The Ramparts of Ice

After her classmates run off in fear, Koyuki makes faces in a mirror to figure out why everyone finds her scary. Suddenly, a boy sneaks up behind her.

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.

With Akine's words ringing in her head, Koyuki's feelings become complicated. Later, an accident causes something to shift between Miki and Yota.

Unsure of how to move forward, Miki avoids Yota and confides in her colleagues. A bold Momoka confronts Koyuki about Minato and lights a fuse.

Gray skies mirror the group's uneasy mood. Momoka senses a chance to get closer to Minato, while Miki can barely face Yota after turning him down.