Short Synopsis: Yayoi approaches Touya, with the message to leave Yuki alone.
Episode Rating: 8/10 (Excellent)
Haha! Nice: the creators are actually preventing Hirano Aya from singing in this series, even though she plays the role of an idol. I must say that I wholeheartedly agree on them in that decision, because it would completely have ruined Yuki’s character. Even one of Hirano’s best roles, Chiko from Nijuu Mensou no Musume, raised quite a few eyebrows when she started singing. It has to be a conscious decision from the creators of this series, because Hirano usually takes over the singing in nearly every show she stars in. Now I also see why she’s been absent from the OP and ED so far. ^^;
In any case, this episode adds a whole new dimension to this story, by focusing on Yayoi and Misaki, and it does so in such a way for it to actually make sense, rather than insert an obligatory filler to satisfy the fans of said characters from the game. It was quite a surprise for me when ayoi started hitting on Touya, in order to take his attention away from Yuki, even though it had it coming with this series’ set-up.
I must say that this series has overall proven to be a very interesting variation to Makoto Shinkai’s “being away from the one you love”-theme. While Shinkai’s leads generally remain faithful despite the distance, the thing is the entire opposite for Touya. Not only is there a large distance between him and Yuki, but he’s also being pressured from all sorts of sides to break up with her. His feelings already were a time bomb about to go off, but now that also Misaki is starting to depend on him, it’s become even worse. I do like, however, how Misaki has her own life, and the creators came up quite a decent excuse for her to rely on Touya for emotional support. I’m really liking this series more with every episode, and yes, this is coming from someone who once hated all harems with passion.
I agree with you about Makoto Shinkai’s “far away love” as well as the abrupt end of Hirano Aya’s vocal lesson. I thought it was very funny, but nothing compares to Yayoi. She knew how to get her point across whether being sultry, sympathetic, or authoritative.
We also see why that broom closet was significant. Who knew there was a secret room behind there? Perhaps, “Master”, is one of those people working in the music industry? I don’t know, but later, we’ll see.
Misaki played a crucial part too. Her script and fever must be connected. I have a feeling Touya will comfort Misaki instead of being with Yuki. Although, I hope to see Haruka’s mini arc. I knew she would translate the message from Yuki to Touya because well, Haruka has been doing everything for him.
Last thing, I enjoyed the cab driver’s shock at Yayoi kissing Touya. Pretty funny. ^^
I agree with you that this series keeps getting better and better. Girls just keep on coming but somehow have a real motive to do so, instead of suddenly just being there. I hope Touya will choose not to be with Yuki, just to see the consequences and how this series is going to solve that.
Yeah, this series is really getting better and better and this episode surprised me a lot, it was also really funny at times! And Yayoi will stop at nothing to break up Touya and Yuki( thinking of her career but yet…)and Yuki doesn’t suspect anythink.
gotta say I love that a persons thoughts are written in the background, that allows for the viewer to more deeply connect with the character he/she is watching.