Kubo-san Wa Mob Wo Yurusanai

There’s always that one person in class who has a very faint presence. Oh heck, how do we even know that person is there since we don’t even notice him/her to begin with? And so this is a case for a certain kid in high school. For some reasons, nobody actually notices him despite being physically present and he probably doesn’t even mind being oblivious. Such blissful and quiet life where nobody bugs him! Heh. Except for one. Only the titular character in Kubo-san Wa Mob Wo Yurusanai seems to notice him and is always talking-cum-teasing him. See where this is going? There goes his quiet life…

Episode 1
Junta Shiraishi narrates his presence so faint that nobody notices him. Even if they do, they get shocked. Damn, you sure he isn’t a ghost?! However the only person who notices him is Nagisa Kubo. Yes, the one of the school’s smart and athletic girls. She teases him to sit in a different way during class since nobody notices. He does so on his knees. So far nobody notices. Then he stands up on his chair. So far so good… Until the teacher tells him to sit down and everyone now stares at him. Embarrassing. Kubo can’t stop laughing. If he’s not mad, care to do it again? She points out he is the main character and she is his heroine. As Kubo walks home with her friends, they too don’t realize much about Shiraishi and thinks he is always playing hooky. Even Shiraishi’s mom (MAMMA MIA MUMMY-KO NOTO!!!!) took a while to notice his return.

Next day, Kubo seems mad. Uhm, what he do? Please guess. Recollecting this morning’s events, after buying stuffs from the convenience store, he saw Kubo at the gates. She said hi but he thought it was to her friend and so he continued walking. Yeah, can’t figure it out. As punishment, she sits on his lap. Nobody would notice, right? Since she is in a good mood now, she forgives him. Still can’t figure out what he did? She whispers it’s a secret, causing him to run and hide. She wonders if he is like a toy to her. But she’s not telling either. It’s no fun if you tell everything. We know better.

During class, Kubo suggests Shiraishi answer a teacher’s question to be noticed. Since he sees no reason for that, Kubo then volunteers to answer the question. But soon claims she doesn’t know the answer but Shiraishi does! Okay boy, so what’s your answer? Don’t worry, Kubo actually knows the answer and lets him know. She hopes he’ll cover her back when it’s her turn. Well, it’s her turn this soon. She doesn’t know the answer. Help, Kubo? Too bad he doesn’t know either!

Kubo sees Shiraishi at the park and of course goes to hang out with him. He was actually supposed to go buy a game that was released but he was busy trying to get free tissues along the way in which of course nobody noticed him, so he forgot about buying the game. She then wants to take a pic of him since her phone doesn’t recognize his face. She makes a bet on the distance they need for their face to be recognized. Closer. Even closer. This close? Yes, it registers. Kubo wins. As the winner, he needs to give his Pine contacts. She suggests they hang out together and perhaps he’ll get more tissues with her. Back home, Shiraishi didn’t expect Kubo to contact him about hanging out. So that wasn’t a joke? Kubo seems to be waiting for his answer after noticing he read her message. As she leaves her room, her sister, Akina notices her good mood. She wants to tease her after noticing her very adorable face. Maybe next time. Kubo obviously can’t hide her happiness because Shiraishi replied and agreed to hang out with her.

Episode 2
Imagine, Shiraishi needs to signal to his classmate when he reaches the finish line to take his time. Later when Kubo meets him, he keeps his distance for fear his sweat stinks. She isn’t. She gives him some wipes to wipe off the smell. Now they smell the same. Later her friends, Tamao Taira and Hazuki Kudou notice Kubo being in happy mood. Something happened? She won’t tell. But it’s obvious it is written all over her face.

Shiraishi tries to go get the latest manga of Sword x Magic (Sword Art Online?). Wow, imagine this invisible that the automatic door doesn’t even detect you?! Well, as Kubo watches him moving about, they soon realize the door needs to be tapped to be opened. Embarrassing. But not sure why he is hesitating to do that so now she pops up to help him push it. Hi there. As he keeps on talking about this favourite manga of his, Kubo is amazed and wants to borrow it from him. Then she asks what time he leaves his house when he goes to school. Despite living close to each other, he always goes off early and that’s why they never run into each other.

Kubo tries various hairstyles to see which one looks nice on her today. Of course this is cue for Akina to tease her that something good has happened. Kubo won’t say but Akina can read her like a book. Noting she used some expensive beauty products, she wonders if she has a crush on somebody. Kubo tries to leave early but is told what’s the rush if today is just an ordinary day! Kubo can’t stand her anymore and leaves. Because Kubo was too early, she had to wait at a certain point so she could make it look like she bumped into Shiraishi along the way to school. Since they have time, they sit at the park and chat. Hazuki and Tamao come by to talk to her and they didn’t notice Shiraishi at all until Kubo points it out.

