Douse, Koishite Shimaunda. [Season 1 Episode 9]

Episode 9 Review: Douse, Koishite Shimaunda. – A Festival of Mixed Emotions

Douse, Koishite Shimaunda. (or Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You.) has been a rollercoaster of emotions since its debut, and Episode 9 is no exception. This episode, centered around a school festival, delivers a mix of nostalgia, awkwardness, and subtle foreshadowing that has fans buzzing—some with praise, others with frustration. Let’s dive into what makes this episode stand out (or stumble, depending on who you ask).

The Plot: A Festival Amidst Uncertainty

The episode opens with Mizuho and her childhood friends—Kizuki, Shuugo, Shin, and Airu—preparing for their high school festival. The excitement is palpable, but so is the underlying tension. The festival serves as a backdrop for Mizuho’s internal struggles, particularly her complicated feelings for Kizuki, who suddenly confessed his love for her earlier in the series. Meanwhile, Shin’s rejection of a popular girl’s confession sparks heated debates among fans (more on that later).

The festival itself is a bittersweet affair. On one hand, it’s a celebration of youth and friendship; on the other, it’s tinged with the looming uncertainty of the future—and possibly, tragedy. The episode cleverly weaves in themes of fleeting moments and the weight of decisions made in adolescence.

Fan Reactions: Love, Hate, and Everything In Between

The MyAnimeList discussion thread for this episode is a goldmine of passionate (and often hilarious) takes. Here’s a breakdown of the most talked-about moments:

1. Kizuki’s Fate: Is He Dead?
   One of the biggest mysteries of the series is Kizuki’s absence in the adult timeline. Fans are convinced he’s either dead or gravely injured, with theories ranging from COVID-19 (more on that later) to a tragic accident. Comments like “Kizuki is 100 percent dead in present day, isn’t he?” and “If he’s not dead, I will find a way to kill him” highlight the intensity of this speculation. The melancholic tone of Mizuho’s flashbacks only fuels these theories.

2. Shin’s Controversial Rejection
   Shin’s decision to turn down a confident, intelligent girl’s confession has fans divided. Some call him a jerk (“What a jerk. I’ll take her instead”), while others argue that his tsundere personality is just misunderstood. Either way, it’s a moment that sticks with viewers.

3. The COVID-19 Elephant in the Room
   The anime’s setting coincides with the pandemic, yet masks and lockdowns are conspicuously absent. Fans have noticed this inconsistency, with one user joking, “Best mystery of the entire show is why they won’t say COVID.” Others speculate that COVID might be used as a plot device later (“I wonder if somebody they know will get sick of it”).

4. Kizuki’s Lack of Growth
   Many fans are frustrated with Kizuki’s character, calling him immature and selfish. One comment sums it up: “All other boys have better conversations and moments with Mizuho… Kizuki just acts like a child to get her attention.” His flashback in this episode, where he vows to be seen as a man, falls flat for some viewers who feel he hasn’t evolved.

5. The Festival’s Emotional Weight
   Despite the criticisms, the festival scenes resonate with many. Comments like “Really nice that they could hold the school festival in the end” and “It’s interesting to see Togo not actually being a bad adult” show appreciation for the episode’s quieter, more reflective moments.

Themes and Speculations

This episode reinforces the series’ core themes: the fragility of youth, the pain of unrequited love, and the inevitability of change. The festival symbolizes a last hurrah before adulthood’s responsibilities take over. Fans are particularly intrigued by the adult timeline’s mysteries—will Mizuho and her friends reunite? Is Kizuki really gone? And what role will COVID play, if any?

Some viewers compare the show to Orange or Anohana, hoping for a similar emotional payoff. However, others doubt the series can deliver, given its uneven pacing (“Can’t see this show going anywhere near that at this point”).

Final Thoughts: A Divisive but Engaging Episode

Episode 9 of Douse, Koishite Shimaunda. is a microcosm of the series’ strengths and weaknesses. It excels in capturing the nostalgia of youth but falters in character development and consistency. Whether you love it or hate it, one thing’s clear: this show knows how to spark conversation.

As one fan aptly put it: “No one hates anime more than anime fans.” And honestly? That’s part of the fun.

Rating: 7.5/10
Pros: Strong emotional moments, engaging fan theories.
Cons: Uneven character arcs, questionable handling of real-world parallels.

What did you think of the episode? Drop your theories below—especially if you’ve cracked the Kizuki mystery!