Ai Yori Aoshi

Kaoru Hanabishi is a university student and lives by himself. One day, on the way to his apartment, he meets a kimono-clad girl named Aoi Sakuraba, who appears to be lost in the train station. Pushed by the crowd, Aoi's sandal straps break, but Kaoru repairs it for her, surprising Aoi with his skill at such an old-fashioned technique. Afterwards, Kaoru takes her to the correct platform; it is the same way he is going. Aoi tells Kaoru that she came to see her fiancé, to whom she has been engaged for 18 years. Kaoru is impressed by Aoi's devotion to her fiancé. However, when they reach the address on Aoi's note, they find that it's just a vacant lot. Seeing Aoi so depressed, Kaoru asks her if she might have anything else that might lead to the guy. The only thing Aoi has is the old picture. "But it's just a childhood picture... Hm? Isn't this me and Aoi?" The fiancé that Aoi has been looking for is Kaoru, himself!

It's decided that Aoi should stay at Kaoru's for the night, but he can't relax because it is the first time Kaoru had a girl at his place. He tells Aoi that there is only one futon, but she can use it and he will sleep on the floor. Then Aoi says, "I propose a compromise, Kaoru-sama. Instead, we can share it if you are willing. I don't mind at all..." To cool his head down, Kaoru goes outside. "She said she was my fiancée? I only knew her when she was a little child. But she is not a bad girl, and she is really cute..." But to accept Aoi, it means that Kaoru has to go back to the Hanabishi family, which he left behind. The bitter memories come back to Kaoru's mind...