Sara Linsley

After Itsuki and Tsugumi spend a night together in a car at the evacuation site, both Koreda and Nagasawa rush from Tokyo to their sides. Itsuki seeks refuge with Nagasawa, and while the former couple are separated again, Koreda's concerns only continue to grow after hearing about their night in the car. And when things seem like they couldn't get any more complicated, another figure from Itsuki's past arrives...

"Even after her mother's passing, Nao continues to make wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets, to feel less alone. All who have a taste of her confections are floored by the heart she imbues into her work, but being a no-name new talent summons the jealous ire of established family businesses like Kogetsuan. Moreover, Nao has married into Kogetsuan through Tsubaki, the contested heir... to find out why he framed her mother for murder years ago. Now...

"Towa and Mitsuki are finally a couple, but Mitsuki feels like she needs to step up her game to make his heart race. She goes to the ever-composed Kyōsuke for help, and he suggests a surprise birthday party for Towa. However, when she brings her boyfriend to the party venue, she finds an even bigger surprise waiting for them both!"--Provided by publisher.

"The preliminary games begin, and Tawa and the squad are all fired up! Mitsuki's childhood best friend Aya-chan, is also at the arena playing his best, and the stakes are high. As Mitsuki and Reina cheer on the Seiryo team, Mitsuki sees the boys sweep the floor and is inspired to work hard too! But when a ref's whistle cuts through the air, a close friend lies injured on the court..." --Back cover.

"WELCOMING OUR NEW MEMBER. Tsugumi and Itsuki decide to think seriously about adopting. The process involves a myriad of challenges, including the many requirements for adoption, what to do about work, parenting with a disability... But they work through them one by one, towards the vision of the family they gradually piece together. What's in store for the future of their family, and what will their child be like?"--Page [4] of cover.

"Sweet endings. Midori's refreshing candor inspires those around her, and it convinces Rei to talk to his father once more. Despite the many obstacles in their way, the young couple ultimately find an ally in him. However, the calm doesn't last long before Midori's father shows up unannounced! Meanwhile, Yukinojo wraps up his own loose ends..."--Page [4] of cover.

"Nao may have managed to infiltrate Kogetsuan by marrying Tsubaki, but can she discover the truth behind her mother's death without her true identity being exposed? At the invitation of one of the shop's junior employees, Jojima, she pays her first visit in years to the staff quarters where her mother raised her. She feels a natural affinity for this helpful young man, but it turns out the secrets of his past are just as terrifying as her own..."--Page...

"Nao is more nervous than ever experiencing some unfamiliar symptoms, but she throws herself into making Shimaya's warabi mochi in order to help Jojima out. Meanwhile, Tsubaki senses that Nao is hiding something from him, but decides not to press her about it, and the two naturally grow closer. When they visit Yuko, Tsubaki lays bare his true feelings and Nao is touched by his sincerity. She thinks she can take a chance on his love, but can she?"--Publisher's...

"Married to the enemy. Nao has followed in her mother's footsteps to become a traditional Japanese sweets maker. Even at 21, her skills are unparalleled, landing her a spot at a world-class confectionary company. However, when she meets the young, handsome heir to the company, she recognized Tsubaki: her first friend, and the same boy who framed her mother for murder over a decade ago. As the only witness to the crime, Nao seizes her chance to get...