There are two main differences that makes this anime stand out and they are fairly simple ones. The age of the characters and the focus on a different part of the relationship other than the "leading up to it". We have 4 characters split into two couples, all in their mid-late 20s, working office jobs. One couple is still in its infancy and the other which while not stated, is going on for about 8-9 years minimum. Already, feels pretty fresh compared to most others. And the show capitalizes on that by focusing mostly on these two couples and their interactions. (There is a third couple developing, but since it wasn't fully realized it wont be mentioned. It's a shame, as I feel, it was a real wasted opportunity to add a third party of a younger relationship-to-be still trying to figure stuff out ALONGSIDE the others would have had a nice contrast).
Character wise, splitting the cast again by couples, we have care-free Narumi and silent Hirotoka, and on the other side we have the two headstrong Hanako and Kabakura. As if by MERE CHANCE, the two personalities are made to be complete opposites while the other two to mirror each other (at least, it's what it seems at first). They all have the "otaku lifestyle" as a common denominator, though the show goes out of its way to prove that even that isn't a simple tag you can put on someone and instantly say you are a match. Again, deliberate choices in my opinion to flesh out these otherwise stale tropes of typical otaku. While on the subject of characters specifically, I wanna focus on Hirotoka, as he is given a lot more backstory and character motivation. While this could have been a hinderance to the show and its tone, I feel personally that it is done beautifully. Despite what he may give off in the beginning (silent, cool, maybe boring and predictable main protagonist), he is what I would describe as a near perfect representation of the type of character he is trying to represent. Not awkward, easily flustered or anti social man, but just a person that is less outward emotionally. He is still very proactive, even more than the Narumi at first, being the one to make the first move and the one to try and address the problems that begin to arise. He genuinely cares and tries for the relationship in his own way. And the backstory he is given just adds a lot onto that and, in my opinion, make him very relatable, more so than other characters of his type in anime. I'd honestly rank him as one of my favorite anime characters (not really a big list but STILL). I don't wanna get too much more into it, since spoiling more would spoil a lot of the show and its great character moments.
Broadening the scope again, the great moments don't stop there. Since the show is slice of life, it jumps from one character interaction to the next and they are for the most part solid. I guess, you could say that it has it easy, not having to build an actual story, but I have yet to see many anime hit that same note of relatability in some aspects of relationships. Focusing on the more mature couple to begin with, I have seen many people just describe it as toxic. Obviously they have had little experience in what relationship actually are. We are talking about two people who 've know each other from high school and stayed together till present day while working at the same job on top of that. Merely imaging how hard that would be gives me chills. I guess many have only seen cute moments of relationships as reference, but in reality, being in one, especially for that long, you are going to be subject to a lot of fighting even about trivial things. Things like wanting to share some more interests of the other person (even somewhat forcefully), just spending quality time together, or even wondering if all this time together was spent for nothing and the other person simply tolerated you for this long. I have never seen an anime (again to be clear, that is a very short list) portray these problems before. And it's because you can actually see all these bad times, that the sweet moments hit all the better. Jumping to the newer couple, the anime takes very much the same steps to feel real and relatable. Questioning what the other person is actually thinking, since you 've yet to know him well, comparing with previous relationships, having a hard time figuring how to spend quality time together after wearing down the one thing that connected you. Even having awkward intimate moments (more than once with no "ok we got it now" the next second), and it is played more for the real moment it is rather than just a joke. Things like worry, jealousy, awkwardness even fear is present in all characters regardless of their personality. It's honestly really refreshing to see.
Looking to the more technical production side of things, animation and music. Truthfully, there is nothing to right about. Animation is mediocre with no really amazing shots and visual comedy through smart animation is kept at a minimum. Music, other than that damn catchy opening, is again nothing to write home about. I barely noticed the music and going back to actually pay attention to it, I wasn't really impressed. As always, it's a really shame to see, especially in the music department, but I didn't feel like it hurt the show, so I am just going to leave it at that.
I left this last part for...last.. because it's more of a personal thing (MORE SO THAN THE REST OF THIS REVIEW, I guess). I didn't start watching this show because of the otaku couples, it wasn't what personally drove me to watch it. And many mentioned anime characters, I had to google, and many reference mentioned probably flew over my head. It was more of an "cute couples do cute things" ™ show for me. The common interest was just that, an interest the characters shared. Compared to them, I d probably be considered a "Naoya". And I feel like that's completely fine. For me, it was more about the couples than the common interest they had and the show I feel does try to nudge you into that direction, showing how even they, had trouble agreeing on things or sharing the more specific aspects of "being nerdy". Going through the recommendations for this show, most people choose to associate this show with others mostly with otaku relationships. Personally, I do not think that this is the main selling point of this anime and it's rather than a hook to get more people to see it.
To leave with an ending note, I really liked like the show. I rated it higher than many others on my list because of how relatable and fresh it felt. Many others probably will not feel this way or might enjoy this show for some other respectable reasons. Either way, I feel like it's a rather underrated little anime, that most should watch to get a more real, but still "cute and fluffy" view of what relationships entail.
