Sukitte Ii na yo. discussion thread

[something]

好きっていいなよ。

Boy, girl, shoujo manga, etc.

Airs Saturday, Nov 6 at 23:59 JST on TV Saitama

Animation studio: Zexcs

ANN Entry (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=14420)
Official Site (http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/sukinayo/)


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[something]

Episode 1:

- Kayano Ai in the leading role, Mei. And rather nice looking art so far.
- Kobayashi Yuu feels like a weird choice to voice a mother character.
- And Mei's father is dead, so it's just her and her mom.
- So Mei is a social outcast who doesn't want to need friends after being betrayed and blamed for the death of the class rabbit when she was young.

- Sakurai Takahiro for the male lead. As male seiyuu go, I really like him, so that's a plus.
- I also like that his friend isn't instantly made out to be some jerk. Sure he starts out talking about girls, girls, girls but when he bumped into Mei, his voice didn't carry the scorn I would have expected for such a scene. He certainly isn't fond of her (and be honest, she's not giving anyone reason to be fond of her), but he seemed mostly confused and sympathetic for her. At least that's what I felt from the voice.
- lol and then in the very next scene he does a lot of damage to that positive initial first impression. :sd: He's being playful and teasing them, but the "your skirt is short, you must want it" line was pretty -_- inducing. Well, whatever, good and bad impressions cancel out, so I'm still neutral.
- Then he tries to lift a girl's skirt without knowing who she is. >___> Ah whatever I'm spending too much time thinking about an inconsequential character. I wouldn't even comment on it if the first impression hadn't been unexpectedly positive. The important bit is that this is where Yamato falls in love. By being kicked down the stairs, haha.

- ...Nakanishi does seem to feel bad about it. That's good. In any event, he and Yamato aren't going to be the problem. Jealous girls are. We all know they're the scariest characters in these shows.
- I really like Yamato so far. He doesn't come off as the "possessive bad boy" type that a ot of shoujo manga romances seem to prefer.
- I also like that Mei apologized, though I think that surprised her most of all.
- Heh! Yamato and Mei are quite cute together already.

- Salaryman in the bakery. I can't tell if he's a creepy rapist or what. He's pretty shady though.
- Oh. That was totally a rapist smile. Great. I guess we'll get to see Yamato kick his ass at least.

- Asami is cute. Too bad she'll almost certainly hate Mei once she realizes Yamato is into Mei.

- And here comes the creepy stalker.
- Oh, I like that Mei actually did something smart like run into a well-lit public place and call for help. Good on her. Also a good excuse to directly call Yamato, rather than have him just coincidentally appear with perfect timing.

Ahhhhh, that was really good. It's completely unoriginal shoujo romance stuff, but executed really well. And who cares about originality these days? I'm definitely going on to ep 2 now.

[something]

Episode 2:

- Oh man, he brought her to the karaoke box. Awwwwwwkward, for her at least.
- Thankfully she doesn't get dismembered by jealous girls. Asami even treats her like a normal person, at least on the surface. I'd love if she and Mei became friends somehow...
- One thing that's really selling this couple for me is that Mei doesn't overreact. Well, okay, she overreacts, but not overreacts her overreactions. It's not a totally overblown fiction overreaction. Well except maybe when she knocked the microphone out of his hands.

- More Asami! <3 Please be a nice girl, please be a nice girl. She's definitely acting nice. Damn I hope this is the real her.
- Huh. Her telling Mei she's kissed Yamato (which might be a lie) seemed like her being catty, but the show depicting her as a victim too (being teased for the size of her breasts) virtually guarantees she'll become Mei's friend. It'll be a pretty complicated relationship though. But hopefully a good one!
- Oh my god, Yamato is awesome. The flashback where he cheerfully destroys the guys who were making fun of Asami was fucking brilliant.
- Yeah it really feels like Asami isn't being malicious. She's saying things that someone trying to crush Mei's hopes would... but it does not feel like that's her intention. So far, I really really like her.

- But it sure is messing with Mei's head, and Yamato's nonchalant reaction to being asked about it isn't helping. Poor Mei, you're thinking too much!
- Awesome, Mei stood up for Asami. Lost a few hit points in the process though.
- ...It shouldn't, but it always bothers me when anime characters put small bandaids on large cuts. Given where she was bleeding, he totally just put the advesive part right on the cut! THAT WOULD FUCKING HURT! >______>

- Nakanishi, you fuckup. I like that he stood up for Asami but talk about the most awkward and unhelpful possible way to do it. :sd:
- But hey, with a little assist from Mei, Nakanishi confesses to Asami already. I figured they'd be paired off eventually, and sooner is better than later. If Asami stops fawning over Yamato, she has no reason to clash with Mei later on. Yay!
- Yep they're going out now. Heh.

- Mei you are the cutest stalker!

"It tasted like fried chicken." ...Heh. Very nice. Very very nice. Yamato's "different types of kisses" was a little cheesy, but I rather like where they went with it. Lots and lots of great things in this episode. This show is definitely a keeper. It's straight-up fantastic so far. I do worry too much time will be spent on other girls being awful towards Mei, but maybe it'll avoid that particular cliche, or at least not indulge it too much.

[tytan88]

I forgot how much I loved reading this story the first time(in manga)......looks like the adaption is going to be spot on. This is going to be so good. I like how Yamato is not reacting how typical male leads do. But then neither is Mei. Looks like we might get something fresh here......

