It's a decent at most. I just fail to see, why others give it such high praise. If you enjoy, ‘Rom-Com; than this is for you. Be warned 'Abuse' and 'Odd' situations ahead. I’m a bit dumbfounded how I wasn’t able to enjoy. I love Romances but when watching this one, I found myself struggling at times and leaving briefly hoping I'd enjoy it later. The first episode was a great step forward towards on establishing a relationship but only took more steps back if anything. Never doing anything.
A bit of spoilers a head. Gomensai. Read at your own risk.
Story: 6
The show is centered on Haru and Shizuku as they form a peculiar friendship of their own. From episode one, we're told Haru has a thing for Shizuku. Insisting to her that he ‘Loves’ her. Only to get rejected right there and then. There was no establishment that they were even good friends before hand but it was promising start nonetheless. As we got to see how their bond and relationship beginnings to form and unfold before our eyes. Both of them are stubborn as they try to come out their shells while making friendships with their classmates mainly Masahiro and Sasahara. I'm left at awe at times how some of the side characters fall in love with others just because of a simple action or meaningless small talk.
When others try to give advice to Shizuku and Haru, I fail to see where they’re coming. Feels forced, in hopes of only advancing the main love interest. There were cringe worthy moments, that could be questioned as abusive. Just a heads up.
Art & Sound: 7 | 6
The animation does have it's drop in qualities but it isn't too apparent. I like the characters designs for just about everyone, giving them all a distinct look. It's music does fit the tone at times during it's more dramatic situations which I found to be pleasant. However, the Opening and Ending OST aren’t really all that great in my opinion.
Characters: 5
Haru is the most intriguing character from the start and the driving force of the show. Lively, hot-headed, with a full head of steam. It's surprising how they don't address the fact that he enjoys, beating and wealing on others. That should have been more of focus rather than comedic relief. I didn't find it that funny, when he wailed on some people, which included his love interest at times.
Furthermore, Haru can be so dense and gullible. It blows my mind how a prodigy when it comes to exams can be like that. He’s always seems to make act without giving it much thought on how it might affect others.
Shizuku is the studyholic placing it above anything or anyone else. Let it be family or friends, studying comes first. Through the progression of the show, she opens up to others but has great difficulty when it comes to Haru. She can’t seem to figure him like her homework problems; they’re are simple while he’s a complex problem to her.
Sadly, I didn't find the side characters all that appealing. None then did anything to stick out. All were bland and poorly written. We have Natsume who the ‘Baka’ and the annoyance of the show. Due to her poor choices of posting on internet forums. Sasahara is just their to give advice if anything else while being a comedy relief. The show didn’t let the side characters develop at all that much.
Enjoyment: 5
I found myself trying to watch this anime but had myself struggling often at times. The most I got out of it were from Haru goofy actions and behavior.
Final Thoughts/Overall: 5
If you want an unfinished Anime than this is the one for you. It a poor adaption which was made for watchers to read the Manga. It only rose questions like, "Will those two end up together?". Nothing was ever adress through the series. It set itself up for a Season 2 that won't likely come.
