Ep 2. Because I Was Able to Meet You

Because I Was Able to Meet You is the second episode of the first season of the anime series Love Stage. In this episode, we witness the aftermath of Izumi's accidental transformation into a girl during his commercial shoot with Ryoma. Due to the incident, Izumi and Ryoma share a conversation about their uncomfortable feelings towards each other. As they try to figure out how to move forward from this hiccup, Ryoma takes it upon himself to help Izumi become more comfortable with his appearance as a girl by giving him a makeover.

Meanwhile, Izumi's older brother, Shogo, is dealing with his own love life as he struggles to confess his feelings to a girl he has a crush on. At the same time, he tries to keep up his image as a successful musician in front of his fans. As he clings to his brother Izumi for support, he also realizes that he needs to take action and be brave in order to pursue his own happiness.

Through various phone calls, meetings, and conversations between the characters, this episode slowly sheds light on their personalities and relationships. The dialogue is often witty and playful, balancing out the more serious moments. There is also a sense of warmth and comfort in the interactions between the characters, showing that despite their differences, they genuinely care for each other.

One of the highlights of the episode is the makeover scene between Izumi and Ryoma. Not only does it showcase Ryoma's skills as a professional makeup artist, but it also reveals a more vulnerable side to Izumi. As he struggles to accept his temporary feminine appearance, Ryoma is there to encourage and support him.

Another notable moment is when Shogo takes Izumi to his favorite spot, a park bench overlooking the city. It is a quiet and reflective moment, as Izumi reflects on the fact that his brother is not just his caretaker, but also a person with his own desires and dreams. At the same time, Shogo confides in Izumi about his own insecurities and fears, showing that they both deeply rely on and understand each other.

Overall, Because I Was Able to Meet You is a heartwarming and wholesome episode that develops the characters and their relationships in a thoughtful and humorous way. The show does a great job of balancing lighthearted moments with more emotional ones and setting up future plot points. It leaves the viewer feeling invested in the characters and curious about what adventures they will have next.