I identify with Mei the most.....you don't *want* to be interested, but you are....and they know you are interested and tease you about it......*sigh*

[ookamigirl]

First date clothes choice problems...
Having a hot boyfriend caused Mei to feel a bit down.
Well, at least he's really nice and supportive ^^
Mei was awesome at bowling! Yamato was totally happy about it too.
That other girl Aiko was pretty jealous and kinda mean. I don't like her type.
Her words really upset Mei.
It's nice to have such a great guy like Yamato who knows how to make her feel better.

[bear]

That was just... wonderful! It far and away exceeded my expectations for adapting the manga. They've changed some of the events around, but I think they've actually improved it. I think I also like some of the subtle changes to the way the characters are drawn. I'm really beginning to like this a lot.

[Fencedude]

Didn't post about episodes 1 and 2, but they were pretty good. Asami is <3

Anyway, thankfully Yamato became way less "OMG PERFECT" this episode, but not feeling the Aiko stuff. Can't we have a show like this without the bullying? Please?

And oh god these previews are so adorable. Kayano Aiiiiii

[tytan88]

Wow! what an episode. Yamato revealing some of his wounds to help Mei was really powerful. We get a real explanation of why he fell in love with her and of his strange isolation. Sometimes people are very different from you think them to be, and I think that is why no other girl has really connected with him other than Mei. This show is a keeper. For me this was a home run.

[FUNiOP]

I'm not liking it as much as My Little Monster yet, but for another shoujo school romance, it's still better than I expected, and it's another one I'll definitely be following. It is better than a lot of other stuff I'm still following after only having seen the first episode. I'm glad Crunchyroll added this one, although I wish they put all 4 episodes up today. I guess I'll have to wait a few days to catch up.

[ookamigirl]

Yamato is just too sweet sometimes.
Things are kinda getting harder for Tachibana though.
At least their relationship is making some progress.
Yamato's "friends" are no fun... mostly jealous I guess.
Mei seems to be very observant.
Really nice episode with some issues resolved.

[something]

Episode 3:

- Haha Yamato is entirely too excited at the idea of going with Mei to get his hair cut.
- Oh that Kobayashi-mama.
- Heh. Yamato cabn't even go outside without being swarmed by women.

- Ewwwww. Aiko just gives Mei the bitchiest looks. Ewwwwwwwww. Someone smack her, please.
- BOWLING QUEEN MEI! XD
- Damn Yamato, just how many girls have you been with? I doubt Aiko is the only one you've screwed.
- Oh, he did it to be nice. Er, or something.
- Yeesh. Aiko is messed up. Don't force your warped values on Mei damnit.

- Yay, a bit of backstory for Yamato. It's kept simple and to the point. Effective.
- They're such an adorable couple, jeeze.

But, stupid Aiko. I hope she's taken out of the picture soon.

[something]

Episode 4:

- Lots of attention on Mei. This won't end well.
- I hear a Komatsu Mikako! Too bad it's just some groupie girl we'll never see again.
- Well Hayakawa is sure shady looking at hell, isn't he? Could they make it more obvious?
- Yamato strikes me as a pretty good judge of character, generally. Yes, he'll associate with less than desirable people because he wants to fit in, but I think he's conscious of what the people around him are really like. So does he really not see what a creep Hayakawa is?
- Mei is assaulting a teacher! :sd:
- Yeeeeep, Hayakaa is working for Aiko.
- Or... not quite? They're in contact but Hayakawa is doing his own thing.

- Well, Yamato is getting suspicious about Hayakawa at least.
- Hayakawa's deal defnitely seems to be jealousy. He's just as popular as Yamato, but Yamato seems to get a lot more respect. And so now he's trying to drive a wedge between Yamato and Mei out of spite.
- Wooooooooooow this guy is a creep to the max. Jeeze. Please tell me Mei isn't dumb enough to buy this nonsense. Please.
- HAH YES! Fuck yes Mei why are you so awesome? She's not falling for this shit at all.
- Oooooooooh, Yamato sees through the shit too. And gets very, very jealous in the process. I'm actually totally okay with the possessive way he acted just there, because it's in the context of Hayakawa trying to steal Mei away, and then acting like a brat when she rejects him. A little bit of possessiveness right here just shows how deeply affected Yamato is by Mei.

- Oh yay! Fuuuuck I keep falling more and more in love with Mei. Aiko is bitchy, but she doesn't seem to be a fundamentally bad person like Hayakawa. So seeing Mei step in for her is pretty nice, since it should lead to Aiko joining the good side. Though it might take a while longer.
- Nope, Aiko is already taken care of. Nice.

Gaaaaaaah, so good. Can this show do anything wrong? They even wrapped up a "jealous girl bullying" plotline nice and quick, and got some great development out of it for Mei.

[Damius]

- So, Mei didn’t make friends since she was blamed by her friends about the rabbit death. That was a really long time ago...
- Well, the male lead looks to be the school most popular guy.
- Asami looks great. I already feel sad for her…
- Mei got the wrong idea on who lifted her skirt… He laughed at it and falls in love.
- Yamato goes to apologize to Mei for his friend. The bullying has already started from the other girls against Mei…
- It sure would be fun to know her. I approve 100%.
- And Mei gives Yamato bandages… is it the first time in she gave someone else something since the rabbit isssue? That was a nice scene.
- No….not a stalker…
- Great she called Yamato and he runs to her. His number was really useful.
- Yamato kissed Mei in front of that stalker.

That was really good. I really liked the pace of this episode. I hope it will be this good for all the episodes.

