My mind must be in the gutter. I thought Watari-kun No XX Ga Houkai Sunzen could be some porn series or at least an ecchi theme. Yup, just a couple of X’s was enough to make me instantly jump to that conclusion. Shame on me. Note to myself, triple X’s is what makes a series a porn title!!! There are only 2 X’s here! Look closely! Anyway, our titular character’s normal life with his little sister after the death of their parents is at the crossroads when a childhood friend who went missing many years ago suddenly shows up back in his life. Uh oh. I hope this is not some sort of supernatural or haunting ghost story! Oh never mind, a girl with old secrets could be way scarier than any ghosts with lingering regrets!
Episode 1
Naoto “Nao” Watari prefers to go home and take care of his little sister, Suzushiro AKA Suzu. So much so he doesn’t join clubs and people label him as a siscon. Only his best friend, Shigenobu Tokui understands. Then there is friendly Yukari Ishihara whom he has a crush on but knows she is way out of his league. Ever since their parents died, the siblings live in aunt Tamayo’s house. She gives them allowances but is a mystery herself since she often holes herself up in her room the whole day. Soon, Satsuki Tachibana as a new transfer student in Nao’s class. He knows her. Worse, she stalks and follows him all day! When she finally confronts him, it seems he can’t forgive her for destroying his garden 6 years ago. She then disappeared on that same day. She wants him to listen her out but he won’t and runs away! Back home, looks like Suzu knows what she wants for her birthday: A garden! Oh boy. You didn’t hear wrong. Tamayo is willing to let them plough the little patch in the yard. If they’re willing to do some hard work and weed it. As they begin, Satsuki visits and Nao is not about to have this sh*t. In order to force him to listen, she kisses him! DEEP! What kind of kiss makes a guy passes out?! Think that was a dream? Well, Tamayo warns about making out in her yard ever again! Suzu so jealous that she claims she’ll tend her garden herself! Hmph! Who else witnessed this? Yup. Yukari. Now she’s awkward facing him at school. Satsuki shows how psycho she is by molesting Yukari as she wonders if big boobs are his type. Then she returns his hoe and even if she wanted to apologize all along and never expects to be forgiven, Nao is not impressed. Short flashback when he was doing his gardening and Satsuki came along. She hung out often and they became good friends. Until that dreadful day. However if Nao cannot remember what she wants, she will not force him. But she looks disappointed. On the way back, Nao thinks Satsuki is trying to kidnap Suzu. Proclaiming he will do anything to protect Suzu, the girls start to cringe. Siscon. Suzu explains she helped pick her up after falling down. Guess what? Suzu got Satsuki to help with her garden now! Next day, Yukari invites Nao to accompany her to the store to buy some stuffs for the committee. After that, Suzu getting jealous to think he went on a date. He pacifies her with this little hoe he bought for her so Yukari will finish the rest up herself. Satsuki teases Nao again by being flirty, trying to undress herself. As he puts up a struggle and he falls over her, oh look, Tamayo sees this unholy act. GET OUT!
Episode 2
Nao doesn’t want to get mad or anything so he just walks out. After all, he was prepared for the day Tamayo will kick them out. Satsuki has a different line of thinking. She wonders why Tamayo let them used the garden. It means she doesn’t hate them living with them. She gives him some seeds to plant. She hints if he really gets kicked out, she doesn’t mind he comes to live with her. Nao returns and apologizes. He hints the reason she let them stay and use her garden is because some crops take a few years to grow and they have to be tended every day. Tamayo doesn’t acknowledge or deny but looks like Nao has her permission to continue staying. At school, Yukari inviting Nao to hang out and while Nao likes the idea and even Tokui will support him, Nao brushes off that seeing he would love it but has to put Suzu’s welfare first. School’s over and it’s raining. He forgot his umbrella so Satsuki lends him hers and claims she has another. Back home, Nao is stumped Suzu hid her test scores. 100%! When Suzu says she was a bit late him because she helped send a classmate back home, suddenly Nao feels jealous? He goes out as he reminds us how his life is centred around Suzu. She is hopeless without him so whatever she likes, he likes. Whatever she hates, he hates. Then he is shocked seeing Satsuki walking in the rain. He is not happy everyone keeps lying to him. As he walks her home (which isn’t very far from his place and is quite decrepit), she allows him to stay here. But since he continues b*tching about Suzu needs him, she tells him she is at an age where she can be alone. Sometimes you can prioritize your own feelings. Or does his get anxious not putting Suzu first? He thinks she doesn’t understand and leaves. But Satsuki notes she has always been with him for 6 years. Nao returns home and Suzu is so relieved. She thought he didn’t want her anymore. When he talks about her test score, she gives excuses and still needs his tutoring. Next day, Nao falls sick. Suzu so worried that she clings onto him and doesn’t want to go! Eventually she has to go to school herself. Well, Satsuki is here to nurse him. It couldn’t get any worse as Yukari is also here to do the same. Wouldn’t you like this girl to cook for you? Fearing Yukari may get the wrong idea if she sees Satsuki here, Nao needs her to go home but too late. Satsuki is forced to hide underneath his blanket.
Episode 3
Oh Nao, you’re sweating even more. Perhaps your fever hasn’t gone down? Satsuki encouraging something naughty below, you bet his temperature is going up! Luckily Yukari makes him porridge and leaves. Later Yukari prays at a shrine and hints she likes Nao for a long time. But now is not the time for that so she prays for his recovery. Nao tries the porridge. OMG WAS SHE TRYING TO POISON HIM?! But because it was made by Yukari, he eats it all up! I don’t think he minds dying happy. Meanwhile Suzu is sad thinking Nao hates her as she thinks he doesn’t need to be around a big girl like her anymore. Satsuki advises he would love nothing more to be with his sister so that blows away Suzu’s worries. But Suzu wants to ask what happened 6 years ago. After Satsuki decimated the garden and Nao was in despair, Suzu chased Satsuki to seek an explanation. However she saw Satsuki meeting up with a man. Who was that guy? However Satsuki claims she might misremember things and that she was alone. Suzu is in a dilemma because after that destruction, Nao who spent more time with Satsuki then spent more time with Suzu. Because she wanted him all to herself, she kept quiet about it. As Nao and Yukari study at the library, he accidentally asks why she is so nice to him. Other than in the same committee, she reveals they met before. A time when she was changing in class, suddenly a panicky Nao entered looking for Suzu! Remember that one? Yeah, Yukari wished he didn’t. Embarrassing. For Nao. Yukari claims he is unlike other boys who probably see her as a sex object. But Nao who only thinks of Suzu, he isn’t like those perverted guys. Would you like to know? Nao thinks of ridding his worldly desires and is more than happy to get along well with Yukari but Tokui believes that might be her way of saying she doesn’t see him as her romantic partner. That night, Nao can’t sleep because either he is fantasizing sexy Yukari or Satsuki! Wow, Suzu can tell! Look at those dagger piercing stares! Next morning, Nao is sleep deprived and accidentally sprays water on Satsuki. At school, she hints she isn’t wearing any underwear so this might wake him up. Yukari can’t help observe Nao staring at Satsuki all the time. When a huge wind blows, immediately Nao goes to hug Satsuki! Damn. Everybody sees this. Satsuki reveals she is wearing his boxer shorts Suzu lent her! But thank you for covering me anyway. Nao bombs his test so Tokui wants him to take it easy and organizes a class trip to the beach. Everybody is coming. Even Satsuki.
Episode 4
Nao is even more worried. Going on a beach trip means he will be leaving Suzu alone! But guess what? Suzu is also worried because her class also has a beach trip (albeit a different beach) and won’t see him for a few days! Wow. This works out. But who will be taking care of the garden? Certainly not Tamayo. Maybe they’ll ask the neighbours. And of course, the swimsuit buying trip. How do you like those sexy curves on Satsuki?! Lolicons may prefer Suzu trying hard to be sexy. Virgin boy pretends to not be impressed. It seems Yukari is also here and she is stalking them? Maybe she should get one of her own. She tries to be conservative but seeing Satsuki so bold, she’ll try out the risqué one. Perhaps not. Nao thought Suzu is taking too long to change back on her own so he goes to check on her. He opens the wrong booth and sees Satsuki in her birthday suit. Oops! She is not thrilled. Apparently there is a difference when a girl shows off her skin and being seen. On the way back, they stumble into Yukari who thinks Nao and Satsuki are dating because she saw that kiss. However Satsuki claims it is part of her culture to kiss anyone and to prove it, she kisses Yukari. So yeah, there’s nothing going on with Nao. Beach trip is here. Nao having this anxiety of Suzu not being around! Nao saves Satsuki from being hit on by the guys. Actually, she was about to fight back! Satsuki reveals she doesn’t know how to swim and always skipped classes. This has Nao realize he does not know much about her, especially the way she lived for the past 6 years. Tokui sends Nao and Yukari to go do some errands. Definitely setting them up together because the list is just telling them to get lunch together. Tokui apologizes to Satsuki for setting this up although she claims she is not trying to be Nao’s boyfriend. In that case, Tokui will not hold back in rooting for him because he claims he doesn’t want to be Yukari’s boyfriend? Nao and Yukari hanging out together is attracting eyes of everyone so they head somewhere more secluded. Nao sums up his courage to praise her swimsuit but suddenly a school senior, Souichirou Fujioka shows up and is happy to see Yukari again. Her face going into trauma-like, something isn’t good. Some short snippet about Fujioka talking to Yukari and claiming he is not like any other guys. Tokui hears the other girls talking about sighting Fujioka in town. Oh man, from the looks of it, this guy sounds like trouble?
