Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You. Season 2 Episode 10: Something I've Been Meaning to Say

The episode opens with the gentle glow of 'La Stella' under a serene moonlit sky. Inside, the restaurant buzzes, but Mizuho is clearly elsewhere, her friend's chatty monologue falling on deaf ears. When pressed, Mizuho admits to a recent encounter, a confrontation where someone told her she was 'unfair'. The brief, stark visual of Kizuki confirms the identity of this 'someone', a memory still replaying in her mind, leaving her with no adequate response.

The somber mood at the bar is broken by Shugo, who brings out a special, off-menu pizza for Mizuho, instantly brightening her spirits. There's a playful exchange, with Mizuho's friend teasing Shugo about his wink. Then, the pivotal moment: Shugo asks Mizuho if she's free for the weekend, a clear invitation that leaves her, and her friend, quite surprised. It sets a new course for the day.

Mizuho, clad in a bright yellow dress, awaits Shugo, surprised to find him in his own car, ready for an 'Enoshima gourmet tour'. Her expectation of working on new dishes at the restaurant is playfully dismissed. Shugo reveals his brother, Togo, is covering his shift, prompting a warm exchange between Togo and Mizuho. This leads into Shugo's pensive flashback, where a younger Togo selflessly offers to take over the restaurant so Shugo can pursue teaching, a gesture of quiet, unspoken love between brothers.

The drive to Enoshima reveals vibrant landscapes, mirroring the hopeful tone of their outing. Arriving at a bustling street, Mizuho eagerly suggests takoyaki. A sudden near-collision with a cyclist forces Shugo to act, grabbing Mizuho's arm and pulling her to safety. He doesn't release her hand, instead making a cheeky remark about keeping them joined. Mizuho's embarrassment is palpable, yet she doesn't pull away, marking a significant step in their developing intimacy.

Seated with their takoyaki, Shugo pulls a childish prank on Mizuho, teasing her about nori on her face before snapping a photo. Her annoyance quickly gives way to amusement, especially with the giant senbei. They share a lighthearted back-and-forth, with Mizuho jesting about Shugo making 'out-of-the-ordinary' dishes. These small moments of shared laughter and teasing solidify their comfortable, growing bond.

At a shrine overlooking the city, the gentle breeze prompts Mizuho to recall shared memories, wondering if Shugo remembers their old desire to be 'number one'. Shugo's internal thoughts turn serious, recalling a past conversation about the 'real hero of romance' always being the 'third man'. This fleeting moment of unease is interrupted when Mizuho, excited about visiting the aquarium, slips on the steps. Shugo swiftly catches her, then scoops her into his arms, carrying her bridal style amidst the gasps of onlookers. He insists on taking her home, putting her safety before their date.

Back at her apartment, Shugo insists on cooking for Mizuho, who, despite her twisted ankle, offers to help. Their domesticity is warm, sharing soup and praises for his cooking, with Mizuho declaring his homemade meals her favorite. Shugo promises to cook for her daily, knowing 'how to make her happy'. The comfortable scene is underscored by Shugo's internal reflection, wondering if he's 'giving main character vibes' or is still just 'the other guy', revealing his deep-seated anxieties about his place in Mizuho's affections.

Shugo's confident facade cracks when Mizuho shows him a manga draft, innocently pointing out a picture of Kizuki at the Mitsumon Swimming School. Mizuho's description of Kizuki 'glowing' and 'blindingly bright' when he swims visibly troubles Shugo. He acknowledges the nostalgia, but his internal monologue reveals a firm resolve: 'I don't want to lose either. I want to be the one standing by her. I want to be the one she chooses.' He gears up to finally confess his long-held feelings.

Shugo steels himself, about to tell Mizuho how he feels, even if it scares her or if she only sees Kizuki. His words are on the verge of being spoken when the doorbell rings, cutting him off completely. Mizuho, thinking it's her father, opens the door to find Kizuki standing there. Shugo's face registers shock and disbelief, his carefully built moment shattered by the unexpected arrival of his rival.

Kizuki, with an almost unnerving calm, explains his late visit. He announces his return to competitive swimming, crediting Mizuho with helping him, adding pointedly that he 'wanted to see her'. Shugo can only watch Mizuho's delighted reaction. Then, in a stunning move, Kizuki turns to Mizuho and unequivocally declares, 'I love you.' The words hang heavy in the air, leaving Mizuho stunned and Shugo speechless with disbelief and pain.

Kizuki walks away, leaving a dazed Mizuho to dismiss his words as 'just another silly joke'. Shugo, clutching a seashell, is left to internalize the raw pain of the moment, his opportunity stolen. He struggles with his own unspoken feelings, wishing to tell her he doesn't want to let her go. His heartbreak is immediately compounded when Mizuho answers a phone call, her expression shifting from confusion to shock as she learns her father, Tsuyoshi Nishino, has been admitted to the ER.

The ambulance siren wails, pulling up to the hospital as Tsuyoshi Nishino is rushed in, an oxygen mask covering his face. The doctor's urgent questions and a flashing red alarm light signal a critical situation. The episode abruptly cuts to white, leaving Mizuho facing a terrifying unknown. The ending theme then offers a bittersweet reflection on past memories, concluding with a melancholic shot of the apartment building under falling rain, mirroring the storm brewing in the characters' lives.