#es 12

[theory-of-beauty]

Haru's character development was so awkward in episode 12 but episode 13 smoothed over the awkwardness if it and filled any development holes. It was great writing, and although I still wish the development had been dragged out a bit longer, Haru is finally happy and that is a blessing.

Yeah I had the same feeling. I'm really unhappy with HOW it was done but I'm not unhappy with the outcome. I just wish more time had been spent on Haru's character this season, and that his feelings had been fleshed out better. I know he comes across as stoic and is introverted and nonexpressive, but there are still ways to show his desires and fears (ex. es 9) without him being loud about it. We could have been more clear about his feelings throughout the season to earn ES 12. 

I think this entire season will be better through a rewatch, having known how everything comes together, but it was really messy on the first watch.

[theory-of-beauty]

i think the point was that Haru was conflicted because he convinced himself that he could only be free by swimming for his friends and he thought that by swimming for results he wouldn't be free anymore. Rin taking him to Australia and really showing him what it would be like and expressing his own feelings about his own swimming and why he does it and how Haru pushes him showed Haru that he was wrong and that he can still be free. that is my interpretation at least i worship your blog btw :)

I really like this interpretation! I wish I could have seen all of these great interpretations as I watched the episode, but for some reason it came across as blunt and forced. Perhaps because the buildup wasn't correct. I love this idea!

[theory-of-beauty]

The meaningless fanservice in this episode was so disgusting I wanted to throw up and break my computer. A lot of people (some rin haru shippers, but all ships aside for now) thought the almost CPR was too much, but it wasn't meaningless. It was used to emphasize the fact that haru was terrified of losing makoto and would do anything to prevent it, but what the fuck does this bed scene mean? Nothing. Absolutely fucking nothing.

The bed scene meant to tantilize and excite Rinharu fans who haven't gotten much of anything this season and to profit from their feelings...because the show is a queerbaiting mess rn...

[theory-of-beauty]

someone posted this: "the show revolves around rin to such an extent that even haru is now rin. incredible." on twitter and ITS SO REAL. also why should i feel happy about rin using haru to further his dream and haru just accepting this. rin putting his dream on haru's hands is just so creepy and it makes me laugh at people that used to complain about makoto and haru being too codependant.

Wow, super interesting thoughts! Thanks for sharing!

[theory-of-beauty]

i love how this whole series and fandom is slowly going downhill with es12 and ive got rinharu goggles so thick i cant see anything besides rin and haru sharing a bed B)

Anon, keep your eyes on the prize. If the bed scene saves the episode for you, just keep rewatching that moment and enjoying it!

[theory-of-beauty]

The worst part of this all? Is that anyone who has a different opinion about these last eps that aren't super cute and hyped, and are more negative and critical, is a hate spreader. I wonder why this fandom is full of people who can't even read an opinion that isn't like theirs without thinking that it is there to make the world a worst place (because this is the meaning of spreading hate in reality, and I don't think that dislike the ep and talk about it destroys humanity, you know...).

Being critical of something people enjoy will always make them feel that you are "spreading hate," and it's especially difficult with this episode because it is driven by a popular shift that has, quite honestly, been given the backseat this season (mainly because Haru has been there). So a lot of people have passionate feelings about the episode simply because of it's shippy nature. 

Either way, people should just continue to post whatever they want and not care what other people think. If you loved the episode, continue to enjoy it and write about why and share cute images of it! If you were disappointed, talk about why and have conversations with people who agree. But if someone doesn't agree with you, try not to concentrate on them :)

[theory-of-beauty]

tbh at first i was like "lol free! doesnt queerbait" but after this episode im like "nevermind. wtf was this" like i am having mixed feelings about their relationship becAUSE Kyoani FUCKING KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING. WITH THE WINKS. WITH RIN'S "I ADMIRE YOU SO MUCH, HARU." WITH HIM FREAKING OUT OVER SHARING A BED. WITH HIS FOSTER-MOTHER-WHATEVER SAYING "SO THIS IS HARU the one U TALKED ABOUT ALL THE TIME" *wink* LIKE I THINK EVERYONE IS SO TIRED WE JUST WANT ONE COUPLE TO BE CANON.

I honestly don't care which couple it is as long as it's queer as hell and canon as fuck. Because this has been pushed waaay too far, queer-baiting wise

[theory-of-beauty]

Do you think Haru will go to university in Australia with Rin?

I'm pretty curious about what Haru's next step will be myself! He fucked up pretty bad at regionals, but I'm sure there are still scouts looking for him. ES 12 ended without showing if Haru accompanied Rin to go talk to the coach, too, so there's no way of knowing whether or not they're going in together. 

The first episode showed the three cherry blossoms splitting, which makes me think even Rin and Haru will be separated. I guess we'll find out for sure next episode!

Our hearts will all break to see any of them separate, because everything seems do or die in this show. But we have to remind ourselves that college doesn't separate people. At least for me, I'm even closer to my high school friends, and they are a second family to me, even though I only see them over breaks.