunity.
• The girls agree that the best approach is to arrange a romantic setting and then withdraw so Yua and Yasui can handle the confession themselves.
• Chikage confirms that he will begin considering dating if he successfully buys back his family home the following day. News of this spreads rapidly through the school, exciting many girls who appear ready to confess their feelings to him.
• Nanase realizes that she may soon have to confess as well, becoming both hopeful and anxious about whether Chikage will accept her.
• Yasui visits Chikage after lunch and privately tells him something that leaves Chikage visibly shocked, though the exact content is not revealed in the chapter.
• After school, Chikage meets Yasui, Yua, and Rin at the subway station in disguise. His new hairstyle, glasses, ponytail, and earrings make him almost unrecognizable.
• Rin identifies him immediately, partly because she recognizes the glasses she gave him. Yasui and Yua are initially fooled, with Yua teasing Chikage and complimenting his appearance.
• The group visits a shopping mall before heading to Odaiba Seaside Park. At an accessory shop, Yua playfully gives Yasui a pair of glasses, while Yasui becomes jealous of Chikage’s close interaction with Yua.
• Rin and Chikage share a sweet exchange about the glasses she gave him. When Chikage says he “quite likes” them, Rin blushes, clearly taking emotional meaning from his words.
• At sunset in Odaiba, Chikage and Rin quietly separate from Yua and Yasui, creating the romantic opportunity Yua wanted. They observe the pair from a distance.
• While Yua begins pursuing her confession, Rin recognizes that she must also make progress in expressing her own feelings toward Chikage.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Remains helpful and perceptive regarding other people’s romances but continues to be comparatively oblivious about the romantic feelings directed toward him. He agrees to disguise himself to avoid attention and shows growing comfort with Rin’s gift of glasses.
• Tsukishima Rin: Becomes increasingly aware that she cannot passively support other people’s romances while ignoring her own feelings. Her jealousy and nervousness suggest she is preparing to compete for Chikage’s affection.
• Araki Yua: Takes the initiative in pursuing Yasui and carefully engineers the outing as a chance to confess. Her teasing, confident behavior contrasts with her underlying nervousness.
• Yasui Ryoto: Shows clear romantic interest in Yua and becomes jealous when she interacts physically with Chikage. His embarrassment and eagerness to accept her gift reveal his vulnerability.
• Saionji Nanase: Realizes that Chikage’s possible future dating life may trigger many confessions. She becomes determined to confess herself, though she worries about rejection.
• Fujiwara Aoi and Yukimura Suzune: Continue acting as interested observers of Chikage’s romantic situation. Suzune is especially frustrated by Chikage’s ability to understand others’ romantic needs while missing hints about himself.

Significant Themes

• Confession and romantic timing: The chapter emphasizes the importance of atmosphere, privacy, and creating the right opportunity for an emotional confession.
• Unrequited and competing love: Several girls are preparing to confess to Chikage, while Rin, Yua, and Nanase each confront their own romantic uncertainty.
• Emotional obliviousness: Chikage is skilled at helping others navigate romance but remains dense about how deeply others care for him.
• Disguise and identity: Chikage’s transformation highlights the difference between his public image and his private self, while also showing that Rin can recognize him beyond appearances.
• Jealousy and initiative: Yasui’s jealousy and Rin’s decision to “make her move” show how romantic competition pushes characters to act more boldly.

Important Character Interactions

• Chikage confides in Aoi, Nanase, and Suzune about Yua’s planned confession, strengthening their role as his romantic confidantes.
• Yua teases Yasui at the mall and gives him glasses, producing a playful but revealing exchange.
• Rin and Chikage have a tender conversation about her glasses, with Chikage’s admission that he likes them causing Rin to blush.
• Chikage and Rin work together to give Yua and Yasui privacy, but Rin’s thoughts reveal that she intends to pursue Chikage herself rather than remain only a helper.

