Don't be deceived, this episode is good; I just really like facepalm.jpg

During New Year's celebration, Kotoko and Naoki's families visit the shrine together. Kotoko has great fortune, while Yuuki and Naoki get small and terrible fortunes respectively. On the way home Naoki expresses his disinterest for attending Tokyo University, putting the entire group in shock. Naoki's father actually has an expression other than 'happy'! Wows.
Back at school, Class F is in a general bright mood, thanks to Naoki they are all going to college. Except for, well, Kinnosuke, who walks in and says that he's not going to college, and that he has some sort of 'love plan' to get Kotoko that involves working. Okay, whatever.
On the day of the center exams, Naoki is about to head off when his mother finds that he has a light fever. Kotoko acts quickly, rushing to give him some headache fever medicine. Naoki takes it before remembering that most painkillers are also mild anesthetics, and Kotoko goes into panic mode because she feels she's hindered his test-taking abilities. As if. Despite seeing double while taking the exam, a drugged-up Naoki still aces it with flying colors.

Drinking at a bar later, the two families celebrate Naoki's passing of the center exam. Importantly, Yuuki calls Kotoko's 'onii-chan's jinx', but when he asks Naoki for confirmation, the latter doesn't jump on the opportunity to belittle Kotoko. Kinnosuke barges in, since he works there. His 'love plan' from earlier involves working as a chef, so as to become Kotoko's husband and relieve her father at the same time. Naoki again stresses his apathy at attending Tokyo University, which turns his father red with frustration. Later, Naoki's mother drags Kotoko off for something, leaving the remaining males puzzled.

Yeah, uh, noone cares.

Valentine's Day is soon, and Naoki's mother helps Kotoko make chocolates to give to Naoki. They turn out well (We know this because she tasted it first.), so Kotoko is rather hopeful. The next day, however, brings a multitude of problems for her plan, as she is unable to give Naoki the chocolates for the entire day. Then her stomach starts hurting, and she thinks it must be the chocolate she tested, so she decides not to give them to Naoki.
Day of the Tokyo University entrance exams comes. Kotoko, wanting to support Naoki, ties on a tag-like charm to Naoki's bag. She ends up deciding to go along with him to Tokyo University, to make sure he doesn't run away. (Really? Naoki doesn't seem like the type to do that.) On the way, Kotoko's stomach continually acts up, but she pushes on. They reach Tokyo University, but Kotoko collapses from her ailment. Naoki rushes her to the hospital and they find out she has appendicitis.

She (assumedly) has an operation, and is now in the clear. Kotoko is first and foremost worried about Naoki's exams, but Naoki's mother assures her that Naoki had time to go back and take them. Well… Naoki appears shortly after, saying that he skipped the exams to go eat. Kotoko breaks down, thinking that she caused Naoki to miss the exam.

That night, Kotoko attempts to run away, blaming herself for Naoki's situation. She's stopped by Naoki though, who calls out to her from his window. He says that he consciously chose not to take the exams, saying it wasn't her fault. Naoki also admits that life is more interesting and exciting with Kotoko around, and intends to attend her university. The pep talk works, Kotoko doesn't run away.

Later, Kotoko bakes Naoki a giant chocolate heart, which he refuses because 1.) he doesn't like sweet things and 2.) she spelled 'from' wrong. And so the antics of Itazura continue.

Engrish :D

Thoughts:
Well, like Hinano, I agree that Naoki didn't do so terribly this episode. He didn't jump on the opportunity to actively insult Kotoko, then there's the pep talk at the end. He pretty much asserted that he's going to go to Kotoko's university because of her. Now if that isn't a morale booster, I don't know what is.
Kinnosuke made some short appearances, but thank gosh he didn't annoy too much. Don't get me wrong - I'd be more supportive of him if he looked like he even had a remote chance. For all his loudly professed love, though, there's really been a minimal amount of effort to back it up. Oh, and his voice is pretty annoying, for a guy's.
Poor Kotoko, did she have to get her appendix removed? :(
And Naoki's dad! He EMOTES during this episode! Amazing~!