This chapter opens with a conversation between Hiroshi and Amemiya, who are discussing the recent events that have taken place in their house. Hiroshi has just returned from a three-day trip abroad and is now living with his boss, who is also Hiroshi's supervisor. He is surprised to learn that the house is in such disarray that he has no idea how it came to be in such a condition. He also learns that the party he is organizing for the next day will be the second in a series of parties that will take place over the next few months. Amiya and Hiroshi have not been married for many years, and they do not know each other's feelings for each other. The conversation ends with Hiroshi exclaiming that his "season of true love" has begun.