Shiraishi narrates the normalcy of nobody ever noticing whenever he walks on the streets. Yeah, even when a car splashed water on him and his protected a girl from being splashed, nobody freaking notices! But he thinks this is good since nobody had to see this embarrassment. Except, Kubo saw everything. Bad luck? However he forgot his keys to his home and since mom won’t be back so soon, he wants to head to the park to wash himself. Kubo invites him to her place since it is much closer and there’s warm water. Be sure the keep the laundry. Shiraishi is done with cleaning himself and changing his clothes. Just in time since mom is now home. She wants him to dry his hair first before he leaves. Well, Kubo looking sad he left and Shiraishi was he trying to control his emotions all this while?

Episode 3
Kubo talking about the ideal height difference for a couple. She stands a step higher than him to demonstrate that ideal gap. Shouldn’t it men supposed to be taller? She doesn’t mind. However what she prefers most is that they are of the same height. Later as Shiraishi plays with his little brother, Seita at the park, Shiraishi has no presence at all that the woman thought Seita was playing alone. And then get spooked when Shiraishi points out that he is here. Kubo then comes by and is introduced to this adorable little kid. He wants her drink so she gives it to him. Shiraishi teaches him some proper manners so Seita wants to share it. After Kubo drinks, Seita wants his brother to share too. However Shiraishi doesn’t want to. Gonna make Seita cry. So he pretends to do so and this bluffs the little kid. Kubo wonders why he won’t drink it. Could it be he is afraid of an indirect kiss? Shiraishi pretends not to hear that.

Shiraishi goes to the bookstore to buy a manga magazine. However this edition has a hot bikini babe on its cover so it would be embarrassing if someone he knows sees it. But there are guys hogging the place so he has to wait till they leave to get a copy. Noticing a misplaced erotic magazine, he gets curious to take a look. After all, nobody notices him, right?! But before he could take a peak, the store clerk who is no other than Akina notices this and teases him for being naughty. Shiraishi is spooked. To think that people only with the Kubo name can see him?! Yeah, he doesn’t know who she is. After he buys the mag and leave, Akina notices he dropped his student ID. When she goes back, she shows it to her sister and pokes more fire as she claim this kid was looking at a magazine with a babe with big boobs. Next day, Kubo shows him his lost ID card and will give it back to him but in return, she wants to know if he likes big boobs. Eh… What? That is when he pieces the puzzle together and realizes who Akina is. Before he can explain himself, she returns it to him and calls him a pervert. Poor Shiraishi, claiming he is innocent and it is all a misunderstanding.

Kubo asking Shiraishi if he still remembers their promise to hang out. So are there days he is free? In fact, every day! So there is one day she would like to hang out with him. After he agrees, he only realizes that day is Christmas. So nervous, he came 30 minutes early and had to dodge all those people who can’t see him! When Kubo arrives, she gives him a present. She hints she wanted to exchange gifts. Even setting a time limit and budget? Time to get moving. He soon returns with mittens. He is almost out of breath as he explains his choice and although it makes her happy that he thought it out very well, it makes her feel like a dick and wants to change her gift. Perhaps a brightly coloured t-shirt that says he is the main character to help him stand out. He is happy just to get something at all but this doesn’t mean he dislikes her present. Phew, avoided something there.

Episode 4
Seita watching a transformation scene for hours! Doesn’t he get bored? Well, Shiraishi was the same too and having watched too much, he literally memorized it to a T. So at the park as Seita is trying to copy that transformation move, big brother shows it how it is done. So cool! Here’s another one for the album. Well, Kubo recorded it all! Don’t mind, please continue. And please do it again. Not!

Shiraishi seems to be concerned about the weird socks he is wearing today but hey, who is going to notice, right? Oh right… With Kubo, they have to put up some banner in the class’ bulletin. But since it is a little high up, she can’t reach. Shiraishi could if he tip toes but since he doesn’t want to risk his socks being seen, he takes a chair. But it seems Kubo already notices it. When Kubo does the adjustment, that is when Shiraishi notices she is wearing tights instead of her usual socks. Well, her socks didn’t dry in time. Of course this is cue for her to tease him that he was staring at her legs all day long. Then she has him accompany her to the convenience store to try out some drinks that one can refill. Because she is unsure of the menu, she uses him as some back up angel just in case. True enough, she wasn’t aware the drink has different sizes so Shiraishi makes suggestions without being noticed by the staff. On the way back, Shiraishi offers to share his meat bun but she takes a bite out of it directly. Can he still eat that? Too bad some girls bump into him, making him drop it. They didn’t even know what they bump into?!

It’s Valentine’s Day and looks like Shiraishi is confused. Somebody left a chocolate in his desk! Wrong table? Nope. It’s his. Who would even notice him to give one? Oh… Maybe it is Kubo? Of course the best way is to ask her but he can’t so he thinks someone accidentally left it in his desk and he’ll let it be. But soon Kubo asks if someone put any chocolates in his desk. Nope. She looks happy, though. She claims whoever made those chocolates, put in a lot of effort so be sure to appreciate while eating it. Poor Shiraishi still wonders whom the chocolate is from. We all know, do we? Obviously Kubo not telling.

