Douse, Koishite Shimaunda. [Season 1 Episode 12]

Episode 12 Review: Douse, Koishite Shimaunda. – A Bittersweet Farewell (For Now)

If you’ve been following Douse, Koishite Shimaunda., you probably had mixed feelings about Episode 12—the season finale. Some fans loved it, others hated it, and a few were just relieved that Kizuki Hazawa isn’t dead (seriously, why did so many people think he died?). Let’s break down why this episode left such a polarizing impression and whether it sets up a promising second season.

The Plot: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

Episode 12 picks up with Mizuho Nishino, our aspiring manga artist, still tangled in her complicated feelings for Kizuki, Shin, and Airu. The episode shifts between past and present, showing how Mizuho’s relationships with her childhood friends have evolved—or, in some cases, stayed frustratingly stagnant.

One of the biggest surprises? Kizuki is alive and well, despite the melancholic tone of earlier episodes suggesting otherwise. Fans had theories ranging from “he died of COVID” to “he’s stuck abroad,” but nope—he’s just been MIA, living his best (or worst?) life as a businessman. His return is met with mixed reactions: some fans cheered, while others groaned, calling it a cheap way to avoid deeper storytelling.

Meanwhile, Airu Izumi finally gets the spotlight he deserves. His emotional support for Mizuho—especially after her manga competition disappointment—shows a maturity the other guys lack. Some fans even argue that Airu’s the real MVP of the series, quietly carrying the emotional weight while Kizuki and Shin hog the drama.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

Scrolling through discussions on MyAnimeList, it’s clear that Episode 12 divided the fandom. Here’s what stood out:

The Good:

• “Finally, Airu gets his moment!” – Fans who felt sidelined by the Kizuki-Shin-Mizuho love triangle were thrilled to see Airu step up. His quiet, selfless love for Mizuho resonated with viewers who prefer subtle romance over grand gestures.
• “Kizuki’s alive? Thank god!” – Despite the backlash, many fans were relieved to see him return, even if his personality seems… different. (Businessman Kizuki? Really?)
• “The slow burn was worth it.” – Some appreciated the show’s deliberate pacing, arguing that it made the emotional beats hit harder.

The Bad:

• “This show is so mid.” – Harsh but fair. Critics called out the weak animation, inconsistent writing, and lack of real stakes. One fan joked, “I’ve had lunches with higher budgets than this anime.” Ouch.
• “Why is Kizuki still the same?” – His unchanged appearance (and questionable new attitude) left fans scratching their heads. Did he time-travel or just refuse to age?
• “Mizuho is frustrating.” – Some viewers found her indecisiveness exhausting, especially when she’s surrounded by guys who (somehow) adore her despite her lack of development.

The Ugly (But Funny):

• “I only kept watching to see if Kizuki died.” – One fan admitted they stuck around purely for morbid curiosity. Another replied, “Same, and now I’m disappointed.”
• “This show is like a bad soap opera, but I can’t look away.” – Sometimes, trashy drama is just too entertaining to quit.

What’s Next? Season 2 Predictions

With a second season confirmed, here’s what fans are speculating:
1. Kizuki’s Mysterious Transformation – Why is he suddenly a cold businessman? Did something happen abroad? (Or is this just lazy writing?)
2. Airu’s Unresolved Feelings – Will he finally confess properly, or will he keep playing the “selfless friend” role?
3. Mizuho’s Manga Career – Her dreams took a hit this season, but maybe Season 2 will show her growth as an artist.

Final Verdict: A Flawed but Addictive Watch

Douse, Koishite Shimaunda. isn’t winning any awards for originality or animation quality, but it has a weird charm that keeps fans coming back. Episode 12 wrapped up some threads while leaving plenty unanswered—perfect for a second season, whether we wanted one or not.

If you love slow-burn romance with messy characters, this might be your guilty pleasure. If you prefer tight storytelling and stunning visuals… maybe skip it. Either way, the finale gave us enough drama to keep the fandom talking until Season 2 arrives.

Rating: 6.5/10 – Not great, not terrible, but somehow impossible to forget.

What did you think of Episode 12? Were you Team Kizuki, Team Shin, or Team Airu? Let’s argue in the comments!