One of the main reasons I’ve fallen for YoruKura is how the characters’ struggles mirror issues so common in everyday life. That relatability, drawn from the audience’s own experiences, breathes soul into the work, making its characters feel authentic and endearing.

A Carefully Crafted Struggle

What impresses me most is the logical buildup of the plot. The events are meticulously arranged, with stakes steadily rising, pushing the characters to adapt and step out of their familiar “shells.” Jelee’s success has drawn more eyes to them, including prominent artists who’ve taken notice of Mahiru’s original character designs, sparking a wave of “fanart” inspired by her work. But the situation escalates with comments like “the fanart looks better; the official illustrations feel like amateur sketches.” These digs chip away at Mahiru, as her talent and contributions to the group are pitted against strangers’ efforts.

Yet, it goes deeper than that. This isn’t just an artist’s plight—it’s something everyone encounters from childhood to adulthood. Back in school, we “competed” with classmates. Stepping into the real world, we scramble for opportunities against others to land a stable job. Then, at work, we meet colleagues who outshine us. Life’s a massive whirlpool—to survive, we have to keep adapting, pushing forward relentlessly, or risk being swept away. Sometimes, we feel tiny, dwarfed by others’ talents. Even when we achieve some success, doubts creep in: Do I really deserve this? Was it luck? Someone else’s effort? Mahiru’s journey hits close to home for me.

A Light in the Dark

Thankfully, when Mahiru’s doubting herself, Kano’s there by her side. Sometimes, a single compliment or word of encouragement from someone who matters can lift the weight off your chest, easing your mind and restoring your confidence. If Mahiru’s illustrations once inspired Kano to pursue her music career, now Kano’s the spark fueling Mahiru’s drive. And it seems this episode nudges their bond beyond typical “friendship”—I’m curious to see if the story will fully lean into a yuri direction 🥰.

A Perfect Balance

Overall, this is the strongest episode so far, striking a great balance between serious themes and the lighthearted, humorous moments typical of slice-of-life mixed with cute-girls-doing-cute-things vibes.