Chapter Summary: “Success and a Kiss!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• At the beach, childhood friends Araki Yua and Yasui Ryoto take a walk while waiting for Natsume Chikage and Tsukishima Rin.
• Their playful banter about being neighbors and attending the same schools highlights their long history and familiar dynamic.
• Yua struggles with whether to confess her long-held feelings, fearing that rejection could damage their friendship and even affect their families.
• Ryoto, worried that Yua might like Natsume, asks whether she has feelings for another boy. Yua admits that she loves “an idiot,” but Ryoto initially assumes she means someone else.
• Ryoto realizes how strongly he reacts to the thought of Yua dating another man. He confesses that he loves her and explains that his former feelings for Rin have faded after recognizing that Natsume is better suited to her.
• Yua reveals that the person she has always loved is Ryoto. The two happily confirm their mutual feelings.
• After an awkward pause, a gust of wind pushes Ryoto toward Yua, giving him the courage to kiss her. They officially become a couple.
• Watching from a distance, Natsume is pleased because Ryoto had previously asked him to create an opportunity for the confession.
• Rin is also happy that Yua’s romance succeeded. She and Natsume walk along the beach, discussing their promise for the following day. Rin then takes Natsume’s hand, signaling her growing confidence and intimacy with him.

Character Developments

• Araki Yua moves from hesitation and fear of losing Ryoto to openly confessing her love. Her usually carefree personality gives way to shyness and vulnerability.
• Yasui Ryoto finally recognizes that his true feelings are for Yua rather than Rin. His jealousy and fear of losing Yua force him to confront and express his emotions.
• Natsume Chikage acts as a supportive intermediary, deliberately helping Ryoto confess. He also accepts Rin’s affection without resistance.
• Tsukishima Rin remains supportive of Yua while becoming more proactive in her own relationship with Natsume by initiating physical contact and reminding him of their promise.

Significant Themes

• Childhood friendship becoming romance: Yua and Ryoto’s long familiarity makes confession difficult, but also forms the foundation of their relationship.
• Recognizing true feelings: Ryoto understands that his attachment to Rin was less important than the love he had always felt for Yua.
• Fear of change and rejection: Both Yua and Ryoto worry that confessing could destroy their friendship, yet remaining silent becomes unbearable.
• Mutual support and romantic progression: Natsume helps Ryoto and Yua come together, while Rin and Natsume’s hand-holding suggests their own relationship is advancing.
• Confession as emotional release: Once both characters speak honestly, their anxiety gives way to joy, culminating in their first kiss.

Important Character Interactions

• Yua and Ryoto’s teasing, physical joking, and easy familiarity emphasize their closeness as childhood friends.
• Ryoto’s jealousy regarding Natsume exposes feelings he had not fully understood.
• Their mutual confession transforms their everyday friendship into a romantic relationship.
• Natsume observes and supports their success, while Rin celebrates Yua’s happiness.
• Rin’s hand-holding with Natsume mirrors Yua and Ryoto’s romantic breakthrough and quietly advances their own relationship.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tsukishima Rin takes the initiative and kisses Natsume Chikage, passing him cherry blossom candy so that he will associate cherry blossoms—and her first kiss—with her.
• Rin explains that she wanted to “overwrite” Chikage’s accidental first kiss with Saionji Nanase, revealing that she had been jealous and emotionally affected by it for a long time.
• Chikage teases Rin about her embarrassment, leading to a playful chase beneath the setting sun.
• When they return, they discover that Araki Yua and Yasui Ryoto have officially started dating. Yua is enthusiastic, while Ryoto remains shy and embarrassed.
• Yua invites Chikage and Rin to dinner as thanks for helping her and Ryoto get together.
• Yua privately asks Rin whether she succeeded in kissing Chikage. Rin confirms that she did, but admits she is unsure whether they are officially dating and plans to discuss it with him after the next day’s house-related business.
• At home, Chikage is questioned by Fujiwara Aoi, Saionji Nanase, and Yukimura Suzune about why he returned late. Their behavior makes him feel as though three jealous wives are interrogating him.
• Chikage explains that he attended dinner with Yua and Ryoto, carefully omitting Rin’s kiss.
• The girls become curious about Chikage’s childhood friend, Kondo Miki, and ask whether she might also have feelings for him. Chikage dismisses the possibility, calling their relationship ordinary.
• Kaga Resaki informs Chikage that her mother can serve as his temporary lawyer for the next day’s auction-related matters. Chikage insists on paying her fees.
• Natsume Ruri and Kaga Resaki both ask to accompany Chikage when he retrieves the family home. He welcomes them, showing that he considers Resaki part of the family.

