An In-Depth Explanation for the Curious: Over and Over Again—What Story Does 'Azaleas by the Water' Ep. 55 Depict?
At first glance, this work appears to be
a story about a man and a woman going to a first shrine visit of the year
.
However, what is truly being depicted is
the emotional movements of someone in love
.
The author quietly expresses not the events themselves, but the changes in the protagonist Mizuki's heart through scenery and actions.
1. The meaning of the title 'Over and Over Again'
The title 'Over and Over Again' is very important.
The phrase 'over and over again' hardly appears in the work itself.
However, looking at the story as a whole,
I want to walk with her over and over again
I want to meet her over and over again
I want to repeat this time over and over again
—these wishes of Mizuki's are hidden within.
The final 'see you later' also
connects to the hope that
'we can meet again.'
In other words, the title is
It represents the protagonist's wish to 'repeat happy times over and over again.' expresses.
2. Scenery reflects the heart
In this work,
there are many descriptions of scenery.
For example,
the sky turning deep blue
the pale crimson sunset
the light of the stone lantern
stars
white doves
These are not merely backgrounds.
Each one
represents Mizuki's state of mind. expresses.
For example,
the sunset
represents 'the fun times are coming to an end.'
It expresses that.
As the sky gets darker,
the two's parting also draws closer.
Therefore, the scenery is,
It also serves as a substitute for a clock.
3. Mizuki cannot 'see'
In this work,
Mizuki repeatedly
cannot see.
does not look at Yuka's face
cannot think of a wish
does not look at the fortune immediately
ends up only looking at the pigeons
This is not a coincidence.
When people fall in love,
they become too conscious of the other person and cannot act naturally.
That is why Mizuki,
precisely because he likes her,
cannot look at her directly.
Conversely, Yuka,
looks into Mizuki's face many times.
The difference in their personalities is expressed through this action alone.
4. The shrine is a 'place that reflects the heart'
At the shrine,
Normally
people make wishes like
'May I pass my exam'
or 'May I stay healthy.'
However, Mizuki
cannot think of a wish.
This is not because
she has no wishes.
She cannot even put into words what she wishes for most.
In truth, perhaps
'I want to be with Yuka more'
was all she wanted.
That is why her mind goes blank.
5. What the White Dove Signifies
The most striking element
in this work is the white dove.
Doves have long been symbols of
peace
happiness
hope
As a symbol of the bond between people
it is used.
Mizuki,
wraps the dove more carefully than the fortune slip.
She feels the warmth of the dove until the very end.
In other words,
the dove is not just a figurine.
It has become the memory of Yuuka herself
.
⑥ The true meaning of 'The person you are waiting for will come'
On Mizuki's fortune slip,
'The person you are waiting for will come, there will be news'
is written.
Normally,
this refers to someone you will meet in the future.
But in this scene,
the person she is waiting for is already right beside her.
That is why Mizuki smiles.
'The person I was waiting for is already here.'
It is both an irony,
It is a moment that is also filled with happiness.
7. The reason why the final 'see you later' is so bittersweet
The story
'See you later.'
ends with.
These words sound cheerful.
But to the reader,
they also sound like the beginning of a farewell.
That is why the reader,
feels both happy and a little sad.
This work,
while being a romance novel,
highlights the importance of the 'present' by depicting an 'end'as well.
The theme the author wanted to convey
This work,
is not about the 'confession' of love or 'dating'.
What it truly depicts is,
that the casual time spent with someone you love becomes the most precious memory in life
that is what it means.
Therefore,
The shrine, the fortune slips, the pigeons, the sunset, and the stars are all used as devices to reflect a heart in love.
5 Points the Curious Should Notice While Reading
The landscape descriptions are not just background; they represent the protagonist's state of mind.
Mizuki expresses her love not through words, but through her actions and gaze.
The shrine scene is not about making a wish, but about realizing her true desire.
The white pigeon is repeatedly depicted as a symbol of 'hope' and 'shared memories'.
The title 'Over and Over Again' symbolizes Mizuki's earnest wish to 'meet again' and 'repeat this moment'.
The charm of this work lies not in major events, but in how it makes the reader feel the protagonist's love by layering gazes, silence, scenery, and small gestures. It is a quiet and delicate coming-of-age story where new meanings emerge each time you reread it.