Ep 7. Shooting Star Moratorium

In episode 7 of Darling in the Franxx, titled Shooting Star Moratorium, the story takes a break from the previous intense battles and focuses on the emotional development of the characters. The squad is given a day of rest and Hiro, Zero Two, Ichigo, and Goro decide to spend their break exploring an abandoned city together.

The group navigates through the deserted streets, taking in the sights and sounds of a world that has been lost. During their adventure, the group stumbles upon a dilapidated bookstore, which sparks a conversation about books and knowledge. Zero Two, who has never been exposed to books, shows an interest in reading and receives a book from Hiro.

Meanwhile, Ichigo becomes increasingly jealous of Zero Two and her relationship with Hiro. She confronts Hiro about his feelings towards Zero Two and ends up confessing her own feelings for him. However, Hiro gently turns her down, explaining that his feelings for Zero Two are different. Ichigo is heartbroken, but eventually comes to terms with her unrequited love and decides to move on.

The episode culminates in a beautiful scene where the squad watches shooting stars together. It's a peaceful moment that reminds the characters of the beauty and wonder in the world, despite the trauma and hardships they have faced as pilots.

Overall, Shooting Star Moratorium is a touching episode that highlights the importance of relationships and emotional connections, even in the face of adversity. It's a respite from the action-packed battles of previous episodes, but still manages to move the story forward by deepening the characters' development and relationships.