More Thoughts on KimiKiss Episode 14, and Why I Am All For Asuka
Despite having said much about Mao and Yuumi’s relationship with Kouichi in my last post, I’m actually more excited for the love triangle involving our carrot-type guinea pig soccer guy Kazuki. I owe much of this to my Asuka bias, especially with a love like hers that’s so ideal and cute that it makes me all the more love her character. Asuka certainly stood out in this episode, which makes me a happy fangirl of course. Go go Asuka~!! o(^^o)(o^^)o Allow me to point out several things as to why I think Asuka and Kazuki should end up together, at least not until I find another development in Eriko which I’ll be delving on later in this post.
This is going to be Asuka-fangirl-centric 
(I feel like Nana or other Asuka fans now lol)
Kazuki x Asuka
If I were to give one brief explanation as to why Asuka should be the girl for Kazuki, it’s for the simple reason that she brings out the best in him. With all that has happened in the past, the very person who allowed him to grow balls is no one else but soccer girl Asuka. Her cheerfulness and optimism is infectious, and I think we’ve seen that in how she became the real catalyst to the change in Kazuki (Eriko made her realize that he has to change (though faint), while Asuka showed her why he has to change, and how he should go about doing this).
Among all the characters in the show, Asuka is the most well-rounded. Her awakening to love made her even more endearing and admirable, as she continues to stay by Kazuki’s side, holding on to that faint hope that he will love her too. With the time they spent together and the trials they have gone through, the heated arguments and banters, they have become great partners, may it be in soccer or in their personal lives (sans romance). The perfect example of how a mutual give-and-take relationship should be.
They help out each other for sheer love, without asking for anything in return. Their love might not be on equal pedestals at this point (Asuka now looks at Kazuki in a special way, while Kazuki continues to see her as nothing more than a friend), but it would be great to see a love like theirs, founded in friendship, to blossom into something more.
Now this is where the problem comes in. Despite how great it is for a love to be founded in friendship, as I mentioned, this relationship is a two-edged sword in itself. Taking Kazuki for instance, with his friendship with Asuka, he is able to show who he really is, with no holds barred. He doesn’t need to put on a pretense of the “ideal guy”, as he tries to conform himself to what will make him win her heart (as with Eriko’s case, since Kazuki is still trying to know what makes her tick, despite having nothing else but pure intentions, or so I hope). But then, this is all because he doesn’t see Asuka as anything more than a friend. He doesn’t even see her as a woman, for goodness’ sake. In the same way as he finds himself so comfortable in her company, he also limits himself from the possibility of having a romantic relationship with her.
The great transition from friendship to romance would be the turning point in the relationship of these two. A confession from Asuka is most likely going to happen sooner or later, and I just hope Kazuki doesn’t outright reject her for Eriko. He should give her a chance, at the very least, and allow himself to re-evaluate his love for Eriko, and his love for Asuka.
Before I end my Asuka fangirling, I just like to say that I love what she said in this episode. How she considered her injury as nothing else but a sign of strength. She didn’t allow herself to succumb to pessimism of what she cannot do with her injury, but focused on what lies ahead, once she gets over this trial in her life. This doesn’t only show the strength of Asuka’s character, but also her love for Kazuki. She wanted him to be free from any guilt, and even cheered him on to do his best. She looks out for his welfare, in the same way as Kazuki did for her (and even more).
Kazuki x Eriko
First of all, Kazuki’s attraction to Eriko started with a kiss, which became the springboard to his fatal attraction to the charming cool beauty Eriko. Not that I have anything against this, because one of the areas KimiKiss is actually trying to explore, from what I know, is whether a kiss could be the catalyst to love, or the other way around. But I don’t think compares with how the relationship between Kazuki and Asuka blossomed, albeit being one-sided.
One major complexity of the relationship between Kazuki and Eriko, is how the love between these two completely different individuals can work out, considering how they live in different worlds, as Hiiragi has also pointed out a number of times.
Let me point out one of the major issues that need to be resolved with regards to this complexity. As we all know, Eriko is naive when it comes to love, and about normalcy in general. We see her blossoming into a person who experiences love, loneliness, and now in episode 14, she experiences hurt and jealousy. Hurt by how Kazuki prioritized the soccer match than spending time with her, and jealous over Kazuki and Asuka’s closeness. These feelings of hurt and jealousy will continue to consume her, and she will not lose this sense of inferiority, unless she gets to develop in this social aspect (and emotional aspect) of her life.
