This question was posted to Naoki by his mother.

Well, obviously the answer is no...

Look at how hard Naoki ran after Kotoko upon discovering the answer. This is the first time we see Naoki chasing after Kotoko instead of the other way round.

This reminds me of a scene, which Kotoko told her father one day, she would make the guy run after her instead.

  Looking at the determined look on Naoki's face...didn't it hit you that it is also one of the rare chances we see the conviction in him? In fact, I think that this is a parallel scene to the cross-country race in Episode 2. Both have also shown him as putting in his best to run towards a certain goal.

  And the link between the two scenes is --- Kotoko.

  In short, this is the race for love.

All I have to say is that... Naoki has already found the one thing most important in his life.

(I guess there's no need for elaboration =p)

"It's amazing how we always take people for granted when they are by our side. It is only when we are on the verge of losing them then we realise how important they are to us."

"Don't ever leave again.

Stay by my side."

>>> Finally smiles at Kotoko...

...and calls her 'baka' with...

...an affectionate touch to it

Happily ever after ^_^