Ep 2. Etoile

In the second episode of Strawberry Panic!, titled "Etoile," we continue to follow the story of new transfer student Aoi Nagisa as she navigates life at the all-girls Catholic school, St. Miator's Academy. Aoi is still struggling to adjust to her new surroundings and feels like an outsider among the many prestigious and talented students at the school.

However, the stakes are raised when it is announced that the annual Etoile competition is fast approaching. This competition, which takes place between three different schools, is a highly coveted event in which three students from each school are chosen to represent their respective institutions. These students are given the title "Etoile," which is not only a great honor but also comes with various privileges and responsibilities.

Unsurprisingly, the competition has created a three-way rivalry between the students of St. Miator's, Lulim, and Spica. The St. Miator's students are particularly invested in the competition, as the school has not won an Etoile title in several years. Aoi, having only just arrived at the school, finds herself swept up in the excitement of the competition. She witnesses firsthand the intense training and effort that the students put in to earn the title of Etoile.

At the same time, Aoi is also growing closer to her roommate, Hanazono Shizuma. Shizuma is a popular and talented student at St. Miator's, but Aoi senses that there might be more to her than meets the eye. Aoi is drawn to Shizuma's mysterious and enigmatic nature, and as they spend more time together, she begins to uncover some of Shizuma's secrets. At the same time, she starts to feel conflicted about her growing feelings for Shizuma, especially since the girl seems to have a reputation for being a heartbreaker.

As the Etoile competition draws nearer, tensions between the students of St. Miator's and the other schools continue to rise. Aoi struggles to find her place in the school community, torn between her loyalty to her friends and newfound attraction to Shizuma. Finally, the day of the competition arrives, and Aoi watches as the St. Miator's students compete with all their might. As the event comes to a close, Aoi realizes that the results of the competition will have a significant impact on her relationships with those around her.

Overall, "Etoile" is an exciting and dramatic episode of Strawberry Panic! that explores the high-stakes competition between the students of different schools, as well as the complex relationships and feelings between Aoi and her fellow classmates. It sets the stage for future episodes as Aoi continues to grapple with her place in the St. Miator's community and the growing attraction she feels towards Shizuma.