During an ice skating race against a classmate, Satoru holds back from winning to avoid inadvertently trying to change the future, angering the classmate and disappointing Kayo. After learning that Kayo's birthday is on the same day as his, March 2, Satoru deduces that she will be abducted on March 1, as the abduction was in March but before her birthday. Satoru spends some time with Yuuki, still convinced that he is not the kidnapper. Afterward, Satoru finds Kayo beaten up in her home's shed, learning of the full nature of her abusive relationship with her mother, Akemi. The next day, Satoru speaks with his teacher, Gaku Yashiro, who explains how he has suspected Akemi of abuse for almost a year but hasn't been able to find proof to convict her. Later, Satoru stands up for Kayo when she is accused of stealing the class' lunch money, before taking her up a mountain to show her a frost-laden "Christmas" tree.