Futaba and the others plan a study session for Kou, but his heart remains closed off. During this time, Futaba learns that Kou's mother, Akari (Keiko Horiuchi), has passed away. Confronted with Kou's expression, which seems to have given up on seeking and expecting anything, Futaba decides to learn about Kou's past from Yoichi. Wanting to truly understand and support Kou from the bottom of her heart, Futaba resolves to open the door to Kou's heart.