Ouran High: Episode 24

The not-so-blackhearted, money-grubbing resident megane-dude has a sentimental streak after all. Amazing, isn’t it?

A little bit, I guess.

Bring out the warm kotatsu. Rollback two years. Cue music. Enter a younger Kyouya.

As the third son of a successful business mogul, Kyouya sublty clamors for his father’s approval. He quietly seethes in anger, lamenting the fate brought out by birth order. He masks his true personality to win his father’s favor. He befriends sons and daughters of entrepreneurs, to earn political and financial alliance. He lives an orderly and predictable existence, void of passion and satisfaction.

Ah, but the Fates weaves not a gray fabric for dear Kyouya. It is an elaborate piece lavished with lush tones and hues. Tamaki adds a vibrant shade to the intricate design. Kyouya leaves behind a dull existence and reaches for an enticing world.

The antepenultimate episode of Ouran High showcases a vulnerable Kyouya, imprisoned by tradition and by his own walls. Being a third son, he is silently asked to cage his latent evil, money-making abilities. Tamaki’s refreshing-yet-sometimes-idiotic view of the world slowly changes his perspective. The image of a blossoming flower — stemming out from the exquisitely framed painting — elegantly captures Kyouya’s resolution. He allows himself to exceed expectation and to seek a brighter path for himself.

I love BONES for the wonderful adaptation of these favorite chapters of mine. And of course, I heart Bisco Hatori.