WARNING: The following contains spoilers for My Senpai is Annoying Episode 9, "A Light-Hearted Summer Vacation," now streaming on Funimation.
Even the hard-working Futaba Igarashi needs a break sometimes, and so does her charming co-worker Toko Sakurai. They agree to visit the beach one warm summer afternoon, and to Futaba's shock, everyone else comes along too, from Harumi Takeda to Sota Kazama and Toko's kid brother Yuto.
For the most part, Futaba's sunny beach weekend is an ordinary "beach episode," but this seemingly mundane trip reveals a few key details about everyone's relationship and self-perception. All signs point toward a happy future for everyone involved -- and they have more to feel cheery about than sandcastles and grilled fish.
Everyone has a blast during their weekend beach getaway, and while some characters get on each other's nerves, such as Harumi teasing Futaba during their time in the waves, they get along well, and Harumi makes it clear once again that he respects Futaba as a whole package. He's not superficial enough to chase busty women -- he likes Futaba because she's smart, dependable, hardworking and kind, and Futaba takes that to heart. Months ago in the story, Futaba struggled with her body image when it came to impressing Takeda, but that's over.
Futaba has made only slow progress with Takeda where romance is concerned, but clearly, both of them are on the right track. Neither is insecure enough to try something silly and superficial to impress the other. Better a slow and healthy relationship than to rush things and invite disaster.
Similarly, the young Yuto has a quick conversation with Futaba's old friend Kurobe, and not for the first time. Once again, the rambunctious but kind Kurobe soothes Yoto's anxieties and assures him that he's doing well in his social life. Yuto worries that he cannot properly handle boy-girl friendships, such as during an errand together, and he once had insecurities about his sports hobbies too. Now, this evening on the beach, Kurobe once again assures Yuto that he is doing well and has nothing to fear. By now, Kurobe has established herself as a fine counselor and pillar of support for any friend, and Yuto is fortunate to have her around.
The seaside weekend retreat makes it wonderfully clear that all of these friends get along well, and there seems to be no outstanding drama or unresolved issues between them, which bodes well for the next few episodes. At most, a few characters have some shyness to overcome, such as where the slightly insecure kuudere Sota Kazama is concerned. He and Toko Sakurai get along better than ever, and sparks are already flying. However, neither of them can easily admit their feelings to their friends, let alone to one another, so patience will be necessary where this budding relationship is concerned.
The same may be true where Futaba and Takeda are concerned. Takeda respects Futaba as his kouhai, or junior co-worker, but he explains this platonically in the episode to anyone who will listen. That might be a front to hide his true feelings, but based on the events of previous episodes, it may not be. Takeda's feelings about Futaba may really be almost entirely platonic, meaning it falls mainly to Futaba to light the romantic fire between them and get their relationship moving. After all, Futaba is the josei heroine of My Senpai is Annoying, so naturally, this should be her challenge to overcome, either at the office or the beach. In so doing, Futaba can grow and evolve as a person, impressing all viewers along the way.