A Star Brighter Than the Sun [Season 1 Episode 7]

Okay, let’s get real—when I sat down to watch A Star Brighter Than the Sun Season 1 Episode 7, I was a little nervous. After episode 6 felt a bit repetitive (shoutout to that fan on MAL who called out the same insecurities being rehashed), I wasn’t sure if this one would hit. But boy, did it deliver.

First, let’s set the scene: The school festival is in full swing, and Sae’s class is putting on a Wizard of Oz play (we saw them prepping in episode 6). Sae’s on stage hand duty, running around adjusting props and making sure the curtains open on time—until those absolute creeps in the front row pull out their phones to snap a pic of Hisui’s panties. Now, if you know Sae, you know she’s got that strong build (she’s always looking out for her delicate childhood crush Kouki, after all) and a heart of gold. So instead of freezing up or overthinking (like she did so much earlier), she jumps in. Like, full-on leaps between Hisui and the creeps, crashing off the stage and ruining the play in the process. But honestly? Who cares about the play when someone’s privacy is being violated?

And let’s talk about Kouki’s reaction. Normally, he’s the calm, collected soccer star everyone’s crushing on—soft-spoken, good at sports, the kind of guy who blushes when you call him by his first name. But when he saw what was happening? He didn’t hold back. He marched over to those creeps and got into a fight—so much so that he ended up in the nurse’s office with a scraped knuckle. It was such a raw moment; we’ve never seen him that angry before, and it just shows how much he cares about his friends (even if he’s not the best at saying it). Fans on MAL were losing it over this side of Kouki, and I don’t blame them—this is the character development we’ve been waiting for.

Then there’s Subaru, Kouki’s cousin, who stepped in to save the day. She explained to the teachers exactly what happened, so Sae and Kouki didn’t get suspended or anything. Can we just say how much we need a Subaru in our lives? She’s the no-nonsense, always-there-for-you friend everyone deserves—no drama, just straight-up honesty.

The best part of the episode, though? The aftermath. The play didn’t win any prizes (obviously, since it ended in a crash), but the class didn’t care. They ordered tons of taiyaki and matcha latte from the festival stalls, laughed about how Sae’s crash looked like a bad action movie, and just hung out on the school roof. It’s those little, unscripted moments that make this anime feel so real. Like, who hasn’t had a plan go completely wrong but still ended up having fun with their friends?

And let’s not forget the fan reactions. One user on MAL said they were tired of Sae’s endless internal monologues (“the internal monologues were getting a bit tired,” they wrote), but this episode? She finally took action. No more overthinking—just doing what’s right. Another fan mentioned how happy they were that the class didn’t let the play’s failure ruin their day, and I totally agree. It’s a great reminder that friendship is more important than winning.

If you haven’t watched this episode yet, you can stream it on Prime Video (or Aniwatch if you prefer subbed versions without ads). And if you’re new to the series? Let me catch you up: It’s about Sae, a girl with a strong build who’s been looking after her delicate childhood crush Kouki her whole life. But now they’re in high school, and Kouki’s had a growth spurt—so he’s become the most popular guy in school, and Sae has to navigate her feelings while dealing with all the other girls who like him too (looking at you, Hisui).

What I love most about this anime is how relatable it is. We’ve all had crushes that feel impossible, friends we’d do anything for, and plans that go sideways. Episode 7 captures all of that perfectly. It’s not just a shojo anime—it’s a story about growing up, standing up for what’s right, and the power of friendship.

So, if you’re under 20 and looking for an anime that feels like it’s talking directly to you, this is it. The characters are real (no perfect Mary Sues here), the moments are heartfelt, and the drama is just enough to keep you hooked without being over-the-top. I can’t wait for next week’s episode to see what happens next—will Sae finally tell Kouki how she feels? Will those creeps get what they deserve? Only time will tell.

In conclusion, A Star Brighter Than the Sun Season 1 Episode 7 is a must-watch. It’s got action, heart, and all the teen drama you could ask for. Go watch it—you won’t regret it.

P.S. Shoutout to the animators for making Sae’s jump look so epic. It’s the kind of moment that stays with you long after the episode ends. And if you see those creeps in real life? Do what Sae did—call them out. No one deserves to be violated like that. Stay safe, guys. ✨