Kimi to Koete Koi ni Naru Episode 9: The Day Off That Changed Everything

Imagine this: you’re hanging out with your best friend and the person you’ve been low-key crushing on all semester. Every laugh feels a little too loud, every accidental touch makes your heart race, and you’re just waiting for that moment where you both stop beating around the bush. That’s exactly what Kimi to Koete Koi ni Naru Episode 9 serves up—and it’s equal parts sweet, awkward, and totally relatable.

For those who haven’t been keeping up: Mari is a tardy-but-sweet high schooler who met Tsunagu, a beastfolk transfer student, on her way to class one morning. Episode 9 follows the pair as they spend a lazy day off with their friend Yukihiro, and let’s just say—this isn’t your average “hang out with friends” episode. It’s the kind of day where small moments turn into big ones, and boundaries get pushed (in the best way possible).

First off, let’s talk about Mari. Fans over on MyAnimeList have been gushing about her since Episode 1, and Episode 9 only solidifies why she’s such a likable MC. She’s not the typical shoujo protagonist who blushes nonstop or runs away from every interaction. Nope—she’s normal. When Tsunagu teases her about being late (again), she rolls her eyes and steals his drink. When Yukihiro makes a joke about them being a couple, she doesn’t panic—she just grins and says, “Shut up, we’re not!” It’s refreshing to see a female lead who’s confident enough to be herself, even around someone she likes.

Then there’s Tsunagu. He’s still the goofy, fur-eared guy we met earlier—tripping over his own feet to catch a stray cat, stealing bites of Mari’s taiyaki, and making dumb jokes that make everyone laugh. But Episode 9 also shows his softer side. When they’re sitting by the lake, he mentions how hard it was to fit in at first: people staring at his ears, whispering behind his back, avoiding him like he’s some kind of monster. It’s a quiet moment that hits hard—especially since so many of us have felt like outsiders at some point. One fan said Tsunagu is “more complex than he looks,” and that’s exactly right. He’s not just a “beastfolk love interest”—he’s a kid who wants to be seen for who he is, not what he is.

The “boundary-testing” parts of the episode are where things get really cute. There’s this scene where they’re walking home, and Tsunagu’s hand keeps brushing against Mari’s. At first, it’s accidental, but then he does it on purpose—like he’s testing the waters. Mari freezes for a second, then smiles and laces her fingers through his. No big, dramatic kiss, no over-the-top confession—just two people holding hands, and it’s enough to make your heart flutter. Fans have been saying this series isn’t your typical slow-burn shoujo, and they’re right. These two move at a pace that feels real—like actual teenagers figuring out their feelings, not characters in a scripted fairy tale.

And let’s not forget the art! Multiple fans have raved about how beautiful this series looks, and Episode 9 doesn’t disappoint. The backgrounds are vibrant: cherry blossoms falling over the park, sunlight filtering through tree leaves, and the warm glow of streetlights at dusk. The character designs are soft and expressive too—you can tell exactly how Mari feels when Tsunagu holds her hand just by the way her eyes widen and her smile tugs at the corners of her mouth. It’s the kind of animation that makes you want to pause the episode and take a screenshot.

Now, I know some fans were worried about the more intense moments from earlier episodes (like that ending in Episode 1—yikes). But Episode 9 is pretty low-key. There’s no feral licking or cliffhanger assaults here—just three friends having fun and two people figuring out their feelings. One user said they hoped the series would be more “romantic comedy” than risqué, and this episode delivers on that. It’s the kind of episode you can watch with your friends without cringing and covering your eyes.

Yukihiro, their friend, is also a great addition to the episode. He’s the perfect wingman—teasing them just enough to keep things light, but never crossing the line. When Tsunagu is nervous about holding Mari’s hand, Yukihiro pretends to check his phone and walks ahead, giving them space. It’s small gestures like that that make the episode feel so authentic.

Overall, Episode 9 of Kimi to Koete Koi ni Naru is a solid addition to the series. It’s not flashy or over-the-top, but it’s full of those small, meaningful moments that make you smile. Whether you’re into shoujo romance or just looking for something easy to watch after school, this episode is worth checking out. And if you’re already a fan? You’ll love seeing Mari and Tsunagu take that next step. Just don’t forget to grab a snack before you watch—you might get hungry watching them munch on taiyaki and cotton candy all day.

At the end of the day, this episode is about finding someone who sees you for who you are—flaws, ears, and all. And let’s be honest: isn’t that what we all want? So grab your friends, sit back, and enjoy the ride. Episode 9 is a win, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

P.S. If you’re a fan of the art, you’re not alone—one user even said, “God why does this anime look SO BEAUTIFUL?” Trust me, you’ll agree.
P.P.S. Don’t worry—no taiyaki was harmed in the making of this episode (well, except the ones Tsunagu stole).

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