I don't know what it is with South Korean cinema, but they hit the nail on the head almost every time. Starting off with a traumatic experience (death), then being transported to another time? They bring a common Japanese animation trope into South Korean dramas and it just works.
I thought this was how the series was going to end and I'm still hurt. The way that she smiles in the end with half-teary eyes makes me want to believe she's smiling at him; walking through that door. I have to be honest, I am not familiar with Miura Haruma's work, but I think I'm going to start getting more into what he did. Respecting his art and music is the best way to pay my respects to him. <3 <3 <3
Keita's growth as the series progresses is minimal. He matures a little bit, however, he doesn't fully change who he is. I think it's good for this series. Just like Kiku, we are slowly starting to like him more, too. Miura was such an amazing actor in this series. I love his role as Keita and he shares the spotlight with Matsuoka very well.
I'm starting to warm up to this series thanks to Miura Haruma and Matsuoka Mayu's chemistry. It's sad to hear about Miura's passing. This series was probably intended to last longer.
I did not think for a moment that I would be into this series. But seeing how Kuki treats her finances changed my mind. It sounds odd, doesn't it? She makes me want to be frugal too. Sending Keita to Kuki in order to learn about the importance of money, only to see Kuki gifting her teacher such lavish gifts? My point-of-view has shifted.
Akari grew so much, please understand. Throughout the series, especially in the beginning, she was hiding her true feelings. Not speaking up about how she felt. Forced herself to do things she didn't want to do. Afraid of what others will think, cutting ties with people she cares about. You can see that she has grown into her own in the finale. I'm so happy for her. She's expressing what she wants clearly, leaving no dirt; clearing her slate."You're the only one who can forgive yourself." Is such good advice to take from this series when it comes to self-blame. It's giving me coming of age vibes. They were in high school not that long ago, but they're young and still finding themselves. A lot of growth happened in a short time, that's life. We are different people everyday and we choose to love a different part of ourselves, someone we love/hold dear.I don't care what negative reviews say, this series was good. 7/10.
I honestly feel for Akari in this episode. The past two episodes have been her speaking her truth. And Izumi feeling depressed about his decisions, decides to make an even worse decision. Izumi guilt tripping himself into not being with Akari because it's easier than making a clean break. It's screaming, "It isn't you, it's me." Totally unhealthy.Akari is a kind person. She hasn't done anything malicious this entire series. Despite being shy, timid, anxious, and internalizing guilt/blame. She's a fragile person who gained strength dating Izumi. When she wanted to be there for him, he pushed her away? I understand. But it still doesn't make sense.Now Yamato is giving into this character growth and making me have mixed feelings. But he still won't give uuuuuup. What is this nonsense? I'm dying here. See a ghost in the reflection of your screen? That's me, I died. Hi.
Yamato actually showing some growth gives me some hope. There was some character development there. Choosing to do something difficult but will result in a healthy outcome for him will lead him down the path to move on. I'm not sure why Izumi seems to be taking a step back. He already knew that Yamato still has feelings for Akari. I'm guessing it's just now hitting him the more he thinks about it.I'm having some mixed emotions about this episode. Taking a step back in the wrong direction isn't the right move. It seems out of character for Izumi to do that.
I would say that they are all toxic. But I have to disagree that Izumi is the toxic one. He found out about the kiss and not immediately, but the moment he was able to talk with her in person, he asked. I do think it was wrong of Akari to not tell him right away if she even planned to at all. I think that's her anxious nature and insecurities of being dumped blocking her moral compass. But she actually takes accountability while speaking with Yamato and I gotta give her props for that. She truly wants to make things work with Izumi, but she's navigating on her own and not reaching out which is pretty dimwitted.Akari speaking her true feelings, honesty. That's Izumi's language throughout this series. The fact that he appreciates her honesty is heart warming. Which brings me to Akari's point about Haruka. She does have a point. If Izumi is going to worry about Yamato because of their past relationship, why shouldn't she be worried about Haruka? It's clear that Haruka has feelings for Yamato still. However, tell me she wouldn't immediately go straight for Izumi if Akari went back to Yamato...Communication can be difficult for people who shelter themselves. But I respect Izumi for being patient and waiting for Akari to come out of her shell.
The drama is slowing coming in but still at a fast pace.