[Ingraman]

- Mei got the wrong idea on who lifted her skirt… He laughed at it and falls in love.
She's making friends in a grossly-underpowered, mundane version of the Nanoha way!

[Fencedude]

Surprisingly it seems this show is going to be about Mei BEFRIENDING all the girls in school.

Not what I expected.

[Fencedude]

- Mei got the wrong idea on who lifted her skirt… He laughed at it and falls in love.
She's making friends in a grossly-underpowered, mundane version of the Nanoha way!

Hey, Nanoha's very first BEFRIENDING was when she smacked Arisa across the face at like, age 5.

[FUNiOP]

Wow there's a lot more kissing early on in shoujo romances than shounen. At the end there, Yamato kissed her more times than I'd expect in an entire series. And some serious words to go with all that. Things move a lot more quickly in general. But they couldn't really have a mutual confirmation of love as early as, say, the third episode. Considering how aggressive that all was, I'd be curious to see how he'd try to play it off.

[Ingraman]

She's making friends in a grossly-underpowered, mundane version of the Nanoha way!
Hey, Nanoha's very first BEFRIENDING was when she smacked Arisa across the face at like, age 5.
^^; Forgot about that one...

Well, Mei can smack or use big pink energy beams on the rest of the kids in school to bring them to her side, and I won't mind. ;p

[Damius]

- Mei got the wrong idea on who lifted her skirt… He laughed at it and falls in love.
She's making friends in a grossly-underpowered, mundane version of the Nanoha way!

I definitely need to watch Nanoha as soon as I can... I can't even understand why it's not already done...

[FUNiOP]

Wow, things are really moving fast in this. They don't both agree that they're dating yet, though. So Yamato sleeps with girls when prompted as well. I wish Mei would've confronted him on that more. I guess they have to take up the length of the series dealing with these issues, though. It wouldn't be right if they were just dating and all was good this early on. What would they do for the rest of the series? Live a pleasant life together? Hmm... actually that doesn't sound too bad. Well this has been good as well, so that's fine.

[FUNiOP]

Mei's doing pretty well. She puts Hayakawa in his place in no time, after Yamato did so physically, and she does the same to Aiko, but in a friendlier way that may be better for her role in the story. All of this only brings each Mei and Yamato closer to the other, and strengthens their bond greatly. It sucks that Yamato did sleep with Aiko, but at least it's not like he does that with everyone like Hayakawa. Still more of a playboy than I expect from either side of a main romantic couple in high school romance anime series. Maybe that's another thing that's more likely to be in shoujo romances than shounen, though.

[ookamigirl]

So Kurosawa got himself an abandoned kitten.
Well, it was thinks to Mei though..
Mei's cat on the other hand was pretty passive.
Her first time at Kurosawa's place was interesting.
Kurosawa's little sister Nagi kinda ruined the mood..
Well, that kid had her own problems. I kinda felt sorry for her.
She's pretty talented too ^^ It didn't take long for her to hit it off with Mei.

[FUNiOP]

Mei wins over the little sister beautifully. Looks like she's pretty happy with her role as Yamato's girlfriend now. Things are looking good.

[bear]

That was so damn sweet. Mei finding a kindred sprit in Nagi and befriending her was nice to see. Just the person Nagi needed to meet at a time in Mei's life that was optimum for her to be there. A comforting episode.

[something]

Episode 5:

- Cats! They're confusing! Hahah, oh Yamato you're adorable sometimes.
- The cat pooped! Yaaaaaaaaaay! Well that was a hilarious way to start off the episode.

- Yay! Yamato has an adorable bad-tempered imouto.
- Ooh and she's a "reliable imouto" type! One of my absolute favorite character archetypes eeeeeever.
- "I bet you thought something weird just now." Heh.
- Unamused cat is unamused.
- Don't drop unamused cat.
- Bwhaha, it was obvious imouto would walk in on them, but I love that her conclusion is that Mei was attacking Yamato.

- Looks like Mei has her next BEFRIENDING target.
- Stupid fake friends just wanted Nagi for her nice house and delicious cookies. ;_;
- Kind of a half-assed reason to get Yamato out of the house, but who cares, it's an excuse to let Nagi and Mei interact. <3

!@&#^!@&#^&*!@&*# CUTENESS OVERLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAD! Mei's harem continues to grow!

Seriously that was ridiculously adorable, oh my god. This show is incredible.

[Ingraman]

Episode 5:
- Looks like Mei has her next BEFRIENDING target.
- Kind of a half-assed reason to get Yamato out of the house, but who cares, it's an excuse to let Nagi and Mei interact. <3
It was a very nice episode. I liked watching Mei and the sister, and seeing the two curled up together was sweet. ^_^

[Damius]

- Yamato are you sure it was only for that stalker to go away? Are you really sure?
- Mei and Asami together. Please let them, be real friends. I really like Mei and Yamato as a couple, but I really like Asami as well. So, if we can have Mei and Yamato as a couple and Mei and Asami as real friends, it would be wonderful.
- I understand that Asami likes Yamato; he was really nice with her in the flashback.
- The last thing Asami said to Mei sure bothers her. At least, she was able to ask Yamato about it and not keeping it for herself for too long. But, she thinks he makes himself sound like a hypocrite.
- And now Mei is investigating.
- I really like Mei's reaction towards the girls who spoke badly about Asami. This is another step in the good direction.
- It’s nice that Asami learns that Mei did look out for her.
- Well, this time it is Nakanishi who look out for Asami, it was far from the best way he could have, but at least he look out for her.
- With the help of Mei, Nakanishi confesses to Asami.
- And he is going out with her. Another step in the good direction, since it will help for Asami and Mei to be real friends even who knows, maybe best friends.
- Stalker-san!
- After all the kisses, the real one, the one with love, the one which tasted like fried chicken.

