As easy as it is to dislike Keita, it’s much easier to be thoroughly frustrated with Naoki’s unrelentingly cold attitude towards his wife.

When Kotoko started her nursing program and Keita was introduced, I wasn’t too keen on his pushy and rough attitude. Consequently, that attitude did not sit well with the idea that he was eyeing Kotoko. For the first half of episode 18 I found myself sneering at him; however, over as the episode continued all the pent up frustration was directed at Naoki. It’s one thing to have a cold demeanor, but it’s another thing to be that way towards your wife after being married for a fair amount of time (they are fourth year students after all).

We as viewers see Naoki being affected by the current happenings, plus we already feel a bit of entitlement towards him because he is one of the main characters and we do know he does love Kotoko. Nevertheless, it’s easy to lose sight of the main problem. Yes, Kotoko can be down on herself. Yes, she makes excuses for her husband’s personality. Yes, Keita can be looked at in the wrong for even attempting to make advances towards someone’s wife. But the fact remains that Naoki has not treated Kotoko well since this series began (save for a few scenes). What is most frustrating for us viewers is that we know Naoki loves Kotoko, but we are practically the only ones that know that. And to complicate opinions more, Keita is likable. We really should easily despise him, but he isn’t entirely out of line.

So what becomes of all this? Personally, I think Naoki is at bat next episode. Unfortunately, he has that overly stiff and cold attitude. I don’t think he’s trying to be cold towards Kotoko, but just doesn’t know how to react to what is going on. Considering that Naoki is one of those individuals who are pretty much successful at everything (man, they SUCK…), he’s never had to deal with competition or the notion of losing. Kotoko has been overzealously in love with him for years, so “winning” her love probably was never a struggle. True, Kinnosuke finally pushed him enough to take action, but he was never really a rival for Kotoko. Now with Keita, there is obvious and strong competitive threat, and Naoki is clearly rattled.

As far as I am concerned almost everything is in Naoki’s hands. Kotoko does have a choice to make, but her devotion seems to solid. The challenge lays in Naoki’s willingness to finally outwardly express his affection. We as viewers deserve to see it, but more so than anyone else, Kotoko deserves it. All that remains for Itazura na Kiss is for Naoki to break out of his jerk mold and for Tada Kouru’s originally intended ending to run.

Interestingly enough, form the preview it looks like Kinnosuke of all people might be the one to get through to Naoki. If there is anyone that can crack that thick skull of his, I would think it would be Kinnosuke and Chris. The only person who probably understands how Naoki feels at the moment is Kinnosuke, considering that he was in love with Kotoko way back in high school.