Name: Watashi ga Motete Dousunda (Kiss Him, Not Me!)
Rating: 6.93

Synopsis

Prepare to dive headfirst into one of the most delightfully subversive, outrageously funny, and surprisingly heartfelt anime comedies of recent years! If you’re searching for an anime that flips romantic tropes on their head, celebrates otaku culture with unbridled glee, and delivers genuine laughs alongside moments of unexpected introspection, then you absolutely must add Watashi ga Motete Dousunda, also known as Kiss Him, Not Me, to your watch list immediately. This isn’t just another shojo series; it’s a vibrant, hilarious explosion of fujoshi dreams and real-world dilemmas, perfectly crafted to entertain both seasoned anime veterans and curious newcomers alike.

A Heroine Unlike Any Other

At the heart of this comedic masterpiece is Serinuma Kae, a second-year high school student who is, by all accounts, incredibly kind-hearted and utterly devoted to her otaku passions. But here’s the kicker, and what makes Kae so uniquely endearing: her ultimate obsession isn’t with a dashing anime hero or a pop idol. No, Kae is a proud, unapologetic fujoshi, a connoisseur of Boy’s Love, or BL. Her greatest joy comes from fantasizing about her male classmates forming romantic bonds with each other, imagining intricate scenarios of love and longing between them. This isn’t just a quirky hobby for Kae; it’s a fundamental part of her identity, a lens through which she views the world.

The Unseen World of a Fujoshi

Imagine living in a world where every interaction between two attractive young men sparks an entire narrative in your mind, where a shared glance or a casual touch ignites a full-blown romantic epic. That’s Kae Serinuma’s daily reality. Her inner monologue is a vibrant tapestry of fanfiction-worthy plots, and her emotional investment in these imagined pairings is profound. This deep dive into the fujoshi mindset is not only relatable for many fans but also provides an incredibly fresh perspective on the typical high school romance setup. She’s not looking for love for herself; she’s orchestrating it for others, at least in her head!

A Fan’s Heartbreak and a Sudden Change

Our story takes a dramatic, albeit hilarious, turn when Kae experiences the ultimate tragedy for any devoted fan: the sudden, unexpected death of her most beloved anime character. This isn’t a minor disappointment; this is a catastrophic, soul-crushing event that sends Kae into a spiral of despair. She becomes utterly despondent, unable to eat, unwilling to leave her room, and completely detached from the world. For an entire week, she wastes away, consumed by her grief, a testament to the profound emotional connection many otaku feel towards their fictional worlds.

The Butterfly Effect of Fandom Grief

What emerges from this week of self-imposed solitude and sorrow, however, is nothing short of astonishing. When Kae finally recovers enough to face the world again, something remarkable has happened. The significant amount of weight she lost due to her depression has transformed her. The once noticeably overweight Serinuma Kae has somehow become strikingly beautiful, a vision that catches the eye of everyone she encounters. It’s a classic anime transformation, born from the most unexpected and sorrowful of circumstances, setting the stage for an entirely new kind of chaos.

Unwanted Attention and a Harem of Her Own

Suddenly, Kae is no longer just the quiet, unassuming fujoshi in the background. Her newfound beauty makes her the undeniable center of attention, particularly for four of the most popular and attractive boys at her school—boys she’s always known, but never imagined would look twice at her. They are now all vying for her time, her affection, and her attention. This sudden shift in dynamic is where Watashi ga Motete Dousunda truly begins to shine, presenting Kae with a romantic predicament she never asked for, and frankly, doesn’t want, not in the traditional sense anyway.

The Reverse Harem with a Twist

This is where the genius of the anime truly lies. While Kae is now surrounded by a classic reverse harem of handsome suitors, her internal world remains unchanged. Her BL-obsessed self would much, much rather these four charming young men spend their time falling in love with one another than pursuing her. The hilarious conflict between her external reality and her internal desires creates an endless stream of comedic gold. Imagine being the object of desire for multiple attractive individuals, but all you can think about is how cute they would be if they just kissed each other!

Meet the Suitors: A Gallery of Potential Pairings

The four boys who become entangled in Kae’s new life are a diverse and charming bunch, each offering their own unique flavor to the reverse harem dynamic. There’s Igarashi Yuusuke, the sporty and popular type; Nanashima Nozomu, the slightly rough-around-the-edges bad boy; Shinomiya Hayato, the adorable tsundere underclassman; and Mutsumi Asuma, the kind, gentle, and utterly oblivious senpai. Each boy brings a different personality to the table, and Kae, with her fujoshi imagination running wild, is constantly pairing them up in her mind, much to the audience’s delight.

The Enduring Charm of Kae Serinuma

What makes Kae such a captivating protagonist is her unwavering authenticity. Despite her physical transformation, her core personality, her passions, and her fujoshi heart remain intact. She navigates this new world of unwanted romantic attention with a blend of genuine confusion, awkwardness, and an unshakeable dedication to her BL fantasies. Her reactions are always genuine, often over-the-top, and consistently hilarious, making her an incredibly relatable character for anyone who has ever felt their passions set them apart.

Beyond the Gags: Themes of Identity and Acceptance

While Watashi ga Motete Dousunda is undeniably a comedy, it also subtly explores deeper themes. It touches upon societal beauty standards and the superficiality of attraction, as Kae grapples with how dramatically people’s perceptions of her change based solely on her appearance. More importantly, it celebrates self-acceptance and the joy of embracing one’s unique interests, even if they’re considered niche or unconventional. Kae’s journey isn’t just about finding love; it’s about navigating her identity in a world that suddenly sees her differently, all while staying true to her wonderfully eccentric self.

Why You Absolutely Need to Watch This Anime

If you’re seeking an anime that offers a fresh, comedic take on the reverse harem genre, a heartfelt celebration of otaku culture, and a protagonist who is both hilariously relatable and inspiringly authentic, then Watashi ga Motete Dousunda is an absolute must-watch. It’s a show that will have you laughing out loud, rooting for Kae’s various imaginary pairings, and perhaps even reflecting on your own passions. It’s a vibrant, energetic, and genuinely clever series that proves that sometimes, the most interesting love stories are the ones you imagine for others. So, clear your schedule, prepare your snacks, and get ready to fall in love with Kae Serinuma and her wonderfully chaotic world!