Ep. 5: Aoba cares for sick Momiji while Ko cooks and stays the night
On New Year's Eve, Aoba’s father and sister Ichiyo visit their grandmother, leaving Aoba to look after Momiji, who has a cold. Ko arrives with ingredients for rice porridge and assists Aoba in lowering Momiji’s fever. Ko’s cooking skills surpass Aoba’s, producing porridge reminiscent of Wakaba’s preparation. Momiji shares a memory of Ko playing with her when others would not, prompting Aoba to express her insecurity about not being a good sister like Wakaba. She becomes upset when Ko rejects her self-deprecating comment. Ko prepares New Year soba for himself and Momiji, while Aoba eats instant noodles. Ko remains overnight to monitor Momiji. As the group falls asleep watching television, Aoba hugs Ko, mistaking him for Wakaba. The following morning, Momiji comments on their comfortable sleeping arrangement before Ko departs to practice pitching with Akaishi and Nakanishi. A montage depicts the main cast training through the changing seasons until spring arrives.
Episodes
- Ep. 1 · Ko Kitamura and Wakaba Tsukishima share a childhood bond that deepens through shared experiences and tragedy.
- Ep. 2 · Aoba resents Ko's dominance over her sister's memory while Senda's failed date and Ko's home runs fuel their rivalry.
- Ep. 3 · Nakanishi challenges Ko to a sandlot rematch while Aoba and Akaishi investigate Seishu High rumors.
- Ep. 4 · Aoba and Ko stop a burglar, leading to secret training under Akaishi and a mysterious record-breaker.
- Ep. 5 · Aoba cares for sick Momiji while Ko cooks and stays the night
- Ep. 6 · Ko joins the prefab team while Azuma recognizes him from the batting center.
- Ep. 7 · Aoba pitches against Azuma while Daimon exploits her as a disposable practice pitcher for the varsity team.
- Ep. 8 · Aoba pitches for Ko while Momiji’s resemblance to Wakaba unsettles Akaishi.
- Ep. 9 · Daimon tests fielding while Ko pitches and faces fatigue as scores shift.