Character Developments

• Tsukishima Rin: Becomes more proactive and emotionally honest. Her kiss demonstrates both her affection and her lingering jealousy over Chikage’s previous kiss with Nanase. Despite her courage, she remains uncertain about Chikage’s feelings and lacks confidence in their relationship.
• Natsume Chikage: Is surprised by Rin’s initiative but responds warmly. He recognizes how deeply she cares for him, even though he still does not fully understand his own feelings. His protective and familial bonds with Ruri and Resaki also become clearer.
• Araki Yua and Yasui Ryoto: Finally transition from close childhood friends to an official couple. Yua is confident and assertive, while Ryoto is shy and easily overwhelmed.
• Saionji Nanase, Fujiwara Aoi, and Yukimura Suzune: Their questioning reveals their concern about Chikage’s activities and hints at their romantic interest or possessiveness toward him.
• Natsume Ruri and Kaga Resaki: Both show their attachment to Chikage and their desire to support him during the important recovery of his family home.

Significant Themes

• First love and romantic rivalry: Rin’s kiss is an attempt to replace Chikage’s remembered first kiss, highlighting jealousy and competition among those who care for him.
• Emotional courage versus uncertainty: Rin acts boldly but still fears that Chikage may not reciprocate her feelings.
• Childhood friendships becoming romance: Yua and Ryoto’s relationship represents the fulfillment of a long-developing bond.
• Found family and belonging: Chikage increasingly treats Ruri and Resaki as family, while the household girls function like a close, emotionally invested unit.
• Youthful romance and comedy: The playful teasing, chase scene, dinner celebration, and household interrogation balance the more serious romantic tensions.

