Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! (Episode 8) – I Want to Watch Fireworks Together!

Uzaki tries to pay for Sakurai’s futon and causes quite a scene. However, that’s not the only issue. She isn’t the same as normal and it’s starting to upset Sakurai. Luckily, Ami has the answer!

Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! (Episode 8) – I Want to Watch Fireworks Together!

What happened?

Uzaki begged Sakurai for his forgiveness. She was drunk and didn’t realise what she was doing. She’s even prepared to pay for the damage caused. Sakurai tries to tell her to forget it. It was her first time and it was an old futon. It wasn’t her fault. However, she insists on giving him the money her mother gave her. Of course, this entire conversation has attracted a number of disgraced onlookers who can’t believe what they are hearing. Eventually, Sakurai takes the money just to make it stop.

However, ever since that night, Uzaki hasn’t been the same. Ami and Akihiko try to get more out of Sakurai and then realise that they may need to get involved. They give him a pass to get free items from the food stalls at the local fireworks festival. He should take Uzaki and shower her with compliments. That should bring her back. He reluctantly agrees and meets Uzaki at the festival. She’s wearing a yukata and seems to be putting on a brave face, but it’s still not her.

Sakurai remembers what Ami said about complimenting her. Well, he goes for it and soon has her back to normal. However, he went too far and she swung her purse at him, knocking him out. While unconscious, he remembered the time he helped Uzaki with her swimming and then walked her home just as the fireworks were going off. When he woke, he was lying on Uzaki’s lap staring up at her boobs. She told him not to move, however, she had withdrawn once more. Sakurai opened up about his experience with her, the good and the bad, eventually telling her that he’s happy that she made him not such a loner anymore and wanted to do more things with her before summer was over!

Uzaki Chan Wants to Hang Out Episode 8 Hana Uzaki listening to Shinichi Sakurai

What did you think?

I remember this episode being quite pivotal to my thoughts on Uzaki the first time I watched it. Before this point, she was kind of annoying while also being hilarious. This was the time when you really see how sweet and vulnerable she can be too. It added another dimension to her character and also gave Sakurai the impetus to say what he had been feeling. It was great seeing them move a little bit closer as a couple, although it’s still some way to go before they fully realise it.

And, that’s fine. I remember seeing some annoyance about the romantic elements in My Dress-Up Darling because they never kiss or really officially commit to being a couple, but this feels like a true relationship to me just as it did between Gojou and Marin. There’s clearly something there. Sure, we want to see the relationship develop further and I’m sure it will. Anyhow, I’m enjoying it and just getting to hang out with these characters makes it all worthwhile. It’s all about the journey and watching them grow.