I have been looking forward to episode 2 of Yano-kun’s Ordinary Days since last week. I could not stop thinking about this anime, and I guess it’ll be this way every week. It’s just such a cute premise that it’s impossible not to get obsessed with it. This week’s episode was filled with gags on gags, making for a great time as a viewer.
The Lunch Debacle
The first half of the episode focuses on Kiyoko wanting to improve Yano’s lunch break. Yano, being Yano, disaster strikes at every moment, and he can never properly finish his lunch. With the help of Mei and Tanaka, they all try different locations and lunch to help Yano. Ultimately, Kiyoko decides to make Yano lunch in order to ensure he can enjoy it. I love her determination because, while yes, she does like him, she also wants him to have a good time, crush or not.
This little arc was adorable. First of all, I love Tanaka being looped in with the shenanigans. He is so fun and easy-going, and I always appreciate characters like him. It wouldn’t be me if I didn’t ship him with Mei, of course. He’s just so goofy, and she’s a bit more serious; they balance each other well.
Mei, of course, continues to be THAT GIRL! She’s so willing to help Kiyoko in her quest to help Yano. I also love when Kiyoko and Yano were having a moment, she took Tanaka to the side so they could be alone-ish. A true friend reads the room and knows when to act to help you get what you want. I love to see it!
The Drawings
The second half of the episode probably has the funniest moment so far for me. In art class, everyone is tasked with drawing their seatmate. Yano and Kiyoko are sitting next to each other, which means they proceed to struggle for the entire class while trying to draw. Yano keeps hurting himself, and Kiyoko is too worked up about Yano to get her drawing done.
When class ends and they show their drawings, Kiyoko is freaking out over Yano seeing her drawing and realizing she has feelings for him. The reveal alone made me laugh hysterically. To no surprise, Yano turns his drawing around, and he’s drawn the sweetest picture of Kiyoko.
Something that Kiyoko thinks about a lot during this part of the episode is whether Yano realizes she has a crush on him. The closer she gets to him, the more she falls for him. Yano, on the other hand, is just a naturally sweet person who also has his guard up, so it is hard to tell. These little moments between them are done so well, and I am loving how Kiyoko and her crush are portrayed so far.
What’s Next for Yano-Kun’s Ordinary Days
I’m really digging that we can’t tell what Yano is feeling about Kiyoko. I think this wait gives us an opportunity to learn more about Kiyoko. She’s such a fun and interesting character so far. There’s just something so different to me about how her crush on Yano is portrayed. I think it’s in part due to her genuinely wanting to help him. Because even if she didn’t have a crush on him, I think she would still be determined to make sure he had a good high school experience. But adding the crush element gives that contrast of what she’s doing because of the crush and what she would have been doing anyway.
See you back here next week!
Yano-kun’s Ordinary Days is streaming on Crunchyroll, with new episodes on Tuesdays.
