Chitose Is in the Ramune Bottle [S01E07: Ups and Downs]

Guys, let’s dive into Chitose Is in the Ramune Bottle Episode 7: Ups and Downs—because if you’ve ever had a day where one minute you’re flying high and the next you’re face-planting into a pile of homework, this episode gets you.

First off, we all know Saku Chitose—Class 5’s so-called “womanizing scumbag” (thanks to all those jealous haters online, per the show’s setup). He’s the guy who walks into a room like he owns it, brushes off insults like they’re flyaways, and always seems to have it together. But Episode 7? It yanks back the curtain on that perfect facade, and fans over on MyAnimeList are losing their minds over it.

Let’s set the scene: The episode starts with Saku’s usual chaos—joking with friends, dodging a teacher’s scold, and even winking at a group of girls (classic Saku move). But then, things take a turn. A rumor spreads that he stood up a first-year student who asked him out, and suddenly the whispers get louder. At first, he laughs it off… but you can see the crack. His smile doesn’t reach his eyes, and he spends a good ten minutes staring at his phone, scrolling through the hate comments that usually don’t bother him.

MAL fans are buzzing about this moment. One user wrote, “I never thought I’d feel bad for Saku, but that rooftop scene? When he just sits there holding a ramune bottle and doesn’t say anything? My heart broke a little.” Another added, “Finally—we get to see he’s not just a cocky guy. He’s human too.” And honestly? They’re right. That scene hits different because it’s relatable. Who hasn’t put on a brave face when they’re actually hurting?

Then comes the “down” part: Saku tries to make amends with the first-year, but she avoids him. He messes up a group project he was supposed to lead. Even his favorite ramune shop runs out of his go-to flavor. It’s like the universe is conspiring to knock him off his pedestal. But here’s the thing—this isn’t just a sad episode. It’s balanced with “ups” that feel earned.

For example, when his best friend, Kaito, finds him moping and hands him a can of soda (not ramune, but close enough) and says, “You don’t have to be perfect all the time,” it’s not cheesy. It’s the kind of conversation you have with your own friends when you’re feeling low. And later, when the first-year finally talks to him and clears up the rumor (turns out she had to cancel because her grandma was sick), the relief on Saku’s face is palpable.

Feel Studio does an amazing job with the animation here. When Saku’s on an up, the colors are bright—sunlight filters through classroom windows, the ramune bottles glint like jewels. When he’s down, everything’s muted: gray skies, dimly lit hallways, and even his hair looks less vibrant. It’s a small touch, but it makes the mood shifts feel real.

Manga readers are also weighing in, saying Episode 7 stays true to the source material. The original manga had this exact arc where Saku’s confidence takes a hit, and the anime adapts it with just the right amount of heart. One reader commented, “I was worried they’d skip this part, but they nailed it. The ramune bottle motif—how he holds onto it when he’s stressed—was my favorite detail in the manga, and they kept it!”

What makes this episode stand out for us (the under-20 crowd) is how it doesn’t talk down to us. It doesn’t sugarcoat the messy parts of being a teen: rumors, feeling like you have to fit a certain image, and the pressure to be “cool” all the time. Saku’s struggle isn’t something only anime characters go through—it’s something we all live with.

Let’s not forget the humor either. There’s a scene where Saku tries to cook ramen for the first-year to apologize, and he burns it so bad the smoke alarm goes off. His friend Kaito teases him, saying, “You can charm girls but can’t boil water? Pathetic.” It’s a silly moment, but it breaks the tension and reminds us why we love Saku—he’s flawed, but he’s trying.

By the end of the episode, Saku’s not back to his 100% cocky self, but he’s okay. He shares a ramune (the shop restocked!) with Kaito and says, “Today was weird.” Kaito replies, “Weird is good. It means you’re not stuck.” And that’s the takeaway: Ups and downs are part of life. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep going.

So, what’s the verdict? Episode 7 is a standout. It’s funny, it’s emotional, and it gives us a deeper look at a character we thought we knew. If you haven’t watched it yet, go do it—you won’t regret it. And if you have, head over to MyAnimeList and join the conversation. There’s so much to unpack here.

At the end of the day, Chitose Is in the Ramune Bottle Episode 7 reminds us that life isn’t a straight line. It’s a messy, chaotic, ramune-fueled ride with highs and lows. And that’s okay. Because the lows make the highs taste even sweeter.

So, guys—what did you think of Episode 7? Did that rooftop scene hit you as hard as it hit me? Drop a comment below and let’s chat. Until next time, keep sipping that ramune and embracing your own ups and downs. You’ve got this.

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