Ep 10. Fireworks

In the tenth episode of season 1 of Toradora, titled "Fireworks," the long-awaited summer festival has finally arrived and everyone is excited. The episode opens with Ryuji and Taiga discussing the fireworks show with Yusaku and Minori, but they soon realize that Ami is also joining them. The group seems to be getting along relatively well, but as soon as they arrive at the festival, Ami suddenly disappears.

Meanwhile, Ryuji runs into his mother, who appears to be running a food stand at the festival. His mother tries to convince Ryuji to come back home and live with her, but he insists that he wants to stay with his current living situation with his friend's family. Ryuji's mother seems disappointed, but eventually lets him go.

After Ryuji rejoins his friends, they begin to enjoy the festival together. As the night goes on and the fireworks show starts, Taiga becomes increasingly anxious and upset. Ryuji tries to comfort her, but she suddenly disappears as well. He searches around the festival but is unable to find her. Finally, he discovers her sitting alone on a bench, crying.

Taiga opens up to Ryuji about her feelings and explains that she is upset because she doesn't want the summer to end. She also reveals that she has feelings for Yusaku, but doesn't know how to confess to him. Ryuji offers to help her out, but Taiga resists. She eventually admits that she likes Ryuji, but is afraid of ruining their friendship. Ryuji reassures her that he won't let that happen and tries to cheer her up.

Later that night, Ryuji and Taiga find Yusaku and Minori and the group decides to participate in a carnival game together. They end up winning a stuffed animal, which they give to Taiga as a gift. Taiga seems touched by the gesture and finally starts to relax and enjoy the festival.

As the night comes to a close, the group watches the final fireworks show together. Afterward, Ryuji walks Taiga home and they have a heart-to-heart conversation about their relationship. Ryuji confirms that he likes Taiga as a friend but doesn't have any romantic feelings for her. Taiga seems to accept this and they part ways at the end of the night.

Overall, "Fireworks" is an emotional and heartfelt episode that explores the relationships between the main characters. The episode showcases the highs and lows of the summer festival, from the excitement of the fireworks show to the anxieties and fears that come with growing up. The episode also further develops the dynamic between Ryuji and Taiga, highlighting the importance of their friendship and their newfound clarity about their feelings for each other.