But now we see Kubo coming home with ingredients and wants to make chocolates for tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day. This shocks Akina because she can’t cook so can she do this?! Enough of the teasing, she’ll get this over with. Uhm, what dark matter did it turn out to be?! Don’t judge its looks… Taste it!!! Horrible! Akina teases her if there is somebody she wants to give these chocolates. Pouting Kubo says no. Obviously. Akina thinks of making some for herself. In the midst, teaching her how to do the basics and all. In the end, some turn out quite good. Yeah, she put lots of love in it, right? Later Kubo tries to thank her sister but that teasing smirk on her face, oh just forget it. And so that chocolate that came out perfect is now in Shiraishi’s hands. Obviously still wondering who made it. Enjoy.

Episode 5
Shiraishi is so invisible that he can go anywhere that has nobody and eat his lunch. So many places. Spoilt for choice. Like an adventure. But it seems Kubo can always find him to eat lunch together. Does she have a tracker on him?! So as they eat together, she tries to feed him but he quickly takes it with his hand. Not impressed. She tries to do the same to her and she gladly eats from it. How cute. Shiraishi gets the wrong idea that this bento Kubo made herself. Because now she teases him that he wants to eat her cooking. She has him tell his favourite food. Hamburger steak. For the record, hers is stew.

Kubo’s friends notice she has been glowing more beautifully. Is it because she is in love? With no reaction, they believe she doesn’t understand the concept of love yet. Tamao reels as she thinks back her first love was her own dad and wanted to marry him. Embarrassing. They continue asking if there is someone she is interested in but doesn’t have a crush yet. A reaction. Aha. She says Shiraishi. She wants to see how far his invisibility can go. However when Tamao ‘complains’ about that guy being so normal, Kubo stops her. Because that is what she thinks. There are good points about him they don’t know. So please don’t badmouth him. When ask what are his good points and she won’t tell, Hazuki throws another question what if he is seen talking to another girl. This causes Kubo to ponder deep. The friends know she is in love the way she looks but won’t tell it to her as they want to savour this reaction of hers.

Shiraishi thought he is the first to arrive in class. Too bad Kubo beast him. While they wait, she suggests listening to music. She shares hers with him. Then she wants to listen to his songs. He claims she won’t know them because it is from anime and games. That is precisely why she is asking. He shares with her and she asks more about it. He gets passionate talking about this favourite manga and anime of his. Back home, Akina notices her sister engrossed in watching this anime. Look how cute she is watching so intensely.

Apparently Shiraishi can still get people’s attention by falling down! Yeah, he did that at the chocolate store as he gets something for White Day. In class, Kubo is surprised he wants to speak to her and at somewhere else. Then he hands her the chocolates. Looks like he doesn’t know who left him that Valentine chocolate and thought Kubo knew her, the reason he is giving it to her. She learns he only got 1 chocolate for Valentine as she notes they could’ve done this in the classroom as nobody would notice. Doing this somewhere else, she thought he was going to confess to her! This causes him to panic a lot. He hopes for the person to like this gift and this makes Kubo feel very happy. He wants to know that mysterious person so she says her own name and asks if he will be happy to get such chocolates from her. Confused, she ‘blames’ him for being at fault as he is still unsure who that person is.

Episode 6
Tamao is bugging Kubo to look for Shiraishi since she needs his luck in some gacha game. Well, he is right in front of you! ARE YOU BLIND?! Kubo lies she hasn’t seen him. Well girl, better go start looking for him. Shiraishi wonders why Kubo lied so she claims that his bed hair was sticking out and didn’t want to embarrass him by having others see him. Yeah, he goes to fix it right now.

In the streets when Shiraishi drops something, a girl named Saki picks it up for him. Weird. Another girl noticed him? And boy, does she look familiar. With Akina here, she asks if he got back his ID from her sister. That is when Shiraishi realizes she is Kubo’s sister. Yes, the trademark teasing is there. This Saki is their cousin. She is a splitting image of Kubo in middle school. Saki likes her a lot and is trying to grow her hair out like her. Isn’t she cute? You bet. Akina shows a picture of Kubo in middle school and exchanges contacts to send him this pic. Back home, Akina teases Kubo about talking to Shiraishi today. Are you curious, no? So what did he say? As Saki puts it, Saki will become just as cute as her. Akina continues to tease Kubo and suggests she invite him here again. But hey, why is Saki pouting? Is she jealous that she getting along with Shiraishi very well?

Mom reminds Shiraishi to keep up with his studies because if he does badly, she’ll confiscate his games! Wake up call. So as he tries to study in class, Kubo comes to check on him. He fears he will be distracted by her teasing but surprisingly she teaches him properly. Then she teases him about the thought of teasing him. Read his mind. She suggests heading to the library tomorrow to continue their studies. Too bad he got sick the next day. For the first time he is absent in class but knows everybody won’t even notice. Of course Kubo is worried as she ponders to text him on how he is doing. What will not offend him?! So as she sends a generic message, Seita comes into Shiraishi’s room wanting to play. Accidentally he touches his phone. The sticker sent to Kubo that he misses her! Shock! Shiraishi quickly replies it was Seita’s doing. Phew? Then she texts back that she is lonely without him. Sorry, it’s Akina’s doing. Obviously a lie but it had Shiraishi in shock for a while. His temperature just went up a little.

