Subculture Anime Blog

Sad Yumi is sad.

Summary:

The Roses notice an awkward atmosphere in the mansion, so Sachiko explains that Yumi has been turned down by Touko. Most of the girls are shocked by this, but despite their feelings, Sachiko requests that they distance themselves from the topic in respect towards the two girls. Yumi continues to struggle with her feelings, but when the New Year comes, she is becomes excited upon receiving an invitation to a party from Sachiko. Over the phone, Sachiko informs Yumi that she has also invited Touko. While on the train to the meeting place later, Yumi meets Noriko. Noriko takes the chance to apologize for the feelings she pushed onto Yumi among other things, but as she suggests that it doesn’t seem like Touko dislikes her, Yumi guesses that she may have only messed up the timing or atmosphere of the situation.

The two meet Shimako upon reaching the train station, then making their way to the estate to join the rest of the girls. The Roses are soon treated to an elegant meal by Sayako, but even while they enjoy themselves, Yumi can only worry about Touko’s not coming to the event. Yumi’s mind is taken off of this after a series of games and further gatherings, and she even expresses her realization of everyone’s concern to Sachiko later. Before entering the bath that night, Yumi mentions that there is a cold wind in her heart despite how much fun she has been having. As she had said this out loud, the other girls clearly see that she has been worrying about Touko. When Shimako meets the group, she suggests that she feels this way because it is as if the room Yumi has created for Touko is empty.

Yumi takes Shimako’s metaphor to heart, and reflecting on it as she rests with the others that night, she has a dream where she has difficulty seeing Touko through a foggy glass. On her way home after the gathering, Yumi wonders if she should seek out Suguru as he suggested she do. She worries that Touko may not like this though, and as it would be against Touko’s will, Yumi starts to think that this would be an action unworthy of an older sister. Upon the start of the new semester, Yumi is surprised to see Touko in the morning. Further more, as Touko greets her, it seems as if she is acting like the previous event between them never happened.

Preview: Green is the color of choice!

Impression:

The majority of this episode really didn’t get us anywhere specific, but it certainly wasn’t a waste. From the new year to the start of the new semester, it only took 20 minutes to really feel an advancing of time; especially with Yumi’s constant worry about her future soeur. The metaphor about rooms was a nice one to play on too, even if it wasn’t the most powerful, especially with Yumi’s dream sequence towards the end of the episode.

Presentation-wise, there were a few silly moments this week. Touko’s face being in the sky, first of all, had me laughing out loud at the least expected moment. I mean, really… Is this an 80’s shounen anime, or what? Some of the animation wasn’t great either, reflecting on a lot of peoples’ opinion about Pizza Hut not being enough to make this installment season three quality. Oh, and is that Yumi fanservice I see…..? I guess there are firsts for everything.

Notes:

• TAKE IT ALL OFF! Woo~! Sachiko is ready to get right down to business, huh?
• Er….I mean….uh……. Pizza Hut.
• Cheating Noto is a cheater.
• Yumi: “Nyoro~n.”
• Change of hairstyles galore. Count that one as a ribbon color, aurabolt.