We open the night before the big national firefighter tournament, and Ebihara and the squad are hitting the sauna. One of the squad members mentions to Ebihara that it would be nice if Moe were there to cheer him on when Ebihara goes into denial mode. The oh-so-wise Shin points this out.
When the boys exit the sauna, who should Ebi bump into but our dear Moe? At first, Ebihara is too surprised by her being there to thank her for coming. When Ebihara realizes That Mitaka has tagged along with the girls and intends to stay in their room, it results in this hilarious response from Ebi.
When the boys head to their room, Mitaka declares his intentions towards Moe.
Ebi basically declares that he’s not scared like a boss.
Moe somehow manages to get lost while touring the gift shops with her bestie. Mitaka confidently declares that he will find her before Ebi does. It is business as usual when Ebihara finds her first. It is after this encounter that Moe and Ebihara clear the air. He admits that he is very glad she came to chear him on in the competition.
The day of the competition arrives, and Moe and Ebihara have a cute mini-date. After Sayumi and Shin, as the best shippers ever, intercept Mitaka’s attempt to be alone with Moe.
Unfortunately, our boys don’t win, but they still look cool and do an awesome job after an extra good luck charm from Moe. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the squad.
On the way home together, Ebihara finally gets the chance to give Moe the thank-you gift for the charm she gave him. He gives her an adorable bracelet. He also decides to take her on a date to the fire museum to thank her for coming to the competition. although Moe was initially confused about the venue choice, she was very happy. The date ends with a cute accidental first kiss.
The two do not know what to do with themselves in true shoujo fashion. The volume ends with the appearance of a potential rival for Moe when an idol who was rescued earlier in the volume by Ebihara makes an unexpected appearance at the station. Good luck, Moe!
Overall impression? Another great volume! Although I wonder if the appearance of rivals at the end of a volume will become common in the series. Readers, what do you think? Are you enjoying the development of Ebihara X Moe? Do you appreciate the efforts of Shin and Sayumi to support them? Let me know in the comments!
