Description
Miki Koishikawa, a high school student, experiences a dramatic shift in her life when her parents announce their divorce and reveal they have swapped partners with another couple, the Matsuuras. The two families decide to live together under one roof, blending their lives in an unconventional arrangement. Miki struggles to adjust to this new dynamic, particularly when she meets Yuu Matsuura, the son of the other couple. Yuu is charming, confident, and seemingly unfazed by the situation, which contrasts sharply with Miki’s initial discomfort and resistance.
As Miki and Yuu navigate their shared living space, their relationship evolves from tension to a complex mix of friendship and romantic feelings. The series explores their growing bond alongside the challenges posed by their intertwined families. Miki’s ex-boyfriend, Ginta Suou, complicates matters further as he re-enters her life, creating a love triangle that tests her emotions and loyalties. Meanwhile, Yuu’s past relationships and his own unresolved feelings add layers of complexity to their interactions.
The narrative delves into themes of love, family, and identity, as the characters grapple with their changing circumstances. Miki’s journey is central, as she matures and learns to navigate her feelings for Yuu while reconciling with her parents’ decisions. Supporting characters, such as Miki’s best friend Arimi Suzuki and Yuu’s former flame Meiko Akizuki, contribute to the story’s emotional depth, each bringing their own struggles and perspectives.
Throughout the series, misunderstandings, miscommunications, and external pressures create obstacles for the characters, but their relationships gradually deepen. The story balances moments of lighthearted humor with poignant drama, capturing the ups and downs of adolescence and the complexities of human connections. By the end, the characters’ growth and the resolution of their conflicts provide a satisfying conclusion to the series, highlighting the enduring impact of love and family.
As Miki and Yuu navigate their shared living space, their relationship evolves from tension to a complex mix of friendship and romantic feelings. The series explores their growing bond alongside the challenges posed by their intertwined families. Miki’s ex-boyfriend, Ginta Suou, complicates matters further as he re-enters her life, creating a love triangle that tests her emotions and loyalties. Meanwhile, Yuu’s past relationships and his own unresolved feelings add layers of complexity to their interactions.
The narrative delves into themes of love, family, and identity, as the characters grapple with their changing circumstances. Miki’s journey is central, as she matures and learns to navigate her feelings for Yuu while reconciling with her parents’ decisions. Supporting characters, such as Miki’s best friend Arimi Suzuki and Yuu’s former flame Meiko Akizuki, contribute to the story’s emotional depth, each bringing their own struggles and perspectives.
Throughout the series, misunderstandings, miscommunications, and external pressures create obstacles for the characters, but their relationships gradually deepen. The story balances moments of lighthearted humor with poignant drama, capturing the ups and downs of adolescence and the complexities of human connections. By the end, the characters’ growth and the resolution of their conflicts provide a satisfying conclusion to the series, highlighting the enduring impact of love and family.
Episodes
Staffel 1
1There is love, he's handsome. But I can't forgive them
2Side Effects of a Kiss
At school,the student body assembles for an announcement that requires Yuu to introduce himself. During his introduction, Yuu nearly mentions that he now lives under the same roof as Miki. Miki intercepts the comment with a sharp cough and a panicked expression, preventing him from exposing their parents' spouse swap. Yuu responds to her reaction with a teasing smirk, making it unclear whether he almost revealed the secret accidentally or on purpose. The close call leaves Miki anxious about maintaining the family arrangement's secrecy at school. Ginta, Miki's childhood friend, observes the interaction between Miki and Yuu with visible irritation. He questions Miki about Yuu's presence in her life and displays open annoyance whenever Yuu comes near. Yuu remains unfazed by Ginta's hostility and continues to occupy space in Miki's daily routine, both at home and on campus. The episode establishes Ginta as a rival who resents Yuu's sudden intrusion into his friendship with Miki. The tension between the two boys escalates without physical confrontation, built instead through sharp glances and clipped words. Miki finds herself caught between keeping her unusual home life secret and managing Ginta's growing jealousy. The episode ends with Miki realizing that her complicated living situation will not stay hidden for long.
3Suki ni Natte mo Ii no?
Miki Koishikawa wakes up remembering Yuu Matsuura's kiss on her cheek,avoids him at breakfast, and leaves for school early. Her friend Meiko Akizuki notices Miki's distraction and asks if something happened with Yuu, but Miki denies any feelings for him. During lunch, Yuu finds Miki on the rooftop and invites her to a café after school, where he orders two strawberry parfaits and tells her he likes her. Miki freezes, leaves money on the table, and runs home without responding, locking herself in her bedroom. Yuu returns an hour later, knocks on her door, and asks if his confession bothers her; Miki replies that she does not know what to think. At dinner, their parents observe the tension but say nothing, and later Miki's mother Youko advises her to trust her own emotions instead of worrying about the unusual family situation. Miki realizes she cannot deny her attraction to Yuu, goes to his room that night, and admits she likes him too. Yuu suggests they keep their relationship secret from their parents until they understand their own feelings better, and Miki agrees with an awkward handshake. The next morning at school, a new female student stands by the gate and watches Yuu walk into the building, introducing an unknown observer into their secret.
