Gals Can't Be Kind to Otaku!? Episode 2: Is My Room a Hangout Spot for Gals?!
Manga chapter 2-2
Oshimeter
35 Fans
READTHROUGH
Taku's Secret Hobby Revealed
Taku Seto slumps at his desk, exhausted, until Noa Ijichi bursts in, animatedly discussing their shared anime,
The Otaku Sanctuary Invaded
The scene shifts to Taku's house, his hands trembling as he unlocks the door for his unexpected guests. He mutters apologies for his room's presumed mess, inwardly panicking at the thought of popular girls seeing his private space. To his shock, Amane and Ijichi find his room organized and clean, yet his internal monologue reveals his deep discomfort, seeing it as an 'otaku's private sanctuary' violated by 'strongest gyarus.' He sweats profusely, a man on the brink of exposure, despite the reality of his tidy surroundings.
Shared Passions, Shared Vulnerability
Amane reveals a surprising vulnerability, admitting her failed attempts to win a rare 'Earth-sama' figure. This moment cracks open her cool facade, showing Taku their interests are genuinely aligned, easing his tension. As he searches for the Blu-ray, Ijichi relaxes on his bed while Amane leans close, reading titles over his shoulder. Taku's face flushes, his clumsiness evident as he stumbles, further highlighting his discomfort with such close proximity to the girls.
The Ritual Begins
Taku attempts to explain his quiet viewing habits, only for Ijichi to ask about
A Shared Otaku Frenzy
As the episode begins, Taku quickly sheds his inhibitions, cheering and waving his light stick alongside Amane and Ijichi. Their faces, illuminated by the screen's glow, show pure joy as they lose themselves in the magical girl world. The episode reaches an emotional peak, moving all three to tears and open sobbing, particularly Taku. Afterwards, he stands panting, filled with a profound sense of bliss and gratitude, realizing the immense joy of sharing his true self and passions with understanding friends.
Proximity and Panic
Amane leans intimately close to Taku, grabbing his shirt to point out a subtle detail on the screen. Taku's heart pounds, overwhelmed by her scent and warmth, leaving him frozen in a mix of excitement and terror. Before he can process this, Ijichi snaps a photo of their intimate pose. This sparks a playful wrestle between the girls on the rug, leaving Taku bewildered by the sudden chaos and unpredictability of his evening.
The Online Reveal
After the playful skirmish, Ijichi probes Taku about a secret art account, suspecting him to be the creator of high-quality
Learning and Teasing
Taku patiently teaches Amane how to use his digital drawing tablet, guiding her hand with an unexpected calm rooted in his passion. Meanwhile, Ijichi lounges on his bed, casually scrolling, yet her playful gaze keeps Taku flustered. Both girls then express their appreciation for Taku's sincerity, a stark contrast to their usual social interactions. This newfound comfort is immediately tested when Ijichi directly asks Taku which of them is his 'type,' forcing him into a moment of silent, desperate calculation until he deflects with a declaration of love for his anime character, Sachiko.
The Aftermath: Emptiness and Hallucinations
As the sun sets, Taku bids farewell to Amane and Ijichi at his gate, a lighthearted conclusion to their afternoon. Back in his now-empty room, however, a profound loneliness settles over him, the space feeling vast without their energetic presence. His solitude is soon invaded by comical hallucinations of both girls, whispering and teasing him. These persistent phantom presences overwhelm him, revealing how deeply his peaceful otaku life has been upended by his new friendships.
Amane's Secret Identity Confirmed
The next morning, a sleep-deprived Taku awkwardly greets a refreshed Amane. Later, after school, he bravely approaches her, determined to confirm her online identity. Despite Amane's initial feigned ignorance and blush of embarrassment, Taku's earnest admiration for her 'Teikoku Shojo' art eventually leads her to confess. She admits her use of the account to separate her hobby from school life, warning Taku not to reveal her secret. Overjoyed, Taku shares his main handle, solidifying their unique, shared online world.
Ijichi's 'Off-Duty' Persona
A Sunday morning finds Taku on a determined hunt for a rare
The Secret Club
Back at school, Amane maintains her polished image, accepting compliments with a radiant smile, while Taku observes from a distance, feeling a unique affection for his two new friends. His discretion regarding Ijichi's weekend appearance is rewarded with her grateful glance. Ijichi, however, can't resist playful jealousy, demanding Taku prioritize her DMs. He is flattered by her attention, finding himself caught in a new, delightful social juggling act.
A New Sense of Belonging, A Double Dilemma
In the quiet of his room, Taku reflects on his dramatically changed life, cherishing the newfound friendships with Amane and Ijichi. A deep sense of warmth and belonging fills him as he looks at his phone, anticipating messages. His serene contentment shatters instantly when two notifications arrive: a movie invitation from Ijichi and an Animate store outing from Amane, both for the very same holiday. His pure joy morphs into utter panic, leaving him staring at the screen, double-booked and utterly bewildered by his sudden romantic predicament.

