Kono Kaisha ni Suki na Hito ga Imasu [Season 1 Episode 11]

Episode 11 Review: Kono Kaisha ni Suki na Hito ga Imasu – The Tension Before the Storm

If you’ve been following Kono Kaisha ni Suki na Hito ga Imasu (or I Have a Crush at Work), you know it’s been a slow-burn office romance with just the right mix of tension, humor, and heartwarming moments. Episode 11, however, cranked up the stakes—delivering a mix of workplace drama, wholesome bonding, and a cliffhanger that left fans screaming into their pillows.

The Plot Thickens: Transfers and Exams

The episode opens with Masugu Tateishi finally passing his bookkeeping exam—a moment of triumph that quickly gets overshadowed by rumors of a departmental transfer. The idea of moving from Accounting to HR sends him into a spiral of anxiety, and honestly? Relatable. Who wouldn’t freak out after finally settling into a role, only to face the possibility of starting over?

Fans on MyAnimeList were split on this development. Some, like Edentifrice, called it a “false flag,” convinced Masugu was worrying for nothing. Others, like ian_tehais, pointed out the realism: “That’s the way it goes when you’re successful at work.” Either way, the show nails the adulting struggle—just when you think you’ve got it together, life throws a curveball.

Camping Trip Vibes

The second half shifts gears with a joint-department camping trip, a classic setup for bonding and confessions. The highlight? A surprise birthday celebration for Mita, the tired-but-dedicated boss who somehow still makes time for his family. The scene was pure warmth, with fans like otakuweek gushing, “Mita was so happy. It was heartwarming.”

But let’s be real—everyone was waiting for the real drama: Would Masugu finally confess his relationship with Yui? The episode teased it hard, cutting to black just as he seemed about to spill the beans. The reaction? Chaos.

The Cliffhanger Heard ‘Round the Internet

That ending. Oh, that ending. The fandom collectively lost it.

• Stark700: “ARE YOU KIDDING ME? CLIFFHANGERS HERE TOO? HERE?!!”
• Guardian Enzo: “That heartbeat followed by a cliffhanger?? Screw these people.”
• ItsAmsyar: “I cant think of anything else but that he wont have the bravery to say it…”

The frustration was palpable, but also… kind of brilliant? The show has built this tension so well that even the mere possibility of a confession had fans on edge. And let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: Do their coworkers already know?

Several commenters, like HayakawaFan, speculated: “I bet everything is going to be resolved neatly in the next episode.” Others, like MorizonoStan, joked, “It’ll be funny if the others are just like, ‘Yeah, we know.’”

Final Thoughts: Why This Show Works

What makes Kono Kaisha ni Suki na Hito ga Imasu stand out is its balance of realism and romance. It doesn’t rely on over-the-top tropes—just genuine, messy adult relationships. The workplace setting adds layers you don’t often see in romance anime, like career stress and office politics.

As we head into the finale, the big questions remain:
1. Will Masugu actually confess, or will he chicken out?
2. How will their coworkers react?
3. And most importantly—will there be a Season 2?

One thing’s for sure: If the finale sticks the landing, this could go down as one of the best office romances in recent years. Until then, we’ll just have to scream into the void about that cliffhanger.

Final Rating for Episode 11: 9/10 – A near-perfect blend of tension and heart, with a cliffhanger that’s equal parts cruel and genius.

What did you think of the episode? Drop your theories below!