Well, not often you start off a romcom with the protagonist narrating how messed up he is in the head as he thinks of killing his classmates and especially the class idol, though in retrospect it just sets up how much our main pair are two dorks
.
Because while Yamada is quite pretty (and tall! Wow!), she's actually pretty goofy, pigging out in the library, eating rice balls and speaking with her mouth full so cutely, and scrambling on a class project in an endearing way. And Ichikawa gets to see it for himself
!
Ichikawa thinks so sadistic and murderous when really he's super into the idea of Yamada having his box cutter and having held his box cutter...and knowing where his desk is. Oh yeah, she notices you buddy
.
Points to Ichikawa for noticing how hurt Yamada was when nobody else did and making himself standout to take the attention away from her...even if she'd almost immediately recovered by that point. She's quite the carefree and spirited girl, that one, and Hina Yomiya plays her very well
.
What I wouldn't give to have Yamada sit on my lap...even if her weight and height would probably kill my legs. But totally worth it
.
I admire Kanzaki's taste for girls with meat on their bones and his interest in Hara (Aki Toyosaki!!!) and I like how Yamada was eventually able to read the room and help these two bond even if it meant her and Ichikawa doing the most fake and realistic cat noises to simulate a cat couple fighting. I guess that's their first couple moment
?
Ichikawa changing into a pitch-perfect goth outfit to shop for Yamada's modeling magazine was absolutely perfect. Although Yamada one-upped him by trying to go "incognito" while still being so noticeable in that outfit because she wanted people to notice her so she could show off how she's in the magazine and actually sign it...which does not happen. What dorks
!
Ah, I see Ichikawa got some use out of that magazine (if you know what I mean)
.
I wasn't expecting Nobunaga Shimazaki. I don't like Hanyo though, he was really pushy about getting her LINE contact info even though it was obvious Yamada was getting uncomfortable with his attention. Luckily Ichikawa sacrificed his bike to distract everybody and get Yamada clear, and she not only noticed but seems more interested in him now
!
The Opening is a pretty serene and colorful theme, with plenty of visuals of Ichikawa and Yamada looking at each other while passing each other by, but eventually biking together! I can't wait to see these two grow close over time
!