Don't Look Back (ドント・ルックバックDonto Rukku Bakku) is the twelfth episode of the Golden Time anime series, which aired on December 19, 2013.
Synopsis
Banri Tada is enjoying working as a waiter at the party, along with everyone else (Nana, Mitsuo and Linda). Mitsuo even takes up the host's offer of more money to be one of the dancers. Meanwhile, Kouko has texted Banri numerous times and is becoming concerned that he hasn't answered any of her calls or messages. Some of the guests see Banri and Linda together and insist on taking their picture. The two of them get carried away and strike several provocative poses just as Kouko, who has come looking for Banri, arrives. Incensed, she throws a drink in Banri's face and slaps him. Linda tries to apologize but Nana stops her and Banri takes Kouko away to the fitting room. Unable to talk for long as he is still on the job, he gives her the key to his place and tells her to wait for him there. Kouko leaves and Banri continues working but is concerned about his relationship. Once they party is over and they receive their pay Banri tells Mitsuo that his salary might have lost its usefulness. On his way home Banri checks his phone and is shocked to discover that Kouko has been texting him all day. He hurries home to a dark apartment and is relieved to find Kouko waiting for him. The couple apologize to one another and Kouko returns the picture of himself and Linda, much to his surprise. He admits that they were former classmates and he had been in love with her. He then goes on to tell Kouko that his feelings for Linda return sometimes in flashes. Kouko hugs him in response and says that all she want is for Banri not to remember the past, with Banri understanding and so the couple reconcile. The next morning, Banri tells Linda that he wants to talk with her. Beside the river, he asks if she loved the old Banri; she replies that she only thought if him as a friend. Banri then tries to rip the picture of them together, with the ghost of the old Banri looking on and saying no. He drops the picture which Linda then picks up. Banri gets to his feet and tells her to pretend that they are just strangers, as he wants to cut ties with the past. Linda realizes that Kouko is bothered by her being a part of his past life and says she understands and that they are doing the right thing. She then rips the picture into pieces, surprising Banri. The next morning, Kouko and Banri take a picture together, forming new memories for just the two of them.