ORESUKI: Are you the only one who loves me?

"ORESUKI: Are you the only one who loves me?" plunges viewers into a hilariously convoluted romantic comedy, masterfully produced by studio CONNECT in 2019. This anime skillfully blends ecchi, romance, and slice-of-life elements, offering a refreshing and subversive take on the typical harem narrative. At its core is Amatsuyu Kisaragi, affectionately known as Joro, a high school boy whose outwardly sweet and innocent demeanor cleverly masks a cunning and decidedly perverted inner personality. Joro's meticulously crafted plan to secure a girlfriend takes an unexpected and ironic turn when both his spirited childhood friend, Aoi Hinata (Himawari), and the dignified student council president, Sakura Akino (Cosmos), separately confess their affections—not for him, but for his seemingly perfect best friend, Taiyo Ooga (Sun). Faced with this unforeseen twist, Joro, ever the strategist, feigns selfless support, helping both girls pursue Sun, all while secretly plotting to claim the affections of the one who is inevitably left behind. The arrival of Sumireko Sanshokuin (Pansy), a gloomy yet sharp-witted library assistant, further complicates his elaborate scheme. Pansy, uniquely perceptive, sees through Joro's facade and is drawn to his true, manipulative self, setting up a captivating dynamic that adds significant depth to the intertwining relationships. Set within a vibrant modern high school, the anime cleverly plays with audience expectations by portraying its protagonist not as a conventional hero, but as an anti-hero navigating the treacherous waters of adolescent romance with an abundance of humor and dramatic flair. The character interactions are rich and well-developed, brilliantly exploring themes of friendship, deception, self-awareness, and the often-hilarious pursuit of genuine connection.

"ORESUKI: Are you the only one who loves me?" stands out as a brilliantly executed romantic comedy that artfully subverts the most common harem and romance clichés. Studio CONNECT's animation is a visual delight, presenting crisp, clean visuals that perfectly capture the series' comedic timing and the nuanced emotional expressions of its diverse cast. Character designs are notably expressive, allowing each personality to shine, from Joro's devilishly gleeful internal monologues to Pansy's understated yet poignant reactions. The voice acting is equally exceptional; Daiki Yamashita delivers a masterful performance as Joro, seamlessly transitioning between his endearing public persona and his calculating inner strategist. Mai Fuchigami's portrayal of Pansy, with her dry wit and perceptive observations, provides a perfect, compelling foil to Joro, making their verbal sparring a consistent highlight. The entire ensemble cast contributes significantly, bringing depth and humor that makes each character feel distinct and memorable. The narrative pacing is remarkably balanced, expertly weaving together the unfolding romantic entanglements with Joro's intricate internal machinations and strategic planning. Each episode builds effectively on the last, maintaining a continuous sense of anticipation and surprise as the complex plot unravels. Character development, particularly for Joro and Pansy, is surprisingly robust for the genre, offering significant thematic depth through their evolving understanding of themselves and each other. ORESUKI excels in its thematic exploration, deftly dissecting the superficiality of appearances versus the complexity of true identity and genuine affection. It challenges viewer expectations by presenting a protagonist who actively manipulates situations, yet ultimately embarks on a journey of self-discovery regarding genuine connection. This thoughtful blend of comedy, drama, and light ecchi is handled with maturity, resulting in an anime that is not only profoundly entertaining but also refreshingly thought-provoking.