Ep. 21: Usui's Rival Appears as Hinata Shintani Returns to Town
Misaki directs sports clubs to clean their rooms, promising food from the Student Council. After the council prepares rice balls, the hungry members eat them, discard the leftovers, and criticize the taste behind Misaki's back. Furious, Misaki chases them away. Takumi later comforts the sleeping Misaki, praising her efforts, while Kanou observes their unspoken feelings. A transfer student, Hinata Shintani, arrives, irritating Misaki with his childishness and appetite, though other boys admire his innocence and scent-based food identification. Hinata states he returned to find his first love, "Misa-chan." Misaki recognizes him as her childhood friend, "You-kun." When Hinata falls from a tree, Misaki accidentally uses his nickname. He realizes her identity and hugs her, shocking everyone, including an annoyed Takumi.
Episodes
- Ep. 17 · Usui Becomes the Enemy
- Ep. 18 · Misaki and Takumi audition as footmen to save the Maid Latte cafe from replacement.
- Ep. 19 · Takumi and Misaki navigate auditions, injury, and hidden feelings during a tea service challenge.
- Ep. 20 · Aoi and Companions Question the Vice President’s Royal Status
- Ep. 21 · Usui's Rival Appears as Hinata Shintani Returns to Town
- Ep. 22 · Seika High Students Endure Buddhist Temple Enlightenment During Five-Day Field Trip
- Ep. 23 · Misaki Disguises as Misa to Avoid a Date with Hinata
- Ep. 24 · Hinata seeks the cherry tree while Misaki faces Takumi’s romantic confession
- Ep. 25 · Hinata reflects on his past while Misaki navigates festival plans and conflicting romantic signals.