Ep 9. Because I Was Happy

Tohru Honda is a teenage orphan who helps support herself by working as a maid. She has a heart of gold and is well-liked by everyone she meets. However, she has a secret - she's living in a tent in the woods.

Tohru is friendly with the members of the Sohma family, who take her in after discovering her living situation. The Sohmas have a complicated relationship, as they all turn into animals of the Chinese Zodiac when they're feeling weak or stressed. In season 1, viewers saw Tohru learn the Sohma family's secret and grow close to many of its members.

In season 2, episode 9, "Because I Was Happy," Tohru is feeling down about her future. She's been working hard on studying for the exams that will determine her future career, but she feels like she's not making any progress. Meanwhile, Kyo and Yuki, two members of the Sohma family, are headed to their own school exams. As they walk, Yuki tells Kyo that he's happy they're heading to the testing center together.

At the testing center, Yuki and Kyo run into each other's classmates. Kyo's classmate, a girl named Machi, accidentally spills a drink on him. Yuki's classmate, a boy named Kakeru, tells Yuki that he should be happy he's stuck waiting with his crush (Machi) while Kyo takes the makeup exam. Yuki is taken by surprise and seems uncomfortable when Kakeru calls Machi his crush. Meanwhile, Kyo is taking his exam and struggling to concentrate. He remembers a time when Tohru cheered him up with an encouraging pep talk.

Back at the Sohma house, Tohru is trying to cheer herself up by cleaning up the house. She comes across a picture of her mother and starts to cry. She's then surprised to see Hatori, one of the Sohma family members, show up at the house. Hatori tells Tohru that he's heard about her exams and wants to give her a charm that he believes will help her do well.

Later, Kyo and Yuki share a train ride home. Kyo falls asleep and has a dream where he's a child again, being cheered on by his late mother and Tohru. He wakes up feeling renewed and thanks Yuki for coming to take care of him during the exams.

The episode ends with Tohru receiving the charm from Hatori and feeling grateful for his support. She also runs into Kyo, who tells her that he's been thinking of her and her pep talk lately. The two share a moment where they seem to be drawn to each other, but quickly part ways.

Overall, "Because I Was Happy" is a touching episode that explores how the characters support each other through difficult times. Tohru's struggles with her exams resonate with many viewers, while Kyo's dreams provide a window into his past. The episode also throws in some intriguing hints about potential romantic relationships, leaving viewers eager for more. It's a solid installment of an already-beloved series.