Kazuki has already gone through quite a lot in dealing with his own complexes. His ego was crushed by the cool beauty Eriko, but still he rose up and sticked with her experiment adventures. In the same way, his decision of choosing the soccer match and improving on his own character simply showed how he’s shaping up to become THE MAN, either for Eriko or Asuka. With this, we can say that Kazuki is now secure in most areas in his life, socially and emotionally, in particular, areas where Eriko needs further developments.
Based from the experiences of people I know, I’ve learned that, before jumping into a romantic relationship with someone, both people should be in their clear, stable, and sane minds. They should have already established their identity as individuals, and not get into the relationship for the sake of finding themselves complete in it. That certain need of having the other person complete them will be detrimental to the relationship, IMO, since it’ll make you selfish, more than anything. And the pain is much more difficult to bear once you loses the very person who you thought completes your life. This is also why I find the famous Jerry Maguire line of “You complete me” to be one of the worst. ever.
Given this, what Eriko needs at the moment, more than anything, are friends who will make her see her real place in this world, how she can be accepted by people despite her eccentricity, how she can live like a normal person despite being a genius, and eventually, allow her to realize what she’s truly worth, without the need for a boyfriend or romance in general. I think Asuka might be the key person to help her out in this aspect.
mini Conclusion
I therefore conclude that with the current state of things, Asuka remains to be the best match for Kazuki. If Eriko develops into a holistic person, then I’d consider her as someone who can be the girl for Kazuki. But whatever happens, I will remain a Kazuki x Asuka shipper \o/
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13 comments for “More Thoughts on KimiKiss Episode 14, and Why I Am All For Asuka”
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boooooo we don’t need realistic love here! Asuka is just tricking everyone with her massive blushing!!!!
I think you’re probably right that Asuka is the better match for Kazuki, based on what friends they are now, but I’m still having a tough choice picking one over the other as The Right Choice.
I’ve been trying to take this relatively objectively and figure out what girl the anime is going to slant for, but there seems to be just too much evidence for both sides. Both girls definitely could benefit from the presence of Kazuki (even if he is a bit dim at times, he’s your typical ‘well-meaning hero’), for sure.
Eriko seems to have the advantage, being the more withdrawn girl (ye old ‘give an emotionless girl emotions’ concept) and having scored a couple on-screen kisses (which, especially on the lips, shouldn’t be taken lightly). I feel that Asuka could work well as an independent character, much in the same way Mao and/or Kai could if they lost as well. Eriko, on the other hand, I think, has burnt too many bridges to going back to being her cold self.
Still, I can see why you like Asuka better, she’s a very strong and persevering character, with a lot of confidence and a little bit of shyness to spice up the mix. I think, I like Eriko more as a character but Asuka would make the better lover (although, she would never be the typical sense of the word, like Yuumi might personify; she could easily be the way she is now) for Kazuki.
Curses, my Eriko fanboy guns are misfiring.
Im with you all the way I prefer Askuka X Kazuki..I find Eriko X Kazuki quite boring (or at least Eriko is)
Fine, I bite. Since it seems noone else is sticking up for Eriko
There are two possible ways to argue pro-Eriko: The first one is purely personal. As an anime viewer, I’ve seen the “Asuka type romance” time and time again. It’s nothing new and refreshing, and while it’s generally enjoyable (I tend to like the Asuka type alot), it’s a clear case of “been there, done that”.
In contrast to that, I can’t think of many examples of the “Eriko type romance”. In which a lonely-isolated genius cutie with alot of interpersonal issues is being pursued by a guy and gradually “thawed”. It’s about as new a field to me as an anime viewer, and I appreciate the freshness of it. Therefore, I’m much more interested in progress here than on the Asuka side (and nevermind the intolerably boring Yuumi x Kouichi x Mao storyline).
However, there’s an easy case to be made for Eriko x Kazuki purely on the storyline basis aswell, without consideration for anime viewer preferences: In a nutshell, in pursuing Eriko we see what Kazuki wants to do himself, out of his own volition. With Asuka, we see Kazuki doing what Asuka wants him to do. Not saying that trying to altering his attitude towards soccer is a bad thing, but this change is instigated by someone else. A change which he initially grudgingly and later more willingly accepts. Compare this to his own continuous interest to spend time with Eriko, which never wavered. It’s clear that this is his OWN priority. Why disregard that? Asuka x Kazuki is _Asuka’s_ project, Eriko x Kazuki is _Kazuki’s_. And I prefer to let the guy choose here
You say you don’t have anything against “it started with a kiss”, but that’s not true, usagijen: You do. It’s been seeping through your comments since the beginning of the show. And I think you’re misrepresenting its significance. Their romance is NOT based on the mere physical/sexual aspect at all - at least, Kazuki never tries to pursue this angle, in fact he seems genuinely frightened by it when it becomes an issue - yet you comment on the two of them as if they were a couple of young folks in heat.
