2025.10.17 2025.10.17

“Can a Boy-Girl Friendship Survive?”: A Messy Yet Charming Rom-Com

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Synopsis
A Provocative Question From the Title
Conclusion:A Rom-Com That Embraces the “In-Between”
staff and cast
- Cast
- Staff

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Can Men and Women Be Just Friends? (No, They Can’t!!) is an upcoming anime adaptation of the light novel by Riku Nanano, scheduled to air in October 2025. As its title suggests, the series explores the timeless question of whether true friendship can exist between a boy and a girl. This youthful romantic comedy captures the delicate balance between the façade of “friendship” and the reality of hidden “romantic feelings.”

The charm of this story lies in its heartfelt portrayal of two characters wavering between those roles. Himari’s earnest efforts and Yuu’s cluelessness create both bittersweet tension and lighthearted comedy, making it a story that resonates with audiences.

Synopsis

In a quiet countryside middle school, a boy and a girl once made a vow of eternal friendship.

They became partners chasing a single dream, their relationship unchanged even after two years had passed. Now in their second year of high school, cheerful and outgoing Himari Inuzuka—who still hasn’t experienced her first love—and flower-loving, plant-obsessed Yuu Natsume remain inseparable. Together, they continue running their peaceful, two-person gardening club.

But when Yuu suddenly reunites with his first love from the past, the gears of their relationship begin to shift. Having just discovered her own feelings, will Himari be able to move beyond the role of the “ideal best friend”?

Official site is here.

A Provocative Question From the Title

“Can a Boy-Girl Friendship Survive?” It’s a universal question—and this anime doesn’t hesitate to answer right in its title: No, they can’t!!.
Set in Miyazaki Prefecture’s Nobeoka, the story blends rom-com antics with emotional turmoil, balancing laughter, jealousy, and teenage drama. With quirky characters, local touches like the yogurt drink Yoguruppe, and a mix of lighthearted comedy and heavier moments, this series delivers a viewing experience full of both frustration and charm.

Characters on the Borderline of Friendship and Love

At the center is Yuu Natsume, a high school boy passionate about flower accessories, his childhood friend Himari Inuzuka, and Rion Enomoto, who harbors a long-held crush on Yuu.
Himari clings to Yuu with a closeness that blurs the line between platonic and romantic, while Rion confesses her feelings repeatedly with unshakable determination. Surrounding siblings and friends further complicate the dynamics, weaving a web of connections that drive the story forward.
By exploring the blurred boundary between friendship and love, the series injects tension into what might otherwise be a straightforward rom-com.

The Allure of Frustration and Awkward Comedy

Rather than delivering cathartic payoffs, the anime thrives on unresolved tension. Himari’s instability, Rion’s obsessive persistence, and Yuu’s indecisiveness all create a sense of frustration. Yet the quick comedic timing transforms these moments into humor.
One standout scene has Himari accusing Yuu of caring more about flowers than her—a jealous outburst so absurd it borders on parody. The drama often veers into near-soap-opera territory, with entangled relationships and rivalries. Still, this very messiness fuels curiosity and keeps viewers hooked until the finale.

Local Flavor, Quirky Details, and Energetic Humor

Set against the backdrop of Nobeoka’s landscapes, the anime grounds its teenage drama in a real-world setting. The recurring presence of Yoguruppe, a local lactic acid drink from Miyazaki, adds a nostalgic and regional charm.
The humor is sharp and fast-paced, from chaotic sleepover antics to surprise family interruptions. These comedic beats provide contrast to the heavier moments, ensuring the series never sinks entirely into melodrama.

Conclusion:A Rom-Com That Embraces the “In-Between”

Can a Boy-Girl Friendship Survive? is less about delivering neat resolutions and more about reveling in ambiguity. Its charm lies in portraying the messy, contradictory emotions of youth—where friendship and love constantly blur.
It won’t satisfy those who dislike unresolved tension, but for viewers who find intrigue in “what if” scenarios and imperfect relationships, this anime offers a uniquely addictive rom-com experience.