化物語

Kimi no Iru Machi 53: Ignition

In chapter 53, the tension rises between Haruto and Narumi who appears to have taken a liking to Yuzuki. We see the crew going to the apple field to look at some apples for use on the upcoming school festival. Narumi shows them around and teaches Yuzuki a thing or two. Then, Yuzuki accidentally falls and was reached out by Narumi. The emphasis focused on the two of them holding hands, abeit, for a different cause altogether. But still, they are holding hands. Haruto got jealous thinking that it was his job instead of Narumi. Subsequently, Narumi needs to go and settle some things, related to apples, I think. It was going to be a chance for Haruto to patch things up with Yuzuki after the incident where Haruto suddenly held her hand. However, Yuzuki suddenly wanted to accompany Narumi. Haruto took the initiative to come along but was met by a hostile rejection from Narumi asking him to just go home. Haruto pondered after that thinking if Yuzuki is avoiding him due to that incident. He asked Kikukawa about it. She answered that she wouldn’t mind if someone holds her hand given that he is someone she likes. Kikukawa then hurries on to grab onto Haruto’s hands, seemingly misunderstanding the intentions behind Haruto’s question. The chapter concludes.

Kimi no Iru Machi 54:  Up in Flames

Chapter 54 shows more development. In my opinion, I dislike these few chapters since Yuzuki has been depicted to be more mean which sets the basis of more hate for her for fans of Nanami. What used to depict Yuzuki as thoughtful, careless and caring has now become oblivious, frustrating and simply cold.

In this chapter, Haruto and Kikukawa’s misunderstanding got bigger. Haruto couldn’t find a chance to settle it with Kikukawa. This is rather surprising since such things shouldn’t be dragged any longer. Unfortunately, Kikukawa said something about Haruto confessing during the folk dance (where most couples dance, or are asked to danced by lovers). She ran off after that, leaving no time for Haruto to sort things out. The next day, Nanami, Kikukawa and Haruto were at cooking club. Kikukawa was seen attaching herself to Haruto as if lovers. This makes Haruto awkward, especially because Nanami was also there. Yuzuki later walked past the home econs room with Narumi. They seem rather close…. Haruto was distracted and cut his fingers. Kikukawa took the opportunity to sucked onto his fingers, stopping the bleeding. This takes Haruto by surprise. A classmate then looked for Kikukawa and she left after that. This leaves Nanami and Haruto in the home econs room. Haruto attempted to explain everything but Nanami merely shrugged him off by telling him he doesn’t need to exlain everything to her. It’s funny how Haruto took the trouble to explain to Nanami when he already had given up on her, or has he? He should instead explain this clearly to Kikukawa and tell Yuzuki directly that he likes her. Things are messed up as this confusing love polygons ensues. Personally, this is rather sad since Haruto and Yuzuki seems to have endless obstacles standing between them. Let’s wait and see.

Kikukawa lets her hair down starting chapter 53, why?