During an ice skating race against a classmate, Satoru holds back from winning to avoid inadvertedly trying to change the future, angering the classmate and disappointing Kayo. After learning that Kayo's birthday is the same day as his, giving him an idea of the date of her disappearance, Satoru spends some time with Jun, still convinced that he is not the kidnapper. Afterwards, Satoru finds Kayo beaten up in her home's shed, learning of the full nature of her abusive relationship with her mother. The next day, Satoru speaks with his teacher, Gaku Yashiro, who explains how he has suspected Kayo's mother of abuse for almost a year but hasn't been able to find proof to convict her. Later, Satoru stands up for Kayo when she is accused to stealing lunch money, before taking her up a mountain to show her a frostladen "Christmas" tree.