Horimiya -piece-

Though I'm sure some of us enjoyed Horimiya from beginning to end, I'm sure some of us also felt a little bit empty after watching the first season.

The persistent sense that some things were...missing, if you will.

From an aesthetic perspective, there was nothing to be disappointed in; the lead coupling was excellent, and this was precisely the kind of low-key, mostly fluff romance that romance enthusiasts would often give high marks for. But even so, some parts are bound to disappear (okay, I'm sorry, I'll stop now) when the truck carrying them is traveling at a fast pace of roughly ten chapters per episode while carrying a space shuttle engine in the back. Their absence was felt strongly by many, particularly in the second half, where it was common to be dissatisfied with the adaptation's sometimes unsuccessful attempts to introduce the large side cast of Horimiya to the audience.

However, Horimiya is over and what has been said is done.

Okay, firstly, if you liked the original series, this series is a must watch. It has all those moments which fill your heart with love, wholesomeness, laughter and everything you hoped or made scenarios of.

Personally, I liked this series. Every episode is filled with different emotions with some episodes touching sensitive topics as well all while carefully adding humorous elements.

I love the way this season shows the different POVs of the characters and how they have portrayed different moments with each of the characters which makes a special bond between the characters and the viewers.

One of the best things about this season is the ending episode where we see Hori's special view of the graduation. It's perfect.

I just finished Horimiya and I'm still reeling from the feels! I went in blind and ended up binge-watching the whole series in one weekend (my social life suffered, but it was worth it). Hori and Miyamura's love story is so beautifully told - it's like a warm hug for your soul. I loved how the show explored the little things that make relationships special, like shared laughs and quiet moments. The animation is gorgeous, the music is catchy, and the supporting cast is perfection. I'm so glad I stumbled upon this hidden gem - it's a must-watch for anyone looking for a feel-good anime that will leave them smiling (and maybe even a little tearful)

Horimiya: The Missing Pieces is a satisfying addition for fans of the original anime. Rather than continuing the story, it offers a collection of moments and side episodes that didn't make it into the first adaptation, filling in gaps and giving more time to the cast.

The main couple remains the heart of the show, with more sweet and meaningful scenes that strengthen their dynamic. Just like before, the side characters are treated with care, and their presence enriches the viewing experience.

While some viewers might be disappointed by the lack of a real sequel or new story arc, this season still shines thanks to its pacing. It doesn't overstay its welcome, delivering heartfelt content without unnecessary filler.

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POSITIVE : Adds more emotional depth to the main couple / Side characters continue to get meaningful development / Relaxed pacing and enjoyable slice-of-life tone / Doesn't stretch itself unnecessarily

NEGATIVE : Not a true sequel, just missing scene (For those who wanted a sequel)

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Don't miss out on this season because it's a "side story". Watch it like just another season. Because these missing chapters are what complete Horimiya. Look, I still can't forgive the fact that we never got a 2-cour adaptation at first, with all chapters in chronological order. But I'll still always be thankful for the Cloverworks studio making these missing chapters. And Cloverworks is now adapting its source materials faithfully (even elevating them) and is clearly redeeming itself.

This season has everything that the first season was missing. It has all the adorable, wholesome and hilarious moments involving all the different side characters. That's what eventually builds up strong friendships and that's exactly why they're so important. This was one of my major flaws with the first season. We didn't get enough of the side characters, and I couldn't really get behind the friendship of the group either. This season has now negated that flaw.

Another thing in this season that really made me happy was the Finale. It just feels like the finale for Horimiya is now complete. We got to see Miyamura's side in season 1. We get to see Hori's side here.

Through its many comedy/slice-of-life moments, Horimiya at times introduces some very real and relatable stuff, that always touches me. Like Hori and Miyamura imagining what if the coincidences that happened to create this group of friends, didn't happen. And you know, it's definitely a scary thought, because that's more or less how friends are formed - coincidences. It sort of also reminded me of those alternate reality episodes of the sitcom "Friends", where they imagine what if some of them hadn't met.

Overall this was a really nice time and Horimiya deserved this season. Well, it actually deserved a proper full adaptation, but we can't change that now. I do hope that some streaming app, or Cloverworks itself gets out a cut where all chapters are in chronological order. So that from now on, the viewers who'll watch it for the first time, get to experience it perfectly.