Honey and Clover

Living in an apartment close to the university, Yuta Takemoto attends art college, but is still undecided about what path he should take in life. He finds camaraderie with senior student friends, Takumi Mayama and Shinobu Morita, and passes each day relatively content. It isn't long before he meets Hagumi Hanamoto, who has transferred to the art college, and the wheels of his life slowly begin to turn. He gets on a bicycle and starts pedaling with no set destination in mind, and his journey and the youthful lives and loves of his friends are relived.

"Still, if you can only learn the hard way, then go" At Harada Design, the firm where Takumi is employed, Rika takes a liking to Ayumi's work. Ayumi finds herself increasingly included in projects with Takumi and Rika. Ayumi is aware that Takumi is in love with Rika, but is unable to stop caring about him. Although Shinobu questions why she keeps going where she can see the two of them together, Ayumi keeps pursuing Takumi. Meanwhile, Yuta blurts out to Hagumi that he loves her. While he has no regrets, his relationship with Hagumi becomes awkward.

Miwako tells Nomiya that Ayumi has been going frequently to help Rika at her office. Somewhat concerned, he calls Harada Design. Sensing the forced cheerfulness in Ayumi's voice, he decides to make the drive from Tottori to Tokyo... However, around that time, Ayumi is heading for Tottori at Miwako's request.

The Hamadayama Art University exhibition is nearing and the signs of autumn are beginning to appear. Shuji gently turns down the invitation to Hagumi to study abroad. Watching the students feverishly prepare for the college fest, he recalls his own past as a student alongside Rika and Harada. Meanwhile, spurred by the warning bell, Takumi and Rika rush toward the sleeper train at Ueno Station and barely get on in time. They are headed to Rika's hometown in Sapporo. Takumi confesses the love he has held in check for so long, but...

Rika takes off for Spain. Takumi does not go with her. Ayumi is aware of the change in the duo's relationship and feels tormented. Sensing her friend's dilemma, Miwako drags Ayumi to a health spa. After learning about Ayumi from Miwako, Nomiya is upset that Ayumi has not called him. At the college, Yuta and Shinobu argue, with Hagumi in the middle. Wondering about the wads of money that Shinobu always manages to have on him, Yuta questions Takumi, but...?!

Shinobu reminisces about his childhood and his late father. Yuta steadfastly faces the future. Hagumi feels overwhelmed by the creative urges that seem to overflow in her head. Shuji is able to see Hagumi's plight. Takumi seems happy to be going to Spain to help Rika, and Ayumi has conflicting feelings about that. Nomiya is unable to ignore Ayumi...Various emotions and feelings begin to evolve. Ayumi suggests to Yuta who has just gotten his driver's license that they all go to the beach, but...