Yes, he loves Emilia, but there’s more to it than that.
Spoilers ahead!
Summary:
Fans often wonder why Subaru didn’t run away with Rem in Episode 18 of Re:Zero.
Subaru loves Emilia — and it would also have made no sense for him to choode Rem from a thematic standpoint.
Rem fans still have some hopes.
The first season of Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- (Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu) was one of the most discussed anime of its year — and cemented the anime’s position as one of the most iconic isekai series. Perhaps the biggest divide between fans, though, was the Emilia vs Rem argument.
Both were introduced as potential love interests for Subaru (although it took some time for Rem to get there), but Subaru himself is mostly focused on Emilia.
That said, one of the most iconic moments in the anime was Episode 18 — where Rem offers Subaru to forget everything and just run away together, proclaiming her love for him. Subaru, however, declined — and fans wondered why.
Obviously, Subaru loves Emilia
Well, on paper, it’s very simple: Subaru is in love with Emilia (the “I love Emilia” line became a huge meme for a while). Running away with Rem would have doomed her to failure and very likely eventual death, and it’s not something he could have accepted. Especially not after trying so hard to help her.
Subaru clearly cares about Rem as well — as a friend, at least. It is even hinted in further seasons that he might actually consider her more than a friend, which complicates the matter even more. Him still not picking Rem in that situation only further shows his determination, but it is even more complicated than that.
It would make no sense for him to pick Rem
Essentially, choosing Rem at that point symbolizes giving up and leading a life of illusionary happiness. Rem represents the idea of a perfect girlfriend/wife who will love you no matter what.
While that certainly is appealing, it’s not something Subaru would have ever settled for. Ironically, Subaru’s decision at that point was part of the reason Rem ended up in coma later in the series — which added more to the drama.
Rem fans still have hope
It’s not all lost for Rem fans, however. Re:IF kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu is a short (one volume) light novel set in the alternate universe where Subaru did choose Rem. While it is obviously non-canon, at least Rem got Subaru to answer her feelings in at least one universe (although the ending for that is still bittersweet).
Furthermore, some speculate about a harem ending in the main series — or at least, an ending with both Emilia and Rem as partners for Subaru. While this decision would undoubtedly be controversial, it’s not completely out of the question, especially with Rem’s current status in the series.
Who would you prefer for Subaru to end up with?
Yes, he loves Emilia, but there’s more to it than that.
Spoilers ahead!
Summary:
Fans often wonder why Subaru didn’t run away with Rem in Episode 18 of Re:Zero.
Subaru loves Emilia — and it would also have made no sense for him to choode Rem from a thematic standpoint.
Rem fans still have some hopes.
The first season of Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- (Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu) was one of the most discussed anime of its year — and cemented the anime’s position as one of the most iconic isekai series. Perhaps the biggest divide between fans, though, was the Emilia vs Rem argument.
Both were introduced as potential love interests for Subaru (although it took some time for Rem to get there), but Subaru himself is mostly focused on Emilia.
That said, one of the most iconic moments in the anime was Episode 18 — where Rem offers Subaru to forget everything and just run away together, proclaiming her love for him. Subaru, however, declined — and fans wondered why.
Obviously, Subaru loves Emilia
Well, on paper, it’s very simple: Subaru is in love with Emilia (the “I love Emilia” line became a huge meme for a while). Running away with Rem would have doomed her to failure and very likely eventual death, and it’s not something he could have accepted. Especially not after trying so hard to help her.
Subaru clearly cares about Rem as well — as a friend, at least. It is even hinted in further seasons that he might actually consider her more than a friend, which complicates the matter even more. Him still not picking Rem in that situation only further shows his determination, but it is even more complicated than that.
It would make no sense for him to pick Rem
Essentially, choosing Rem at that point symbolizes giving up and leading a life of illusionary happiness. Rem represents the idea of a perfect girlfriend/wife who will love you no matter what.
While that certainly is appealing, it’s not something Subaru would have ever settled for. Ironically, Subaru’s decision at that point was part of the reason Rem ended up in coma later in the series — which added more to the drama.
Rem fans still have hope
It’s not all lost for Rem fans, however. Re:IF kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu is a short (one volume) light novel set in the alternate universe where Subaru did choose Rem. While it is obviously non-canon, at least Rem got Subaru to answer her feelings in at least one universe (although the ending for that is still bittersweet).
Furthermore, some speculate about a harem ending in the main series — or at least, an ending with both Emilia and Rem as partners for Subaru. While this decision would undoubtedly be controversial, it’s not completely out of the question, especially with Rem’s current status in the series.