Character Interactions

• Rin and Chikage share an intimate but teasing exchange, with Rin confessing her jealousy and Chikage responding with warmth and playful provocation.
• Yua openly celebrates her new relationship with Ryoto, while Chikage and Rin affirm that the pair always seemed destined to be together.
• Yua encourages Rin and reassures her that Chikage’s lack of resistance suggests he has a favorable impression of her.
• Aoi, Nanase, and Suzune collectively question Chikage about his late return, creating a humorous atmosphere of romantic suspicion.
• The girls react with relief when Chikage denies having romantic feelings for Miki.
• Chikage accepts Ruri and Resaki’s wishes to accompany him, reinforcing their close family-like relationship.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fujiwara Aoi announces that her father’s work will bring their family back to Minato Ward. Yukimura Suzune reveals that her mother has reconciled with the family and that she, too, will soon return to the main house.
• Saionji Nanase is delighted that the three girls may be able to attend school and travel home together. Suzune is especially pleased because returning to Minato Ward will let her visit Natsume Chikage more often, though she pretends her interest is only academic.
• Natsume Ruri realizes that the girls are moving closer largely because of Chikage, while Chikage himself remains oblivious to their romantic intentions.
• The night before the auction, Chikage exchanges messages with several girls:
  • Akita Sana plans to visit his restored home and wants to leave her maid outfit there so she can wear it for him.
  • Kondo Miki asks whether he can afford the house and invites him to her family’s home for dinner. Chikage politely avoids committing.
  • Konoe Hitomi announces that she will attend the auction, claiming it is interesting and that she has permission to look after him. She privately knows that Chikage may be walking into a trap involving the main house.
• The next morning, Kaga Reisa is already awake. Embarrassed, she claims she has been sleeping poorly, while secretly enjoying the prospect of staying with Chikage longer and arranging her own room in their former home.
• Chikage, Reisa, Ruri, and the others dress formally for the auction. Ruri is thrilled that they may finally reclaim their family home and reflects on how dramatically Chikage has changed in only three months.
• At the Natsume main house, Natsume Kayo is punished for secretly trying to prevent Chikage’s return. She had prepared travel documents and plane tickets so he could leave the country after losing the bet.
• Natsume Yuma exposes Kayo’s actions, and Patriarch Natsume Taizo angrily brands her an ungrateful traitor. He threatens to marry her off to a mentally disabled heir as punishment.
• Yuma mocks and abuses Kayo, planning to take her to the auction so she can witness Chikage’s supposed defeat. Kayo is emotionally crushed when neither her grandfather nor her brother shows her mercy.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Remains confident and unaware of the romantic motivations surrounding him. He believes he has enough money to reclaim the house and looks forward to returning home with Ruri and Reisa.
• Natsume Ruri: Becomes increasingly proud of Chikage’s transformation and openly celebrates his success. She also recognizes how dense he is regarding the girls’ feelings.
• Yukimura Suzune, Fujiwara Aoi, and Saionji Nanase: Their families’ return to Minato Ward brings them physically closer to Chikage, suggesting their growing affection and desire for more time with him.
• Kaga Reisa: Becomes more emotionally attached to Chikage and looks forward to living with him in their former home. Her bashful behavior reveals feelings she cannot openly express.
• Konoe Hitomi: Shows concern for Chikage and has secretly investigated the main house’s plans. Her calm exterior hides a desire to make Chikage “compensate” her for helping him.
• Natsume Kayo: Is revealed to have tried to protect or redirect Chikage, but her actions are interpreted as betrayal. She becomes isolated, humiliated, and resigned to the cruelty of her family.
• Natsume Yuma and Natsume Taizo: Their hostility toward Chikage and cruelty toward Kayo become more pronounced. Yuma is vindictive, while Taizo uses family authority and marriage arrangements as punishment.

Significant Themes

• Family betrayal and manipulation: The main house treats loyalty as obedience, punishing Kayo harshly when she acts independently.
• Abuse of power: Taizo and Yuma exploit their authority to control and humiliate Kayo.
• Returning home and reclaiming identity: Buying back the old house symbolizes Chikage and Ruri recovering their family’s place and independence.
• Romantic obliviousness: Several girls are clearly seeking greater proximity to Chikage, but he interprets their behavior innocently.
• Emotional isolation: Kayo’s suffering contrasts with the warmth and support Chikage receives from his friends and companions.

Important Character Interactions

• The girls excitedly discuss moving back to Minato Ward, while Ruri internally criticizes Chikage for failing to understand their intentions.
• Chikage reassures Reisa that she can arrange her future room however she wants, unintentionally deepening her emotional attachment.
• Chikage and Ruri share an optimistic moment before the auction as they anticipate reclaiming their home.
• Yuma and Taizo confront Kayo, condemning her actions and stripping away her remaining hope of receiving fair treatment.
• Kayo silently pleads for compassion from Yuma, but he responds with violence and cruelty, leaving her feeling trapped within the Natsume family.

