Myself; Yourself

[David75]

Hmm, I think you're probably right, about the fun part that is. I was sort of thinking he killed someone (don't know why, Ghost Hound influence here), but now that he says "I'll become strong, I have someone to protect" implies that he was weak before. Suicide fits weakness better than homicide I think

When watching this ep, I also watched the OP.
You have a scene with Sana on a pedestrian crossing, it's raining, grey sky, people passing by fade, he is sad looking, head down.
He has earplugs on, then camera shifts to his left hand, the mp3 player LCD text changes to "Bye"

It may be a strong indication that he tried to suicide himself.

I wonder how Nanaka will react when she learns he also has a very heavy burden and she only focused on her... never carrying for what may have happened to him. The camera focusing on his watch we think to be a key, may higlight this. That being a reaction to Nanaka saying he forgot her and was havin fun with his new friends.

[Ryllharu]

I definitely think it's been suicide. Sana reacted at the end of the sentence, so it could be either the whole line, or just the verb. It has never seemed like they were focusing on the watch, but rather whatever is beneath it. Remember from the fishing trip that he doesn't take it off.

Another question is when Nanaka wrote all those. Before or after the fire? I'd say it's more likely she wrote them before the fire, because afterward, she was either in the hospital or already disillusioned and a changed person. [acts stupid] Who could it be that set the fire? [/acts stupid] (as if a not-quite-so-mysterious silhouette wasn't in the OP) Hopefully Sana will read the letters. I'm sure he can find out exactly what happened. The police never had access to those. Obviously, no one did. I still wonder what Shuusuke yelled to Sana on the train though and if it is related. I'm starting to wonder if it was just something stupid.

Either way, I really loved the scene where Nanaka broke down, accusing him of never being there for her. Very moving. As good as Shuusuke saying the violin was the only thing she had time to grab, while the bracelet Sana gave her completely dominates the frame.

I thought she might be developed, but I really don't think Aoi is anything more than comedy relief. If they complete Shuuri's mini-arc with Sayuka, Shuusuke will probably be finished as well (he got a good amount this episode).

[Kraco]

Another question is when Nanaka wrote all those. Before or after the fire? I'd say it's more likely she wrote them before the fire, because afterward, she was either in the hospital or already disillusioned and a changed person.

That's a very good point indeed. Considering the amount of letters I tend to think they weren't written immediately but during some period of time, and they probably got worse, with the "help me" messages on top (last written). That would support, if true, your hypothesis. I'm inclined to think you are right and thus the fire actually wasn't the problem itself but just the final phase of it. So, what actually is the problem, then? Did she have bad parents or something?

Let's hope Sana will read them to find out.

[David75]

Well for the silhouette we see in fire, hard to really know.
Top hair are short, but lower ones are long.
I'll have to check, but Nanaka's Uncle fits?
Hard to tell, because it's a reflection in young Nanaka's eye...

And I also was telling to myself when the letters fell :"Quick, read those f***ng letters, mo**on. Do not loose a second!"
But it seems he didn't read them when he met Nanaka after discovering them.

[Buffalobiian]

Myself ; Yourself 9

[Dark Dragon]

I've noticed that this show get compare to School Days ALOT.

I don't see that though, what this felt more like is what Shuffle would've been like if the mood of the last 4-5 episode was dominant in the entire series.

[shinta|hikari]

I think its the violence and blood that brings the comparison about.