Ichikawa makes sure to study this diagram closely … just in case.
A lesser anime might have drummed up some kind of rivalry.
When parent-teacher meetings arrive, Ichikawa spots his mom sitting with Yamada andhermom.
Yamadas mom is continually correcting her daughters legs and posture, and Ichikawas mom finds herself also correcting hers.
Ichikawas mom and Yamada even swap candies.
As mother and daughter-in-law, theyd surely be BFFs.
Little did they know she was walking right behind them!
Hearing Ichikawa identify her from stunning turns her beet red, and she has to beat a hasty retreat.
Inspired by him helping Chihiro out, she asks him if hell tutor her, and he wisely accepts.
Remembering the diagram, Ichikawa taps her on the shoulder.
She merely revises the diagram later.
On another rainy day, Ichikawa forgets his raincoat, and it rains more than he predicted.
you might reallyfeelthe yearning emanating from both of them in this scene.
It isnt until Ichikawa gets all the way home that he realizes Yamada left her bag in his basket.
Theres also the matter of him still running a prestigious fever, so his focus is in and out.
Its an astonishingly heartwarming, beautifully storyboarded and animated sequence that took my breath away.
When Ichikawa comes to again later that night, he calls Yamadas name, but its Kana instead.
Kana assumes a friend stopped by, but if she only knew whatkindof friend!
She turns about and leaves in such a hurry she bangs into an electrical pole.
He admits he doesnt remember much from when he had his fever, and had some weird dreams.
In fact, she only ever had one, and she gave it to Ichikawa.
If you need incontrovertible proof that shes down bad for this boy, look no further than that gesture!
I daresay theres no turning back, and they are absolutelymesmerizingto watch.
