I Have a Crush at Work [Season 1 Episode 12]

“I Have a Crush at Work” Season 1 Finale: A Bittersweet Office Romance Wrapped in Wholesome Chaos

By [Your Name]

The workplace romance genre isn’t exactly new in anime, but I Have a Crush at Work (or Kono Kaisha ni Suki na Hito ga Imasu) manages to carve out its own niche by blending office shenanigans with the awkward, heart-fluttering tension of a secret relationship. The series, adapted from Akamaru Enomoto’s manga and animated by Blade, wrapped up its first season with Episode 12, leaving fans both satisfied and craving more.

A Recap of the Finale

The episode, titled “Can You Keep a Secret?”, serves as the perfect capstone to Mitsuya and Tateishi’s rollercoaster of emotions. After attending a colleague’s wedding, the two find themselves reminiscing about their early days—back when they were just bickering coworkers, not lovers sneaking around the office. The nostalgia hits hard, especially when Tateishi—ever the awkward sweetheart—fumbles yet another attempt to publicly acknowledge their relationship. Meanwhile, Mitsuya’s promotion adds another layer of complexity, making their secret even harder to keep.

Fans on MyAnimeList and other forums have been buzzing about the finale’s balance of humor and heart. One user noted, “It’s rare to see an anime about adult romance that doesn’t shy away from the fact that adults, well, do adult things.” Another praised the show’s “chill and wholesome vibe,” though some felt the side characters deserved more screen time.

Why This Anime Stands Out

1. Realistic Office Dynamics
   Unlike many rom-coms that rely on high school tropes, I Have a Crush at Work grounds itself in the mundanity (and occasional absurdity) of corporate life. From water-cooler gossip to last-minute deadlines, the setting feels authentic.

2. Chemistry That’s Hard to Ignore
   Mitsuya and Tateishi’s dynamic is the show’s backbone. She’s effortlessly charming; he’s adorably awkward. Their interactions—whether they’re stealing glances during meetings or panicking over almost getting caught—are pure gold.

3. A Mature Take on Romance
   The series doesn’t shy away from the physical side of relationships, which some fans found refreshing (“Finally, an anime that acknowledges adults have sex!”). However, others felt the frequent “softcore JAV moments” (as one Redditor put it) bordered on excessive.

Fan Reactions: The Good, The Bad, and The Hilarious

• The Good: Many viewers loved the finale’s emotional payoff, especially the wedding scene. “Seeing them reflect on their journey was the perfect way to end the season,” wrote one fan.
• The Bad: Some critics argued the plot was too thin, relying on repetitive “almost-get-caught” scenarios. “Servant x Service did workplace romance better,” one commenter pointed out.
• The Hilarious: A recurring joke among fans is Mitsuya’s inability to call Tateishi by his first name—even after, well, everything. “Girl, you’ve seen him naked. Just say his name already!”

Final Verdict

I Have a Crush at Work isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s a delightful watch for anyone craving a lighthearted, slightly steamy rom-com. The finale ties up loose ends while leaving room for a potential Season 2—something fans are already clamoring for.

Rating: 8/10 – A charming, if occasionally predictable, ode to office romance.

What did you think of the finale? Let’s discuss in the comments!