REVIEW: ‘My Happy Marriage’ Episode 13 – “The Shape of My Happiness” (OVA)

The day finally came in My Happy Marriage Episode 13, “The Shape of My Happiness,” from Kinema Citrus. Miyo (Reina Ueda, Blue Box) faces her first party appearance after all her etiquette lessons with Hazuki (Yôko Hikasa, Is it Wrong to Try to Pick up Girls in a Dungeon?). With her supportive fiance Kiyoka (Kaito Ishikawa, Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpei) at her side, it’s time to see all her hard work pay off. But there is more waiting for the happy couple than polite conversation as secrets come to light, bringing new information about Miyo and what led to her life unfolding as it has.

My Happy Marriage Episode 13 picks up with Miyo as she mentally prepares for the imminent party. Decked out in a lovely white dress, she is anxious despite all the preparations she has put into this moment. Fears of messing up or disappointing Kiyoka weigh heavily on her mind. Luckily, the ever-supportive Hazuki arrives to give her some final reassurances and one last slight push out the door.

These opening moments instantly reestablish Miyo’s character for the audience. Miyo’s timidity is on full display as she prepares for her social debut. The deep, supportive bond she formed with her future sister-in-law is also immediately visible, and it will come back into play an important part as the episode unfolds.

Once Miyo arrives at the party hall, she is greeted by her husband, who always appears awestruck by the glowing image of his bride-to-be. A sweet yet awkward interaction between the two as they prepare to ascend the stairs and introduce Miyo to the social scene brings back every cute moment they shared. Despite all the confidence Kiyoka shows in every other circumstance, he still struggles to handle the beauty and warmth he finds in Miyo. His continued awe of her is a lovely way to reintroduce his character.

My Happy Marriage Episode 13 follows the duo briefly as they navigate the party. Despite all her fears, Miyo is shown to perform commendably as she greets her fellow party-goers. While navigating the floor, she runs Hazuki, introducing Miyo to her son, Asahi. Despite Miyo’s attempts to welcome Asahi, the boy speaks rudely to her, harshly criticizing her manners. Hazuki seems surprised at her son’s behavior, indicating that this is not normal.

After some hobnobbing, Miyo and Kiyoka are asked out to a patio to join a special guest. There, they find Takaihito (Akira Ishida, Raven of the Inner Palace), who looks to share some vital information regarding Miyo’s life and the behind-the-scenes machinations that drove some of the critical events of the show’s first season.

The information Takaihito provides brings some important context for the viewer and Miyo and Kiyoka. The explanations about the hows and whys that Takaihito’s father manipulated the course of events as he did provide some new information, as well as remind viewers of what happened in the larger plot of season one, refreshing their memories for the upcoming sophomore run.

There is a lot of tension built up throughout this scene. Despite most of the information discussed dealing with the past, there is a strong sense that the matters explored here will continue to impact Miyo’s future. Ishida does a wonderfully nuanced job creating Takaihito’s voice. Sincere in his apologies for his father’s actions, there is also a discernable edge to his words that helps convey the ongoing importance of the matters at hand.

Once the Takaihito departs, the couple finds themselves again navigating the party floor. When Miyo runs into Asahi, she tries once more to be welcoming to him. Her kindness doesn’t have the desired effect, as it causes the boy to panic and attempt to flee. When he accidentally knocks into another attendee, he spills his drink all over Miyo’s white dress.

Once Hazuki has a chance to help Miyo clean up, she confronts Asahi about his behavior. This leads to My Happy Marriage Episode 13‘s most touching moment. Asahi reveals that he doesn’t like Miyo. He sees her as someone who takes his mother away. Asahi has become jealous of Miyo by occupying her time, thinking his mother cares more about her than him.

How Hazuki approaches her son’s misconceptions about the situation is writing perfection. Rather than simply reassuring him, she takes him through a brief thought exercise to not only explain Miyo’s part in her life but also create a comparison that Asahi can understand. This allows Asahi to come to the conclusion he needs to naturally rather than just be given an answer.

This moment also shines because Hazuki calls Miyo her sister. Despite no blood bond, Hazuki has come to see Miyo as family. This declaration has a huge visual impact on Miyo, as she affirms that she shares those feelings for Hazuki as well.

With the party over, My Happy Marriage Episode 13 sees Miyo and Kiyoka at home as they begin another ordinary day. Before Kiyoka can head off to work, they receive some unexpected company. These final moments feel like a setup for future events.

Once the guests are dealt with, Kiyoka departs for work, but not before sharing a heartfelt goodbye with Miyo. The mix of reserved action and powerful intent as Kiyoka gently kisses Miyo’s forehead as he says goodbye perfectly delivers the duo’s dynamic just in time for the credits to roll.

My Happy Marriage Episode 13 delivers a strong refresher for the series’ plot and characters. With the second season on the horizon, it should serve as a wonderful appetizer to hold over the audience until they can get the full course when season two drops.

My Happy Marriage Episode 13 is streaming now on Netflix.