When Haruka is around 12-13 years old, a boy in his class starts getting closer to him. He does things like hug him, pet his hair, lean his head on his shoulder,etc. Haruka starts developing feelings for his classmate, something he has never experienced before, and starts questioning what his feelings are. He can't feel any connection to thinking of himself with girls, but has a strong reaction to imagining kissing his classmate. However, he decides not to do anything about it due to fear of his family. He asks Hanabi how she knew she was a lesbian, but she answers that she's just always known.
One day while walking home together, Haruka's classmate points out to Haru that girls are able to hold hands without people saying anything and how much he wished boys could do the same. He asks Haru to hold hands briefly and Haru agrees. This stirs up feelings in both boys, but they simply say goodbye and silently part ways.
Haruka is convinced his friend is weirded out by his reaction when holding hands as there's a weird tension between the boys now. A few days later, however, his classmate hands him a confession note. This makes Haruka very happy until his dad finds out and kicks him out of the house. Luckily Hanabi's family takes him in. However, he's scared of his other classmate's reactions so he tells his friend he does not have feelings and their friendship ends.