REVIEW: ‘A Condition Called Love’ Episode 7 — “My First Confession”

The best elements of the series by Megumi Morino continue to be apparent in A Condition Called Love Episode 7. Those elements are the individual growth of Hotaru (Kana Hanazawa) and Hananoi (Chiaki Kobayashi). While there are charms to their dynamic, nothing truly spells romance between them other than their proclamations. That said, their solo storylines and what motivates them make for an engaging narrative, especially as it informs how the two intersect. In “My First Confession,” that element gets further exposure as we learn about Hananoi’s past.

It’s long been clear that Hananoi deals with some form of abandonment issues. We know that his parents work overseas, and we see his clinginess regarding Hotaru and their relationship. It’s why his response to her declaration of love makes sense. Yes, he’s happy. And yes, he returns her feelings. But he wants her to be sure. He tells her that being with her is all he needs and that he’s willing to sacrifice any and all relationships other than theirs. He knows this is a lot and suggests she leave with that information, digest it, and return to let him know whether or not she’s still comfortable in a relationship with him.

At first, it seems like another instance of him being hyper-focused only on Hotaru. But A Condition Called Love Episode 7 takes time to divulge just why he is the way he is. He suggests they pause their relationship, meaning no texting, lunches, or walking home together. Hotaru runs into Hananoi’s grandmother, which helps deepen her understanding of her would-be boyfriend.

His parents do work overseas, but it’s mainly volunteering. While Hananoi sees the altruism in their work, she also mildly condemns them for leaving their only child alone in favor of spending their lives taking care of others. She admits that he used to live with her before deciding to live in his apartment during high school.

It paints a lonely portrait. This is especially true when we see a flashback of younger Hananoi, who is advised to find his singular love in life, a replacement love. He’s told that since his parents are living their lives on their terms, he should be able to do so, too. He hopes to find a soulmate, someone who can help eclipse the love he has for his absent parents.

This discussion and Hananoi’s evident care for his grandmother confirms what Hotaru already knew. He might say he only has room in his heart for one person, but that’s an exaggeration. Yes, he emphasizes special relationships and moments, but he cares for more than just Hotaru. His kindness shines through even if he puts up a wall against meeting new people who don’t check the box of being the potential one for him.

It makes her official confession to him sing with greater romance. The writing has yet to fully convince that these two are destined to be together, but the small moments and how they fluster one another remain charming. And there’s something ineffably sweet in how they’re two teenagers clearly just trying to figure it all out. There’s a scene during the confession where Hotaru uses one of the machines in the playground to speak inaudibly to her youth.

Hananoi is moved to tears by her confession. He shares that he lacks confidence, which is a shock to both Hotaru and viewers, but it is something that builds on Episode 6. He is human and weathers the same insecurities any other teenage boy might. But it makes for a lovely sequence as the two confirm their relationship status. While there’s still plenty to learn about the two and room for both to grow, this feels like a healthy jumping-off point.

It’s a shame that the animation continues to be subpar, especially compared to the strong writing. The characters’ proportions range wildly throughout the episode; their heads are disproportionate to their bodies. That, plus stilted facial expressions and slow, clunky movements, derail emotional momentum. It doesn’t need to look like Jujutsu Kaisen. And, frankly, considering its demographic, it was never going to, even though it deserves it. But similarly to Cherry Magic!, these awkward framings and poor animations take away from what otherwise is a strong series.

A Condition Called Love Episode 7 works because of how well we’ve come to understand these characters. By pushing the plot forward with Hotaru and Hananoi’s mutual feelings, the series opens up the possibilities for greater storylines that explore how they come together to work with their affections and insecurities.

A Condition Called Love Episode 7 is out now on Crunchyroll.