
More than just a kiss-understanding.
When KimiKiss started, I expressed my disappointment regarding how Eriko x Kazuki’s “relationship” came about. I’d have to admit, I didn’t like how that kiss became the initial springboard for this relationship. First of all, it seemed like a shallow reason to be attracted to someone, in the case of Kazuki. But then as the series went on, we’ve gradually seen how this attraction became more fatal, and deeper than a kiss. The kiss simply paved the way for Kazuki to see Eriko in different lights, allowing him to realize that there’s so much more to this girl than the cold genius she was perceived to be.
I don’t know if the staff read this blog or other forums, who had a similar sentiment regarding the “It Started With a Kiss” aspect of Kazuki and Eriko’s relationship. But I felt as if episodes 19-20 was made out to dispel the qualms of people who had this sentiment. To win the Kazuki x Asuka shippers to the Kazuki x Eriko side?

omgz, have I been converted to the dark (Eriko) side? D:
Eriko has thawed. That was made crystal clear in episode 20, where we also find out that her reason for pushing Kazuki away was because of the anxiety she’s feeling with this new emotion of love. She didn’t know how to deal with her feelings. She was bewildered at how her emotions are changing, how she’s falling in love with Kazuki, for reasons she can’t explain herself. She was hesitant to accept this at first, for fear that Kazuki’s feelings for her could so easily change as well. She realized how these emotions are making her fragile, which is why she tried so hard to shove Kazuki away. But of course Kazuki persisted till the end, and he proved himself as a man worthy of Eriko’s love. What Kazuki said to Eriko in episode 20, his assurance that his love for Eriko won’t ever change, were the very words she longed to hear from him. That was all she needed to dispel the doubts in her mind.

No, I did not cry at this scene. No, neverrr.
With all that I’ve said about Eriko, I think it’s also pretty clear that I’ve been thawed. Thawed of the bias I used to have against Eriko. I hate to admit it, but I cried with Eriko during that scene with Kazuki’s visit in episode 20. Noo… those are just my cheap tearsss D:
Happy Ending? Not When Asuka is Taken Into the Picture

Oh to bear the thought of seeing Asuka cry… ;___;
If you look at Asuka and her supposedly place in this love triangle, you’ll feel a little betrayed. Why? Because it seemed as if she served as nothing else but a fuel for Eriko and Kazuki’s love. When she cheered for them in episode 18 (or cheered on Kazuki to snap out from his dilly-dallying self in the early episodes), she literally went “加油”. She hasn’t even confessed, and yet she already lost the battle by default. Before she knew it, Kazuki and Eriko already sworn their love for each other. It might sound too pessimistic, for a supposedly Asuka fan like me, but that’s the way I see this series is going.
Now that Kazuki assured Eriko of his love, it would be all the more reason for him to reject Asuka’s love, if only to prove his love for her. Unlike before, Kazuki is now sure of his feelings for Eriko, and I don’t think a mere confession from Asuka, whom he has never seen as more than a friend (or even as a girl), will change all that. Despite my Asuka bias, I’d rather have Kazuki stick up for his love for Eriko till the end, now that their relationship has been solidly established. Otherwise, his words of assurance and his love for Eriko will just lose credibility.
If the producers of this show were intending to have Asuka enter the triangle and be a worthy competitor who will really spice up the triangle, they should have made her confess to Kazuki as early as episode 16, after she found out about the experiment. Instead of confronting Eriko, she could’ve confronted Kazuki, confessed her feelings with a kiss (and probably tell him to “look at her”), like Ai-chan did to Shinichirou in True Tears. Then both Eriko and Asuka would’ve made a strong impression on Kazuki, with a kiss of awakening.
With all that has transpired in the past episodes however, it’s natural for an Asuka fan to feel that it was unfair for the great soccer girl, to be left out of this supposedly triangle. When Eriko kissed Kazuki, she immediately had the head start advantage of gaining Kazuki’s attention. It made such a strong and lasting impression on him, that she immediately had the “more than a friend” treatment advantage. It seemed as if love is a race, in the eyes of Asuka who was at the losing end of the stick in this competition. Eriko got the first dibs on Kazuki (in a way) and made the strongest impression on him. She piqued Kazuki’s interest, and was immediately sealed shut in his vision as “the woman for him”. Asuka, who was forever in the sidelines cheering on Kazuki, simply became an additional accessory to make this pairing even more possible. Sigh T__T

What if you put Asuka into this picture? hmm~
I know that both Asuka and Eriko will end up learning from all these experiences, especially their awakening to love. Sadly for Asuka, it seems that she’s fated to have a bittersweet ending. It would’ve been tons better if the director started changing the direction of this anime, for a Kai x Asuka ending. Kai deserves someone better, same with Asuka. I actually wonder if this is possible, considering they’ve never even met, and there’s only 5 or 6 episodes away >_>””
On Mao x Kouchi x Yuumi

