English Dub Review: Tsukigakirei “Run, Melos!”

Run run, Rudolph!

For most of this series, I’ve been bracing myself for some dramatic turn. Clearly, we’re supposed to be rooting for Akane and Kotaro, so there must be some obstacles in their way at some point. But through all the miscommunications, the two have always worked things out. As soon as I think I see the twist coming, everyone starts acting sensibly and maturely. That’s the least realistic part of this show about middle schoolers.

So here’s this week’s gossip: Akane is sad about her friend, Chinatsu, liking her boyfriend, Kotaro. It’s fine so far because Kotaro still likes Akane. He asks her to meet again in the school library.

They’re both nervous, which is really both their natural states. Akane has her big track meet coming up, and Kotaro has been asked into a meeting with a publishing company.  They wish each other luck and pinky promise to do their best. Probably in her excitement that a conversation between them had gone so well, Akane decides to not tell Kotaro about Chinatsu.

But she knows she needs to do something because Chinatsu is her best friend. Akane finally tells her that she’s dating Kotaro. I’m not sure why she was keeping a secret, especially when Chinatsu says it was obvious. That makes so much sense – I was wondering last week where Chinatsu’s deductive skills had gone. She’s bubbly and energetic but also the most emotionally intelligent one of them all. That’s why she thanks Akane for telling her. Chinatsu wasn’t trying to stir things up, she was just practicing effective communication in a friendship!

Tensions are high at Akane’s track meet, intercut with Kotaro’s meeting. The publisher tells him he’s not good enough for “serious literature”, but he could have a career in writing light stuff. I don’t think he really gets Kotaro’s style. He’s also just a middle schooler, he’ll probably improve. Also, Akane did really badly at her track meet. Hira even yells at her about it. Apparently, he was just frustrated because he cares about her so much, but that doesn’t make it okay!

Kotaro and Akane talk again in the library. They make another pinky promise to commit themselves to their pursuits. (Are they going to break up to focus on their dedication to their hobbies?? I should stop trying to guess the big twist, my record’s not very good.)

Later, Akane apologizes to Chinatsu for keeping the secret. Neither of them is sure what to do but they want to stay friends. Chinatsu asks if she can tell Kotaro how she feels. Akane is taken aback, but I like Chinatsu’s style! She says she just wants closure. I think it’s good for her to reach out for that, but it also shows that she’s prioritizing her imagined relationship with Kotaro over her friendship with Akane. This conversation could act as closure enough. And in typical Tsukigakirei style, that’s the end of the episode.

Whatever happens, I’m glad it’s going to be the result of communication open communication! No betrayals or unfortunate could-have-beens here. Don’t forget to go ahead and project this show on to your own relationships, it’s fun!