Shiraishi is late for today’s class quiz. So is he going to sit outside for the rest of the session? Until Kubo comes out and notices him. But wait. Isn’t Kubo a bit sick? Well, she’s a bit dizzy and decides to go to the infirmary. Yeah, apparently nobody can leave their table so she has to go alone. Poor girl. She hopes Shiraishi to get into class and do the quiz. But as he thinks nobody will even notice he is there, he decides to go help Kubo since she is walking a little wobbly. Yeah, from this angle they look like lovers, the way he holds her and giving her a shoulder to lean on. He puts her into bed as she notes his warm hand. Then she instantly falls asleep. I guess it was too much for him to handle. He leaves and for once he felt like a main character.

Episode 7
Shiraishi passes his finals so no remedial classes or video game confiscation. Though, with the new semester, he is worried he will be in a different class than Kubo. Hey, nobody is even going to notice him, right? Since Shiraishi forgot his umbrella, Kubo suggests sharing with her to do an experiment. To see if people notice him when they’re together. He declines at first. So she gives hers to him and she’ll run home in the rain. Obviously he can’t let that happen and so the experiment is on. During the walk, he gets conscious to think that they look like a couple. Thank goodness with the rain, there is literally nobody on the streets. He suggests talking routes that nobody walks often. In the end, nobody saw them so Kubo wonders if this was all part of his plan to be alone together. Trapped. After they part, we see that Akina actually saw them walking together.

Shiraishi sees Saki buying lots of stuffs. He offers to help carry but she is adamant she can do it. She wants to be praised by Kubo. Noting the blisters on her hand, Shiraishi still offers to carry until they reach home where she can take all the credits. As Saki wonders about some ingredients, Shiraishi isn’t sure and texts Kubo about it. Speaking of her, she is panicking she isn’t home yet and goes out looking for her when she receives this strange text. After confirming it, Saki asks Shiraishi if he is Kubo’s boyfriend. Nope. Best friend? Nope. Way down that pecking order, girl. Classmates. Saki seems to be beaming with pride that they’re not close and even teases he might not even know Kubo’s first name. With Kubo arriving and hearing what happened, she too plays along, wondering if Shiraishi knows her first name. Say it to prove it. And so he did. Does Saki know Shiraishi’s first name? Kubo lets her know. After they part ways, Saki notes Shiraishi as a liar because they seem pretty close to each other.

Shiraishi’s sneeze has everyone notice him! But he is so bored in class, he dismantles his pen. Then he loses the spring. Kubo has been watching and giving him that WTF looks. And since they have to use it, Kubo lends her extra pen. Looking cute. Yes, she’s also using a matching one. Just don’t dismantle it, okay?

Tamao and Hazuki are having a sleepover at Kubo’s place. Tamao is feeling proud that she only failed 1 subject! With the improvement, she is confident the next time there won’t be any more fails. Then as they talk about becoming second years, Hazuki notes about changing classes. This makes Tamao sad as she doesn’t want to be separated. Tamao also points out if Kubo would like to be in the same class with Shiraishi since she talks about him a lot. Wow. Some deep thoughts from Kubo. Are you sure it doesn’t matter? Kubo tries to brush it off and go to sleep but Tamao won’t let her. Ironically, Tamao falls asleep first and petite girl occupies the whole bed?! Yeah, the duo have to make do with the futon on the floor. Later that night as Tamao wakes up and sees them sleeping there, she too joins them. Crowded. Here’s hoping they all end up in the same class.

Episode 8
Kubo’s family goes shopping for ingredients for tomorrow’s hanami. Saki is looking forward to it, obviously spending more time with Kubo. At the mart, it seems Shiraishi and Seita are there too. Saki is not impressed that Kubo is getting a bit too close to him. But who this little fella? Not sure if Seita is scared or shy when he sees Saki and hides behind Shiraishi’s legs. After Saki introduces herself, enough for Seita to come out of his hiding and offers her his, uhm, rock? Yeah, it’s his favourite rock. Thank you very much. And of course, our Akina has to come ruin the mood with her teasing because Saki is like playing big sister while Kubo is like saying big brother. She invites the brothers to their hanami. Seita wants to go. What choice does Shiraishi have? More importantly, what choice does Saki have? Yeah, private time ruined…

Kubo tries to cook for tomorrow. Yeah, we all know how much she sucks, right? Not sure what is happening and it’s like she’s in a trance so Saki goes to help her. Being with her is one thing, but even with Saki’s simple instructions, Kubo doesn’t seem to get it! Is she not fated ever to cook?! So much so, she accidentally cuts her finger. Saki feels so bad that she wants to give up so as not for her to get hurt again. This makes Kubo sad. Akina’s cue to give some sisterly advice about the importance of learning from mistakes which in turn become priceless experience. With Kubo eager to learn again, Saki realizes it was wrong for her to give up after 1 try. So as they start cooking again, Akina then asks why Kubo wants to cook. Saki is disheartened and knows why although Kubo isn’t saying. Her body language says it all. Saki won’t lose out and has Kubo feed her the first bite. Hence technically the first taste of her cooking went to her.

