Ao no Hako [Season 1 Episode 23]

Ao no Hako (Blue Box) – Episode 23 Review: Love, Confusion, and the Ultimate Wingman

Introduction
If you’ve been following Ao no Hako (Blue Box), you know it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, badminton swings, and romantic tension. Episode 23, titled [Insert Title Here], doesn’t disappoint—though it might leave you screaming at your screen for more. With only two episodes left in the season, the stakes are higher than ever for Taiki Inomata, our lovably confused protagonist, and the girls vying for his heart.

The Plot So Far

For those just tuning in, Ao no Hako follows Taiki, a first-year high schooler who’s crushing hard on his badminton senpai, Chinatsu Kano. But things get messy when Hina, another girl, confesses her feelings to him. Now, Taiki’s stuck in a classic love triangle, juggling his admiration for Chinatsu and his growing (but confusing) feelings for Hina.

Episode 23 picks up right where the last cliffhanger left off—Taiki’s internal crisis is at an all-time high, and fans are losing their minds waiting for him to make a move.

What Worked in This Episode

1. Kyo, the MVP Wingman

If there’s one thing fans unanimously agree on, it’s that Kyo is the real hero of this show. This episode proves it yet again. When Taiki was seconds away from spiraling into an awkward confession (or worse, a meltdown), Kyo swooped in like a guardian angel.

One Reddit user put it perfectly: “Kyo did a great job to help out Taiki and avoid a very awkward situation.” Another added, “Kyo is such a good friend. Bro saved him.”

Kyo’s ability to read the room (and Taiki’s chaotic emotions) is unmatched. He’s the friend we all wish we had—someone who knows when to step in and when to let you figure things out on your own.

2. The Mountain Scene – A Moment of Clarity?

One of the standout moments of the episode was the mountain scene, where Taiki and Chinatsu share a quiet, almost intimate moment. Fans on MyAnimeList gushed over it, with comments like:
– “Mountain scene was so cute.”
– “I really liked the scenes with the old couple—it felt genuine.”

This scene subtly hints at Taiki’s growing feelings for Chinatsu, even if he’s still wrestling with guilt over Hina.

3. The Jealousy Factor

Chinatsu spending time with a tall, handsome senpai (because of course there’s a tall, handsome senpai) sent Taiki into a spiral. Fans loved this dynamic:
– “The basketball guy making Taiki jealous was hilarious.”
– “Chinatsu hanging out with a tall chad? No wonder Taiki was troubled.”

It’s a classic trope, but it works because Taiki’s reactions are so relatable. Who hasn’t felt that pang of jealousy when their crush interacts with someone else?

What Didn’t Work

1. The Pacing Felt Slow

While some fans loved the quieter moments, others felt the episode dragged. One MyAnimeList user complained:
– “Nothing really happened this episode. No new developments, no meaningful character interactions, not even any sport scenes.”

Another called it a “gah damn filler ep,” which might be harsh, but it’s clear that not everyone was satisfied with the lack of major plot progression.

2. Hina’s Heartbreak Looms

Hina fans are bracing for impact. With Taiki clearly leaning toward Chinatsu, the writing’s on the wall—Hina’s heart is about to be shattered. Comments like “Hina deserves better” and “It’s over for Hina nation” are flooding forums.

One fan even compared Taiki’s indecisiveness to real-life experiences:
– “I’ve been in Taiki’s shoes—having to choose between two people is painful. This anime captures that confusion perfectly.”

3. The Coffee Metaphor Overload

The “coffee with milk” metaphor (referencing Taiki’s mixed feelings) is getting old for some viewers. One critic noted:
– “All we got was more of that ‘coffee with milk’ metaphor that doesn’t really mean much.”

At this point, fans just want Taiki to pick a flavor and stick with it.

Final Thoughts & Predictions

With only two episodes left, the big question is: Will Taiki finally confess?

• Optimists are hoping for a Season 2 announcement (“Hoping we’ll be getting a Season 2 announcement”).
• Pessimists fear a rushed or open-ended finale (“I just don’t want a rushed ending”).
• Realists know Taiki will probably remain indecisive until the last second (“He’s the slowest, most confused protagonist I’ve ever seen”).

One thing’s for sure: Kyo deserves his own spin-off.

Verdict: 8/10

Episode 23 wasn’t perfect, but it delivered enough emotional punches (and Kyo moments) to keep fans invested. If you’re a Blue Box fan, buckle up—the finale is going to be wild.

What did you think of the episode? Let’s discuss in the comments!

(Sources: MyAnimeList, Reddit, Anime Habu)