He turns to Kouko. “And I choose you. Not because I don’t have a past. But because you’re the one holding my hand in the present.”
“Kaga…” Banri starts.
Linda smiles—a sad, beautiful, final smile. She folds the map, presses it into Banri’s hand, and walks away into the dark. Mitsuo follows her, just to make sure she’s okay. Golden Time Episode 5
“He lost them,” Kouko says, determined. “So I’ll give him new ones. Better ones. Starting tomorrow: our first official couple’s trip to the beach.”
Nana-senpai sighs. “You can’t build a house on a foundation you’ve decided doesn’t exist, Kaga.” He turns to Kouko
“I’m scared,” Kouko admits. “That one day, you’ll remember everything, and the me you chose won’t be enough.”
He forces a smile. “It’s nothing. Just a wave.” But because you’re the one holding my hand in the present
They lean in. Their second first kiss is interrupted by 2D-kun, who sleepwalks onto the porch, mumbles “The water level is rising,” and wanders back inside. They burst into laughter.
“I saw her,” Banri says, his voice cracking. “Not Kouko. Someone else. Someone I… I think I loved. Before.”
Next Episode Preview: “The Memory Thief” – A mysterious figure from Linda’s past arrives at the university. Kouko tries to make Banri a scrapbook. Mitsuo accidentally calls Nana-senpai “big sister.” Chaos ensues.