The hanami picnic is going on smoothly until of course Akina gets a bit drunk. Then she starts getting flirty with Shiraishi, telling him that Kubo has been trying to act like a wife. However Akina notes she hasn’t become his big sister yet and that he should address her by her name. Wow. This is the raunchiest scene so far in this entire series! This makes Kubo so mad and I’m sure if this was a different genre, Akina would have died! Everybody gets scared of her scary aura! Kubo leaves to go buy some stuffs as Shiraishi tags along. Seita thought they are fighting and wants them to make up. He apologizes to Kubo and although she claims it is not his fault, she still looks upset. With Shiraishi depressed, Seita now tells Kubo to make up. Don’t want to make a kid cry, do you? They’re back to their usual in no time but to prove it so, Seita wants them to hold hands. Really? Kubo is up for it. Ah yes, Seita holding each of their hand. What were we expecting?

Episode 9
New school term. As usual, not many notices him. Except Kubo of course. Always finding him. Yup, in the same class. Such luck. But this time his seat is next to the window. And yes, Kubo continues to be his neighbour. Later Kubo hangs out with Tamao and Hazuki as they too are glad that they are in the same class. They thought Shiraishi went to another class until Kubo points it out. Yeah, even if he sits next to them, they won’t notice!

As the teacher is picking students for committees, it seems nobody wants to be on the environmental committee. Until Kubo volunteers. The teacher prefers a guy next and Kubo claims he didn’t see Shiraishi volunteer! Oh, did he?! The teacher is thankful he is joining again since he was on it last year and thanks to him, the flowers are blooming beautifully. Yeah, the gall of everyone else to say how the flowers bloom so without anyone tending! No choice, Shiraishi accepts again and of course Kubo will gladly learn from her senpai the tropes of this committee.

The guys are talking about how Shiraishi joined the committee only because of Kubo (so they remember him?). But soon Yuuma Sudou points out Shiraishi was on it last year. Ah, a guy who remembers?! In fact, Sudou was on that same committee last year. Although his plants died! Many times he tried to find Shiraishi for advice but it seems nobody seems to see him when asked around. So for the entire year they technically didn’t see each other! This means they have never talked before! During class, Sudou forgot his eraser. Shiraishi sitting next to him notices this but ponders if he should lend his. He brought 5! It’s like Kubo could read his mind and acts as though she wants to borrow sum. This leads to them talking as Sudou borrows one. Later, Shiraishi thanks Kubo for giving him a chance to talk to Sudou. It is his first time enjoying talking to another besides her. Kubo gets embarrassed with that critical hit and runs away. So he enjoyed talking to her, huh?

As Shiraishi is thirsty, he wants to get this new juice flavour of youth from the vending machine. Kubo spooks him and he pressed wrongly. Plain water. Yeah, on purpose she did it. This has her ask the flavour of youth differs from individual to individual. So what would Shiraishi’s youth be? He needs time to think… His life is anything but fulfilling. She claims it can be anything he wants. He further thinks deeper but the more she explains about friendship, the more he turns invisible! Out of his reach! He might make a mistake when he says he has never considered Kubo as a friend! Oh my! That pout! Oh damn, I thought he was going to say we’re lovers but that’s out of his reach! HAHAHA! Sighs… He hopes she would consider him as a friend but she has always considered him so. That sounds fulfilling enough for him. One step at a time…

Episode 10
Kubo having a staring contest with Shiraishi. Whoever looks away first loses. Oh, we know how it’ll turn out, right? Yeah. Kubo being so cute when she mentions this is the longest she has made eye contact with him, forcing him to look away. As penalty, he is to greet her good morning tomorrow. That’s it? Or does he want more? Later as Shiraishi gets some chalk dust all over him because some boys didn’t realize he was there while dusting, he washes it off as Kubo notes a spot he missed. She gets this close to him to point out. She notes his hair thicker than she thought and offers him to touch hers. Then she asks him what kind of hairstyle he likes. Ponytail, he guesses. Gotcha. Maybe she’ll try having a ponytail tomorrow. Shiraishi claims to go wash off the remaining dust but can’t help feel how silky her hair was.

Because Kubo notes he has grown taller, Shiraishi is in a bit of shock. Due to his invincible nature, nobody commented about his height. She suggests to compare their heights to see who is taller. Why use this ancient barbaric method? I mean, Kubo measures him first by holding a ruler on top of his head. Then they switch spots. There’s a gap. Sure he didn’t move the ruler? Yeah. That’s why this method sucks. Anyway, this close proximity is too much for him to handle so he runs away. He realizes too late he still has her ruler while Kubo noting they’re closer than she thought they’d be. Next morning, Shiraishi greets her good morning and returns the ruler. This makes Kubo quite happy and she feels today is going to be a great day.

Before the physical exam, Kubo wants to wear Shiraishi’s jersey. Seriously?! Yes, she is not joking. So how does this settle the height comparison? Well, obviously his sleeves are longer. So as she takes the physical exam, her friends wonder why her jersey is so baggy. She claims she borrowed it from Akina. Then she heard other girls talking how they’re wearing their boyfriend’s jersey and it has a different smell. Oh my, she’s starting to sniff this jersey… In the end, Shiraishi grew a bit taller while the girls stayed the same.

