Twilight Out of Focus Episode 7 ends the love story between Ichikawa and Jin with soft lighting and even softer declarations of love. A Fateful Resolution delves into their backstory to highlight their development and fateful path. It delivers romance at its finest without ever neglecting the strong characterization of each character. The animation continues to falter in slideshow styles and limited movement, but at this pace, that’s something viewers will just have to accept in order to enjoy the high points. It’s a shame, but aside from a few key sequences, seven episodes seems like a given.

The characters remain the highlight in Twilight Out of Focus Episode 7which is crucial as the animation falters. Ichikawa (Masatomo Nakazawa) and Jin (Makoto Furukawa) are well drawn, making their inevitable pairing and the next step of their relationship all the more exciting. In a flashback, we see that Jin has been in awe of Ichikawa since they were children, and both of them submitted work to a children’s film competition. Jin came in second, and when Ichikawa noticed the first-place winner, he was shocked to see him crying in frustration.

Jin may have been happy to come second, but Ichikawa was unhappy and had to stoop to competing with children despite being one himself. This absurdity and strange conflict between ego and vulnerability is what makes Ichikawa such a fascinating character, especially when he lets his guard down in front of Jin. It’s also why Ichikawa constantly resents Jin and can’t accept why he’s so happy to accept subpar work when he’s capable of better. Jin sums the two up perfectly by saying that while Jin is gentle on himself and others, Ichikawa is hard on himself and others.

Jin manages to build camaraderie in his group, but can’t deliver a final product that he likes. He’s an effective and popular leader, but a lukewarm artist. Ichikawa, on the other hand, creates good art, but constantly gets on his friends and team’s nerves. They make great foils and eventually romantic partners, as they accept each other’s feelings and move their relationship forward in episode 7.

Twilight Out Of Focus Episode 7 continues to shed light on the intimacy of relationships. The series is open in its portrayal of their sexuality, again leaning into the overt romance of these moments with twinkling lights and blurred focus as the two playfully embrace the physical side of their relationship. There is still something subtly radical about the series and its portrayal of love, sex, and all the emotions that come with it.

It’s this understanding of their newness and the early fragility of a relationship that shapes the second half of the episode. Ichikawa’s grandfather is getting better, meaning Ichikawa can return home sooner rather than later. Jin worries that Ichikawa is pulling away, and reveals his feelings for him. Ichikawa’s real concern, however, is how lonely he will feel when they no longer live together, as they have both become accustomed to their roommate situation. It’s a touching scene that subverts Ichikawa’s typical bluster and once again shows Jin his true self.

But what does Twilight Out of Focus Episode 7 so much fun that despite these explanations and moments of tender honesty, Ichikawa remains himself, which is quite tiresome. In a video meant to send off the third years, Ichikawa initially tries to be solemn and respectful before breaking into a tirade praising Jin’s leadership and ranting about how his style has made it impossible for Ichikawa to lead. Someone asks what their relationship is, and concludes that it must be a “love-hate” one, and it’s hard to disagree.

Twilight Out Of Focus Episode 7 allows the sweet and sour nature of Jin and Ichikawa’s relationship to blossom. It’s a strong example of solid writing that understands its characters while making sure the versions they show each other are different from their outward personalities. “A Fateful Resolution” is a season highlight with definite humor and some introspective moments.

Twilight Out Of Focus Episode 7 is now available on Crunchyroll.