WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki Episode 9, "When You Go Back to the Starter Town With the Full Party, New Stuff Tends to Happen," now streaming on Funimation.
The bond between Fumiya Tomozaki and his shy but thoughtful classmate Fuka Kikuchi has somewhat flown under the radar, but they have grown pretty close over time. Kikuchi mistakenly thought they shared the same favorite author, Michael Andi, but Tomozaki began reading his books and genuinely enjoys them.
The two have since shared friendly library chats while Kikuchi has given Tomozaki sound advice at times -- not least about Mimimi's recent struggles. Thanks to this connection, Hinami declared that Tomozaki's first date -- and eventually first relationship -- should be with Kikuchi. Back in Episode 4, Tomozaki mentioned an Andi-based movie but didn't feel right asking Kikuchi out after their awkward misunderstanding. But their friendship has grown and it's finally time for the movie date.
Tomozaki has worked hard to improve his people skills, his posture, and how to make basic conversation. Along with learning from Hinami, the ultimate life expert, he's been studying his "normie" classmates who are around him most often: Mizusawa, Mimimi, Nakamura and Izumi. Tomozaki rehearses these skills and memorizes flash cards from Hinami so he has enough discussion topics for the date with Kikuchi.
As they arrive at the movie theater, Tomozaki and Kikuchi chat in their usual adorably awkward way. They're both happy to be getting to know each other on a deeper level. The movie goes along swimmingly and they go out to lunch afterwards, but it's at the restaurant where the date takes an interesting turn. Tomozaki gushes about different parts of the movie, then suddenly fears he's doing too much talking for the quiet and introverted Kikuchi. So he stops and, recalling Hinami's flash cards, breaks out some conversational questions to be more inclusive for his date.
Kikuchi, however, is sharp and perceptive of those around her and can sense changes in Tomozaki in particular. She's a bit thrown off but still enjoys his company. After Tomozaki goes through a few Hinami-approved topics, Kikuchi opens up with a touchingly honest statement: sometimes she finds him easy to talk to, while at other times she finds him difficult to talk to. She may not be aware of the full nature of Tomozaki's quest to improve his life, but she can tell when he's being genuine or putting on an act for someone else's sake.
Tomozaki feared he was initially talking too much, but that was the point when Kikuchi was having the most fun. She could see the real him and knew he was speaking from the heart. Once the flash card topics entered the conversation, Kikuchi felt more awkward and less sure of how to respond.
Despite the hiccups, the date ends as a delightful success. Kikuchi likes Tomozaki very much -- as a friend and possibly more -- and wants to see him again. Hinami suggests a fireworks show, so Tomozaki nervously yet happily invites Kikuchi out again -- and gets an immediate response agreeing to a second date. He's made significant progress in his life under Hinami's careful guidance, but Kikuchi likes his honest and more spontaneous side the best. Which side will Tomozaki himself embrace as he moves forward? For now, at least, he's gotten through a successful first date and earned a continue.