Akina bumps into Shiraishi on the streets. Sorry for that flirting the last time that pissed off Kubo. But it seems Shiraishi is on an important mission. As Seita is on her first errand, he is anxiously looking out for him. So all went smoothly as Seita buys his first eggs and comes home safely. This brings Akina back some memories when Kubo was on her first errand. She bought eggs too but on her way back, she tripped. She was inconsolable. Akina petted her head only then she stopped crying. She thinks that is the magic to stop her from crying even for today and hopes Shiraishi will be the one to do it. Back home, Akina teases Kubo by bringing up that first errand memories. Kubo is not impressed so Akina pets her head. Then she teases it would be better if her crush did it. Who was Kubo imagining that person? We’ll never know. Oh wait. We already do.

Episode 11
Shiraishi is happy that his favourite manga is now out as a movie. When Kubo learns of this, Shiraishi thought she wouldn’t be interested in it. Surprise! She is also a fan since he lent his volumes to her and wants to go see it with him. You heard that right. Going out together to see a movie. What does that sound like?! On that day as they meet, Kubo dresses up nicely and even ties up a ponytail. They take the train but it is crowded. When it gets even more crowded, the duo are shoved to the edge. While it might seem like Shiraishi is doing a wall slam on her, however he is quite uncomfortable in this position for many reasons. Yeah, too bad those inconsiderate people don’t even know he exists. But thankfully, it is just only 1 more stop to their destination so he has to put up with this close proximity to Kubo.

As they alight and make their way, a group of guys start to hit on Kubo. Yup, they didn’t even see Shiraishi there. Obviously she is uncomfortable about this. Shiraishi then makes himself known, scaring the sh*t out of those guys. Did he just pop out of the blue? Always had been here. Wondering if this dude is her boyfriend, Shiraishi is pondering about that but Kubo quickly holds his hand and says he is. It makes those guys confused since they are acting awkwardly. But nevertheless they take their leave. Kubo thanks him for helping her. Can she let go of squeezing his arm now?

At the cinema, because they didn’t book seats, there is none that will have them sit together. So they’ll go for the next timeslot then. Since they have time to kill, they go shopping first. At the café, Kubo wants to try the same coffee that Shiraishi orders. Too bad she drinks this black coffee for the first time and finds it very bitter. A taste of what being an adult is like. Thankfully, they add sugar and creamer and now it tastes a lot better. Then they hit the game centre and other stores. They had too much fun and almost missed their movie but managed to return to catch it in time. During the movie, Kubo notices Shiraishi’s enthusiastic looks throughout the duration. He’s so absorbed. At the end of the day, Shiraishi walks Kubo home and she had a lot of fun. They make a promise to go out like this together again. Shiraishi notes about what Kubo said he showed a lot of facial muscles today. But nevertheless he is still easy to read even if his face doesn’t show anything.

Episode 12
Kubo has Shiraishi take a few series of psychological questions. One includes how many flowers he envisions. One. This means the number of people he will date in life. While Kubo looks worried, Shiraishi is unsure to be happy or not. Because if that date fails, he’ll be alone for the rest of his life! So, he being pessimistic?! And there’s this question of how many kittens are playing with each other. Shiraishi says 2 but Kubo wants lots of them. Turns out how many kids you want. Oh my. Well… Kubo ends the test today and goes home really embarrassed.

When Akina makes coffee and Kubo wants some, Akina thinks she is too young to drink. On the contrary, Kubo says she already has drank it. When? She would love to hear about it. Of course it is that date with Shiraishi. But Akina thinks back on that day when Kubo was looking confident in choosing her dress as well as getting her help to tie a ponytail. While she is happy, it also makes her sad that Kubo is slowly growing up into a person whom she doesn’t know. It was just like yesterday when she was a toddler imitating her every move. So now technically she’s more like her sister now? Akina is surprised because for the first time Kubo teased her back. Yeah, it would be sad to see the day she will be given to someone else.

Today is Shiraishi’s birthday and obviously nobody knows about it. As he ponders if he will have cake, his stomach growls. Now everybody realizes he is here! Embarrassing. After Kubo’s teasing, she gives him a chocolate bar. Kit Got?! Have a break! But soon he notices she wrote happy birthday on it and then wishes him one. She even got a gift. Uhm, this axolotl is supposed to look like him? Then when he asks her birthday, she thinks she can expect a gift from him. Then she teases him he can look forward to next year for another gift. He feels so happy that he hides his face. Kubo thought she did something wrong but as Shiraishi notes, he was struggling real hard not to crack a smile before her.

Shiraishi passes everyone who doesn’t even think he is here. Yeah, one guy even thought he was imagining things! But he notes why Kubo is the only one who noticed him. Flashback shows Tamao showing her a photo album of her school’s graduation. There was this strange kid (Shiraishi) pictured as absent although he was actually in the photo. So when they came to high school, Kubo actually noticed him in the same class. She started to observe how easily everyone missed him and despite all that, his expressions were still the same. Kubo had so much fun observing, her friends thought she was laughing by herself! Kubo thought of talking to him the next time but how if their paths don’t cross? Seat changing. And so that is when it started. When Kubo first talked to him, he was in utter shock. Did you just speak to me? Yes. The rest we know is history. So fun this guy, Kubo won’t be taking her eyes off him for a while.

