Given Episode 2 Review: Like Someone In Love

It is fair to say at this point that I ship Ritsuka and Mafuyu so much!! This week, Ritsuka gives into Mafuyu’s persistence and teaches him the guitar. This episode was slow but I didn’t mind because towards the end, in the last scene with Ritsuka and Mafuyu, my inner fangirl was losing it… How precious these boys are going to become to me.

Japanese Original Title: 愛している人のように

Plot

Ritsuka begins to teach newbie Mafuyu the basics of a guitar. Ritsuka is curious why Mafuyu wants to learn the guitar. Mafuyu attends band practices regularly and unexpectedly Ritsuka learns one of Mafuyu’s hidden talents.

Episode Highlights

Opening Theme: Really love the opening theme ‘Kizuato’ by Centimillimental. It has a nice harmony with that guitar ringing throughout. Not much is known about the singer.

Music OST: Despite this being a Boys Love romance, the music is not left behind and it will be a major theme. Throughout this episode, more than the first, there were such gorgeous tones used. They gave the story this relaxed atmosphere. That’s how I’ve felt so far in the last two episodes, relaxed and at peace. Given respects its musical elements as much as its romance, which I LOVE!!.

Ritsuka Awkwardness: Ritsuka reminds me of Hak from Yona Of The Dawn, an individual who is caught off guard easily and blushes in the most adorable way. Hak had a few moments like this and Ritsuka reminds me of him a lot. Mafuyu has Ritsuka constantly curious as why he wishes to learn guitar so badly. Ritsuka sees himself in Mafuyu from his beginner days of learning guitar, which in turn is reigniting that passion for Ritsuka. There already have been a few glimmers of change in Ritsuka’s passionate drive towards music. Ritsuka will have me every time I see that blushing face!!

Hidden Voice: I was waiting for Mafuyu to SING, AND IT WAS SO CUTE!! The last scene of the episode was beautiful; there was this aura in the air and the animation elevated the scene with a bright contrast. Especially Ritsuka’s astounded expression to Mafuyu’s adorable voice looked like if his heart had jumped out of his chest. It was a freaking cute scene and when Ritsuka immediately asked Mafuyu to join the band, I was like YESSSS!!

Chemistry: Haruki and Akihiko are just such a laugh and have this cool chemistry between them. I can tell already they care about their young band member Ritsuka a lot. The pair find it cute that he takes Mafuyu under his wing to teach him guitar.

Comments

The response on social media to the first episode made me really happy. People were genuinely surprised by this series. Given is already making tracks and I believe it will continue this strong streak. Without question, it is this summer’s anime hidden gem. This week’s episode was quite educational since it showed the basics of guitar playing. I’ve always found this instrument very cool. I love it when series take their time to focus on the little things and Given is one of these series.

Another part I liked in this episode was how much Haruki and Akihiko respect Ritsuka as a person. He protects what’s important to him and is a good, honest guy. It only makes you feel more invested in this group of boys already. Sure Mafuyu has yet to come out of his shell but there is nothing to dislike about this point. Very well developed, likeable characters. I can’t wait for this bromance to grow stronger between them.

Also I’d like to mention Given’s approach to the musical and romance aspect. It has been brilliant already and everything has this great flow right now. It works and is a massive positive.

Hidden Voice Emerges

Mafuyu singing with the band… I WANT TO SEE THIS BADLY NOW! Given is going to be such a joy to watch each week, despite of what drama is going to occur.

Let us know what you thought of Episode 2? don’t forget to check out our other Summer 2019 review coverage!! Bookmark our previews tag to be the first to see the screenshots and read a summary of the next episode!

Next Time: Somebody Else (他の誰か)