Mayonaka Heart Tune Ep.11 - Rikka overcoming her trauma. Now final episode?!

Episode 11 of Mayonaka Heart Tune focuses on Rikka, as expected, completing the second cycle of heroine-specific episodes. It was quite a strong installment overall. Rikka is still struggling with her inability to perform original songs in front of an audience due to the fears stemming from her past trauma.

While Yamabuki considers various ways to break this cycle, even imagining a possible hypnosis approach that he tests on Iko in a rather cute scene, Rikka takes the initiative herself. She is encouraged after watching an old friend perform on the street without an audience.

I didn't have on my cards the 'hypnotized cat Iko', but I'm glad they delivered this. *hugs Iko*

She wasn't expecting him to get this close, it's not even that hidden that she likes him, but he's still oblivious.

She performs a small concert for the students at her school featuring an original song, and things finally seem to be moving in the right direction for her. She even reveals to Yamabuki that she is writing the song for a special someone to whom she wants to say "I love you" after being separated for many years.

Of course, the song is directed at Yamabuki because of the Apollo situation, but he remains completely oblivious. He mistakenly thinks she is referring to a friend from middle school. Harem protagonists are notoriously dense, and there is unfortunately nothing we can do about it.

Later, Rikka performs an actual public concert. With the other girls appearing in the background for support, she fully overcomes her trauma and performs a fully voiced song that even earns her a first new fan. I was honestly impressed by the quality of the song. I wonder if this was an original piece developed for the anime or if the lyrics were taken from the manga.

Next week's episode will be the final one of this adaptation. My assumption is that it will cover more of the Apollo storyline while giving each of the heroines one last chance to shine. The mystery itself likely won't be solved, but the series should leave the door open for a second season or encourage viewers to read the manga.

It's not suspicious, totally passing through bishoujos that have nothing to do with you Rikka.

You can Rikka, we all believe in you. Good job cameraman by the way.

To be honest, while I am curious about the Apollo mystery, I am more interested in simply watching cute scenes of the various heroines striving for success in their respective fields. The most fun I have had so far was during the Iko episodes regarding the VTuber business. I hope this energy continues in the manga, which I will surely pick up in the coming weeks.