Nothing Much To See Here…
ZZzzZZZzzzzZZZzzz… Yawn… Oh… Uhm… Are we still around? Is he still around?! I guess so. Well… That was utterly boring! Sorry Kubo, I don’t share your same vision that Shiraishi is an interesting person. Because you’re the one whom I believe that mostly viewers prefer to care about and take notice of! Otherwise, feel free to continue to give your attention to the world’s best invisible man. Then we can all sing Frankie Vallie’s hit song, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You for you. You’re too good to be true… Can’t take my eyes off you…

Honestly, I have to be really honest in calling this series boring because I caught myself several times almost falling asleep! But I should have known better and only have myself to blame. I already read the synopsis beforehand and already have a good idea of how this anime is going to play out. Yes, as a veteran with years of watching such animes, my guts can now tell me what kind of show it is going to be. At least for this kind of genre. So it is no surprise that I find the entire series to be boring by my standards although I am very well aware and expect that a big majority of it is about Kubo teasing lonely Shiraishi. That’s right. The biggest draw factor and why would watch this is to see our cutie pie Kubo doing the teasing because she’s just f*cking cute in whatever she does and says. There. Your hearts squealing and going ~kyun after all that? Don’t you wish you had a girl in your life like Kubo? I’m sure many of us including yours truly aren’t that lucky…

So boring and so much so I think I have even drawn up a dumb conspiracy theory on why nobody actually notices Shiraishi for most of the time: It is because he is a ghost! And hence the only reason why Kubo and her family are the only ones who could see him is because they are angels! Isn’t that why Kubo always manages to find him no matter where he is?! People only do remember about Shiraishi and interact with him but noticed it is usually when Kubo is around? Angel power is causing some effect on their memories or sensory to have them temporarily think Shiraishi exists! OMFG! What kind of BS crap is this?! But it’s a lot more exciting than the usual mundane stuff, right?! It gets more ridiculous because why can Shiraishi’s mom and Seita also interact with him? Because, Shiraishi died many years ago and to stem this trauma of losing their son or brother, they continue to pretend that he is around! F*ck yeah! Shiraishi is a ghost still with regrets although he doesn’t remember it. That is why is still bound to this world and goes to school and living his life like as though he is still alive. And that is why Kubo as the angel is around to help be that cushion to soften that traumatizing effect until he comes to terms with reality and is ready to cross over. F*CKING HELL YEAH!!! But of course this is not how the real story goes and I only wish they animate an alternate spinoff based on my wishes. Fat chance… Heck, still way more believable than the final episode on how Kubo noticed Shiraishi!

As already mentioned, a big bulk of the series dedicates itself into showcasing the dynamic relationship between Shiraishi and Kubo. Thanks to her constant bugging, oops I mean company, his life is less dull and I am very sure in the future when he looks back at his high school days, he will not be feeling bitter and lonely that he had no friends or did nothing. What’s the most memorable part of your school life: Uhm… Oh sh*t! Can’t remember anything! So Kubo his saviour? Obviously with Shiraishi having a faint presence, this allows more leeway for Kubo to do a few cute pranks and teasing on him. I mean, who is going to notice, right? Hence in this context, we can fully focus our attention to see them interact without having the problem of third wheels or third parties coming in between them and ruining the fun. Heh. It sounds more and more like Kubo having a monopoly over Shiraishi. But whatever.

As we all would like to scream out, obviously both Shiraishi and Kubo like each other, right? Don’t tell me they aren’t because there is no other explanations why friends would be this close in doing such things together. I can believe that they might not understand the concept of love yet (then again, who among us does?!) since they are still young and the matters of the heart are nothing that can be easily explained in textbooks or by so called online experts. Heh. And thus the biggest reason I feel Kubo is accompanying Shiraishi is not because of the fact she pities him and doesn’t want him to be lonely, it is because she is in love with him. If a girl hangs out with you for this long, that itself is a sign, right? Shiraishi being the nice and meek guy, he can’t push her away because even if the whole world will not know it, he will still be the biggest dick if he becomes ungentlemanly and that itself would be the biggest sin in his life. The only girl who interacts with him and you dare make her cry! You’re worse than Hitler (or any other great dictators of history)! Or maybe he does actually enjoy her company and teasing despite getting trapped/cornered. Life’s not so boring now, huh? Now imagine if another girl truly notices Shiraishi and starts advancing… Oh boy, I can foresee the chaos! If so, it proves Kubo 100% has monopoly on Shiraishi.