4Episode 4
Miki Koishikawa's class sets up a coffee shop for the school culture festival. Yuu Matsuura's class builds a haunted house attraction in an empty classroom. A student named Meiko Akizuki from the third year approaches Yuu during setup. Meiko invites Yuu to visit her class's fortune-telling booth. Miki watches from a distance and notices how easily Meiko talks to Yuu. Later that day,Yuu brings Meiko to Miki's coffee shop. Miki serves them two cups of coffee but avoids eye contact with Yuu. After her shift, Miki walks alone through the festival corridors. She steps into the haunted house when she hears a strange noise. A hidden air cannon triggers, and Miki flinches backward into a wall. Yuu emerges from behind a curtain and takes her wrist. He presses a light kiss to her forehead and whispers that nothing in the room can hurt her. Miki pushes him away and runs out into the hallway. After the festival cleanup, Meiko finds Miki near the school gate. Meiko states that she knew Yuu in middle school and that his current behavior is an act. Meiko adds that she likes Yuu and will not step aside. Miki stands silent as Meiko leaves. Miki recalls Yuu's kiss and wonders what secrets Meiko holds about Yuu's past.
5Legend of Lovers "With all my heart in the medallion."
Ginta attempts to kiss Miki again,but Yuu arrives and interrupts the moment. After this incident, Miki speaks with Ginta and asks him to give her more time to sort out her feelings. Ginta discovers how Miki and Yuu came to know each other through their parents' unusual household arrangement. At the tennis club, Ginta prepares for an important doubles match, but his partner suffers an injury. The team calls Yuu to substitute and play alongside Ginta. Yuu enters the school library and discovers Meiko's secret romantic relationship with their teacher, Mr. Namura. Meiko and Miki learn about a local romantic legend connected to the school's medallions. Yuu's unexpected participation in the tennis match puts him directly opposite Ginta on the court. Yuu outperforms Ginta during the match, making him look foolish and increasing Ginta's frustration. After the match, Yuu returns home and walks in after Miki, further upsetting Ginta. The medallion legend introduces a new symbolic element into the characters' romantic entanglements. Ginta now faces Yuu as both a rival in tennis and a rival for Miki's affection.
6Love Game
Yuu discovers Meiko's secret relationship with teacher Namura. He agrees to keep the information confidential. Miki watches the exchange but does not know the exact nature of the secret. Meiko feels relief mixed with continued anxiety about exposure. Ginta's cousin Tsutomu arrives at school to participate in a tennis game. Tsutomu harbors a strong interest in Arimi and dislikes seeing Ginta near her. He challenges Ginta or Yuu during the tennis match to prove his worth. The competition creates open friction between the cousins. Arimi observes the rivalry but does not take sides immediately. Miki struggles to focus on the game while worrying about Yuu's knowledge of Meiko's private life. The tennis match ends without fully resolving the personal tensions. Tsutomu leaves determined to pursue Arimi regardless of Ginta's presence. Meiko's secret remains contained for now,but Yuu's awareness creates new potential for conflict.
7Love in Hokkaido. What's going on with that couple
8Fragrance of an adult. I'm not jealous
9Part time job. The war of love depends on sales
10Lovey Dovey! An All-Night Date?
Miki and Yuu meet after school and decide to spend the evening together at an amusement park. They ride multiple attractions,including a roller coaster and a free-fall tower. Yuu buys Miki a crepe, and they watch the sunset from a Ferris wheel. Yuu insists on riding one more roller coaster before leaving, which makes them miss the last train home. They search for a taxi but find none with available fare. They walk to a nearby park and sit on a bench under a streetlight. Miki worries that her mother will be angry about her staying out all night. Yuu admits he feels jealous when other boys talk to Miki, especially Ginta. Miki tells Yuu she does not want to keep their relationship a secret from their friends. Yuu kisses Miki on the cheek and says he loves her. Miki says she loves him too and rests her head on his shoulder. They talk about their parents’ divorce and their own fear of repeating the same mistakes. At dawn, they take the first train back to their neighborhood. Miki’s mother and Yuu’s father wait at the station, relieved and slightly scolding. Miki promises to call if she will be late again. They walk to school holding hands. Ginta sees them from behind a tree and clenches his fist, revealing his unresolved jealousy.
