kennethivan

don't get me wrong, contrast is a really strong watch and a high recommend, i just have a personal gripe with bls that push the confession to the very end. it's not a writing flaw, just my own preference, because this show had the ideal setup for a development > confession > conflict > resolution > outcome > ending progression.

i understand why the narrative kept them apart, the core conflict revolved around akira's low self-worth and his complicated history with kanda. however, i would have much preferred if they confessed mid-series, and possibly the conflict coming from akira secretly going to kanda behind kanata's back for advice on his insecurities or how to handle a relationship. having kanata spot them together (knowing about their past) , similar to that scene where akira lied about meeting his brother only for kanata to see him with kanda, would have created such great angst while they were already dating. that way, they could work through the fallout together and still leave us with a rewarding ending to enjoy their dynamic once the dust settled.

my only real discomfort with the show was the weird age gap dynamic between akira and kanda. it felt unnecessary and could have been so easily resolved by just making kanda a former high school upperclassman instead of an adult tutor, keeping the exact same emotional baggage without the unsettling power imbalance.

on a much brighter note, i really loved the supporting cast, especially mizuki. she actually felt vital to the story's development rather than just existing as background filler. it's so refreshing to see side characters written with real weight and a meaningful impact on the main plot.