Anime romances often come with a set of predictable clichés that can frustrate viewers. A common trope involves a character’s struggle to admit their feelings, leading to a prolonged buildup where a couple’s first kiss remains an elusive goal until a climactic moment—if it happens at all. However, the latest anime titled Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You defies this pattern by allowing its protagonists, Kizuki and Mizuho, to share their first kiss by the end of the very first episode.
This bold narrative choice is quite rare in romance anime, where the characters’ “happily ever after”often hinges on their first confession of love. Traditional romantic plots usually dwell on the challenges posed by miscommunication and uncertainty about mutual feelings. With a kiss occurring so early in Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You, the question arises: what happens next? The series provides Kizuki and Mizuho ample opportunities to navigate their evolving relationship.
Breaking Clichés in Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You
Based on the Manga by Haruka Mitsui; Animated by Typhoon Graphics
In this series, Mizuho views Kizuki primarily as the annoying childhood friend she has always known him to be. The idea of romance seems utterly absurd to her; so much so that when Kizuki announces his feelings during a birthday celebration, Mizuho dismisses it as merely a joke. Even as the tension builds leading up to their first kiss, Mizuho consistently rejects Kizuki’s advances, highlighting her reluctance to see him in a romantic light.
Mizuho’s firm position against pursuing a romantic relationship with Kizuki is poised to create complications, especially since she has already harbored feelings for an upperclassman, which she confessed to earlier in the episode. This emotional baggage complicates her reaction to Kizuki’s confession—she is still reeling from her prior rejection, adding layers to the story.
The potential for a love triangle also looms large, particularly since Kizuki has warned the upperclassman to keep his distance from Mizuho. This setup creates an intriguing dynamic as viewers anticipate how these relationships will unfold.
Breaking the Mold: Fast-Paced Romance in Anime
Pucker Up, Boys and Girls
While it may seem unusual for romance anime to feature such a swift progression, Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You is not alone in its approach. Various anime have attempted to skip the slow-burn element of relationships, often showcasing kisses that occur quickly—whether accidental or under dramatic circumstances. A notable example is More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers, which controversially portrays a non-consensual kiss between the characters Yakuin and Watanabe.
Similarly, in Vampire Dormitory, a kiss during a fireworks display is later overshadowed by a bite, casting doubt on the true nature of the kiss. Such instances raise concerns about how romance is portrayed in contemporary anime.
Fans are hopeful that Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You will carve out a distinct narrative path for Kizuki and Mizuho, despite the rocky beginning of their romance. The challenge lies in how they navigate the fallout from their initial kiss, as Kizuki’s assertiveness has compromised Mizuho’s autonomy. This reluctance sets the stage for compelling drama and character development, ensuring that viewers remain engaged as the story unfolds.
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