One evening, Kaori asks Shogo to explain why Yuki had started avoiding her, with the explanation that Yuki doesn't want to hurt her, ironically serving to hurt her further. The following day, Shogo corners Saki into admitting that she had been avoiding him because she believed he was angry at her, prompting him to apologize. After school, Shogo warns Yuki that everyone else had noticed the rift between him and Kaori. As Winter break begins, Yuki inadvertently runs into Kaori at the bridge much to his surprise and they decide to take a stroll together. During their walk, Kaori recalls how much her life has changed thanks to Yuki after which they finally purchase crêpes together. Afterwards, they both reluctantly try to part ways, although Yuki elects to walk Kaori home and they eventually ends up at an old Shinto shrine. While paying their respects, Kaori tearfully confesses her wish to be even closer friends with Yuki despite his avoidance of her. Realizing that his actions only hurt Kaori, Yuki also confesses the same. As the New Year and school term begins, Yuki recalls the importance of treasuring the memories shared with his friends and of creating new memories. Finally, Yuki approaches Kaori in the class one morning, and both ask each other to be friends.