English Dub Review: More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers.: “Done, Being Less Than Love.”

Overview: Jiro (Ben Balmaceda) and Shiori (Macy Anne Johnson) take some time to hang out and talk after their fateful kiss. Later, Yakuin and Watanabe (Lindsay Sheppard) go out on a date as their semester winds down. 

Our Take: Jiro and Shiori’s awkwardness following their kiss is a double edged sword of sorts. It is sweet in how much they both debate what the meaning behind what it means for their relationship. However, considering it was a smooch, it seems pretty self-explanatory in its meaning with their indecisiveness behind the act still puzzling. Watanabe, on the other hand, acts as a compelling reason for him to reconsider his options moving forward. 

Akira and Jiro’s date is frustrating at first because of how hesitant he is, trying to work out a potential ulterior motive she could have. Their slice of life activities are endearing as all heck like sharing ice cream or petting felines at a cat café. It also gives us a chance to see Akira’s more bubbly side that she generally shared with Minami, differing from her combative aspects now that she has fully committed to Jiro. Her warmth creates an equally affectionate atmosphere that allows him to let loose and truly enjoy their other cutesy date escapades, like shopping and gaming at an arcade. 

Shiori and Akira’s race to the shrine symbolizes that of their competition for a certain nerd’s heart. The girl’s competition is a truly wholesome tease for the entirety of their romantic love life, past, present and future they will receive, until they both end up at the top. Jiro’s own love prayer being cut off makes for another exciting little cliffhanger.  

The ending stinger is a hopeful one in showing Yakuin being more proactive in his relationship with Watanabe, helping her cook and, potentially, teasing a harem ending of sorts, in his knight character ending up with both princesses. As someone who adores both Akari and Shiori, I will be happy with whoever Jiro ends up with. It has been a treat watching them all progress in their romantic desires. Hopefully the relationship between Shiori and Jiro more deeply delves into the effect they have on each other, while continuing to do the same for him and Akira in the future.