This show is definitely awesome.

[ookamigirl]

Mei & Kurosawa.
Megumi & Kurosawa.
This doesn't look good.
It was nice seeing Yamato turn Megumi down without second though.
I don't like her type that thinks others should be happy to date her.
Her "let's be friends" act didn't really convince me.
I bet that girl has some ulterior motives.
Making Mei feel worthless is working to Megumi's advantage to get Yamato.

[something]

Episode 6:

- Aww, Mei got a text from Nagi. But why is she trying to hide it? Must be Yamato's birthday coming up and they're working on a present together.
- Hah yep, Nagi si teaching Mei how to make a cake or whatnot.
- Cookies. Kobayashi-mama knows what you're up to!

- Megu-tan! Knew it was Kotobuki Minako. SO she'll be pleasant to listen to but I'm sooooooo not sure how I feel about this turn of events. "hot model/idol/actress moves into school and shakes things up!" is one of the laziest ways of prolonging the tension in a story. Oh well I guess it's the price you pay for getting the main couple together quickly. Though a good thing about this show is that it shouldn't take more than 2-3 episodes for Mei to BEFRIEND her.
- I wonder if she knows Yamato from before. She did hear whatshisname say Yamato's name, but it really seems like, say, they went to elementary school together and he forgot about her but she didn't forget about him.
- Uh, it looks like Mei saw most of that. So major kudos to both Yamato for brushing Megu off, and Mei for not misinterpreting it.

- Or maybe Mei didn't see it? Even though she was staning like 10 feet away. >_> Whatever, they still didn't make a big deal out of it. Though I think Yamato kinda wants Mei to, heh.
- Megu switches gears to a "nice girl" attack.
- Wow Asami are you braindead? Way to not consider Mei's feelings. Why not show Megu around yourself?

- Progress in baking for Mei = you can break it with a hammer? >_>
- Poor Mei. She's developed a lot as a person, but this photo shoot is a bit more than her self-confidence can take.

[FUNiOP]

Yamato is just too damn pretty to not end up being a model every now and then, and the direction he's given with perfect model girl Megu-tan sparks a lot of jealousy in Mei.

[Damius]

- Yamato wants so much to go get his haircut with Mei.
- This will be the first time Mei will go out with a guy.
- Each time, I find Mei and Yamato a so cute couple.
- Don’t feel like that Mei, he definitely chose you. You are the one he loves. And that won’t change even if a lot of girls talk to him on the street.
- Watching Mei plays bowling is one of the rare occasions I like watching bowling.
- Aiko is definitely a problem. She affects Mei so much…
- Yamato finally found Mei.
- They go to his middle school, nice scene that brings a back story that was well done.

I surely love this show. What will happen with Aiko?

[FUNiOP]

A full episode of Mei becoming more jealous of Yamato's professional relationship with Megu-tan. She certainly has every right to be, especially with that last bit of information, even if it does cause her to assume some things that aren't true. Yamato should really notice what his actions are causing and take better care to console his actual girlfriend. It was a little painful to see Mei go trough this all episode long, so it was cathartic to see her finally get her feelings out to her friends and take the initiative to go land the kiss on Yamato herself. I just hope she also expects some explanation from him. Hopefully this can all get resolved before this guy from Yamato's past enters the story.

[ookamigirl]

Yamato in a magazine.
Mei having doubts and jealousy attacks.
I guess that was the point.
Megumi is playing an interesting game to separate him and Mei.
Mei was working hard on her cooking, but that couldn't compare to Megumi's plan.
Megumi and Yamato always together on every photo just made things worse for Mei.
At least all of it gave her some much needed courage for that epic kiss.

[something]

Episode 7:

- Stupid Megu-tan. Also, I really doubt Yamato is this oblivious to how Mei feels. Something in his face says he isn't. So why accept, when he doesn't really seem to like the idea himself? Maybe he doesn't get it.
- Just text her damnit, Yamato.
- Megu-tan goes for the kill. Run-down apartment and loneliness! Can Yamato resist the moe feelings?
- But man, if she's evil she's a really good actress. Other than clearly wanting to take Yamato away from Mei, she seems like a really good girl.
- ...And Yamato took the bait. Oh Yamato. Being too nice can be a problem too. Not just for Mei, but also for Megu-tan.

- Shit. Mei hears gossip phrased in the worst possible way.
- But hell yeah it's time for Aiko and Asami to be awesome, each in their own ways. Asami, and Asako from Kaibutsu-kun. Awesome awesome friends for our female protagonists.
- And after Mei gets the pep talk she... haha holy shit. How bold.

Some dude. Whatever. Mei and Asamicchi and Aiko are awesome.

[Damius]

- Mei got it, a symbol of their love. Good for her.
- Mei sure did the best thing by deleting Hayakawa on her phone as well as not being able to stand alone with him. That’s the best reaction she could have.
- Yamato is right, Hayakawa; Mei is out of your league.
- Oh, that was nice; Mei is helping Aiko.
- That’s really nice; Aiko said to Mei that Yamato rejected her.

And they end the episode with an awesome scene. I really like the fact they all say the truth.

