So I watched Domestic Na Kanojo. I had previously read a good amount of the manga up to maybe 40 chapters or so. And I've kept track of the general ridiculousness the story has had through friends who were keeping up with it. Between this whole period and actually watching it, I thought it was some worthless anime that made it big because horny teens or because it's that ridiculous. Now, I've finally watched it and I think it's pretty alright. There's a higher chance that I rewatch this than something like an Akagami no Shirayuki-hime which IMO is better. This blog by no means is spoiler-free.
Sub vs Dub:
The key area which I judged the two on was this one particular dialogue said by Rui in ep 2 at around 13:08. Right when she's inviting him towards the bath, luring him with her siren calls, she says in the cutest voice she's mustered all runtime so far to get Natsuo to join her in the bath. The whole scene is really indicative of everything that's up with the series and the language really does make a difference. It's best felt at this point.
A Note for Natsuo:
So far I'm loving Natsuo pretty unironically. He gives that "I can't bear to see that look on your face" aura for Hina. The only reason he slept with Rui was that he realised just how unlikely it is to get with a teacher. He has been like a passenger in most trains. He's someone who would generally get sucked into the pace of others. But he is also a character who very actively engages in trying to pull the situation into his direction - often leading to scenes where while he gets what he wants, he's left longing for control that he thought he had taken of the situation. For eg - when backing Hina into a corner with questions, he kisses her, she reacts and slaps him, then he gets kissed by her unexpectedly but still a welcome scenario. But as things escalate, Hina has taken away the control of the situation from Natsuo and his true innocence shines. Shining not because he's getting to do what he dreamt of but because he's still pure at heart, simply because he lost his virginity to Rui does not disqualify his emotional connection towards Hina.
But also he calls Marie by her deadname so that fucking sucks. He has a sort of moral compass which is okay but - he's very pushy with getting his inputs and opinions out there. It feels as if he takes the moral high ground wherever possible whilst still not exactly fitting within his own morals making him very human. Also, his love for novels and wanting to write was done very suddenly, felt off and forced, and belatedly fitted in there.
The Family Dynamic:
Besides all the happy "two parents getting what they want after trying their best as single parents and wanting to live more for themselves" things that happen, there's a bit of a (w)holesome relationship going on between the three siblings. I honestly really like the parents' care and worry. Where Mr Fuji (seemingly) lost his wife to some sort of disease, Ms Tachibana's ex-husband cheated on her with his mistress. Both of them have for a long time had to be single parents who visibly only wanted the best for their kids. They're both cute and likeable. Their greatest worry also is around their kids - they feel that any act that they make which seems out of place is because they don't support their wedding.
It's hilarious how easily Rui gets jealous over Natsuo and how badly she cannot hide it. It's wholesome how Natsuo genuinely wants to help her out but also clearly sees this trait of hers. Along similar lines, Natsuo gets visibly upset at Hina whenever he sees something amiss. This love triangle is just off-putting, not from the PoV that they're step-siblings but more because of how the family status complicates things.
The seasoning - side characters:
Although the love triangle is at the centre of all the happenings, the side characters not only add more essence to the show as a whole, they also bring about sides of the main characters more than they get credit for. Starting off with Momo Kashiwabara, she is not only Rui's first real friend, but she also brings about her true emotions for Natsuo. Similarly, Alex helps Natsuo realise that he has mixed feelings for Rui, but ultimately still prefers Hina. Kiriya-sensei and Ashihara were late additions, both of whom help us see Natsuo in a slightly better light. Natsuo also relates with Ashihara in a purely platonic way, again adding more substance to him as a person who does value the feelings of people. Fumiya and Natsuo have a very wholesome relationship, and so he's somehow at the crux of a few major plot points. The series could do with more appearances from him.
"Yeah, but should I watch it?"
My taste in anime is all over the place, yet defined. This series falls into one of the well-defined areas - it's a melodrama featuring hormonal teens and an adult in a convoluted situation. If you enjoy series like School Days, Kuzu no Honkai, White Album 2, this is a must-watch.
Anime that put teens or teen-like characters into odd situations where to put their best foot forward, they often have to feign "maturity".
Hopefully, I'll be watching more series and giving more unfiltered thoughts on them.
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