In order for the series to not be a bore by focusing on solely them, hence the other side characters to help spice things a little. Like Akina who is the only other person whom Kubo can’t stand because she too has a nasty streak of teasing and enjoys seeing her sister’s reactions. So is Kubo doing to Shiraishi as some sort of taking out her stress? What goes around, comes around? Of course, the other reason why Akina is a pro in teasing Kubo is also because of that fact that Kubo too looks pretty cute when she pouts! Ah yes, we lucky viewers can see the best of both worlds of Kubo’s expression. That happy face when she teases Shiraishi as well as that pouting face when Akina teases her too much. But make sure you don’t cross the line and use your womanly charms to tease Shiraishi. Kubo already lets it known that Shiraishi is hers! Don’t you even dare… Then there is Saki whom I believe is infatuated with Kubo. She isn’t really fond of Shiraishi and sees him as a threat-cum-rival in taking her beloved Nagisa away from her. Hey, at least no cheesy fight in the Kubo family for Shiraishi! But seriously, one day Saki is going to have to accept the fact that one day Shiraishi is going to be her brother-in-law! Gasp!

In order for Kubo not to monopolize us with her trademark cuteness, hence we have something for shotacons too. Uh huh. Seita is the man for all you shotacons out there. Aww, doesn’t he tug your heartstrings with his innocent demeanour? Yeah, how cute. I suspect when he grows old enough, he might be dating Saki and that could be the cure for this cousin to get over her hangover when Kubo starts officially dating Shiraishi. Sure, I might be getting ahead of myself and writing their future but this seems pretty plausible. Next are Hazuki and Tamao. The biggest irony for me is that they have a more faint presence! (In this same context, it felt like Sudou too because after his debut, did he like ghosted us all?). Of course this is in terms of screen time as the irony that Shiraishi as the faint one has more screen time presence than Kubo’s friends. Personally, I feel they are insignificant and are just there to prove that Kubo isn’t a lonely girl like Shiraishi. Of course they too enjoy seeing Kubo’s expressions when she gets stumped or whatever. Oh wow. Kubo should be some sort of celebrity utilizing her expressions because nobody will be able to resist her cuteness no matter what kind of expressions she puts on! Finally, just want to note about their homeroom teacher, this frail old guy looks like he has still got it in teaching although I would think he should belong in a retirement home. I believe he is the same size as Seita and he looks so comical like as though he came out from the Crayon Shin-chan series! Serious!

Art and animation are pretty okay. Mostly the art style is quite simplistic. After all, this is of the romcom genre so it doesn’t need to be very detailed, which works well for this series. And of course, Kubo looking her cutest in all of her scenes (chibi or not) while Shiraishi is just looking plain and generic. If he was looking a bit handsome, would he be noticeable? The colouring and hues are mainly bright although it is mostly quite light and not heavy, making the whole thing looking a bit bland. However if there is one part which looks horrible, it is the ending credits animation. I don’t know what they were thinking because it is mainly some weird water colour-like mishmash abomination. No matter how cute Kubo looks, she comes off looking like as though she has some sort of strange leprosy or whatever skin disease! She looks like some malevolent spirit!!! WTF could they have animated or coloured this better?! Why you go ugly my Kubo???!!! Yikes! This anime is done by Pine Jam who did Gleipnir, Gamers, Just Because and Getsuyoubi No Tawawa.

For the voice acting, obviously the one taking the cake is Kana Hanazawa as Kubo. She is perfect in her cutie pie voice as the titular character and it matches well even more so when Kubo puts on that perfect sweet smile of hers. So if Kubo’s looks not only steals your heart, get ready for it to be double stolen as Kana Hanazawa’s trademark cute voice will definitely make you on cloud 9. Heh. Might even die of a heart attack with Kubo’s extreme cuteness! The others whom I recognized are Ayana Taketatsu as Tamao and Sora Amamiya as Saki (although very much subdued). Of course the best one goes to my favourite Mamiko Noto as Shiraishi’s mom! Not much lines but a guy like me would still appreciate her cameos. I won’t let her voice be invisible! Other casts include Kengo Kawanishi as Shiraishi (Muichiro in Kimetsu No Yaiba), Miku Itou as Akina (Miku in Go-toubun No Hanayome), Ai Kakuma as Hazuki (Eris in Mushoku Tensei), Taku Yashiro as Sudou (Ryuuji in Darwin’s Game) and Mariya Ise as Seita (Levy in Fairy Tail). More Kana Hanazawa goodness as she sings the opening theme, Dramatic Ja Nakute Mo. While the song is pretty generic, I’m sure you’ll be more captivated by her cute singing voice. As for the ending theme, it is Kasuka De Tashika by Dialogue+. A pretty moderate anime ballad and just rather average in my books.

Overall, I still stand by my decision that this series is mostly boring and no matter how cute Kubo is, it did not help bring more points for the series. Yes, Kubo is cute and that is entirely on her character and solely her character only and nothing else. Not the series. It is still a yawn fest with more or less the same formula in each episode and to say watching this series for Kubo’s cuteness feels like being some creepy perverted stalker. Yikes. Otherwise, only hardcore fans who love this kind of genre will only appreciate such shows and shower it with positive praises. You are free to like what you want but I’m out of here and won’t be returning. Unless they make another season… Damn, Kubo’s cuteness forcing me to come back… But that’s another story. Because it will be even more boring to see the same old thing with the status quo in place. Can Shiraishi man up and shock us all by asking Kubo to go out with him? Well, I can’t clearly see him doing that! XD.