「その気持ちマーブル」 (Sono Kimochi Maaburu)
“That Feeling is Called Marble”

Koiwai-san? More like Browai-san.

General Impressions

With the finale waiting for us next week, all I can really feel right now is happiness mixed with a brooding sense of sadness that’ll only grow stronger once the series comes to a close. However, we’ll save that for next time since we still need to talk about this week’s insane episode!

Starting with the true man of the day, there’s no way that this episode could have even existed without Koiwai. Seeing how he’s always been a bit of a wildcard since his introduction, I have to give the guy some props for stomaching his feelings for his beloved kouhai. Seeing how he could have also been a great match for Moriko when you look at it from an opposites attract kind of way, I’m sure there’s an alternate dimension where Koiwai ends up in a successful relationship with Moriko through various circumstances being ever so slightly different. But that’s that and this is now and because of Koiwai’s selfless actions it looks like we’ll be able to move toward a future where Moriko and Sakurai end up being our one true pair…

.. Except at this point I don’t think I’d be all that disappointed if it didn’t happen. Or rather, if it didn’t happen immediately. Based on just these past few episodes alone, I think it’s somewhat clear that Moriko isn’t ready to be in a full on relationship with someone — and that’s okay! As a person it’s clear that there are some things that she needs to sort out first (same with Sakurai but to a lesser extent) and if the story decided to skip over all in favor of rushing our two characters into a relationship, I think we’d end up with something that might feel satisfying upfront but would lack any of the “oomph” a moment like that would need.

Theories aside, this episode was just super cute. In the grand scheme of things not much really happened, but the setup for next week was damn near perfect. Sakurai and Moriko are primed and ready to do something special together and I don’t think we could have asked for more. That said, if we were being a little greedy, it would’ve been nice if we could have seen some more of the @House Party guild. Anyways, I’ll catch you guys next week where we’ll hopefully get to see the show come to a close with a bang!

See you then!

 

Preview

11 Comments

  1. I hope there’s a romance ending to the show, because otherwise it’s probably just going to be a load of platitudes about friendship and encouragement with upbeat background music. I don’t want Koiwai’s efforts to go to waste either.

    That said, there would be an upside to an inconclusive ending – if we ever get an S2, we’d be much less likely to get the dreaded ‘break up, but then get back together again’ storyline.

    Puffles
  2. Aww, this show….

    I hope there isn’t an ending that is one of those “we just now this moment acknowledged each other, now let’s get married!” things.

    These are two awkward people, both of them clumsy and internally uncertain. It’s never “first kiss and happy ever after” with this type of couple. They need to take it slow and learn and grow into a nice relationship.

    I’d be content if the season ends with them firmly and openly acknowledging their mutual interest with an aim at developing things over time. A sort of promise and a hopeful end for us. If there is no more story after this, I’d also be okay with a timeout or quick-cut montage showing where they end up but contains the understanding that they aren’t gonna ride off together into the sunset just this moment.

    Being two shy, clumsy people trying to grow together would be a nice continuation, particularly since this series can explore how the glorious virtual MMO life can both complicate and ease things!

    I’d be sad if it ends up with that instant soulmate type ending where once they’ve recognized it, they’re totally perfect together. I’d also be sad if it ends up with a “let’s just virtual RP” a romantic relationship because we’re both too incapable of attempting the real thing….

    danny
  3. Too many hurdles have been leapt over for the Sakuramori train to stop nowwwwwww MUAHAHAHA

    Felt ticklish all over while watching. Can’t believe two adults are so darn cute >.<

    Also seconded Koiwai for best bro award.

    suzuno

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