(L) Mashiro-iro Symphony

[Triple_R]

Originally Posted by Kaoru Chujo

I don't think he's quite as unaware as he seems...except about Sana, lol.

I think that he's aware that Airi, Ange, and Miu all have at least slight crushes on him.

With Ange, I think he's a bit unnerved by her constant maid routine, and would feel uncomfortable being both her "Master" and her lover.

With Airi, I think things were going swimmingly well until the Nuko Club issues created a distraction, causing him to shift focus from Airi to Miu.

With Miu, I think he was fully prepared to become her boyfriend as I do think he saw the "shop with me" request to constitute going on a serious date with her, but Sana's involvement made him feel like maybe it wasn't a serious date after all, and that Sana would make it more trouble than what it's worth.


Miu and/or Sana may be able to work around the current situation somehow, but I think it's more likely that Shingo will go back to Airi.

[thundrakkon]

Shingo is going to end up with... Pannya!!!

All kidding aside, the way the show is set up, with Airi always observing him, she will be with him in the end. Although Miu is a close second, I just don't think the relationship will pan out. She is just so neutral and considerate about everything, so she will not want to hurt anyone else's feelings in order to be with Shingo.

Sana is the most agressive so far, even if she denies it. Everyone can see it. However, because of her childish denials, she will eventually lose out. I found it funny when she mentioned that no girls will like Shingo, even though it was obvious that he is in a club full of girls that are mostly there because of him.

Angelina will forever be the aggressive maid. I don't think he can see her as anything beyond that.

But yeah, they hint Airi every episode, so it would be very jarring if someone else ends up with Shingo in the end.

[relentlessflame]

Originally Posted by thundrakkon

But yeah, they hint Airi every episode, so it would be very jarring if someone else ends up with Shingo in the end.

My main "counter-argument" to this is that Airi's character development doesn't necessarily depend on her "getting the guy". Shingo is someone she admires and respects, and while it's true that this could turn to romance, he can still be someone who helps her change and grow as a person. She could still be the leading heroine even if Shingo falls in love with someone else... just that it would develop her character in a different way than we might expect (and perhaps be a bit more bittersweet in the end).

The second counter-argument is the more obvious point that Shingo has been more visibly attracted to Miu from the get-go, despite having grown a more solid/grounded relationship with Airi. So if we are to pit the two potential romances against each other, it depends basically on whether Shingo decides to go for the girl who makes his heart race, or perhaps arguably (at least from what we've seen only) the girl who's more innately compatible with him. That's not an easy choice for a high school boy, even if he may be a bit mature for his age in some areas. (Edit: And to be fair, Airi has made his heart race a few times too -- he just doesn't have that sort of sheepish blushing reaction every time she comes near -- perhaps just due to the nature of their relationship which is more trusting/grounded due to circumstances.)

So those would be my counter-arguments, but your primary argument that it makes more sense from an overall story perspective to focus on Airi is probably honestly the strongest argument there is at this point. I just think that the writers were careful to leave just enough hints and signs that there is some potential for divergence at this point without throwing the cohesion of the overall story into jeopardy. But it clearly depends on what they decide to do from here on out.

[thundrakkon]

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

My main "counter-argument" to this is that Airi's character development doesn't necessarily depend on her "getting the guy".

I wholeheartedly agree with this assessment. Right now, the romance department with Airi is just not there yet. It is a lot about respect.

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

The second counter-argument is the more obvious point that Shingo has been more visibly attracted to Miu from the get-go, despite having grown a more solid/grounded relationship with Airi.

I do see that as well. However, this is episode 7, with the next episode probably focused on her as well. As with the story so far, it looks like it will go on arcs with each girl. Hence, as it is still early in the series, his romance with her will probably fizzle in the background.

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

But it clearly depends on what they decide to do from here on out.

As we have not had a "romance" arc for Airi yet, I am guessing they will eventually have one for Airi near the end. At 12 episodes, the series will focus on the main heroine around episode 10 or so, usually.

Sadly, I'm using story type structure to defend my case instead of actual story content, but it is so often true for this type of genre.

[Guardian Enzo]

I must have missed the part about how jumping into the bath with a guy isn't romantic.

[relentlessflame]

Originally Posted by Guardian Enzo

I must have missed the part about how jumping into the bath with a guy isn't romantic.

I'll put this in spoiler tags to be double-extra safe, but I honestly think there was (barely) enough information in the anime to support the same conclusion.

