A great romance anime that, thanks to Nao Toyama's singing has skyrocketed into my list of favorites. Spoilers ahead!

It’s about two middle school students Akane Mizuno and Kotarou Azumi. Both are in their final year of middle school and for the first time in the same class. Both have very shy personalities and each their own passion. Akane is an active runner in her club and Kotarou spends his free time writing and participating in a traditional event (unfortunately, I don't know the exact name or how to describe it. Apologies for the gap in my knowledge). The story revolves around how the two come together. What I really liked was the portrayal of their relationship. Like everything else in the anime the story and characters are feeling very realistic especially their evolving relationship. The characters were happy or they were suffering without overdramaticing those plot points. Another example is how Kotarou was happy in silence in his room when Akane just texted him or in general how at first both characters were awkward with each other due to their shy personalities and the fact that neither had been in a relationship before. Or how they miss understood situations with other side characters but are clarifying them in a peacfull way. Watching their growing affection despite problems was truly a lovely experience.
Kotarou stood out to me because he eventually stepped out of his comfort zone and made the first move or how he did everything he could to get into the same high school as Akane at the end. Overall how they inspired each other to pursue their passions with full determination allowing both characters to grow was wonderfully done. Kotarou got inspired by Akane’s running to keep chasing his dreams and Akane found courage by Kotarou’s determination and calm personality.
Naturally not everything went smoothly throughout the story like I already mentioned earlier. Two side characters fall in love with one of the protagonists each, the couple wanted to keep their relationship secret at the start and later of course Akane’s moving to another city. But ultimately these were all trials for their relationship which they overcame, further emphasized by the illustrations in the credits showing their future together.

In the end it’s a simple romance but one that stood out for me thanks to its calm and realistic atmosphere and showing how people can inspire one another.

It’s also worth mentioning that Nao Toyama, my favorite voice actress, sings the opening, ending, and other songs in the anime, making this Anime an even greater experiences with her beautiful voice.