The following contains spoilers for Episode 6 of Komi Can’t Communicate Season 2, “It's Just Everyone's New Years,” now streaming on Netflix.
It seems that "It's Just Everyone's New Years and More" is all about Hitohito Tadano, as he holds the spotlight in every scenario in this New Years' themed episode of Komi Can't Communicate. In order to start the year on a good note, Shouko Komi and the gang visit the local shrine and draw their fortunes, and it seems that love is in the cards for Katai.
He plans the perfect date and, naturally, everything goes wrong as Katai's social skills are put to the test. Tadano's fortune apparently does not bode well, as he catches a crippling cold that leaves him bedridden and begging for his life.
"It's Just Everyone's New Years"
It's New Year's day, and Najimi is at Tadano's house first thing in the... afternoon? It appears that the pair spent all night playing video games, but Najimi had not yet filled their socializing cup and is keen to get everyone together to visit the shrine. After some severely ill-timed phone calls, Najimi manages to round almost everyone up (besides Ren Yamai who is spending her vacation in Hawaii, yet still bitter about losing quality time with Komi.) Tired of having to do all the work, Najimi insists that Tadano should take some initiative and invite the rest of the group, however, he misses his chance to chat with Komi after hesitating for too long.
The gang is as rowdy as ever as they race through the halls of the temple, but Komi and Tadano attempt to walk at a modest pace, until they realize that they are missing out on all the fun. After prayers, everyone decides to draw fortunes for the upcoming year, but Komi is reluctant to share her predictions, especially not with Tadano. It appears that Komi can expect some improvements in the romance department because a "good match" is allegedly on the horizon.
It's Just Ice Skating
Katai has the perfect date planned with just him, Tadano, and the dazzling ice rink; nothing could go wrong. Unfortunately, the event is almost a disaster before it even begins, as Katai panics on the phone and ends up only asking Tadano "can we do it together?" adding sexual tension to the already awkward situation. Eventually, Tadano realizes what is actually being requested, and inquires if he may bring another friend along. Katai is disappointed not to get one-on-one time with his new buddy but reluctantly agrees.
Nobody is surprised when Komi rocks up at the ice rink, except for Katai, who is terrified at the thought of having Komi the Communication Master evaluate his date with Tadano. As he tries to take back control of the situation, Katai realizes his next big mistake: he has no idea how to skate. Unfortunately, Komi is in the same boat, but Tadano impresses them both with his skills on the ice and teaches them a few tricks to get started. Komi and Tadano have an intimate moment as he saves her from crashing, and Katai is inspired to take back the spotlight. His dreams come true when Tadano and Katai end up skating hand-in-hand, as Komi quietly watches on in confusion.
"It's Just A Cold"
Tadano has the man flu, and as most fans probably know, it is a merciless and debilitating virus that leaves its victims on the brink of death, pleading for the suffering to stop. Tadano can see the end approaching, as his life begins to slip from his hands when he runs out of water to drink. Incapable of standing, Tadano makes one last desperate attempt to survive his cold and phones Najimi for support. Unfortunately, in his delirium, Tadano misdials, and Komi is the recipient of his frantic pleas.
Naturally, Komi does not hesitate and soon arrives at her friend's home to care for him in his time of need, bringing warm drinks and preparing a nutritious meal in Tadano's kitchen. Komi gets so into character that she begins to spoon-feed the sick boy, and things suddenly get very awkward very quickly. After Tadano's belly is full he falls into a peaceful sleep and Komi reaches for his hand, when Najimi does that thing they do best and interrupts the moment by bursting through the doors, and Komi practically implodes with embarrassment.
New Guy on the Block
Attentive fans may have noticed a new blue-haired character getting a lot of screen time during the intro song, and anxiously anticipate his arrival. It seems that there is not much longer to wait, as Naruse Shisuto announces his Komi Can't Communicate debut for episode 7 in a self-indulgent teaser clip. But could this be the "good match" that Komi is expecting based on her New Years' fortune? Stating that her perfect partner is "on the way" suggests that they have not yet arrived and, considering that Tadano has been at Komi's side for the past year kind of eliminated him for the running (if the fortune is to be believed.)
From the short bonus clip, however, it appears that Shisuto thinks very highly of himself, and Komi Can't Communicate Manga fans are aware of what a narcissist the young man can be. Such an arrogant personality will likely not appeal to Komi's sweet nature, who has shown before (with Ren Yamai) that she will not be bullied into submission. Tadano is still a front-runner for the boyfriend position, well, if Katai doesn't snatch him up first that is.