In the Ao no Hako Chapter 216, Taiki’s quiet struggles, Kyo’s heartfelt determination, and Hina’s burst of emotion collide. As the Inter-High draws near, the bonds of friendship, rivalry, and unspoken love reach a turning point.
The Past that Shaped Everything: Taiki and Kyo’s First Encounter
The chapter opens with a flashback to when Taiki and Kyo first met after joining the junior high badminton club. Their youthful determination and competitive spirit became the foundation of their current rivalry — and friendship.
Immediately after, Ayame discusses with Hina and Niina that whoever loses between Taiki and Kyo in the upcoming match will have to retire. It’s a harsh reality, and the scene is filled with emotional weight.
Hidden Thoughts and Quiet Emotions
Niina quietly admits that if she ends up facing Hina, she knows how hard Hina has worked — so whichever of them loses will at least feel a sense of peace. Yet, she also admits that even if she wins, a bit of sadness will remain.
Meanwhile, Hina listens in silence, her expression unreadable, keeping her true feelings hidden deep inside.
At the same time, Taiki heads to the school cafeteria alone, unaware that just after he leaves, Hina arrives. There, Kudo tells her that Taiki’s mother has been hospitalized for appendicitis.
We see a lonely Taiki eating quietly by himself — a powerful image of solitude and quiet resilience.
Akari’s Encouragement and Kyo’s Confession
Later that afternoon, Taiki is seen practicing alone, until Akari notices him and offers to train together. However, Taiki can barely keep up, letting out screams of exhaustion as she pushes him beyond his limits. Elsewhere, Kyo and Shōbu share a rare moment alone after club activities, eating lunch together. Kyo begins talking about someone who’s far better than him — though he never says the name, it’s clear he’s talking about Taiki.
He describes how Taiki kept training hard to become worthy of the girl he likes, grew stronger, and even made it to the Inter-High tournament. “That kind of determination,” Kyo says, “is really cool.”
Then, after a pause, Kyo looks at Shōbu and declares:
“I’m going to win.”
He asks her, as the team manager, to cheer for both of them — but if she has any support left to spare, to cheer for him too. Shōbu is left speechless, her feelings uncertain. We don’t see her reply.
Taiki’s Loneliness and Hina’s Sudden Energy
The next morning, Taiki again eats breakfast alone at home. There’s no sign of contact with Chinatsu Kano, his crush.
Hina, who’s been watching him quietly from afar, finally decides to act.
But instead of a gentle tap on the shoulder, she surprises him with a light punch to the back — what she jokingly calls an “energy slap” to wake him up.
Taiki thanks her, saying that eating the pocket chocolates Hina gave him made him feel better. Hearing this, memories begin to flood Hina’s mind — all the times she held back her feelings for him.
As the emotion overwhelms her, Hina grabs Taiki’s arm and says:
“As thanks for the chocolate… you have to listen to one thing I say.”
Ao no Hako Chapter 216 FREE
