OVERVIEW (SPOILERS)Rintaro and Kaoruko finally get to study, but Kaoruko’s friend pleads with him to stop seeing her.OUR TAKEWell, what do you know, the wholesome and sweet love story that I actually quite like is once again being interfered with by the STUPID BULLSHIT of this school rivalry that remains ever present. I’m probably going to have to come up with something else about it to complain about so I don’t end up sounding like a broken record, but for now, just about a third of the way through this season, we are gonna milk that same complaint for all it is worth. So yeah, as mentioned, Rintaro and Kaoruko get their “totally not a date” to study and there is very obviously a strong and mutual attraction between them. Like it really seems like if these two were just left alone to their own devices, they would both just have a great time with no strings attached, which it sounds like they both really need after all the undue stress they already get from their regular lives. And as you have no doubt seen in plenty of other romance anime, simply going through the foibles and stumbles of dating is enough to fill the show with relatable conflict and endearing journeys. BUT NO, we also need Subaru, the gray haired childhood friend, to come in and remind us of this nonsense.And don’t get me wrong, I do understand that reputation is important for some kids, especially those who have a scholarship or are trying to help their parents out or something along those lines. It can be a lot of pressure to balance all of that, and then adding potential dating to that gets even more complicated, especially if things go awry there. But as it turns out, this venom towards Chidori students from the Kikyo students is not just among the kids, but it is also put into them by the teachers, which just adds a whole other layer of stupidity. And keep in mind, this isn’t even about dating, this is simply about being within the same vicinity as them. It’s just ridiculous and I can’t for one second take it the least bit seriously. Oh, and to make matters worse, it looks like Rintaro’s friends found a note from Kaoruko in his study notes (in the most contrived way possible, I might add) and this might lead to even the boys getting weird about this. Great, can’t wait to see the nothing burger drama that stems from that!