I've not watched an anime that has better pacing than this one. It is just goddamn beautiful. Not a single scene felt wasted. Every single shot was essential. Not a single second was wasted on a character that will not further the plot, irrespective of how strong they were.
And the other important thing, that I'm going to specifically point out and appreciate in this anime, is it's focus. There is no tension because of an implied romance (doesn't mean that there isn't any). No entire episodes wasted on the backstory of some side character. Despite this, the viewers get a pretty decent idea of what each character is about, and what they value.
And that ending, despite it leaving the story hanging, was so beautifully done. Two words. Character growth.
Amazing characters, a well-written story, spot-on pacing, why is this not a 10? What does this anime lack that the anime that I have given a 10 to (like Oregairu, Clannad AS, HunterxHunter) have? You cannot really put a finger on it can you? It comes down to personal preference I suppose.
Anyway, the finale gave us this wonderful quote, "It may seem like you're choosing both, but, really, you're forsaking both". Go take it and apply it to your life.
But before that, watch Tokyo Ghoul, the story of a first date gone wrong.