In fact, the kiss was about as pure and innocent in the truest meaning of the words. They didn’t understand, and now they’re trying to do.
I also disagree with your notion that a relationship should only happen between two people of the same “experience” or “maturity”. If that were truly the case, Asuka x Kazuki couldn’t happen either, because Kazuki certainly doesn’t match Asuka in this aspect. He’s completely inexperienced, contrary to what you wrote. He also had no “ego crushed” by Eriko, he simply needed some time to adjust to her way of communication.
What we have here is a simple case in which BOTH sides of a budding relationship try to proceed in each others’ direction. Both fail and succeed over time, and both get their bruises, yet continue to try. It will be interesting to see how Eriko will react now that her emotions pull her out of her purely-rational shell she’s been hiding behind in the past. That’s a major feat which Kazuki accomplished already, and I have to admire his genuine honesty throughout the show.
My final reason to list: True love (which we’re not even close to, don’t worry) prioritizes the well-being of the other one over your own. In other words, to care for the other more than for yourself. In this aspect, it’s natural that Asuka has a significant love potential in shaping up Kazuki, but it’s also a trace selfish in nature: He wants him to do what SHE wants to do herself. However, Kazuki has no such potential towards Asuka. His interests and REAL wishes don’t seem to coincide with hers all that much, and there’s not really anything which he can do for her (other than humor her soccer infatuation). Or, condensing it to a slightly unfair degree: “Kazuki, I want you to do what I’m interesting in. It’s good for you.”
On the other hand, his project to retrieve Eriko out of her shell isn’t inherently selfish in nature. It doesn’t yield immediate benefits for himself. But here, he has the opportunity to do _someone else_ a good deed. And it seems obvious to me that this is what he wants to do. Of course there’s a remaining selfish interest, BECAUSE HE IS INTERESTED IN HER. But he’s not trying to convert Eriko into “Kazuki light”. Which is a more healthy setup in my eyes.
What it boils down to is that it’s Kazuki’s choice to make what to do, as it should be. And I think the anime dropped enough hints that his own interest - not what he allows himself to be dragged into, but what he wants to pursue out of his own volition - lies with Eriko.
Ah the interesting discussion :). Honestly it’s always been a bit tough for me to figure out how I feel on it. One moment I’m all on Asuka to win out, then I’m feeling for Eriko and move over there…several hours later I’m still jumping around.
Do think a big thing is how solid a character Asuka has been the whole way through. A strong character who gives what she can to her goals. Has played a major role in helping not just Kazuki but Eriko to grow as characters.
On one side she did get Kazuki to step up and stop not putting all he has into things. Of course that had an impact on his relationship with Eriko. Also her standing up to Eriko and showing her what people can do if they give what they have helped.
As Asuka started to recognize her feelings that was nice to see. Even though it may be tough she is still willing to not give up. With similar interests like in soccer it wouldn’t be hard to see those two together. They have some fun dynamics and are interesting to watch.
Now it wouldn’t be fair to not talk about Eriko. She started as a different kind of character all together. More isolated, intelligence that put her apart, no friends, and a taste that would make most wonder. She is the one who has needed a lot of development and still has a way to go. Kazuki has helped her grow as a character and she has been a goal for him. Their meeting has helped in their growing as people though alone it wouldn’t have been enough.
They certainly are different people though that isn’t a bad thing. Eriko is still at a point where she is trying to figure out feelings that hadn’t been a big part of her life. The challenge of Asuka has put her into a tough place. She has already corrupted his taste a bit so who knows where it will go :). If they care about each other that may be enough to overcome the different worlds they are in.
Honestly I have no clue how things will turn out. All three are good people. Intertwined feelings and uncertainties make them who they are. Will Kazuki be able to accept Asuka as more than a friend or will that be something he can’t cross? Will Eriko figure out her feelings and reach out for Kazuki in time? Will Asuka be able to tell Kazuki how she feels and be accepted? Far be it from me to be able to predict all of that.
This triangle is hard because I like everyone involved. Oh the good old days when one was clearly more likable for me than the other and I could be solid on it.
@totali: ehh… but even Eriko is tricking people with her dere-dere mode! :O
@CCY: I honestly don’t want the kiss to affect Kazuki all that much, or else that’ll seem as if the physical attraction is what makes up his “love”.
