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Some thoughts on Akihiko (a thread where I may sound like I'm just rambling and walking on eggshells) :
Akihiko always struck me as a person with a sensible / commonsensical perspective. he was able to understand Ritsuka's inner conflict and helped him confront his growing feelings for Mafuyu probably because he himself resonated with Uecchi at that moment.
Both were caught up in love with a genius and it threw them both into turmoil.
Akihiko acted as a guiding figure and a support system for the young boys and swept what could have become a messed up relationship out door.
Akihiko acted as a guiding figure and a support system for the young boys and swept what could have become a messed up relationship out door.
He saved a relationship by stretching out the importance of verbalizing your own feelings and inner monologues. He gained my immense love for that. However, it left me to wonder why he couldn't do the same to re-evaluate his relationship with Ugetsu.
in my head, I find it a bit discomforting that he kept being single-minded for many years and couldn't think of perceiving Ugetsu's actions in a way other than "he wants to get rid of me".
I think it's safe to assume there's been a word exchange between them during their flights and Ugetsu must have occasionally brought up the question of "why did you leave the violin?". I believe that question should have at least struck a chord with him.
While I was rereading the manga it stood out to me that Akihiko was always emotionally aware of his feelings of inferiority. and most importantly he was aware of Ugetsu's inability to express his true emotions through words and actions (same case as Mafuyu).
"at times like this, a genius's field of vision become really narrow". seeing his POV that applies to both Uge and Mafu made me think that Akihiko understands their attitude and maybe he could have offered help and guidance to Ugetsu +
the same way he did with Mafuyu. (I think I also need to say that what Ugetsu did was wrong and it only added to their pain otherwise I'll look like I'm picking sides. But I'm really just thinking of different routes based on the character traits).
I know that changing isn't easy. struggling is a human condition. but was there really no other way to solve this? was the toxicity ABSOLUTELY inevitable?
The extra comic that came with the DVD brought to my attention that even now that they have broken up, their passion for each other didn't fade away and neither of them is 'fully' able to let go of the other.
Akihiko still texts Ugetsu and Ugetsu keeps an earring that belongs to Aki. They still hold on to each other's presence, and from Ugetsu's side, I don't think the feelings of love will grow dim anytime soon.
"What if" is really a torturing question. sometimes I think that it is simply the way Kizu wanted it to be..with the many opportunities they have had to reconcile.
perhaps she just wanted to write a complex, impactful story and for that she needed to separate them, whether or not Akihiko ended up in a romantic relationship with Haru. /
