Hitorijime My Hero [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 12]

Hitorijime My Hero: A Heartfelt Tale of Love and Self-Discovery

If you’re into anime that tugs at your heartstrings while serving up a healthy dose of romance, Hitorijime My Hero (Season 1, Episodes 1-12) is a must-watch. This shounen-ai gem, adapted from Memeco Arii’s manga, follows the intertwined lives of two couples: high schooler Masahiro Setagawa and his teacher Kousuke Ohshiba, and Kensuke Ohshiba (Kousuke’s younger brother) with his childhood friend Hasekura. The series explores themes of love, identity, and the idea of finding your own hero—someone who changes your life in ways you never expected.

The Story That Stole Hearts

From the first episode, Hitorijime My Hero sets itself apart with its emotional depth. Masahiro, a timid delinquent who’s constantly bullied, meets Kousuke, a high school teacher with a reputation for being a street fighter. Their dynamic is electric—Kousuke becomes Masahiro’s protector, but their relationship quickly evolves into something deeper. Meanwhile, Kensuke and Hasekura’s childhood friendship blossoms into romance, adding a sweet, youthful contrast to the more intense main pairing.

Fans have praised the show for its balance of drama and fluff. One viewer on MyAnimeList gushed, “This anime was well done and deserves all the positive reviews it’s receiving. I can’t believe it’s finished, but who knows, there may be work in progress towards maybe a possible new season/OVA.”

The Finale That Had Everyone Talking

The finale (Episode 12) was a rollercoaster of emotions. After a painful breakup fueled by misunderstandings, Masahiro and Kousuke finally reconcile in a scene that had fans reaching for tissues. The moment Kousuke gives Masahiro a ring—only for it not to fit—was both heartbreaking and hilariously relatable.

One fan wrote, “I earnestly cried when Kousuke gave Settie the ring, then I lost my shit when it didn’t fit him. Hahahaha! Way to ruin the mood!” Another added, “The last scene fucking redeemed the whole final episode. I’m so in love with this anime.”

However, not everyone was satisfied. Some felt the finale leaned too heavily on clichés, like Masahiro’s initial denial of his feelings. One critic noted, “The first half kinda pisses me off because it’s a little bit cliché with Settie denying and shit.” But even they admitted the ending made up for it.

The Side Characters We Need More Of

While the main couple stole the spotlight, fans couldn’t get enough of Kensuke and Hasekura. Their relationship was pure, wholesome, and free of unnecessary drama—something rare in romance anime. “Kensuke is such an endearing character,” one viewer raved. “Easily the most likable. He was such a good friend, brother, boyfriend.”

But not all loose ends were tied up. The bartender Natsuo’s mysterious tears and Yamase’s ambiguous feelings for Masahiro left fans begging for answers. “The season finished, but we still didn’t know why the bartender Natsuo is crying,” one fan lamented. Theories abound—some speculate Natsuo had unrequited feelings for Kousuke, while others think it’s a setup for a potential second season.

The Verdict: A Must-Watch for BL Fans

Hitorijime My Hero isn’t just another boys’ love anime—it’s a story about flawed people learning to love and be loved. The animation may not be groundbreaking, but the emotional payoff is worth it. As one fan put it, “This may be a new favorite of mine. I love when a BL series does relationships RIGHT!”

If you’re looking for a romance that’s equal parts sweet and angsty, with characters who feel real, this is the show for you. And who knows? Maybe we’ll get that second season fans are clamoring for. Until then, Hitorijime My Hero remains a standout in the shounen-ai genre—one that’s sure to leave you smiling (and maybe crying) by the end.

Final Rating: 8.5/10 – A heartfelt, emotional ride with a few clichés but plenty of heart.

“The kindest place in the world” might just be wherever Kousuke and Masahiro are together. 💙