Strawberry Panic!: Season 1

《Welcome back, Nagisa-chan》

That's the end of this wonderful anime. It left behind a lot of emotions, as well as a lot of feelings and experiences. Nagisa Aoi and Shizuma Hanazono went through many trials, but nothing could stop their love (This scene during the announcement of the winner of the Etoile election, when Shizuma bursts into the hall for his confession to Nagisa, it was just great! And that kiss at the end... how beautiful he is, just emotions over the edge!). Also, it is impossible not to mention one more couple - Hikari Konohane and Amane Otori, they also look great together, now as new Etoiles. It was very scary for their relationship when Amane lost her memory, but fortunately Hikari swept the snow from her heart with her angelic singing, and they were reunited again, this time forever. Now they have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders, and I want to believe that they will succeed.

What is "Strawberry Anxiety"? At first glance, this is a simple, very funny and frivolous cute anime in the shojo-ai genre. But! It only seems so for series up to 12-14. Starting in the middle, the series takes on a completely different tone, there are many dramatic moments, sometimes it even seems that there may not be a good ending. However, the last episode puts everything in its place, and in the end, in the last minutes, you literally have tears coming... tears of joy for the happy fate of the heroines of this anime. A love that has gone through all the trials, both for better and for worse. That's what "Strawberry panic" is!
Great title, 10/10!

I can't help but share my emotions about this anime.

The case when the title and the abstract give a wrong idea of the content, which turned out to be much deeper and more serious for me than expected and made me experience the whole gamut of Yuri's feelings. The very frivolous name "Strawberry Anxiety" hides a touching and dramatic story of the relationship between two girls.

What I love about this genre is its warmth and tenderness. Almost all of Nagisa and Shizuma's interactions are based on this foundation, and their difficulties were dictated by internal conflicts. Neither of them ever made any claims against the other or resented the other - even when Nagisa ran away from the villa or when Shizuma sent her to the Etoile elections, advising her to forget. There has always been this gentle, warm bond between them.

The motivation for some actions is not explained head-on. Why did Nagisa run away from Shizuma when she was crying? Perhaps she couldn't accept the fact that Shizuma still has love for Kaori in her heart. Nagisa is an inexperienced young girl who is just learning to love. She doesn't have to act logically and "like an adult." And Shizuma reveals his feelings for her only in the finale.:

- Nagisa, Aishiteru!

I don't know if anyone knows, but "Aishiteru" is a way of expressing the most intense love in the Japanese language. This term is used very sparingly, because it is the most powerful phrase that lovers can use to express their deepest feelings.

There is no doubt that Nagisa is now not a replacement for Kaori, but a completely new and, perhaps, even stronger love for her.

And then, in front of the whole school, she runs away with her lover, and for the first time blushes, admitting that she had no plan for further actions and just wanted to steal her.

If the story hadn't ended with a happy ending, it wouldn't have left such a strong impression. It would be painful and dreary. I can't hold back the tears watching this beautiful ending 💕

Short description of the series: UMBRELLA!

Pain.

@platina_vi: Thank you for your many reviews)