Kousei's life has been dull and gray. His friends Tsubaki and Watari try their best to cheer him up but there's not more color in his life; His eyes don't sparkle. However, there's this new girl who might just be able to change all that.
Kousei, Tsubaki & Watari sit down to watch Kaori's performance which ends up being completely unlike anything else they've seen. Kaori just seems to have a way with music completely different to how Kousei was taught.
Kousei and Kaori spend some time together and get to talking about Kousei's past. Will he ever be able to play a piano again? What happens if he can never overcome his fear, will color ever return to his life?
Kousei and Kaori arrive just in time for the competition, however without a chance to practice the piece how will Kousei be able to perform? And how can he survive on stage with the memories of his mother still haunting him?
Kaori is recovering from her accident after the performance, and Kousei, Watari, and Tsubaki are starting to realise the new feelings that are brewing in their group.
Kaori is pushing Kousei to the limits in an attempt to bring back his musical skills. Tsubaki has to figure out where her feelings are pointing her.
The Maihou Music Competition has started and Kousei is starting to feel his fears catching up with him. At the same time some old rivals have appeared and are set on competing with Kousei.
Takeshi Aiza and Emi Igawa. These two have a strong rivalry with Kousei. But what drives them to play piano?
It's Kousei's turn to take the stage, and everyone is waiting to see whether or not he will be able to play. How will he be able to perform with the memories of his mother still floating in his mind?
During the Maihou Music Competition, Kousei has trouble hearing the notes. He tries drawing on dear memories to help him through his performance.
The qualifiers are up, but Kousei is sure he already knows where he placed. Takeshi and Emi however are desperate to see how their greatest rival was marked.
School's over and Summer break has begun, as long as you're not in Summer School. For Kousei and Kaori though there's not break yet, as they have to prepare for the Gala Concert. Tsubaki though just wants to spend whatever time she can with her friends, as the future is so uncertain. Can Saki help Kousei hear the music?
Kousei has taken the stage at the Gala Concert. Endeavoring to put on a performance without Kaori. This is his chance to prove his abilities as a pianist and try to come to terms with the memory of his mother.
Kousei, Tsubaki and Watari visit Kaori in the hospital, but she insists everything is fine. Tsubaki reflects on her past with Kousei and considers if she has romantic feelings for him. Meanwhile, Kousei makes an important decision about his future.
Tsubaki is frustrated as she sees her friends moving forward, afraid that she might be left behind. Kousei finds it difficult to keep visiting Kaori in the hospital. Hiroko comes across a promising young talent.
Kousei's concerns for Kaori temporarily subside as he runs into her on the street and they go shopping. Nagi can't take the harsh criticism she receives with Kousei as her piano teacher.
Nagi is feeling the pressure of her upcoming performance, and is struggling to deal with it. But as she learns, every performer goes through the same emotions.
Nagi and Kousei finally take the stage. Despite acting as Nagi's support during their performance, Kousei challenges Nagi to reach her full potential.
After Nagi and Kousei's performance Takeshi is pumped. It's his turn to take the stage. What will his music say about himself? What will he convey to the audience?
Unable to come to grips with the idea that Kousei has feelings for Kaori, Tsubaki lashes out. Kousei, meanwhile, continues to avoid visiting Kaori in the hospital.
Kousei breaks down and stops playing piano after he witnesses Kaori's health waning. The Eastern Japan Piano Competition continues.
Knowing her time is limited, Kaori undergoes a risky operation, hoping to have the chance to play with Kousei on stage one more time.
