Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo - 22

"Run Through Those Sparkling Days"

Sorata, you fool! Wait until after the train passes to shout the the most important thing!!

As much as I love to complain, that was actually a pretty good scene, just as this whole episode was quite good compared to where this series has been for most of the second cour. It wasn't perfect, it wasn't mind-blowing, but it was simple and mostly enjoyable in the weird way that J.C. Staff anime tends to be.

I'm at peace with the way Nanami's part in the triangle has been wrapped up (though the MashiroxSorata stuff still leaves something to be desired). She decides not to confess once she realizes she's lost her chance, which, though painful, is a wise decision. I'm happy to see an anime character who understands that other people have feelings and that it's selfish to ignore those in favor of one's own emotional welfare. You could argue that it isn't fair that hardworking Nanami loses out to the lucky and talented Mashiro, but that has nothing to with Sorata's feelings. He loves Mashiro for his own reasons (even if he's terrible at showing it) and it's not for Nanami to decide that he's wrong; her choice to back down proves that she loves him and places his happiness first. Perhaps now she can find the strength to move on.

As for Mashiro herself, I still think she's the most misunderstood and lonely of the residents of Sakurasou, but I also think she's suffered a great deal of mental pressure and bullying, even from the people she loves most. Being constantly blamed for the failures of others and having to live up to their expectations isn't pleasant, and Mashiro has grown up believing that when something goes wrong, she's at the heart of the problem. That's why her painting is so painful to look at; everyone in it is happy and satistfied, but she never painted herself into the scenario. Like her name, she's allowed herself to become pure white and stay out of people's way to the best of her ability; she's afraid of hurting her friends like she thinks she hurt Rita and Sorata. Just as being untalented is difficult, so too is having too much talent, and even though Sorata knows this, he still hurt Shiina and caused her to feel responsible for failing to collect enough signatures.

That's why the relatively simple words he gives her are exactly what she needs. Mashiro has to know that she is wanted as more than just a genius painter, and that she isn't responsible for the spontaneity of life even if others are jealous of her. Knowing that she inspired Sorata, rather than discouraged him, saves her psyche from some very permanent damage (which he would have caused in his selfishness, just saying) and it ultimately doesn't matter whether or not she hears his confession. This isn't the moment for Sorata and Shiina to get over their relationship as pet and caretaker, if only because Mashiro requires someone to redeem her talent and guilt, rather than a lover. That's why I'm not particularly bothered about Nanami's part in all of this, though she (and that train) certainly have terrible timing. That confession will no doubt come on its own time, however; for now, the impending graduation and destruction of Sakurasou are at the forefront of everyone's priorities.