School Rumble: Season 2, Episode 20 - More than friends... Less than sweethearts... Before that... (2006)

The episode begins with Harima Kenji, who is feeling conflicted about his feelings for Tenma Tsukamoto. He reflects on his past interactions with her, particularly the moments that have led him to develop a crush on her. As he walks through the school, he notices Tenma and her friends, which stirs up a mix of emotions within him. He is determined to confess his feelings but is unsure of how to approach her.

Meanwhile, Tenma is preoccupied with her own thoughts about her crush on Karasuma Oji. She is daydreaming about him and imagining scenarios where they could be together. Her friends, including Eri Sawachika and Yakumo Tsukamoto, notice her distracted state and encourage her to take action regarding her feelings for Karasuma. They discuss the importance of being proactive in love, which adds pressure on Tenma.

As the day progresses, Harima decides to gather his courage and finally confess to Tenma. He prepares a heartfelt letter expressing his feelings, but as he approaches her, he becomes increasingly nervous. Just as he is about to hand her the letter, a series of comedic interruptions occur, including a mishap with a nearby group of students that distracts both him and Tenma.

In a parallel storyline, Eri is dealing with her own feelings for Harima. She observes him from a distance, feeling a mix of jealousy and admiration as she sees him interact with Tenma. Eri's internal struggle is highlighted as she grapples with her emotions, wanting to support Tenma but also wishing for Harima's attention.

The scene shifts back to Harima, who, after the interruptions, loses his chance to confess. Frustrated, he decides to take a different approach and tries to create a situation where he can express his feelings more naturally. He enlists the help of his friends, who suggest various schemes to get him and Tenma alone together.

As the episode progresses, Harima's plans lead to a series of comedic misunderstandings. Each attempt to create a romantic moment is thwarted by unexpected events, such as a sudden rainstorm that forces them to seek shelter together, but even then, the moment is interrupted by other characters. Harima's determination remains strong, but his confidence wavers with each failed attempt.

Meanwhile, Tenma continues to be oblivious to Harima's feelings, focusing instead on her own plans to get closer to Karasuma. She decides to bake him a cake as a gesture of her affection, enlisting the help of her friends. This subplot adds another layer of complexity to the relationships, as Eri feels increasingly sidelined and frustrated by Tenma's obliviousness to Harima's feelings.

As the episode nears its climax, Harima finally gets a moment alone with Tenma during a school event. He gathers all his courage and prepares to confess once more. However, just as he is about to speak, Tenma receives a message from Karasuma, which distracts her completely. Harima's heart sinks as he realizes that once again, his moment has been stolen away.

The episode concludes with Harima feeling defeated but still holding onto hope. He watches Tenma as she excitedly talks about Karasuma, and despite his disappointment, he resolves to keep trying. The final scene leaves viewers with a sense of anticipation, as the love triangle remains unresolved, and the characters' journeys continue to intertwine in their quest for love and understanding.

In the ending of "School Rumble" Season 2, Episode 20, the episode culminates in a series of misunderstandings and emotional confrontations. Harima, who has been struggling with his feelings for Tenma, finds himself in a complicated situation involving his rival, Karasuma. The episode concludes with unresolved feelings and a sense of longing among the characters, particularly between Harima and Tenma, leaving their relationships in a state of ambiguity.

As the episode unfolds, we begin with Harima Kenji, who is grappling with his feelings for Tenma Tsukamoto. He is determined to confess his love but is plagued by doubts and the fear of rejection. The scene opens with Harima in a quiet moment, reflecting on his past interactions with Tenma, filled with both sweet memories and painful misunderstandings. His internal struggle is palpable as he recalls the times he tried to express his feelings but was thwarted by circumstances or his own clumsiness.

Meanwhile, Tenma is caught up in her own world, still harboring feelings for Karasuma. She is blissfully unaware of Harima's affections, which adds to the tension. The audience sees her daydreaming about Karasuma, her face lighting up with hope and excitement whenever she thinks of him. This juxtaposition of their feelings sets the stage for the emotional climax of the episode.

As the day progresses, Harima decides to take action. He gathers his courage and prepares to confess to Tenma. The scene shifts to a bustling school hallway, where students are chatting and laughing, creating a lively backdrop. Harima's heart races as he approaches Tenma, who is surrounded by her friends. Just as he is about to speak, a sudden interruption occurs--Karasuma appears, and Tenma's attention shifts entirely to him. Harima's expression darkens, filled with frustration and disappointment.

In a moment of comedic relief, the scene transitions to a classroom where the students are engaged in a lively discussion about love and relationships. The banter among the characters highlights their differing perspectives on romance, with some offering advice while others share their own experiences. This scene serves to deepen the audience's understanding of the characters' motivations and desires, particularly Harima's longing for connection and Tenma's naive optimism.

