IS - Otoko demo Onna demo Nai Sei [ep 3]

 SPOILERS AHEAD and I got this today, so it was without subs...I might have interpreted some stuffs wrongly but from my vague memory of the manga and my limited Japanese language, I'm doing my best here ^_^

In the previous episode, Haru dragged Miwako away from the pub, preventing her from getting the tattoo. After some argument between the two, Haru finally revealed his secret to Miwako. He told her about IS and his body. He also told her that although he had the characteristics of both gender, his physical body was becoming more and more feminine, but that doesn't change his heart (a boy). Instead of being shocked or scared of Haru, Miwako promised him that this secret stays between the two.

Back home, Miwako's mother acted over-protective and began showing signs of *weirdness*. Well, if you've read the manga, you'd expect all these scenes. Basically, her mother was trying to convince her to undergo an operation (by now, it's no secret that Miwako is also an IS individual, though NOT YET revealed in the drama). Her mother forced her to take medicines and locked her up in her room as a warning for not listening. 

Mothers like these really scare me though. I understand if they think they're doing the right thing, that is to protect and all for their children's happiness, but this is going a bit too far.

Meanwhile, Haru and the senpai Ibuki Kenji met again at school. He invited him to a football tournament. Haru was definitely elated and when Kenji mentioned how he was acting like a boy, he grew even more excited. LOlz...we should understand Haru's feelings, finally befriending a fellow boy at school.

Haru also realized that Miwako had been absent and hadn't come to find her as usual like she did before, especially for lunch. Then, he got a text from Miwako, asking for help. As would anybody do, Haru rushed to her home, only to find her looking fine. Haru then got mad at Miwako's child-like attitude for fooling around with 'emergency texts'.

The teacher still annoys me to the max!

I'm sorry if I posted too much pictures for the following scenes. I just really like it when he's hanging out with LEON!!!! Too bad he still has very little scenes, nothing significant yet. However, that didn't defy the fact that Haru treated him his best buddy. I think what I'm envy most of is their camaraderie.

Leon is just so caring and truly understands Haru. And you can just see how Haru acts so much at ease around him. Though, I have to say football's not his aptitude xD

Miwako's situation was going for the worst as her mother kept on feeding her with medicine and interminably telling her it was all done for her own good.

And such contrast was seen at Haru's household. The family's really supportive and they could laugh at just about anything. Haru also showed some signs of health deterioration as he almost fainted couple of times.

Boys' day out lol...well...I guess Kenji's not bad after all. Still, Leon is top of my list for now.

When Kenji mentioned he had a collection of football DVDs, Haru couldn't resist to ask to watch. So Kenji invited him back home and there, he saw a picture of him with another girl. That was when he was little. But when he asked, Kenji quickly grew hostile about it. Haru then pretended to continue enjoying the shows, and when Kenji asked him why he didn't ask further, he replied that everyone has their own secrets so he was fine if it's something they didn't want to mention. Which is true anyway. And then...

Best scene of the entire episode hahahaha

Leon's scene was one of the highlights in this episode, or so what I expected till this one. Though I knew nothing's going to bud between Leon and Haru (since they're best buddies), can't blame me hoping for more. Was it funny how Kenji just hugged him like this? Well, in a way, I didn't think so. He most probably was touched by Haru's explanation and just wanted to embrace him for that? Oh well, this beats the Leon scenes by a bit.

What is the secret about the picture anyway, Kenji?

The hug took Haru by surprise, obviously. He practically ran out of the house and then afterwards, explained to him that he was just happy to have a friend to share the same interests with. Haru suddenly recalled about Miwako's words and thought something was weird with her attitude lately. So he rushed to her house *again* to find out the problem.

Yeah, suicide attempt. She managed to whisper to Haru before passing out that she too, is an IS. (finally...). By the way, the pool of blood looked really fake though, I just had to point that out. I'm kinda sensitive to props they used and especially blood scenes, I can't stand it if they look fake-ish. Putting that aside, still looking forward to next episode!

Thoughts:

O_O This episode was a roller-coaster ride for me. So much things in one episode. Not that I'm complaining, I just never thought they'd take it this fast. Of course, in the manga, you probably need to read couple of volumes before even reaching Miwako's side story. But it's already shown here in episode 3. I think I should read the manga further. Is it still available though? They did change the scenes, like I don't remember Haru visiting Kenji's house or going to any football tournament with him, and Miwako's suicide attempt...was vague in my memory. I knew Haru did cheer her up and basically rescued her from feeling down about IS. Haru was practically Miwako's savior and the only one she could confide in. That, I recall clearly. *time to read up the manga!*

Anyways, like I mentioned, I really like this episode. It was like they're trying to take it to the next level and they did manage to. That said, I'm rating this 8/10. xD