As the morning sun filters through the curtains of their shared apartment,
Natsukawa wakes to the comforting aroma of breakfast being prepared. The sight
of Kazuto in the kitchen, humming softly to himself, brings a warmth to the room
that rivals the heat from the stove. The memory of the previous night floods
back to Natsukawa—Kazuto's tender care as he carried him to bed, the gentle
comfort of his arm to cuddle, and the curious revelation that such affection had
never been extended to a girl before.
On the bustling campus, Kazuto's high school friends, Eri Yoshida and Keita Haruna, cross paths with Natsukawa for the first time. Eri's gaze lingers on him, a flicker of recognition in her eyes before she hurries off to class with Kazuto. Haruna, however, takes the opportunity to engage Natsukawa in conversation, probing for insights into living with the seemingly perfect Kazuto and attempting to uncover any hidden weaknesses.
Natsukawa, intrigued and slightly amused, speculates on the identity of the girl Kazuto might like, only to be met with Haruna's laughter. Later, Eri seeks out Natsukawa, requesting his number for private conversations, away from Kazuto's watchful presence. Despite Kazuto's suspicions, Natsukawa finds himself agreeing, albeit with a sense of confusion.
A phone call from Natsukawa's sisters sets the stage for an unexpected turn of events. With plans for a family dinner foiled by the younger sister's injury, Natsukawa is left with a reservation at a high-end restaurant where Eri and Kazuto work. Initially feeling overwhelmed, he finds himself persuaded by Kazuto to join him, and is soon presented with a dish featuring Mimolette, a word that had been the source of laughter between them earlier that day.
The following day, as Kazuto is momentarily occupied, his friends seize the chance to spend time with Natsukawa. Eri reveals a surprising secret—she is Kazuto's ex-girlfriend, but one who never felt the warmth or affection that Natsukawa now enjoys. She recounts how Kazuto was never genuinely interested in her, and how she was the one to initiate their relationship, only to end it due to his reluctance to even hold her hand.
Haruna adds to the conversation, suggesting that one can discern who someone truly likes by the way they look at them. This prompts Natsukawa to reflect on his interactions with Kazuto, the glances exchanged, and the unspoken sentiments that may lie beneath.
Back at home, Natsukawa wrestles with his thoughts as he cooks, contemplating whether to confront Kazuto directly with his feelings. The fear of misunderstanding lingers, but an idea forms in his mind—to test the waters with a subtle form of physical contact, or 'skinship'.
Upon Kazuto's return, Natsukawa initiates a series of increasingly intimate gestures, starting with a handshake, then a hug, each met with an ease that suggests a platonic friendship. But when he poses the question of a kiss, Kazuto is rendered motionless, a stillness that speaks volumes.