Spoiler for Episode 6 informed a bit by the game to clarify:

It wasn't as romantic as it seems. Remember that they were arguing back and forth about who would get in the bath first and neither were willing to give in. So, Airi joining Shingo in the bath was her idea of a compromise. You'll notice that though he was embarrassed, he wasn't surprised and didn't object ("what are you doing?!") the way he did with Ange and Sakuno earlier in the episode -- this is because he knew that this would happen. So it wasn't either intended or perceived as a romantic gesture by either party -- it was "a necessity" so neither of them would catch a cold and because they weren't willing to compromise any other way. The thing the anime didn't do is point out explicitly that this was the compromise, but it's the juxtaposition between the argument and the outcome that's supposed to establish the link. She didn't get into the bath because "she likes him" (she wasn't making an advance), but by the same token she could only do it because she trusts him.

[Guardian Enzo]

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

I'll put this in spoiler tags to be double-extra safe, but I honestly think there was (barely) enough information in the anime to support the same conclusion.

Spoiler for Episode 6 comparison to the game:

It wasn't as romantic as it seems. Remember that they were arguing back and forth about who would get in the bath first and neither were willing to give in. So, Airi joining Shingo in the bath was her idea of a compromise. You'll notice that though he was embarrassed, he wasn't surprised and didn't object ("what are you doing?!") the way he did with Ange and Sakuno earlier in the episode -- this is because he knew that this would happen. So it wasn't either intended or perceived as a romantic gesture by either party -- it was "a necessity" so neither of them would catch a cold and because they weren't willing to compromise any other way. The thing the anime didn't do is point out explicitly that this was the compromise, but it's the juxtaposition between the argument and the outcome that's supposed to establish the link.

Spoiler for Just in case:

I got that out of the scene, but I still think no matter how you rationalize it, when a girl climbs into a bath with a boy she's making a declaration of intentions. Ten minutes isn't going to make the difference between catching a cold and not catching one.

I'm a Miu guy, don't get me wrong - I just feel like the Airi flags are virtually unmistakable (I admit I'm anime-only with this series, FWIW). If nothing else, I don't see how it can even be disputed that she's interested in him - she's made that clear at every turn. Shingo's own feelings are less clear, I admit.

[relentlessflame]

Originally Posted by Guardian Enzo

I'm a Miu guy, don't get me wrong - I just feel like the Airi flags are virtually unmistakable (I admit I'm anime-only with this series, FWIW). If nothing else, I don't see how it can even be disputed that she's interested in him - she's made that clear at every turn. Shingo's own feelings are less clear, I admit.

Oh, no doubt: she's interested in him. But I don't think she has put those feelings into words yet; I don't think the light has gone on quite yet to say "oh, I'm in love with Shingo". She's sort of "clumsy" with her feelings that way, as we saw from day one. That may be why this situation with Sana is important, because she may start to be able to identify/solidify her own feelings through her observations of Sana.

Basically, all the heroines in this story have to decide "What do I want Shingo to be to me?" and at this point the only one who has clearly made that decision and proclamation is Ange (with Sakuno perhaps not having to make that decision since they already have a definition by default).

[Mahou]

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

Oh, no doubt: she's interested in him. But I don't think she has put those feelings into words yet; I don't think the light has gone on quite yet to say "oh, I'm in love with Shingo". She's sort of "clumsy" with her feelings that way, as we saw from day one. That may be why this situation with Sana is important, because she may start to be able to identify/solidify her own feelings through her observations of Sana.

Basically, all the heroines in this story have to decide "What do I want Shingo to be to me?" and at this point the only one who has clearly made that decision and proclamation is Ange (with Sakuno perhaps not having to make that decision since they already have a definition by default).

I agree and hope that by making the bolded decision at an early point the anime will avoid the usual harem-romance drama. It would - for me - essentially remove or (drastically) weaken the soothing effect of the anime. Depending on the direction the anime follows the only girl that might become heartbroken is Sana due to her growing affection of Shingo as far as it can be judged in the previous+ current episode.

My belief: Do not add drama when it's not really needed. I think the anime can be "successful" without the drama of seeing each girl heartbroken in the end, to exaggerate it As it is now, it seems that each - let's call it - serious situation isn't based around the girl's feelings/heart, but more about the difficulties of her uhm... surroundings (à la nukobu currently) which is for a "drama-damaged" person like me a good enough approach.

[Skyfall]

I don't think it's really Airi's interest in Shingo that's up for dispute - she is quite interested (attached?) in him in a lot of ways, even if she hasn't consciously caught on to her inner feelings just yet. Rather, it's whether Shingo has displayed actions that would translate in to romantic inclinations towards Airi from his end.

