In the Clear Moonlit Dusk [Season 1 Episode 2]

“In the Clear Moonlit Dusk” Season 1 Episode 2: A Refreshingly Bold Take on High School Romance

Let’s cut to the chase—In the Clear Moonlit Dusk isn’t your average slow-burn shoujo. By Episode 2, this East Fish Studio and Atelier Peuplier collaboration has already blown past the “will they/won’t they” trope that drags down so many rom-coms, and fans are losing their minds over it. If you’re tired of waiting 12 episodes for a single confession, this is the show you’ve been craving.

First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: that confession. Episode 1 ended with Yoi Suzuki (our chaotic, heart-on-her-sleeve protagonist) blurting out her feelings to the quiet, blushing Tani, and Episode 2 dives straight into the aftermath. No awkward avoidance, no drawn-out misunderstandings—just two dorks figuring out how to be a couple. As one MyAnimeList user put it, “What could’ve taken an entire season, if not multiple, to get through here it was done gracefully in just one episode.” Another fan gushed, “Confession in first episode = 8/10 minimum. I really want to see Tani not being a quiet boy for the rest of the series.”

The chemistry between Yoi and Tani is electric, and it’s all in the little things. Yoi’s over-the-top energy (she pestered Tani so much he can’t go a day without her) balances Tani’s reserved nature perfectly. When he remembers her offhand comment about mascara and uses it to tease her? Chef’s kiss. Fans are obsessed with their dynamic: “Suzuki is so effortlessly funny and cute with her reactions and energy,” one wrote, while another added, “I could not stop smiling this entire episode.” Even the sibling banter at Yoi’s house has viewers laughing—”Can we get some praise for the sibling interactions when she’s home 😂😭”—proving the show nails both romance and relatable humor.

But it’s not all sunshine and blushes. Episode 2 touches on the messy parts of new relationships, too. When Yoi worries about what others will think of her dating Tani, it feels real—not just a throwaway plot point. “I don’t blame her I mean people do judge people on who they go out with,” a fan noted, but the show doesn’t dwell on the negativity. Instead, it leans into communication: Yoi and Tani talk through their insecurities, which is a breath of fresh air. “Finally, characters who can communicate,” cheered one viewer, tired of rom-coms that rely on miscommunication for drama.

Visually, the show is a stunner. The art style is vibrant and unique, with an opening sequence that’s been called “majestic” and “full of personality.” The animation quality holds up, too—no cheap shortcuts here. “The animation looked fantastic, and the character designs were great too,” a fan raved, while another added, “This is gold we have struck right here.” The soundtrack is equally on point, with a banger OP that sets the tone for each episode.

Of course, not everyone is on board. A few critics called the pacing “too fast” or the animation “ugly,” but those voices are drowned out by the hype. Most fans are just excited to see where Yoi and Tani go from here. “Now we can just sit back and watch their dating life,” one user said, while another wondered, “Is this the Yano-kun of this season?” (For the uninitiated, Yano-kun is a legendary shoujo heartthrob—high praise indeed.)

At its core, In the Clear Moonlit Dusk is about authenticity. Yoi doesn’t care what others think; she’s just trying to be herself and love someone who gets her. Tani, for all his quietness, isn’t a doormat—he takes initiative, like when he holds Yoi’s hand (uncensored, no less!) in front of their classmates. As one fan put it, “This doesn’t just seem the case of ‘pretty gal and shy loser’ but they actually already meet on the same turf.”

If you’re 20 or younger, this show was made for you. It’s fast, funny, and unapologetically romantic—no cringey tropes, no unnecessary drama, just two kids figuring out love. As the season progresses, I’m here for every awkward date, every blushing moment, and every time Yoi makes Tani laugh.

In short? In the Clear Moonlit Dusk is peak romance. It’s changing the game for shoujo anime, and if you’re not watching it, you’re missing out. As one fan summed it up: “This is going to be an absolute delight, the characters seem very well written so I am excited to see how it will pan out. Just a simple thing as a confession in the first episode feels like a breath of fresh air.”

Don’t sleep on this one. It’s the rom-com we all needed—and it’s only getting better.

Rating: 9/10
Why? Because it’s bold, it’s funny, and it makes your heart flutter. What more could you ask for?