11Birthday. Yuu is watching me
12Smash. I love both Yuu and Ginta
13Love and friendship. Ginta, please take Arimi
14Qualification of love. You don't deserve Yuu
15Meiko's secret. I want to know about your feelings
16A man's decision. Na-chan, please don't quit
17Meiko's separation. I can't say goodbye
18The direction of Yuu's love. Things aren't going as planned
19Disturbed by the family register. Don't say it's ridiculous
20Doubtful twosome. Yuu and Miwa are a couple
21Trip to Karuizawa. Just as I thought -- strange
22Double date. We like each other, but don't understand each other
23Impact of a confession. Yuu what are you talking about
24The secret of Yuu's birth. I can't leave Yuu alone
25Real kiss. I love you, Yuu
26New anxiety. I'm too afraid to be happy
27Love worries. How long will this happiness last
28Unstable feelings. I'm going to get a part time job
29Obstacle of love. I can't find the medallion
30Rival. I love you, Yuu
31Suzu and Kei. Those two make me nervous
32Love at the school festival. Yuu and Kei's concert
33Lost love. I love you
34Breakup premonition. The Halloween conspiracy
35Misunderstanding "You Mean We're Going to Break Up?"
Miwa drags Meiko to an amusement park to force a break from her writing. Tsutomu continues his oblivious attempts to gain Meiko's attention,failing to read her disinterest. Kei returns Miki's lost medallion to Yuu instead of handing it directly to Miki. Yuu takes the medallion and uses it as a tool to break up with Miki. Suzu's orchestrated scheme reaches its peak as misunderstandings pile up between the couple. Miki incorrectly concludes that Yuu deliberately hid the Halloween party invitation from her. The medallion, once a symbol of Miki and Yuu's connection, becomes the instrument of their separation. Yuu delivers the breakup coldly, handing back the object without explaining his true motivations. Miki faces the immediate loss of both the keepsake and her relationship with Yuu. Suzu's manipulation succeeds in driving a wedge between them as neither party communicates clearly. The episode closes with Yuu and Miki drifting into an uncertain separation, setting up further emotional fallout.
36All Alone "I'll be the One to Make You Forget Him!"
Suzu visits Miki at the ice cream shop and mentions Yuu's solo trip. Kei arrives,and Miki demands he return her medallion. She asks why he lied to Yuu. Kei tosses back the medallion and refuses to apologize. He argues that if one lie could break their relationship, Yuu never truly loved her. Kei declares he will make Miki forget Yuu. Miki runs away crying and bumps into Ginta, but she asks him to leave her alone. Meiko finishes her novel and gives it to Miwa to read. Miwa tells Meiko the story is great and asks her out again. Meiko accepts, and Ryoko informs Namura that Meiko can now walk on her own. Ginta calls Miki and relays Arimi's message: Miki should believe in Yuu because she knows him best. Miki realizes her jealousy over Suzu caused her to say cruel things to Yuu. She rushes to the train station to apologize as Yuu returns from his trip. Yuu apologizes for leaving and admits he acted childishly. A girl named Kitahara Anju, an old friend from elementary school, appears and greets Yuu, introducing a new complication for Miki.
37Tearful Reunion "I Thought It Was over Between Us."
Miki and Yuu resume their romantic relationship after resolving previous misunderstandings. Yuu spends considerable time with Anju,a childhood friend who recently returned to his life. Miki watches their interactions and grows nervous about the nature of their bond, even as Yuu tries to include her in their meetings. Ginta punches a boy, mistakenly believing the boy was harassing Arimi. Arimi becomes furious at Ginta for his unnecessary aggression and misdirected jealousy. Meiko gathers the group and announces that she and Miwa are now officially dating. A classmate informs Meiko that she spotted Namura, Meiko's former teacher and previous love interest, back in town. Meiko abandons her date with Miwa and rushes through the city to find Namura. Namura rejects Meiko upon their encounter and declares that he now dates Miss Rioko. The episode closes with Miki's lingering unease as she struggles to accept Yuu's close friendship with Anju.
38Episode 38
Meiko's parents summon her home and announce an arranged marriage to their business associate's son. Meiko receives the news without prior warning and expresses strong reluctance. Her father explains that the marriage would secure a crucial business deal for his company. Meiko feels trapped between her family's expectations and her growing affection for Ginta. Miki learns of the situation from Meiko at school and immediately offers to help. Yuu joins Miki in trying to find a way to stop the engagement without harming Meiko's family. The prospective groom arrives at Meiko's house for a formal meeting,and Meiko forces herself to be polite. Miki and Yuu spy on the meeting and realize the groom appears kind but unaware of Meiko's feelings. Meiko later confides to Miki that she might accept the engagement to avoid disappointing her parents. Ginta discovers the engagement plan and confronts Meiko, asking her directly about her true feelings. Meiko avoids giving a clear answer, leaving Ginta uncertain of her final decision. Meiko's parents set a date for the engagement party, which forces Miki and Yuu to act quickly.
39A Bitter Love "I've Loved Yuu for a Long Time."
Anju suffers a relapse of her heart condition. She becomes desperate to see Yuu. Miki cancels her date with Yuu and allows Anju to meet him instead. Anju confesses her long-held love to Yuu but states she expects nothing in return. Ginta and Tsutomu cannot stand each other and exchange punches over Arimi. Tsutomu eventually accepts the truth about Arimi's feelings. Meiko apologizes to Miwa. Kei informs Miki that he has resumed playing the piano because of her. The confrontation between Ginta and Tsutomu leaves their rivalry unresolved as Arimi watches. Anju's confession adds new emotional weight to her fragile health and her relationship with Yuu. Miki's decision to step aside creates distance between her and Yuu at a critical moment. Kei's return to music signals his lingering feelings for Miki,setting up a renewed romantic challenge.
