Darling In The Franxx (Story Recap)

Shooting Star Moratorium

Sypnosis:
Due to their achievements in the previous battle, Zero Two is permanently assigned to Squad 13 and Hiro is officially recognized as a FranXX pilot. Squad 13 is then rewarded with a vacation to a nearby beach. As Squad 13 plays around, they observe Hiro's relationship with Zero Two and begin wondering what exactly a "kiss" and "love" are. They then stumble upon the ruins of a town nearby and begin exploring them. They are perplexed at the existence of the town since they initially believed civilization only existed in the Plantations. Zero Two explains to them that humans used to live on the surface but were forced to abandon it for the Plantations. Later that night, Zero Two decides to go for a swim while Hiro and Ichigo walk on the beach and admire the stars, catching sight of a rain of shooting stars. 

Plot:

Ichigo narrates that after the successful kissing with Plantation 26, Squad 13 was given a special vacation at a secluded beach where the children see the ocean for the first time. Zorome and Futoshi are excited, causing Miku to call them childish. Kokoro says it can’t be helped because it’s their first time being at an ocean they can swim in, and Ikuno adds she didn’t think such a place existed on the surface. Ichigo narrates they have been living under extreme stress since arriving at the plantation. She tells Goro Nana will pick them up in the morning. Gorowonders if it's some kind of training, but Ichigo smiles and says that they should enjoy themselves anyway. Goro blushes and agrees, turning away. Zero Two pulls Hiro to the water and they laugh as she splashes him. The group discusses how Hiro happy is and his great ability as an official parasite. Although Ichigo feels uncomfortable about Zero Two, she could see that Zero Two was what he needed.

Gorilla marvels at Hiro's ability. One notes that Zero Two's search for a partner has finally ended. Marmoset says that she still needs to be monitored closely. Papa says that Plantation 13 should be their top-priority surveillance subject and says that Code 016 is tasked with bringing her to the Gran Crevasse.

Hachi says to Nana that one of APE's special forces has become a plantation's exclusive parasite. Nana introduces Hiro to Dr. FRANXX, the creator of FRANXX. She also tries introducing Hiro to 9'α, but he tells her no need and he approaches Hiro, saying that he's the first person to survive Zero Two and says that he has an interest in them. Hachi tells the doctor that Strelizia and Code 002 are transferred into Plantation 13's purview. When Hachi announces that they're officially partners, Zero Two hugs Hiro. Hachi and Nana don’t know what the doctor is planning with the arrangement but Nana wonders why he decided to send the children to the beach on their own.

Kokoro serves a ball to Miku while Futoshi and Zorome admire their partner's figure, and Zorome says the perspective has gotten 50% cuter. They're surprised when they find Gorodoing the same, as Futoshi says he thought double digits were different than triple digits. Goro finds this offensive and retorts he is a guy like them. Kokoro and Miku fall to the ground after colliding and Kokoro tells Miku her swimsuit strap is coming undone, which excites Zorome, Futoshi, and Goro. The boys then look at Hiro and Zero Two as the two swim together. Hiro follows Zero Two further into the water. Zero Two notes how nice it feels to swim in the ocean. Hiro seems embarrassed when he looks at her and she asks what's wrong. Hiro says she looks good, but he somehow can't look her in her eyes. Zero Two thanks him for all he did for her. Hiroremembers when they talked earlier. Dr. FRANXX tells Hiro not to let him consume his emotions if he wants to always be her apartment. Otherwise, he'll suffer. As Zero Twoteasingly leans in to pretend to kiss Hiro only to lick him, she asks what he was expecting. Zero Two explains that a kiss is a declaration that the other person belongs to you and you should only kiss the person you love. She asks if Hiro kissed someone else. Before Hiro can answer, Goro, Zorome, and Futoshi pull Hirounderwater.