REVIEW: ‘A Condition Called Love’ Episode 12 — “My First Love”

In a not-so-shocking twist, A Condition Called Love Episode 12 is the best installment of the series. That it just so happens to be the finale of the season (if not the series) makes it bittersweet while pointing out two crucial elements. The first is that we clearly are only now getting to the more interesting aspects of the series. The second is that, fundamentally, Hananoi (Chiaki Kobayashi) is a more engaging character, making episodes focused on him more enjoyable as a whole. “My First Love” works so well not just because it leans into flower imagery to highlight the romanticism of the series and the passage of time and Hananoi and Hotaru’s (Kana Hanazawa young love but also because it centers itself on Hananoi’s growth.

Hotaru simply isn’t that interesting as a protagonist. In these early chapters, the story relies on her to be the kind of reader insert character. And while there’s no doubt of her kindness, something that Hananoi and other onlookers note, it’s not enough to make her riveting. Of the two, Hananoi, with all of his many flaws and abrasiveness, is more watchable. We see him go on a full journey throughout the season (and the manga as a whole), while Hotaru only needs to take small steps.

It’s why A Condition Called Love Episode 12 is so bittersweet. This is a solid anime episode that understands Hananoi as a character and expresses his shame at his younger self completely. In the flashback, we see his shy and reserved nature and reliance on his friendship with the older man he sits with at the park. There, he watches Hotaru as she hangs out with her friends, noting her generosity and warmth but not understanding his feelings. This flashback reminds us of how hard he works at school and how his parents are never home.

He’s a lonesome figure whose only friend could be his grandfather. The moment his feelings for Hotaru click into place is when she extends her kindness towards him, offering to exchange friendship sheets with him since he doesn’t have any at school. But any hints of friendship stop when he catches her friend cutting her hair out of anger and jealousy and does nothing about it, hiding so she won’t know he saw them. Disgusted with himself, he runs to his friend, who tells him that no matter his tears, there’s no such thing as someone who shouldn’t fall in love.

A Condition Called Love Episode 12 fills in the cracks of the story that had been starting to form about the two of them and their past. Yes, they went to the same school, but Hotaru doesn’t remember because she didn’t call Hananoi by his name, having misheard him when he introduced himself. Hananoi isn’t ready to share their shared past with her yet, but he hopes that, once he does, she’ll still accept and love him. He’s a divisive character, and rightfully so, but it’s in a way that’s grounded in reality and a fear of abandonment.

The two of them also continue to make for a cute pairing, with the season ending with them out on a date and sharing another kiss. The episode’s visuals lean heavily into the idea of them being in the spring of their lives, with all of the shots of flowers blooming, shaking off the rain droplets that coat them. This kind of visual enthusiasm is lacking in the rest of the season. It’s hard not to see what was lacking earlier when the finale finally cements the quality.

Not everything works, and the character designs and motion remain stilted. That said, A Condition Called Love Episode 12 wraps the series neatly. It’s sweet and heartfelt, with enough of an emotional drive due to Hananoi’s storyline and past revelations. It’s a shame that the rest of the season couldn’t be as good and emotionally potent.

A Condition Called Love Episode 12 is out now on Crunchyroll.