This chapter opens with a flashback to the beginning of the novel, where the narrator is introduced as a "big mutt" . He tells the audience that he is the "model" of the story, and that he has just returned from a trip to Japan. He is accompanied by his friend, Hiroyuki, who is also a "model." Hiroyuki tells the story of how he fell in love with Hiroyuki's mother, and how his mother told him that he would never be able to go back to school because of the pain in his hip. Hiroyuki says that his mother wanted Hiroyuki to come see him because she was worried about him, and Hiroyuki admits that he did not tell his mother anything about his love for Hiroyuki. As Hiroyuki and his friend leave, the narrator asks Hiroyuki if he would like to stay at his family's home for the night. He says he would, after his parents have pushed him around so much that it is difficult for him to shake off his fear of them. The narrator tells him that his parents know him too well, and they will know about him even if he does not tell them anything.