Tonari no Kaibutsukun

Adding up to my list of favorite animes and things that gives me inspiration these days, Tonari no Kaibutsukun is based originally on the manga created by Robico. I like the chemistry between the two lead characters, Yoshida Haru and Mizutani Shizuku. Both of them are weird, but the guy is really interesting in a bizarre kind of way. Haru, is a trouble magnet, he glares at people and is often misconceived by his classmates as scary and mean, however, behind his tough exterior he is actually smart, caring and sweet, and has a special fondness for sheltering stray animals. The girl on the other hand, Shizuku, is a diligent student whose only concern in life is to study and to be on the top of her class; she is indifferent and doesn't care what people think or say about her . What I love about this anime is the imperfection of the characters. Both Haru and Shizuku are smart, and yet when it comes to the matters of the heart they are clueless and ill-equipped to deal with their own feelings. The anime also shows us the story behind their dysfunction, without giving in to the trappings of a romantic drama, rather it focuses on the fun of life, having friends, the joy and complexities of falling in love.