Hello, beauts! Welcome back to the relationship scale for Kotoko and Naoki. But before I start, I forgot to mention something in Part One regarding their dynamic in episode 6, after Naoki rejected her chocolate. Later in the scene, Naoki corrects Kotoko’s writing in English, and I feel like he enjoys messing with her in a playful manner, which is kind of cute! ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶. I’m going to give him points for playfully teasing Kotoko. Naoki: CHEMISTRY.
Episode 7: Spiteful Kiss
As Naoki and Kotoko walk to school together, Kotoko reminisces about how fast and fun high school went by, while Naoki says that the last year of school was troublesome. It doesn’t take a genius to realize that Kotoko played a part in how crazy the last year was. I know it was troublesome for Naoki, but at the same time, it helped him discover new things and realize what he wants, rather than just what is expected of him. I liked how Naoki was transparent about how Kotoko’s presence impacted him in a positive way, especially since he’s been vocal about how Kotoko causes trouble for him. This is a nice change. Naoki: COMMUNICATION.
After the valedictorian speeches, Kotoko works up the courage to ask Naoki for his second button and a picture with him. For those who don’t know, in Japan, if a male junior in high school gives his second button from his uniform to a girl, it means he’s confessing his love for her. He rejects her, and Kotoko ends up crying in her mother’s arms. His mother rebukes him for rejecting her, and then Naoki has a change of heart and agrees to take a photo with her. However, Kinnosuke photobombs the picture, which annoys me so much! Okay, they’ve been getting a little closer, but I feel like Kotoko is rushing things, taking small moments in their friendship and quickly pushing Naoki to choose her. He has been playful and open toward her, but that doesn’t mean he’s shown reciprocation. He said no because he doesn’t feel the same way. If he didn’t want to give Kotoko his button, that’s fine, but they’ve taken pictures together before, so I don’t see why taking another one would be an issue. Naoki’s logic confuses me—taking a picture with someone doesn’t have to be considered romantic. Both: UNABLE TO MAINTAIN A FRIENDSHIP FOUNDATION.
When class F and class A go out to dinner, there is tension between them because class A puts class F down for being part of the lower class, while class F is annoyed by how class A mistreats them for lacking intelligence. After a back-and-forth between the classes, Naoki says he didn’t miss the Tokyo University exam because of that idiot (referring to Kotoko). I find this incredibly unkind of Naoki, because we know that Kotoko helped him decide what he wants to do in the future, and yet he has the audacity to publicly humiliate her. Look, I understand calling your friend an idiot in a playful way, but Naoki is being harsh when he talks about her in public. What is he doing? When Kotoko calls Naoki out for being a cold-hearted bully, he embarrasses her again by reminding everyone that she is in love with him. After that attack, Kotoko has had enough and shows class A and F his girly baby photo, which he rightly deserved after publicly trying to hurt her again. I understand that Naoki has a reputation in high school, but high school is over. Come on, man. Noaki: DISRESPECTFUL.
After being humiliated, Naoki yanks Kotoko outside, where she explains why she showed the classes the photos and tells him that she will stop loving him because of how he treats her. Naoki is not convinced, so he gives her a kiss. I would have preferred it if he explained to her why he kissed her, so she wouldn’t feel like she’s getting mixed signals. When a guy kisses a girl on the lips, especially a long kiss, the girl will feel that he is interested in her. What’s worse is that Naoki pretends it didn’t mean anything and acts as if it never happened. It’s hard to watch because Naoki knows how Kotoko feels about him, and he’s playing with her heart. I don’t care how cute the kiss was—RED FLAGS ALL OVER THIS SCENE! Both: FAMILY PROGRESSION (FIRST KISS). Noaki: DISRESPECTFUL.
Episode 8: Campus Life I’ve Longed for!?
At college, Kotoko checks out Noaki’s class and sees him talking to a female student. When the female student asks if Kotoko is his girlfriend, he bluntly replies, “As if.” This makes the kiss scene even worse because it confuses Kotoko, and for good reason. He is taking advantage of her feelings, and this is truly icky. MORE RED FLAGS. Noaki: DISRESPECTFUL.