[Damius]

- That’s a matter of life or death, isn’t it? So, there is no doubt Yamato would take care of the cat.
- Hehe, Asami prefers a picture of Yamato’s cat over a picture of her and her boyfriend.
- It’s way easier to say that Yamato invited Marshmallow, isn’t it Mei?
- Yamato’s Imouto!
- Mei still is not able to call him Yamato, for now she would drop the “-san” which is a big step forward for her. Here again, another proof that honorifics are so important to be retain in anime.
- Her onii-chan is being attacked!
- Nagi friends didn’t want to go to her home for her… I hope she will find a real friend.
- I really love the scene with Mei and Nagi.
- And they are now friends. Awesome!
- Nagi, you’ll be able to make friends again, real friends. You just did.
- They are way too cute together, way too cute. WOW!

This was purely awesome and adorable I hope will see Nagi again. I hope she’ll be able to make friends at school, real friends. She has Mei now.

[Damius]

- Mei has the best teacher to help her make cookies, Nagi! I only hope it would not be only over text, they need to make them together.
- Megu-tan enters the school; the first she remembers is Yamato. A good thing about the fact that Mei and Yamato are a couple already, is that I don’t see her as a competition.
- Megu wants to be friend with Mei and Yamato now… Hmm…
- Yamato was asked to show to Megu where the biology lab is…and all the comments were heard by Mei…
- Let’s test how good are the cookies with a hammer. But, unfortunately they ended up not being really good…even the cats doesn’t want them. Poor Mei…
- I was scared of that… the photo shoot really hurts Mei… ;_;

[Damius]

- Yamato decided to continue modeling…
- At least, you told her you’ll text her.
- What are you waiting to text her??????
- Wait…what? Yamato accepts to eat dinner with Megu after work from now on…
- That’s really good. Asami and Aiko are so awesome with Mei. She really has good friends.
- And Mei kissed Yamato!

[ookamigirl]

That took guts! Good for Mei ^^
Things aren't going well with Yamato.
She was pretty much down about it.
The whole modeling and Megumi thing is really getting to her.
It was about time someone opened Yamato's eyes.
Kai suddenly entered Mei's life. Yamato may get some competition soon.
Maybe there is still hope for those two..

[FUNiOP]

What a depressing episode. Not a moment of happiness in the whole thing. But damn it was good. Actually, it does make me happy to see Aiko be such a damn good friend. Those two would be screwed without her. She's the one character who can actually understand both sides and isn't afraid to take action for either when it needs to be done, even when her good advice is ignored. I never thought the bitch from 4~5 episodes would be the best part of this show. Of course, once Mei and Yamato finally get things reconciled, they should go back to being my favorite characters, as the main couple should be.

[bear]

What a depressing episode. Not a moment of happiness in the whole thing. But damn it was good. Actually, it does make me happy to see Aiko be such a damn good friend.

I'm really starting to like to see characters like Aiko that appear in a negative light but turn out to be something else. They often wind up being the most loyal and supportive friend of the main character once you get to know them. Even when they're not, they are often the one that is the most honest.

Even though there was so much unhappiness, sometimes it takes that for people to face their feelings and to see how the other person feels about you. Of course we have Aiko to thank for that with Yamato.;)

[something]

Episode 8:

- The hallway was very full when Mei kissed Yamato. Then immediately it's empty. Why? That's just being inconsistent for the sake of inconsistency!
- Man. It's partly Mei's fault for acting strange and then insisting nothing is wrong, but it should be a bit more obvious to Yamato that something is wrong even if she says no.

- Asamicchi, you're such a good friend. Finally something is able to cheer Mei up.
- ...Was Megu-tan always that much taller than Mei?
- Stupid fangirls. Mei is way cuter than Megu-tan.
- Awwww. Aiko is cheering up Asami who is trying to cheer up Mei.
- Fuck yeah Aiko puts Yamato in his place. Gently, but unambiguously. Mei you have amazing friends. There are few things I like more in anime than good friendships between girls. <3

- Haha aww, I was hoping Kobayashi-mama would meet Yamato.
- Hahha, oh wow. Mohawk boy likes sweet bread and fashion accessories.
- Oh god I love Mei's reaction to him. I'm also happy this didn't turn into a really awkward misunderstanding where Yamato thinks Mei likes him or whatever. Of course it probably still will before long. Hopefully it doesn't get too bad.

Awwwwww... I love how they ended that. Mei realizes that they're both just incredibly clumsy at love.

[Ingraman]

Episode 8:

- The hallway was very full when Mei kissed Yamato. Then immediately it's empty. Why? That's just being inconsistent for the sake of inconsistency!
Pre-kiss was one episode. Post-kiss was another? Different animation crews? Bad storyboarding? No budget? Hmm... Maybe the class bell rang, but we were too involved in watching the kiss to notice? I was waiting to see a bunch of dropped jaws after the kiss, but no one was there... ^^;

- Hahha, oh wow. Mohawk boy likes sweet bread and fashion accessories.
- Oh god I love Mei's reaction to him. I'm also happy this didn't turn into a really awkward misunderstanding where Yamato thinks Mei likes him or whatever. Of course it probably still will before long. Hopefully it doesn't get too bad.His hairstyle's going to go over well at school. ^^ If they're throwing another boy into mix, I'm expecting more misunderstandings before the show ends. <sigh> I hope that I'm wrong.

