Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World Episode 12: Beginning: The Two of Them Trigger the Rise of a New World

Miwa approaches Taniguchi with an exaggerated cheerfulness, a thinly veiled attempt to bridge the gap between them. She makes a show of how much closer they have become since the school trip, a sentiment Taniguchi seems unsure how to reciprocate. His casual query about another girl, Suzuki, immediately punctures her determined facade. Miwa's irritation is clear as she deliberately pronounces Suzuki's name, reminding him of her presence. Taniguchi's slow realization of his misstep is palpable.

Back in the classroom, Miwa observes what she perceives as positive changes, though her focus quickly shifts to Taniguchi. His social circle appears to be broadening, a fact she notes with a mix of surprise and perhaps a touch of possessiveness. When offered school trip photos, Taniguchi dismisses them, but Miwa's interest is piqued by a picture of him looking stiffly posed with friends. Later, a conversation amongst girls about class committee work is subtly interrupted by Suzuki's sudden blush, suggesting an overheard secret.

Suzuki is asked out by Yamada, and the invitation throws her into a turmoil over her appearance. She contemplates wearing a white dress, a departure from her usual comfort-first style, recalling her mother's past comments about dressing up. The memory of feeling 'strange' when adorned makes her hesitant, yet a growing determination pushes her forward. She decides to embrace the challenge, a resolve marked by fluttering hearts and bubbles around her.

Leaving her home, Suzuki feels a rush of excitement, having successfully avoided her family's scrutiny of her chosen outfit. Her confidence quickly wavers on the train, however, as she realizes her carefully selected dress has no matching outerwear or shoes. Surrounded by stylish strangers, her self-consciousness overwhelms her. In a moment of panic, she hastily removes her accessories, stuffing them into her bag.

Suzuki struggles with poor phone signal, her anxiety mounting as she tries to locate Yamada. When he finally calls, he immediately senses her nervousness, asking if she is lost. Their eventual, clumsy meeting involves an accidental bump and an awkward exchange over polite language. Yamada gently teases her about her visible tension, confirming her discomfort.

As they walk through Chinatown, Suzuki notices a subtle change in Yamada's hairstyle, realizing he put effort into his appearance for their outing. She also acknowledges her own habit of avoiding his direct gaze, a small, telling detail about her self-consciousness. The unfamiliar, vibrant setting of Chinatown makes Yamada feel 'different,' almost like a person from another world, further amplifying her nervousness about being by his side. When Yamada asks if she is hungry, she flusters, confirming her eagerness to please him.

Over steamed buns, Yamada casually shares details about his life, including his part-time job and a friend named Taira. He almost talks too much, then catches himself, apologizing for dominating the conversation. Suzuki is initially lost in thought, puzzling over his terminology for food and the source of his craving for steamed buns. She eventually understands his playful 'guilty' aroma joke, finding herself gradually relaxing in this space without familiar faces.

As the sun sets, a shy smile plays on Suzuki's face, hoping Yamada feels the same comfort she does. He then takes her hand, a tender gesture that deepens the romantic atmosphere. They walk towards a bridge, the city lights twinkling around them. But their shared moment is abruptly shattered when they spot Miwa and Taniguchi on the same bridge, creating a collision of their separate romantic narratives.

The sight of their classmates sends Yamada and Suzuki into a desperate, frantic run to escape detection. Their earlier romantic mood is replaced by pure panic, leaving them exhausted and terrified on the train ride home. Yamada remarks on the 'weirdness' of the ending, while Suzuki hides her face in embarrassment. Yamada, ever considerate, asks if she's alright and reveals she dropped several items during their hasty retreat.

Yamada gently presents Suzuki with her dropped accessories, noting that she wasn't wearing them earlier. He then places a fluffy hair clip in her hair, a simple act of tenderness. He points out her habit of avoiding eye contact, prompting her to confess it's an 'internal issue,' not just her bangs. Yamada then gently lifts her chin, forcing her to look at him, and asks if they can go out again, just the two of them. Her surprised and happy blush suggests a hopeful future.

Meanwhile, the episode's closing credits seamlessly weave in Miwa and Taniguchi's concurrent date. They are shown walking hand-in-hand as the sun sets, visiting an observation deck, and enjoying street food. Their evening unfolds with quiet happiness, a private world contrasting with Suzuki's anxious adventures. On a Ferris wheel, their romantic moments are captured, hinting at the deepening of their own bond.