Eriko has the potential to become the character who has undergone the most development in the series, and I just want to see this tackled well. I’m not closing my doors for Eriko x Kazuki, but I want to see a solid development, make us see Kazuki’s deep reasons for wanting to love Eriko. Without that, I won’t approve of this pair.
and don’t worry, Mentar filled in the Eriko defense line for you, firing it to me at full blast
@Mentar: wow, that was an EPIC comment ^:)^
Despite how I initially abhored how Kazuki x Eriko’s relationship started with a kiss, seeing how most of his actions seemed to have been driven by that incident, I have come into terms with the possibility that his love or attraction towards her isn’t all based on that physical aspect. It started with a kiss, but in the process, he became interested in what drove her to do such a thing, and thus resorted to restarting the experiment to get to know her better.
In a way, I’ve seen how he wants ease Eriko of her loneliness and solitude, and I hope this is indeed his reason for wanting to pursue this love. I just wasn’t able to take back all that I said against Kazuki before, especially with the kiss and how he kept on remembering that incident, so it might have seemed as if I still view his love as nothing but physical attraction, or shallow.
Do refresh my memory about this, because from what I can remember, not once did I diss Eriko for her intentions with the kiss, as far as the anime is concerned. The closest I can think of with regards to this comment is my sentiments regarding what happened in the novel, which is completely not the case with the anime. I found it completely understandable for her to explore this “experience”, naive as she is when it comes to these things. All of my complaints were targetted at Kazuki and his reaction to the kiss.
I think you misunderstood me on this. I wasn’t pointing out that the two people in the relationship should be at par in terms of experience and maturity (i.e. Kazuma x Ayano, which I am also supporting with all my heart). What I was saying is how the two individuals should be in a stable state, who is well aware their identity, their strengths and weaknesses, enough to know that their desire to be in the relationship isn’t simply driven by wanting to find themselves “complete”. One way or another, someone in the relationship will be more superior than the other, in terms of one or more aspects, but what matters most is that they know this well, accept this fact, embrace each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This way, so there would be no sense of inferiority or superiority between the two, despite their disparity.
In the case of Kazuki x Eriko, the latter still needs something to come into terms with the jealousy she’s feeling, do something to make her lose this sense of inferiority towards Asuka (or so that’s how I saw it in episode 14). Once she learns to embrace all the emotions welling-up in her, her capabilities and limitations (which can driver her to either accept these limitations, or do something to overcome them), only then will she be able to develop in a holistic sense.
Now that you mention about the selfishness angle, I actually think the three people involved in the triangle has traces of this (though “selfishness” is subjective, and I don’t think we can question the characters’ motives based on simple deductions from what we’ve seen).
In Asuka’s case however, shouldn’t her current unrequited love situation show how her actions are more of the unselfish nature? She wants Kazuki to become a better man, despite how there might not be any returns on her part.
Asuka and Kazuki’s interests actually coincide in some ways. Kazuki (and any other man for that matter) wants to overcome his pathetic and halfhearted self, a wish that Asuka also has for him. Asuka’s words is what made him come into his senses and realize this, which in the end, allowed him to gain the resolve to confront Eriko again and restart the experiment. Kazuki’s _interest_ for Eriko never wavered, but his motivation did. Just when he thought of turning his back from pursuing this, Asuka rid him of his doubts (she made an impact on him, indirectly).
While the change in Kazuki’s character was instigated by Asuka, it was all for his betterment. There are times when people won’t change for the better, unless he gets this pat in the back from someone. She just became an instrument to his change, and I see nothing wrong with that.
Lastly, with regards to volition of action, both Asuka and Eriko can qualify with regards to this. Choosing Asuka doesn’t mean that Kazuki is choosing to be dragged into the relationship, so long as he makes the decision on his own, by weighing his feelings, especially after she looks at Asuka in another light.
@FlareKnight: I agree with how Asuka made an impact both in Kazuki’s life (directly), and his dealings with Eriko (indirectly). Although I’ve been stressing how a “friends” ending will be more beneficial for Eriko, I’m also open to the possibility that a love ending will work out great for her. It all boils down to how they’re going to develop their triangle from here on.
Being able to like all the characters in the triangle has its ups and downs. On one side, this means that the characters have become endearing enough for you to grow and like them, and this makes you all the more excited to see how things will turn out in the end. But of course, it also makes you all the more torn apart, since one of them will have the shorter end of the stick when it boils down to the final decision.
Looking forward to seeing this chapter, I am with you on the Asuka is the best match for Kazuki claim.
@cup beans: hurry for more Asuka supporters \o/
Curious what you will write about Asuka after episode 16
@Mentar: hehe, that episode surprised me, not Asuka but someone else. Hope I can get my thoughts post out by tomorrow.
Very well said. She’s my favorite girl in this series too.
Go, Asuka! Fight-o!
Well, her conduct in 16 has been less than glorious. But let’s see your take on it first