The chapter opens with Hiroshi, who has just returned from a trip to the seashore. Hiroshi tells us that he and his friends have been living in a new house for a month now, and that he is studying for the entrance exam to the university. He also tells us how happy he is with his friends' company. He says that he has not been able to tell Hiroshi about his new job, because he wants to wait until Hiroshi is a little older before he can tell her about it. He is relieved that Hiroshi has taken care of him, and he wishes he could tell her more about his job, but he can't because he is afraid that she will think he is sexually frustrated. He asks Hiroshi to take a bath so that he will be ready for the exam, and Hiroshi agrees to do so. As Hiroshi and his friend prepare to leave, Hiroshi notices that his friend's face is red with sweat. He realizes that his kiss to Hiroshi was too hasty and that the smell of sweat has been building up in his body.