「ふたりのキモチ」 (Futari no Kimochi)
“Our Feelings”

I never expected Hanamaru to leap straight into one of my favorite girl spots! Because honestly, how can I not love someone who appreciates the goodness that we call Hoshizora Rin?

Everlasting Friendship

Okay seriously though, I actually thoroughly enjoyed the whole mini-arc of watching Ruby and Hanamaru struggle a little. Both tied down when it came to truly becoming a “school idol”, it was rather sweet seeing just how the two rely and grow from being with each other.

On Ruby’s side, it’s got to be tough being Dia’s younger sister. Seeing how she’s the clear cut definition of what a respectable “Onee-sama” would be and she’s also the student council president among other things, I’d probably react the same way Ruby did if I were in her shoes. But with some prodding from Hanamaru and a little encouragement from the current members of Aqours, I’m willing to bet all of us had some pretty wide grins as Ruby climbed those stairs and embraced one of her bigger dreams.

With Hanamaru, I loved how the show played the Rin card on her. Not sure if she’s good enough or even suited to being a school idol, it was a nice call back to the days when Rin wasn’t sure if she could ever rock a skirt let alone be an idol. Remembering the inner struggles and just how amazing it was when Rin got to be the center with that beautiful gown, I appreciated that Hanamaru used Rin as a source of inspiration (That and as a Rin main, it’s nice to see her get some recognition!).

Looking Ahead

As I suspected, it looks like the new few episodes are going cover how Aqours manages to fill out it ranks. With the first and second years in play, I’m hoping we get to see some of the third years. Specifically, I’d really like to see some backstory on Dia and whatever happened to shatter her dream of becoming a school idol.

Catch you guys next week!

 

Preview

8 Comments

  1. I thought Mari was going to have this american-japanese voice going on all the time, but when she was talking to the other thirds years, she actually spoke regular; I think she really is going to be the next Nozomi such that she secretly brings everyone together.

    Also Yohane is coming next YEAH!

    Kelfistan
  2. Hanamaru and Ruby were just too adorable this episode. It was great to see that Ruby IS able to come out of her shell on her own with a bit of encouragement rather than remaining SO uber shy like we first saw her.

    In the meantime, we also get further hints about the others, like Dia’s sudden “hatred” of school idols (that she obviously doesn’t mean) and more obvious tension between Kanan and Mari, at least from Kanan’s side.

    https://randomc.net/image/Love%20Live/Love%20Live%20Sunshine%20-%2004%20-%20Large%20Preview%2001.jpg

    And Yohane-sama episode next!

    HalfDemonInuyasha
  3. As pointed out elsewhere, it’s nice how similar Maru and Rin’s situations were. Rin had the athletics but not the feminine appeal and Hanamaru is basically the opposite. I’m surprised they didn’t cover the fact that Hanamaru was raised in a temple and so had no access to TV or Internet, which is why she loves books. And it’s just great they made Hanamaru the type that doesn’t shy away from a confrontation. I didn’t expect that she’d confront Dia right away about Ruby’s situation. She may not have the stamina but Hanamaru is a tough girl and I like her for it. Guess I don’t need to mention Maru looks really cute in her training outfit. Yep, this episode made Maru shoot up the ranks for best girl. Mari is still my #1 at the moment. Also I really liked what Chika said to Maru at the end about whether she can do it or not and what matters is if she wants to. It’s very inspiring that I also like Chika for it.

    Zhinvu
  4. Hanamaru, Ruby, and Yoshiko are shaping up to be formidable kouhais to their senpais (though Yoshiko was a scene stealer from the beginning). I love that Maru encouraged Ruby to do what she really wants and wishing her best friend to shine like she can. Their friendship is heartwarming! It reminds me of how my oldest sister encourages me to do what I want as a career. I’m definitely looking forward to the focus on Yohane next week.

    1. Remembering the inner struggles and just how amazing it was when Rin got to be the center with that beautiful gown, I appreciated that Hanamaru used Rin as a source of inspiration…

      I forgot to mention that I second this statement. Rin’s adorable!

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