Well... a lot of mixed feelings for this one.
Spoiler for episode 8:
The last episode to Kaoru's arc has its highlights. For one thing, the scene wherein Kaoru and Junichi are looking down at falling snow from glass floor is a pretty imaginative situation, one which I find refreshing enough as a touching scene. Kaoru's antics throughout the episode can bring a smile to one's face, and it's nice to see Kaoru and Junichi's relationship having this natural element to it.
(And oh, Haruka's santa outfit gets a thumbs up in my books...
)
However, the ending doesn't give the entire thing a proper close in my opinion. This is so unlike Haruka's arc, wherein there is at least a decent epilogue that wraps the whole thing up. I think Haruka's weakest episode is the third, but that's remedied by a well-done, closing fourth. Unfortunately, for Kaoru—while her arc has this very wonderful flow and pace—I can't help but feel that it ends 'too soon', and not in good way. It feels as if the story just runs out of time, and is forced to stop midway on some important point.
And so, it has to be said once again: perhaps four episodes per arc isn't enough after all.
All in all, Kaoru's arc has been a wonderful tale of two friends becoming something more. In a way, it reminds me of what was said to me before, that being in relationship is like having the best kind of friendship ever.