Episode 9 shifts the story’s focus from comedy to romance. While earlier episodes mainly highlighted Tamon and Utage’s growing bond, this episode develops Ouri’s feelings and creates the beginning of a love triangle.

Story Overview

Following the summer training camp, everyone still has unfinished summer homework. Through a series of events, Utage Kinoshita ends up studying in Keito Tachibana’s room together with Tamon Fukuhara and Ouri Sakaguchi. What begins as an ordinary study session slowly becomes an emotional turning point for Ouri.

Ouri Wants Utage’s Attention

Throughout the episode, Ouri repeatedly tries to impress Utage.

He:

• tries to spend more time with her,
• attempts to act cool,
• looks for chances to make her notice him,
• becomes frustrated whenever his plans fail.

Unfortunately for him, Utage is almost completely focused on Tamon and treats Ouri like a close friend instead of a romantic interest.

Utage’s Personality

Utage remains kind, cheerful, and supportive.

Without realizing it, she encourages Ouri simply by treating him sincerely and telling him he is already good enough as he is. She never intends to flirt with him, but her genuine kindness has a powerful emotional effect.

Ouri Realizes His Feelings

This is the biggest moment of Episode 9.

After hearing Utage’s heartfelt words, Ouri suddenly understands that what he has been feeling is not rivalry or admiration—it is love.

He realizes:

• he always wants to be near her,
• he feels jealous when others get close to her,
• he wants her attention more than anyone else’s.

This is the first time Ouri honestly admits these feelings to himself.

Tamon’s Perspective

Although Tamon remains gentle and caring, he notices Ouri spending more time with Utage.

Rather than reacting angrily, Tamon tries to stay calm and mature. However, the audience can tell he is becoming worried that Ouri may become a serious romantic rival.

Comedy Moments

Despite the romantic tension, the episode keeps its light-hearted charm with scenes such as:

• the group struggling to finish homework,
• awkward conversations,
• Ouri’s failed attempts to look impressive,
• humorous misunderstandings.

These moments balance the emotional drama.

Character Development

Ouri Sakaguchi

This episode belongs to Ouri. He changes from someone who simply competes with others into someone who finally understands his own heart.

Utage Kinoshita

She continues to support everyone equally without realizing that her kindness is changing the people around her.

Tamon Fukuhara

Tamon shows emotional growth by controlling his jealousy instead of letting it overwhelm him.

Themes

Episode 9 explores several important themes:

• Self-discovery: Ouri finally understands his emotions.
• Unspoken love: Feelings are often realized before they are confessed.
• Jealousy: Both Ouri and Tamon begin experiencing romantic insecurity.
• Friendship vs. Romance: Relationships become more complicated as emotions deepen.

Ending Explained

By the end of the episode, Ouri has accepted that he is in love with Utage.

However, Utage has no idea about his feelings, and Tamon is also developing stronger emotions for her. This creates a genuine romantic triangle that becomes an important part of the story going forward.