Media Journal: Ookiku Furikabutte Vol.21-27

    YIPPEE another chunk of amazing chapters. I really love to see how else Higuchi can twist the knife in my stomach with all these characters and their problems. hehe. also forgive me if this post is rough around the edges compared to the others. I don't let myself continue reading until I write one of these, and I really want to continue so I sped through this a little ghdfjkg. but also it's a journal so it doesn't matter, and it does help me retain things as i go on even if it is messy. okay i'll start now.

    Akimaru and Haruna

    What really is compelling to me about akiharu is the fact they realized how bad their relationship has become but despite it all they still want to be together.

    Akimaru and Haruna were super close as kids, but things changed when Haruna shot up in skill in baseball. Akimaru wanted to compete with him but was tired of losing to him, he became content with being a follower instead. He blames this on Haruna, and it might partly be his fault. Haruna is a bright magnetic personality that will swallow up people around him. But isn't it still Akimaru's own decision to stick around, even with Haruna's attempts at pushing him away?

    AKIMARU: How could I have gone anywhere but Musashino?
    HARUNA: Do you even understand what you're saying?

    It's the same with Haruna. When Akimaru stopped trying, Haruna gave up on him. He's become so used to not expecting anything he constantly shuts him down when Akimaru tries to participate in the lead. But he does still hope Akimaru will gain motivation to play seriously.

    OKAWA: Even Akimaru's got to realize he's not just an extension of your body at some point. So we either wait for him to realize that, or Shimizu to make it Machida's level. But... Which of those is what you want?
    HARUNA: ...Sorry. It's such a slim hope I can hardly say it.

    It is so sad to me! That they each made each other into someone they want to escape, but they actually really want to stay together!! And I do think that them staying together is right for them, despite the fact it made them too comfortable and complicit. Akimaru realizing he wants them to keep playing baseball together is what made him want to participate in the lead, and made Haruna realize he does like Akimaru taking control!

    Mihashi and Abe

    Anyway it's pretty funny Akiharu are destroying their brains over their broken marriage, Mihashi and Abe are having the best time. They're on their freaking honeymoon. This game so far, is the best their communication has ever been! Abe has become so good at conveying how much he cares for Mihashi. He's been struggling so much before, his feelings are the same but now he's so gentle and patient, it melts my heart. also look at this.

    Mihashi's Pitching + Communication

    After Musashino vs Nishihura, Haruna tells Mihashi to work on his backspin so he can increase his speed. Abe is against this because he thinks it could ruin Mihashi's special fastball. Mihashi wants to work on it, he thinks he can only go so far with his pitching arsenal as it is. They argue about this, Abe yells at Mihashi and he cries and they worry the entire team. But afterwards they have a real good talk about it and idk im so emo. Abe says he's worried Mihashi could get hurt and he doesn't want him to start from zero. But he also knows he can't stop Mihashi from doing what he truly wants. Mihashi agrees he won't go off on his own, because...

    I CRY. I just love this so much. It's great to see even after the game where they clicked so well, that it's still not easy for them. The fact they have difficulties is a big appeal to me about abemiha. They're still learning! and maybe it would never be easy! the fact they want to keep trying makes me cry, because it means they truly care about each other. And all the efforts just make their breakthroughs that much more sweet. I love them.

    Creating Distance with Closeness

    This is a theme I've really begun to notice reading these chapters, and it's what makes these characters and their relationships so compelling. I'll just quickly list them out (including stuff from previous volumes)

    I'm so excited to continue reading. I feel like all these relationships are just going to explode with much more complexity!!! Thank you for reading, even though this is pretty messy. I think I'll probably write something a little more polished after I get all caught up! And as always if you have a response you can reach me by any of the links below!