“I loved you long before I had the guts to tell you”- William Chapman

This quote pretty much sums up the entirety of this premise. Adapted from Ganbare! Nakamura-kun!! by Syundei, the pilot episodes gleam over the main lead, Nakamura’s intense yet hidden unrequited love for his classmate, Hirose. The tone is hilarious with the main lead being a mixed bag of emotions. As he continously mentions, Nakamura is gay, quite shy and immeasurably in love with Hirose. The first two episodes depict his rather hilariously funny yet awkward attempts to make first contact with his love interest. The anime has a right balance of humor and satire. It leaves you entertained, as you can help but laugh at Nakamura’s funny antics.

The Storyline & Chemistry-

Okuto Nakamura is a timid and gloomy-looking student who cherishes only two things in this world: his pet octopus and his kind-hearted classmate, Aiki Hirose. Ever since the school entrance ceremony, Nakamura has admired his jovial classmate, albeit from a distance due to his poor social skills. After mustering up all the courage within him, he finally decides to talk to Hirose. Unfortunately, he accidentally steps on Hirose’s handkerchief after mustering courage to talk to him.

While he is sitting defeated in their cooking class, Hirose and his other classmates find some octopuses in their kitchen sink. While everyone is disgusted by the octopuses, Nakamura bravely picks them up. Hirose follows his lead and plays with the octopuses. They get closer when Hirose approaches him, but their first conversation ends in a hilarious manner again.

In another attempt to talk to Hirose (without embarrassing himself), Nakamura’s seeks inspiration from his favorite BL manga “Love Lunches”. Shockingly, before he can make a move, an unlikely incident with a cockroach further damages his reputation and his manga is confiscated.

Right now, the episodes only gleam over Nakamura’s intense obsession about interacting with Hirose. He is shy and gets tongue-tied whenever he faces Hirose. Their various interactions end in humorous situations, leaving Nakamura embarrassed.

First Impressions

Nakamura is insanely hilarious, you find his antics amusing and hope that he finds a chance to talk to his love interest!!

Hirose is obviously unaware of Nakamura’s affections. His sexuality remains under wraps, so we can only second guess the consequences. But I’m guessing it will take a long time, before Nakamura actually gets his chance at having a decent conversation with Hirose, without embarrassing himself. I’m rooting for him, because he is so sincere about approaching Hirose at all costs. It is endearing and sweet!!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- Crunchyroll