Episode 5
Nao talks to Fujioka directly. Looks like a nice guy. Because of that, he worried he compete with him for Yukari. Fujioka then goes to talk to Yukari who looks like she is impressed but he gives excuses to talk later. Satsuki now talks to Yukari and she is getting involved because it is worrying the hell out of Nao. Speaking of him, they overhear him telling the other pesky boys that he isn’t going out with Satsuki. Some even think of making a move on her if that’s the case. Nao had to warn that Satsuki isn’t the kind of person to hook up with anybody. Yukari reveals a secret to Satsuki that she has never gone out with any boy before. Not even Fujioka. Flashback shows when Fujioka confessed to her, she rejected him and ran away. However he never gave up and continued to be with her despite her constant rejection. To a point where Fujioka told everyone he was going out with her and that’s when everyone got the idea they were dating. Although after he graduated, she never heard from him since, he was waiting for her to graduate to contact her. It was by chance he stumbled into her here. Once again, Yukari runs away from her dinner with Fujioka. When Nao and Satsuki come to get her, Fujioka shows them the letter she left behind. Yukari wouldn’t pick up despite Fujioka’s attempts to call. But she does so when Tokui calls her. He claims she took a wrong turn and will come back here. She just doesn’t want to see Fujioka today. He agrees to leave and see her next morning. Tokui then reveals to his pals he lied about it although he did contact her. It is up to Nao to go get her.
Once Nao catches up to Yukari, he is concerned she has been sounding sad and can’t leave her alone. They talk about stuffs, especially Yukari feeling herself as a coward since she is unable to say the truth for fear of what others think of her. But Nao is different. He doesn’t follow the herd and flows his own way. It looks like she is about to make the big confession when Fujioka and her classmates all show up as they think she got lost and wanted to help find her. Nao then mentions Fujioka may have it all wrong. Because Yukari never wanted to enter a relationship with him so he might have been convincing himself he was in one. Fujioka rubbishes that and tries to get Yukari to agree with him. But that is when she sums up her courage that she never dated him and never had any feelings for him. Then and now. This shocks everyone as Yukari continues to lash out that he needs to listen instead of forcing it. Well, looks like that didn’t get through because now he gets rough with her! But thankfully, Satsuki giving her knee kick from the back! Satsuki threatens to call the police for stalking and he too for assault. He will back down for now and is disappointed in Yukari. He thought she was the ideal woman. Later Yukari thanks Satsuki but she downplays it since she doesn’t want Nao to be sad. She admits she likes Nao despite not being her ideal. Once this trip is over, she plans to confess to him. Oh, is that a war declaration? Satsuki dares her. Later Nao talks to Satsuki that with or without Fujioka, he still doesn’t stand a chance for Yukari. He also notes she seems more comfortable talking to Tokui these days. She dismisses she is interested in him and the only person so is Nao. Then she kisses him on the lips and warns him not to be nice anymore. Otherwise she will destroy something dear to him again.
Episode 6
Nao is in a bit of a shock when Satsuki mentions that he insists on thinking she betrayed him then. This has him wonder if he was actually the bad guy. Remembering further that day, the night before, Satsuki stayed at his place and they watched some movie about eloping. Nao suggested to go somewhere far and so they did. But that ended when it was going to be night so they had to go home. When Satsuki left, there was sadness in her smile. Meanwhile Yukari practising her confession. If she is that nervous before a mirror, imagine the real deal. Next day as Nao is outside Satsuki’s home, she asks about that kiss and if he hates it. He clears the air that he wasn’t mad that she wrecked their garden but rather she left without saying anything. She thinks he’ll get worried if she disappears on him again and wonders if he still likes her. Claiming that is all in the past, Satsuki gets mad and doesn’t want anything to do with him anymore and will skip school. At school, Yukari pulls Nao aside to confess. But those damn guys barging in trying to ask her out! Now that word has spread that she is no longer dating, all the guys are now taking their chances. This has Nao wonder what kind of relationship he wants with her.
Throughout the day, it seems luck is not on her side to make her confession. Something always up. Perhaps she got so stressed out about it, she enters the wrong changing room to change. No doubt Nao sees her undressing and has to lock the door before other guys come in. So, why is Yukari just standing there paralyzed?! Should she cover up herself?! Good chance to confess. In the midst of it, the teacher opens the door, accidentally pushing Nao and having him fall on top of Yukari. At that point she confesses she likes him before running out. As they leave school, Yukari lets him know he need not answer so quickly. Then gets clumsy as she tries to run away. Nao wondering if he is dreaming. I mean, the girl of his dreams just confessed. Later Nao visits Satsuki’s place but her dilapidated apartment is not even locked. He is shocked if this is how she lives every day. Noting on her calendar that she is working part time, he visits her there and you bet she is not happy to see him again. But soon the manager needs Nao’s help because the mascot just fainted. Please take his place! Nao the panda. Getting abused by kids. Getting hit on by ladies. And stepping in to protect Satsuki when punks try to ask her out! After the job, Nao expresses he is worried about her and her living conditions. She doesn’t give a damn but he assures her that they will always be childhood friends no matter what. In that case, can she keep being around him? Okay. So they’re back on track again? Then she asks about Yukari’s confession. However Nao is in a dilemma on how to answer. He believes no matter what answer he gives, he will disappoint her. Satsuki would love to call him a coward but ultimately it is his decision to make. Once he does so, nobody can judge him for it. Next day at school, Nao meets Yukari to give his answer.
Episode 7
Nao apologizes. No, he is not rejecting her but he needs more time to answer her because he is not confident in giving her an answer now. He believes she deserves better but she insists she only wants him. As she cannot wait and doesn’t want to be like Fujioka, she suggests dating on a trial basis. Embarrassed guy can’t have this but she pleads if she gives up now, she’ll have nothing. What choice does he have? Later Nao talks to Tokui about this and the latter wonders why he can’t be honest since he actually likes her. Nao explains he is trying to give a serious thought about his future and can’t just simply answer. His plan is to get a job to support himself and Suzu after he graduates. By being independent, he can date Yukari without feeling ashamed. Satsuki hears this but she is not jealous and wishes them well. Nao goes for a job interview at the Chinese restaurant. As he waits, he notices another interviewee, Makina Umezawa sleeping. Feeling he met her somewhere before, he takes a closer look at her first. Of course she gets up and freaks out. She accuses him of trying to kiss her. As the manager tries to settle things, Makina catches glimpse of Nao’s CV. Nao then has a date with Yukari at the zoo. Suzu not happy because it’s supposed to be their outing. But Suzu can’t stay mad forever as Yukari is a nice person. Meanwhile Satsuki and Tokui are tailing them. They look like pro stalkers. Nao gets to taste Yukari’s cooking. Good housewife material, right? The duo is this close to have a romantic moment, only to be interrupted by Suzu who wants to go to the toilet. When she is done, the gang stumbles into the stalkers who admit without shame about what they’re doing. They take Suzu to get her ice cream so as to let the lovebirds spend more time together. Will they waste this chance? Hey, at least they manage to hold hands after all the shy moments. Big achievement. Especially Nao who feels this whole thing as real. Dating is so cool! Maybe they can hold hands again for the summer break. Reminder, Satsuki kissed Nao before. So how does Yukari prepare for the summer break? Getting a box of condoms… Does she know his size?! Can’t wait for summer vacation to come. After school, Makina is seen waiting at the school gates, wanting to meet Nao.
