Episode 7 of Makeine: Too many heroines lose! is absurd and unrealistic in the most unexpected way this week: It shows a relationship change in a healthy, mature sense.

We’re a long way from the whoops tropes of the early episodes, and I mean that in the best way. This episode is almost entirely about Yakishio and Ayano. This kind of situation is hard for anyone to deal with, but especially for teenagers who are struggling to come to terms with who they are in the world. Few people can have a mature conversation about their feelings where they show each other their vulnerability without hurting each other. What’s more, Lemon and Ayano can have this completely blunt conversation and maintain their friendship afterward. That’s very rare, at least in my experience.

It also helps that the feelings involved are very relatable. Ayano and Lemon liked each other, but only Lemon could put those feelings into words, while Ayano didn’t yet know what they meant. It’s normal to have certain feelings for someone long before you’re aware of those feelings, and that goes double for young people who are still learning how romance and affection work.

Nukumizu also maintained his friendship with everyone involved. He was supportive without getting in the way, a quiet listener when one party needed to talk, an advisor when he was asked – an all-around good guy. It’s nice to see a leading man live up to the expectations others have of him in this regard, and it explains why so many people trust and rely on him.

The animation, direction and music were also spot on this week. About half a dozen tender moments tugged at the heartstrings and all the elements of the visual medium came together to convey those moments. Great stuff all around. The real hit was the sequence where Ayano and Lemon watched and recounted how their younger selves bonded over books – a real visual and emotional treat.

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Grant is the co-host of the podcasts Blade Licking Thieves and Super Senpai Podcast.

Makeine: Too many heroines lose! is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.