At home, Kotoko asks Noaki who the female student was, and he tells her her name is Yukko, a student in Kotoko’s class. Kotoko reluctantly asks if they are seeing each other, and Noaki takes the opportunity to compliment Yukko, calling her pretty and intelligent, which makes Kotoko feel inferior. If Kotoko didn’t want to know the answer to her question, it would have been better not to ask. Additionally, Noaki wasn’t considerate of her feelings, knowing she is still in love with him. He implies they may kiss again by leaning close to Kotoko, then turning away and cackling at her. I’m sorry, but there is no way I can support this relationship anymore. It felt malicious and cruel. HOW IS THIS GIRL NOT OVER HIM?! I’m not blaming her for how she feels, but Noaki’s mixed signals are doing more harm than good. It seems like Kotoko only wants Noaki to be with her so that he can treat her better. For those who don’t know, if you have a crush on a guy and he’s treating you like this as a friend, it doesn’t mean he’ll change once you’re together. It’s better to tell your crush about the things he’s doing that hurt your feelings. If he listens, he will try to improve. If not, he will continue treating you like a doormat. Noaki: DISRESPECTFUL. Kotoko: LACK OF SELF-RESPECT.
After refusing to tell Kotoko which club he was invited to join, she stalks him to find out for herself. Eww. She really can’t seem to breathe without being a part of everything in his life. I thought Noaki took things too far, but Kotoko is starting to gross me out, and this is raising alarm bells in my head. They already live together, and that’s still not enough for her. Kotoko: DISRESPECTFUL.
Episode 9: Aim for a Date
Kotoko gets the idea to watch a romantic movie since Noaki isn’t attending all of the tennis practices. After she asks him to see the movie with her on Saturday, he declines. Noaki has every right to not go out with her, but I sense he has been ruthless ever since she exposed his baby pictures. I wish he had been honest about why he doesn’t want to see the movie with her—he just said no without explaining why. This should have been a sign for Kotoko to look elsewhere. GIRL, GET THE OBVIOUS HINT, HE DOES NOT WANT TO DATE YOU!!! Noaki: LACK OF COMMUNICATION.Kotoko: LACK OF SELF-RESPECT.
When Kotoko goes to see the romantic movie alone, she notices that Noaki is with Yukko. Kotoko is devastated, and it turns out that Sudou (her tennis teacher) is also upset that Yukko is there with Noaki. One question: what made Noaki say yes to Yukko for the movie, but not to Kotoko? He knows that both of these girls like him, so what made him say yes to her? I thought he said no because romance movies aren’t his thing, but he doesn’t mind watching one with Yukko. I don’t think he said yes to her because he’s interested in her, so what else could it be? What do you guys think? They both decide to spy on Noaki and Yukko at the movie theater. After the movie ends, Sudou and Kotoko continue to stalk Noaki, following him to a cafe and a sports store. Edward Cullen, is that you? Kotoko: DISRESPECTFUL.
Kotoko felt she had seen enough and wanted to go home, unable to watch their date any longer. As she was about to leave, she accidentally bumped into an older man who was angry about his beer spilling onto his expensive shirt. As the older man complained about the money Kotoko owed him for the shirt, Noaki stepped in and offered the man less money. Before leaving with Kotoko, he gave Sudou a tennis racket to use on the man. I liked that Noaki pulled Kotoko out of harm’s way, especially knowing that he couldn’t fight the man himself. Noaki made a sacrifice by saving her from danger.Noaki: COMMITMENT
Kotoko asked Noaki if he noticed them stalking Yukki and Noaki, and it was clear to him that he did. After apologizing to Noaki, he invites Kotoko to go out anywhere, and she happily accepts. Noaki and Kotoko go on a boat ride, but Noaki reveals a legend that couples who ride in a boat together end up breaking up. Kotoko freaks out and stands up on the boat, causing them both to fall into the water. I liked that Kotoko openly admitted to stalking them and apologized for her behavior. I also enjoyed seeing Noaki be open about spending time with Kotoko. I wonder what made him decide to hang out with her. Kotoko: CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. Noaki: FRIENDSHIP FOUNDATION.
