Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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While we are given nothing new in terms of Hotaru and Yuma’s relationship, we are given some additional insight into Fujiwara and Hotaru’s.
Because You’re Hot Then You’re Cold, You’re Yes Then You’re No: Hotaru, Yuma, Takeda
Despite seeing Hotaru and Yuma in a compromising position, Hotaru is able to convince Takeda he didn’t saw what he thinks he did. Thus sending Yuma and Hotaru back into this weird gray area. The only difference being, this time, Hotaru was given a side that maybe things aren’t so one sided. After all, Yuma did make the first move this time.
Also, unbeknownst to Hotaru at this point, she is also having sex dreams about Hotaru. However, there remains the question of what are these two and what can they be long term? Especially considering neither have experience with love and, thus far, the only thing Hotaru understands is helping other people feel pleasure using her body.
Friends with Benefits?: Fujiwara, Hotaru
From what it seems, both Hotaru and Fujiwara share the ability to cut someone off quite heartlessly. In fact, it seems to be one of things which bond them. That and perhaps their enjoyment of sex. Well, at least Fujiwara likes sex. He even states that he hates gives but likes sex to really help you understand what kind of guy he is.
As for Hotaru? Well, it isn’t clear if sex is the driving force behind her “relationship” with Fujiwara. IT could very well be that, but it seems something more might be involved. After all, there is some deal which is built into their relationship. Now, whether that deal is simply to sexually please one another, maybe have Fujiwara push Takeda and Yuma together, or simply be sex buddies with no dwelling on the other’s personal affairs? Well, that is hard to say.
What is made clear though is they are not romantically involved. That and Fujiwara is a more horrible than previously given credit for. As shown by him hitting Hotaru just because she wasn’t in the mood for sex (I think he punched, not slapped, her).
Question(s) Left Unanswered
- Were most of Hotaru’s past relationships abusive? She doesn’t even budge when her ex was getting violent when she broke up with him. Nor does she seem to react much when Fujiwara hits her. Her first thought is the inconvenience of hiding the bruise.
- What exactly are the particulars of Hotaru and Fujiwara’s deal?
Highlights
Some Insight Into the Hotaru/ Fujiwara Relationship
Why Hotaru is with or even around Fujiwara has been a consistent question. One not really answered this episode, but we are finally given some idea of what keeps the two together. However, the bit of insight we’re given doesn’t really help to explain why Fujiwara is a douche. Nor does Hotaru noting she has never been in love really explain why she takes Fujiwara’s physical abuse. Never mind help explain why she is so submissive toward him and aggressive toward Yuma.
I sort of tried to fathom why back in episode 3, but at this point, I think I’ve kind of given up on learning the truth. They broke me.
Criticism
Here We Go Again
Is it homophobia, because of Hotaru being so aggressively intimate and sexual, or what? What makes it so Yuma pushes Hotaru away then brings her as close as humanly possible? Jealousy of her being with other people doesn’t seem enough anymore. Especially since there are times she felt like she was being raped. So does she like her or not? I just want this simple question answered.
Takeda, You Dummy
So we’re really going to drag out Takeda being naïve huh? Hotaru’s quick little lie is just taken at face value without the least bit of questioning? Why are the nice and cute ones always dumb?
TV Shows We’re Covering This Season
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I watched a lot of anime and surprisingly watched this almost 5 year old anime and I were surprised that this kind of anime exists. Among 4 characters of Netzusou trap only Hotaru got my interest. The answer to your question 1. There’s no record of her past relationships are abusive, the reason why she is very cold to her exes because most of them were cheated or two timed her or worst simply dumped her after having sex. She can endure domestic violence and abusive treatment to feel that she is needed. 2. In manga some of the details about their deal were spoiled that Hotaru’s condition to Fujiwara is go out with him for show while Fujiwara’s condition is whenever I call or text you lets make sex and Hotaru agreed so thats the deal which become their relationship for a reason to cope up with her unrequited love to Yuma.