Without any knowledge from the light novel that expands the relationship between Yukino and Hachiman, what this OVA managed to deliver was insane, especially as someone who recently discovered that an OVA was released. Few cups of cheesy romantic scenes between Yukino and 8man, comedic exchange of dialogues between Yui, Iroha, and the best sister in the world Komachi, the absolutely mess of a family dinner with Yukino's mom, the solemn confession of Yui, and the usual laughable inner monologues of Hikigaya — you'd get this feeling of demanding more than just one episode.
I ain't gonna lie, I finished the season 3 bearing the flag of Yukino as Hachiman's compatible partner. 3 years and one OVA later, the flag still proudly stands — except add more flags to it. Upon seeing the struggles of Yui as repercussion of maintaining the status quo between the service club members in addition to Hachiman and Yukino's deepened affection for each other, I can't help but feel pity. But at the same time, this OVA has shown that Yui, still has some fight left in her. With her two bestwingwoman (Iroha and Komachi) to offer morale, I can't help but cheer upon this futile attempt of Yui. But I know there are conflicts waiting to arrive when Yui invades the relationship between Hachiman and Yukino. This created tension between the three — or did it? Actually, it didn't. What I liked about this OVA is that characters were more open to one another. Hikigaya noticing Yui's feelings, Yui's preparedness for Hachiman's rejection, and Yukino's realization of Yui's desperate attempt to steal our boi. Looking back, the three are sure to struggle in confessing their own feelings, creating this standstill with three of them awkward with one another. Instead, this OVA has shown that they've come a long way. More open with one another. Seemingly quiet at times, but they know their feelings are able to reach the other. Instead of this barrier of bitterness that stands between the among them, they are able to be genuine with one another.
Of course, I'd like to also express my best wishes to our best boi Hikigaya Hachiman. He's come a long way indeed. Instead of the edgy and restrained Hachiman we've seen in the past seasons, we're actually seeing Hachiman in his purest form — an awkward, cheesy, and indiscreet character that is truly laughable and at times cringeworthy from the eyes of a viewer. He still has the great intellect and judgement to observe the feelings of the people around him, but this time, it's time he considers his own as well. His growth was truly phenomenal to see indeed.
The appearance of Iroha and Komachi still proves that they are truly the best girls in the series. From Iroha's blunt yet mysterious aura and Komachi's supportive personality, you know they're also now part of the problematic Service Club. The last scene especially where Iroha is explicitly implying her interest towards Hachiman was hands down the greatest scene as well.
The animation, the music, and runtime were all great as well. Of course, I think this OVA would've hit home better if scenes were longer and the relationships between the characters were expanded, but I simply consume what is served on the platter.
Overall, this OVA hit right though the feels. Drama, comedy, romance, and battles inside the characters. It's still the Oregairu I've come to loved. Seeing the growth of our boi Hikagaya, Yuigahama The Sneaky Greedy Thief, Yukino The Keeper, Iroha The Sly Fox, and Komachi The Best Sister; this makes up the Service Club that is quite different than your usual boring club. The direction of this OVA seems to me like Hikagaya is towards the Harem Route. But whether he sticks to Yukino and let go of Yui, or in some condition turned to his true love, Totsuka Saika instead; It feels like Hachiman found his "genuine" thing. He still struggles to communicate openly, but he's trying. He may be awkward as hell, but without a doubt he's smarter than us NEET's sitting all day long.
I was supposed to finish my project that is due this midnight but instead is writing this review. I would have liked to punched myself for being distracted, but I can't simply let my inner thoughts be kept this time. This time, let's be more like Hachiman you see. Someone who's not afraid to say that he was raised better by her mom compared on how his girlfriend's mom raised her daughter.
