Akira told Kondo her feelings towards him. But, Kondo didn't take that as a declaration of love. Akira feels depressed about not being able to get along with her juniors in the track team, nor with her best friend, Haruka, but she lets Kondo know how she feels about him again. "I like you." Kondo eventually starts to speak in response to the 17-year-old girl's genuine feelings towards him.

In the midst of autumn, the track team talks about a student who made a comeback after suffering the same injury as Akira. On the way home, Akira walks pass Haruka who is taking shelter from the rain. Unable to approach Akira, Haruka makes a drastic move. Meanwhile, Kondo realizes his feelings for novels after a talk with Chihiro. Akira and Kondo. Who will take a step forward in this muddy path?