Scum's Wish (2017)

The story begins with Hanabi Yasuraoka, a high school girl who is deeply in love with her teacher, Akane Minagawa. Hanabi's feelings are intense and consuming, but she is aware that her love is unrequited. Akane is involved with another teacher, which leaves Hanabi feeling heartbroken and desperate. Hanabi's best friend, Mugi Awaya, is also in a similar situation; he is infatuated with Akane's friend, who is also unattainable.

As the narrative unfolds, Hanabi and Mugi form a bond over their shared experiences of unrequited love. They decide to enter into a physical relationship, not out of genuine affection for each other, but as a means to cope with their respective heartbreaks. Their relationship is complicated and transactional, as they both use each other to fill the void left by their true loves.

One day, Hanabi and Mugi are caught in a compromising position by their classmates, which leads to rumors spreading about their relationship. Despite the gossip, they continue to meet and engage in their physical relationship, but the emotional distance between them becomes increasingly apparent. Hanabi struggles with her feelings for Akane while trying to navigate her connection with Mugi.

As the story progresses, Hanabi's feelings for Akane intensify. She becomes more obsessed with her teacher, leading to moments of jealousy and despair. Hanabi's internal conflict grows as she grapples with her desire for Akane and her physical relationship with Mugi. Mugi, on the other hand, begins to develop genuine feelings for Hanabi, complicating their arrangement further.

In a pivotal scene, Hanabi confronts Akane about her feelings. Akane, while flattered, does not reciprocate Hanabi's love and instead encourages her to move on. This rejection devastates Hanabi, who feels lost and confused. Mugi tries to support her, but Hanabi's emotional turmoil pushes him away.

The narrative takes a darker turn when Hanabi discovers that Akane is not the perfect figure she idolized. She learns about Akane's own struggles and the complexities of her relationships, which shatters Hanabi's idealized image of her. This revelation forces Hanabi to confront the reality of her feelings and the nature of love itself.

As the climax approaches, Mugi's feelings for Hanabi deepen, and he attempts to confess his love to her. However, Hanabi is still fixated on Akane, leading to a painful confrontation between the two. Mugi feels rejected and hurt, while Hanabi is torn between her loyalty to Mugi and her obsession with Akane.

In the final episodes, Hanabi and Mugi's relationship reaches a breaking point. They both realize that their arrangement is unhealthy and that they need to find their own paths. Hanabi decides to distance herself from Mugi, seeking closure for her feelings for Akane. Mugi, heartbroken but understanding, accepts her decision.

The series concludes with Hanabi reflecting on her experiences and the nature of love. She acknowledges the pain of unrequited love but also the importance of moving forward. Mugi, too, begins to find his own way, learning to let go of his feelings for Hanabi. The story ends on a bittersweet note, emphasizing the complexities of love and the journey of self-discovery.

In the ending of Scum's Wish, Hanabi Yasuraoka and Mugi Awaya confront their feelings and the reality of their relationships. Hanabi ultimately decides to move on from her unrequited love for her teacher, Akane Minagawa, while Mugi comes to terms with his feelings for Hanabi. The series concludes with both characters finding a sense of closure, albeit bittersweet, as they navigate their complex emotions and the nature of love.

As the final episodes unfold, we see Hanabi and Mugi grappling with their respective feelings. The scene opens with Hanabi sitting alone in her room, reflecting on her relationship with Akane. The room is dimly lit, and the atmosphere is heavy with her internal struggle. She recalls the moments spent with Akane, filled with longing and unfulfilled desire. The weight of her unreciprocated love hangs over her, and she feels a deep sense of loss.

In a contrasting scene, Mugi is seen at school, where he is surrounded by friends but feels isolated. He is haunted by his feelings for Hanabi and the emotional turmoil that comes with it. Mugi's internal conflict is palpable; he is torn between his affection for Hanabi and the reality that their relationship is built on a foundation of mutual longing rather than genuine love.

As the narrative progresses, Hanabi and Mugi meet at a park, a place that has become significant for their shared experiences. The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the scene, but the mood is somber. They sit on a bench, and the silence between them speaks volumes. Hanabi finally breaks the silence, expressing her desire to move on from Akane. She acknowledges that her feelings for Akane were never truly reciprocated and that it is time to let go. Mugi listens intently, his expression a mix of understanding and sadness.

