Special A - Not quite as good an ending as I had hoped
Hikari quickly became one of my favorite characters simply because of her amazing ability to not get what was going on, despite her apparent academic aptitude. Specifically, she seemed to be totally ignorant of Kei’s feelings, even when it was readily apparent that Kei was infatuated with her.
I kept on telling myself that this story was going to be one of those standard plots where the girl is just being aloof or “playing hard to get.” We learn, near the end of the series, that is not the case. For the majority of the show she is not cognizant of any romantic feelings she harbors for Kei. When she finally becomes aware of those feelings, she associates them with losing to Kei.
The “rival” mantra Hikari repeats in every single episode played through to the very end. She was only able to express her love for Kei in terms of that rivalry. It was supposed to show that she greatly respected and admired him, as well as loved him. I felt it went a little too far, but I also realize that it fits in with the plot.
As much as I wanted these two to get together, I was a bit disappointed in the ending. I expected more from the final disclosure of their affection for one another. The show ends as expected, we receive a bit of closure with a short embrace. Then as quickly as that happens, it’s over, and we are back at the greenhouse. Everything has returned to normal, nothing has changed, and everybody is happy again.
…if only life were so easy.
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I thought Hikari had a hard time expressing her love towards Kei and it is sad she saw it was a form of losing. But after so many years of trying to beat him, it is hard to change feelings overnight. I actually liked the going back to normal routine, as they can be “in love” and nothing changes, as it was natural and there all along.
What i find more special was the floating in mid air scene near the end. :P
I think it has to do with the way I wanted the story to end and the way it actually did. I expected things to return to normal, it was a given, but she chased him halfway around the world…and things just go back to normal? It was just too happy of an ending.
I suppose you’re right, it isn’t exactly like their feelings were not present already.
I was a bit surprised by that final scene in London as well (floating in the air). I had expected the following scene to be of them in the hospital.
I didn’t know Hikari was “denying” her love of Kei, I thought she just thought she would lose if she loved him because of her very naive mind, along with that bathroom scene.
I think it was basically a love/hate relationship. Although, Kei made his feelings quite apparent.
As for her naiveté, that was one of the best parts of the show.