Hagu starts hiccuping and Shūji helps her stop, using a technique, but fails. However, Morita shows up, causing her to repeatedly and rapidly hiccup a lot. Takemoto arrives to help her, using another technique, and Hagu's hiccups stop. Yamada turns in a project to Professor Shōda, which delighted him. Yamada and Rika then celebrate for completing the project. Mayama, showing hospitality, allows Yamada and Rika to spend the night. The next morning, Kaoru meets up with Morita. Kaoru isn't satisfied to see Morita at the art school, even though Morita enjoys being there. Shūji explains to Yamada that Rika talks less to people she like, giving examples of Mayama and himself. As Rika tells Yamada that she should work full-time in pottery, Rika begins to hiccup. She tries using Shūji's technique, but fails. Later on, Mayama shows her another technique, stopping her hiccups. Mayama, Yamada, Rika have dinner together. Yamada tries to take her mind off of her love for Mayama.
真山が勤める原田デザインの理花に仕事を気に入られ、真山と理花と一緒に仕事をする機会が増えた山田あゆみ。真山が理花を想っていることを知りつつ、彼のことが諦め切れないあゆみ。彼女は森田に、わざわざ二人が一緒にいるところを見にいくことはない、と諭されるのだが、わかっていても真山を追いかけてしまうのだった。一方、自然とあふれ出た「好き」という気持ちをはぐみに告げた竹本。後悔はしていないけど、その後はぐみとの関係はぎこちないままで…。