40Holy Night "I'm All Alone on Christmas Eve"
Miki prepares a handmade Christmas present for Yuu,anticipating the holiday evening together. Ginta and Arimi go on a holiday date, where Arimi directly states what she wants for Christmas, clarifying her expectations. Kei continues playing piano regularly at the jazz club, still refusing to return to music school despite his evident skill. On Christmas Eve, Yuu receives an urgent phone call from the hospital and immediately leaves to respond. The call concerns Anju, who faces a decision about a potentially dangerous surgery that could save her life. Miki finds herself alone at the jazz club, abandoned on the night she had planned to spend with Yuu. Yuu admits later that he did not know what to say after Anju confessed her feelings for him, leaving Miki uncertain about his emotional state. Kei, present at the club, observes Miki's solitude and begins playing piano in the otherwise quiet venue. Miki's excitement for the holiday gift and her hope for a romantic evening collapse into isolation and doubt. The episode ends with Miki still waiting at the club, unsure when or if Yuu will return, as Kei's music fills the empty space around her.
41Morning of Lovers "Merry Christmas"
Christmas Day arrives,and Meiko spends the holiday alone in her apartment. Miwa visits Meiko unexpectedly and convinces her to attend a Christmas party together. Kei performs a song he composed specifically for Miki at a live venue. After the performance, Kei directly asks Miki to leave Yuu and start a relationship with him. Miki rejects Kei's confession and reaffirms her commitment to Yuu. Ginta and Arimi spend Christmas evening together, sharing their first kiss at the end of the night. Yuu finally learns that An has only a fifty percent chance of surviving her illness. He rushes to the hospital and finds An in her room. Yuu yells at An, demanding that she live for his sake, unable to accept the possibility of losing her. Miki arrives at the hospital and witnesses Yuu's emotional outburst toward An. After ensuring An is stable, Miki and Yuu leave the hospital together. They exchange their Christmas presents and spend the rest of the night walking and talking. They watch the sunrise together as Christmas morning breaks. The episode closes with Miki and Yuu facing the weight of An's uncertain future and Kei's unresolved feelings for Miki.
42New Year's Pattern of Love "It's Going to Be a Wonderful Year."
Miki wakes up on New Year's morning to find her parents have already left to see the sunrise,leaving only a note and the holiday food in the refrigerator. Yuu hurries her to meet their friends at the local shrine for the first visit of the year. Meiko arrives wearing a kimono, and Yuu compliments her appearance, then teases Miki that she would look like a child if she wore one. Miwa brings Suzu along, and the group performs their New Year's prayers. Suzu wishes for Miwa and Meiko to become a couple and for Yuu and Miki to separate. After drawing fortunes, everyone splits up for one hour. Yuu buys Miki a cheap toy ring at a shop, and Miki expresses happiness but does not place it on her ring finger, saving that for a real one. Tsutomu wanders alone, bumps into a girl named Yayoi, helps her find her friends, but fails to ask for her phone number, address, or school. Suzu drags Yuu to her house, where her father suggests Yuu study architecture in New York. Anju arrives at Miki's door and announces she is leaving for America to undergo a risky surgery, calling it her last chance. Yuu gives Anju a protective charm that he and Miki bought for her. Miki smiles and tells Anju that she cannot be careless because she might lose Yuu when Anju returns healthy. The episode ends with the parents interrupting a kiss between Yuu and Miki as they call the pair back inside to play a game. Anju's departure for surgery in New York creates immediate uncertainty about her recovery and its potential impact on the relationship between Yuu and Miki.
43Yuu's Melancholy
Yuu Matsuura learns from his mother Chiyako that Namura,a family friend and photographer, is his biological father. This revelation sends Yuu into a deep melancholy. He stops responding to Miki Koishikawa's cheerful attempts to engage him. Yuu spends entire days sitting alone in his room, refusing meals and avoiding all contact. Miki notices the sudden change and visits the Matsuura household to check on him. Yuu's stepfather Jiro Matsuura confirms the news about Namura but asks Miki to give Yuu space. Miki feels helpless but respects the request. She seeks advice from Ginta Suou, who tells her to wait patiently without pushing Yuu to talk. Yuu finally confronts Chiyako about why she kept the secret for sixteen years. Chiyako explains her past relationship with Namura and her decision to marry Jiro without revealing the truth. Yuu accepts the information but feels betrayed by the prolonged silence and deception. He decides to meet Namura face to face to hear the man's own version of events. The episode ends as Yuu walks alone toward Namura's apartment, carrying unresolved anger and the need for answers.
