Get ready to become familiar with the term 'himono onna.' It means 'dried fish woman' and describe a home-buddy woman who is a slob in private, does not take care of her place, drinks alcohol on her own and - is discovered as such by her manager who more or less moves in accidentally.
Hotaru and her manager are now sharing an apartment, but not sharing a table, refrigerator or wine. They are also not sharing the cheese it seems. Nonetheless, they are starting to share a few secrets, tips and history. In the meanwhile, Hotaru attracts the attention of the office's hip designer even more by supporting his idea and even goes one step, no two steps further. She has competition however.
Hotaru and Teshima seem to be getting closer. Hotaru even receives a small gift from Teshima. The latter does a good job redecorating and rejuvenating a favourite bakery. In the meantime, there is a playful ceremony to set up couples within the office and Hotaru may have accidentally helped her manager's divorce along - much to his chagrin.
Hotaru is given two big chances and she only converts one. She is offered her first chance at a design and representing the firm and the opportunity to be with Teshima on a date. She handles one opportunity with gusto and another in her usual very clumsy way. The manager sets up an appointment with his estranged wife. In the meantime, the product placement continues with beer for all occasions.
After being locked in a room with Teshima by the god of love (or was that the manager or perhaps a salesperson?) Hotaru finally drums up the courage to profess her true feelings to him. Her rival has not given up, but she has taken an important step and is determined not to be a himono-onna 'dried fish woman' for much longer. The manager, however, seems to have lost his wife for good.
With courage comes results. Another cliche: good things come to those who wait. Yet another cliche: third time's the charm. The two co-workers go on one date, but it is awkward. The second one is uncomfortable. The third one is it and there are not any intruders either. The manager mails in his divorce papers, but is caught by an employee regarding his living arrangement. Two other co-workers are only half clicking.
The two are now going steady. A sleepover is aborted, but another one is in the making. The two are now on a first name basis, which shows they are getting closer. Hotaru aims to reduce her body fat to be more attractive. There is not once, but twice a misunderstanding regarding the manager and his junior living together. With the manager's divorce complete his wife Miyuuki is over for closure.
Watch for fireworks - both of the actual and relationship kind. Hotaru is asked to move in with her new man and she accepts especially because he accepts the jerseys, newspapers and all. He has two older sisters and is used to it after all. The manager is helping, but seems to admit to some feelings of his own. Will anything change however when the man actually sees his himono onna?
There is a major revelation and the cat is out of the bag. The boyfriend is in Hong Kong and soon enough finds his girlfriend in too cosy an encounter with the manager. Then things become worse when the house-mates are found out and the manager's true feelings are revealed after Hotaru is rescued following her being locked in. The couple move in together.
It is a busy time at work and at home. Hotaru as moved in with Teshima, but the truth that has eluded them both rears its head. They give it a shot, but he is weak and honest and she does her best, but cannot stop the roll of reality. The manager assigns Hotaru extra responsibilities and she comes through and, by the end of the final episode, it is again summer and they are back where they started.
