Horimiya was a wonderfully realized rom-com-drama with a splendid ensemble cast of likable dorks, but it was not a full adaptation of the source material. There were presumably chunks of narrative left out that added color, texture, and sometimes context to what we did see. So instead of a sequel, those missing pieces have been adapted.
The first such piece is a class trip to Kyoto, which involves a longer-haired Izumi, Kyouko, Yuki, Tooru, and Shuu. When Kyouko learns that Izumi isn’t able to bathe together with the other boys (due to his tattoos), she offers the shower in room she’s sharing with Yuki. Kyouko doesn’t think much of this until Izumi asks her if she’s invite any ol’ boy to her room to shower.
When she says it’s okay if it’s Izumi because “he wouldn’t try anything”, he playfully asks what if he did, which turns her red. She hadn’t considered the fact that if she wanted him to try something, he’d actually try something. In the end, she and Izumi (and Yuki and Tooru) have some good times and nice photos, so the class trip is a success.
The second segment consists of Izumi coming to school and immediately being soaked by Remi, who was thrown off by his new haircut. When he doesn’t remove his cardigan to dry himself, she comes right out and asks him what his whole deal with never showing any skin is, providing a detailed list of instances where he avoided removing his clothing.
Remi doesn’t know about his tattoos, so places her hand on his chest to ensure he isn’t a woman. Later, Tooru and Izumi argue about what looks better on girls: sailor suits or blazers. Tooru is Team Sailor while Izumi is with Blazer Crew (even though Izumi does try on the middle school sailor suit Kyouko lent him). As for president Sengoku? He prefers tracksuits.
Both Sengoku and Izumi avoid removing their shirts and such, but for different reasons. Izumi has the tattoos, but Sengoku is self-conscious about his slender frame. Unbeknownst to him, Remi is a quiet admirer of his slim bod. When Yasuda-sensei tells them they have to swim, they plead with him for amnesty.
He manages to secure jobs for them scrubbing the ground around the pools, but they still manage to goof off. I had almost forgotten that Horimiya was and still is packed with sharply timed witty banter. But I hadn’t forgotten how fun it is to watch these kids interact with their easy, cozy chemistry, so I am definitely here for more Horimiya, even if the story is technically backtracking.
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