Episode 3

## Episode Guide

**Reward for the Angel** is the third episode of the anime.

## Summary

Shihoko, Amane's mother, unexpectedly visits her son's home and coerces her way into his apartment. From her observations, Shihoko noticed how clean Amane's apartment was and how clear his skin was. Before Shihoko had entered the apartment, Amane had Mahiru hide in his room and had hoped to shoo away his mother. After spotting dishes for two people in the strainer, Shihoko checks his room by forcing her way through despite Amane's protest. There, Shihoko finds Mahiru, deduces she's Amane's girlfriend and asks her name. Sheepishly, Mahiru introduces herself to Shihoko, who, in turn, does the same and concludes that Mahiru is in a relationship or at least in the process of one with Amane. Mahiru then explains that all she does is cook for Amane, but Shihoko thanks her for supporting him. This prompts Amane to confess that his mother becomes obstinate in situations like that.

Afterward, Shihoko gets a full explanation from Amane and Mahiru about their relationship. Hearing that they're neighbors, Shihoko concludes their meeting was fate and lists some tidbits concerning Amane. Upset by where this was going, Amane demanded his mother leave, and she agreed to, but not before exchanging contact information with Mahiru.

Sometime after Shihoko left, Amane apologized for his mother's behavior, but Mahiru downplayed it and complimented her. On the other hand, Amane belittles his mother. However, Mahiru still thought highly of Shihoko, who addressed her by her first name, something her parents never did. They then have a heart-to-heart by addressing the other by their first name and promise to do it publicly. Mahiru then tries to return Amane's spare key, but he allows her to keep it for a while longer. A brief argument occurs over the key, but ends with Mahiru agreeing to borrow it.

The next day at school, Amane placed 21st in the Second Term Finals Test, while Mahiru placed 1st. Figuring he should do something special for the occasion, Amane purchases Mahiru a strawberry shortcake for her, that she finds in his fridge. While enjoying some of the cake, Mahiru feeds a piece to Amane, who sequentially does the same.

One day, Amane goes food shopping to practice cooking for himself. Returning to his apartment complex, Amane runs into Mahiru by the elevator. During their ride up, Mahiru learns that Amane hoped to cook for himself and insists that she at least supervise. So, under Mahiru's supervision, Amane struggles to make an omelet and a vegetable dish. Mahiru tries the omelet, but notes it tastes bland and thought it was scrambled eggs. To show Amane the difference, Mahiru serves Amane an omelet she made and motivates him to try harder next time.

In school, Chitose tries to coax Amane into having a pizza party at his house, but he refuses. Chitose then asks if he's spending time with his "girlfriend", for he got the stuffed animal. However, Amane clarifies that it was for his neighbor, that sometimes helps him. Hence, Chitose cajoles Amane into agreeing and sets the date for Christmas Eve.

Later, Amane asks Mahiru what her plans are for Christmas Eve, and she claims that she has none. Amane then claims he plans on holding a party with Itsuki and Chitose. Understanding the situation, Mahiru promises not to intervene and claims she's fine spending the day alone. Feeling guilty, Amane offers to spend Christmas with her. Mahiru agrees, on the condition they play video games together.

Chitose and Itsuki enjoy a pizza party together on Christmas Eve in Amane's apartment. When it begins to snow, they rush onto the apartment balcony and see that Mahiru lives next door.

## Characters

* Shihoko Fujimiya
* Amane Fujimiya
* Mahiru Shiina
* Chitose Shirakawa
* Itsuki Akazawa