SaiTeru: Chapter 182
So this is definitely one of the best and most meaningful SaiTeru chapters, by far. But honestly, what I love the most about it is this.
(Note: Saiki actually says 心を動かす, so “move” their heart)
Saiki has spent most of the Mixer manipulating the boys so they’ll behave exactly the way Teruhashi would like them to. The right temperature, her favorite song, her favorite joke—Saiki makes sure the three guys hit just the right spots, so Teruhashi enjoys herself and gives one of them a chance.
His plan seems to be succeeding (a very rare occurrence, when it comes to Teruhashi), and Saiki gloats that it’s oh so very easy to move people’s hearts. After all, there’s no denying he has managed to get Teruhashi right where he wanted her, right?
And yet, what do we get right afterward?
Teruhashi thinks of him. This was so good, and not only because Teruhashi’s thoughts showed three very distinct, but tightly related things to Saiki:
- No, you did not actually manage to sway Teruhashi’s heart.
- Because she has come to like you so much, that just being with you is fun to her.
- And she likes you, for you. Aloof and not-fun as you are. Her feelings are genuine.
That’s already amazing on its own, a big milestone, too, because up to that point Saiki thought Teruhashi only cared about him because he refused to give into her.
But the best part is what realizing this does to Saiki. Hearing Teruhashi think that and realizing that yeah, she definitely does genuinely like you-you, basically turns the tables on Saiki.
Teruhashi’s thoughts and the sincerity of her feelings touch Saiki’s heart. So ironically, it’s not Saiki who manages to sway Teruhashi’s heart—It’s Teruhashi who manages to sway his. Without even knowing, without even trying, Teruhashi makes Saiki smile, reevaluate his actions and give up on his plan.
And I’ve seen some people suggest that ultimately, Saiki does it because the guys are bad. But that’s not it. They aren’t bad, just starstruck by Teruhashi. Saiki acts because Teruhashi genuinely touches his heart, without manipulations or pretenses. While the guys didn’t genuinely win any points with her, because it was all Saiki.
Now, that’s where personal interpretation comes into play. Is it just that Saiki realizes that it’s unfair to manipulate Teruhashi, when she sincerely likes him? Or is it that deep down, a part of him feels that maybe, it’s not such a bad thing to be genuinely liked by this girl, after all?
Personally, I think it’s a bit of both. And that’s why I love the rock-paper-scissors detail. Saiki doesn’t need to participate, and yet he still does. And visually, it sends a very clear message.
Who’s going with her? The boys ask, and Saiki essentially answers: Me.
So yeah, definitely a fantastic chapter and episode!