44Episode 44
Yuu exits the bathroom and asks Miki about the man who likes a "curiosity" like her. Miki does not understand his meaning and becomes upset at being called a curiosity. Yuu admits he also qualifies as such a curiosity. Miki tells Yuu she has not seen Kei since Christmas,and that Kei quit his job. She recalls telling Kei to stop acting like a baby and to fix his own life. Miki wonders aloud whether she treated Kei too harshly. Yuu shifts into a teasing mood and claims she broke the heart of a younger man. The parents overhear the phrase "younger man" and grow curious. Yuu proceeds to explain the entire situation to the parents while Miki watches in shock. He narrates how Miki played with the heart and body of a younger man and then discarded him. The parents react with delight rather than concern. Miki stands stunned as Yuu casually reveals her private interactions with Kei. The next episodes shift focus to Meiko as the central character, while Yuu's potential departure for America remains unresolved.
45A New Journey!? Miki's Decision
Miki Koishikawa opens a letter from the New York School of Photography offering a one-year scholarship for advanced training. The scholarship requires her departure within three weeks. She shows the letter to her parents,who express excitement but leave the final choice to her. Miki meets Yuu Matsuura at the park and hands him the letter. Yuu reads it and immediately tells her to accept, stating that photography is her dream. Miki hesitates because accepting means separating from Yuu for a full year. Yuu hides his distress behind a smile and reassures her that they can call and write regularly. Miki spends the next few days avoiding the topic, unable to decide. She watches Yuu play basketball with Ginta Namura and notices his forced cheerfulness. Miki realizes that Yuu genuinely wants her to pursue her growth, even at the cost of their time together. She announces at dinner that she will go to New York. The episode closes with Miki buying a suitcase and Yuu privately clenching his fist, revealing his suppressed sadness about the coming separation.
46To Hiroshima "Let Me Be By Your Side Again."
Meiko and Miki board a morning train to Hiroshima without informing their families or school. Miki locates Namura upon arrival and convinces him to grant Meiko one final private conversation. Meiko pours out her romantic feelings to Namura,explaining her reasons for traveling such a distance. Namura listens but does not immediately reciprocate or reject Meiko's confession. Back at school, staff members notice Meiko's absence during class. Ryouko-sensei and Miwa volunteer to travel to Hiroshima as official chaperones. Their mission includes bringing both students back safely and preventing further escalation. Miki stays by Meiko's side throughout the confrontation with Namura. Miki risks suspension or other disciplinary action by participating in the unauthorized trip. Meiko's determination to resolve her feelings for Namura disregards potential consequences at school. The arrival of Ryouko-sensei and Miwa in Hiroshima interrupts the tense standoff between Meiko and Namura. The chaperones' presence forces Meiko to confront both her romantic rejection and her disobedience simultaneously. Namura's ambiguous response to Meiko's confession leaves their relationship in a fragile state. The impending confrontation with the chaperones sets up the immediate conflict for episode forty-seven.
47Couple on the Beach "Because I Care About You"
Meiko returns to her hotel room with Miki after Namura rejects her again and insists she live her own life without him. Miwa witnesses Meiko's continued misery and confronts Namura directly,attempting to punch the truth out of him. Meiko still believes that Ryouko and Namura are dating, and she screams when she sees Ryouko. Ryouko and Miwa both press Namura about how his actions have devastated Meiko, despite his clear feelings for her. Meiko herself interferes in the confrontation, unable to stay silent. Ryouko then reveals that Namura refused Meiko because he feared holding back her future and happiness. Namura reaches his limit under the combined pressure of the accusations and the exposed truth. The confrontation forces Namura to face the consequences of his decision to push Meiko away. Meiko must now process the revelation that Namura's rejection came from concern, not indifference. The episode closes with Namura unable to maintain his emotional distance any longer.
48The flavour of chocolate. Sweet and bitter Valentine
49The shape of love. It's difficult to be happy
50The foreign exchange student appears. Michael is...strange
51Love triangle. Someone's messing things up...
52Making a decision under the moonlight. Yuu don't leave me alone!
53Making a memory. I won't regret it if anything happens
54New life. Yuu I wonder how you're doing
55Ripples again. New York is too far away
56Episode 56
Miki rejects multiple confessions from male classmates throughout the school day. She repeatedly attempts to call Yuu in New York,but each call fails to reach him. Michael and Kei encounter each other and immediately begin arguing over Miki. Miki ignores their fight and walks away from both of them. Ryouko observes Miki using the school's payphone and notices her forced cheerfulness during tennis practice. Ryouko offers Miki a part-time job assisting Rei Kijima at a newly opened foreign import store. Miki accepts the position and meets Akira, Rei's brother and the store's other employee. Yuu finally calls the Matsuura home from New York and speaks with Miki. He gives her Bill's personal phone number, which connects to an answering machine. Miki now faces the challenge of leaving a message that will reach Yuu directly. The distance and communication barriers between Miki and Yuu grow more complicated as local rivals continue to pursue her.
57Losing Love's Way "I'm So Lonely - I Can't Stand It!"
