Doukyonin wa Hiza, Tokidoki, Atama no Ue – 08

「君がいるから」 (Kimi ga Iru Kara)
“Because You’re Here”

After this week’s episode of Doukyonin wa Hiza, I can finally let out a sigh of relief. As eventful as last week’s episode was, I’m happy that the original rhythm of the series has returned.

Subaru has come such a long way since the series began. He was isolated, liked to bury himself in his work, and thought of others as nuisances in general. But our hermit is slowly coming out of his well dug hole and has become much more carefree. He’s not as consumed by his work and he’s happily spending his afternoon napping by Haru’s side, dreaming of his parents.

His dreams, more like memories, revealed many things, including his long-standing friendship with Hiroto. Even as a young boy, Subaru was solitary, choosing to read rather than play with other kids. As he grew older, the collection of books in his bedroom became his only solace. However, through these dreams, it’s almost as though Subaru is reaching deep down into a part of himself that finally wants to acknowledge the people close to him who have supported his journey to become a writer – including Hiroto.

Haru is also showing signs of growth. Whereas she’d act instinctively based on her previous traumatic experiences, she now acts out of kindness towards Subaru. Earlier in the season when she first shared her food with him, her actions were a result of fear. She didn’t want what happened to her younger sibling to happen to this human. But this time, she goes out of her way to show Subaru that she cares by attempting to bring him food hoping it will make him happy.

A series of events, including Hiroto’s clumsy entrance surprise Haru who then retreats to the top of the cabinet. Subaru naturally calls for her to come down and reaches out. After Haru lands right on his face and Subaru passes out from a fever, she thinks she’s to blame, and expresses genuine worry.

The rest of the episode really does warm the heart. Hiroto and Kawase both stick around to care for Subaru, but Haru is the one most concerned about his well-being. So much so she actually skips out on eating her food to watch over him while he rests.

They’re both bringing out the best in each other. Haru is now a lot calmer, patient, and has allowed herself to feel vulnerable. Subaru is learning to open up to others, even acknowledging that having people in his house is lively but feels nice. Perhaps one day, it’ll come naturally for him to reach out to people just as they do with him.

Past episodes have been heart-wrenching at times because they’d flash back to Haru’s hardest experiences and Subaru’s painful memories, but this week is possibly the most gratifying episode of Doukyonin wa Hiza so far. The memories have a lighter touch, signs that Subaru is making steps towards healing from his loss, and Haru is forming a bond she’s never experienced before. They’re finding in each other the sense of belonging they’ve both lost and creating a family of their own.

On another note, it looks like a little more of Subaru’s novel might be revealed next week. The show has hinted at his stories and success on a number of occasions, but I’m hoping his fans reveal more details at the book signing and we get a little glimpse of his Haru-inspired character. I wonder if Yuugo and Nana will show up as well…

Preview