Sometimes a decent narrative isn't really necessary to make an anime entertaining. Fuufu ijou primarily adopts the overdone love triangle model of a common background mc, a lovely childhood friend, and the school idol, but it does it better than others. Perhaps it's the art, the soundtrack, or the unusual screenplay in this genre. It draws you into the seemingly trivial love tale that is carried by the emotional drama that occasionally wrenches your heart despite the fact that there is probably nothing of significant note going on.

So our protagonist Jirou isn't interested in romantic relationships (mostly coz he knows he has no shot) unless they involve his childhood friend Shiori, whom he's been obsessed with since... well, since childhood. He attends a school that has a highly unusual curriculum (damn, I wish I had gone to such a school) in which students are paired up and live as married couples. Unfortunately, he is paired with the most incompatible partner possible: the school hottie Akari, who has made it obvious (although unknowingly) that she has feelings for the school's hotshot Minami. And who is Minami's partner? Shiori XD. Knowing that they both have no interest in this relationship while they pursue their love interests, Jirou and Akari decide to play lovers in order to make it to the top 5 couples in the course and trade partners. But can this act survive long enough when Akari, who is truly a beginner in love, moves in with our gentle and compassionate protagonist? Oh, the wonderful days of puberty are going to make this a rollercoaster ride.

Well, the premise isn't very impressive, and the narrative that follows isn't much better, but what drives this show are the few instances when these inexperienced teenagers struggle to manage their emotions, always questioning if what they feel is love or just an impulsive reaction. Jirou is your normal background mc, nice and generous, which is why his childhood friend Shiori adores him. Well,  Nice guys do finish last because you can't impose "niceness" on someone. Shiori, fortunately, is one of the few who had some imposed upon her because they were childhood friends. Unfortunately, though, mixed-up words and interpretations when she wanted to confess in middle school before she relocated to some other city ensured that we will get this anime. Shiori is your usual nice girl who is also shy... she's nothing special except that she's incredibly pretty. Akari, on the other hand, is a hot gal or atleast she tries to be. The most popular girl at school who would be every guy's fantasy if she hadn't made it plain she only likes Mr Perfect Minami kun. Akari might act as if she's really experienced when it comes to love but in reality she is very pure-hearted and very cute in her reactions to any unexpected romantic situations. And due to the course, she gets forced to experience some of that good "niceness" Jirou has been hiding (not in his pants but who knows XD). And I believe Akari is the one who carries this show. I love her extremely emotional monologues... her immensely charming reactions when she receives some of that "niceness" or when Jirou makes it known that he, too, is a man. And this theme is common even with other characters since the drama focuses on the emotional issues involving love in the young and I feel the moments involving Akari stand out the most.

Sometimes it can get frustrating how indecisive Akari can be. She almost performs the "thing" with Jirou at one point, but she still desires Minami. It can be difficult to understand your feelings, especially when you're going through the most turbulent period of your life in terms of hormones and attraction as you reach adulthood. I still have trouble understanding my emotions as an adult. However, it still remains quite frustrating. But it's this frustration I feel that I find really addictive. Every episode made my heart ache as she struggled with her feelings, trying to find out whether it was love. In my head, I kept yelling, "Why are you following a guy who doesn't look back at you!" Because of this, every moment that drew her closer to Jirou seemed so fulfilling. And I have to applaud the voice actors, artists, and animators for making those sequences so emotionally engaging. I questioned why I was even interested in this flimsy plot. But they drew me in with all their strength.

This anime reminded me of "Kanojo Okarishimasu," a hugely polarizing anime I reviewed. Though there is no denying that the storyline and execution in this show are far superior... The emotional outbursts of the characters were what drew me into that show and to this one as well. I felt quite attached to them, and even if the story might be very frustrating... I feel it's only frustrating because you care about the characters and want to see them sort out the mess they're in. People that evaluate media normally deduct points for this, but I like to acknowledge that you did get me hooked and perhaps that is what matters the most.

And that is why, I'd rate Fuufu Ijou Koibito Miman an 8/10. I believe it is closer to a 7.5, but I was hooked and each episode just  flew by. I also really like romantic anime, which definitely makes me biased, so keep that in mind if you want to start this.

** I forgot completely... The ED is a BOP!!