One thing that I have felt throughout the series was that the town is damned quiet at any hour. Hardly any vehicles roaming around, and not many pedestrians, either. Just watching Mei and Yamato wandering the streets without anyone else around was eerie... Maybe it's a commuter town/suburb that just completely empties out between 0400 and 2200? ^^

[EmperorBrandon]

- Haha aww, I was hoping Kobayashi-mama would meet Yamato.
Indeed... hoping she meets any of Mei's friends for that matter. She hasn't invited them over yet, has she? Just remember Mei going to Yamato's.

[FUNiOP]

In contrast, an almost entirely happy episode for their romance. Things almost develop a bit more, but of course they have to be interrupted just in time. It was pretty obvious that was going to happen.

So weird mohawk guy is the kid from Yamato's past. That's an interesting connection I wasn't expecting. I was surprised to see so much focus not related to romance, but it does tie back into it at the end there. So that's the next conflict in this story.

[ookamigirl]

So Yamato picked Mei over modelling.
That was really sweet ^^
I'm glad Megumi's little plan failed miserably.
That Kai keeps popping up..
Yamato's gift was really nice.
Those two make a great couple.
OMG! Kai is the guy from Yamato's past, pretty awkward.
Seems like Kai's bullies changed a lot since he last saw them.
So Kai is the competition now. This will make things more interesting.

[EmperorBrandon]

- Haha aww, I was hoping Kobayashi-mama would meet Yamato.
Indeed... hoping she meets any of Mei's friends for that matter. She hasn't invited them over yet, has she? Just remember Mei going to Yamato's.
We do get it (Kobayashi-mama meeting Yamato) this episode, and it's so wonderful too. :beatingheart: Do still hope we get to see Asami and Aiko invited over at some point.

[FUNiOP]

The reverse of the last story, with rumors about Mei cheating, and Yamato getting jealous and angry. Although Kai is the cause of much of it, he also serves the same purpose as Aiko did last time to help the hopeless couple through yet another conflict. I really hope that their last few conflicts are actually resolved by the two of them alone. Otherwise it really doesn't seem like something that can last.

Megu, though... she is being quite the conniving bitch. I hope she gets similar treatment to Aiko. She started off seeming a lot nicer than Aiko did, but I suppose everyone could potentially be one big happy group of genuine friends in the end if Mei and the others work their magic right. Even if it doesn't always seem like the case, I do believe that each of these characters is, or at least can be, a really good person who can contribute positively to the situations that the others find themselves in.

[ookamigirl]

Kai certainly adapted to school life in a new school rather quickly.
Megumi really likes to stir up trouble for Mei.
She's really hell bent over messing up Yamato-Mei relationship.
Looks like she's jealous of Mei.
On the other hand Kai is slowly putting himself into Mei's life.
So it finally happened.. Kai giving Yamato a piece of his mind.

[something]

Episode 9:

- Good on you, Yamato. Go find someone else to stalk. Megu-tan.
- Okay, it's kinda sad watching Megu-tan desperately seeking out a replacement for Yamato. She'll take anyone, really.

- Oh the other hand, adorable happy Mei smiles make me happy too~
- Riiiiiiiight... forgot about mohawk boy. Please don't do anything dumb with him, Sukinayo. How about just pairing him up with Megu-tan?
- On the upside, he finds out pretty quickly that Mei is taken. Since he doesn't seem like a bad person, hopefully he won't do anything stupid.

- "Hey your shoulder is slightly damp, how about you come into my home and get half naked?" MEI GOES FOR THE KILL.
- This is a nice scene and all but part of me wanys Kobayashi-mama to walk in because hilarity would ensue.
- ...Yes, just like that. Hahahaha.
- HAHAHAH that look on Mei's face when mom is teasing her.
- And awwwwwwwwww, her mom is really, really happy to hear what Yamato says about Mei. She must worry so much as a mother about to Mei's (until recently) anti-social personality, so seeing that some cares about Mei almost as much as she oes has to be so comforting.

- Well that was just the most super-sweet thing ever. Now let's see how things are going to go terribly wrong!
- First, Megu-tan looks increasingly evil. Meh, whatever. I'm more interested in her friend who very clearly reacted to Megu-tan's glares at Mei, twice. Will she try to stop Megu-tan from going overboard, or will she seek Megu-tan's favor by hurting Mei? She looked more concerned than anything else so hopefully the former.
- Next, Kai. He has history with Yamato. I'd totally be up for letting the final arc be about Yamato, mostly because that would make it less likely for any "oh you love someone else" misunderstanding-based drama.

- Ah so that's where they're going with him. Contrasting his response to bullying to Mei's very different response, and how Mei will help him see the light and so on and so forth, with Yamato redeeming himself for his past passivity in there somewhere. I can dig that.
- Wait. Uh, okay, no. He learns his lesson from Mei in an instant. And now he's in love with her. :sd:

Well that's... something, I guess. But how much mileage can they get out of this? Mei isn't going to fall for him unless the writers really fuck up and write her out of character.

Well, on to episode 10.

[something]

Episode 10:

- Hrm? Did Kai know Megu-tan? They're interacting like old friends, but Megu-tan wasn't at the school before...
- Oh she's just allowing him to talk to her to try to get close to Yamato, lol.
- Wait, Megu-tan wasn't that much taller than Asami, was she?
- Guh. Megu-tan is being transformed into the host stupidly vindictive person. Treating Kai lke a tool, trying to take Asami away from Mei, lying to Yamato about Kai and Mei. Fuuuuuuuuck this girl, seriously.
- Don't be a moron Yamato. Kai said he likes Mei, but that doesn't mean she likes him. And taking relationship tips from the girl who you know wants in your pants at all costs would be the height of idiocy. You better be better than this by now.

