“Kono Kaisha ni Suki na Hito ga Imasu”: The Office Romance We Didn’t Know We Needed

Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re scrolling through your Winter 2025 anime list looking for something that’s equal parts “I can’t believe they did that” and “aww, my heart,” Kono Kaisha ni Suki na Hito ga Imasu (translated as I Have a Crush at Work) is your new obsession. This 12-episode workplace rom-com doesn’t waste time with the usual “will they/won’t they” dance—instead, it drops you straight into the chaos of a secret office relationship where the main characters are already head-over-heels… and already making out behind the copy machine (metaphorically speaking).

First off, let’s get the basics out of the way. This isn’t some high-school blushing fest—we’re talking adults here. The story follows Masugu Tateishi, a quiet accountant, and Yui Mitsuya, his sharp-tongued planning department colleague. They’re dating. In secret. Why? Because office romance is a no-no at their snack company job (relatable, tbh—who hasn’t heard the “no dating coworkers” rule?). But here’s the twist: instead of tiptoeing around like nervous teens, these two are already in deep. As one fan put it, “Confession, date, and sex in the first episode??? Yeah this is a banger already.”

If that sounds like a breath of fresh air, you’re not alone. MyAnimeList commenters are losing their minds over how unapologetically grown-up this show is. “Adult characters acting like adults in my office romcom anime? Is this allowed?” one user joked. Another compared it to Wotakoi—high praise, since that’s the gold standard for workplace romance—but with a rawer, more unfiltered edge. Unlike Wotakoi’s otaku-focused humor, Kono Kaisha leans into the messy, hilarious reality of hiding a relationship when you sit 10 feet away from your partner.

Let’s talk about the chemistry between Masugu and Yui, because that’s where this show shines. In public, Yui’s the “unyielding colleague” who rolls her eyes at Masugu’s small talk and acts like he’s just another desk jockey. But behind closed doors? She’s a blushing mess, gushing about how cute he is when he’s focused on spreadsheets. It’s the classic “tsundere but make it adult” vibe, and it works. As one fan noted, “A ‘pretend tsundere’ couple that’s actually super lovey-dovey behind closed doors is a concept that’s way more endearing than I was ready for.” And Masugu? He’s the perfect balance—patient, a little dorky, and totally smitten by Yui’s sharp wit. Their banter feels real, like two people who actually like each other, not just characters reading lines.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the first episode. If you thought rom-coms took forever to get to the good stuff, think again. These two go from “I like you” to “let’s date in secret” to steamy makeout sessions in 24 minutes flat. “They’re already dating and fucking in episode 1??? So we get a full season of them dating and trying to hide their relationship at work rather than the usual blushing and scared to confess stuff?” one MyAnimeList user wrote, clearly shook (in the best way). It’s a bold move, but it pays off—instead of waiting for them to kiss, we get to watch the chaos of keeping their secret: stolen glances at team meetings, quick texts under the desk, and near-misses with nosy coworkers (looking at you, Seiya—we see you side-eyeing them).

But it’s not all giggles and secret dates. The show also nails the stress of hiding a relationship. Yui’s constant panic about being caught (“What if the boss finds out?” “Did that intern see us holding hands?”) is relatable to anyone who’s ever tried to keep something private at work. And Masugu’s quiet frustration at not being able to be open about his feelings adds a layer of depth that keeps the show from feeling too fluffy. As one commenter put it, “Keeping this secret seems more trouble than it’s worth. I hope for the couple that they somehow can get their relationship working without having to worry about their workplace.”

Visually, the anime stays true to the manga’s cozy, warm aesthetic. The character designs are simple but expressive—Yui’s sharp features soften when she’s with Masugu, and Masugu’s glasses slip down his nose just enough to make him look like the cute, awkward accountant he is. The office setting feels lived-in, too: stacks of paperwork, a break room with a coffee machine that’s always broken, and that one coworker who’s always gossiping by the water cooler. It’s the kind of place you can picture yourself working in, which makes the romance feel even more real.

The music deserves a shoutout, too. The opening theme by Polkadot Stingray (yes, that Polkadot Stingray) is a upbeat bop that’ll have you tapping your foot, while the ending by pachae is a dreamy, slow jam that perfectly captures the “late-night date after work” vibe. Fans are already raving about the soundtrack—one user even said, “When I heard the OP I immediately noticed Shizuku of POLKADOT STINGRAY! My favorite band!”

Now, let’s get to the fan reactions, because they’re half the fun. Over on MyAnimeList, the comments are a mix of “I’m screaming” and “this is so me.” One user called it “pure diabetes” (in the best way—sweet, addictive, and a little bad for you). Another compared it to Ase to Sekken (a classic adult rom-com) and said it’s “one of my favorites of the season if they keep this up.” And let’s not forget the Wotakoi comparisons—“Gives me Wotakoi vibes, I like it” is a common take, and it’s spot-on: both shows blend workplace realism with romance, but Kono Kaisha is more unapologetically romantic.

But wait—does it live up to the manga? According to fans who’ve read the source material, yes. “I’ve read the manga before and this looks fine in terms of adapting the overall vibe of the series,” one commenter said. “Just like in the manga, Yui has some hilarious reactions in the anime about her feelings.” The anime cuts a few minor subplots, but it keeps the core of what makes the manga great: the chemistry between Masugu and Yui, the humor of office life, and the sweetness of a secret love.

Is there anything to complain about? A few fans wish the pacing was slower (“You see this is the problem with romance anime, the pacing is just wild”), but honestly? The fast pace is part of the charm. This isn’t a show you watch to analyze—you watch it to feel good. And if you’re worried about love triangles or drama? Don’t be. So far, the show stays focused on Masugu and Yui, no third-wheel nonsense. As one fan put it, “I pray there’s no love rival bs but from my experience with seinen workplace romances, there shouldn’t be.”

By the end of the first 12 episodes, you’ll be rooting for Masugu and Yui to finally say “screw it” and hold hands in the office hallway. You’ll laugh at their silly mistakes, cringe at their near-misses, and maybe even tear up a little when they have a quiet moment alone. This isn’t just a rom-com—it’s a love letter to anyone who’s ever had a crush on a coworker, kept a secret, or just wanted to be open about who they love.

So, if you’re looking for a show that’s equal parts cute, chaotic, and real, give Kono Kaisha ni Suki na Hito ga Imasu a watch. It’s the office romance we all need right now—no filters, no games, just two adults trying to love each other without getting fired. And let’s be real: we all know their secret is going to get out eventually. When it does? We’ll be right there, eating popcorn and cheering them on.

Final verdict? 10/10. Would recommend to anyone who’s ever said, “Why can’t anime characters just act like adults?” Spoiler: they can. And it’s amazing.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to rewatch episode 1. I need more of Yui’s tsundere blushes and Masugu’s quiet smiles.

P.S. If you haven’t read the manga yet? Do it. But the anime’s adaptation is so good, you might not even need to. Just saying.