Mercury Retrogrades at Christmas.Taiga is joyful for Christmas to be right around the corner and for her school suspension to be lifted. Since Ryūji has not progressed in his relationship with Minori, Taiga decides to play Cupid for him since she wants to be good for Santa Claus. At school the next morning, students become fans of Taiga after her victorious fight against Sumire. Ryūji and Taiga head to class, only to see Minori wearing a bald wig while speaking nonsense. Yūsaku arrives and lies face down in front of Taiga in admiration for her actions to help his relationship with Sumire. Later, Yūsaku announces that the student council will organize a Christmas Eve party to boost romantic feelings among students. Minori vehemently declines an invitation to the party, which causes Ryūji and Taiga to become concerned, especially when she does not show up for work at the family diner. Ryūji and Taiga are joined by Yūsaku, Maya, Kōji and Hisamitsu Noto, who pairs Taiga and Yūsaku at another table to get drinks. When Maya points out that Ryūji should be with Taiga, he ponders whether or not Taiga and Yūsaku should be a couple.