Ep. 17: Mercury Retrogrades at Christmas
Minori suffers disorientation during a baseball match due to Ami’s comments, leading to a team loss. With her school suspension lifted, Taiga rejoices at the approaching Christmas and, upon hearing Ryuuji’s relationship with Minori has stalled, decides to play Cupid to please Santa. The next morning, students impressed by Taiga’s fight with Sumire surround the pair. In class, Minori wears a bald wig and speaks nonsense. Yuusaku appears, lying before Taiga in admiration for her help with Sumire. He then announces a student council Christmas Eve party to foster romance. Taiga, Ryuuji, and Yuusaku invite Minori, but she refuses. The group, including Haruta, Noto, and Maya, dines at Minori’s workplace. Yuusaku pairs Taiga alone at a table, and after he leaves to fetch drinks, Ryuuji reflects on his true feelings for her.
Episodes
- Ep. 13 · Cultural Festival Beauty Contest and Race Resolution
- Ep. 14 · Rumors of the Palmtop Tiger bring happiness wishes during the cultural festival events.
- Ep. 15 · Yuusaku Rejects Student Council Presidency and Dyes His Hair Blonde
- Ep. 16 · Taiga and Ryuuji manipulate Yuusaku into running for student council president while he pursues Sumire.
- Ep. 17 · Mercury Retrogrades at Christmas
- Ep. 18 · Friends assist with Christmas preparations while Taiga finds hope and Minori regrets breaking the tree star.
- Ep. 19 · Taiga and Ryuuji navigate a Christmas Eve party and subsequent emotional misunderstandings.
- Ep. 20 · Taiga advises Ryuuji to pursue Minori before the Okinawa trip changes to a ski excursion.
- Ep. 21 · Ryuuji confronts his feelings for Minori and searches for a fallen Taiga