Anyway Im Falling in Love with You [Season 1 Episode 9]

Episode 9 Review: “Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You” – A Turning Point in Mizuho’s Heart?

By [Your Name]

If you’re a fan of slow-burn romance with a side of childhood-friends-to-lovers drama, Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You has probably been on your radar since its Winter 2025 premiere. The anime, adapted from Haruka Mitsui’s manga, follows Mizuho Nishino, an aspiring manga artist, and her tight-knit group of childhood friends as they navigate love, friendship, and the weirdness of growing up—all while dealing with the backdrop of a pandemic (sound familiar?). Episode 9, which aired on March 7, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in Mizuho and Kizuki’s relationship, and fans have been buzzing about it nonstop.

The Episode in a Nutshell

Without diving into heavy spoilers, Episode 9 picks up right where the previous one left off—with Mizuho finally starting to question her feelings for Kizuki. After months of brushing off his advances (because, let’s be real, childhood friends confessing their love is awkward), Mizuho’s walls are beginning to crack. The episode beautifully balances tender moments with the group’s usual banter, reminding us why these characters feel so real.

One standout scene involves a late-night phone call between Mizuho and Kizuki, where the latter—usually so confident—lets his guard down. It’s a quiet, intimate moment that contrasts sharply with the show’s earlier, more comedic tone. Fans on MyAnimeList have been raving about this shift, with one user noting: “Kizuki’s vulnerability here is everything. You can tell he’s terrified of messing this up, and that’s what makes it so relatable.”

Fan Reactions: Love It or Leave It?

As with any romance anime, opinions on Episode 9 are split. Some viewers are all in for the slow burn, praising the show’s ability to make even the smallest interactions feel meaningful. Others, however, are growing impatient. One Reddit thread titled “Is Mizuho the densest protagonist ever?” sparked heated debates, with some arguing that her hesitation is realistic for someone with zero romantic experience, while others just want her to “get it together already.”

Another point of contention is the pandemic setting. While the show doesn’t dwell on it too much (no masks in sight, thankfully), some fans find it odd that the characters are still hanging out in large groups despite the plot’s acknowledgment of lockdowns. One MyAnimeList commenter joked: “I guess love is immune to COVID in this universe.”

Animation and Voice Acting: Hit or Miss?

The animation style has been a topic of discussion since the show’s debut. Some adore its soft, almost watercolor-like aesthetic, which fits the dreamy tone of Mizuho’s inner monologues. Others, though, have criticized the occasional stiffness in character movements, calling it a sign of budget constraints.

The voice acting has also drawn mixed reviews. While Mizuho’s VA has been praised for her nuanced performance, some fans feel Kizuki’s lines can come off a bit wooden. One user pointed out: “There are moments where he sounds like he’s reading off a script, especially in the more emotional scenes.” Still, others argue that this awkwardness suits his character—after all, he’s a teenager trying (and sometimes failing) to sound cool in front of his crush.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Watching?

If you’re into romance anime that take their time developing relationships, Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You is a solid pick. Episode 9 is a turning point, and the emotional payoff feels earned rather than rushed. That said, if you’re looking for fast-paced drama or over-the-top confessions, this might not be your cup of tea.

As for me? I’m hooked. Mizuho’s journey feels authentic, and Kizuki’s persistence is equal parts endearing and frustrating (in the best way). Plus, the pandemic backdrop adds a layer of relatability that most high school romances lack. Whether you’re Team Kizuki or just here for the friend-group dynamics, Episode 9 delivers enough heart to keep you invested.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be rewatching that phone call scene for the tenth time.

Rating: 8.5/10

What did you think of Episode 9? Let me know in the comments!

Stream “Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You” on Crunchyroll.