Aoki has a plan. He’s going to make his move. Akkun told him that the annual school camping trip would be a great place to do it, but as he and Hashimoto learn on their way to the mountain, it’s not a fun trip. It’s a hellish spartan training course. They’ll be too busy trying to survive. There will be no time for romance. Though he’s heartbroken, Hashimoto has gone to the dark side. She’s a mess.
Once at the mountain, Mr. Taniguchi (Seiichi Tanabe) goes into vacation mode, leaving the students in the hands of the forest ranger, Akutsu (Tomomi Maruyama) who confirms that this is, for sure, not going to be a fun and easy camping trip. The students will have to work to eat. Ida teams up with Akkun while Aoki and Hashimoto decide to tackle the wilderness together. It was a bold move – stupid – but bold. The two of them couldn’t be more ill-suited for the wilderness if they were being led by Shelly Long in the 1989 cinematic masterpiece Troop Beverly Hills.
They come in last. While the rest of the class enjoys beef curry, the two of them only found a carrot. However, as a member of the Home Economics club, Hashimoto can turn it into a small, but delicious meal. Luckily, Ida and Akkun come to their rescue and share some of their food with them. Aoki, overcome with emotion, rushes to hug him.
Accepting the kindness, Hashimoto and Aoki vow to do better the next day. Once again the fai – only finding an onion. Annoyed, Ida comes up with a plan to have the rest of the class pool all the ingredients they have found together. So that everyone can benefit. Akutsu storms in, seemingly upset. But then smiles, and Mr. Taniguchi advises them that the game is over. The entire thing was a team-building exercise to get the class to work together, as a team. Then he brings out a plethora of food and drink to celebrate, which the class does, together. After Aoki and Hashimoto decide to take on dish duty, by themselves. Even when another student offers to help, they want to do their part.
Later, after a lecture from Akutsu, Aoki decides to reveal the truth to Ida. Wishing him the best, Hashimoto also decides to tell Akkun.
Aoki’s confession is draped in shyness, then he slips and starts to fall back. Leaping forward, Ida throws himself on top of him, protecting him as they tumble down the hill. After laughing, the two talk. Ida likes Aoki. A lot and he’s glad Aoki feels the same. So, they decide to start dating.
This is probably my favorite episode of the series. Aoki and Hashimoto are so helpless and cute and Ida starts to show how much he truly likes Aoki. Plus, Aoki’s honest confession is just adorable! Again, this is very similar to the manga and I do love how Ren and Michi embody these two characters. It’s just so sweet!
10/10. No notes.
How did Hashimoto do? Will she and Akkun have the same romantic love story as Ida and Aoki? Find out in episode Six!
More My Love Mix-Up soon so…
Stay Tuned!
Life In Cartoon Motion 