Based Feel jam-packed a lot of content into one episode (we’re already into Vol. 10, the latest volume that’s been released to this date) and they did rather well. Excellent work.
As usual it’s Hachiman that comes to Iroha’s aid, even if it’s just him being a shoulder to lean on. Even Yukino and Yui could see that the 8man’s the only real one suitable for the job. Iroha confesses that she was listening to the Club’s passionate exchange and admits that she shares Hachiman’s desire for something “genuine” (which completely embarrasses Hachiman all over again). I think this is what really led to her to confess to Hayama. In a way, she wanted to test whether her feelings for Hayama were “genuine”. And, even though she teared up a bit from getting shot down, it honestly doesn’t seem that the girl’s too fazed by it, what do you think? By saying that this denial was only “part of the preparations”, that it was “practice for next time”, is she still talking about Hayama? Or is she talking about-. By asking Hachiman to “please take responsibility”, perhaps she’s now hoping she and Hachiman can both find this “genuine” thing together? Iroha throws her gauntlet into the fray. In the end, the Christmas event was a huge success. Despite all the setbacks, both Iroha and Tamanawa were both pretty good at coordinating the events (even though we all know which side is really responsible for the success). We also finally got to see Saki and her other little sibling, Keika! Glad they decided to include them in the episode.
Komachi is as sneaky as ever by ditching her brother twice (once with Yui and once with Yukino). Trying to hook her beloved onii-chan up with every girl he hangs out with must be one of her favorite activities. Best imouto ever, really.
Yui baking cakes with Yukino was nice to see, the two have really hit it off again after all the drama. She also gets a 1 on 1 “date” with Hachiman to shop for Yukino’s birthday gift. This is kind of a reversal from Season 1 when Yukino and Hachiman went on a “date” for Yui’s present. She’s been getting pretty bold lately.
The true villain returns: Haruno’s manipulation everyone continues and goes a step further. She essentially used Hachiman as bait to lure Yukino out (which totally worked hehe). It seems Haruno understands quite a bit on what makes the other characters tick. From her understanding and observations, Hachiman’s important enough to Yukino that she would go out of her way to meet them like that. Perhaps she’s connecting the dots faster than we are?
Anyway you put it, Yukino was the star of the episode . First, she completely obliterates Tamanawa and his fellow business Chuuni lackeys, which is part of why they really brought her in for, I think. Yukino, and the way she gives no cares about people that don’t matter to her, is perfect for the job in this regard. Tamanawa throwing a little tantrum was also a nice touch, because I hate that guy. You go, Yukino. Her and Yui present Hachiman with a Pan-san cup as a Christmas present, I think we all know who picked it out. Yukino laughing at Komachi and Hachiman’s exchange was dokidoki-inducing. I honestly don’t remember the last time she broke out into laughter like that. The train ride scene was adorably awkward (thank you based Komachi). Before they part, Yukino sneakily and openly reconfirms once more that she will be in his care this year, a reminder of the help she’s requested from him. After getting baited by her sister, she finds quite the party gathered at the table. She’s kind of taken aback when Yui says that they (Yui and Hachiman) were out shopping by themselves. A hint of jealousy? Maybe. One especially significant thing is when Hayama missteps and accidentally calls her “Yukino” instead of the typical “Yukinoshita” that he always calls her, which earns a piercing glare from Yukino. He presumably used to call her “Yukino” when they were younger and actually friends. That leads to the bigger question of: what the hell happened between the two to completely burn that bridge? We get a further peak into Yukino’s world when we finally meet her and Haruno’s mom. As expected of an affluent family, she’s decked out in some pretty extravagant garbs. However, Yukino seems completely thrown off by being confronted by her mother, so we can assume that relationship is probably as frosty as the one she has with her sister (hell, she doesn’t want to go with them even if it’s to celebrate her own birthday). I mean, the girl lives on her own, so we can assume it’s as frosty with the rest of her family as well. You can tell poor Yukino tries to quickly come up with a way to weasel her way out of the situation. Probably most notable of all is that during this moment of frantic thought, she shoots a distressed glance directly at Hachiman. Is this perhaps what she wanted help with?
Hachiman enjoyed the fruits of his labor this episode, forsure. He got to enjoy a successful Christmas event after all the handwork. His mini-me, Rumi, got to be the star of the show. He celebrated with Kaori, who turned out to not be so bad after all. He got a Christmas present from his two favorite girls not named Komachi. It was nice to see him catch a few breaks for once. Granted, between Iroha’s confession, Yui’s advances, and Yukino’s confrontation, the poor guy’s got his future work cut out for him. One particular thing I wanted to highlight was how he shoots a piercing glare (one that would make Yukino proud) at Hayama after he sees that Haruno manipulated Yukino into coming to meet them. He’s pissed at the whole situation, and I think for once, Hachiman truly empathizes with Yukino. Hachiman feels uneasy about Haruno, always has. He dislikes Hayama too, at least I think. And if the two ever do anything to hurt Yukino, someone Hachiman genuinely cares about, I’m sure sides will be drawn.