Ep. 9: Hiroki and Akihiko share a childhood bond formed at age ten through shared secrets and emotional support.
Aired on June 6, 2008
This episode explores the backstory of the friendship between Hiroki and Akihiko, who met at age ten in a hideaway on Akihiko's family estate. They became classmates and close friends, with Akihiko often visiting Hiroki. When Hiroki breaks down from club pressure, Akihiko kisses him to calm him, then sleeps over. Later, Hiroki visits Akihiko's home and discovers his strained relationship with his parents. In Akihiko's room, Hiroki finds notepads filled with stories and reads one. Akihiko attempts to take it back, but Hiroki praises the writing and asks to continue. Akihiko agrees, and they make a pact that only Hiroki may read his stories. The episode concludes with young Hiroki realizing he might be in love with Akihiko.
Episodes
- Ep. 5 · Nowaki returns from America and faces Hiroki's violent anger over his sudden departure.
- Ep. 6 · Nowaki delays greeting a professor, causing a missed meeting with Hiroki that leads to a library reconciliation.
- Ep. 7 · Misaki struggles with his feelings while Usagi plans a romantic date interrupted by an editor.
- Ep. 8 · Misaki Returns to Takahiro but Chooses to Stay with Usagi in Sapporo
- Ep. 9 · Hiroki and Akihiko share a childhood bond formed at age ten through shared secrets and emotional support.
- Ep. 10 · Shinobu confesses to Miyagi, who tests his sincerity with a sexual advance before dismissing him.
- Ep. 11 · Miyagi confronts past trauma while Shinobu reveals his enduring love before departing for Australia.
- Ep. 12 · Misaki feels excluded while Usami prepares for a prize celebration with his brother Haruhiko