Meiko confronts her parents about her fiancé,insisting they cannot refuse to see him. Her father responds by striking her. After the assault, Meiko flees to warn Namura that her parents plan to call the police on him. Namura leaves the area to avoid legal trouble. Alone and under severe stress, Meiko attempts to work on her next novel but finds herself unable to concentrate. She leaves her home and walks through the city, eventually arriving at a park. At the park, Meiko observes small children covered in paint. Akira stands among them as their teacher. Watching the children play freely inspires Meiko. She decides to stay true to herself and trust that her future will resolve positively. Despite this personal breakthrough, Namura remains absent and her parents' opposition continues. Meiko must now face her family's rejection without Namura's immediate support.
58Tone of a Love Confession "I Want You to See Me as a Man."
Kei Tsuchiya invites Miki Koishikawa to his piano competition. Miki attempts to call Yuu Matsuura,but Yuu remains occupied studying with his new friends. Instead, Miki attends the competition with Michael, Suzu, Meiko, Ginta, Arimi, Tsutomu, and Yayoi. Ryouko notices that Rei's shop has an influx of customers and decides to help Akira. At the competition, Kei performs a piano piece he composed specifically for the event. Miki recognizes the melody as the same piece Kei dedicated to her the previous Christmas. Akira takes the opportunity to ask Ryouko out on a date. Ryouko accepts but remains unable to move past her feelings for Namura. After the competition, Miki receives a telephone call from Yuu. Brian, Yuu's brother, takes over the phone and delivers unexpected news to his brother. The episode ends with this revelation, leaving the impact of Brian's announcement unresolved.
59An Uneasy Weekend "I Want to Hear Yuu`s Voice."
Michael kisses Miki and claims Yuu has a new girlfriend. The shock sends Miki into a depressed state. She wants to hear Yuus explanation but cannot reach him by phone. In New York,Yuu tours the city with Bill. They unexpectedly encounter An, who has traveled from her home further north for regular violin lessons. An has recovered well from her surgery. Yuu and Bill invite An to join their group trip to Brians family beach house on Long Island. Jinny views the weekend getaway as her best opportunity to win Yuus affection. Bill and An discover a shared experience: both love someone who loves another person. Their conversation creates a quiet bond between them. Miki remains in Japan, isolated and unable to confirm the truth of Michaels words. The episode contrasts Yuus social outing with Mikis anxious solitude. The distance between Miki and Yuu grows wider as communication fails entirely.
60Episode 60
61New York trap. Yuu, was I stupid?
62Goodbye. I can’t be your girlfriend anymore
Miki Koishikawa ends her romantic relationship with Yuu Matsuura. The long-distance separation caused by Yuu studying in New York erodes Miki's emotional stamina. She grows tired of constant worry and the inability to share daily life with him. Miki concludes that remaining his girlfriend brings more pain than comfort. She directly tells Yuu she can no longer continue as his partner. The decision comes after a period of mounting loneliness and insecurity. Yuu receives her words without argument,recognizing the strain the distance has placed on them. Both characters acknowledge that love alone does not sustain a relationship across thousands of miles. Miki walks away from the connection she once fought to protect. The breakup leaves her isolated and questioning her own choices. Yuu remains in New York, now without the anchor of their commitment. Episode 62 sets up the challenge of whether two people who still care for each other can rebuild trust after a painful separation.
63Holding Back Tears "I Want to Be Alone"
Miki Koishikawa reaches emotional exhaustion from her long-distance relationship with Yuu Matsuura. Both Miki and Yuu remain upset following their breakup. Michael calls Kei Tsuchiya out of fairness to inform him that Miki is now single. At school,Miki displays excessive cheerfulness and diligence, which makes her friends worry about her true state. Michael attempts to cheer her up, but his efforts only remind Miki of Yuu doing the same actions in the past. Michael then abruptly and aggressively asks Miki to date him. Miki runs away from Michael and accidentally collides with Kei. Kei tells Miki that she should allow herself to feel sad instead of pretending to be cheerful. He advises her against masking her pain with a false smile. Miki confronts the gap between her outward performance and her internal grief. The episode closes with Miki facing the challenge of processing her breakup honestly rather than hiding from it.
64A Pair's Problems "I Want to Hear Your Voice"
Bill notices Yuu's depressed mood and forces Jinny to confess what she did. After piecing together the full situation,Bill slaps Jinny for her careless and flippant attitude. He explains the serious damage her lies have caused to Yuu and Miki's relationship. Doris then pressures Jinny into apologizing to Yuu directly. Jinny approaches Yuu, admits her wrongdoing, and explains her actions. Yuu forgives Jinny and tells her that her falsehoods were not the only reason for the breakup. In Japan, Ginta asks Miki to reconsider her decision to end things with Yuu. Miki goes to Kei's house for a private concert. She meets Kei's parents during this visit. The episode leaves Miki torn between Ginta's request to reconcile with Yuu and her growing connection to Kei and his family.