There is no doubt his relationship with Airi has the most solid grounding at this point, due to all the interactions and coming to understand one another in context of the previous episodes, but I don't really think he is looking at her in romantic light just yet. A newfound and good friend, someone he is glad to have on friendly terms with him, yes. But a prospect for romance ? I don't get the feeling said thought has crossed his mind just yet. The solid grounding of their relationship could certainly serve as the basis for one, but the spark doesn't seem to be there at the moment.

In contrast, it's not hard to spot the implications of his appreciation for Miu going beyond that of a good friend. While the groundwork of their relationship as of yet isn't nearly as deep as what he shares with Airi, there is little doubt she has caught the attention of the "male" part of his brain

Don't get me wrong, Airi is certainly a distinct possibility and it wouldn't be hard to develop their current relationship in to a romantic one, but I wouldn't write Miu out just yet (as that's where his current romantic inclinations point), contrary to what I thought a few weeks ago. His relationship with Miu is lacking the same depth as he shares with Airi, but judging from the preview the "club" surrounding events aren't over yet. I suspect the next 1-2 episodes should shed a lot of light in terms of their final destination (I'm fine with either choice, they are both adorable in their own way), so am awaiting those with anxiety.

[KyriaL]

Airi's time to shine will still probably be a few episodes away. But I have to say, its not common to see male leads like Uryuu who seems so naturally smooth with girls. At least there is a reason that his harem is expending, compared to the usual where girls just swarm to the male lead for hardly any proper reason.

[Kaoru Chujo]

Miu's out because she older. Too much respect for the ol' senpai, lol. Even if he is understandably attracted.

I think the anime told us fairly early that Airi would be the one (for me, too, the bath scene is a clear declaration), but it is now giving us some hits of the others before settling in to the main event. I like how the show is continuing to keep the other routes alive, though, since each of the girls is a good subject. Like Mahou, I enjoy the soothing lack of drama here -- much as I like drama in other cases.

I'm liking just about all the voices. People sometimes think that ero-game seiyuus are the best. They are the best-paid, apparently.

Good point from KyriaL. Uryuu is smooth, strong, and helpful. It is unfortunately all too common for the lead guy to give few reasons to really like and respect him.

[Guardian Enzo]

Maybe Shingo is the anti-Takanashi - rather than being attracted to small things because of his older sisters, he's attracted to older women because of his younger sister...

[Vena]

Originally Posted by Guardian Enzo

Maybe Shingo is the anti-Takanashi - rather than being attracted to small things because of his older sisters, he's attracted to older women because of his younger sister...

Going by his reaction in EP. 1 I'd say he has no specific age requirements.

[thundrakkon]

Originally Posted by Kaoru Chujo

Miu's out because she older. Too much respect for the ol' senpai, lol. Even if he is understandably attracted.

That is not necessarily true.

Spoiler for Other anime:

In Shuffle!, the protagonist ended up with the senpai, much to my surprise and sadness, so it is possible that Shingo ends up with Miu.

As much as I like the romantic chemistry I see with Miu and Shingo, I still believe Airi will be the one he ends up going out with.

[relentlessflame]

Originally Posted by Kaoru Chujo

Miu's out because she older. Too much respect for the ol' senpai, lol. Even if he is understandably attracted.

I can sort of see them moving this way as one of the possibilities, but I wouldn't be too quick to discount Hayata's comment that pegged Shingo as someone who preferred older women. Hayata and Shingo are best friends and have known each other longer than this move to the new school, so there's probably something to it. In the story's context, that comment could be a red herring, but it could also be a hint.

That being said, on the flip side, there's Shingo's own comment about Miu to Sana at the park that that, even if the world were overturned, they're not a good match. The context of that comment was coming from Sana's huge admiration of Miu, so the insinuation here is that Miu is way above him, and he's agreeing with that. So your "too much respect" comment may indeed be the way it's resolved; he might think in a way that he's not good enough for her, so won't give the possibility of a romantic relationship serious thought.

I still say it basically depends on what happens in the next few episodes. I wouldn't say that Shingo's eyes have been opened to seriously consider any of the girls as a real romantic possibility just yet.

[Flower]

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

...I still say it basically depends on what happens in the next few episodes. I wouldn't say that Shingo's eyes have been opened to seriously consider any of the girls as a real romantic possibility just yet.

Yep - we have many girls interested in Shingo but Shingo himself has not seemed to express interest past initial interests ... in other words, serious interest. And I agree that this seems to be the main "issue" here, or the main deciding factor atm.

We can guess Miu based on last ep blushing reactions, etc., but he has blushed before in the presence of women and it did not seem he has pursued any individual heroine further. Blushing in of itself is not hard proof of Shingo actively going to the next step with a particular heroine.

