Now that nationals are over, it’s time to tie up some loose ends. Of course, Kumiko finally confesses her feelings to someone special and no, it’s not Shuichi.
Now that nationals are over, the rest of the band plan for the future. It’s funny to see Yuko and Natsuki becoming president and vice president respectively. It seems that Natsuki loves Yuko so much even though Yuko won’t admit it. To me, they should just be a couple already. In addition, they also throw a celebration party for the senior members of the group. I have to admit it’s nice to see them playing music at the party.
On the other hand, it seems that Kumiko feels empty now that the senior members have retired. It becomes obvious with the flashbacks and Mizore saying that Kumiko’s euphonium playing sounds like Asuka’s. It’s surprising, but it’s not Shuichi since Kumiko didn’t wear the hairpin. No, it’s not Reina either. This surprised me given how close she is with Kumiko. The girl Kumiko likes is another girl who has long dark hair wears glasses.
Yes, it’s true! The person Kumiko actually loves is actually Asuka. It’s quite obvious when Asuka became absent because of her family troubles. Kumiko is the one that brought her back after learning about Asuka’s father. Kumiko’s feelings for her is subtle when she does not approve Asuka quitting. It’s not so surprising after all, especially when Asuka keeps asking Kumiko when she will confess. It just took a while for Kumiko to do it. Given that Asuka said “see ya” instead a formal farewell shows that they will keep in touch indefinitely.
In short, it’s a nice ending, especially given the sheet music Asuka gives to Kumiko. It was titled, “Hibike! Euphonium,” which is a call back to the show’s title. The viewers should feel relieved that Shuichi didn’t win. Either way, this just shows that Kumiko has a thing for dark long-haired girls. In other words, there is not going to be a Kumiko version of Tamako’s Love Story with Shuichi and the hairpin shoehorned into it.
Final Thoughts
I have to say that the second season is enjoyable as the prequel. Sure, there is not as many Kumiko and Reina moments, but I think Kyoto Animation did a good job with the drama. Sure, some of it could have been avoided, but it goes to show that the road to nationals is not easy. In short, I am satisfied by how the show ended with Asuka and Kumiko being the one true couple. It’s so subtle all along that nobody expected it. Thankfully, we should be relieved that Shuichi didn’t become a reality. ¶
If there is ever an epilogue to this series it better involve Kumiko and Asuka getting together at long last. Kumiko’s one true love is Asuka, not Reina.
It will be interesting to see an epilogue of what happens after the second season after a few years. I wonder if the band will actually achieve their dream of reaching gold.