After they dry off, Noaki buys new clothes for both of them, and Kotoko apologizes for the boat incident. Noaki explains that living together isn’t so bad after all and that he doesn’t hate her. I remember that at the beginning of the show, he expressed that he hated dumb girls, which implied that he hated Kotoko. Now, he is reassuring her that he doesn’t hate her, and I feel like his actions are aligning with what he’s saying. However, this is how he feels, so I can’t take that away from him. Kotoko exclaims that she’s not great at smarts, cooking, or living a glamorous life, but she will make the effort to improve for him. I hope she improves for herself, not for anyone else, because doing it for someone else often yields little to no results. Kotoko doesn’t seem to respect herself enough to aim higher unless Noaki is her motivator, which is why it’s hard for me to wholeheartedly like this scene. Noaki: COMMUNICATION. Kotoko: LACK OF SELF-RESPECT
Episode 10:Goodbye Rainy Day
After a year of living with the Iries, Kotoko and her dad decide to move out. Both families say their farewells. When Kotoko calls for Noaki, all he says is, “Take care” and “Goodbye,” then he leaves. I didn’t enjoy that goodbye scene because, although Noaki said that Kotoko made his life fun and interesting, he should not have been so brief. I’m assuming Noaki is not good with goodbyes, which is fair, but it’s not right to leave things unsaid. Noaki: LACK OF COMMUNICATION.
After Kotoko leaves, we see that both Kotoko and Noaki are saddened by her departure. Noaki finds the heart-shaped present that Kotoko gave him, which reminds him of the day he gave it to her. It’s clear that he’s struggling without Kotoko because he no longer gets to experience life in a more challenging and fun way—unless he makes an effort to spend time with her. Noaki: CHEMISTRY.
The next day at school, Kotoko asks Noaki if he’s sad that she moved out, and he denies it, stating that his life is back to normal. We know that Noaki cares about Kotoko, but he doesn’t want to be vulnerable in front of the other students. He also doesn’t want to admit his true feelings to himself because it’s easier for him not to dwell on personal emotions. Still, it’s hard to watch because Kotoko starts to feel like she meant nothing to him. Noaki: LACK OF HONESTY.
When Kotoko hears a loud sound at the Irie family’s house, she quickly walks in to find Yukki experiencing stomach pain. Kotoko calls Noaki’s phone to explain what’s going on with Yukki and describes his symptoms. Noaki instructs Kotoko to turn Yukki onto his side, call the hospital, and wait for the ambulance to arrive. Noaki then enters Yukki’s room to check on his brother. Before Kotoko leaves the room to call her father, she breaks down in tears. Noaki hugs her from behind to express his gratitude. Awwww, I can’t help but find his hug so wholesome and full of gratitude. Noaki isn’t typically a physical person, so his hug adds a sweet atmosphere to the moment. Noaki: COMMUNICATION AND CHEMISTRY.
During a hospital visit, the family meets a boy named Nobu, who has been in the hospital for most of his life. Noaki and Kotoko then take it upon themselves to help Nobu study and entertain him while Yukki is in the hospital. After leaving the hospital, Noaki and Kotoko talk about Nobu’s health, which leads Kotoko to suggest that Noaki should become a doctor to help people like Nobu. Kotoko’s advice encourages Noaki to pursue what he truly wants to do in life, rather than simply taking over the family business as his parents want. Kotoko: COMMUNICATION.
Noaki and Kotoko’s parents announce they are moving back into the house because they both feel happier with both families living together. Later that night, Kotoko apologizes for moving back in, knowing she disliked the movie the first time around. Instead of getting angry at Kotoko for moving back in, Noaki sarcastically says, “Please, don’t cause me too much trouble,” with a smile. He knows it’s impossible for her not to cause trouble, but he misses having her chaotic life in his. I find this scene so cute! ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ⸝⸝ᵕᴗᵕ⸝⸝ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶. Noaki: FRIENDSHIP FOUNDATION.
Episode 11: Kiss, Kiss,Kiss in a Dream
After Kotoko is told to call Naoki for tea, she discovers that Noaki is studying an anatomy book. Kotoko asks why Naoki is studying this book, and he admits that he plans to transfer to medical school to become a doctor. He then asks her not to tell his parents, and Kotoko agrees, expressing her support for his goal. He then kicks her out to continue studying. By sharing this secret with her, Naoki shows that he trusts her to keep it, and it reveals that he feels safe confiding in her because she has been encouraging him to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. Noaki: TRUST AND COMMUNICATION.
One night, Noaki falls asleep while studying to become a doctor, and Kotoko places a blanket over him. Then, she closes the book so his parents won’t discover his secret. When she leaves, Noaki wakes up to find a creepy good luck charm in his anatomy book. Kotoko was considerate in covering him with a blanket so he could rest easily and ensuring that his secret remained protected. Kotoko: ACTS OF SERVICE.