In a pivotal moment, Mugi confesses that he has also been struggling with his feelings for Hanabi. He admits that their relationship was a way to escape their respective heartaches, but he realizes that it cannot continue in that manner. The emotional weight of their conversation is heavy, and both characters are visibly affected. They share a moment of vulnerability, recognizing the pain they have caused each other and themselves.

As they part ways, Hanabi walks away with a newfound sense of determination. The camera lingers on her face, capturing the mix of sadness and relief as she takes her first steps toward healing. Mugi watches her leave, a bittersweet smile on his face, understanding that this is a necessary step for both of them.

In the final scenes, we see Hanabi engaging in activities that bring her joy, such as spending time with friends and pursuing her interests. The vibrant colors of the world around her contrast with the earlier scenes of despair, symbolizing her growth and acceptance. Mugi, too, is shown moving forward, focusing on his studies and friendships, hinting at a brighter future ahead.

The series concludes with a sense of closure for both characters. Hanabi and Mugi have learned valuable lessons about love, loss, and the importance of self-acceptance. Their journeys, while painful, have led them to a place of understanding and resilience, allowing them to embrace the complexities of their emotions and the reality of their relationships.

In the 2017 anime "Scum's Wish," there is no post-credit scene. The series concludes with its final episode, wrapping up the complex emotional arcs of the characters without any additional scenes after the credits. The ending focuses on the resolution of the relationships between the main characters, Hanabi Yasuraoka and Mugi Awaya, as they navigate their feelings of love, longing, and the pain of unrequited affection. The absence of a post-credit scene emphasizes the finality of their experiences and the bittersweet nature of their relationships, leaving viewers to reflect on the themes of love and desire that permeate the series.

Hanabi Yasuraoka and Mugi Awaya share a complex relationship that begins as a mutual understanding of their unrequited love for others. Hanabi is infatuated with her teacher, Akane Minagawa, while Mugi is in love with Hanabi's friend, the same teacher. They enter a physical relationship to fill the emotional void left by their respective crushes, but their connection is fraught with confusion and longing.

Akane Minagawa serves as a catalyst for both Hanabi and Mugi's feelings. Her presence looms large over their lives, as both characters are deeply affected by their unreciprocated love for her. Akane's manipulative nature and her own romantic entanglements create a toxic environment that complicates Hanabi and Mugi's attempts to navigate their feelings, leading to jealousy and emotional turmoil.

Noriko is a pivotal character who represents a contrasting perspective on love and relationships. She is a friend of Hanabi and Mugi, and her straightforward approach to love highlights the complexities and emotional struggles of the main characters. Noriko's interactions often serve to challenge Hanabi and Mugi's views on their own relationships, pushing them to confront their feelings and the reality of their situations.

Hanabi Yasuraoka's character is deeply intertwined with the theme of unrequited love. Her infatuation with Akane Minagawa drives her actions and decisions throughout the series. The emotional pain and longing she experiences are depicted through her internal monologues and interactions with Mugi, showcasing her vulnerability and the impact of her unfulfilled desires on her mental state.

The physical relationship between Hanabi and Mugi serves as a coping mechanism for both characters, allowing them to seek solace in each other amidst their emotional struggles. However, this relationship is not rooted in genuine affection but rather in a shared sense of loneliness and longing for the unattainable. The intimacy they share complicates their feelings, blurring the lines between love, desire, and emotional dependency.

"Scum's Wish" is not considered family-friendly due to its mature themes and content. The series explores complex emotional relationships, unrequited love, and the struggles of adolescence, often delving into darker aspects of human emotions and sexuality.

Potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects include:

1. Sexual Content: The show features scenes that depict sexual situations and intimate relationships, which may be inappropriate for younger viewers.

2. Emotional Turmoil: Characters experience intense emotional pain, jealousy, and heartbreak, which can be distressing for sensitive viewers.

3. Manipulative Relationships: The dynamics between characters often involve manipulation and emotional exploitation, showcasing unhealthy relationship patterns.

4. Themes of Loneliness and Despair: The narrative frequently touches on feelings of isolation and existential angst, which may resonate negatively with some viewers.

5. Substance Use: There are instances of characters engaging in drinking and smoking, which may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Overall, the series deals with heavy themes that require a mature understanding of complex emotional and relational issues.