This is Youhei’s side of my discussion on the Sunohara siblings route. For my thoughts on Mei as a character, check this post instead.
Youhei is cocky, self-centered and stupid, so it’s no surprise that TomoyaNii likes to make him the butt of his sarcasm and practical jokes. By the time I reach his route, however, it’s plenty clear that Nii has every right to call him an idiot. He shows little consideration for the people he talks to, and seems to only think about his own welfare. Nii shows clear disgust at his behavior even though they are like-minded individuals.
So what does the Sunohara route do to amend this? Well, as I stated in my Mei post, absolutely nothing. Youhei still acts like a reckless, perverted, egotistical idiot at the end of everything, but everyone comes out with a deep respect for one another. It feels like, in the midst of all this, he feels more like a respectable friend to Nii (and by extension, myself as the reader). Although it’s difficult to see at first, he does care a lot for his sister and sees Nii as a trustworthy person, far more than he can claim himself to be. Most of his actions were for the sake of returning to the home he knew, until Nii came and changed his life. Through this revelation, their bond as more than acquaintances, less than friends suddenly becomes more relatable and heartwarming.
With this route done, I’ll do some Fuko Master cleanup before I do Koumura. I look forward to both of them~! ^^
