English Dub Review: A Condition Called Love “Our First Shrine Visit”

Overview

Hotaru is still puzzling out her feelings, but she has an eye-opening moment when she and Saki reunite for the first shrine visit of the year. Afterward, her desire to learn more about him just may draw them closer together.


Our Take

Weeks after her wonderful Christmas, Hotaru goes on a yearly shrine visit with friends sheds light on Saki’s reluctance to engage with others, particularly Keigo, revealing his possessive tendencies and social struggles despite glimpses into their pasts leading to some decent character development.

Later on, Hotaru takes on a part-time job at a bookstore, and Saki’s consistent presence after her shifts highlights his commitment to spending time with her. However, his behavior, including a warning Hotaru about potential assault, raises concerns despite their growing closeness.

Overall, while the episode provided moments of intimacy and reflection between Hotaru and Saki, There’s a small sense of looming uncertainty due to Saki’s overprotective nature and struggles with boundaries continue to cast a shadow over their relationship, leaving glimpses into their pasts and some character development that continue to provoke mixed reactions even if most of the show remains lighthearted, there’s potential for it to go dark really fast, but that’s just how I feel about it…