Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You Episode 17 Preview: Kizuki's Guilt and the Silent Pandemic Graduation

The official website for the popular manga-adapted TV anime "Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You" today revealed the plot summary and preview stills for Episode 17 (Season 2, Episode 5), "Fading Feelings". This episode shifts the timeline back to 2021, delving into a graduation season filled with regret and repression under the shadow of the pandemic, and exploring the complex sense of guilt within the protagonist, Kizuki Hazawa.

Episode 17 "Fading Feelings" Plot Summary

The story returns to the backdrop of 2021, the time of the seniors' graduation ceremony.

Although preparations for celebrations were underway at school, the underclassmen seemed at a loss. Facing the third-year seniors whose planned farewell matches were cancelled due to the infectious disease outbreak, the juniors whispered amongst themselves: "Is it really okay to say 'congratulations on your graduation' to them?"

For this graduating class, almost all school events and major competitions were forced to be cancelled due to the pandemic. Watching all this, Hazawa fell into deep contemplation:

• Being just one year younger meant he still had a chance to compete in the future
• This survivor's guilt made him feel incredibly sorry
• This heavy feeling was so profound that even when presenting flowers to the ever-supportive Senior Saito, his face was clouded with gloom

The Pain Point of a Pandemic Generation: The Stolen "Last Time"

Since its premiere, "Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You" has been highly praised for its delicate portrayal of the unique youth ensemble drama of the "2020s". This storyline, from the pen of original manga artist Haruka Mitsui, accurately captures the sense of powerlessness felt by students at the time.

The core conflict of Episode 17 does not stem from the bittersweetness of romance, but from a heavier reality. For students passionate about club activities, the final major competition of their third year often serves as the culmination of their youth. However, the 2021 graduates in the story were deprived of even this final stage.

Hazawa's anguish represents the genuine feelings of many fortunate underclassmen who remained at the time—in celebratory moments, the guilt of "only we were saved" became an inescapable shadow.

Hazawa's Gloomy Expression and Character Growth

From the released preview stills, viewers can see Hazawa's smileless face as he hands over the bouquet. This forms a stark contrast with his usual sunny and confident self.

This scene not only showcases his deep affection for Senior Saito but also foreshadows how this experience will influence his future values and his emotional projection towards the heroine, Mizuho Nishino.

Voice Actor Performance Highlights

• Ryosuke Saito, as Hazawa's object of admiration, faces his departure filled with frustration and helplessness
• Voice actor Yuto Uemura will portray this character who, perhaps suffering more than anyone internally, must maintain a senior's composure in front of his juniors
• Wataru Urawa will convey Hazawa's suppressed tenderness

Conclusion

As the second season's story reaches its midpoint, the psychological portrayal of the characters deepens. Episode 17, "Fading Feelings", is undoubtedly set to be a powerful tearjerker, serving not only as a remembrance of times past but also as a tribute to all students of that special era.

The episode is scheduled to air later this week on TBS and other networks, with overseas viewers able to watch via licensed streaming platforms.