Sana and Angie seem to be out - the former based on his reactions and nervousness to Sana's supposedly claiming to be "going out" with him last ep, and the latter in Shingo's actions in ep 6 to not pursue anything romantically with Angie even though she was quite willing and there were plenty of opportunities.

Sakuno (my fave of the heroines thus far) has only shown a little jealousy here and there, but Shingo seems to greatly love and value her as a younger sister and someone with a very level head (although a poor sense of direction).

That leaves Miu and Airi. I guess an argument could be made for both, but perhaps % wise it is Airi changing that has been focused on the most from the anime POV. Miu not so much. In fact last ep seemed in some ways to me like it could be characterized as "Airi watching".

You know - all this being said I hafta re-emphasize my delight at how Shingo is being portrayed thus far as a male lead. A "harem setting" gathering around him makes total sense in harmony with what we know of him so far; whatever else his faults or weaknesses of character are.

[amoirsp]

Alright, more questions on properties lol

Spoiler:

alright so in ep 7 we know Sana joined the group just to return Shingo's handkerchief. While I enjoyed that scene a lot since I like the way Sana's good attributes are being utilized, isn't there slight inconsistency with her priority? Rather I should say did Manglobe forget to emphasize a few things?

For instance, it was clear Sana joining the group was mostly if not entirely Miu-senpai bias. Therefore, returning to the club room means that Sana truly cares about the club room and in particular tending to the care of the animals. While that makes Sana even more awesome, I found this not really emphasized in earlier examples since Manglobe gave so much more emphasis on "oh I ended up here cuz Miu-senpai went along" the scene was to poke fun on the rumor but then you realize Sana sees Uryuu very soon ... Like after school as seen later in the episode.

Well I'll stop there since its really minor. I probably answered my own question.

In terms of speculation, I find a trend with Uryuu being pulled into experiences he has not had previously. Thus something like a more direct confession or something big that occurs will be the trigger factor. Oh now I remember why I also mentioned that Sana scene, cuz although it was a rumor, the other girls took it normally or at least not grudgingly or conflicted. This was similar to the classroom with the girls seeing Uryuu talk on good terms with Sena. Thus I don't expect extraneous heartbreak and the such, particularly with Manglobe's soothing fail safe system.

I had a thought on Sakuno but I'll save that on another time.

[relentlessflame]

I don't think this needs to be in spoiler tags at this point given that we've been openly discussing episode 7 so far.

Originally Posted by amoirsp

alright so in ep 7 we know Sana joined the group just to return Shingo's handkerchief. While I enjoyed that scene a lot since I like the way Sana's good attributes are being utilized, isn't there slight inconsistency with her priority? Rather I should say did Manglobe forget to emphasize a few things?

For instance, it was clear Sana joining the group was mostly if not entirely Miu-senpai bias. Therefore, returning to the club room means that Sana truly cares about the club room and in particular tending to the care of the animals. While that makes Sana even more awesome, I found this not really emphasized in earlier examples since Manglobe gave so much more emphasis on "oh I ended up here cuz Miu-senpai went along" the scene was to poke fun on the rumor but then you realize Sana sees Uryuu very soon ... Like after school as seen later in the episode.

I think there are a few things going on here:

1. Sana does care for the Nuko Club and the animals independent from Miu as well. Notice how she was crying when they released the squirrel back to the wild (in spite of the fact that Miu was putting on a brave face), and the diligence she'd shown even when Miu isn't around. So certainly part of it that she wanted to help Miu, but helping Miu also means doing some of the work so that Miu doesn't have to do it on her own (which she's apt to do). She cares for the club itself and the animals too (and based on her crying, one might even say she cares too much, despite her claims to the contrary).

2. Sana will often use "I'm only doing this for Miu's sake" as an excuse to cover her own insecurities/embarrassment. She might as well say that tsundere classic "Don't misunderstand! I-I'm not doing this because I like you or anything!" "I'm doing it for Miu's sake" is a good cover, because it's rooted in truth anyway. But that's not the only dimension to her behaviour.

3. She could indeed have waited 'till the end of the school day to give Shingo back his handkerchief, but I think it's pretty clear that she was taking this opportunity to go out of her way to see him. Notice also how, when she runs off, she is sure to tell him where she's going (just in case he wanted to go see her...). This is why the rest of the group's reaction was what it was: whether she realizes it yet or not, Sana's falling (fallen?) in love.

So all in all, I think the portrayal here made sense, and said exactly what it needed to say about the changes developing in Sana's behaviour. And by god is it ever cute.

[Kameruka]

I'm not asking about the show but in first five episodes the ED subs says "bring bring love bring bring spell" but in episode 6 it says" ding ding love ding ding stop". Intentional or just an oversight?