65Firm Determination 'Miki... I'll Take Her'
Kei gives Miki several cassette tapes of his piano performances. Miki listens to the music repeatedly,carrying the tapes with her constantly. Yuu records a personal message and places it inside the robot that Miki had previously returned to him. He seals the robot in a box and ships it to Miki. When the package arrives, Miki opens it and finds the robot with Yuu's recorded voice. The message leaves her feeling torn between her lingering feelings for Yuu and Kei's growing presence. Kei travels to New York to participate in a piano competition. During his trip, he seeks out Yuu and confronts him directly. Kei announces his intention to date Miki, making his romantic pursuit official. To Kei's surprise, Yuu responds by giving him his blessing without resistance. Yuu's calm acceptance deepens Kei's determination rather than easing any doubts. Meanwhile, Bill and An encourage each other to confess their true feelings to their respective crushes. The episode ends with Kei returning from New York, carrying Yuu's unexpected permission as he moves closer to Miki.
66New Choice "You Don't Have to Forget About Him"
Rei takes Miki on a stock acquisition trip to introduce her to the business. Miki observes the process and decides she wants to run a similar shop when she grows up. Later,Miki joins Michael and Kei for an outing at a familiar location. Michael and Kei both ask Miki to choose one of them by the end of the day. Miki becomes distracted by memories of a past date with Yuu at the same place. The recalled moments pull her attention away from the present situation. Kei notices her distraction and addresses it directly. Kei tells Miki that she does not need to forget Yuu if she becomes his girlfriend. This statement removes the pressure to erase her past feelings entirely. The outing forces Miki to confront her lingering attachment to Yuu while facing Kei's forward offer. Michael watches the exchange without intervening. The episode ends with Miki still undecided between moving forward with Kei or holding onto memories of Yuu.
67Friends. I need Kei!
68Indecisive lovers. Goodbye Ginta
69The courage to love. I've decided
70I'm home. What kind of face should I put on to meet him?
71A Night of Stars and the Moon "Although We're Near Each Other... I'm Lonely"
Kijima and Rei organize a camping trip and invite the entire group of friends and family. Miki attends the outing alongside her current boyfriend Kei and the rest of the group. She tries to participate in the activities and acts playfully with Kei on the surface. Throughout the day,Miki repeatedly glances at Yuu and Anju together. She incorrectly assumes that Yuu and Anju are romantically involved. Kei observes Miki's distant stares and her visible sadness about her situation with Yuu. That evening, Kei confronts Miki directly and asks her whether she truly loves him. The question forces Miki to examine her own feelings honestly. She realizes that she has never stopped loving Yuu despite her relationship with Kei. Unable to face Kei or continue the conversation, Miki runs off into the night. Her flight exposes the unresolved emotional attachment that still controls her heart. Kei now must confront the painful truth that he cannot replace Yuu in Miki's affections.
72Half Siblings "Our Happiness is Breaking Down"
Miki feels guilt for leading Kei on and hurting Anju. Meiko tells Miki that hiding her true feelings would have caused even more pain. Miki accepts this reasoning and reunites with Yuu. The couple decides to celebrate their missed birthdays from the spring. Yuu promises to buy Miki a real ring to replace the toy one she received at New Year. Miki promises to buy Yuu a watch to replace his broken one. The two share a playful moment inside a closet at Miwa's house and kiss. Later,Yuu searches through a box and finds his parents' old college yearbook. He discovers photographs of their parents together that suggest a shocking connection. Yuu assumes the worst about the implications for his relationship with Miki. He runs away to Miwa's house and calls Miki to meet him. When Miki arrives, Yuu tells her he no longer has any feelings for her.
73Farewell "I Had to Do It..."
Yuu breaks up with Miki,leaving her unable to understand his sudden decision. To protect Miki's relationship with her parents, Yuu withholds the full truth from her. He only tells Miwa that their parents dated in college and that Jin, Miki's father, is also his father. Yuu decides to return to New York early to avoid seeing Miki again. Miki struggles to process the breakup and the lack of a clear explanation. Meiko goes to the airport to confront Yuu about hurting Miki. Miwa intercepts Meiko and tells her she does not know the complete truth. Miwa explains that Yuu suffers just as much as Miki from the separation. Yuu boards his flight, leaving Japan without resolving the misunderstanding with Miki. The family secret remains hidden, but the emotional distance between Yuu and Miki grows into a physical one. Miki must now face life without Yuu while carrying the pain of an unexplained goodbye.
74A Box of Memories "Goodbye - Yuu"
Miki collects every gift Yuu ever gave her and packs them into a box. She hides the box inside her dresser,attempting to physically remove his presence from her daily life. Kei encounters Miki during this time and tells her he wants to remain friends. He expresses happiness that they can still talk normally despite their past. Summer break approaches its end, and Miki invites Meiko for a sleepover at her house. While searching for pajamas, Miki opens the dresser and sees the box of Yuu's presents. The sight causes her to break down in tears. Meiko observes Miki's distress and notices Miwa's serious tone about Yuu's situation. Meiko deduces that Yuu must be hiding something significant from everyone. Rather than letting Miki continue suffering in silence, Meiko makes a direct suggestion. She tells Miki to travel to New York and confront Yuu face to face. Meiko believes a proper confrontation will give Miki the closure she desperately needs. Miki now faces a decision that will take her across the ocean to demand answers from the boy who left.