Lemme tell you, if you read the comments and think it should be overlooked that he kissed her without consent because he was drunk. Please, turn your brain on and not off. It is not romantic to kiss someone against their will even if you're drunk or under the influence. Even if they are under the influence and not in control of their actions.It's normal for Akari to be feeling guilty. It's part of her personality and expected she would feel that way. In her mind, she internalizes everything. Most likely because of her past experiences with her classmates/peers talking about her and Yamato behind their backs. Akari has insecurities which causes her to believe she will be confronted with rejection for speaking her mind. The fact that Yamato addresses this kind of sets me off. Meaning he knew what he was doing. I believe he was buzzed and not fully drunk and had some control over himself. He just wanted to create rift between Izumi and Akari because he hasn't gotten over her. Even stating that he doesn't care if he's with her again, but she should still keep him in her heart/mind. Friggin demon is what Yamato is.Yamato is clearly not okay with Izumi and Akari dating. Also very clear that Yamato was using Haruka to get over his break-up with Akari. However, I believe Haruka started dating Yamato and noticed this while they were together. Instead of breaking up with Yamato immediately, she wanted to make it work. But she felt safe with Izumi around because if she couldn't date Yamato, she would fall back to Izumi. That's why she isn't okay with Akari and Izumi's relationship and wants to drive this wedge between them, too. In this case, a really healthy relationship is going to be ruined by two toxic individuals. That's just a prediction, I think.Haruka is talking a big game when she tells Yamato is be honest. But it's like she's telling him to be more like Yamato. However, I think this makes her out to be a hypocrite. She hasn't been honest with Yamato, Izumi, or herself. The tea is spilliiiiiiiing, and I'm here for iiiiiit.
Damn, in the beginning, they made it seem like Yamato dumped her. While Akari should have had a discussion with him about it, I understand how she felt at the time. Being the topic of conversation behind your back about how you don't suit someone causes a mental toll on a person, you know? I appreciate Akari's honesty with Izumi about the situation because she's reciprocating his 'language' back to him. I believe Izumi's reciprocating as well. Showing that he wants to be involved in what Akari likes. They are both kind of bouncing off of each other's love languages and it's giving me a supportive and healthy vibe about their relationship. Very respectful of them both, I'd say.Yamato... Yamato, no. He went full 100 with that. The ending earned -infinity points on Yamato's side for me. Nuh-uh. If there was no consent, that's assault, 100%.
If Yamato says, "I'm kidding," one more time; I think I'm going to implode. Seeing how kind Akari is, I think Yamato is taking advantage of that. While Izumi actually sees Akari for who she is, it's a shame Yamato is just now noticing. And Haruka trying to start up some drama between them because she wants to be with Izumi is friggin diabolical. Ugh--the TEA is just TOO GOOD.What I love about Izumi is his honesty. What Akari said in the previous episode about Izumi lifting her anxiety is so on point. You can see it in her eyes and facial expression when she feels that hit of relief; a weight lifted off her shoulders. While Yamato is going to act like a spoiled little brat, ew.POV of Akari, dating Yamato probably didn't cause her anxiety. She seems like she's just shy in general. However, the rumors or chatter of her and Yamato's relationship worsened her anxiety for sure. It was unhealthy for her to be with him, but she didn't want to end something she thought was good. Because of her feelings for him. For Yamato to dismiss those feelings and straight up dump her; also causing friction in her new relationship. I'm glad she isn't with him, tbh, Yamato is toxic af.Izumi sees Akari helps people. He knows she's kind, but he wants to know who she is to make her kind. He doesn't see it immediately and only think of it as cute, he actually sees her. Wanting to know why someone is kind versus thinking they're cute for being kind. There's a difference I find difficult to explain.
While starting a relationship with a former ex's brother can be awkward. Yamato broke up with Akari first. It looks as if Izumi never knew about Yamato having a girlfriend back then. So, I would say that's all on Yamato. Izumi is innocent and while Akari should let him know, in my opinion, it's alright to start off as friends.What I'm getting thus far is Akari does not 'love' or 'deeply like' Izumi yet. I believe that she's finally opening herself up to a new person for the first time in a long time; other than her female friend(s).With anxiety, it's difficult to open yourself up to new people. Especially after experiencing a heartbreak being dumped like that. The way Yamato dumped her--there was no feeling in it. I think he comes off charming only because he smiles every second. But deep down, he doesn't know how to communicate his emotions. Akari is shy, timid, but also very anxious of those around her and their opinions. Being with a guy like Izumi who is more honest and open would be an amazing experience for her.
I recommend watching this to see how the characters, especially how Akari grows. Akari may seem timid and submissive; however, keep in mind that it is a common personality type in Japan. Not saying all females are like this, but you will come across them often. They haven't gone into too much detail as to why she got dumped by her ex. And you can see in the beginning, she was really bright and kept her chin up. Clearly, the break up had some lasting effect on her. Some of us have been there, some probably not yet.I just recommend sticking around to see how she grows and overcomes her long-lasting depressive emotions. Her yearning for the right love steered her towards reading about love in romance manga. Most likely because she was anxious to start a new relationship with a man, let alone talk to one.The ending to episode 1 showed a bit of growth in her character. And I'm sure there will be more about her past that will come out soon. It will give viewers more insight into why she is the way she is at the start.