What can I say? Hana-Kimi is still excellent and still one of my favorites. Mizuki is her typical self and has a somewhat typical adventure with the supermodel Alex, but even though it was all pretty predictable, I enjoyed it. PLUS some Kayashima action! Normally I don't like flashback stories, but I love Kayashima and really enjoyed his. ( )

This volume of Hana Kimi consists of smaller story arcs. The first one deals with Ashiya trying to get a job. Akiha hires her to work as Ebi's assistant. Ashiya loves the job, but not the new model, who is notoriously hard to work with and likes to yell and scare people. Of course, Ashiya accidentally spills tea all over him the first time they meet, and he has special animosity for her. She responds with her typical blend of spunky aggression and sympathy, like a grouchy puppy. Eventually Alex succumbs to Ashiya's charms. The next quick story details the time Himejima's younger twin brothers come to visit him at the school, and are enchanted with Kayashima (the only person who can tell them apart). The last story also features Kayashima, showing readers some back story as Kayashima comes to the school as a freshman and meets Nakatsu. He's so used to others mocking him for his special gifts that he tries to keep isolated, but Nakatsu won't let him be. Before he knows it, Kayashima is surrounded by a circle of friends that accept him, spiritual nature and all. The first half of the book was fun but not that exciting, except for how adorable Ashiya was as she dealt with Alex. I really liked the second part of the book, though, because Kayashima is a great character. This volume was a lot of fun, although I hope a longer story arc is coming soon. ( )