Chapter 35

Synopsis
Inui longs to get over his failed attempt at romancing Yukari by going after the elusive girl he encountered at the School Festival. Little does he know that "girl" was Ryuuichi in a wig, and one misunderstanding after another leads him to believe his true love's name is Inomata.

Long Summary
Inui gazes into the daycare center under the cover of the foliage, and is shocked to see Ryuu standing behind him. Ryuu, holding Kotaro, asks what he is doing here, but Inui falls onto the ground in shock. Ryuu informs him that Yukari will be coming in the evening, but Inui denies looking for her. Ryuu sets Kotaro down, and Inui suddenly grabs onto his wrists, deciding to discuss his romance with him.

Ryuu takes him to the daycare center to discuss, but Inui demands why they must discuss it in the daycare center, as he is being harassed by the children. Ryuu bluntly replies that he still has to look after the children, and if he does not like it, he can leave. Inui asks why he is being so cold, and Ryuu argues that he is talking to someone who was just peeking into the daycare center. Ryuu sternly looks at him and states in advance that the mothers here are married; he adds that Shizuka may be single, but he will never allow any romance between her and Inui. Inui panics and denies having any love for the mothers. He cowers and meekly admits that he has given up on his love for Yukari, and the children eagerly announce that they have defeated Inui.

Ryuu asks what girl he is looking for, and Inui describes a cute girl with long hair who was gentle and quiet. Usaida figures that he must be talking about Inomata since she has long hair. Kotaro points to Ryuu and calls his name, but Inui asks if the girl is named "Inomata." Inui looks at Ryuu and notes that he and "Inomata" look alike, but Ryuu says that they are only classmates. Inui begs Ryuu to introduce him to her, and Inomata and Ushimaru watch the scene outside the daycare center, as they have come to deliver cookies. Ryuu bluntly refuses, much to Inomata and Ushimaru's surprise. Inui asks why, wondering if Ryuu is like Inomata as well. The children excitedly say that they like Inomata, causing Inomata to blush. Ryuu argues that he does not want to introduce him to her if he is only using her to forget about his love with Yukari, citing that she is his important friend, and he will not allow Inui to use her like that. Inomata, incredibly flustered, turns away, and Ushimaru runs after her. Inomata turns around to defend herself, and Ushimaru sees that she is blushing.

Inui blushes as he tells Ryuu that he thinks of Inomata a lot and that it is not just about Yukari. He claims that Ryuu would not be able to understand, as it is love at first sight. Ryuu gives in and decides to introduce Inui to Inomata. Before Inui leaves, he smiles at Ryuu and thanks him. After he is out of the room, Usaida comes up behind Ryuu and informs him that Inomata was not at the cultural festival. Usaida confirms that Ryuu bumped into Inui during the festival. He then asks who could have been the long-haired girl. Ryuu panics, wondering if Inui was thinking about Usaida in a wig. Kotaro and the other children point their fingers at Ryuu, and Usaida applauds Kotaro for knowing the answer from the beginning. Suddenly, Yayoi slips a wig onto Ryuu's head and concludes that Ryuu is the one who Inui supposedly fell in love with.

Ryuu, dumbfounded, stares at Yayoi as Kirin jumps into her mother's arms. Ryuu thinks back to what Inui had said and begins to panic, wondering what to do since the long-haired girl was simply Ryuu with a wig. Hayato opens the window and says that if he were Inui, he would be embarrassed to death. Ryuu, who is stunned by Hayato's abrupt appearance, thinks if this situation is really so embarrassing. Ryuu stands up, deciding to clear the misunderstanding with Inui right away, but Yayoi holds his wrists, taking responsibility for the situation.

Later, Ryuu freaks out when he is put into a wig and girl's school uniform, including a skirt. Yayoi tells Ryuu that he is now wearing a girl's mask and instructs him to keep his legs closed when he stands so he does not look as awkward. To make Ryuu understand why he has to do this, Yayoi asks what would happen if she told Kirin that Santa and witches do not exist. Ryuu watches Kirin as she pretends to cast a magic spell to make Ryuu feel better. Kirin asks if he is alright, and Ryuu, in a falsetto voice, answers that he is alright because of her spell. Hayato mockingly imitates Ryuu's falsetto voice, stunning Ryuu, who blushes. Ryuu asks why Hayato is here, to which he replies that he was called over. Kotaro looks at Ryuu and tears up, not recognizing him as his brother. Ryuu temporarily takes off his wig and assures him that he is still here. Taka holds up his sword and offers to fight for him, and Takuma and Kazuma offer to give him a kiss. Hayato asks where Inui is (whom he neglects to address as "senpai"), and Yayoi holds up a script for Ryuu and Hayato to follow.

Inui is shocked to see Hayato holding Ryuu's shoulder. Hayato stiffly recites his lines, saying that Ryuu is "his woman." Ryuu looks down nervously, as he wonders if Inui will believe Hayato's apathetic tone. Inui shyly smiles and scratches the back of his head as he politely apologizes, feeling particularly ashamed for pushing Ryuu to let him meet her. Before leaving, he admits that seeing her makes him happy. Ryuu looks at Inui and feels as though treating him and children are different, so he pushes Hayato away as he runs after Inui, but Kotaro, who was there all along, gets in the way, causing Ryuu to trip and fall into Inui's arms. Inui blushes, but Ryuu cannot bring himself to say or admit anything. Ryuu sits down, ashamed and embarrassed as Hayato calls him an idiot and the children surround him.

Inui shakes Usaida back and forth as he asks if he can discuss what just happened with him while Yayoi watches with the script in her hands.

Characters In Order of Appearance

 * Inui Hiroyuki
 * Ryuuichi Kashima
 * Kotaro Kashima
 * Takuma Mamizuka
 * Taka Kamitani
 * Kazuma Mamizuka
 * Kirin Kumatsuka
 * Midori Sawatari
 * Usaida Yoshihito
 * Inomata Maria
 * Ushimaru Yuki
 * Yayoi Kumatsuka
 * Hayato Kamitani