- Meanwhile, Mei's friend I mentioned last ep... Momo-chan! She definitely does seem to be a nice person, but Megu-tan isn't welcoming her concern.
- What I'm supposed to feel sorry for her now that another model is taking the spotlight? I don't plan on feeling sorry for Megu-tan until she confesses what she's doing and apologizes with a Horizon-level dogeza.

- Oh god why. Yamato's jealousy is awkward as fuck. Such a sudden change and so at odds with everything these two have achieved so far. Ugh, I hope this show doesn't eat itself alive in a rush to introduce more conflict.
- Urgh, Aiko next? Please tell me Aiko of all people isn't going to fall for this shit. She knows exactly what Megu-tan's deal is, so if all it takes is a couple compliments about her smooth skin to turn her plot retarded too, I'm going to be pissed.
- Megu-tan death stare. Did Aiko just notice? I think she noticed. Goddamnit please tell me she noticed. It'll be Aiko to the rescue again!

- Maybe later. For now, Kai is managing to be both the problem (through no real fault of his own) and the solution. Good on him for understanding quickly the rumors that are going around, and then he punches some sense into Yamato too.

And everything went better than expected. But only because the early and middle portions of the episode were full of people being stupid. Potential storytelling disaster averted, in any case, even if the path to a satisfactory conclusion was messier than it needed to be.

Still, huh. I'm glad this part is over with, but surprised we have three episodes left. Just how far are you sink before the end? So can't wait to see how Aiko ends up helping crush her schemes. I also really really want to see how Momo-chan plays into this, assuming that wasn't supposed to be the end of it.

[FUNiOP]

I was glad to see Kai and Aiko go off on Megu like that, because it was really needed, but of course there aren't any really bad people in this show, so the closest to it just end up having really unfortunate pasts that come back to destroy their lives when things stop going their way. I guess Yamato and Mei will have to come save her from her depression in the next episode so things can all work out. Hopefully she starts acting like she should as a result.

[ookamigirl]

Mei and Yamato were totally sweet together.
Looks like Kai read Megumi pretty well.
Megumi was losing to Mei in every way and just couldn't understand why exactly.
Guess her make believe life is crumbling around her pretty fast.
Yamato-Mei date in the amusement park was fun to watch.
Nagi kinda ruined the alone date part, but it was still nice.

[something]

Episode 11:

- Goddamn Megu-tan you're awful. Momo expresses concern for you and you immediately shut her out like she no longer exists. At least that one guy notices something's wrong.

- Hahha I am in love with this face (https://dl.dropbox.com/u/31857183/Screenshots/Mei_is_an_M.png) <3
- Nice, I enjoy seeing Kai verbally smack Megu-tan down.
- Yes, and then Aiko piles it on, yay.
- Next up, karaoke "friends".
- And then the internet. MEGU-TAN'S SUFFERING IS MY JOY. =D She deserves all of this. I have no pity.

- Meanwhile, the most adorable date ever for Mei. <3
- Oh god, nekomimi Nagi. <3
- Haha awesome she steals a date with Mei.
- Though with her there Mei ain't getting no sexxing tonight. Maybe it's for the best Nagi intruded. :sd:
- Hahaha, playing dead worked. Yamato has captured himself a Mei!

I definitely like that they're not forcing more Mei/Yamato misunderstanding drama, but rather having Megu-tan completely self-destruct and getting the drama from that.

[Ingraman]

Episode 11:
- Hahha I am in love with this face (https://dl.dropbox.com/u/31857183/Screenshots/Mei_is_an_M.png) <3
Yeah. CR picked the perfect image for the thumbnail that represents the episode. ^^

[something]

Yeah. CR picked the perfect image for the thumbnail that represents the episode. ^^
Although at first glance I thought I was seeing something much dirtier when I saw it in really small thumbnail form. >_>

[ookamigirl]

Yamato dumped Nagi on Mei to check up on Megu.
Megumi having a crisis..
That girl has some issues to deal with.
Everything she's done up to now has come back to bite her on the ass.
Looks like that was enough to wake her up and take control of her life.
The summer festival part was nice.
The Mei in yukata and Yamato's reaction were totally cute.

[FUNiOP]

Nice to see everything work out for Megu as well. I expected more focus on that, but I am glad to have things move on to the main focus of the series for the last stretch. I hope the final episode is good. Megu goes through a few pretty different looks. Her current attitude isn't the most likeable, but it's real, and that's far more important. Hopefully her and Kai end up together as well.

[something]

Episode 12:

- Momo-chan is awesome. Megu-tan is still a terrible person, but this ended up being a very nice scene anyway. I didn't realize Momo had known her for so long.
- Nice scene with Asamicchi too. But then a not very good haircut (cutting your hair to signal a new direction in life is such a silly cliche) follows, and Megu-tan's story seems to be over. Whelp.

- Summer festival! Awwww, no yukata for Mei. ;_;
- But them mom to the rescue!
- Awwwwwwwwww. The insert song scene was great. Nice simple ending sequence too.

That would be a pretty perfect ending, though there's supposed to be an episode 13, so one more I guess.

