Last Friends ep.08

June 29, 2008 | 7 Comments

I meant to write this 2 weeks ago but obviously that didn't happen because I had more pressing thing to attend to. Unfortunately this means that I'm now 4 episodes behind, or rather, 3 episodes behind now that I've completed this one. I'm sorry for the brief summary but I can't possibly complete the series if I do my usual long-winded summary. Besides, I'm sure most people have already seen the episode and don't see the need to read the plot. Overall, I don't find this episode to be as enjoyable as the others but it's probably because the mood between all of the characters are so awkward. I think I've said this before but this is a good example as to why sharing a house with people that you have a crush on is not a good idea. When things unravel, things become uncomfortable and sooner or later, someone has to move to make things right again. Moreover, there's no telling what will happen to the friendship afterwards.

Brief Summary

Despite what some people might wished for, Sousuke doesn't die in his attempt to save the young boy. He tries to send a letter to Michiru through the young boy but it got intercepted by Ruka, who burns it. The only person who feels sorry for him is surprisingly, Eri. Meanwhile, Ruka has decided to look for a new place to live because she can't cope with the possibility that others might know her secret. She's also thinking of going overseas someday and undergo an operation then. The doctor, however, suggests that she doesn't rush things and instead tells people that closest to her about it. Back at the shared house, Eri decides to make Ogurin jealous by pretending that the letter that Sousuke sends to Michiru is actually from other guys interested in Eri. Eri also accidentally finds out about Ruka's intention to do sex change when she tried to use Ruka's computer. She decides to discuss the issue with Takeru but neither of them sensed that Ruka could be like that. Meanwhile, Ruka finds out that someone has used her computer. Because she's afraid that someone will out her, she decides to move out of the shared house as soon as possible.

Despite protestation from the others, Ruka tells them that she wants to live on her own and has signed the contract. Takeru, who's concerned about the situation, decides to ask Hayashida about this. Hayashida can't tell him anything other than Ruka has been slandered in her workplace. On his way back home, however, Takeru seems the notes that Sousuke posted at Ruka's workplace. Back at the shared house, Michiru finds out that Ruka intends on moving out as well that day. Because of this, the two decide to go to the park again as a goodbye. Michiru thanks Ruka for finding her that night because without her, she wouldn't have the resolution to leave Sousuke's place. Takeru eventually comes home to the shared house and finds out that Ruka has moved out of her room. He also finds a letter addressed to him from Ruka. The letter explains to him everything including her desire to undergo the operation. Upon reading the letter, Takeru runs to the park and manages to catch up to her. Takeru tells Ruka that he understands her feelings and he still loves her be it as human or as a woman. He still wants to support Ruka and stand by her side no matter how much she changes.

Impression

I really feel sorry for Ruka for having to go through her problem on her own but having said that, she doesn't make things easy for herself. She assumes that people won't accept her situation before even attempting to tell them about the situation. No wonder she's surprised to know that despite everything, despite what she has said and done to Takeru, he is still willing to be there for her. In reality, I don't think there will be many people who can be like Takeru, casting aside their love for a person and accepts the fact that the person that they love probably love someone else. Takeru is a representation of what love should be: one that prioritises the feelings and emotions of the person that an individual love instead of his/her own feeling. Even if Ruka doesn't love him as a man, Takeru still wants nothing but the best for her. In addition to this, he's willing to be there and support her. Some people probably more than willing to do the first one (hoping that their loved one gets someone better) but it's rare to find people who would be willing to support another person who doesn't reciprocate their love.

Eri and Ogurin's story is kind of amusing and cute now. Ogurin should just make up his mind already and decides that his wife doesn't love him at all. On that note, one has to admire Eri's ability to shrug off her pain at seeing Ogurin chatting with his wife. Sure, she tried to make him jealous but in general, she deals very well with what she saw the day before. It's probably because she has a realistic perspective in regards to relationship, knowing that it may not be a long-lasting one. A never-ending love would be nice but at the same time, it's also unrealistic because nothing last forever. Even a couple who's been in love for tens of years will one day get separated when one of them passed away. Anyway, it's also interesting to see her as the first person who finds out about Ruka's intention to do gender operation. As expected, she's weirded out by this new finding but much to my surprise, she's not too concerned about it. Last but not least, it's interesting to see Michiru's co-worker browsing the book aisle section on domestic violence. It really backs up the theory that most abusers were once abused themselves.

Preview

Next episode: Sousuke continues his reign of terror.

© memento 2003