Hello anime fans
So I recently came across an anime called I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class, and I won't even lie, the title alone got my attention, I was curious because it sounded like one of those typical school romance stories, but after watching it, I realized there was actually something sweet and relaxing about it.
The story follows a guy called Maki Maehara, Maki is the kind of person who mostly keeps to himself, He doesn't have many friends, he isn't popular, and he is basically expecting to spend another school year minding his business and staying in his little corner, seriously, I think a lot of us can relate to that feeling at some point in life.
Then one day, he unexpectedly meets Umi Asanagi, who happens to be one of the most popular girls in their class, Now if this was another anime, you would expect some dramatic encounter or some over the top romance immediately, but that is not really what happens here.
Instead, they discover that they actually have similar interests, they both enjoy things like movies and other hobbies that most people around them would not expect because of that, they slowly start spending time together and eventually become friends.
And honestly, that is what I liked most about this anime, It doesn't rush, Nowadays a lot of romance anime want to move very fast, before you know it, people are already confessing feelings after three episodes, this one takes its time, you get to watch two people genuinely get to know each other first.
I also liked how Umi wasn't written as just another "perfect popular girl." The more you see her, the more you realize she has her own personality outside of what everybody in school thinks about her, the same goes for Maki, at first he seems like your regular quiet protagonist, but as the story moves on, you start seeing more sides of him.
The conversations between them were actually one of my favorite parts, sometimes nothing major is happening, they are just talking, watching movies, hanging out, and somehow it still manages to be enjoyable, It feels natural.
And maybe that is why the anime works, not every story needs a world ending threat or some crazy tournament arc, sometimes it is just nice watching people connect with each other.
Another thing that I enjoyed in this anime was the atmosphere, the anime feels very calm, it is the kind of anime that you watch after a stressful day ,like when you just want something relaxing, there is no unnecessary drama every five minutes, indeed there are awkward moments, funny moments, and those little interactions that make you smile without you realising you are.
Of course, if you are looking for intense action, supernatural powers, or mind games like Classroom of the Elite,I can assure you that , this probably won't be your thing at all, this anime is more about friendship, relationships, and slowly just stepping outside your comfort zone.
And as someone who enjoys romance anime from time to time sometimes ,I found it refreshing, It just reminded me that some of the best relationships start from very simple conversations and of course shared interests.
So in all, I think that "I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class" is indeed a really nice watch and if you are looking for something wholesome and easygoing, It won't blow your mind with plot twists, but it has a lot of heart, and sometimes that is exactly what an anime needs.
For me, it is one of those animes that you put on expecting something simple, and before you know it, you are already invested.
Images Gotten from My Movie Box Player
Aikay馃懢
