Similarities

So I see that they’re similar in the sense that they both have a loved one who encourages their passions (music and fashion).

Kanade’s dad inspired her to make music whereas Mizusis encouraged her interest in fashion and cute things.

But then tragedy strikes: Kanade’s dad overworked himself to exhaustion and hospitalization while Mizusis had to leave to study abroad. In the end, they’re now alone— Mizuki becoming more socially isolated up until they met Niigo and the whole secret arc happens whereas Kanade becomes literally more reclusive; only going out when it’s necessary like visiting her father at the hospital.

They also foil Mafuena in the sense that mfen do not have parents who support their true ambition (art and nursing/music) yet found friends who truly care about them and aid them in improving and discovering themselves over time. Knmz both have loving and supportive families but end up being left alone; going out of their way to help others but never having felt/brought themselves to accept (esp in mzk’s case) that warmth and support again. (At least Ena5 has happened for Mzk; I’m not rlly sure about Knd from what I remembered)

“Punishment”

Kanade and Mizuki both have traumatizing events occur to them— both of which heavily influence the trajectory of their lives.

Kanade blames herself for her father’s ordeal— her song had gained him recognition yet that lead him to overworking himself. In the end, Kanade composes in hopes of saving people; she’s punishing herself for it and hopes to atone for it through saving others.

Hence why she was so hellbent on creating a song to save Mafuyu— despite the fact that the latter simply appreciates her support and company as it is.

Mizuki, on the other hand, is paranoid that the people she loves (Ena, Niigo) will turn against her when they discover her secret. And it drags on until she inevitably jinxes it herself. Once it happens, she jumps into the conclusion that Ena hates her— even if it was actually just a misunderstanding.

In Bake no Hana, the lyrics highlight this: “it’s cute, yet tastes of sin” and “to end the curse of being born, I will stop breathing…” Mizuki believes that these are the consequences of her own actions. Of living. Of being herself. And to atone for it she must “disappear”. (And she literally does. For two whole months)

Hitorinbo Envy

(This was something I thought of not too long after posting the original thread)

Mizuki and Kanade are chosen to sing the cover of Hitorinbo Envy. The song details a child whose parents are facing marital issues. As a result, the family grows apart, with the child longing to be happy with their parents again before deciding to take her own life. In the end, however, her parents finally take notice and save her, and they rejoice once more.

Sounds familiar?