The story of Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You Season 1 Episode 1 begins on July 1, 2020, a day that marks the seventeenth birthday of Mizuha, a high school second-year student who finds herself experiencing what seems to be the worst birthday ever. The world around her feels particularly challenging, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic casting a shadow over her teenage dreams. All her anticipated school events – club tournaments and school trips – have been canceled, leaving her feeling disappointed and frustrated.

Mizuha’s birthday starts with a profound sense of disappointment. Her parents have seemingly forgotten it’s her special day, which adds to her mounting sense of disillusionment. The teenage dream of having a memorable, exciting youth seems to be slipping away, replaced by the mundane and restrictive realities of life during a global pandemic. She feels like she’s missing her chance to get close to an older student she admires, further compounding her sense of missed opportunities.

What makes the narrative interesting is the dynamic of Mizuha’s childhood relationships. The story revolves around her and four childhood friends who have grown up together like family. These childhood connections provide a unique backdrop to her current emotional landscape. Among these friends is Mizuki, who unexpectedly declares himself a candidate to be her boyfriend – a development that adds an intriguing layer of complexity to their long-standing friendship.

The setting of the story is particularly noteworthy. Set in the summer of 2020, the narrative captures a very specific moment in recent history – a time of global uncertainty, social distancing, and interrupted teenage experiences. The pandemic serves not just as a backdrop but almost as a character itself, influencing the emotional and social interactions of the young protagonists.

Mizuha’s character is portrayed as someone grappling with typical teenage expectations and the sudden, unexpected disruptions caused by global events. Her disappointment isn’t just about missed birthday celebrations, but about a broader sense of lost potential. The youth she had imagined – filled with exciting school events, social interactions, and memorable moments – seems to be evaporating before her eyes.

The introduction of Mizuki as a potential romantic interest adds a sweet and unexpected twist to Mizuha’s birthday narrative. His declaration of being a boyfriend candidate suggests a potential transformation of their long-standing friendship into something more romantic. This development introduces an element of hope and potential excitement into what initially seemed like a completely disappointing day.

The story hints at a deeper exploration of relationships that have grown and evolved over time. These are not strangers meeting, but childhood friends who know each other intimately. Mizuki’s sudden romantic proposition suggests a nuanced understanding of Mizuha that only comes from years of friendship. It’s a narrative approach that promises depth and authenticity in exploring young love.

The backdrop of the pandemic is particularly significant. By setting the story in July 2020, the series captures a universal experience of interrupted youth. Many teenagers worldwide were experiencing similar feelings of loss and frustration – missed milestones, canceled events, and a sense of time standing still. This makes Mizuha’s story not just a personal narrative, but a reflection of a generational experience.

The series seems poised to explore themes of friendship, unexpected love, resilience, and adaptation. How do young people form connections and pursue romantic relationships in a world suddenly constrained by health restrictions? How do long-standing friendships evolve into potential romantic relationships? These are the compelling questions that the first episode introduces.

Mizuha’s emotional journey in this episode is relatable and poignant. Her initial disappointment, the sense of a birthday going unnoticed, and the unexpected romantic possibility create a complex emotional landscape. It’s a nuanced portrayal of teenage emotions – the mix of frustration, hope, disappointment, and potential excitement that characterizes adolescent experiences.

The narrative also subtly touches on family dynamics. The fact that her parents seem to have forgotten her birthday adds another layer of emotional complexity. It suggests that Mizuha might be feeling somewhat overlooked or underappreciated, making Mizuki’s romantic declaration even more significant as a potential source of validation and connection.

By the end of the first episode, viewers are left with a sense of anticipation. What will happen between Mizuha and Mizuki? How will their long-standing friendship transform? How will they navigate potential romance during the challenging context of the pandemic? These questions are designed to draw viewers into the ongoing narrative.

The series appears to be more than just a typical romantic story. It’s a nuanced exploration of youth during an unprecedented global moment, examining how personal connections and emotions persist and evolve even in challenging circumstances. The combination of personal narrative and broader societal context makes the story both intimate and universally resonant.

As the first episode concludes, it sets up a promising narrative arc. Mizuha’s journey from feeling disappointed and overlooked to potentially experiencing an unexpected romantic development creates an engaging emotional trajectory. The series seems committed to offering a sensitive, authentic portrayal of young love and friendship, set against the unique backdrop of the 2020 pandemic.