Bluer Than Indigo

- Season 1

(2002)

Kaoru helps an adorable girl dressed in a kimono navigate the Tokyo train station. When the address she clutches leads to an empty lot, an old photo proves their meeting was more than a fluke.

After Aoi confesses her lifelong dream, Kaoru still can't bring himself to resume his role as the Hanabishi heir. Despite Kaoru's reluctance, Aoi insists on serving Kaoru and hints of romance fill the air.

Aoi's guardian, Miyabi, unexpectedly arrives at Kaoru's apartment to take Aoi home. Kaoru's unfortunate past and why he can't return to the Hanabishi is revealed. Aoi escapes again, renounces her family, and proposes to Kaoru.

Aoi confronts her mother, who personally appears to claim her and is impressed by her commitment. Aoi and Kaoru are sent to live at the Sakuraba summer home, but under Miyabi's thumb and must keep their union a secret!

Old photo club buddy Tina has returned from adventures abroad, and she shares a special souvenir with a side of mischief. She's also in the market for a place to live, and suspiciously make's it home with Kaoru.

Taeko comes to the Sakuraba house looking for a job as housekeeper. She serves to be extremely clumsy much to Miyabi's chagrin. Tina, Kaoru and Aoi team up to help Taeko keep her job.

Aoi is useful everywhere she goes. She saves the day for the photo club at a hot springs vacation. An improbable challenge for Taeko sends her off searching for spirits.

Tina brings home a pet ferret and the house is soon full of excitement. Miyabi immediately disapproves of the troublesome pet though she may not be completely incapable of compassion.

Aoi and Miyabi take a trip to a memorial service and Taeko is required for a photo shoot. How will a stormy night alone result for Tina and Kaoru?

Aoi yearns to learn more about her beloved Kaoru after seeing Tina's old photos of him. Aoi gets lost at the University looking for him and attracts plenty of attention along the way.

An old acquaintance of Kaoru shows up at his university. She immediately starts a fight with Tina and causes an misunderstanding. Kaoru once again shows his gentle side as he responds to Mayu's request.

A touching flashback justifies Mayu's attachment to Kaoru and bolsters his sensitive guy status. Explaining the night before to Aoi proves tricky for Kaoru. Will she believe he did nothing wrong?

Aoi's birthday falls on the Star Festival, the most romantic holiday of the year. To afford the perfect gift Kaoru secretly works all week, but Aoi's worried he's avoiding her. Both are in for a surprise.

Desperate to impress Kaoru into marrying her, Mayu shows up at the mansion demanding to learn domestic skills from the talented landlord.

Aoi and Kaoru take a trip down memory lane on a shopping trip through Tokyo.

Summer is here and the beach is near! Tina and Mayu battle for Kaoru's praises on their hot new swimsuits. Thanks to a little meddling from her cousin, Taeko notices her desire for his attention as well.

While Taeko ponders her feelings for Kaoru, nosy cousin Chika tricks them both into an some embarrassing encounters. Another chance alone with her crush only highlights Taeko's clumsiness.

Tina wants to go see some monkeys at the Genbu Animal Park, but of all her friends, only Kaoru is free to go with her. They get caught in a rainstorm and the trains stop running because of a landslide.

Chika shows up at the Sakuraba house for help finishing her summer homework. One assignment on family leaves her stumped, but when all search for her when she gets lost on an errand, the words come easy.

When the photo club's cosplay café idea goes south during a school festival, everyone helps Aoi run a Japanese tea shop. During the hustle and bustle of work Aoi and Kaoru yearn for a little private time.

A fever leaves Aoi bedridden, and the house nearly falls to shambles when her friends split household duties--how did one girl do it all so well?

Kaoru takes Aoi on a special trip--to visit his mother's grave. Upon their return, and with no explanation, a solemn Miyabi takes Aoi home for a visit. Premonitions trouble Kaoru.

Miyabi takes Kaoru to Aoi, leaving them alone at a nostalgic spot from their childhood. Kaoru can't help his brain, but Aoi has serious matters to explain. Her father's mind must be changed or Kaoru may never see her again!

Fearful yet resolute, Kaoru and Aoi desperately confront her headstrong father to convince him to accept Kaoru as his future son-in-law. Should they fail, Aoi will be forced to marry someone else and lose her true love forever.