Blue Box episode 12: Chinatsu begins to develop feelings for Taiki as the awkwardness between them increases

Episode 12 of Blue Box, titled "Girls...," delves deeper into the evolving dynamics between Taiki, Hina, and Chinatsu, setting the stage for new emotional complexities. The episode, released on December 19, 2024, blends touching scenes at the Fireworks Festival with moments of quiet reflection, showing how Chinatsu’s feelings for Taiki are starting to change.

Her silent observations and honest thoughts reveal her growing confusion as she begins to understand her emotions. Meanwhile, Taiki, unaware of Chinatsu’s struggles, focuses on his relationships with care and determination. The episode’s gentle storytelling builds excitement, setting the stage for deeper emotional developments in the episodes ahead.

Blue Box episode 12: Chinatsu spots Taiki and Hina attending the Fireworks Festival together

A snapshot from the latest episode (Image via TMS Entertainment)

The episode begins with Imada spotting Taiki and Hina together at the Fireworks Festival. Chinatsu also notices them but chooses not to intervene. Taiki, walking with Hina, senses her unusual silence. Internally, Hina battles her nervousness, longing for Taiki to acknowledge and compliment her. They eventually find a spot to watch the fireworks and settle down, spreading a bedsheet on the ground.

A mosquito bites Hina on the back of her neck as they sit. Taiki quickly applies anti-itch cream, noticing her partially undone hair. Realizing she prepared her appearance for the festival on her own, Taiki compliments Hina, calling her cute. His words brighten her mood, and she smiles, feeling reassured. After the first round of fireworks, Taiki excuses himself to use the restroom, leaving Hina to guard their spot.

Blue Box episode 12: Karen realizes something is wrong with Chinatsu

Taiki runs into Chinatsu and Yume (Image via TMS Entertainment)

While navigating the festival crowd, Taiki runs into Chinatsu, consoling a lost child. He joins her, and together, they decide to take the child to the organizer's tent.

Meanwhile, Hina encounters Ito and her group. Ito inquires if Hina is with her teammates, but Hina clarifies that she is with Taiki. She explains that Kyo, who initially planned to join them, canceled due to a sudden fever. Ito suggests that their group, along with Taiki and Hina, watch the fireworks together, but the scene transitions back to Taiki and Chinatsu before Hina responds.

Karen, Taiki, and Chinatsu as shown in the anime (Image via TMS Entertainment)

On their way to the organizer's tent, Taiki and Chinatsu meet Karen, Haryu’s girlfriend. Karen recognizes Chinatsu from their elementary school days. They exchange introductions, and Karen mentions that Haryu has spoken highly of Taiki’s determination.

After parting ways with Karen, Taiki and Chinatsu reach the organizer’s tent, where they learn that the child’s mother is still searching for her. Meanwhile, Karen tells Haryu about everything that happened and thinks to herself that Chinatsu is probably overthinking things.

Blue Box episode 12: Taiki and Chinatsu successfully help Yume reunite with her mother

Taiki and Chinatsu help Yume meet her mom again (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Taiki offers to find the mother while Chinatsu waits with the child. During this time, the child admires Karen’s yukata and asks Chinatsu if she wishes to wear one. Chinatsu admits she’s content with her current outfit but briefly reflects on her past conversation with Karen, where Karen teased her about possibly developing feelings for Taiki.

Taiki returns with the child’s mother, and before leaving, the child, named Yume, gifts Chinatsu a brooch, clipping it onto her hair. Taiki teases Chinatsu about keeping the brooch on all evening, predicting Yume would feel disappointed otherwise.

Hina Chono (Image via TMS Entertainment)

While laughing, Taiki refrains from complimenting Chinatsu directly, fearing it might create an awkward atmosphere. As the second round of fireworks begins, Chinatsu suggests they head back to meet Nagisa and the others. Realizing he has kept Hina waiting too long, Taiki hurries back to their spot and apologizes. Hina expresses her desire to return to the festival next year, hinting that she wishes to attend solely with Taiki.

Chinatsu reunites with Nagisa, who notices her brooch and questions why she seems sad. Meanwhile, Taiki ponders how much can change in a year as he watches the fireworks with Hina.

Blue Box episode 12: Chinatsu starts feeling differently about Taiki

Chinatsu talks to Taiki while he's asleep (Image via TMS Entertainment)

The next morning, Chinatsu notices Taiki has already gone for a run, motivated by his realization of needing better stamina. During practice at the gymnasium, Taiki recalls Hyodo’s words about Haryu and Yusa’s prospects for the nationals. Determined to qualify himself, Taiki asks Kyo for extra practice.

Later, during a break, Chinatsu goes upstairs to open a window and finds Taiki asleep on the floor. Observing him, she recalls his early morning run and assumes he’s exhausted.

While Taiki sleeps, Chinatsu quietly asks if he’s dating Hina. She confides that his lie about going as a group made her feel lonely and expresses her wish that he’d be honest. Leaving without waking him, Chinatsu’s words linger as Taiki wakes up, sensing someone has been nearby.

Final thoughts

Haryu and Karen as shown in the Blue Box anime series (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Blue Box episode 12 masterfully captures the growing emotional complexities between Chinatsu and Taiki as Chinatsu grapples with her feelings amidst increasing awkwardness.

Fans can look forward to exploring this evolving dynamic in the next episode, set to release on December 26, 2024, promising more heartfelt moments and tension.

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Edited by Shreya Das