Episode 8
Once Nao learns who she is, he remembers. He didn’t expect Makina to change so much. They were on the same track and field team in middle school. Though, he was just a ghost member and only was on the team because the school had some rule that all students must join a club. A rising star in the industry, she now goes to a prestigious sports school. She is here because Nao doesn’t have a handphone and she is here to tell him the manager approved both their job application. Since the other classmates confirm Nao has no girlfriend, Makina takes this chance to get flirty with him and go buy a handphone with him. It costs Nao a lot but the first contact Nao puts in his contact is Yukari. He calls her and she is ecstatic to be his first contact. This doesn’t please Makina. More shocking she learns he has a girlfriend but can’t act so in front of his classmates. She thinks his girlfriend is Satsuki but he denies. Makina returns to her dorm only to be chided by her senior for skipping practice. Other classmates seem to be mocking her, thinking she is giving up. Makina doesn’t care and is still appalled at Nao having a girlfriend. She gets an idea to break them up. At work, she tries to ask him out but he instantly rejects her. Then she tries to be flirty with him but no effect. She even gets scolded by the manager for not doing her job! She thinks he is treating her so because he looks at her like a little sister. However he believes she can handle things by herself and doesn’t think she wants to be around a guy who was permanently on the bench. Makina is happy with that praise since it has been a while somebody does that. Surprisingly, as she is changing, Satsuki is here to take her belongings back. She quips Nao likes them bigger!
Next time Makina meets Nao, she tells him to break up with Satsuki. Told you already, not my girlfriend. Speaking of her, they see her walking by. Nao tries to catch her but after she turns the corner, she disappears? But what’s this alley? Love hotels! Before Makina gets any ideas, her senior is appalled to see her here. Is this why she is skipping training? Not wanting to make a fuss, Makina takes her away. Nao goes on a date with Yukari who is curious about his relationship with Makina. Don’t worry, she’s just like a little sister. Huge relief. Back home, Nao talks to Satsuki about doing something shady. Satsuki hints she may have. Noting his tired legs, she wants to show off her massage skills. Obviously to flirt and cock tease the dude. Why is she breathing so hard too?! She assures she wants to get close enough to him but not destroy the connection they have. After giving up this flirtation, she reveals she is working at a steakhouse as they pay well during the summer break. Going through that alley was a shortcut. She also states she is not estranged from her family but rather they are not trying to contact each other. She just wants to live on her own. Makina soon calls Nao and wants him to go see the fireworks with her. And pretend to be her boyfriend. She lied to her friends she would be bringing her boyfriend. Nao still refuses her but can send Tokui to help her out. Yes, a better looking guy than him! I don’t think Makina wants that but she wonders if Nao will come with his girlfriend. Probably a good move by Nao to dodge her question and get back to work.
Episode 9
Nao goes to festival with Suzu. Then he gets a call from Tokui about Makina suddenly running towards the shrine. I guess he has to handle it now. He leaves Suzu in the care of her friend. Nao goes to meet Makina. Not sure what she’s b*tching about when a couple of guys try to hit on her. Nao gives her the signal to run. See her dash off like a sprinter before he comes running too. Those jerks must be wondering what the hell is happening. Catching their breath, Makina not happy he told her to run instead of fighting the baddies off like a hero. Nao doesn’t care if he looks uncool to protect those he loves because it will be all for nothing if they end up in trouble. When it comes down to it, he will protect them with his life. Makina wonders if he would do the same for her. Too late, fireworks started so he doesn’t have to answer. Learning Yukari is his girlfriend, she wants to meet her. Wish granted because here she is. Seeing how beautiful this buxom babe, Makina runs off! I guess screw playing the fake boyfriend, huh? Yeah, she never thought Yukari would be in a whole different league than her. She realizes she is not envious of Nao but in love with him. As Nao and Yukari spend some time together, it starts to rain heavily. They rush home but to their surprise, Satsuki is there. Just to help cover and move the plants from the storm. Since it is this late, Nao lets both girls stay. The girls take a bath as Satsuki tries to tell Yukari something. Because she seems so happy with Nao, she laments she will never be more than just childhood friends with him. Is this a threat? Later Nao provides them a room to sleep so Satsuki teases them about not having sex tonight. That night as Nao sleeps, Yukari sneaks into his room trying to steal a kiss. She backs out upon hearing him talking in his sleep. When he wakes up, he thinks Satsuki is at one of her pranks but realizes it is Yukari. Yukari is not happy that he thought she was Satsuki. She wants him to look at her more. In short, she allows him to do what he wants with her. Are we jumping to sex?! Will Nao do it?! She is offering herself! Don’t miss it! He is about to until he remembers her words that he is different from other guys. Time to stop. He says this isn’t something they should rush into. She returns to her room as Nao hopes this is for the best. Got to protect what he has with care. Yeah, you just missed your big chance, you virgin boy! Don’t regret it! While Yukari is worried she ruined her image for him, Satsuki doesn’t seem pleased. Because they didn’t do it or should have?
Episode 10
I suppose Satsuki knew what happened last night as she compliments Nao for holding it in. But she advises him to work on his communication because if he keeps talking like that, Yukari will end up crying. At work, Makina trying to tease Nao about his date but gets disheartened to learn they spend the night together. The manager gives them tickets for 2 for a movie. Makina doesn’t need them but since Nao wants her to come, might as well. Yukari receives text from Nao wanting to talk. She fears he wants to break up! She has to talk to Tokui about this as he assures he will not do such a thing. Even if this dating is a trial, it is still a date. If there is something that makes her insecure, she should tell Nao. This lifts Yukari’s morale as she needs to get stronger so she won’t lose to Satsuki. Tokui sighs that she too has low self-confidence. During the movie, Nao falls asleep! Onto Makina?! Yukari once again worries when her call doesn’t get through Nao but later he explains he was in a cinema. But now she’s worried he went with Satsuki? On the day Nao and Yukari meet to talk, it seems Yukari has something to do first. Thus Makina seeks permission to ‘borrow’ Nao for that time. Yukari allows it because she trusts Nao. He becomes her mule while shopping. Then when they go eat, apparently this is the new place Satsuki is working. Is Nao cheating? Makina claims this isn’t because she is just borrowing Nao to help with a personal problem. Oh. In that case Satsuki also wants to borrow him and make arrangements. Later Makina feeling a bit down because Yukari and Satsuki both have bigger boobs than her and she thinks guys like ‘em big. She gives Nao permission to touch hers. We all know she’s trying to act tough. Nao then explains his lovely feelings for Yukari and thanks Makina for helping him sort them out. Makina runs away seeing it wasn’t her intention to even encourage him. Yukari arrives but she didn’t hear the whole confession part and would like him to say it all again. Nao and Yukari walk home together, for now their love for each other assured. Makina goes for a night run as she remembers her senior’s words that if she fails to turn up for the next training, she would be expelled. If that happens, she might change school and won’t see Nao anymore. It’s not like she’s his #1. She looks like she’s set on giving up when Nao is here to return the shopping bags she forgot to take. Next day Makina visits Nao’s home but he is out at work. Only Suzu is in. Makina says she will give up on running and start anew. Suzu quips she should also give up on Nao because she is not his #1! Oh Suzu! However Makina despite claiming she will do so, she believes that this adversity will only make love stronger. Suzu not impressed with her optimism.
Episode 11
Tamayo finds it odd that Nao is going to cram school for summer. Did he not say he was going to work after he graduates rather than college? Must be a girl. True enough, he is there because Yukari is attending one. And looks like they are dating for real and no more a trial. Of course Satsuki is there to cock tease him about being there for him so feel free to tell or do anything he wants to her. She’ll be available 24/7. That’s her role as his childhood friend. Yukari invites Nao to her home out of the blue. Would he miss this chance? Obviously not. He meets her mom, Mio. Don’t fall for her beauty now! Mio talks about her other child, Shou (Yukari’s younger brother) born with a weaker body. He is away at some swimming class to strengthen his body. Because mom is always taking care of Shou, Yukari hardly got any attention so she was worried what kind of boys she might end up with. But with Nao, she is assured. When mom goes out to pick up Shou, Yukari invites Nao to her room. It is not a study session. Long story short, she wants to have sex with him as proof they are lovers. Yeah, condoms already bought. Teaching him how to undress her. I’m sure this is not just to feel each other’s heart beat which is beating super fast right now. Before we see them make out, Mio returns after she cuts short her trip. Wow, our lovers already put back on their clothes? That was quick. As Yukari goes down to get drinks, Nao panics and accidentally drops the box of condoms! Oh sh*t. Mio says her daughter is still a child. What about him? Nao decides to leave. Mio then asks Yukari about putting Nao in an uncomfortable position. While Yukari says as couples, they can do anything they want, mom suggests it would be better for them to just stay as friends. She knows everything so she can’t hide it from her.
Nao is panicking about what he has (and almost) done. He can’t tell this to anyone but feels the need to do so. Why is Satsuki’s face popping up? So distraught he faints? He wakes up with Satsuki next to him. Due to his mumbling, she learnt what happened. She doesn’t blame him but Yukari for being impatient. She warns if they rush things and end up having a baby while in school, it will be just like his parents who have to elope and leaving a trail of destroyed families. That’s right. Your good ol’ childhood friend knows everything. She picks up his condom and is willing to do it with him. She starts kissing him and he feels like drowning. Because Satsuki is pouring water to wake him up?! So that was just a dream?! As she is not aware of what’s happening, Nao laments how tough it is to care for others especially outside the family. So, is he saying dating girls is a pain? Because Nao claims she is the only person whom he can talk to, it also makes him feel horrible for saying that. With Mio’s words ringing in his head, he realizes he is also a child.
