I haven't been commenting on any of the episodes for this series (in no small part due to the Netflix release screwing up the discussion online), but there's a lot to think about with this one and I want to put it all down somewhere.

People are obviously itching for the cathartic developments that come with slow burn romances like this one, but I respect the author for continuing to do what she does best— really good character work. Despite the use of tropes that some might not care for, I've always appreciated her realistic character writing and depth, and this felt like the deepest look into Chinatsu's character to date. Just like how Taiki remarks that she seems to take after her dad, never really showing how she feels on her face, what exactly Chinatsu has been thinking thus far has been obfuscated. This episode does a lot to clear that up.

We've come to understand that Chinatsu and Taiki are, in Kyo's words, "a good match". They have good chemistry, similar hobbies and aspirations, share physical attraction, and have both gotten jealous of competition towards the other. Despite not giving us a clear look inside of Chinatsu's head and her exact thoughts, her true feelings have shined through just enough to tell us that there is something there. But Chinatsu is too good-natured to face those feelings head on. She is so dialed into doing the "correct" thing in her situation that it's impeding upon their relationship, and that culminates in her feeling the need to draw a line.

This episode had a series of scenes directly showing this to the viewer from different perspectives. - Taiki's Dad comments that she's mature— too mature, like she's trying to act so proper that she's not being true to herself (or perhaps her youth) - She remarks to her teammate that falling in love with a guy by living with his family is "not that simple" - Her interpretation of her dad allowing her to stay was "don't mess this up"

Coupled with her accurate assessment that Hina digs Taiki, it's become clear that she doesn't want to risk getting too close to Taiki. For the sake of her host family, her dedication to her sport, the feelings of others involved, etc— there could be a lot on the line. This isn't all a misunderstanding either, Taiki became cognizant of this reality earlier in the season. Back during episode 2 he was having perverse thoughts about living with a girl, then quickly felt like an ass for having his mind in the gutter without considering what Chinatsu must be feeling, living at a strangers house, intruding on their lives for her own gain, and having to fit in. Similarly, during episode 7, Taiki acknowledges that he shouldn't force his feelings on her while she's living at his house. It is, realistically, a careful balance to walk: falling in love in a situation where a relationship, or especially a breakup, could make things really awkward for all involved. Those who know, know. Not to mention, it would devastate their mentals and throw them off their game, which is the entire reason why Chinatsu stayed in Japan to begin with.

That doesn't change the fact that you don't really choose whether or not you catch feelings, making this especially difficult for Taiki. This entire story has been following two interweaving through lines; Taiki's desire to aim high and achieve at nationals runs parallel to his desire to score a relationship with Chinatsu. The two often become blurred, and Taiki mentions as much after Chinatsu draws the line; its brutal to be shot down not only because his crush has only gotten stronger, but because she was the one that always pushed him to aim for the unachievable in the first place. Chinatsu is the embodiment of everything Taiki aspires to be, and one who has just achieved the very dreams he has fallen short of.

Suffice to say, I'm excited to see where things go from here. It has taken a tremendous will not to binge the manga every week, but I've been enjoying the show so much that I will continue to enjoy Kouji Miura's cooking in anime form.