There’s definitely a character class of these shows this season. Relatively under the radar formula romcoms with modest productions and, generally, a fair bit of positivity. I’d even go so far as to say there’s a good bit of thematic overlap with Class de 2-banme ni Kawaii Onnanoko to Tomodachi ni Natta. I do sort of like that one, but on balance I think Otaku ni Yasashii Gal wa inai!? is probably the best of the bunch so far. It’s pretty much a collection of familiar anime tropes (most of the group is, really) but it’s executed quite well.

What makes this work for me, I think, is that it seems pretty realistic that Amane and Ichiji would wind up liking Seo-kun even if the premise smacks of wish-fulfillment. Why? Amane is a dork and nerd generally, and recognizes a fellow traveler. And Ichiji is just overall incredibly chill and whimsical. Also, Takuya is not a loser and a mope – he gets pretty forceful when the situation invites it. The reality is, even in high school there’s no hard and fast rule that because someone is hot they have to be a douchebag. Sometimes they can actually be nice, and the two girls in this case are believably so.

The other thing I like is how the huge gap in personality – especially between Seo and Kotoko – plays out quite organically. She’s extremely outgoing and not at all freaked out by closeness and contact and he’s- not. I don’t think Seo is a true introvert in the sense of someone like Maehara in Class de 2-banme (more just lonely), but he’s very unused to that sort of thing. As in “totally” where girls are concerned. Ichiji does enjoy ruffling his feathers – and Amane’s too – but mostly she’s just being herself and it never occurs to her that she’s a bit much for him.

Kei continues to try and pretend she’s not a “Glittermon” (and the evidence increasingly suggests general) otaku. But Kotoko surely knows (and doesn’t care), and Takuya is wearing her down. The “Minsta” connection is the greatest threat to her plausible deniability. Upon learning that he draws “Glittermon” fanart Kei dogpiles on Kotoko’s suggestion that they visit his house, which leads to all sorts of awkward moments for Seo both during and after their visit. Kotoko asking him which one of them was his type was the closest things have gotten to actual bullying behavior, but I confess I’m sort of curious to hear his answer.

Ichiji, as it turns out, has a sort of secret life too, though it’s not entirely clear why she feels it should be. She has a pair of little brothers she looks after, and after running into Takuya at the supermarket (where he finds the elusive “Glittermon” pillowcases – this kid has crazy otaku luck) sans her usual makeup and presentation, she swears him to secrecy. Including with Amane, meaning she doesn’t talk about her home life even with her best friend. Is there more to this story, or have we simply found the one thing she’s sort of uptight about?