Episode 12
Satsuki can tell he is emotionally unstable today but Nao cannot divulge too much to her. Shockingly, Mio is before them as she offers to give them a ride home. As Nao blames himself for what happened, Mio wants him to stop lying because she very well knows it was all Yukari’s idea. While she is okay for them to keep seeing each other, but just as friends. So does Mio want them to break up? As a mother, she wants her daughter to grow up properly. While she doesn’t want to deny the topic regarding sex, as ‘children’ she hopes they can keep it under control. Even though she wants them to break up, it is not forever. When they have grown up and still have feelings for each other, they can try again. Back home, Suzu is mad he is late. Premium ice cream not pacifying her, Nao hugs her and claims she is the most important person to him and that has not changed. Time to head to bed early. Nao soon notices several missed calls from Yukari. I hope she isn’t stalking him now. Asking if he is coming to cram school tomorrow, he suggests they skip it and go on a date. Yukari is delighted but unknown to her, Mio is watching and she believes Nao ignored her advice. Nao and Yukari meet at a fast food joint. They have their study session there too. Meanwhile Mio visits Tokui and looks like they know each other. Tokui knows about Mio’s sentiments about the duo going out. Mio despite what she said to Nao, she actually likes him but just needed to voice her concern as a parent. Tokui knows Nao is a good guy and that they won’t break up easily even if they look like they are about to. This is exactly what worries Mio as this might lead them down the wrong path. Yukari being too close to Nao studying so much so Nao starts having thoughts he wants to undress and touch her! OMFG THOSE WORDS ARE MAGICALLY FLOATING ALL OVER!!! Better pipe it down, don’t want other people to think you’re some kind of pervert. Meanwhile Yukari is not satisfied with their current relationship and thinks of doing more. Got to make him happy and understand his feelings and needs. Surprisingly, Mio tells Yukari she changed her mind about them breaking up. But keep it moderate. Their next date put on hold because looks like Makina broke her foot so Nao has to cover her shift. Nao soon calls Makina to check on her. Oh boy, does he need to say he will help her with anything? Because of that, she believes this is her only chance because he prioritizes his girlfriend and sister. Makina wants him to come over to her place.
Episode 13
Can Nao just waltz into a girl’s dorm? Apparently no security because everyone here so focused in their sports, they practically have no time for boyfriends! Makina wastes no time in flirting with him as she asks if he is going to marry Yukari. Because he hasn’t thought of it, she questions why he is dating her then. Does he even love her? Because if he does, he wouldn’t care what others say about their relationship. Nao realizes the err of his ways and this only amounts to disrespecting Yukari. Sorry Makina, your plan to break them up just backfired. Satsuki seems to receive a letter from her parents. Not looking good? Yukari flirts with Nao at the school library. It seems she is planning to rebel against mom and not talk to her until she fully accepts their relationship. As Yukari leaves, she overhears the teacher trying to convince Satsuki about some sudden move. She then talks to her and wonders if she is transferring to another school and if she is in love with Nao. Satsuki says nothing. None of your business. But it is up to her to tell Nao about it. Meanwhile Nao goes to talk to Mio and believes her opposition is because of sex. He assures nothing of that sort will happen as he reveals his parents gave birth to him while they were in high school. They never told him about it and only found out via relatives at their funeral. That is why he will never do anything to make Yukari unhappy. Mio understands all that so she is going to give him a chance. As Nao calls Yukari about this, however she is telling him about Satsuki’s transfer and she is planning to leave without saying goodbye. She believes in him to go say his goodbye to her but come back to her, okay? Nao arrives as the train is about to depart so Satsuki forces him in. Oh well, it’s a long ride home. He tries to lecture her about disappearing on him again but she says nothing. Upon arrival, Nao notices if she lives this far, how did she visit him every day before? Because he insists walking her to her home (despite her angry threatening face not to), she brings him to her… Castle! Just trolling. Still insisting he wants to meet her family, she takes her to her family inn. This one is not trolling.
Episode 14
They are greeted by Yayoi Kusakabe who is a worker at the inn. She knows about Nao and has heard a lot of him from Satsuki. As Satsuki goes to prepare herself, Yayoi explains something shocking that Nao doesn’t even know. Satsuki’s grandma is the proprietress of this inn but passed away at the beginning of the year. Satsuki’s mom is the current successor and seeing Satsuki would be next in line to inherit it, she doesn’t want to and this explains why she ran away to Tokyo. She is not sure why she doesn’t want to do it but it may have something to do her parents are not her real parents! This beg the questions what happened to her real parents and if he should dig deep into this. Later Nao asks Satsuki about this and she never told because she didn’t want to. She didn’t want his pity and make things weird. Next morning, Nao finds a strange casual guy in the field. He is Naozumi and Satsuki’s brother (not related by blood). Because of their similar names, Naozumi takes a liking for him. As Nao escorts Satsuki to see her parents, he asks about her succeeding but she says her parents never needed her for anything. She believes they view her as a nuisance and only get in the way of others. Nao believes she needs his help. Otherwise why bring him along? To mess with Yukari? Nao doesn’t mind pretending to be his girlfriend if it gives her an excuse to go back to Tokyo.
When they meet the parents, Nao fears they look like the strict type. But suddenly they feel bad for all this happening and even apologize. Damn, they have such good hospitality. Oh well, they do run an inn. They explain they wanted Satsuki to come back and succeed the inn. Back then when they took Satsuki in, they were very busy and had no time for her. Now with things established, they thought if Satsuki inherited the place, they could reclaim some of that lost family time. What about Naozumi, their real son? He was mixing with the wrong crowd so he was somewhat rebellious. Speaking of which, the reason why they took in Satsuki was because they were indebted to her mother who provided for them financially at that time. Thus the letter to Satsuki was so she could return to marry Naozumi to take over the inn. Naozumi barges in and disagrees with it. He cannot see Satsuki as more than his little sister. Satsuki wants more time to think about this so her parents agree to it but hopes she keeps regular contact with them. Flashback on when Satsuki was adopted by them, Naozumi became her big brother and taught her stuffs. Fearing he would stop seeing her that way one day, he went off on his own and told her she too should live the way she wanted. Had Naozumi not become her emotional support in those years, Satsuki wouldn’t have known what to do. When Naozumi sees off the duo at the train station back to Tokyo, Naozumi whispers to Satsuki if she finds it too hard to handle her unrequited love, come home. While Satsuki claims Nao already has a girlfriend, Naozumi says it doesn’t dismiss the fact that she loves him. So now Satsuki is having restless thoughts if she is really in love with Nao.
Episode 15
Having not heard from Nao, Yukari thinks of stuffs of making him happy. Yeah, this website that suggests sexy selfie pics might do the trick. She tries all sorts of poses and outfits until a call from Nao to assure he is coming back. Satsuki’s family issue has been resolved and she doesn’t have to transfer. Why Yukari doesn’t look happy? Once done, Yukari thinks of wearing this skimpy swimsuit as his photo gift. Not enough? Try removing a little bit more. Because she is too embarrassed about it, Shou comes to tell her off but is shocked to see her dress like a slut! Will mom see this too? Meanwhile Satsuki is pondering about the meaning of love. All her interactions with Nao were just messing with him but yet she feels irritated and restless. Because if Nao is in love with someone else, it is pointless for her to be in love with him. Therefore she is not in love. She doesn’t want to get in their way. Yukari sees Tokui for advice and while he recommends a full naked body, he also opines against it because casually sending spicy pics sends message that she can’t assess risks. He asks what kind of photo she would like to receive from a guy. Looks like she has got her answer. Yukari goes to meet up with Nao at his work place. She has the manager take a picture of them (watching Makina not very happy!) as she sends this photo to Nao as her gift. Suddenly Satsuki walks up to them as she confesses she loves Nao. Is she trolling? No. I love you romantically. She wants to know if he loves her or hates her. Are those her only options? Yukari trying to give her piece of mind but Satsuki says she is talking to Nao so butt out. Yukari then takes Satsuki to talk privately. She reminds her about her talk about being Nao’s childhood friend. She thought Satsuki should have handled this confession better and she knows better Nao is too nice of a guy to hate his childhood friend. Satsuki says she was okay with this childhood friend idea but now it makes her sick. She is going to destroy that relationship. As for if she will destroy Yukari’s relationship with him, it depends on his answer.
