In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Episode 12: In the Clear Moonlit Dusk

After an intimate night, Yoichi wakes to Ichimura asking about another person. Yoichi tries to confess a past incident with a part-timer, but his anxiety is palpable. The room, once bathed in warm morning light, grows tense as Yoichi struggles to articulate his fears. He feels accused, even as he tries to explain the situation.

Ichimura reveals he learned of Yoichi's admirer from the 'source' himself. When pressed, he casually mentions a childhood friend, Yoshiko. Yoichi's initial confusion quickly turns to fury upon seeing a photo of a beautiful, bikini-clad Yoshiko, leading to him lashing out and Ichimura recoiling in surprise.

Ichimura attempts to clarify Yoshiko’s role and asserts his priority for Yoichi, even admitting his sadness that Yoichi spends free time with others. However, he also implies Yoichi is easily swayed. Yoichi, hearing his own fears voiced, feels insulted and calls Ichimura an idiot before storming out, leaving Ichimura alone and dejected.

Walking through the city, Yoichi is overcome with frustration and hurt. He reflects on his initial excitement, now soured by Ichimura's words, feeling his partner implied their relationship was casual. Tears well in his eyes as he worries he was the only one who cherished their connection, echoing his earlier fears.

Alone in his apartment, Ichimura is consumed by regret. He questions his outburst, realizing he spoke terrible things. His initial anger at Yoichi's admirer fades, replaced by self-recrimination and a dawning understanding of his own possessive tendencies.

At school, Ichimura tries to approach Yoichi, but Yoichi deliberately turns away, avoiding eye contact. His female friends notice his subdued mood, attributing it to lack of sleep and disheveled hair, unaware of the deeper emotional turmoil. Yoichi maintains a facade, but his discomfort is clear.

Ichimura skips school with friends, but his usual comfort food, ramen, holds no appeal. He confesses his regret, admitting his earlier words to Yoichi stemmed from his own pent-up frustrations. Reflecting on his past self, he feels he has become a 'useless man' since falling for Yoichi, a vulnerability his friends tease.

At work, Yoichi is unusually distracted, making mistakes and seeming lost in thought. His manager notices, expressing concern and subtly implying his own romantic interest. His words, though seemingly innocuous, echo Ichimura’s earlier sentiment about approaching Yoichi, stirring old doubts.

Yoichi discovers a forgotten gift: purple nail polish from his female friends. The accompanying note praises his evolving cuteness and promises continued support, leading him to reflect on his appearance. Seeing a photo of himself smiling with his friends, he realizes he truly looks happy and beautiful, a side of himself he hadn't fully recognized.

The gift and the manager's words lead to a profound realization for Yoichi. He finally understands that his 'discomfort' wasn't just hurt, but jealousy, a feeling he never experienced before. He sees reflections of Ichimura in his mind, realizing his strong emotions are a sign of his growing love, prompting him to truly miss Ichimura.

Just as Yoichi yearns for Ichimura, Ichimura appears, grabbing Yoichi's hand. He declares Yoichi his and tells the manager not to interfere, asserting their bond. They find peace sitting by the water, looking at the city lights. Ichimura rests his head on Yoichi's shoulder, and Yoichi, with a shy blush, confirms his feelings, finally aligning their hearts.