However, I found the sudden 10 year jump rather jarring. I too love epilogues and wish more series used them, but in this case it just felt rushed. Actually, I feel the series as a whole was a bit unevenly paced. I think the creators took a lot of time slowly setting things out (not necessarily a bad thing) but combined with a few filler-type episodes ended up forcing themselves to cram a lot in the end and not really clean every story-line up satisfyingly.

I wished that had offered a little more closure for Asami’s story and I really wished they had actually given some interaction for Shuu and Shuri during the epilogue. It was sad to see them run away, and I find them to be very likable and sympathetic figures, but at the same time the way their sibling relationship was portrayed always seemed to skirt the line of discomfort. I think Asami’s observation that they shared a deep wound that prevented others from breaking through was very apt, but at the same time, the implication that 10 years later they still really only had each other was somewhat sad and disturbing.

In the end I found this to be a really enjoyable series, especially the early episodes that focused more on the high school fun and romance. The dark turn later had me worried things would go School Days on me, but thankfully that never happend. I liked the drama that resulted but just felt it was a bit uneven and unfocused at times. Still, and above average series with some very likable and memorable characters.

On a side note, I was glad that my favorite character, Aoi, managed to escape any personal drama. I LOVE her voice actress and it just makes me wonder if the year after she was born was just a very unlucky year, cause all her friends seemed to get beaten with the stick of fate.

Anyway i recommend it to all of these who love the best animes! :)

Was definitely a surprise with the Nanaka situation. Never would have thought the father was responsible for all of it. I thought her mother was being pretty reckless. Why are you egging the guy on? You’d normally expect some line about it doesn’t matter who her biological father is he is her father. Instead we get the guy talking about how an abortion should have been done and the mother talking about how she wanted Nanaka to get closer to the real parent. Why stay with the guy if you felt like that?

I like epilogues but its too bad they made it so short. There was barely enough time to do much of anything. Show that Hinako has switched from older men to younger ones. Asami trying to make amends by saving the park. Showing Sana with a ring then jumping away saying it worked out fine. Why go that far if you don’t want to show the big moment between them? Plus with Shuu and Shuri hanging back even more questions. Are there still major problems? Did they just show up to see the concert then plan on sneaking away without seeing anyone? Would have liked the epilogue to have more in it I guess.

Honestly I liked the episode with the twins leaving more than this one. Just didn’t hit me as much in comparison. There were some huge moments there that’s for sure with discovering Nanaka’s past and her attempted suicide. Just felt like Sana’s was just tacked on. I mean even Asami got more time with her past in comparison.

Overall I did enjoy the series though. Many of the characters had really tough times and you didn’t expect all that coming in. Shuu and Shuri was a massive part of the show and one reason why I really enjoyed it. I would never have guessed their impact from first glance. Instead you got a story of a father who cared more about his career than the happiness of his children. Marrying a cheating woman who deserved quite a few colourful phrases in regards to her character. Pushing the twins closer together and eventually leaving in a very emotional moment.

Even if she wasn’t a major part Hinako was a fun character to watch. She had her own troubles with family and some nice episodes were the result. Seeing the struggle between trying to be mature but still a kid was a big part of her character.

The relationship with Sana and Nanaka was great in the series. Taking in major topics like personal tragedies and being pushed to the limits and eventually suicide. You see how much they care and through all the tough times that was something I liked. Too bad we didn’t get to see how they got to that point 10 years later but with only 13 episodes I guess it can’t be helped.

Glad I decided to follow this series. Wasn’t certain what I’d be getting but in the end it was something special. Some great characters with major drama for many of them before everything was said and done.

bravejaf, thats a point but then again aren’t all harem male lead pretty useless? xP

I do have one question, did it really take Sana 10 years to pop the question? I’m no expert but seems he could have done that a bit sooner.

The epilogue was also very nice, though I’m curious why Shuri and Shuu didn’t get any lines and their faces weren’t shown. I also would have liked a little bit more closure to Asami–something like she made her peace with Shuri and they were still friends or something. Asami was responsible for keeping the park open, so I guess that was her way of helping Shuri, but I would have liked just a tad more. Regardless though, I thought they did a nice job wrapping up there series the way they did.