After Sano’s harsh words, Mizuki has been reduced to tears and finds surprising comfort in the arms of Nakatsu! He just confessed his love to her and she doesn’t know what to do. Meanwhile Sano already regrets his loss of temper, but he has problems mounting as the presence of both his estranged father and younger brother press on him. And then when one of them collapses at the track meet, the melodrama hits the fan.

First and foremost is Nakatsu’s confession and both Mizuki’s response and his reaction to it tug at the heart something fierce. Afterwards the family drama with Sano and his father unfolds with unexpected results and a trip to the hospital! The manga takes an unusual tack when instead of putting an extra story at the end like a bonus story as usual, it instead sticks the unconnected romp smack in the middle between the drama going on at the track. The side story is not set at the same time as the current events. It is an entertaining side romp about a treasure hunt between the dorms and the introduction of a new character, a boy who has an unusual occult bent and considers himself Kayashima’s arch nemesis. It’s fun and energetic and distracts greatly from the ongoing plot of the volume. However, it isn’t long before the story returns to the drama, Sano and a possible reconciliation with Mizuki, but then there’s also Nakatsu to consider now that his feelings are out in the open.

The manga does have a short bonus story at the end, showing a bit about the karate club and two other little known Hana Kimi characters. The entire volume shows the stellar art style that so captures the heart since the beginning. It especially shines during the entire scene between Nakatsu and Mizuki and Nakatsu fans definitely will not want to miss out on this volume.

IN SUMMARY:
The heart tugging soap opera sees quite a bit of drama with Sano and his family matters while Mizuki must deal with Nakatsu’s confession of love and her own reaction. Plus this volume introduces an entertaining new character and gives a little peek at life in the karate club.