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.