The aftermath of the confessions that we’ve been waiting for boils down to further misunderstandings and deeper complications. Giving up might be the easiest solution to all this. 

—-

Oh man, everyone gets pissed, mainly due to two reasons: both Kazehaya and Sawako claim to have gotten rejected, and the discovery of outside members getting involved in the leads’ pursuit of each other. But where to start?

First off, while Kazehaya made the confession, he did not get rejected. It seems that way with the difference in perception in what love is and how it is projected, but Sawako never said no (and actually, she reciprocated with a nod but that’s still not good enough!) and Kazehaya made that judgment call himself. Second, Sawako never made a proper confession, but all the while, she did a get a rejection indirectly in the form of Kazehaya walking away. The biggest problem here is obviously communication as neither will say enough to get any truth out of one another. On top of that, bad timing worsens every situation and this kind of thing always happens in romantic affairs. 

At the very least, Chizuru and Sawako make up after a little wake up call following the confrontation at school. There is hope that Sawako would feel more confident and feel more accepted by at least Ayane and Chizuru, and if that can translate to how her relationship with Kazehaya can be like, then we have progress. However, the socially awkward Sawako has this tendency to hesitate in the moment and never get anything said or done. 

It isn’t that people are shunning Sawako; it’s more like she has a hard time coping with the whimsical ways of different personalities. Whether Sawako gives off the wrong impression or not, she doesn’t know how to deal with people’s demands by being herself. She goes so far as to please them that it does give off the thought that she isn’t being true to herself as well as to the recipient of her act of kindness. 

Perhaps this is what Kazehaya concluded, which leads to him believing what Sawako analyzed as being troublesome and annoying. But he must know that he isn’t the problem entirely. In fact, it goes for both of them — their biggest problem is themselves. They forget to tackle their own demons before confronting one another. So this whole time when we were expected a confession actually came too fast. Aiye…! 

It’s just as Ryuu suggests: speak up and make it clear. Sawako never gets to speak her end and she is the only one to blame. It doesn’t help that Kazehaya has a nasty habit of walking away from an uncomfortable situation to ease the burden on himself but use that voice and call out to him! This also applies to Kazehaya too, since he only says what he thinks makes sense when in fact confuses people around him even more. I feel like only Ayane, Pin and Kurumi truly understand what is going on but they can’t do a damn thing to rectify anything. If only Kento can teach both Kazehaya and Sawako to be loud and honest… 

Ayane’s crazy killer eyes do no justice as Kento isn’t the only culprit in messing with Kazehaya and Sawako’s delicate situation. Trace all evidence back to the first episode where Kurumi effectively prevents Sawako from delivering the Valentine’s chocolate. But even then, and I probably made sure to share this, it is ultimately Sawako’s job to make sure she herself conveys her feelings. Sawako’s confidence then and now hasn’t changed much and this hindrance in social understanding prevents her from ever lessening the blow. 

GO Rating: 4/5

I know I’ve written and said enough but let me share one more thing and it is this obvious: it is ultimately up to Kazehaya and Sawako, and nobody else. Ayane, Chizuru and Ryuu are all doing the right thing by not meddling while Kurumi and Kento just complicate the matter threefold. Pin is pretty much neutral in this affair, not quite pushing the matter and actually encouraging them his own way. Kazehaya’s selfishness that existed throughout season one seems to have dissipated as he’s now totally focused on how his presence annoys Sawako more than how much he likes her. Same for Sawako, rather than motivating herself on a personal mission, she lets outside influence misguide her. 

Due to the nature of how real this drama feels, I apologize in advance for being so analytical, and passionate, if you will. But as more and more unfold, and with more cards in play, there is just so much to cover. At the very least, the next episode touches upon the title of the series and attempt to amend this gigantic rift between Kazehaya and Sawako. And I’m pretty sure it is Sawako’s turn to make a move and break the barrier between her and Kazehaya, her and the public, and definitely between her and her own fears.