[Manga Dub] ”I have a crush on the boy sitting next to me in class” [RomCom]

Summary

Shiraishi, an average high school student, is captivated by his classmate, Hiyoka Kagami, the school's most beautiful girl who is also cold and distant. Shiraishi secretly follows her as a fan of her alter ego, Ice-chan, a popular streamer. As Ice-chan talks about her crush during streams, Shiraishi realizes she’s talking about him. Through a series of coincidental interactions, they grow closer, and eventually, Shiraishi confesses his feelings. Kagami, who had been hiding her affection, reciprocates, and they begin a relationship. Their bond even extends to her streaming career, creating a sweet couple dynamic both on and off-screen.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kagami, the seemingly cold girl in class, is secretly a popular game streamer under the alias Ice-chan.
• 😀 Shiraishi, the average boy sitting next to Kagami, is unaware that she is Ice-chan until later in the story.
• 😀 Kagami has a crush on Shiraishi but struggles to express her feelings, opting to seek advice from her fans during her streaming sessions.
• 😀 The interaction between Shiraishi and Kagami revolves around miscommunication, with both characters unsure of each other's feelings.
• 😀 Kagami follows her fans' relationship advice during her streams, which often parallels what Shiraishi does in real life.
• 😀 A key turning point occurs when Shiraishi realizes that Ice-chan is actually Kagami, which dramatically shifts their dynamic.
• 😀 Despite Kagami's cold exterior, she admires Shiraishi for his kindness, which is why she has a secret crush on him.
• 😀 The fans of Ice-chan play an integral role in guiding Kagami's actions, often offering advice that pushes her to make moves toward Shiraishi.
• 😀 Shiraishi, after realizing the truth, is initially hesitant to confess his feelings, but he eventually does in a heartfelt moment.
• 😀 Kagami finally admits to her feelings for Shiraishi, and they begin a relationship, which is publicly shared with her fans during a stream.
• 😀 The story ends on a positive note, with Shiraishi and Kagami enjoying their time together, supported by the encouraging fans of Ice-chan.

Q & A

What is the main relationship dynamic between the protagonist and Hiyoka Kagami?

The main dynamic between the protagonist (Shiraishi) and Hiyoka Kagami is one of distant admiration and miscommunication. Shiraishi is a fan of Kagami’s online persona, Ice-chan, while Kagami has a secret crush on him. They are seated next to each other in school but struggle to communicate directly, with Shiraishi believing she is cold and indifferent towards him. However, as the story unfolds, their feelings for each other are revealed, and they gradually develop a closer relationship.

How does Hiyoka Kagami’s persona as Ice-chan impact her real-life interactions?

Kagami’s online persona, Ice-chan, significantly affects her real-life behavior. She maintains a cold and aloof attitude towards her classmates to avoid attention and criticism. However, when interacting with her fans as Ice-chan, she is open and relatable, often seeking advice on how to approach her crush, which mirrors her real-life situation. Her interactions as Ice-chan are a contrast to her school persona, where she appears emotionally distant.

What role does online streaming play in the development of the relationship between Shiraishi and Kagami?

Online streaming plays a crucial role in the relationship between Shiraishi and Kagami. Through Kagami's Ice-chan streams, Shiraishi becomes more aware of her feelings and realizes that she has a crush on him. The advice given by Ice-chan’s fans during the streams also indirectly helps Kagami navigate her feelings and interactions with Shiraishi, leading to a series of events that bring them closer.

How does Shiraishi react when he realizes that Kagami and Ice-chan are the same person?

Shiraishi is initially shocked and flattered when he discovers that Kagami and Ice-chan are the same person. He had been following Ice-chan’s streams without realizing that she was his classmate. This revelation deepens his admiration for Kagami, and he becomes more aware of the subtle hints and actions she takes in her real life that mirror her Ice-chan persona.

Why does Kagami struggle with communicating her feelings to Shiraishi?

Kagami struggles with communicating her feelings to Shiraishi because she has built a persona of being cold and distant to protect herself from emotional vulnerability. She has trouble breaking through this facade, and her shyness prevents her from directly expressing her admiration and affection. Her attempts to seek advice from her Ice-chan streams reflect her internal conflict about being honest with Shiraishi.

What does Shiraishi think about his appearance and how does it affect his self-esteem?

Shiraishi perceives himself as very average in terms of appearance and personality. He feels that he lacks any standout qualities that would make him attractive to someone like Kagami. His self-esteem is low, and he doesn't initially believe that someone as beautiful and popular as Kagami could have romantic feelings for him.

How do Kagami’s fans react to her relationship with Shiraishi?

Kagami’s fans initially express mixed reactions when she announces that she is in a relationship with Shiraishi. Some fans feel sad or disappointed, while others are supportive and congratulate the couple. The supportive fans show the loyal and positive community around Ice-chan, highlighting how Kagami’s online followers are invested in her personal life.

What is the significance of the scene where Kagami drops the eraser and touches Shiraishi’s hand?

The eraser scene is significant because it serves as a turning point in their relationship. Kagami, having received advice from her fans during her streams, deliberately drops the eraser to create a moment where their hands can touch. This moment confirms that Kagami is taking concrete steps to act on her feelings, and Shiraishi begins to realize that Kagami’s cold behavior may be part of her way of showing interest.

What is the difference between Kagami's public persona as Ice-chan and her true self?

Kagami’s public persona as Ice-chan is a bold, confident, and somewhat aloof online character who interacts with her fans with enthusiasm. In contrast, her true self is shy, reserved, and unsure of how to communicate her emotions in real life. She uses the Ice-chan persona to distance herself from her insecurities and the vulnerability that comes with real-life relationships.

How do Shiraishi and Kagami finally confess their feelings to each other?

Shiraishi and Kagami confess their feelings to each other after a series of indirect interactions and misunderstandings. Shiraishi, after realizing that Kagami is Ice-chan, admits his admiration for her, and Kagami, while initially hesitant, acknowledges her own feelings. The confession is sincere and heartfelt, and Kagami finally accepts Shiraishi’s proposal to become his girlfriend, marking the culmination of their growing connection.