Woah, creepy episode. Mitsuki's mournful "lost kitten" song, the floating ragdoll on the water... I had half expected Haruka to speak with a deep voice on a trembling hospital bed. This ep seems to focus more on character development rather than plot. Takayuki continues to treat Mitsuki badly. Mitsuki reminisces about the past. Shinji confesses his love for Mitsuki. Daijuuki is a rich brat. Akane struggles with for feelings for Takayuki. And oh, they managed to inject an anti-smoking message in the midst of all that. But the fact that it is Takayuki who rejects smoking may sell the idea that only jerks don't smoke. The plot development comes in the last min where Haruka seem to realise it's not the ice age anymore. It about time really. Can't she see her sister is literally bursting out of her middle school uniform?

On other note, I'm just a little puzzled by why Takayuki had to hunt for another picture book for Haruka? Why not give the one in his possession? And how will the employment issue integrate with the story? The implications of his acceptance?

At this point of time, the series can literally go anywhere. I wonder if Studio Fantasia does a poll on which character is the most popular and gear the ending towards the audience's liking. I would like to start voting for Akane... Then again, a jerk like Takayuki don't deserve Akane (yes, it's for your own good, dear). I think I will vote for Daikuuji.