Ah, high school–that time of turbulent emotions, assignment deadlines, and lots and lots of free time. In a way, I was once a lot like Mizutani Shizuku, the protagonist for Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun. I cared mostly for grades and my student resume. I had my eyes set on the future, and I wanted my student life to appear full and inviting to college recruiters. Unlike Shizuku, I had my fair share of crushes through my four years of high school; I was just too awkward to pursue anyone, many of whom I had known since kindergarten. Past perceptions had me pegged as some kind of man-hater, that little girl who liked to kick boys in the shins. Although my former dislike was a far cry from Shizuku’s indifference, we still shared a growing desire to connect with others. And while she certainly comes a good distance in forming friendships and acknowledging her attractions to Haru, thirteen episodes and the multitude of see-sawing emotions made any sort of closure impossible.
