Of course, while Sawako is receptive to basically any advice thrown her way, getting her to think about Ryuu over and above Kazehaya is pretty much asking the impossible, so once again Kurumi finds herself at something of an impasse. However, with Sawako at least taking on board the concept that talking to Sanada might not be such a bad idea, it still gives her some elements to work to her advantage - Elements which become all the more potent as we receive another reminder that Shouta is actually quite the jealous one when it comes to these things.
Thus, as this twelfth episode progresses, so Kurumi's behaviour becomes borderline stalker-ish, as she tracks down Kazehaya's whereabouts at the on-going sports festival, plants a note purporting to be from Sawako in Ryuu's locker, and points Sawako in his direction to ensure that they meet at just the right time for Kurumi to break it to Shouta that Sawako is more interested in Sanada. A cunning (albeit slightly convoluted) plan, but is it going to work? Who knows, I don't have time to think about that right now while my blood is still boiling from Kurumi's behaviour.
Luckily for Sawako, she has at least one powerful ally on her side in Yano, who already seems to have figured out exactly what is going on with regard to the Kazehaya-Sawako-Kurumi love triangle, and even realises that a lot of the rumours floating around about herself and Chizuru earlier in the series originated from Kurumi; knowledge she has little hesitation in letting Kurumi know in her own subtle way. This is probably the best single exchange of the episode - Utterly bitchy and sly on both sides of the conversation, but compellingly realistic as I'm sure we've all seen or known girls who are masters at operating that way.
Anyhow, all things considered this was a wonderfully weaved episode which brought out the best and worst in all of the major characters - We get a glimpse inside the heart of Ryuu (as if we didn't already know what was to be found inside), a good long look at the "real" Kurumi, a reminder of Kazehaya's jealous streak, a great view of Yano's social nous, and of course the usual blend of naive innocence and determination from Sawako. All of this blends together to serve as a great reminder of why this series works so well - All of the major characters are strong in terms of both personality and the direct effect they have on events, which makes it far easier to be drawn into their trials, tribulations and fun times until you don't want the episode to end... something which is particularly true on this occasion as we're left with something of a mid-season cliff-hanger.
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Kurumi's plan won't work at all of course. Kuronuma X Ryuu pairing has got to be the most boring couple ever conceived in anime.
Just staring at the clouds. So peaceful...
Yes, this was indeed another instalment of fun and goodness, particularly in watching Kurumi scheme, plot, and suffer massive amounts of fail. Manipulative, selfish little so-and-so she is, it was difficult to avoid just a bit of sympathy for her this time. She may think Sawako is tough, but really she’s out of Kurumi’s league, and the fluffy-haired one is on a hiding to nothing. Ayane has got her number as well, and the hints-and-veiled-threats conversation at the drinks machine showed that she can read Kurumi like a book. Retribution is going to follow.
Now, as for our heroine – we knew she was a bit socially naïve, but really, there were moments in this episode that made you wonder whether the girl is actually playing with a full deck. (Actually, I think this anime is quite brave – we are left to decide for ourselves whether Sawako is just a normal person who by accident has been excluded from the social group, or whether she actually has a personality disorder.) Whatever, once engaged in a social interaction, Sawako is surprisingly effective because she always goes directly to the point. This is probably rather shocking to a Japanese audience – who might value the indirect approach as showing good manners – whereas we cruder Westerners may underestimate her impact. She was lucky it was Ryuu she chose for her investigations into “romantic feelings” – a less decent male might have taken advantage of that with a small practical demonstration.
Another cliffhanger ending? – except it’s not if you think about it. Ryuu is far too cool to be caught in Kurumi’s schemes – and the look on her face right at the end of the episode suggests that, once again, all is NOT going to plan.
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