After Noaki refuses to tell Kotoko what he is doing for spring break, I mean, if he doesn’t want to tell her, that’s fine, because he knows how she gets when she feels like she’s in the way. However, Kotoko finds out by asking Sudou, where she learns that Noaki is working part-time at a romantic village. I get that Kotoko is curious since Noaki didn’t want to share, but she proceeds to stalk him at his job. She makes it seem like Kotoko and Yukki are visiting Noaki at the romance village, so that she and Sudou can spend more time observing what he’s doing. For some reason, she feels obligated to know what he’s up to and makes sure to follow him wherever he goes. This girl does not give him space whatsoever, even though she knows he doesn’t want her around most of the time. Kotoko: DISRESPECTFUL.
Sudoku creates a plan so that Noaki and Matsumoto do not spend time with each other, by rigging a lottery to spend time with their crushes by hiking. Luckily Noaki sees through this deceit and creates a system for the group to hike fairly. I cannot get over how forceful Kotoko gets when she wants to spend time with Noaki. Noaki trusts her to keep his career a secret, but Kotoko keeps trying to push him further than he wants to. Kotoko: DISRESPECTFUL.
Kotoko, Yukki, and their dog companion accidentally get lost after running away from potential bears crossing their path. When Noaki notices Kotoko’s hat in the field, he starts to worry about her safety as the sun begins to set. Noaki and Tiny the dog find them after Tiny scares away a wolf. Noaki then saves Kotoko and Yukki. Noaki: COMMITMENT.
Episode 12: Mismatched Hearts
I know this scene was short-lived, but after Noaki’s father has a heart attack, Kotoko shows up for Noaki’s family by bringing food and supplies while they stay at the hospital. I really like Kotoko’s selflessness, something she sometimes fails to show when she’s focused on her obsession with Noaki. Kotoko: FRIENDSHIP FOUNDATION.
Kotoko finds Noaki in the living room in the middle of the night, knowing that it has to do with his father. Noaki feels guilty, thinking he is responsible for his father’s heart attack, so he tries to redeem himself by ensuring that his father’s company is saved by taking over as the boss. Kotoko reminds him that becoming a doctor is his true dream, but Noaki tries to pretend that his dream doesn’t matter to him. She comforts him, knowing that letting go of his dream will make him suffer. I feel bad for Noaki because it’s clear that becoming a doctor is something he truly wants to do as a career. I liked that Kotoko was considerate of Noaki’s hurt feelings and took the time to comfort him. Kotoko: FRIENDSHIP FOUNDATION.
When Kotoko overhears that Noaki is entering an arranged marriage for the sake of his father’s business, she and Matsumoto proceed to stalk him. Matsumoto isn’t any better, as she has stalked Noaki before, but I’m focusing solely on Kotoko and Naoki’s relationship. Kotoko: DISRESPECTFUL.
Now, Kotoko and Matsumoto try to sabotage Noaki’s date by getting Christine drenched with the sprinklers and throwing a caterpillar at her, but their efforts don’t work. I dislike this because Kotoko is being possessive of Noaki, ensuring that no one else ends up with him except her. Now that I say it, it sounds creepier than I initially thought. Kotoko: DISRESPECTFUL.
What I like about Kotoko dating Kinnosuke is that she is genuinely giving him a chance without trying to make Noaki jealous. Kotoko doesn’t have any ulterior motive for dating Kinnosuke; she is simply open to guys who will make her feel like a high priority. Kotoko and Kinnosuke have fun on their date, which is good for Kotoko as she finds someone who respects her time and needs. Kotoko: SELF-RESPECT.
Noaki and Kotoko start to miss each other while they date other people, but I can’t help but feel that Kotoko doesn’t believe she deserves a man who will treat her like a queen. Kotoko would rather be with a good-looking guy who will disrespect her because she is used to that treatment, which is really sad. I’m not sure what to make of Noaki’s preference for girls, but if he truly has feelings for Kotoko, he shouldn’t continually put her down or destroy her confidence. I don’t believe Noaki is the kind of man who should be in a relationship because he is deeply insecure about not being number one in Kotoko’s life. This is why I don’t believe he truly likes Christine. Both: CHEMISTRY.