Episode 4 – “I Can Do Ballet Now” – April 30, 2022
Episode Summary
Jumpei Murano has decided to go all-in with his ballet. However, despite his natural talent, he doesn’t have the basics down, and he only has two months to get ready for his big debut.
Although the task is daunting, Jumpei throws all his energy, going way beyond what Luou Mori and Miyako Kodai expected. This determination greatly upsets the perfectionist in Luou, who scoffs at the idea of someone like Jumpei dancing.
Except, it is clear Jumpei’s efforts are paying off. Luou and Miyako catch Jumpei practicing late into the night, and for the first time, Luou is left speechless. But rather than practicing, Luou, again, brushes Jumpei off.
Then one day, Jumpei manages to catch Luou in the studio and tries to get him to practice. Luou finally expresses his disapproval of Jumpei. Nevertheless, Jumpei tells Luou that it changed his life when he saw him dance. Taken aback, Luou had never heard any speak of his dancing like that.
Jumpei commits himself to getting better and leaves Luou with a warning. If Luou continues to hold up in his room, Jumpei will one day surpass him.
Episode Impressions
I won’t say I am surprised to learn how dark Luou’s past was. Given his personality and stand-off-ness from the last episode, it wasn’t difficult to guess there was some trauma. And yet, seeing it displayed like it was, that was pretty rough.
Additionally, Jumpei’s warning right at the end was my favorite moment of his thus far. It was sufficiently threatening. And in this case, it was absolutely necessary.
