Anime of the Week: Toradora!

Rated: PG-13

Protagonist, Ryuuji Takasu, is starting his second year back at school. However, he can't seem to fit in -- he looks like a school delinquent. No one wants to be his friend based on his looks. Despite this, as his first day back at school gains momentum, he finds himself enduring a mix of emotions: first, he finds out that Minori Kukshieda, the girl he's been crushing on for as long as he can remember, is in the same form class as him, then he meets Minori's friend, Taiga Aisaka. Taiga may be small and petite, but she doesn't have her name for nothing. She is fierce and wild and within seconds of meeting Ryuuji, she instantly doesn't like him -- and the feeling is mutual.

Overall, Toradora! is a perfect anime to lead into Valentine's Day with. A cute, funny story that will have you laughing at the misfortune of the main character or cheering him on as he pursues the girl he's been crushing on for a long time. The great surprise is truly how humorous and down-to-earth it is, as well as relatable to everyone as we've all had a crush on someone at some point in time, but we may have been too shy to say anything. One knows exactly what the characters are feeling, having experienced what they are going through when dancing around confessing their feelings to their crushes. Give this anime a try, you might be surprised at who you'll ship together!

Thanks to Airi. and Fandango. for editing!