They created this series with mathematical precision

I was looking at the episode ratings on IMDb and I got the feeling that a theory I've been pondering for a while has been proven. And I think this theory helps to predict a little bit of what will happen in the last episode.

Let's say the series can be divided into two parts: the first goes from episodes 1 to 6, and the second, from episodes 7 to 13. My thesis is that, except for the fact that the second part is longer, both have the same structure.

Episodes 1-3 are introductory episodes that are relatively uneventful in terms of development or progress between Nakamura and Hirose. Episode 4, on the other hand, diverges by showing a rapprochement that surpasses that of previous episodes (Nakamura and Hirose hang out together outside of school). This is reflected in its IMDB score, which is better than that of previous episodes, because that's what fans of this series want to see: Nakamura and Hirose together. It's not a very significant rapprochement, but it helps to produce a sense of meaning and progress and encourages the viewer to continue watching the series after episodes with little change in the boys' relationship.

Next comes episode 5, which is a nothingburger episode that seems to undo the previous optimism. Hirose spends all his time in Takeuchi's lap and little happens between him and Nakamura. Suffice it to say it's the least popular of the first part on IMDB. And then comes episode 6, about which I don't need to say much beyond the fact that it's a banger and, so far, by far the most popular of the series on IMDB.

Now, why did the best episode follow the worst? It's no coincidence. The producers and editors of the series knew that the qualities of episode 6 would resonate more deeply with the viewer if they appeared completely unexpectedly, after the viewer's expectations had been lowered following episode 5. Opposites enhance each other!

That this structure was intentional is proven by the fact that Part 2 was assembled in the same way. Three average episodes (7 to 9) without a clear sense of progress; fourth episode (the 10th) showing an unexpected rapprochement, in which Hirose invites Nakamura to study together, this episode being more popular than the previous three; and then comes episode 11, which is the least popular of the second part as it frustrates the expectations that were built up in episode 10. Finally we have episode 12, another banger episode that will rival episode 6. Its emotional impact is greatly enhanced by the triviality of the previous episode.

The series producers understand very well that the star of an episode will shine brighter if the one that came before had a very different frequency. And that's good for anyone who wants Nakamura to have the ending he deserves. Because, from what we know of how animators are working, they wouldn't have placed two episodes with very similar tones back-to-back. What follows a hopelessly sad episode will be something different! And yes, I know the production staff cried during the final two episodes. But that doesn't mean the reason was the same both times! The ending will have a different impact, one that will shine much brighter precisely because the previous episode took us down a completely different path before.