This season has to be watched as a standalone. Forget about Maki from season one before you come into this. Once you've done that, you'll be able to enjoy this season for what it is.

This season has better characterization. Haruta is much more likable and not as selfish as he was in season one. He is more communicative and more aware of his feelings. Kurosawa is lovable and endearing in this season and the writers have done away with his stalkerish behavior from season one. Even the new characters like Naruse, Shinomiya and Hina are well written. All of them grow, overcome their fears and develop along with the story.

What I liked most about this story is that you'll not realize until the very last episode who Haruta will end up with. There is no single couple you'll be rooting for. All the characters are nicely crafted that you'll end up rooting for their happiness, irrespective of who they end up with.