75Brother and Sister?! "We Have to Break Up"
Miki boards a plane to New York without informing anyone. She arrives at Yuu's location and confesses the depth of her love and the pain of their summer apart. Unable to endure her words any longer,Yuu reveals that he and Miki share blood relations. He attempts to escort her back to the airport, but Miki flees from him. She wanders alone through Manhattan and eventually enters a dangerous neighborhood. A gang corners her, but a pair of young siblings, a brother and sister, intervene and rescue her. Yuu mobilizes his American friends to search for Miki, disclosing to them the truth about their biological connection. The search party locates Miki just before any harm can befall her. The intense relief of their reunion overwhelms both Miki and Yuu. They jointly declare that the revelation of being related will not end their relationship. The couple's renewed determination directly sets up the final confrontation with their parents over the facts of their birth.
76Departure "Our Love Progresses"
Yuu brings Miki to the airport in New York to buy her a ticket home. Before she reaches the counter,a crowd chants Miki's name. Meiko, Miwa, and all four parents have flown to New York to find the couple. The group moves to the semi-privacy of the dormitory to talk. Yuu shouts at the adults for hiding their college relationships from the children. The parents find Yuu's anger amusing but grow confused when he mentions his 'real father.' Chiyako admits she did carry Jin's baby, but she miscarried. All four parents then reveal they have known about Miki and Yuu's relationship all along and tell the couple they look cute together. The episode jumps forward one year. Meiko and Namura stand at their wedding altar with everyone in attendance. Miki and Yuu's parents take the microphone to announce another big surprise. The unresolved nature of this announcement sets up the next phase of the family's tangled relationships.
Cast
- Chiyako Matsuura
- Satoshi MiwaKisetsu FujiwaraJack AubreeJosé Alberto Gómez del PulgarShinichirō Ōta
- Jin Koishikawa
- Meiko Akizuki
- Youji Matsuura
- Suzu Sakuma
- Rumi Koishikawa
- Tsutomu RokutandaAlfredo MartínezSergio Aliaga
- Yuri
- Meri
- William
- Susy
- Yū Matsuura
- Ginta SuōTaiki Satō
- Yuu Matsuura
- Miki Koishikawa
- Shin'ichi NamuraJack Aubree
- Jinny
- Kei Tsuchiya
- Ginta Suou
- Michael Grant
- Jinny Golding
- Alessandro
- Ghinta
- Steve
- Rumi, madre naturale di Miki
- AngelaMonica Mantegazza
- Yōji MatsuuraShōsuke Tanihara
- Tsutomu RokutandouKazunari Tanaka
Comment(s)
Staff
- Series DirectorAkinori Yabe
- ScriptAya MatsuiMasashi NoroYumi KageyamaGenki Yoshimura
- Episode DirectorAtsutoshi UmezawaAkinori YabeTōru YamadaYoshihiro OkaHiroshi ShidaraTakao IwaiAkinori MatsubaraYasuo YamayoshiYouichi Kasayama
- Original MangaWataru Yoshizumi
- Art DirectorKunihiro Chida
- Animation DirectorYoshihiko UmakoshiMichio SatōMitsuru AoyamaTomoko ItōTakahiro KagamiSatoru IriyoshiYūki KinoshitaToshie KawamuraHiroyuki KawanoRyutarou Shimakawa
- ProducerYasuo KameyamaHiromi SekiKoichiro Fujita
- Series CompositionAya Matsui
- StoryboardAtsutoshi UmezawaAkinori YabeTōru YamadaYoshihiro OkaHiroshi ShidaraTakao IwaiAkinori MatsubaraYasuo YamayoshiYouichi Kasayama
- MusicKeiichi Oku
- Character DesignYoshihiko Umakoshi
- ArtTadami ShimokawaToshikazu IshiwataTomoko EridateKunihiro ChidaIwamitsu ItōTomoko IdeHiromitsu Shiozaki
- Art designKunihiro Chida
Production
- Animation ProductionToei Animation
- ProductionToei AnimationAsahi Broadcasting CorporationAsatsu
Relations
Anime overview
Manga overview
Music
Ending
Ep. 32-53
“枯れ葉色のクレッシェンド (Kareha Iro no Crescendo)”
Ep. 54-76
“夜明けのエチュード (Yoake no Etude)”
Insert songs
Ep. 38
“RAIN”
Ep. 40
“Kanashii Toki wa Itsumo" (悲しい時はいつも)”
Ep. 69
“SOUTH WIND”
Ep. 29-48
“Angel”
Ep. 35-68
“Friendship”
Ep. 1-74
“Moment”
Ep. 17-62
“Saigo no Yakusoku" (最後の約束)”



