Kids on the Slope

Kaoru keeps Sentaro from running away for good. Things are looking up as the pair team up with Tsutomu and Ritsuko to perform at the school festival, but soon tragedy strikes

Kaoru and Ritsuko's budding relationship is in peril when Kaoru questions Ristuko's feelings for him. Meanwhile, Sentaro is in danger of failing the school year.

Sentaro and Junichi attempt to fix their friendship before Junichi leaves for Tokyo. Yurika tries to convince Junichi to take her with him.

Kaoru and Sentaro learn more about Junichi's painful past. Yurika confronts Junichi about a moment they shared in the record shop.

Kaoru and Sentaro's friendship continues to sour. Ritsuko and Kaoru take part in the planning committee for the school festival, where Sentaro and Seiji's band will perform.

Second year starts, and Sentaro finds out he won't be in the same class as his friends. He meets a budding musician named Seiji, and their friendship makes Kaoru jealous.

After getting an answer from Ritsuko, Kaoru stops going to the record shop. He later finds out where his mother is, and Sentaro invites himself along on his trip to see her.

Jun gets a Christmas gig and asks Kaoru and Sentaro to join him. After an uncomfortable moment with Ritsuko, Kaoru's feelings toward Sentaro get the better of him.

Kaoru decides to help Sentaro get with Yurika, while at the same time distancing him from Ritsuko. Their double date reveals far more history than Kaoru thought was there.

Kaoru quickly learns that jazz is not as easy as he thought, but gets encouragement from Sentaro and new friend Junichi. Later, Kaoru asks Ritsuko an important question.

Kaoru Nishimi isn't too happy about having to move to Kyushu, but a chance encounter with a few locals changes his tune.