Miki met Minato when she was down in the dumps and having trouble making friends, so a pattern is emerging. Basically, she should be wise to his antics. For whatever reason, he likes to chat up all the lonely people. Maybe Yota is right in that he pities them. But what happens afterward? Does Minato stay in touch with his “patients?” Or does he drop them once he can’t look like a savior to them? The latter would explain why Miki looks so bothered about Minato’s clumsy attempts to befriend Koyuki. I just wish she would say something to her friend.

Unfortunately, there’s a mildly infuriating thing that these characters will do, and that is refuse to communicate. As a result, Miki won’t be clear and direct about her concerns. She’ll just ask questions. There’s no harm in that, right? Asking questions, that is. She’s merely wondering when Koyuki might have met the guy and what they talked about. As such, Miki will dance around the margins, probing and prodding but never really laying it all out there. Everyone is so afraid of being burnt that they let the embers continue to burn unencumbered. Well, don’t act surprised if those embers one day turn into a roaring fire.

Similarly, Koyuki doesn’t communicate. Instead, she starts jumping to conclusions, wondering if perhaps Miki has feelings for Minato. She jumps to conclusions again near the end of the episode when Miki gives Minato a dirty look. Oh man, I’m feeling exhausted already. Look, there are so many reasons why Miki might be bothered that Koyuki and Minato know each other, and it doesn’t have to be love. Isn’t it kinda bad that you can’t even imagine what your childhood friend is thinking? But fine, it happens. So you can at least talk to her, right? I mean, if it concerns you that much, then freakin’ ask your friend! You’ve known her for years, so what the hell? I would just take the direct approach. Ask Miki what’s up. It’s the least you could do. As for Minato, tell him to back off. But instead, Koyuki thinks it would be best if she backs off, i.e. withdraw into her shell. But even then, she doesn’t properly protect herself. He asks for her contact info, so she just gives it to him! This show is going to get on my nerves, because the only person with a spine is the slimiest dude on campus. If you’re going to withdraw, then withdraw! Don’t back down!

Koyuki is right in that Minato doesn’t look or act like someone who has just been dumped. It’s like he doesn’t even care. He only brings it up as an icebreaker. Imagine dating someone for months, and in the end, you’re just a footnote in their life. Maybe he’s trying to garner some pity, but any normal person looking in would assume that the relationship meant nothing to him. He might claim otherwise, but it would come off as inauthentic. Especially when he turns around and does this shit.

As the group goes their separate ways, Minato keeps obsessing over Koyuki and whether or not she has a thing for Yota. He then adds, “I wouldn’t go for Yota if I were you.” Bro, why do you care? I asked this last week and I feel like I have to ask it again. When someone spends this much time worrying about other people, I just want them to turn that spotlight around on themselves. Have a bit of self-reflection. What do you want out of this? And why? Does this help the other person at all?

Unfortunately, this isn’t going to happen anytime soon, because Minato keeps finding reasons to bug Koyuki. Even when she goes out of her way to walk to school earlier than usual, somehow, some way, he’s there. Her body language is closed off, she’s not even looking at him, and she’s barely registering what he’s saying. It couldn’t be more obvious. The worst part is that he knows. He isn’t oblivious. He just doesn’t care. It’s one thing to be blind to basic social cues. It happens. But Minato has noticed Koyuki smiling at Yota. He has noticed that her demeanor completely changes with him. He just doesn’t care. He’s trying to push his way through no matter what. Minato is an entitled brat.

In a way, one of the teachers reminds me of Minato. She doesn’t want Koyuki to hang around the office, because she should be making friends her age! Aw, I love good intentions. Yeah, well, just telling someone to go away isn’t going to help them make friends. These kinds of teachers are annoying, because they always claim to have your best interest at heart, but in reality, they just don’t want to deal with you. And fine, maybe the woman isn’t obligated to help Koyuki make friends, but don’t act like you’re doing it for them. So that got me thinking about Minato. Maybe in his heart of hearts, he truly believes he’s helping Koyuki. I just wonder if anyone will give this guy some real talk.