Hotaru has never really understood love. She loves her friends and family, but romance? That's an entirely different story. So what's a girl to do when someone she's just met immediately asks her out?

Hotaru and Hananoi-kun have agreed to start dating on a trial basis so Hotaru can figure out how she feels. But with the Christmas deadline quickly creeping up, will the whole experiment blow over without any real results, or...?

Hotaru and Hananoi-kun's trial dating period is set to expire on Christmas, and Hananoi-kun has promised her a Christmas Eve to remember. But now he isn't responding to her and Hotaru's not sure how to face him, if she ever sees him again at all.

Hotaru is still puzzling out her feelings, but she has an eye-opening moment when she and Hananoi-kun reunite for the first shrine visit of the year. Afterward, her desire to learn more about him just may draw them closer together.

Hotaru isn't sure what to do when a coworker asks to be introduced to Hananoi-kun. She has tough choices ahead of her, including all the details of her big date! But earnest Hotaru is determined to sort things out and come up with a plan.

Hotaru is finally sure of how she feels... so why is it that she can't seem to say it out loud? Will Valentine's Day give her the opportunity she needs, or is there more at play? An unexpected development at work may just make or break things.

Hotaru, at long last, is able to tell Hanaoi-kun how she feels. But his reaction isn't exactly what she was expecting, leading her to contemplate what they're both looking for in a relationship.

Hotaru and Hananoi-kun are closer than ever, but in many ways, they're still navigating the twists and turns of their new relationship. Thankfully, an adorable dog just may help them see new sides to each other!