Satsuki making good of Nao’s promise to help teach her swim. He is in no right mind to do that for a girl who just confessed to him but Satsuki doesn’t care. She’s already undressed to her swimsuit. Tokui visits Nao’s house but only Suzu is in. Suzu mentioning her brother is being so popular and being pulled by all the girls. Tokui feeling jealous? Well, Tokui notes he is still getting over being dumped by his older girlfriend. That was 3 years ago. Suzu pities him and wants to introduce her friends?! Is she serious?! Thank goodness he is no lolicon. Nao answers Satsuki that he cannot hate his childhood friend. But if her feelings go beyond that, he cannot reciprocate her. She expected that answer and only made him do so to get this off her chest. Now she is feeling better. Nao thought Satsuki is going to drown herself and dives in to save her. However she thought he would go home if she was hiding. She’d rather distance herself than being a nuisance. Because if she goes away, he might stop caring for her. But having him not care for her is worse than him hating her? So confused. Shou sees Nao’s picture on Yukari’s phone and recognizes that guy he saw at the pool with another hot babe. He teases his sister that she is being cheated on and that’s why naïve girls like her get hurt. OMFG did he make his sister cry?! You promise you won’t cry but aren’t you?! Next day, Nao meets up with Yukari and vows to act in a manner not to make her worry.
Episode 16
Why is Nao looking so depressed? WTF YUKARI JUST DUMPED HIM?! Satsuki talks to Yukari as the latter reveals Nao assured her that he turned down Satsuki’s confession and will try his best to avoid seeing her. After all, he believes Satsuki of all people will understand. For some reason, she wasn’t happy with that and then suggested she shouldn’t be his girlfriend anymore. Way to go, Yukari. It couldn’t get any worse as there are rumours circulating that Tokui and Yukari are dating. Nao is more confused because Yukari is still talking to him like as though nothing happened. Here comes Satsuki to usual cock tease him and even suggest they have sex! This is only out of curiosity as Satsuki is still unsure of her feelings are of love. After all, he is the human whom she likes most on this planet. So if he wants sex, she is willing to give it to him. Just ask. Tokui confronts Yukari about the breakup and wonders if she is looking for some kind of reassurance beyond just being in a relationship. Then he mentions of this legend that if 2 people kiss during the festival’s after party, they are guaranteed to get married within 3 years. Tokui even notes this to Satsuki as she wonders whose side he is on. He believes it is only natural to take what is within reach but she is not appreciative of his meddling. Tasks are delegated to the students for the upcoming cultural festival. Nao and Satsuki bump into each other at the store while getting ingredients. Is she crying? Interrupted when Yukari and Tokui are here to do the same thing. But nothing happens as they go on as usual. Nao continues his depression over the Tokui x Yukari rumours. He still can’t get over it since Yukari is his first girlfriend. Satsuki then pesters him about sex, claiming she won’t hate him even if he uses her to satisfy his libido. And just like that he goes to her place to initiate sex. She suggests a bath together. But after thinking about their times together, Nao realizes that sex is only between 2 people dating and after having agreed on that. He is not budging on this. Satsuki figured that out and is sensible enough not to do it since he just had a breakup. She gives him until the festival to ask her out and FYI, her answer will always be yes.
Episode 17
Tokui taking Suzu around the festival grounds. She talks about the urban legends for couples and can’t believe it still exists in today’s age. Tokui explains the specifics get updated anytime and learning this version has Suzu quip it sounds more like a curse! Man, it’s like Suzu has matured or something. But seriously love is a 2 way thing and to have both love each other back, it takes a miracle. One can only keep hoping till the end. Yukari has baked cookies for Nao. Some of her friends are asking if it is for Tokui so she declines and claims it is for Nao, shocking them. When Yukari and Nao meet, other guys want to have a photo with her. They get chased all over and even hide using mascot masks. I think kissing via these don’t count. When they are cornered, Nao tries to be a hero to protect her but gets bumped and knocked out! The teacher ends this farce as Yukari returns to her shift and Nao is taken to the infirmary by Satsuki. She bugs him for the answer. Despite he loves her, he cannot go out with her because he loves Yukari. Time for Satsuki to go into flirting mode. Will this change his mind? Despite Yukari don’t mind being his mistress or even a proper relationship, Nao has made up his mind that he wants to break up with Yukari. He will keep his distance from both girls. With the signal of the end of the festival, Satsuki kisses him and then says goodbye. At the end of the festival, Nao breaks this news to Yukari and we see her running away in tears.
Back home, Suzu got the cookies from Yukari and wants to share but Nao lets her eat all of it since he has no right to accept it. Despite putting a lot of thought into his answer, Nao still feels guilty over this. Mio is teasing Yukari over the breakup since it is so obvious. She is skipping school for 3 days just because of this? Yikes. Spoilt. Because of that, Shou calls Tokui to get Nao to come out and meet Yukari. Because he will also be there to scold him for breaking his sister’s heart! As they wait, Shou is introduced to Suzu for the first time. Seeing how she is so mature in handling this love affair, Shou can’t hate her. In fact, is he starting to fall for Suzu?! Eventually Yukari talks to Tokui that what hit her the hardest wasn’t Nao’s rejection but rather he also said he loved Satsuki. Deep down she knew she couldn’t compete with her and now he ended up not picking either one of them. Back home, Tamayo tells Nao that the landlady of his previous home is set for demolition. Nao has taken all the important possessions and left behind the unwanted ones. But to Tamayo’s dismay, he did not take his late father’s laptop. Looks like there are some secrets there. Tamayo begs Nao to go retrieve it personally. Yes, the home where he used to live with his parents. The home where he first met Satsuki.
Episode 18
As Nao approaches the house, he sees a young lady leaving. Then he goes in to look for the computer as he tries to figure out what was on it. Perhaps a photo that dad took of him and Satsuki together. As he couldn’t find it, he realizes that lady may be holding it. After all, that package is the size of a laptop. He goes to track her down waiting at the taxi stop. Rika Matsuyama who is the granddaughter of the landlady, knows all about him and his family. She brings him back to her home as Nao plots how to take the laptop. YOU MEAN HE WANTS TO STEAL IT???!!! Turns out it is just some snack box. When Rika learns what is happening, she tells him that earlier on, Satsuki too came to the house looking for the computer. More accurately, what’s in it. Most probably that picture. Noting this is some love triangle, Rika brings him to the bar where she works so Nao can talk all he wants about his problems. Basically he can’t choose. But Rika believes he already has chosen one deep down but is too scared to admit it. Soon, a call from Tamayo. When Nao says he couldn’t find the computer, she tells him to come back. It is okay if it is never found as long as what’s in it never gets out. As Nao is about to leave, Rika reveals that she used to talk to his father for relationship advice. She too was in the same position, unable to choose between 2 guys who liked her and choosing one would hurt the other. Dad’s reply was whichever she picked, there will still be a chance she would be happy and it is not certain that the unchosen one would end up unhappy. She went with her guts and picked one. But broke up with him a week later. After that when she visited his dad again, she noticed he was sending emails. It was to Tamayo and because she was nervous in facing her exams, he has been emailing her every day as encouragement. This leaves Nao in shock because he thought dad has cut off ties with the rest of the family. Looks like he was secretly keeping in touch with Tamayo. Even after a relationship is broken, a new one can be born.
Nao goes home to tell Tamayo that the computer may have been disposed of because Suzu accidentally broke it. So don’t worry about anyone seeing those emails. Emails?! How do you know about that! Whoops! Meanwhile Tokui meets Satsuki and looks like all she wanted was memories but didn’t get what she wanted. She thought this would be enough but she wanted more. Tokui suggested she date him because even though she doesn’t like him, it’s not like she hates him either. Plus, he is Nao’s friend so there is no way she could hate anyone who is connected to him. After hearing this, Tokui decides to be on Satsuki’s side. So she requests if Nao tries to see her, do everything to stop him. When Nao visits Satsuki’s house, only Tokui is there to tell him that she has moved out about a week ago. Even transferred away to another school. Why didn’t he say anything? He never asked. To Nao’s shock, Tokui reveals that he is dating Satsuki. As Nao inspects the empty rooms, he remembers Rika posing a psychological question of which girl he would want to save when stranded in the ocean. The catch is he cannot use the lifeboat himself. Doomed to die? She doesn’t pester him to answer but tells him the girl he chooses is important to her. But the one he doesn’t, he is completely dependent on her. Nao is now regretting he has been relying on Satsuki. Right till the very end, she never blamed him. He wants to apologize to her. However 3 months later, Nao is now dating Makina?! Then there’s this call from Rika that they found the USB of that computer. Apparently dad saved a copy and gave to grandma landlady for safekeeping. She lost it but recently found it after some annual house cleaning. With the USB returned, Nao prints that photo. Then he calls the inn but Yayoi picks up. Sorry, Satsuki isn’t here. Where is she? From the looks of it, she is living in a dorm.
