We've seen plenty of office romance anime over the years. From the slow-burn tension of Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku to the sweet, understated chemistry in The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague, most series follow a familiar pattern—co-workers gradually falling for each other, often taking an entire season (or more) before finally confessing. But I Have a Crush at Work (Can You Keep a Secret?) breaks the mold completely. Instead of tiptoeing around romantic tension, this anime jumps straight into the relationship. Yui Mitsuya and Masugu Tateishi don’t waste time with hesitation or misunderstandings. They become a couple right from the first episode—an incredibly rare move for a romance anime. And what’s even more surprising? They have an active sex life, something that’s almost unheard of in the genre, even among office romance stories.
A No-Nonsense Love Story
Yui and Masugu, our main couple.
Most romance anime are infamous for their glacial pacing, with the ultimate reward being a timid confession or, at best, a shy kiss. I Have a Crush at Work tosses that slow-burn formula out the window, offering a fully realized relationship from the start. This is a refreshing change for audiences who have grown weary of the constant will-they-won’t-they back-and-forth. Unlike school-based romances like Toradora or School Rumble, which focus on the uncertainty of teenage love, this anime centers on two adults who are fully aware of their feelings and act on them without hesitation. There’s no excessive blushing, no accidental hand touches that send the protagonist into cardiac arrest—just two people who like each other and don’t see the need for pointless drama.
If you’re a fan of slow-burn romances like The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten, this anime might not be for you. I Have a Crush at Work thrives on instant chemistry and natural relationship progression, making it feel refreshingly real. Yui and Masugu share an undeniable spark, and rather than dragging things out with endless misunderstandings, the story focuses on them actually being in a relationship. But that doesn’t mean their romance lacks a slow-burn element—it’s just that the build-up happened before the series began, leaving us to piece it together through flashbacks.
Of course, that doesn’t mean there’s no tension. The fun comes from watching them navigate the challenges of maintaining professionalism while keeping their relationship a secret. Their stolen moments at work, the subtle gestures exchanged in meetings, and the constant risk of being found out add an exciting layer to their romance. But what really sets the anime apart is its rare willingness to acknowledge the physical aspect of relationships. Unlike most romance anime that fade to black or avoid the topic altogether, I Have a Crush at Work treats intimacy as a natural and essential part of love.
The Story: Simple, Yet Effective
The main cast.
At its heart, I Have a Crush at Work is a fun, lighthearted office romance packed with humor, warmth, and plenty of workplace antics. The real challenge for Yui and Masugu isn’t falling in love—it’s keeping their relationship a secret. This leads to all sorts of hilarious situations, from last-minute cover-ups to awkward encounters with coworkers and the constant fear of getting caught at the worst possible moment. While the supporting cast isn’t anything groundbreaking for an office setting, they bring enough variety to keep things entertaining.
If you’re new to workplace romance anime, this is a great place to start. It offers a refreshingly realistic take on relationships without diving into over-the-top drama. Instead of dragging out the will-they-won’t-they phase, it skips straight to the good part—showing what happens after two people get together, which is something we don’t see nearly enough in anime.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Yui and Masugu, as seen in the manga.
One of the best things about this anime is how it flips the usual romance formula on its head. Instead of dragging out the “will-they-won’t-they” drama for tension, I Have a Crush at Work gets straight to the point. The characters start dating right away, making the whole thing feel more natural and engaging. Plus, since Yui and Masugu are actual adults dealing with real-life relationship challenges, their story hits differently compared to your usual high school romance.
Another refreshing aspect is how the anime doesn’t shy away from intimacy. A lot of romance anime—even office ones—stick to stolen glances and awkward confessions, avoiding anything beyond that. But Yui and Masugu actually feel like a real couple. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their interactions are not just sweet but genuinely fun to watch. The workplace setting also adds its own flavor, bringing in moments of tension and humor as they try to juggle love and work without getting caught.
The Accounting Department.
That said, the whole “keeping it a secret” thing can feel a little forced. There’s no strict rule against office relationships, so their sneaking around doesn’t always feel necessary. Also, while the anime’s realistic approach is a big strength, it can be a bit too chill at times—without major conflicts or drama, some viewers might find it a little too low-key. And while Yui and Masugu carry the show, the supporting cast could use a bit more depth to make the office environment feel more lively.
Should You Watch This Series?
If you’re over romance anime that take forever to get to the point, I Have a Crush at Work is a breath of fresh air. Instead of dragging out romantic tension for multiple seasons, it gives us a couple that actually acts like a couple from the very start. And the best part? It isn’t afraid to show both the emotional and physical sides of love, making their relationship feel way more natural than what we usually see in the genre.
It might not be the most groundbreaking anime out there, but it’s a solid, well-executed love story that just feels good to watch. Whether you’re into workplace romances or just want something that skips the usual drawn-out misunderstandings, this anime delivers. It proves that romance doesn’t always have to be complicated—sometimes, it can be simple, sweet, and incredibly satisfying. Even in a genre that’s been done a million times, I Have a Crush at Work still manages to surprise us.
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What do you think?
How did Yui and Masugu get together?
Will Yui and Masugu get married in the future?
Will their workmates discover the true nature of the relationship?
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You can watch I Have a Crush at Work on Bilibili and Ani-One Asia.
About the Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.