Since the very first time I watched kizna I noticed that these bits in the ED seem to be connected, and it’s honestly weird to me how I’ve never seen anyone else point it out before! (maybe i’m wrong and there is a post and i just haven’t seen it, but anyway)
Nico and Maki are often placed together in merch and official art, plus this, I couldn’t help but think it might hold some relevance to their characterization. And with ep 6 which just came out, it’s all coming together.
Of course, their poses and actions hold a lot of symbolism. They mimic each other in a way, too: in both parts, one is on a passive position, on a far off plane, while the other is zoomed in to her face, actively gesturing. Nico staring at Maki, then Maki staring at Nico. (there were some shots of Chidori in between, but they honestly don’t feel like they belong in this particular sequence)
So, we see Maki all alone holding a marigold to her chest (here is a very good and in-depth analysis on the flower language in the ED, i 110% recommend it), over a large white background. Her placement is very relevant here. She is alone. She is distant. Furthermore, her flower represents death, specifically the death of a loved one. She is holding it to her chest, a gesture which is generally associated with pain and fear. Now that we know some tidbits about her past with the purple haired girl, the hidden meaning behind this becomes apparent.
On the other hand we see Nico, more specifically a close-up of her face as she runs towards the general direction in which Maki is placed. She has a determined look on her face, and is visibly distressed and worried. Nico, who is always trying to get everyone to open up and be friends. Nico who saw the grief in the way Maki pushes everyone away again and again. Nico who wants Maki to open up and let herself be helped and healed.
And the other sequence, my personal fav. It’s very simple: a close-up of Maki’s face as she pushes up her glasses, accompanied by a shot of Nico seen from behind. The details in Maki’s face are very subtle: the look in her eyes, her hand slowly drooping down from her hair as though she got distracted by something, the way her lips slightly part in appreciation. She looks like she’s staring at something very intently.
Then, again, there’s Nico. She’s holding a bouquet of blue flowers, unaware and apparently gazing into the distance. Viewing a person as they’re unaware is closely linked to gazing into their unnoticed traits, the way they act when they think no one is watching them. In this shot, Nico appears innocent, bordering on naiveté (and might I add, the position she’s in is one in which her panties could be easily seen. which further adds to the vulnerable vibe, and may or may not have something to do with maki’s “intent staring”).
We are being shown two different sides to their dynamic. First: Maki is distant and lonesome, whereas Nico is warm and welcoming. Nico sees Maki, and she badly desires to be there for her. Second: Nico has piqued Maki’s attention. It probably has something to do with the way she reminds her of the girl from her past, although partially, at least in my opinion. Plus, we can safely assume that Maki is a tad more experienced in matters of romance and intimacy, from both her past with the girl and some of her interactions with Yuta. I think her posture is meant to reflect this as well.