Episode 19
Tamayo getting a shock when Nao says he doesn’t want to go for his school trip. Is he being bullied? Makina gives Nao super expensive chocolates for Valentine. As long as he doesn’t get any from Yukari or Satsuki, she is happy. WTF? Nao tries to text Tokui about Satsuki’s whereabouts but gets ignored. Yukari gives Nao her chocolates but they are for friendship. Tokui is at a lost on what to do until he receives a text from Satsuki. That is when he decides to meet up with Nao and talk. Tokui claims he doesn’t know where Satsuki is. Thus Nao knew it all along Satsuki put him up to this fake dating lie. Nao blames himself for all he has done so Tokui shows Satsuki’s message telling him off not to contact her again. He believes Satsuki may be going far away. Where? Dunno. Nao may never see her again. Tokui persuades him to come for the school trip. Even if he can’t see Satsuki anymore, the option of getting back with Yukari is still viable. However he is happy to remain friends. As Nao finally decides to go for the school trip (changed from Kyoto to Okinawa), he is put in the same group as Yukari, Tokui and Shimada. When Nao goes home, he is surprised but delighted to see Tamayo all dressed up well. Looking for a job? Nah. Going to see his teacher to make sure he isn’t getting bullied. The least she could do for that laptop request. At Okinawa, as Tokui and Yukari are talking, they see Satsuki there too! Looks like her school trip coincidentally coincides with theirs. Tokui assures Nao doesn’t know about this. Later Satsuki confronts Tokui about this. She wonders how he knew where she was despite not telling him any info. From the message she sent, there was some mosaic in which he used to research which school it was from. She thought he was on her side. Yes he is and that is why Nao will never hear anything from him. All she has to do is not run into him and she is adamant never to see Nao again. If their itineraries differ, how come Yukari and Shimada keep bumping into Satsuki?! They have to usher Nao to look away each time! This is set up by Tokui as he wanted to create a chance for them to talk again. Nao may have rejected her but she is still his important childhood friend and has been down ever since. With both schools keep running into each other, Yukari finally lets Nao know that Satsuki is here. Instantly that guy runs to find her. Where?
Episode 20
Nao confronted Tokui about not telling him Satsuki is here. He obviously did not as he knew Nao would fluster like this. Tokui warns that Satsuki has gone to great lengths to avoid seeing him so he’ll have a hard time to catch her. However Nao is adamant to do what it takes to see her. Well, we didn’t expect him to sneak into the girls’ side of the hotel to go see her! Obviously he gets caught by the teacher so Yukari and Shimada have to bail him out. Tokui wonders if he really needs to see her here because once they return to Tokyo, there will be plenty of chances. However Nao asserts it must be on this trip as there is no telling if he will see Satsuki ever again. You mean he wants to sneak in again despite the teachers putting up more patrol?! Oh well, seeing how desperate he is, Yukari and Shimada feign some issue to lure Satsuki’s roommate out. Nao heads in but Satsuki is fast asleep. Worse, Tokui texts that the teachers are doing their inspections so he must get back. Thus Nao leaves a message in Satsuki’s hands that he has the photo she wants. Unfortunately the next day there is no reply. Simply because Nao never left his contacts or even the room he is staying at. Don’t worry, Tokui foresaw this and has his best friend, Abe who goes to the same school as Satsuki to deliver the message. She only wants the photo. Worse, their school’s trip ends today so desperate Nao turns Abe into his personal delivery guy as the messages goes back and forth. So when Satsuki is going to tell Abe to stop this for the last time, turns out to be Nao swapping school uniforms with the dude. Finally they get to meet face to face. But first, he takes her to the sunflower field before handing back that photo. Satsuki reveals it is not because Nao couldn’t choose between them that she avoided him so hard. Rather, she didn’t want to intrude on his happiness and did what she could to get out of his life. Satsuki thinks he is coming back to her after he rejected Yukari and are now only friends. Nao denies but admits he has always been relying on her and he handled it all badly. He felt pity for her. She is important to him. She doesn’t trust him! Satsuki teases panicking Nao with a kiss. Of course pulled back in the last minute. Although she needs more time, but if he kisses her, she will believe his feelings are real. Your hint that they can see each other again once they get back to Tokyo. She takes a picture of him and sends it over with her contacts.
Episode 21
Looks like Nao is in regular contact with Satsuki. Meanwhile Shimada is hosting with a bunch of other girls to help cheer up Yukari. At Nao’s workplace? Obviously Yukari is very embarrassed about it. Though, she blames herself for this one sided love. Shimada notes love is love so there is nothing to be embarrassed about and there is nothing wrong in loving someone. The manager talks to Nao that Makina is quitting at the end of the week and she seems to be looking on the edge lately. When he goes to see her, she instantly runs away? Oh, her big sister is here and she’s running away from her? Big sister came to bring her home but Makina refused despite she has been skipping practices. Makina didn’t want to do that. And what’s this? They are not actually dating and it’s just a lie cooked up by Makina to reassure her sister? So before she goes home, she wants Nao to go on her date with her tomorrow. Uhm, isn’t that when he is supposed to meet Satsuki. He calls Satsuki about it and she allows him to go help Makina. So we see them together on a date as she tells him why she is skipping practices. With rumours that her runs were sloppy and slower than other athletes, it is only logical to quit if she can’t win. Unfortunately, Nao still can’t officially date her after this so she can’t accept this and wants to run as fast as she can? Does she want him to catch her or what? Yeah, this guy is already late for his date with Satsuki and he still has to run and catch her! She trips. He falls on her. Feel better now? She asks to go out with her. We won’t hear her answer because Nao rushes to meet Satsuki. Just got here? Doesn’t look like it. The usual Satsuki flirting but she is too close to him that he could feel her heartbeat. This makes her embarrassed as she pulls away from him. Walking her home, Satsuki tells the reason of her transfer. She is thinking of taking over the inn and this school offers subjects that will be useful for business. Nao doesn’t have a solid plan yet although it is to support Suzu. Satsuki feels very happy because he showed up. Nao gets emotional and hugs her. He is probably about to kiss her too but she pulls back, claiming the dorm’s CCTV is watching. For Nao, he thought she rejected him.
Episode 22
Nao is still worried about Satsuki and can’t focus on his studies. But the moment she replies a message (“Meat”?), this guy is over the moon and now can study hard. The motivation every guy needs. At school, Nao and Yukari continue to interact like normal. But it doesn’t mean Yukari is over him and is still having a hard time accepting it. Tamayo advises Nao to go to college so he can earn more with a degree. Don’t worry about tuition fees because she’ll support him. In exchange, she’ll leave the house chores to him since he is also paying her rent. This means Nao doesn’t have to save up and move as they can stay here as long as they want. With Satsuki calling Nao as she is around the area, Nao invites her in. Seeing that his household is in order, she thinks he doesn’t need her help anymore. Things get awkward when she sees borrowed notes from Yukari on his table. Sure, not his girlfriend yet but how are you feeling right now? That is when she suggests kissing now and even strips! Go ahead and do anything you want too. Nao getting scared something is wrong. Is this not what he wants? When she fears he doesn’t need her, that is when he hugs her and dismisses such thoughts. Satsuki soon tells Naozumi and Yayoi are getting married. This means she won’t be needed to take over the inn and she doesn’t want to be a bother either. She also apologizes for avoiding his kiss that day as she was scared of accepting how he felt for her. As she can’t handle hope, that’s why she always ended up breaking things precious to her. She considers herself a coward.
Later Nao ponders about her erratic behaviour and believes it could stem from one thing. So he goes down to Satsuki’s family inn to see Naozumi and Yayoi. Naozumi clearing the air of Satsuki’s misunderstanding. Despite getting married to Yayoi, he is not inheriting the inn. Naozumi describes more about Satsuki’s mom that she was completely different than her daughter. Very gaudy. She often left her daughter alone and go play somewhere else. After she disappeared and left Satsuki behind, Naozumi was tasked to look after her. He often brought Satsuki to the house she used to live before. That house right next to Nao’s old house. Nao remembers that’s the first time he met her. Naozumi often brought her there every day and his parents always walk her home. On the last day of summer break, Naozumi reminded Satsuki they won’t come here anymore and that’s when Nao realizes he got her hopes up by wanting to meet again. Feeling guilty that he should have done something, Naozumi takes him out for a guy’s night together. Now that his head is clear, Nao has figured out his feelings. He is going to talk to Satsuki 1 last time and tell her how he feels. He is willing to wait for years for her reply.
