The preview for Hana-Kimi episode 9, which premieres on February 22, 2026, has fans bracing for emotional anguish. The question "Can Things Stay This Way?" itself implies that a big shift is coming. After all the suspense created by Makita's creepiness and Sano's acute jealousy, viewers are curious as to whether Mizuki's secret will finally be revealed.
Fans may watch Hana-Kimi episode 9 with English dubbing and subtitles on Crunchyroll. Viewers in Japan can tune in to Tokyo MX, CBC TV, MBS, RKB, and BS11. Sunday mornings are consistently improved by this release
Between episodes 1 and 7, what happened?

Mizuki traveled far from America to attend the all-boys boarding school, Osaka Academy, to be near high jumper Izumi Sano. Dr. Umeda found out she was a female on the first day, but he kept it to himself. Early on, Sano also discovered the truth, although Mizuki isn't even aware that he knows.
As this was happening, Nakatsu started to feel something for Mizuki even though he thought she was a male, which made him question his entire sexual orientation. The audience is prepared for the events of Hana-Kimi episode 9 by the series' recurring identity crisis.
In episode 3, Mizuki confronted a shady photographer who attempted to take lewd photos of her. It was then that she realized her passion for Sano went well beyond admiring his physical strength. When Kagurazaka first appeared in episode 4 as Sano's opponent, he threw Mizuki over his shoulder like a bag of potatoes. Her description of him as a "kitsune with stump legs" and her slap were hilarious. At the conclusion of the same episode, Sano gave Mizuki a drunken kiss at a hot pot party.
In episode 5, the consequences of that kiss were discussed. They were spared great embarrassment since Sano could not remember it. Mizuki helped Nanba deal with an envious student named Nakao, who had been leaving threatening letters in his locker. On Valentine's Day, Mizuki secretly felt relieved when Sano rejected another girl's confession. When her brother Shizuki announced he was going to Japan, the drama that viewers saw will possibly be resolved in Hana-Kimi episode 9.
Shizuki was shown to be a big siscon in episode six. When he discovered that Mizuki was enrolled in an all-boys school, he gave Sano a deadline. If Sano didn't make a successful jump in the competition's preliminary round, Shizuki would bring Mizuki back to America.
Despite suffering from a broken ligament, Sano pulled through when it mattered most. He cleared the leap, his first since quitting, but failed to advance to the following round. Then Shizuki stepped back. As the episode came to an end, Mizuki and Sano gave each other a passionate embrace, which everyone was talking about.
At the start of episode 7, everyone had to find temporary housing while the dorms were being repaired. Mizuki turned down Nakatsu's offer to crash at his family's house because she was worried about where to stay, and the likelihood of being discovered was too high. She chose to stay with Sano because they already shared a room, but things got weird when she crawled into his bed that night. The next morning, she was extremely embarrassed, and their tension only grew before Hana-Kimi episode 9.
What took place in the eighth episode?

In episode 8, the beach trip became even messier. After Mizuki collapsed from wearing her chest binder too tightly, Sano carried her in a traditional princess carry and marked his territory in front of Makita. After nearly walking in on Mizuki, Nakatsu debated whether or not to join her in her bath with naked angel and devil versions of himself. He eventually chickened out because he was too afraid.
Sano was also not too comfortable with Makita, who kept approaching Mizuki. Makita felt that she was a woman almost as soon as he saw her for the first time. Unfortunately for Sano, though, he and Mizuki get into an argument because of that, because Mizuki thinks that Makita is a good person.
Given that two random guys at the beach immediately recognized her as a girl, Mizuki ought to have exercised more caution. Makita, who knew the truth too, used it to win her closeness, making Sano more protective and jealous. The tension that would explode in Hana-Kimi episode 9 is set up by Makita's man-to-man encounter with Sano at the end of the episode.
Hana-Kimi Episode 9: What to expect?

The teaser for Hana-Kimi episode 9 contains some pretty intense scenes. Given that Kagurazaka is seen talking to Sano, it is plausible that he is giving advice or stirring up more drama. In another cute moment, Mizuki holds a hose and helps young Kyomi fill what looks to be an inflatable pool. That quiet moment is probably not going to last long.
The real tension in Hana-Kimi episode 9 arises when Sano and Makita are seen talking outside at night. Sano did not look happy at all, and it gave the impression that their conversation was not going well. Makita probably confronted him about Mizuki's gender or pushed him about his affection for her. Either way, it's clearly eating at Sano.
The most heartbreaking shot in the Hana-Kimi episode 9 teaser, though, is the tear that is flowing down Mizuki's face. The title of the episode, "Can Things Stay This Way?" implies that she might be accepting the reality that her current situation is unsustainable. She might hear something she shouldn't have heard, or she might be confronted about her identity. The title suggests that change is coming, whether she is ready for it or not.
Nakatsu's ongoing identity crisis is likely to come to a head in Hana-Kimi episode 9. He has been attracted to someone he thinks is a male for weeks. If this goes on, it will be worse for everyone when the truth is finally exposed.
Conclusion
There's going to be a big tipping point. In addition to Mizuki's disguise barely holding up, the truth is too well-known or suspected. The teaser for the ninth episode of Hana-Kimi makes reference to emotional issues.
As Makita irritates Sano, Tamami advances, and Mizuki sobs, fans are excited to see how this scenario unfolds on February 22. The question "Can Things Stay This Way?" suggests that the answer is probably no.