The best episode we have been waiting for has now arrived. The fifth episode of Horimiya jumped to a main story progression with another great balance of romance and comedy. What I particularly liked in this is the immediate continuation of the previous episode development and not going to just another sitcom scenario where they would forget what happened in the previous episode. I would happily admit, that I was wrong in my predictions. Well then, let us dissect again the episode into different segments.
Hori's Father
The episode started with another Hori's absence from school, but intentionally to avoid Miyamura for the meantime. Meanwhile, Souta spotted Miyamura with a girl, who is clinging to him. I did not notice at first, but Shindo was also there.
I had to recall the previous episode to see who they were so yes, there is no way that something fishy is happening here. Remember the picture sent by Shindo to Miyamura?
Of course, this is one ingredient to stir our main characters in a romance anime - misunderstandings. Souta then, naturally reported it to her sister for this trope to happen.
Uhm, answer is no Hori. Why would you call it cheating, where there is no official confirmation yet? But for the laugh, I will take that formula.
Ah yes, that is right. Do not jump to conclusions yet but will she be able to maintain this stance later when facing with Miyamura?
After her attempts to avoid him in school, Miyamura finally caught up with her.
This time, he confirmed then, what he said back in the previous episode. Yes, it is happening!
But Hori deviates from the topic to the misunderstanding in the first scene.
After Miyamura's explanation, Hori still let her jealousy took over her and again, this first-name basis rule is emphasized again.
Well, it is all a misunderstanding because of incomplete details, so the best thing for Miyamura to do is clarify everything to our tsundere.
Man, Hori needs to calm down, but if I were Miyamura and said that, I would get book-slapped as well. But hurray for Hori's expressions in this scene!
Our man, Miyamura knew what to do, so of course, he will clarify everything with Hori. He went to her house again, even she did not want to meet him initially.
Even with the worries of our main leads on the back of their heads, things calmed down and apologies were heard with sincerity, as it should be.
On top of that, Hori finally responded to the confession, that she heard it. Finally, we got back to our track, because that what matters the most now instead of that small misunderstanding.
This Miyamura is being good at being honest. That is how you do it, just be honest.
Things are getting good but of course, we need our typical moment interruption in form of Hori's father - Kyousuke.
I thought her father is going to be a tough character for Miyamura that might get in his way but luckily, he was not. He was there for a comedic relief which I got some good laughs.
Hilarity ensues.
"Yes, you did, but I hope you make up for it. "
This subtle shounen-ai tropes are getting common in this series even involving his father. Well, for comedy I am not complaining though.
And then, this eye-less character brings out the question of the century.
Moments like this in anime will always be a classic and a good source of our favorite expressions. Just look at that Hori's face.
More blushing expressions for the viewers!
And finally, we got an answer to the confession despite being indirectly said.
Miyamura's reaction though. I can hear fans squealing so hard on this scene.
Things are getting mushy so let us hear more from our best father here, for more laughs and at the same time, asking the manly questions.
And Miyamura said it naturally as he breathed. This man is doing it!
Kyousuke might not be a recurring character anymore, but he made things easier even if done unintentionally for both of our leads. Thank you for the good laughs and being a pivotal character for the story progression. Well-played!
So expect everything from now on, our confirmed couple will do more "couple" things just like what you see below.
Ah yes, holding hands is nothing to be misunderstood anymore in this case.
To be honest, I really felt the scene here because of the setting, walking under the starry sky. I am literally a biased when it comes to scene with the starry sky. Plus, with the perfect dialogue of just getting to know more of each other at this stage, I could not think of any thing that should be added.
It was quite intense here on what Miyamura would do here but let us not be greedy.
This frame has just become one of my favorite in the anime, just Miyamura looking at the starry sky.
Ishikawa & Sakura
Meanwhile, being a good friend to Ishikawa, Miyamura informed him of the good news.
But is it a good news to Ishikawa though?
Damn, again, I felt this on personal level. Such a relatable character.
Such suffering needs to be cured. To be honest, I am rooting for our sad boy, Ishikawa to get his share of happiness from now on. Worry not, the author knew what we wanted - more moments for the new ship! In this case, the perspective is from Sakura. She needs more screen time certainly.
Sakura immediately being observant of Ishikawa confirmed again, that she is definitely interested with Ishikawa.
Remi again, just like in the previous episodes, stirring again the budding feelings of the other female characters in the series.
Sakura getting emotionally annoyed of her insecurities towards Remi, but quickly realizing, Remi is her best friend, and was an unconditional friend of top of that. She regretted it right away.
Now, she finally admitted it. Let us see how will this turn out in the future.
Meanwhile, our boy Ishikawa, took it like a man and supported Miyamura. We need friends like Ishikawa honestly, being supportive even at his own expense.
First-name basis
The last segment tackled again on the first-name basis rule. I cannot relate to this personally, but in a different setting, it would be using "endearment" words to your special someone.
And coincidentally, Souta's friend is named Izumi as well, which was casually mentioned by Hori. Miyamura got surprised and right away clarified by Hori. Well, that is a good change instead of being passive about the situation. These misunderstandings and coincidences are getting out of hand but I am not complaining though.
Things get mushy again.
Again, I can hear the squeals somewhere. These blushing moments are just too much, but in a good way.
I think, the screenshots in this post are too much but I cannot help it. The episode have many moments worthy of snapping. That just shows how I find this episode very enjoyable. All these moments are nothing new, but the execution and flow of the scenes make it very entertaining for me. But what would I like to point out is the continuous story progression from the last episode. I was a bit worried if things would go like a random sit-com again in this episode and casually forget what happened in that episode, but fortunately, they addressed the cliffhanger right away from the start of the episode.
Personally, the best episode so far mainly because of the story progression.
But what do we expect from now on? I would guess, a new character will appear that will shake their relationship, or any event that could challenge their relationship. Meanwhile, we need more Ishikawa and Sakura development, but I have a feeling, things will not end on a happy note for them. Still, I am rooting this pair.
What do you think of this episode?
Will things start to get more interesting from now on?
Please share your thoughts as well.
Thanks for the visit and keep safe!
P.S. No manga spoilers please.
Also, Horimiya trended on Twitter today after the episode was released.
The series is getting hyped now.