Episode 23
Satsuki not exactly happy to see Tokui a customer at this karaoke joint she works at. Yeah, we’re celebrating the end of the exams but rest assured, Nao won’t be coming. Since Yukari is here, it is time for Nao’s girls to talk. While Yukari sounded jealous in blaming Satsuki for various stuffs, eventually she blames herself for leading on Nao and let her own feelings lead her in circles. Nao tried hard to be there for her despite everything. Now that she knows he only has eyes for Satsuki, it doesn’t matter whether or not Satsuki was in the picture because a relationship with Yukari would never have worked out either way. Satsuki also has her own doubts because despite she fell for him, she is still not confident of giving him the love he deserves. Yukari returns to sing her heart out filled with frustrations. Still don’t want to give up? Nao is shocked to see Satsuki coming to see him at his school. She just copied what he did when he went crazy to come see her. Nao takes this chance to confess he loves her and wants to go out with her. Even start a family together. If he is okay with her, then she can put her trust in him. As proof, he kisses her. Twice. They talk about their future as Nao wants to enter the workforce after graduating from school. Satsuki kisses him. Third time’s the charm? She isn’t worried about stuffs like that. Because she trusts him. Tokui continues to visit Suzu often. Because it is fun and not Nao told him to. Is Shou jealous? Is Tokui now a lolicon? Anyway, they talk about Nao making a big change in his life because from today, he is now temporarily living together with Satsuki.
Episode 24
How is living together working out? Quite fun, eh? But can they go through this without sex? Even if they promised Tamayo about it because she doesn’t want Nao to end up like his parents. Well, a few occasions we see them making out… One day, Abe sees a sick Satsuki being taken away by her friends. She is nauseating and doesn’t want them to tell Nao. Obviously that guy jumps the gun and panics. He calls Tokui about Satsuki being pregnant. Meanwhile Tokui continues to hang out with Suzu and she is trying to hit on him? He knows and he believes she should get a better guy. So Tokui and Abe meet up with Nao at his workplace and ask him straight about Satsuki being pregnant. Well, they’ve been living with each other for 2 weeks so that’s not possible, right? But they do make out sometimes before that. Time to panic? At least Nao rushes home to check on Satsuki since she didn’t tell him anything. She is surprised to see him back but he is glad that she is recuperating. They talk about Tokui as Satsuki believes he had a girl before but never asked further because there are things some don’t want to talk about. Next time when the gang meet, Nao and Satsuki confirm the latter is not pregnant. They have promised to keep their relationship platonic until they graduate. Although a little making out is okay from time to time. Is that platonic? This leads to Tokui admitting he is also here to look for his ex-girlfriend, Aki who is 3 years his senior. They dated for a month during middle school. Strangely she left a voicemail last year but her number has been disconnected. From the message, he believes she is working in this area. He just needs to go and find her and say hi, that’s all.
Nao accompanies him as Tokui further explains the irony that Aki told him she was pregnant before they broke up. She was carrying the baby of her ex and decided to go back with him. Although it was a short time, she was still his first love. He needs to know if she is doing well so he can move on. More snippets on how they met and how he loved her sunshiny disposition. Nao believes he still loves her and that’s why he can’t move on. It is also the reason why he can’t tell Nao and others about it. Tokui visits her parents’ place nearby but she’s not in. Tokui continues that he was hoping she would have broken up with her ex and came back to him. He was even prepared to help her become her kid’s dad. He regretted not being honest and should have kept telling he loved her. Surprisingly, he spots Aki with her kid walking by. She recognizes him. She says she broke up with her ex and is now raising her daughter alone. As for last year’s call, she wanted to tell him she found a new boyfriend and decided to get married. Unsure if he would be happy to hear it, she always wanted to thank him for noting about her good qualities. Because of that, she got to meet a good man. Both wish each other well and Tokui is now able to move on.
Episode 25
Shimada begs Nao to go cheer up Yukari. She has landed in some drama role and perhaps she is down from all the stress. But can he just go see her like that? Shimada calls her and yes, we go now. And as you know, all just a setup from these ladies so they can have some closure. They talk about Yukari’s acting role and it seems there is a kissing role. Because they did not kiss back when they’re dating, it would be her first kiss (lesbian kiss with Satsuki not counted?). So she wants him to kiss her for practice? For closure? She knows it will destroy their relationship and she is even willing to accept him hating her. However he apologizes and can’t go ahead with it. Yukari thanks him for hearing her selfish wish until the end. The most they get is a handshake. Nao and Satsuki attend the wedding of Naozumi and Yayoi. At the end of the day, Satsuki stays at the inn. She and Yayoi talk about marriage. Yayoi got married quickly because she planned to have 2 children. For Satsuki, she has never thought that far ahead. In fact, she doesn’t know how to build an ordinary family. And that is why she can’t marry Nao. Naozumi shows Nao a letter written by Satsuki that thanks Nao for staying by her side. Read and pretend it never existed? That night, Nao talks to Satsuki as he overheard her conversation with Yayoi. She should know by now that their relationship can’t be easily destroyed. Satsuki continues to stay at the inn and helps out.
Nao returns to see Suzu and the loli thought something happened because he came home along and then had a long talk with Tamayo. This has Nao remember Naozumi telling him about the thing Satsuki used to mutter all the time when she was young. Something about her mom might come to get her tomorrow. It might sound she wanted her mom to come back for her but he thinks it’s the opposite. He believes finding Nao was half the reason she left for Tokyo and the other half to sever all ties with mom as she has no feelings for that mom of hers. Naozumi prays they’ll be fine. Suzu schools Nao that he is living the happy life since his first love loves him back. She even trolls him that she was trying to date somebody and how he abandoned her! Since when did Suzu learn to lie! Nao goes to get returning Satsuki. He wants to apologize for putting pressure about them being a family. He also talked to Tamayo about lots of stuff especially about his own mom that resembles a lot like Satsuki as she didn’t grow up in a good environment. Then the elopement that had dad abandon his own family as an extreme measure to separate mom from her family. Nobody from mom’s side came to the funeral. Despite all that happened, Nao is happy to be their son. Long story short, Nao’s ideal family can take any shape as long Satsuki is part of it. They don’t have to rush and decide their future but take their time to think about it. Satsuki hugs him and thanks him for being part of her life.
Episode 26
Makina visits Nao at his workplace. Looks like she is back in her track dorm although she is thinking of going into coaching rather than an athlete. She teases that if he breaks up with Satsuki, she is available for him. Just kidding. Are you sure she is? Yukari soon visits him too as he is worried if she went through with the kiss. As she makes ambiguous statements, Shimada soon spoils it for her that her co-star is a dog! I guess it is not that kind of kissing scene you were hoping for! She also whispers to Nao of her real boob size! Poor us, only left to speculate! Meanwhile Suzu talks to Tokui that in a few more years she’ll be bigger, taller, mature, etc. She hopes they can still be friends. Of course they can. Suzu so happy. But are you sure that is just what she wants?! Meanwhile Shou is still having hard to confess to Suzu because he keeps thinking Tokui is a different than him. Suzu’s friend had to slap him that he has Yukari’s genes so he too can grow up smarter and handsome. So all he needs to do is to be nice to her. Is this a devilish plan to make him his gopher? Tamayo talks to Nao that the family was primarily made up of doctors. Because his father eloped, he got ostracized. Tamayo also got the same treatment as she was not capable in the field and so they left her this house in which she took extended leave to look after Nao and Suzu till they are independent. He hopes to repay her someday. Tamayo also gives a career guide to Nao for Satsuki as help. And looks like Tamayo now goes back to work as a lawyer! Since Nao is still adamant to repay her, Tamayo clears the air she is doing this voluntarily. After all, his father (her brother) was the only one who was there for her. She wants them to live the lives they want. Satsuki apologizes to Suzu who in turn forgives her. Now we’re even. Oh man, Suzu so magnanimous! Nao and Satsuki have their date at the beach. Suzu tagging along too. She’s trying to get tanned because Tokui likes tanned girls? Good luck. Lots of Nao x Satsuki moments and it really felt mild. At least Satsuki isn’t a wild horse like before.
Lust Makes You Insane, Love Gives You (In)Sanity
That is all folks. The expected happy ending that probably you could have guessed halfway through. Somehow it felt a bit lacklustre with no huge plot twist surprise. Yeah, what was I hoping for? SATSUKI IS YOUR HALF-SISTER!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Thank goodness I am not the scenario writer. I doubt there would be any future episodes or seasons as the manga already ended before the adaptation and it was said that the anime will adapt all the manga chapters. There. No need to worry about the future of these characters. They’ve already found it. Their happiness. I think. At least for Nao and Satsuki.
Honestly, I have to say that the whole story is somewhat boring! I myself is largely to blame because I was expecting something else despite being told this is a romcom series. I mean, I was really expecting something big. You see, even when the series was starting off, I already felt the dread and boringness in it. But what kept me going was the mystery of why Satsuki destroyed Nao’s garden. Yes, that was the main factor of why I kept up with this series. I thought something big was going on. Oh you know, Satsuki had to destroy the garden because there lies the portal to hell and the Demon Lord was about to resurrect! So she saved the world by messing up that small plot of vegetables! I know it is completely BS but I really did think the revelation would be something like that! I know I would be shocked if it was but oh well, better than sitting through 2 cours of boringness… So yeah, the destruction was more of an emotional bearing of being unable to handle the stress and some psychological tactic to make him forget about her? Ugh… I’m so disappointed…
So what we’ve got instead felt like a typical romcom meandering for 2 cours. Confused people with confused feelings trying to sort them out while trying not to mess things up further. The garden plot felt like just a distraction because the whole series is about seeing which girl would end up with Nao. The whole load of drama and confusion that you would normally see in a typical romcom series. Least to say, I was not really impressed. I know I should have expected this but what I said in my previous paragraph about the garden subplot thingy, you know the story. So once the couple is set, it becomes another draggy affair for them to find assurance and reassure each other about their love and future, etc. Yeah, love is indeed so complicated and only because we all made it so.
