Mitsu no Aji, episode 2

 The Actors

Rape-Huggist: Kanno Miho
Rape-Huggee: ARATA



The Context
The onscreen couple are in one of those weird TV relationships that will clearly never work out. He doesn't really appear to love her but still wants to get married, and she only wants to get married when another girl starts looking at her man. This rape-hug comes at that point. It's one of those "claiming your posession hugs". It's like after having a fancy dinner with your friends and the host brings out a box of fancy chocolates, so you quickly lick the caramel ones so you aren't left with the crappy fruit-flavoured ones.


The Result
As you can see in the above GIF, after a moment he puts down the book he is holding and turns around for a legitimate hug. Also, they end up getting married. Also, they end up breaking up again, which only goes to show you that a rape-hug is never a good foundation for a relationship. It is interesting though, as most rape-hugs come near the end of a dorama series - or at least the 'successful rape-hugs' end with a happy-ever-after scene. It would be interesting to take a look back after, say 10 years, to see what the long-term success-rate of those relationships are.


The Depiction
 
 He is minding his own business with his book while she stands there staring at him like a serial killer. [Note: in this dorama, Kanno is prortrayed basically as a serial killer.] She sneezes, as in the previous scene she got wet and in the world of dramas the rule is that if you stand in the rain, at the start of the next scene you will have a cold. He makes an inane comment, and her face changes to an expression we like to call "hug-rapey". 
Once she has her prey in her arms she makes a demand "Hug me tightly", and he slowly puts down the book not to startle her, turns around and makes a consensual hug.




Awkwardometor
This rape-hug gets the lowest rating possible primarily because they are in a committed long-term relationship. Now, I'm not saying that I condone spousal rape-huggery, but it is very difficult to argue in the courts. Also, the context of this scene comes after they return from saving a little boy's life, so it's almost okay that she is so vulnerable. I would still prefer it if she advanced from the front. Finally, this is quite a rape-huggy dorama, and awkwardness is amped up. Stay tuned!




Video
Watch the scene in real time, paying close attention to how incredibly sad the whole atmosphere is. Remember kids: "Rape-hugs destroy lives."

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