The following contains spoilers for Episode 4 of The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten, “The Angel in the Christmas,” now streaming on Crunchyroll.
Unlike most anime rom-com protagonists who tend to be generic and romantically unintelligent, the male lead of The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten may be one of the most impressive rom-com leads. Episode 4 puts Amane’s romantic potential on display, balancing undeniable romance with the promise of future development.
Though romance linked with domestic life has been a popular theme in recent rom-com series like A Couple of Cuckoos and More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers, Angel Next Door takes a much more wholesome approach on the theme. Amane and Mahiru may be neighbors rather than roommates, but their relationship is already much more domestic than that of other similar couples. They cook and eat meals together, and it is evident they feel at home with each other. While Amane and Mahiru are not an official couple, Episode 4 demonstrates the wholesome direction their slow-burn romance is already heading.
Amane’s Dialogue Is More Romantic Than Most Love Confessions
As Amane and Mahiru enjoy time together on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Amane doesn’t hold back when expressing what he thinks of her. He may not be confessing his love just yet, but what he does say is more swoon-worthy than some of the most dramatic confessions. From telling Mahiru just how much he loves her cooking to expressing his happiness over seeing her smile, Amane’s words are genuine. He is not flustered or even flirtatious, but his dialogue in Episode 4 of Angel Next Door shows just how deeply and sincerely he cares for Mahiru.
Even when Mahiru runs off to the balcony in embarrassment, he follows her and continues to share his appreciation. The kind of statements Amane makes are not completely unique to Angel Next Door, but the fact that his character shows such genuine and caring communication early on — and without an ulterior motive — sets him apart as a male lead. With so many episodes left in the series, Amane certainly has room to get sidetracked by cliché communication blunders, but Episode 4 so far sets a positive trend for his development.
Amane’s Growing Feelings for Mahiru Are Undeniable
While Amane and Mahiru insist their relationship is strictly platonic during an unintentional Christmas Eve get-together with a couple of Amane’s friends, it is obvious that Amane is developing romantic feelings for Mahiru. Not only does his dialogue communicate how highly he thinks of her, but his actions also show how deeply he cares for her. When Mahiru catches a cold in Episode 4, Amane urges her to rest, staying by her side and taking care of her. He even holds her hand while she falls asleep and talks to her to help put her at ease.
The tenderness Amane shows in Episode 4 is as impressive as it is touching. Though he struggles to adequately care for himself, Amane cares for his sick neighbor like a parent would a child. This is especially wholesome given the lack of parental presence Mahiru had growing up. Amane is giving Mahiru the affection and attention she never experienced. As he watches her sleep, he contemplates the effect Mahiru is having on his heart.
The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten still has plenty of episodes left with more room for the romance between Amane and Mahiru to truly blossom. Though they could still face plenty of frustrating obstacles along the way, Amane has already shown his impressive romantic potential.
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