wbweddle

The first 7 episodes were phenomenal; the pacing, the development, everything. But after that it kind of lost its touch. It focused too much on side characters that, in the end, didnt even have payoff. Honestly it couldve been 9 episodes, and it wouldve been perfect. Animation is great, writing is great, but left me disappointed, and it kinda felt like a chore watching past episode 7. I feel like this is the sweet spot though in terms of high school romances, not too bloated with little progression like Toradora, and not a bad ending like The Angel Next Door Spoils Me. But i would still prefer Toradora, as the side characters were more included, and the ending was better.

Toradora is definitely the best high school romance, though it lacks in a few aspects. Its animation is great, its characters are PHENOMENAL, but the pacing is just so meh. It has way too little development for the middle part of the show, with some events happening every 5 or so episodes. It really on picks up around wintertime, which I guess is why they needed to stretch it: to match the seasons and events and all. Great side character development that pays off as well, great additions to the story. Amazing last two episodes with a great post credit scene! Would really love to see a second season.

It was good until the end, the last episode really spoils it. There's not much buildup either, just abruptly ends and ruins it with bad pacing. I would rate it higher but there are so many better high school romance animes, like Toradora or Horimiya. And the writing is not that good either, and it has a lot of weak episodes (1,2,3,7,12). But i will give it props for having consistent development in the short run time that it has, unlike Toradora. It just doesn't have good payoff and left me feeling so unfulfilled. I expected a nice speech at the end by the MC too, but that was disappointing as well.