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Sasameki Koto 11

Doesn't it not matter if Tomoe is fine with the truth?

Summary: The gang enjoy a day out at the pool. Azusa achieves enlightenment.

Long winded version - The gang are out at a water amusement park and Tomoe notices the tension between Sumika and Ushio caused by Azusa clinging to the former. Eighteen hours before, Azusa's parents had sponsored the tickets. In order to maintain Ushio's brother's secret, Ushio will stay away from Azusa. But, by extension, that also means being apart from Sumika. Thankfully Kiyori charges in and splits the group into the Adult Team and Kids Team. Kiyori manages to keep Miyako and Azusa from escaping as she drags them from one place to another. Meanwhile Sumika chases off a trio of guys who tried to hit on Tomoe and Ushio. There's another spot of tension when Ushio blames herself for preventing Sumika from finding her own (boy) date.

After an impressive display by Tomoe at the diving board and an embarrassing one by Sumika, the two race each other in the various swimming styles to a complete victory by Tomoe. Exhaustion has its perks and Sumika finds the energy to teach Ushio how to swim as promised. It's very sparkly. Azusa sees and realizes the truth about Sumika x Ushio; shocked at first, she recovers her composure as the groups recombine for lunch, releasing Sumika from having to teach her how to swim and to teach Ushio instead. Heading back on the train, Tomoe discusses the couple with Azusa - the latter's assessment is that they are in love with each other but one does not realize her feelings for the other yet. At least Azusa's got an idea for a new novel out of it.

Reaction:

Quite a turn around for Azusa - I was worried that she would either freak out or have another crying fit when she saw Sumika x Ushio. But thankfully she sublimated it via her literary talents. Quite a turnaround for a character that, just a two or three episodes ago, I felt rather ehhhhh about.

It was also great how most of the cast came out of this episode looking good. We are shown how Sumika x Ushio would make a nice couple (contrast with the first episode when I was wondering how the hell they'd ever get together if ever). Kiyori provided a crucial intervention at the start of the day out. Tomoe shows her swimming skills and has a good conversation with Azusa.

Hopefully the next episode will be able to wrap up nicely.

Related posts:

1. Sasameki Koto 10
2. Sasameki Koto 12
3. Sasameki Koto 09