As the episode nears its conclusion, Harima finds himself in a confrontation with Karasuma. The tension escalates as they both express their feelings for Tenma, albeit in a roundabout way. Harima's frustration boils over, and he challenges Karasuma, leading to a comedic yet poignant exchange that underscores the rivalry between them. The scene is filled with exaggerated expressions and physical comedy, typical of "School Rumble," but beneath the humor lies a deeper emotional conflict.

The final moments of the episode are bittersweet. Harima, feeling defeated, walks away from the confrontation, his shoulders slumped in resignation. He reflects on his unrequited love for Tenma, and the audience can sense his heartache. Meanwhile, Tenma, oblivious to the turmoil around her, continues to dream about her ideal relationship with Karasuma, leaving her own feelings for Harima unacknowledged.

The episode closes with a montage of the characters in their respective worlds, each grappling with their emotions. Harima is seen sitting alone, sketching in his notebook, while Tenma is lost in her thoughts about Karasuma. The screen fades to black, leaving viewers with a sense of unresolved tension and the lingering question of whether Harima will ever find the courage to express his feelings or if Tenma will ever realize the depth of his affection.

In summary, the episode ends with Harima still in love with Tenma, who remains unaware of his feelings, while Karasuma continues to be the object of her affection. The fate of each character is left hanging, encapsulating the essence of "School Rumble"--a blend of comedy, romance, and the complexities of adolescent relationships.

In the episode "More than friends... Less than sweethearts... Before that..." from Season 2 of School Rumble, there is indeed a post-credit scene.

As the episode concludes, the screen fades to black, and then a new scene opens with a lighthearted tone. The setting is a school hallway, where we see Harima Kenji, the main character, in a somewhat comical predicament. He is trying to gather his thoughts and muster the courage to confess his feelings to Tenma Tsukamoto.

In this post-credit moment, Harima is seen rehearsing his confession in front of a mirror, his expressions shifting from determination to nervousness. He imagines various scenarios of how Tenma might react, each one more exaggerated than the last, showcasing his anxiety and the comedic nature of his character.

As he practices, his friend, Eri Sawachika, unexpectedly walks in and catches him in the act. Eri's reaction is a mix of surprise and amusement, leading to a humorous exchange where she teases Harima about his romantic aspirations. This light banter highlights the ongoing tension and dynamics between the characters, particularly the love triangle involving Harima, Tenma, and Eri.

The scene encapsulates the essence of the series--combining romantic tension with comedic elements--while leaving viewers with a sense of anticipation for Harima's next move in his complicated love life. The post-credit scene serves as a playful reminder of the ongoing romantic struggles that define the series, keeping the audience engaged and eager for more.

In this episode, Harima's feelings for Tenma are further complicated as he struggles with his emotions. He reflects on their past interactions and the misunderstandings that have arisen between them. Harima's internal conflict is palpable as he tries to figure out how to express his feelings, leading to moments of both frustration and hope.

Karasuma's relationship with Tenma is highlighted as he continues to be oblivious to her feelings. In this episode, Tenma's attempts to get closer to Karasuma are met with his usual detached demeanor, which leaves her feeling confused and longing for a deeper connection. The contrast between her affection and his indifference creates a poignant tension.

Eri plays a significant role as she observes the dynamics between Harima and Tenma. She is often caught in the middle, trying to support Tenma while also grappling with her own feelings for Harima. Eri's internal struggle is evident as she navigates her desire to help her friend while dealing with her jealousy and frustration.

The episode is rife with misunderstandings, particularly between Harima and Tenma. Various comedic and dramatic situations arise from their inability to communicate effectively, leading to humorous yet poignant moments. These misunderstandings serve to deepen the emotional stakes for the characters, particularly as they confront their feelings.

The episode features several comedic elements, such as slapstick humor and awkward situations that arise from the characters' interactions. For instance, Harima's attempts to confess his feelings are interrupted by misunderstandings, leading to humorous scenarios that showcase the chaos of teenage romance. These comedic moments serve to lighten the emotional weight of the characters' struggles.

"School Rumble" is generally considered a family-friendly anime, but it does contain some elements that may be sensitive for children or more sensitive viewers. In episode 20, titled "More than friends... Less than sweethearts... Before that...", the following aspects could be considered potentially objectionable:

1. Romantic Tension: The episode explores themes of unrequited love and romantic misunderstandings, which may be confusing for younger viewers.

2. Mild Suggestive Humor: There are instances of suggestive jokes and situations that may not be suitable for all audiences, though they are presented in a light-hearted manner.

3. Emotional Conflicts: Characters experience feelings of jealousy, frustration, and confusion regarding their relationships, which could be upsetting for some viewers.

4. Physical Comedy: There are moments of slapstick humor that involve characters getting hurt or embarrassed, which may be distressing to some.

Overall, while the series maintains a comedic tone, these elements may require parental guidance for younger audiences.