The latest episode of Blue Box has left viewers reeling from a whirlwind of emotions, awkward encounters, and a stage mishap that has the whole school buzzing. Episode 20, titled “As One of Her Closest Friends,” delivers a strong conclusion to the cultural festival arc while simultaneously deepening the existing romantic tension.
The Unforeseen Prince
The episode kicks off with the Eimei Academy’s cultural festival in full swing. Taiki Inomata and Hina Chono find themselves thrust into the spotlight as part of their class’s play, a rendition of Snow White. However, a last-minute emergency throws a wrench into the production when Hina’s co-star, originally cast as the Prince, is unable to perform.
Amidst the chaos, Taiki’s classmates pressure him into taking on the role of the Prince. Despite his reservations and lack of acting experience, he reluctantly agrees, not wanting to disappoint his peers. This unexpected turn of events puts Taiki in an incredibly awkward position.
Stage Fright and Accidental Affection
Taiki, primarily known for his badminton skills, is far from comfortable on stage. His stage fright is palpable, and he struggles to deliver his lines convincingly. However, his natural reflexes kick in when a prop malfunctions, threatening to harm Hina, who plays Snow White. In a moment of instinct, Taiki improvises, shielding Hina from the falling object.
This heroic act leads to a dramatic moment where it appears as though Taiki and Hina have kissed on stage. The audience erupts in a frenzy, and the accidental “kiss” becomes the talk of the school.
A Love Triangle Tightens
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is Chinatsu Kano, Taiki’s long-time crush, who is watching the play from the audience. Taiki is worried that Chinatsu might misunderstand his involvement with Hina, especially given the romantic undertones of the play. He quickly sends a text to Chinatsu, hoping to clarify the situation and assuage any concerns she might have.
The episode expertly portrays the tension and uncertainty among the three main characters. Taiki is caught between his feelings for Chinatsu and his growing awareness of Hina’s affection for him. Hina is frustrated by Taiki’s inability to see her as more than just a friend, while Chinatsu grapples with her own feelings for Taiki.
Casual Love vs. Long-Term Romance
Adding another dimension to the romantic subplot is a discussion among students observing the play. Their conversation centers on contrasting views on relationships, with some championing the idea of long-term romance culminating in marriage, while another student argues for the merits of casual love. This divergence in opinion further highlights the complexities of navigating love and relationships, especially during adolescence.
Taiki and Hina’s Friendship Under Scrutiny
Episode 20 also delves into how others perceive Taiki and Hina’s friendship. As the play unfolds, the episode cuts to an audio/visual room where students comment on the performances. They speculate about the nature of Taiki and Hina’s relationship, with many suggesting that they would make a great couple.
This external scrutiny adds pressure to Taiki and Hina’s dynamic, forcing them to confront the possibility of their friendship evolving into something more.
The Cultural Festival’s Conclusion
While the “kiss” incident dominates much of the episode, it also showcases the vibrancy and excitement of the cultural festival. Taiki initially enjoys spending time with Chinatsu at the festival, reinforcing their bond.
The cultural festival serves as a backdrop for the unfolding drama, highlighting the everyday lives of the characters amidst their romantic entanglements.
Themes and Analysis
Episode 20 of Blue Box explores several key themes:
- Misunderstandings: The accidental kiss and the subsequent speculation highlight how easily misunderstandings can arise, especially in matters of the heart.
- Friendship vs. Romance: The episode delves into the complexities of navigating the line between friendship and romance, particularly when feelings are not explicitly expressed.
- External Pressure: The opinions and expectations of others can significantly impact relationships, as seen in the students’ scrutiny of Taiki and Hina’s dynamic.
- Self-Discovery: The characters are on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with their own feelings and desires as they navigate the challenges of adolescence.
Overall Impression
Blue Box Episode 20 is a well-crafted installment that effectively combines humor, romance, and drama. The episode’s events propel the overarching narrative forward. The episode leaves viewers eager to see how the love triangle will resolve.
The episode excels in its portrayal of relatable characters and realistic scenarios. Taiki’s awkwardness, Hina’s frustration, and Chinatsu’s introspection resonate with viewers who have experienced the complexities of young love.
A Promising Series
Blue Box has garnered praise for its refreshing take on the sports romance genre. Unlike typical sports manga that heavily emphasize competition and training, Blue Box prioritizes the characters’ relationships and emotional growth.
The series has also been lauded for its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of its characters, particularly in how they grapple with their feelings and navigate social situations. The manga has been described as a “vanilla romance story” that is well-executed, and a refreshing sports shoujo manga that doesn’t abuse the shoujo romantic tropes.
The art style has also been positively noted.
What Lies Ahead?
As the first season of the Blue Box anime approaches its conclusion, viewers are left wondering what the future holds for Taiki, Chinatsu, and Hina. Will Taiki finally confess his feelings to Chinatsu? Will Hina find a way to break through Taiki’s oblivious nature? Or will a new dynamic emerge that surprises everyone?
With its engaging characters, relatable themes, and compelling storyline, Blue Box has established itself as a standout series in the romance genre. The remaining episodes of the season promise to deliver even more emotional twists and turns as the characters continue on their journey of self-discovery and romance.
