Ep 12. Summer Begins

The show Tsuredure Children (Original Japanese Version) season 1 takes a comedic and heartwarming approach to young love and relationships. In episode 12, titled "Summer Begins," the focus shifts to the excitement and uncertainty surrounding the start of summer break.

The episode opens with a group of friends discussing their various summer plans, which include things like studying for entrance exams and going on vacation. As the conversation turns to relationships, we see a series of vignettes that follow different couples and their struggles to navigate the complexities of romance during a time of transition.

One couple, Saki and Haruhiko, are struggling with the aftermath of a misunderstanding. Saki thinks that Haruhiko is too interested in his own hobbies to give her the attention she craves, while Haruhiko is worried that Saki is pulling away from him. They have a heartfelt conversation that helps them both understand each other's needs better and strengthens their bond.

Another couple, Chiaki and Kana, are dealing with the challenges of a long-distance relationship. Chiaki is going away to study abroad for the summer, and Kana is nervous about what this will mean for their relationship. They have a tearful farewell at the train station, but ultimately decide to trust in their feelings and make things work no matter the distance.

Meanwhile, the perpetually indecisive Kotaro struggles to choose between two girls who both have feelings for him - his longtime crush, Akane, and the new girl in school, Nanase. He spends most of the episode oscillating between the two, unable to make a choice.

In a particularly poignant scene, we see the aftermath of a failed relationship between two classmates, Takano and Sugawara. Though they clearly still have feelings for each other, they acknowledge that their communication styles are too different and they were never able to truly understand each other. It's a bittersweet moment that highlights the difficulties of growing up and falling in love.

Throughout the episode, we also see glimpses of other couples navigating their own struggles - from two childhood friends wondering if they can take things to the next level, to a girl who is tired of being treated as a cute accessory by her boyfriends.

As the episode comes to a close, we see our couples looking forward to the future with equal parts excitement and trepidation. No matter the challenges they face, they are all learning to navigate the waters of young love with grace and humor.

"Summer Begins" is a charming and relatable episode that captures the ups and downs of teenage romance with a light touch. It's a reminder that while love can be complicated, it's ultimately worth all the challenges it can bring.