[Damius]

- Yamato, you miss it didn’t you? You miss the fact that something is wrong with Mei… The way you acted, it made it even more difficult for Mei.
- The magic key, from an amazing friend. Thank you Asami.
- And yeah…the girls needed to pass behind Mei and say that… Ugh…
- Aiko is there for Asami… Nice.
- Wow. Aiko spoke to Yamato. That was perfect.
- Well, that Mohawk boy. Ok…
- Mei was about to open her heart, to say what she is really thinking. That whole scene was really nice. “Yamato and I are both new to love” Awww…

[FUNiOP]

Jealous younger sister. This is a theme I'm becoming less and less happy with. She had some great moments in her first episode, but I really couldn't feel any sympathy for Nagi in this episode. Obviously her behavior was a plot device to make Mei and Yamato more passionate when they finally reunite, but I was not happy with it at all.

And I guess you could blame it on his cold, but god Yamato was an idiot. Nagi tells Mei he doesn't want to talk to her, so he assumes that Mei immediately starts dating Hayakawa, who then immediately feels the need to call Yamato and cryptically inform him that he's dating the girl that is in fact Yamto's girlfriend, all within a few minutes at most. I know it was played for comedy with how ridiculous his assumptions were, but I was hoping the end of the series could show how much each character has grown to understand the others, and that's just about the opposite of that idea.

Also, Mei and Yamato not seeing each other was more plot convenience (or inconvenience for the characters, at least at the time), but that's alright.

But hey, it was still a damn good show, even with some minor flaws near the end!

And most importantly, I have to say my goodbyes to the opening theme song. I'm currently watching Princess Tutu, so I get plenty of that beautiful voice there, but after that, who knows when I'll next hear it? I hope that, at some point down the line, someone else decides to take one of her songs and change it up a bit to use as a new anime theme. That's a voice that should never be forgotten, no matter how long it becomes after its source was lost from the world too soon.

Okay, even in this special case, the opening theme song probably shouldn't be the most important thing, but that's really been on my mind lately, and I wasn't feeling some of the choices made in the later parts of the series itself.

[ookamigirl]

Nagi sure complicated things again.
Her little outburst really made a mess of things.
Jealousy and misunderstanding seem to go hand in hand.
Mei needs to be a little more courageous.
Lots of misunderstandings and insecurities in this episode.
This ending didn't feel like an ending at all.
I was kinda expecting more romance and sweetness.
To be completely honest, this final episode was disappointing.

[something]

Episode 13:

So we end on a comedic misunderstanding-driven episode. And it was pretty damn funny at times, though parts dragged a bit. I don't mind the seeming regression in their behavior towards one another because if you want a dramatic ending, 12 provided that. 13 is just a really roundabout way of fulfilling the title's command, with a lighthearted episode to wrap things up.

This is actually the sort of episode that would normally be released as a BD-only bonus on the last disc.

[Damius]

- And Yamato says to Megu-tan that he wants to quit modeling and the one he really loves is Mei.
- And Megu-tan is back to “recruiting”. Don’t even think about Asami!
- Yeah, the walk was way too quick, right Yamato? ^_^
- I guessed it! He will wait for her.
- Eh. Mei finds a way to invite Yamato to her house.
- And Mei’s mom enters the house…at a critical time!
- I’m sure Mei’s mom loves Yamato already. It’s the first time someone said something like that about Mei after all.
- Asami is so happy for Mei! ^_^
- Oh well… they could not resist doing that right? The mohawk guy falls in love with Mei…

[EmperorBrandon]

This is actually the sort of episode that would normally be released as a BD-only bonus on the last disc.
It doesn't even have the series director on it as is common for a "final episode". He was on episode 12. Had me wondering if maybe this had originally been intended as a BD bonus episode, but they decided/were able to air it anyway. Either way, I'm happy with it. I think I wanted a silly diversion after things were seemingly decently wrapped up last episode, and this episode delivered.

[Damius]

- Oh well… Megu-tan is now using Kai to get closer of Yamato…
- And now Megu-tan goes to Asami… Urgh…
- And she now lies to Yamato… Urgh once again…
- No…no…no… you won’t believe her, right Yamato?
- And now…Yamato is jealous… Oh well…
- Like it was not enough, Megu-tan now speaks to Aiko…

Well, at least the episode ends on a good note. But, I didn’t need an episode like this…

[Damius]

- Hahha I am in love with this face (https://dl.dropbox.com/u/31857183/Screenshots/Mei_is_an_M.png) <3


Indeed. I'm in love with this face as well!

[Damius]

- They are feeling nervous about being with each other. ^_^
- Well, I need to say Thank You to Kai and Aiko. Megu-tan really deserves it.
- Oh wow…that date, it was so lovely. They are so cute together.
- Nekomimi Nagi!!!! Amazing!
- Nagi is so cute and adorable. She had a really good idea when she decided to join.

Well, that definitely was a really nice episode. I really love the date with Yamato and Mei. I hope we will have some more of Nagi before the end. What will happen with Megu-tan?

[Damius]

- Mei and Nagi are alone together!
- Megu-tan is really lucky to have a friend like Momo-chan.
- Megu-tan new hair cut doesn’t look that good…
- Summer festival! This means yukatas. But, Mei didn’t have the time to change in one… I would have really like to see her in one. Well, Asami and Aiko wear one and they look great in it, especially Asami.
- Thank you to Mei’s mother! Mei went back to the summer festival in a yukata this time. And she looks great in it.
- Wow, what a fantastic way to end the episode with the insert song. Nice ED as well, this definitely looks like the last episode of the show even if it’s not.

[Damius]

Yeah, this definitely looks like it was a BD-only episode. It was a nice one and it was nice to have it right away instead of waiting months for it.