The much-anticipated episode 24 of the Blue Box anime premiered on March 13, 2025, captivating fans with its emotionally charged ‘campfire’ event. During this gathering, students participated in dancing around a campfire while also revealing their feelings for one another. This episode was particularly significant for Hina and Taiki as it marked a potential closure to their complex relationship, especially following Hina’s prior confession of her affections. The pivotal question remained: did Hina face rejection?
Indeed, Taiki rejected Hina, despite her willingness to wait for him indefinitely. Even after the rejection, Hina urged Taiki to be forthright rather than offer ambiguous reassurances. Taiki, feeling guilty about potentially leading Hina on, chose to be honest and ultimately broke her heart to prevent any misunderstandings in the future.
Exploring Taiki’s True Feelings for Hina in Blue Box
The episode, titled Roller Coaster, opens with Hina and her friend discussing the upcoming campfire event. Her friend recounts a folk belief that asserts anyone who confesses their love during the campfire will be bound to their partner for eternity. This discussion raises Hina’s hopes about Taiki, to whom she had expressed her feelings earlier in the series.
As Hina approaches the gathering area, she notices Taiki gazing at Chinatsu from a distance. This sight leads her to doubt herself, prompting thoughts that perhaps being a ‘one-sided lover’ might be more prudent, given her perception of Taiki’s feelings for Chinatsu. However, as the events of the day unfold, Hina’s desire for a deeper connection with Taiki becomes more evident.
As the night progresses, the campfire scene becomes lively, with students dancing and mingling. Taiki, Hina, and Chinatsu stand together at the edge of the festivities. Their friend Ayame, enthusiastic about Hina’s feelings for Taiki, devises a plan to bring the two closer. She encourages Hina to pursue Taiki under the pretext of retrieving something unnecessary from the gym.
Upon entering the gym, Hina quickly realizes she’s been set up by Ayame. The two sit on the gym stairs, admiring the fireworks, while recalling past moments, though the mention of Chinatsu adds a layer of tension to their conversation.
As Hina contemplates exiting the gym, Taiki halts her and offers an apology. Hina’s heart drops, sensing the underlying implications of this apology. She feigns ignorance and inquires about his words, prompting Taiki to clarify his feelings at last—he cannot reciprocate Hina’s affection due to his ongoing feelings for Chinatsu.
After a poignant pause, Hina conveys her desire to avoid hearing Taiki’s response. Nevertheless, Taiki, compelled by guilt, insists on being honest with her. In an emotional moment, Hina tries to silence him but is gently rebuffed as Taiki reaffirms his rejection, leading Hina to tears. She flees the gym, filled with sorrow as Taiki remains behind, reflecting on their painful exchange.
Outside the gym, Ayame eagerly awaits confirmation of a heartfelt moment between the two, but instead is met with Hina’s tearful account of Taiki’s rejection. This significant moment in the Blue Box anime has left viewers divided, illustrating the complexities of unreciprocated love and the events that transpire in youth relationships.