Compared to last week’s dramatic episode, this week’s episode was much more uneventful. Sure, we got to meet two more of the Sohmas: Hatori and Momiji, but, at this point in the show, we still don’t know much about either of them. And, yes, we also got to see Yuki in a dress, which is cool, if you’re into that kind of thing… Aside from that, not a great deal happened. The main event was when Tohru’s two friends, Hana and Uo, invited themselves over to the Sohmas’ for the night. It may sound as though I’m complaining, but I actually like more relaxed episodes like this – you can’t run at 11 all of the time! Too much drama and it begins to feel forced, you know? And I enjoy seeing characters in all sorts of different scenarios, and that includes as they go about their day-to-day lives! Besides, given that this week’s episode was much more uneventful, and I don’t have a great deal to discuss and dissect, now may be a good opportunity to address the following burning question: Kyo vs. Yuki – who is currently in a better position to win Tohru’s heart?
Let’s review the evidence…
- Last week, after Kyo and Yuki finally found Tohru, Yuki insisted on waiting to hear how Tohru felt about moving back in with them before taking action, selflessly setting aside his own feelings on the matter. That being said, Yuki was the first to intervene in the Hondas’ tense discussion once Tohru’s feelings had been made clear. Kyo was, comparatively, slow on the uptake.
- There have been a few times when Yuki has, with a coy glance or offhand compliment, caused Tohru to blush tomato-red. Tohru may not realise it yet, but she’s clearly attracted to Yuki. I cannot recall a time when Kyo has caused Tohru to blush in the same way.
- Yuki has been nothing but genial towards Tohru. Kyo, meanwhile, is often verbally abusive towards her. He has even hurt Tohru on a few occasions. Even if we take into consideration the fact that these were accidents, Kyo’s behaviour isn’t particularly endearing.
- Yuki has been quick to open up to Tohru, e.g. by sharing with her his deep-seated fear that he’s not really a good person, by showing her his “secret base”, and during this week’s episode when he said that he was embarrassed, wearing the dress, and that he didn’t want her to see him like that. Yuki’s willingness to let Tohru in is indicative of the trust that he has placed in her and has brought the two closer together.
- Kyo, on the other hand, has been slow to show anything but red-hot anger… The only time we’ve ever seen him act genuinely happy was during episode four when he and Tohru were discussing his love of martial arts. That being said, Tohru enjoys gently coaxing people out of their shells and getting to see more sides to them, so Kyo, and the challenge that he presents, may be right up her street!
- Kyo would sooner die than get all lovey-dovey. Yuki, meanwhile, has already low-key confessed to Tohru. This week Tohru told Yuki that she considered the way in which her mother always called her cute to be an expression of her love. Moments later, Yuki said that, were she to don his princess dress, she would look cute, far cuter than him. Smooth…
- This week Tohru told the story of the time when she, as a child, got lost, but was guided home by a mysterious young boy wearing a blue baseball cap. She ventures that this boy may very well have been her first love. We don’t get to see this boy’s face, but doesn’t the way his hair falls look familiar?
I’ve not finished reading the Fruits Basket manga, so I don’t know which of the two boys Tohru will ultimately choose (if she chooses one at all), but looking at the evidence we’ve accumulated thus far, I’d say that Yuki is, by far, the safest bet! Don’t worry, though, I’ll definitely review their odds as the series progresses!
As I’ve already said, this week’s episode was kind of uneventful. Nevertheless, it still gave us plenty of fresh insights into the series’ characters. Here are a few for your perusal…
- None of Yuki’s classmates seemed to care just how uncomfortable he was in that dress. Tohru was the only one who actually apologised for crooning over him. Yuki put Tohru’s feelings before his own during last week’s episode, so it was nice to see Tohru do the same during this week’s episode.
- Shigure just loves to stir the pot, doesn’t he? This week he pays Akito a visit. During this visit, he compares Tohru to Akito and suggests that she is several times the person they are. Why does he deliberately pit the two against each other like this? We can’t be sure at this point, but no doubt there will be consequences to his actions…
- Tohru has learned the secret to joy: to be content no matter what your circumstances. This reminded me of the prophet Paul. Like Tohru, he endured some pretty challenging circumstances, including: imprisonment, extreme persecution, and physical disability. Paul was even shipwrecked – on multiple occasions! But he was able to hold on to his joy regardless: “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12). And that’s because he derived his strength from Jesus Christ. I doubt that this was Takaya-sensei’s intention, but I loved the fact that Tohru pointed me back to my faith!
Phew! For an episode where not a great deal happened, I sure had a lot to write about! If you’ve managed to make it this far, I sincerely thank you! Before you go, let me know, who do you think has the upper hand in the fight for Tohru’s heart at this point: Kyo or Yuki? Bye for now!
