Blue Box episode 5: Chinatsu and Taiki's aquarium date goes well as Hina discovers their secret

In Blue Box episode 5, Taiki Inomata’s badminton journey takes an unexpected turn on and off the court. After securing second place in the regional preliminaries, Taiki’s hard work catches the attention of Chinatsu Kano, who invites him on a memorable outing to the aquarium.

This “first date” stirs up Taiki’s feelings, and the two share a touching moment as Chinatsu reveals her concerns and apologizes for a past remark. Meanwhile, Taiki’s friend, Hina, discovers a surprising detail about Taiki and Chinatsu’s lives, leaving her curious and perplexed as she watches them enter Taiki’s house together.

Blue Box episode 5: Taiki Inomata secures second place in Badminton regional qualifiers

Taiki defeats Shoichiro (Image via TMS Entertainment)

In episode 5 of Blue Box, the story heats up as Taiki Inomata wins the crucial match against Shoichiro Kishi in the regional preliminaries. With only one point remaining for each side in a tense rally, Taiki lands a high shot just inside the line on Ichiro’s side, securing the victory.

Though devastated by the loss, Ichiro maintains his composure, showcasing his sportsmanship. Taiki, however, eventually loses against Nishida in the finals, claiming second place.

When he shares his frustrations with Kyo, he admits that Nishida is a challenging matchup due to his strength and experience as one of the top second-year players on the badminton team. Their conversation is interrupted by Hina, who playfully teases Taiki for securing second place and congratulates him on his performance.

Blue Box episode 5: Chinatsu asks Taiki to an outing to the aquarium

Hina, Kyo, and Taiki as shown in the anime (Image via TMS Entertainment)

As the three talk, Taiki receives an unexpected text from Chinatsu Kano, asking if he’d like to go to the aquarium with her the following day. Shocked and thrilled, Taiki learns that this outing was actually Kyo’s suggestion to Chinatsu as a reward if Taiki wins his match. The playful Hina is equally excited, teasing Taiki to make sure he’s prepared for what she considers his “first date” with Chinatsu.

That evening, Taiki is nervous about spending a day with Chinatsu. He wonders how to present himself and even envisions what she might wear, anxiously preparing for what he hopes will be a memorable outing. However, the next morning, Taiki oversleeps. Frantic, he rushes to the aquarium and spills some coins on the way.

Chinatsu Kano (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Just as he tries to gather his composure, Chinatsu arrives and helps him retrieve a coin. Flustered, Taiki is captivated by Chinatsu, who looks stunning in a dress and is in a noticeably high-spirited mood.

Once inside the aquarium, Taiki feels a mix of excitement and awe as he notices Chinatsu’s animated reaction to the various marine life, which causes his own heart to race. She takes a photo of him to remember the day, cementing the moment as a cherished memory for both.

Chinatsu grabs Taiki (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Taiki awkwardly suggests leaving as they continue through the exhibits, but Chinatsu stops him by grabbing his bag. Taiki, hopeful she might share her feelings for him, is instead met with an apology. Chinatsu regrets her insensitive remark, in which she implied he had two more years to reach nationals even if he failed this year.

Taken aback by her concern, Taiki reassures her, appreciating her thoughtfulness and sending her a playful sticker. Taiki tells her if, going forward, she feels uncomfortable or has something to say, she can send this sticker to him, and he'll come to her. Chinatsu then repeatedly sends the same sticker, signaling that she has more to say. She ultimately tells Taiki that he is a good housemate, a statement that, while casual, leaves Taiki quietly gratified.

Blue Box episode 5: Taiki sets his eyes on the Badminton prefectural qualifiers

Kyo as shown in the anime (Image via TMS Entertainment)

The next day, Taiki meets with Kyo at the cafeteria, who asks him how the aquarium visit went. Taiki affirms that it was a good time, and Kyo raises the question of how Taiki would respond if Chinatsu actually liked him. Taiki caught off guard, insists it’s impossible but admits it would be wonderful if they could date.

Their exchange is soon interrupted by Hina, who hands Taiki a form he needs to redo, having filled it out incorrectly. Noticing his daydreaming smile, Hina tells him she finds it annoying and playfully shoves the form at him. Kyo reminds Taiki that he must focus on the upcoming prefectural qualifiers. They discussed the competition and identified Sajikawa as their most formidable opponent, last year’s national champions.

A snapshot from the Blue Box anime series (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Later, Hina confidently asserts her readiness for her rhythmic gymnastics tournament but is soon interrupted by her coach, who arrives with a journalist eager to interview her. Observing Hina’s aura and natural charisma, Taiki thinks about how she’s also an ordinary girl despite her strong presence in competitions.

Blue Box episode 5: Hina finds out that Chinatsu is living at Taiki's house

Hina, as shown in the Blue Box anime (Image via TMS Entertainment)

In a separate scene, Hina leaves her chiropractor appointment and encounters Chinatsu at the clinic. The two exchange pleasantries, discussing Taiki’s dedication to badminton. When it begins to rain outside, Chinatsu offers Hina her umbrella, explaining that she has a spare foldable one.

As Chinatsu departs, Hina soon realizes that Chinatsu left her phone behind at the clinic. Determined to return it, Hina follows her, only surprised when she sees Chinatsu entering Taiki’s house. Baffled by the sight, she watches as Taiki and Chinatsu chat and step inside together, leading her to wonder what’s going on between them as the episode concludes.

Final thoughts

Episode 5 of Blue Box leaves fans eagerly awaiting answers as Hina’s discovery of Chinatsu and Taiki’s shared home introduces a new layer of intrigue to the story. Episode 6, set to release on November 7, 2024, promises to dive deeper into these unfolding dynamics and budding relationships.