Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You episode 1: Mizuho's story begins with Shin's unexpected confession

Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You episode 1 premiered on Friday, January 10, 2025, in Japan. Based on Haruka Mitsui's popular manga Douse, Koishite Shimaunda, the premiere sets the stage for the series by introducing the plot and its key characters.

The episode opens with the adult female protagonist, Mizuho Nishino, reflecting on her carefree school days, filled with moments of friendship, love, heartbreak, and the confusing transition from friendship to love. The story offers a compact slice-of-life drama, following Mizuho's younger self as she navigates new emotions and experiences.

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Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You episode 1 opens with an introduction to the young Mizuho, her life, and her four childhood friends

The Winter 2025 Shoujo anime Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You premieres with a perfect balance of lighthearted moments and heartfelt emotional and romantic elements.

Titled An Awful Birthday, episode 1 begins with an adult Mizuho receiving a work-related text on her birthday. Seeing a group of school students nearby stirs memories of her adolescent days.

The story transitions to a summer day in 2020, where a younger Mizuho is shown napping with her childhood friend, Kizuki. The two had fallen asleep together after he posed as a model for her art practice. The next morning, on Mizuho's 17th birthday, her father wakes them up but forgets the occasion.

Later, Mizuho and Kizuki head to school alongside their three other friends—Shugo, Shin, and Airu. During their conversation, Mizuho's dream of becoming a mangaka comes to light.

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Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You episode 1: Mizuho's heartbreak opens the door to an unexpected romantic advance

Kizuki confesses to Mizuha in Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You episode 1 (Image via Typhoon Graphics)

In Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You episode 1, Mizuho finds herself near the school's pool, where girls are cheering for Kizuki, a swim club member. Amid the commotion, her glasses break, and she overhears a conversation about Saito quitting the swim club because competitions have been canceled.

Later, at the bus stop, Mizuho approaches Saito, hoping to change his mind about quitting. Their conversation reveals that an infectious disease outbreak has caused the cancellation of events, festivals, and even classes, leaving Saito disheartened over his efforts feeling wasted.

Mizuho confesses her feelings, sharing that she enjoyed watching him swim and wishes for him to continue swimming for himself. However, Saito dismisses her sentiment, saying that she doesn't understand since she's not part of the club. Heartbroken, Mizuho laments about her unrequited love coming to an end on an awful birthday.

All five friends in in Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You episode 1 (Image via Typhoon Graphics)

Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You episode 1 then sees Saito meeting Kizuki at the pool. Seeing Kizuki's determination to keep going despite the bleak situation, he asks what motivates him. Kizuki shares that he promised himself he'd confess to the girl he likes if he ever reached the national meet, which keeps him going.

Saito reveals that he decided to return to practice after Mizuho's words reignited his ambition. He asks Kizuki if Mizuho is his childhood friend. Kizuki corrects him, stating he sees Mizuho not just as a friend but as a girl, and tells Saito to stay away from her.

Kizuki's first confession (Image via Typhoon Graphics)

Later in the premiere, Mizuho is moved when her four friends surprise her with a heartfelt birthday celebration at her home. As Kizuki and she carry her birthday cake to her room, he takes the opportunity to confront her about her recent heartbreak.

In a tender and unexpected moment, Kizuki expresses his desire to become her boyfriend, leaving her visibly stunned. The story then transitions to the group celebrating together. However, amid the cheerful atmosphere, Shin observes a subtle shift in Kizuki's behavior toward Mizuho.

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Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You episode 1 closing events: Kizuki confesses his feelings, determined to win her heart

Mizuha after hearing Kizuki's confession in Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You episode 1 (Image via Typhoon Graphics)

In the closing scenes of Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You episode 1, Mizuho starts wearing contact lenses, prompting casual reactions from her friends. However, Kizuki's unexpected compliment, calling her cute, makes her blush. Later, Mizuho reflects on Kizuki's recent behavior, assuming it's his way of cheering her up.

During lunch, two shy girls ask Mizuho to give chocolates to Kizuki, relying on her as his childhood friend. Mizuho also visits a manga editor to show her work, but it's rejected. Airu, who accompanies her, encourages her to keep trying.

While discussing the chocolates, Airu asks Mizuho whether other girls giving gifts to Kizuki bothers her. As she denies it, he sends her to deliver the chocolates right away.

Despite her reluctance to be alone with Kizuki at the moment, Mizuho hands him the chocolates. He is initially thrilled, thinking they're from her. When she explains they're from other girls, he becomes upset and returns them. Confused by his sudden change in mood, Mizuho chases after him for an explanation.

Kizuki asks if it doesn't bother her when he gets such gifts. When she admits it doesn't, he grabs her arm as she turns to leave, asking her to stay. Confronting her directly, he questions whether she has ever seen him as more than a friend.

Though she denies it, Kizuki confidently declares that he'll make her fall for him and surprises her with a kiss, ending the episode on a heartfelt and romantic note.

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