Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

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Sawako Kuronuma could be your average high school girl: striving for popularity, playing sports and excelling at her studies. However, her downfall lies in both her mannerisms and lack of ability to communicate with others. Where most people would talk normally with their peers, Sawako will drift off into spooky discussions or actions that make others mistake her intentions. Instead of making oneself known to others in the room, she has a habit of silently appearing behind them, appearing much like the ghost from The Ring. This effect has student’s labeling her Sadako (the name of the ghost girl from The Ring).

Sawako strives for friends and understanding from those she interacts with, but know that she is unable to truly communicate. That is, until she meets Shouta Kazehaya. On Shouta’s first day at their school he got lost on the way to the campus. Fortunately, Sawako was there and was able to direct him correctly. It’s not until later that she realizes that she had none of her usual problems while talking with him. Shouta is extremely charismatic and is admired by many of the girls at the school. Sawako thinks that he is the more radiant and cheerful person she has ever met.

Now slowly gaining her confidence, thanks to Shouta, Sawako begins to interact with two other classmates who used to mock her: Ayane Yano and Chizuru Yoshida. The girls discuss the upcoming “bravery challenge” where they will send pairs of students into the forest at night and see who chickens out. They volunteer Sawako to be the ghost, but in the end she accepts on her own terms, as it would be fun. Shouta meets up with her later than night, thinking she didn’t show up that night, and thus leaving him by himself. He begins to express his feeling toward Sawako when the class begins teasing him for hanging out with her. Afraid of affecting his social status, Sawako tells everyone that nothing is going on and then leaves.

Shouta takes this as a message that Sawako is not interested in him. But soon after, she does begin to feel something for him. When Sawako uses her umbrella to shade an abandoned puppy from the rain, she gets drenched. Shouta helps her dry off and the girls lend her some clothes to wear for the day. During the beginning of the semester, she seats are being assigned, no one wants to sit by Sawako. Shouta, Ayane, Chizuru and soon to be another of their group Ryuu Sanada take up the positions around her, proudly showing their support.

This anime may sound slow moving, but it is a very sweet story with well placed comedy to keep the momentum flowing. The occasional chibi aspects are not overdone and you will find yourself with a grin on your face in no time.

Overall Hook Rating: A