I wonder how things will fare for Yuumi~ >_<
This triangle is the one that has the intense battle factor, in that we still don’t know who will end up with who by the end of the series. Now Mao will be going back to France, to get over her feelings and move on. The one thing that will probably keep her from going is if Kouichi realizes that he really loves Mao, assure her of his love like Kazuki did to Eriko. Yuumi, as early as episode 20, is already open to the possibility of a Kouichi x Mao ending, but of course deep in her heart is a longing that she’ll be the one for him.
Yuumi’s monologue in episode 19 even felt like a parting message. A message of thanks to everyone who allowed her to change for the better, and made her see the vastness of the world. The message of someone who can already leave without regrets. We’ll see how things will turn out in this triangle, as more episode airs.
Welcome to the dark side
I was hoping that Kazuki & Eriko will end up together, but i wasn’t sure after that Eriko blow him away … i was suprised on how Kazuki was persistant to win her love … that was soooo sweet
i was rooting for those two and i am also hoping for Kouichi & Mao ending..
I don’t think she will return to France, but she will move from that house… and Kouichi will be her permanent visitor 
When I saw 20 after a while did think, well not a good time for Asuka fans. Of course the initial feeling was feeling good for Eriko.
But really, do feel for Asuka who seems to be set for a pretty sad conclusion. Sad thing with these triangles is that one person will end up losing out while the pair ends up happy. She is a good person and its too bad things will go that way. As she starts reaching out into things like those magazines the relationship with Kazuki and Eriko is continuing to be entrenched. Now little time for her to even express her feelings and then it seems like it will have little effect.
Anyways on to the positive side with Kazuki and Eriko. Maybe in my gut I had been on side for this one. While I did like Asuka it was always a bit easier to support Eriko and Kazuki. Have liked the growth of Kazuki’s character. Now showing off his determination and going out there.
Like in the cafeteria when he just walked on over. Or his determined march to her house. Sure was accompanied by the natural nervousness and going over his ’speech’ but still the change was there. Also as you said the ice really thawed here. Just her expression when he was showing up at her place. A time when she was unable to prepare and the honest reactions that she had, was really quite nice.
Maybe on a lighter note. Really enjoyed how like during the swimming match when Kazuki tries to step up he fumbles a bit. How Eriko surprised him when he was preparing himself and so his speech got mixed up. Still love how he did a time out to try and plan his next move :).
Do think Mao is just moving to her own place like an apartment. Showed a scene of her looking at, I believe apartment layouts right before they brought up her moving out. So just think she is trying to make some space between her and Kouichi physically.
Hmmm, was she really waiting for these passionate words? I’m not quite sure ^_^; … I mean, for the love of god, did she try her hardest to push him away in the end. Due to the altered perspective, we already know that she was wavering, she had completely lost her balance, and she was struggling to maintain her facade… but damn, did she do a good job. If I had been in Kazuki’s shoes, I might have despaired and faltered.
And this is why I still believe that Kazuki-Futami is the right linkup in the end. This is what he was really after all the time. Also - ask yourself: If Asuka were to confess to him now, how would he react? I’d say he’d be totally shocked and surprised, because she’s not even on his radar this way. So, regrettably, I’d say that Asuka will continue with the feeling to have done something good, and to have ruined her own chances in the process. Bittersweet indeed.
I doubt Asuka fans would want a KazukiXAsuka ending now. If by some reason would Kazuki turn to Asuka later in the story, I would doubt the credibility of his sincerity.
Personally, I feel Kazuki has to stick with Eriko after all the ’stalking’ he has done. Otherwise, he is not deserving of Asuka’s affections for being fickle.
Poor Asuka. =(
Koichi x Mao has possible, If it’s end like this i very happy
Because Koichi and Yumi not confession his(her)felling to each other, they just kiss .
Kazuki x Eriko happy ending sure!!!.
@rev: noooo D:
@kazumaXX: as much as I hate to admit it, what Kazuki did was really sweet, and Kazuki x Eriko made me melt. With a few more episodes left, there’s a great chance that Mao won’t be going to France indeed. But hmm… we’ll see.
@FlareKnight: yeah, these kinds of triangles are sad… especially when you’re rooting for the underdog
and yeah, what Kazuki did was cute and funny, even Eriko was amused herself xDD
Kouichi would have to decide between Mao and Yuumi now… find out his true feelings.
@Mentar: Kazuki’s words came unexpected, though I really think that assured Eriko of the doubts she used to have. I can’t see much of Asuka’s purpose in KimiKiss anymore… =__=
@The Sojourner: my sentiments exactly…
@Rev: Kazuki x Eriko was sealed with this episode. Still not sure if Kouichi x Mao will happen though, but there is indeed a chance for this.
@usagijen: Do agree that these things are pretty sad for those cheering for the underdog. Has happened a few too many times personally. Sadly in this case I like both so its a mix of happiness on one side and feeling bad on the other. Will just give hope of happiness for Asuka in the future.
Eriko was certainly amused by Kazuki. Though if anyone asks she didn’t laugh :D.
It was definitely one of the series most pivotal moments when Kazuki dumped the script and began to speak from his own heart. That’s what truly shattered the last of Eriko’s barriers. I have to say, that was one of the best segments in the whole thing. And the animation in the second half of this episode was awesome. Great job!
@FlareKnight: Asuka deserves to be happy. Here’s to hoping that she finds a guy who’ll truly love her. Same with Kai.
Eriko is such a poser
@Jauken7: I love it when Kazuki speaks his mind, especially with Eriko. He’s gone a long way, from being the aloof indecisive lad he was in the first episodes. Kouichi really needs to learn from him.
@usagijen Ah yes Kai. Keep forgetting about that guy for some reason. He’s been solid through things and finding out how he was after brought that back to you. I’m sure he’ll be alright and find someone.
No doubt Asuka will find the right guy that will love her. A great person who just fell in love with someone who didn’t see her that way and ended up with someone else.
Kouichi could definitely learn a few things from Kazuki. Figure out how you feel and go. It may be a tough situation when you know both girls care. But still sit down and figure out what you want to do and settle things.
Even if it somehow pains me to say so since I was rooting for Asuka, I’d rather Kazuki stay with Eriko too. I think Kazuki earned it, same with Eriko, I guess. They both changed for the better too.
I like your idea of Kai x Asuka. ^^ Sadly, as you said, it can’t be since there’s no more time to go down that route.
I really don’t know what to think regarding Mao x Kouichi x Yuumi anymore. Everytime I think Kouchi x Yuumi seems to be stable, the writers prove me wrong.