English Dub Review: In the Clear Moonlit Dusk “Earring; A Goodnight Hug”

OVERVIEW (SPOILERS)

With their relationship now official, Yoi and Kohaku renegotiate terms, including merging their two friend groups and planning a trip, even though they’re both clearly eager to push things to the next level. However, once Ohji learns of this, he makes plans he knows he shouldn’t. Later, the united friend group enjoy their trip, though Yoi is hesitant to enjoy herself with Kohaku in private.

OUR TAKE

Whoops, looks like I lost count, NOW we are in the last third of the season as of the end of this episode. And we’ve definitely hit a shift in the tone, as while Yoi and Kohaku have been dating for the majority of this series, it’s clear the terms are different now that the context has changed. Before, they were kind of pawing around in the dark looking for each other for a sign the other was really interested, which is what makes those interactions as funny as they were relatably cringeworthy, as they were right in front of each other but couldn’t look past their own issues. Now at least they both understand that the other does actually like THEM and want THEM, so now they can move forward knowing that it’s okay to lean on the other like they will be a consistent part of their lives and are willing to show up for them in the ways they need, and learn if they don’t know. Sigh, Man, do you ever find yourself beating yourself up about a previous relationship while watching a fictional one? No? Just me? Well shit, now don’t I look damn foolish, haha.

Then we get to the trip itself in the next episode, which is pretty much just more of the heightened tension between the two now that they are both in a more intimate setting. While I have yet to go on a trip with a significant other, I am at least aware that doing so is a step up in terms of closeness. They’re definitely not at the stage of sleeping in the same bed, but stuff like, as the title suggests, a hug goodnight, is a sign of affection and assurance. But we also have two teenagers whose respective hormones are running more wild than ever, so I’m almost impressed with the level of restraint on display here. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if this season ended with their first proper kiss at this rate. Oh, and then there’s Ohji, who is informed of Yoi now officially dating Kohaku, and then I guess panicking and asking her to help him look for clothes later. Is he gonna try to shoot his shot even after learning he actually has no shot? That feels like a pretty cheap way to make drama, but there’s always a chance, I suppose. Three episodes to go and the next episode is “Another Prince”, so it looks like Ohji may be making his move then. Stay tuned to find out!