Tension between Chinami and Banri grows in this episode as she refuses to even look at the poor sucker. All over a misunderstanding! But that’s the least of Banri’s worries. Also pre-occupying his mind is how to give his main squeeze the ring his mom gave him and whether or not it even means anything. He eventually becomes so desperate for female perspective that he asks the crazy tea bitches from the beginning of the show, who indeed raise all expectations and make him believe it really does mean as much as he thought it did.
Stakes raised, Banri freaks about how to deal with the ring and Chinami, but Kouko assures him that they’ll find a way to deal with it, and to just wait until the festival is done for now. The way that Kouko speaks about the future reminds me of my own girlfriend, who will frequently look to the future with a hopeful mind and a bright smile. Stick together and keep going, Banri!
During the festival, Banri’s memories come flooding back in the middle of their dance and he becomes confused as to where he is. He mentions the last thing he remembers is waiting on the bridge for Linda; it’s clear ghost Banri has possessed him, seemingly unwillingly. Or has he? As we remember, ghost Banri willingly committed seppuku on the bridge when Banri attempted to save him at his high school reunion. What is going on here?
My bet’s on his two selves beginning to fuse, but who can say? All I hope is that he remains close and faithful to Kouko. I know he will, but damn, just hope this whole thing ends happily.