Chapter Summary: “Auction House! Obstruction!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natsume Chikage arrives at the auction house with Natsume Ruri and Kaga Resaki. The venue is lavishly decorated with valuable antiques, weapons, artwork, and other collectibles.
• Chikage immediately attracts attention from wealthy and influential guests because of his achievements in kendo, shogi, and literature, as well as his appearance and former affluent background. Several people approach him hoping to gain his friendship, negotiate business, or arrange a marriage connection.
• Furukawa Ruka and her son, Furukawa Ayuo, rescue Chikage from the crowd and take him aside.
• Ruka warns Chikage that many bidders intend to compete for his former family home. Some want to resell it to him at a higher price, while others hope to use it as leverage to obtain favors.
• She identifies the bank managing the property as the greatest threat. Since the bank likely knows about Chikage’s royalties and desire to reclaim the house, it may have planted someone in the auction to drive up the bidding.
• Ruka proposes bidding on Chikage’s behalf so his identity will not inflate the price. She also offers to purchase the house herself if the bidding becomes excessive.
• Chikage politely declines direct assistance, claiming that he has his own secret method for securing the property, though he accepts Ruka’s offer as a fallback.
• Meanwhile, Natsume Yuma, Natsume Kayo, and Natsume Qihui travel toward the auction venue. Heavy traffic delays them, and they are told the congestion may last an hour.
• Kayo secretly welcomes the delay because it could prevent Chikage and Ruri from losing their bet and being forced back under the main family’s control.
• Yuma and Qihui switch to a train, but the train stops unexpectedly. With the auction approaching and only thirty minutes remaining, Yuma becomes increasingly enraged.
• Yuma incites the passengers to force open the train doors despite staff warnings. He and the others escape and take a taxi, but they may still arrive too late.
• Yuma realizes that his girlfriend, Aoki Yukiko, has already reached the auction and must rely on her to buy the house before he arrives.

Character Developments

• Natsume Chikage: Remains composed and courteous despite intense social attention. His growing reputation is emphasized, and he displays confidence in his ability to reclaim the house through a concealed strategy.
• Furukawa Ruka: Acts as a resourceful ally and demonstrates both business insight and personal admiration for Chikage. Her willingness to spend heavily on his behalf strengthens her role as a powerful supporter.
• Natsume Ruri and Kaga Resaki: Show strong loyalty to Chikage and react angrily to the possibility of the bank exploiting him. They are reassured by Ruka’s willingness to help.
• Natsume Kayo: Reveals her deep concern for Chikage and Ruri. Although trapped within the main family herself, she privately hopes for their freedom and feels relieved by every delay affecting Yuma and Qihui.
• Natsume Yuma: Becomes increasingly impatient, abusive, and reckless as delays threaten his plans. His decision to incite passengers to break out of the train highlights his selfishness and poor judgment.
• Natsume Qihui: Shares Yuma’s anxiety and fear of the family head’s punishment, though he mostly reacts helplessly to the unfolding problems.
• Aoki Yukiko: Though she does not appear directly, she becomes crucial to the opposing side’s plan because she has already arrived at the auction.

Significant Themes

• Reputation as power: Chikage’s fame gives him social influence but also makes him a target for manipulation, opportunistic alliances, and marriage schemes.
• Wealth and exploitation: The auction becomes a contest not merely over a house but over who can profit from Chikage’s wealth, fame, and emotional attachment to his family home.
• Loyalty and support: Ruka’s offer and the devotion of Ruri and Resaki contrast with the exploitative intentions of the bank and other bidders.
• Freedom versus family control: The house represents Chikage and Ruri’s chance to escape the main family’s authority, while Kayo’s hopes reveal the emotional cost of that control.
• Fate and obstruction: Repeated traffic and train failures create suspense and appear almost providential from Kayo’s perspective, while frustrating Yuma’s efforts.
• Hidden strategies: Chikage’s unexplained method and the bank’s possible manipulation establish an atmosphere of secrecy and strategic competition.

Character Interactions

• Wealthy guests crowd around Chikage, attempting to flatter him, offer financial assistance, or initiate personal and marriage-related connections.
• Ruka and Ayuo interrupt the gathering and give Chikage a chance to escape the attention.
• Ruka privately warns Chikage about the auction’s dangers and offers to act as his proxy bidder.
• Ruri and Resaki support Chikage while expressing anger toward the bank’s suspected scheme.
• Kayo contrasts emotionally with Yuma and Qihui: she hopes the delays will protect Chikage, while they grow increasingly desperate to reach the auction.
• Yuma’s desperation leads him to manipulate fellow passengers and violate the train staff’s instructions, while he ultimately depends on Yukiko to act in his place.