I finished the last arc of Natsuki Kizu’s given and it’s a testament on trying to move forward despite the anxieties you may face.

With Given potentially becoming a professional band, Ritsuka Uenoyama decides to help out a rival band called syh, led by Hiragi Kashima, as the latter wanted to perform a song that Mafuyu Sato’s ex-boyfriend, Yuki Yoshida, wanted to do. Tension arises between Mafuyu and Uenoyama as both appear to be going in totally different directions, music-wise. Mafuyu appears to lose his voice, but Uenoyama invites him to a concert that syh is peforming at. Uenoyama is determined to channel what Yuki wanted to play before he died. Mafuyu is hesitant in attending the concert because he feels that things will change so much and relationships could be shattered.

He tells a now-rejuvenated Ugetsu Murata, who has become a better person after finally breaking up with Akihiko Kaji,

“I’m afraid we’ll never be able to go back. When he talked to me about actually debuting, I was actually really, really happy. But if I choose music, I know I won’t be able to turn my back on it again. Even if that means sacrificing love.

And if I don’t choose music, I know, no matter what, that I won’t be able to face him exposed without it. I can see us breaking up either way. If I go to the concert now and listen to the music, I’ll decide to either abandon music or our relationship. I know it’ll drive me to a permanent decision.

Just like you had to choose between music and Kaji.”

Ugetsu replies.

“If that’s the issue, then you can’t go back either way. Regardless of what you choose or don’t choose, everything is going to change. Even this moment right now. There’s no going back the way you came. Besides, choosing to stand in the same place is draining too.

So anyway, what I recommend is to go as far as you can!”

While Mafuyu continues to hesitate, Ugetsu goes on to say.

“Also Mafuyu, haven’t you forgotten about his feelings? Before you go deciding everything on our own, maybe you should hear what he has to say.

But…you’ve given this a lot of thought on your own, Mafuyu. And that’s pretty damn amazing.”

Once at the concert, Mafuyu becomes scared, but once he sees that Uenoyama perform the song that Yuki helped wrote, he finally admits that he wants to sing and still be in love. Mafuyu didn’t care anymore. With music, Mafuyu can always find a way to ease his grief and anxiety.

I know people talk about the point of no return when it comes to starting a relationship, but relationships often change drastically. I love the display of anxiety portrayed by Mafuyu. The person dealing with it often believes they’re the only one who has to deal with it themselves. They don’t try to talk to a supportive partner/friend about it because they’re afraid of being criticized. They’re not sure that they understand their concerns.

You never know until you ask. But the asking is always the hardest part. And the future is always scary.

But recently, I wonder how scary will the future actually be. Sometimes, people do say some outlandish things about how bad things can get. Yeah, it will be bad. And I believe that people are more resilient with the help of those around them. Just like Uenoyama being there for Mafuyu. Reading the final arc of given makes me realize how much people can be inspired to take on anything when people come together to do activities like create music.

We need those types of communal activities in a world that wants to devalue art and portray people as entirely cruel. Communal activities heal so much pain. Let the love for music remain, right?

What should be given is how loosely tied together we are all. We’re all living with fears and anxieties. And we deserve to be given chances to hear compassionate words that recognize our innermost vulnerability and propel us to move forward with joy and no regret.

Change is inevitable, but suffering shouldn’t be a given.

Also, what an incredible manga. given is such a wonderful series. I highly recommend reading all 9 volumes.