Ep 11. Hayato Hayama Always Lives up to Expectations.

As the season of student council elections reaches its climax, Hachiman Hikigaya is tasked with the role of assisting in the campaign of one of the candidates - his friend Hayato Hayama. Despite being known for always living up to expectations, Hayato's election campaign falls just short of victory, leading to him feeling dejected and lost.

Feeling responsible for Hayato’s defeat, Hachiman tries to console him but is met with resistance. Hayato finds it hard to accept defeat as he knows that his classmate, Yukino Yukinoshita, was the one who truly deserved the position. Hayato is conflicted in his feelings and shares his situation with Hachiman, stating that he feels guilty for having won the election.

As Hachiman listens, he too feels that same sense of guilt, having manipulated the election in a way that favored Hayato. Hachiman reflects on his actions and decides to come clean about how he manipulated the results. He believes that confessing to his friend about his devious ways would at least lift some of the burden he's been carrying since the beginning of the campaign.

Hachiman's confession prompts Hayato to confess his own sense of guilt. Hayato shares that he has always known that Yukino was the most deserving candidate for the role. However, he admits to being envious of her and wanting to win the election just to prove himself worthy. Hayato acknowledges his own insecurity and expresses that he wishes he could develop the same level of self-awareness and self-acceptance as Hachiman.

As the two friends reconcile, it becomes clear that the school environment has been shaping their mindset and behavior. With the pressure to conform and to meet the expectations of others, they've been forced to suppress their feelings and desires. However, in this moment, they both realize that they don't need to be perfect or have it all figured out.

In a heart-to-heart conversation, Hachiman and Hayato come to the conclusion that they should embrace their true selves and let go of the expectations imposed on them by others. They agree to work together to create a more honest and authentic school environment, free from arbitrary hierarchies and power dynamics.

The episode ends with Hachiman reflecting on the lessons he's learned and how far he's come in his journey of self-improvement. He realizes that it's possible to make a positive impact on the people around you by simply being true to yourself and advocating for what is right, regardless of how difficult it may be.

Overall, My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU Too! season 1 episode 11 is a poignant reminder of the importance of self-acceptance, honesty, and authenticity. It highlights the challenges faced by high school students as they navigate the pressures and expectations of society while also offering hope and a path forward for those who choose to pursue their own path.