My point of view of the ending
So these are my two cents of thinking; i have been watchting the ending a few times - and this is my conclusion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tWWCIiPFIc&feature=related
So when they sit at the lake, you can feel that this is their last moment together. When Makoto tells about the painting, she wants to reassure Chiaki, that the painting - which is dear to him- will be fine.
It's like saying: I will take care of what you find so dear - So that's already a step towards Chiaki.
Then Chiaki tells he never intented to stay that long, but unexpectely CHOSE to stay (because he found friendship with Kousuke, and love with Makoto). He doesn't say it directly - but he already confessed it on the bike ride. Makoto then is dissapointed he doesn't straight out tells her he likes her.
So she turns away from him, and you can tell he cares about what she thinks of him ( repeatingly saying; 'What did I say??'). If he didn't care about Makoto, it wouldn't bother him AT ALL what he told her any moment.
Then some kids start to yell 'A Couple'. You can tell from their gestures they don't LAUGH IT AWAY, yet don't deny it. Doesn't that resemble soon-to-be couples who are at the pre stadium of their infatutation? :)
Someone told in previous threads that it could be possible that Chiaki FORGOT that he loves Makoto, but that's clearly not what's happening in this end sequel.
From the start of the scene, you can tell the regrets in their silence because they have to say goodbye.
That you don't REMEMBER what you have told someone, doensn't IMPLY at all that you DON'T have feelings for that person.
Then later he wants to tell Makoto something already a long time - you can literally SEE the sweat on his face, his clumsy gesture, implying he is nervous - characterized as this cool nonchalant guy throughout the movie, why would he be nervous if that's not something dear to him what he wants to say? Then he hesitates, and says this shallow thing about racing to break the tension.
Wasn't he wanting to say. "You ... mean a lot to me?" (2.06 in the given youtube movie).
So in the end, he comes back (yay!!), takes her to him, waits and then says: "I'll be waiting for you in the future"..!!
Some say it's added and the author never intended. So if this is never intended.. then WHY is it animated?? You can see it's drawn (and not only spoken). So I think this is the glimpse of hope the author gave us.
They do love each other. Chiaki is more considerate, and knows Makoto regrets her decisions, and tells her to move on with her life.. and one day, THEY WILL MEET.
If you analyse his character, i don't think he will the type of guy who will give false hope; if he has the guts to leave, then he should be honest too; if he would never see her again, and knew it; he would say: "Take care."
"I'll be waiting in the future." definitely has a different meaning and weight- and i can only imply it means:
1. Yes they will meet, but also
2. Go on with your life (don't wait), and then we will meet.
To my opinion this the most endearing, natural anime i have seen in my life. And i have never took the effort to read so much about an animé, let alone write this point of view of mine.
Loved/love this animé. It's definitely my my favorite animé.
- please forgive my English if I made some dumb faults.