Ooh goodness this was such a lovely episode! They went so hard with the art direction that it was such a treat to watch!
I really love Subaru’s and Kaoruko’s friendship, they love each other and only wish for the best of the other. Kaoruko understood where Subaru was coming from when she came clean about what she had said to Rintaro, and instead of chiding her for it, she apologized for making her worry. This didn’t quite make Subaru feel better because it only made her feel worse for making Kaoruko feel this way. After-all at the end of the day, Subaru wants to protect Kaoruko and help her be happy as she has always done for her.
It was especially wholesome at the end when Rintaro and Subaru got to talk again. Subaru’s at peace now knowing and accepting that Kaoruko has fallen in love with Rintaro. It also helps that she recognizes that Rintaro’s actually the kind of person who can be too kind for his own good. All because he understands just how much Subaru cherishes and cares for Kaoruko that he wants to make sure that he does things right. He understood Subaru’s concerns about the hostility between their schools, which was why he had asked her what should he do to put her at ease.
What was also sweet was how the kid who they encounter at the cafe the day appeared again, this time pointing out the two of them must be friends. (Also thank goodness he only said that and nothing more– though that would’ve been a real riot to see!) But I loved that because there’s no bias from the eyes of a young and innocent soul who has no knowledge of the tension between the schools. He plainly said what he thought he saw, just like the way Kaoruko goes by the rule of making her own judgment of an individual’s character with her own eyes as opposed to considering the gossip.
And finally, it was good to see Subaru’s suggestion that Rintaro and Kaoruko hang out somewhere away from the school was a good compromise to make it work. Sure it can be a bit more tedious, but you know what– if it’s going to spare them from the headache stemmed from prejudice, so be it.