A Star Brighter Than the Sun has captivated audiences with its heartfelt exploration of first love, friendship, and self-discovery. As the anime adaptation of Kazune Kawahara’s popular shōjo manga series continues to unfold, episodes 9 and 10 delve deeper into the burgeoning emotions and misunderstandings between the protagonists, Sae Iwata and Koki Kamishiro, as they navigate the complexities of high school life and the impending school festival. These pivotal episodes bring Sae’s determination to confess her feelings to a head, while introducing fresh challenges and unexpected turns that test her resolve.
The Road to Confession: Sae’s Growing Resolve in Episode 9
Episode 9, titled “Rumors” (though other sources refer to it as airing on Nov 27, 2025, with a general theme of “Someone’s Feelings” for the preceding episode and “Ten Years” before that, the core events focus on Sae’s decision and a significant misunderstanding), sets the stage for a major turning point in Sae’s relationship with Koki. Following a significant movie date, Sae comes to a crucial realization: her feelings for Kamishiro will remain unspoken and unacknowledged unless she articulates them clearly. Inspired by her friend Hisui, who mentions that the school festival is a prime opportunity for confessions, Sae decides to confess to Koki during the festival’s after-party.
The Vandalized Drawing and Rising Suspicions
As preparations for the school festival intensify, an unforeseen incident throws a wrench into Sae’s plans. While walking through a hallway, she discovers a drawing of Subaru that has been defaced with graffiti. Unfortunately, due to Sae’s proximity and positioning, the situation makes it appear as though she might be the culprit. This creates immediate tension, amplified by the unfortunate timing of Koki’s arrival on the scene. The episode brilliantly leverages this misunderstanding to create dramatic suspense, leaving viewers to wonder if Koki will misinterpret the situation and if this will derail Sae’s impending confession.
Mio and Yushin’s Festival Troubles
Adding another layer of drama, Episode 9 also focuses on Mio, who has reluctantly taken on the role of class representative for their festival exhibit after Sae stepped back. Mio finds herself burdened with the majority of the work due to the unreliability of Yushin, who is also assigned as a class representative. Yushin’s disengagement stems from his recent confession to Hisui, which was met with a prompt and brutal rejection. Mio, while understanding his heartbreak, reaches her limit with his lack of participation and ultimately confronts him, knowing exactly where to find him when he’s nursing a heartache – by the river. Koki goes to find Yushin, with Sae and Hisui following.
Confronting Rejection and Future Anxieties
The theme of rejection looms large in Episode 9, making Sae increasingly anxious about the possibility of Koki not reciprocating her feelings. While Koki is initially unaware of the school festival’s reputation as a confession event, Hisui inadvertently reveals this tradition, making Sae even more nervous about her subtle approach. Despite her fears, Sae remains steadfast in her determination to confess, underscoring her growth and courage throughout the series.
The Struggle to Connect: Unpacking Episode 10
Episode 10, which aired on December 4, 2025, continues the narrative arc with Sae’s persistent efforts to confess her feelings amidst new obstacles and internal struggles. The episode title on TVmaze is “Rumors” for Dec 4, 2025 (Episode 9), and “Someone’s Feelings” for Nov 27, 2025 (Episode 8), but based on detailed summaries, the events of the “Rumors” episode (Dec 4, 2025) seem to align with the description of Episode 10 from other sources, which clearly outline Sae’s struggles to confess during the festival preparations.
Sae’s Missed Opportunities and Growing Frustration
Driven by her resolve, Sae submits a request song for the after-party, hoping to create the perfect moment for her confession. As the class continues with its exhibit preparations, Sae actively seeks an opportunity to get closer to Koki. However, the ideal moment proves elusive. To add to her frustration, Hisui points out that Sae has been spending a significant amount of time with Ayukawa, unintentionally creating a perception of a budding connection with someone other than Koki.
Koki’s Unexpected Proposal
Just as Sae decides she needs to be more direct and talk to Koki, he approaches her with an “unexpected proposal.” The exact nature of this proposal is a cliffhanger, but it promises to either create a new opportunity for Sae or further complicate her emotional journey. This development in Episode 10 highlights the ever-present romantic tension and the unpredictable nature of high school relationships, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as Sae strives to make her feelings known.
The Broader Narrative: Themes of Self-Worth and First Love
Across both episodes, A Star Brighter Than the Sun continues to explore themes central to shōjo manga: the journey of self-worth, the awkwardness of growing up, and the intensity of first love. Sae, who initially struggled with her height and perceived lack of “cuteness” compared to other girls, has steadily grown in confidence, fueled by her deep affection for Koki. Koki, once a smaller and weaker boy, has transformed into a charismatic and popular student, making Sae feel increasingly distant from him despite their childhood bond. These episodes emphasize the internal and external challenges Sae faces as she navigates her feelings in a complex social landscape.
The series, praised for its believable teen romance and slow-burn development, carefully builds the emotional stakes, ensuring that while the reader may quickly grasp Koki’s feelings, the drama lies in Sae’s journey to acknowledge and act on her own. Episodes 9 and 10 are crucial in this journey, pushing Sae to confront her fears and make tangible steps towards defining her relationship with the “star brighter than the sun” in her life.
