Either the style switch grew on me, or the studio uses them more judiciously this time.

Aoi has carried this show hard so far, and I admire her VA’s performance. A people pleaser in the past, she’s still conflicted on whether she actually, really loves Makoto romantically. The admittedly more organic feelings Ryuji has has made her insecure. It’s hard to clear up because her dad is away and her mom is dead (that hairstyle, dangit), and appears to be starved of social interactions—at least those that mattered.

So in her alone time, she says “I love Makoto” many times like a charm, hoping that it becomes real.

tl;dw: Imagine Aoi thinking about Makoto while singing “You are my special…”. In fact, I wouldn’t put it past her playing SPECIALZ before she sleeps.

Oh Makoto you cute dumbass

So it seems like Aoi doesn’t necessarily want a romantic relationship, but rather a genuine one. I wouldn’t say she isn’t in love with senpai because it’s too early to tell, but she clearly felt a new and unidentified emotion for Makoto.

Anyway this show is Personal Attack: The Anime for me because every fucking character seems to be calling me out :)

Aoi is such a drama queen… She literally just does everything for the maximum worst emotional effect on others.

I think I’d hate to hang around her…

@rikka@ani.social