Let me explain; The first two or so episodes don’t represent Mei’s love interest Yamato properly at all.
He seems very commanding, controlling and just an asshole, doing things because he "feels like it". It didn’t really make sense to me why she would like him.
However, after those initial episodes he’s quite different and likeable enough at least. My main complaint is that the first handful of episodes are not consistent with it’s tone and the show feels kinda seedy but then shifts into feeling like a mature consistent shoujo romance anime.
The story is very similiar to Kimi ni Todoke in that there are even characters that are basically the same roles. Except this show is played more straight with less comedy. It’s a slightly more mature show overall. The nasty characters are nastier and the demons everyone carries are lot more mature than KnT.
Mei is a cool main character. She is comparable to Sawako of KnT in that she’s a shy socially inept girl brought out of her shell by her love interest. But they’re different. Sawako’s struggle with social interactions stems from everyone misunderstanding her for a long time. Mei hates everybody, she doesn’t trust anybody. And is reluctant to accept Yamato's friendship.
In some ways I appreciate Mei more. She feels more real than Sawako, however, comparatively Sukitte Ii Na yo is a more serious romance to KnT a comedy romance.
The story wraps up fine. I was satisfied with it. I was pretty satisfied with Megu’s story arc especially. I think every backstory was interesting except Yamato’s, I didn’t really care but it was also told during the moment of inconsistency so.
I don’t know if I can recommend it based on those first few episodes though because i can totally see people just dropping it. If you’re willing to tough out the weird seediness in the first few episodes that disappears you might enjoy it. But overall I think Kimi ni Todoke is a more enjoyable iteration of a similar story. So unless you finish Kimi ni Todoke and really want a similar premise, just watch Kimi ni Todoke.
I’d probably rate the show a 5 in the first few epsiodes and then a 7 when the consistency kicks in.
