Kiyo's day revolves around cooking and nourishing the maiko. In the morning, she gets ready quietly so as not to disturb the sleeping maiko, makes breakfast and goes grocery shopping after seeing the maiko off. Mid-day, she prepares lunch for the maiko who have returned from lessons, preps ingredients and serves supper to the maiko before they leave for entertaining. At evening time, Kiyo cleans up before going to the public bath and takes a stroll enjoying Kyoto at night.

Aomori Prefecture. Kenta pays a visit to Kiyo's Grandma's and notices that she has received a letter in her mailbox. When Kenta realizes it is from Kiyo, he remembers how she and Sumire secretly exchanged notes in school. It was then that something about Kiyo's handwriting had started catching his attention.

January 7 is the first workday of the new year in Kagai. The Maiko House girls are rushing about, preparing for the beginning of work. Sumire has her hair put up, gives Mother a personal New Year's greeting, and gets dressed in a formal black crested kimono worn on celebratory occasions. In the kitchen, Kiyo prepares a special breakfast for this important day, but the maiko must take particular care when eating it.