Character wise, not really impressed with them. Now I think I have been tricked by the title itself. To think that Nao is going to lose his sh*t and something bad is going to happen, from what I have seen, nothing close to being dangerous. Oh I don’t know, maybe he would lose his mind and start killing everybody?! I thought that was plausible. Who am I kidding, right? Feel free to fill in your own blanks on what about him is about to collapse. In the end, it is his despair and worries that have collapsed. Not going to say he is going to have a problem free life, but it is better when all this whole sh*t started. Yeah, the anxieties that he have to go through because of mixed and confusing signals the girls in his life gave him. But it’s a good lesson learnt, right?
Then there is Satsuki who is as enigmatic as she is. I thought she might be some supernatural being or a ghost returning to haunt Nao until he remembers their promise. Oh well, who am I kidding once again? After all, she has that strange creepy looks that if you look too deep into her, you might see the abyss of hell! HAHAHA! JUST KIDDING! Because of Satsuki’s eccentric behaviour, you can’t tell what is on her mind and it makes you wonder if she is some kind of troublemaker because she does pushed and tested the limits, stressing the hell out of Nao as seen in many occasions. You could say she is the perfect master cock teaser until of course love gets in the way. It gets a bit confusing because was she not aware of all those sexy cock teasing bits she did towards Nao? It’s like she dared him to have sex but I figure if that actually happens, she will be even more freaked out. Just that she wants to tease him and not really go through with all the risqué bits even if it seemed so. And now that she has finally found the meaning of love, she is more toned down and perhaps this is to build her character because you want to remember her as a lovely girl and not a slutty cock teaser, right? Oh well, if that is the happiness she has found, so be it.
Yukari, sometimes I feel she pulled the short end of the straw. Part of the confusion and drama of the entire series stemmed from this fake front that Nao and Yukari might end up being a couple. How can it when cock teaser Satsuki was always some sort in the way? My guess is that strange story with Fujioka was so that Nao who has a crush on Yukari, will not pursue her. Just keep dreaming the dream. So once this ‘barrier’ was gone, Nao was easy to pursue Yukari and thus the drama of couple we have seen. Perhaps their relationship would have lasted had Yukari especially not rush it. Oh you know, sex. But I suppose we don’t want to have any regrets now, do we? Even after their unceremonious breakup, Yukari still harbours feelings for him but it looks like she has matured a bit. Or is it once bitten twice shy? It’s like she’ll be his substitute if his relationship with Satsuki fails.
Makina. I thought this girl is redundant. I believe the whole story could have moved on without her but they need to complicate things a little by adding a little bit of spice. Makina felt like one who is so far bottom at the pecking order and so far behind in the horse race, she had no chance of coming back whatsoever. On a trivial note, I don’t think boob size has any correlation with the chances with Nao. Just coincidental. So it’s like she’s just there to fill in the gap whenever Nao was having problems with Yukari and Satsuki. In the end, nothing about them materialized or even mattered. Rather, nothing about her really mattered.
The other strange character to talk about is Tokui. Wow. I thought this guy was Nao’s guardian angel or something because he is doing way more than what best friends should do. Like as though he watches over Nao’s life and tries to be very considerate and caring. It’s like he is always there for him. Does he even have his own life? Is he Nao’s descendent from the future and came back in time so his ancestor makes the right choice in life and that his future generation won’t vanish! Sometimes I felt this is more often the case but oh well. When you have a very matured guy who makes rational decisions, gives Nao the choice to make his decisions, he is got to be way more than your average high school friend, right? So as to make him human, that is why that episode that shows us he had someone he once loved and experienced that kind of heartbreak too. Yeah, sorry Tokui is not some alien from another planet obsessed in observing Nao’s way of life either. Bummer.
I also thought the same about Tamayo. This reclusive aunt I thought she was doing something shady in her room. That is how she is able to afford to stay by herself in this landed property, right? She could be some secret spy agent that keeps the peace in Japan because we don’t often see her nose around. Well sorry again, turns out all that was untrue and she too has her own insecurities and worries. She’s just a normal person. Okay, a bit not normal but still caring enough despite her tone doesn’t match it. I mean, Nao and Suzu are still blood related, right? Having Tamayo helps solve housing woes for Nao and Suzu so we don’t have to see them struggle in life and we can focus on Nao’s romcom misadventures. Heh. And finding out she is a lawyer, was she already having that job before the whole series started or was she actually holing up in her room studying law and finally became one? Oh shucks, I still prefer that spy conspiracy theory… Whatever. Either way, she decides to become an adult and have some responsibility. Looking good in a business suit for once rather in a jersey, eh?
Thank goodness Nao didn’t turn into a lolicon as Suzu felt mostly negligible halfway through. You know me once more, I thought she might be hiding a secret but who in their right minds would want to make a villain out of a loli? I suppose with Nao x Satsuki, this shows that Nao can break away from the initial mind set of taking care of Suzu forever because that felt like Suzu can’t be independent and take care of herself. This also breaks Suzu’s reliance on her big brother because she isn’t so clingy onto him now. Suzu’s a big girl now. Yeah, they grow up so fast. Lately, Suzu seems to have been spewing the best lines that will make you snicker. Are they trying to convince us she is the best character? Yes she is. But I’m still not being converted into a lolicon, though.
I have mixed feelings for the art and animation. Firstly, the characters look simple and at points I notice the animation quality drops, rendering them looking slightly weirder. I don’t know if I should call such moments as low quality. Generic plain guy Nao looking even plainer! It feels a bit out of place, even if this is romcom genre. On a trivial note, doesn’t Yukari look a hell lot similar to Koi To Uso’s Misaki? Just without the bug eyes. And that anime had the main character named Yukari… Also, Makina has uncanny resemblance to Ririna of that same anime. Is this highly coincidental?! Satsuki I thought she looked a bit like Saki from Gimai Seikatsu. Hey, even Makina has uncanny resemblance to that series’ Maaya character. Hope you like the huge tits of Satsuki and Yukari too. Anime girls don’t have such huge busts unless for viewing pleasure. Heh. Backgrounds and sceneries are mostly okay, sometimes they do look like sketches. And yeah, the CGI part. Not used very much but they sure look weird especially the water at the beach. Such strange effects. I mean, can they make it look more realistic and less weird than that? This anime is done by Staple Entertainment who did Ubel Blatt, Kekkon Yubiwa Monogatari and Kinsou No Vermeil.
Voice acting is just basic. Even recognizing Naomi Oozora as Tamayo and Tomokazu Sugita as Naozumi, they’re just pretty mild and meek in their character roles. The casts are Shuuichirou Umeda as Nao, Yumika Yano as Satsuki, Yurie Igoma as Yukari, Megu Umezawa as Makina, Yoshiki Nakajima as Tokui, Mizuki Mano as Yayoi, Hinaki Yano as Suzu, Miki Itou as Mio, Akira Kunishige as Shou, Kiyono Yasuno as Shimada, Souma Saitou as Abe, Mao Ichimichi as Rika, Sakura Deguchi as Aki and Yoshimasa Hosoya as Fujioka. The first opening theme, Yuurei Ni Naritai by Yuika is your generic anime rock pop. I’m just wondering why in the animation, the characters doing some sort of hand dance, it looks like doing some masturbating handjob!!! HOLY F*CK I CANNOT UNSEE THAT NOW!!! The second opener, Futaribun by Shalim is another generic lively pop rock outfit. Another rock style for the first ending theme, Ai Ai Ai Ai Ai by Pedro and breaking the rock combo is the second ending theme, Shippai Shinai Menhera No Sodatekata by Yurina Hirate. Feels more like a pop song for young children.
Overall, this is largely a disappointing and boring series to me. Thank goodness my sanity has not collapsed after finishing watching this show. Because as I have said, I had expected something more from the plot twist but unfortunately, it turns out to be your usual romcom genre. Everybody was just confused about the concept of love. But don’t worry, plot convenience more than often will fix all that in the end. Sort of. Heh. Sorry folks, those huge melons and racks did not make up for the largely disappointing flow and pace of the series either. I won’t need to worry about anyone destroying my garden because I don’t even know how to plant a single and simple plant. And even if I do start planting my own garden, my efforts are somehow going to make it look like I decimated the plot like as though I’m digging for gold or oil. Heh. Maybe now my sanity is collapsing.
