Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate Episode 8

I am totally lost for words as to what's going on in this scene, but I think it's best not to comment anyway...

The episode continues as Yuuki hides in Satsuki's room, the two facing off in a game of shogi. I find it rather pleasant to watch the two of them communicate, or simply get along. Given that the two of them are theoretically competitors in the student council presidential elections, the fact that neither of them have mentioned anything about it to each other serves as a testament to how their relationship is developing. It's obvious that Satsuki is making romantic advances on Yuuki, not afraid of making some daring and flirtatious moves on him. Although I'm still hoping for Yuuki x Chisato, Satsuki as a girl in KoiChoco has really grown on me, as in, she's becoming a progressively likeable character. That's probably due to her general openness with Yuuki, which I personally think is sweet.

Unfortunately, her romantic advances were stopped short when Hazuki decided to swing by, presenting a bit of a surprise to both Yuuki and Satsuki. Can someone say classy?

The next day, word of a pervert getting into the girl's camp spread like wildfire, though thankfully the identity of this so-called pervert was still unknown. Putting that incident aside, at every camp, a test of courage is a game that's simply required, and Nozomi has just the thing. Behold, her newest creation, Bakeru-kun!

And that was sadly the last time Bakeru-kun received screen-time. 

Moving onto one of the biggest issues that's currently bugging me with KoiChoco. Yuuki is really just bludgeoning Chisato's feeling for him! What hurts the most to watch is that Yuuki actually realizes how she feels about him, but chooses not to accept it, nor does he even want to protect Chisato. Not only do I see his actions as a huge misdemeanor, it hinders the development of the story regarding the relationship between the two of them. Seeing as Chisato essentially had the spotlight in the first few episodes of this show, only to be suddenly kicked out and replaced by Satsuki, I find it strange that she's being presented on such a pitiful note, and that Yuuki would outright reject her just like that. Either Chisato's trying too hard, which, by no means am I against, or Yuuki's simply too insensitive. But hey, what can a guy do when he truly doesn't have the same romantic feelings for the girl who feels that way towards him? I just think that there should be more of a focus on Chisato, but I'm sure the focus will soon shift towards their relationship together. Although I'm rooting for them till the end, I'll say this once and once only, seeing the male lead of this show not fitting in the mold of a typical harem king, who acts like he's fine with any girl, is definitely refreshing. It's very reassuring to see that Yuuki has his own train of thought and ideas, instead of being ordered around by everyone.

As the episode passed the halfway point, the tempo shifts towards a more emotional one, involving Hazuki and Satsuki's history with their family. It's made clear to us that Hazuki ran away from home at a young age, and with a curious Satsuki wanting to know the truth, the two challenge each other to yet another match of shogi, with Yuuki being the prize, as well as Hazuki spilling the beans about her past. As the conversation between the two heated up, Satsuki reached her limit, hitting her sister across the face. When it comes to their past, the two are pretty sensitive about it, but it's as I predicted, Satsuki and Hazuki do indeed have the same mother. 

I won't go in-depth regarding their past family complications, but due to a mishap of events, Hazuki was the child of the at-the-time illegitimate mother of her father, brought up by Hazuki's non-biological mother, who was unable to bear children. This sudden turn of events, along with all three individuals have tears well up in their eyes was definitely an emotional one, one which brought me to the brink of tears as well. Now that the hazy background of the two sisters has been cleared up, this could be the end of this Shinonome sisters arc. 

It seems like Yuuki's pervert event has made its way to the ears of Yakumo, who has something along the lines of damage control ready to go, before the situation escalates any further.

All in all, this was a very emotional episode in more ways that one. I will say that I'm sufficiently disappointed at the blatant and senseless announcement that Yuuki's affections towards Chisato are not of the romantic kind. Having Chisato being tossed out so quickly is just strange. What's worse is if Yuuki x Chisato do end up coming together as one, it'll probably be labelled as forced love. With that being said, I wouldn't bet on that rejection to close the book on Chisato's route. From what I can see, Yuuki is forcing himself to avoid any romantic attraction towards Chisato due to their currently cloudy past, which could most definitely lead to an emotional resolution where he decides to get past his complex and perhaps traumatic past with her and be together with her. I still firmly resolve in my belief that Yuuki and Chisato will end up being together. After all, let's not forget that the title of this show includes the word "Chocolate", something which directly ties the past of the two of them together. If I could use one word to describe how this show is progressing, and the general gist of the show, I'd use the word "mysterious", but in the best way possible, if that makes any sense at all. It's a mystery that is anxiously waiting to be solved, with everyone's intricate pasts lying just underneath the surface. There's a lot to look forward to.

Good day.