 This is one of my most favourite scenes in the show, particularly for the
warm tenderness it possesses. The soothing music in the background also serves to
intensify the emotionally-charged atmosphere of the scene. The feelings of the characters
are so clearly brought across that it can touch one's heart quite easily. In a nutshell, this scene is about Naoki going for his entrance exams
for Todai and Kotoko grabs the chance to walk him there when she has a job interview near
Todai too.
 
On the way there, Kotoko starts to
experience stomach pains. Being concerned, Naoki advises Kotoko to go back first.
However the latter insists that she's
all right and continues to spur Naoki on.
 Though Naoki seems very much irritated by Kotoko on the way, however,
on seeing Kotoko's happiness at reaching Todai entrance, it is not hard to understand her
insistence of walking Naoki there.
Basically, the joy of being able to be with your loved
one till the very last minute is really beyond words. At least you know that you are
there for him... and that is what matters.
Before Naoki goes in, he finally accepts Kotoko's amulet with
much reluctance. ^_^
 If you had watched the show, you'd know that Kotoko keeps on cheering
loudly for Naoki as he walks in and punching her fist into the air. What really strikes me
then is how look of pure joy on her face conveys her cute innocence and the full support
she has for Naoki.
In a way, this action reminds me of Kyoko
Fukada in To Heart, where she cheered the male lead on
relentlessly too.
As usual, Naoki seems annoyed and
embarrassed by the loud cheering. However, on noticing that Kotoko's voice died out
suddenly, he immediately rushes back to look for her.
  Naoki finds Kotoko
crouched over in pain and is extremely worried for her. Kotoko insists that she will be
all right and keeps telling Naoki to go back for his exams. Just as the latter is
hesitating... Kotoko collapses.
Of course, Naoki does not forsake her and even
carries her all the way to the hospital. Along the way, Kotoko is in a state of
semi-consciousness and keeps reminding Naoki he has an exam to sit for.
Naoki tells her it's okay and that she
shouldn't talk anymore.
Kotoko: I can feel
it... I can feel Naoki's heartbeat...
And she eventually loses consciousness.
The point to note here is that this is one of
the rare chances, where we can really detect Naoki's flow of emotions for Kotoko (other
than irritation and exasperation). He is really concerned for her and this touching act on
his part certainly does not arise out of some kind of obligation.
The tenderness which Naoki has in him... is
revealed. |