Filthy Casual for Life

EPISODE 3: OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS

Hananoi is explaining to Hotaru that a kiss may mean little to her, but to him, just touching makes his heart ache. As she reaches up to him, she can feel his heart beating fast. Hotaru wonders if he always feels that way for her. Hotaru notices that something isn’t quite right with Hananoi. She asks him if he is okay, but instead, he strokes her face lightly and confesses once again.

As he leans in to kiss her, he collapses. Hotaru then notices he is burning up with a fever. She rushes to call his grandmother to tell her he fainted. While waiting, she wonders if she will ever have those emotions for him.

Looking at their notebook, Hotaru remembers a lunchtime conversation with Hananoi about her Christmas Eve plans in years prior. She tells Hananoi that her younger sister is an ice skater and that the family goes and watches her every Christmas Eve.

It’s December 24th, their last day of the trial period. Hotaru texts Hananoi and explains she regrets asking him to kiss her, however, he is not responding. She’s worried what they will become if things don’t work out. She is wallowing in guilt. Hotaru is then called by her family to the ice skating rink because her younger sister ripped her costume. Hotaru’s mother can sense the disappointment in Hotaru and offers to take her out for her favorite dinner afterwards.

Hotaru looks at her phone. She has numerous missed calls from Hananoi. She answers her phone and a panicked Hananoi is looking for her. She tells him she’s at the rink when he yells, “I found you!”

It is apparent Hananoi is still feeling under the weather. Hotaru collapses next and confesses she has been drained from the stress and guilt, but seeing him relieved her from those feelings. They both profusely apologize to each other. Hotaru stammers about giving him an answer, but he comforts her and tells her she can take her time. Putting that aside, he wants to make the day special for her.

Like a gentleman, he approaches Hotaru’s family and asks permission to spend the evening with her. Her family is in shock. Hananoi takes her to the amusement park where the lights are glowing. Hananoi asks her if she is hungry and takes her to the Christmas fair where there are a bunch of food vendors. She’s super stoked because she loves foods from around the world. They have a date at the amusement park where she buys Hananoi a cute scarf.

Hananoi offers to take her ice skating, but she tells Hananoi that she is a terrible skater. He convinces her to go out on the ice while he helps her. He promised not to touch her unless he has her permission which she gave. As the lights turn out, they take one final lap. He tells Hotaru all of the reasons he likes her. Then, he wishes her a happy birthday. She asks him how he knew it was her birthday. He tells her it is the most special day in the world. Then, as if on cue, she starts to fall and he scoops her up in his arms.

As he holds her, the lights turn back on. He tells her he hopes she felt like a princess. She hugs him and tells him thank you. She thinks to herself she hopes the person she falls in love with his Hananoi.

THOUGHTS

I am seeing growth and I am here for it! This show is doing exactly what it needed to. It is definitely showing that love is growth. Hananoi is growing from the extra-special, near stalker-like vibe to the actual boyfriend vibe. He is starting to put up healthy boundaries such as telling Hotaru that he will not touch her unless she gives him permission. He also pulls back the pressure for her to make a decision. He tells her that she can take her time. Hotaru, on the other hand, is a hot mess. She is so clueless that she doesn’t recognize her feelings as a growing love. The simple fact that she thought she wanted to fall in love with him shows she already is. I hope their love continues to bloom and that they continue to compliment each other in a healthy way. Will continue to monitor.