Anime Second Leads Who Stole Our Hearts: When watching any romance anime, it is natural to get the infamous second lead syndrome for obvious reasons. These second leads turn out so good that even when they do not end up with the protagonists, you wish they ended up with you instead.
You root for these underdog characters and ship them with the main leads, but they usually get left behind without anyone to support them. Hence, on this Valentine’s Day, let us remember those who deserved better and rediscover anime second leads who stole our hearts with their sincerity and love.
Anime Second Leads Who Stole Our Hearts
Wataya Arata (Chihayafuru)
When Chihayafuru started, nobody thought Arata was a second lead. His influence on Chihaya, the game of Karuta, and the audience was so profound that even when we did not see him on screen, we still regarded him as one of the central characters.
Still, slowly, Taichi takes the position beside Chihaya in the series, earning his place as the male lead. And, finally, when Chihaya chose Taichi over Arata, we were surprised and sad but also understood and accepted that Taichi equally, if not more, deserved Chihaya. It is just heartbreaking that Arata’s love did not get fulfilled.
Rem (Re:ZERO)
Even now, many can not stomach the fact that Subaru rejected the most beloved waifu, Rem, for well, another waifu, Emilia. The heartbreaking confession of Rem in the first season of Re:Zero, still makes many sad and mad that Rem is not the one.
This one decision divided the whole Re: Zero fandom into a shipping war, and it is still ongoing to this day. But yes, even as a Subaru x Emilia shipper, I must admit Rem deserves her own happiness as well. Hopefully, that too, will happen someday.
Rui Hanazawa (Hana Yori Dango)
Rui is kind of like the original initiator of second lead syndrome for many when he first appeared in the shoujo classic Hana Yori Dango. His elite features, mysterious vibe, and soft yet caring nature really made all of us fall for him. Sadly, Tsukushi had her sights somewhere else, and she went for the more boisterous and rowdy Domyouji.
Well, I am not complaining, but I definitely think Rui deserved love too. Only if he could see the love Tsukushi had for him a bit earlier, things would have been different for him.
Yui Yuigahama (SNAFU)
Though Yui poured her heart out for Hachiman, ultimately, her genuine nature and selflessness became bittersweet barriers. Her unwavering support for Hachiman’s happiness, even if it meant his pursuit of Yukino, overshadowed her own desires.
While Hachiman recognized her affection, his muddled feelings, and obvious attraction towards Yukino, coupled with Yui’s indirect approach, kept them from taking that final leap. In the end, Yui never really directly confessed, and Hachiman chose Yukino over Yui.
Sho Fuwa (Skip Beat!)
Yes, Sho is not really a sweet character, nor is he a green flag, but he sure has a bad-boy charm that makes him irresistible. He is exciting and passionate, like a wild flame, but he is also unpredictable and has a bad history with Mogami.
His initial behaviour and betrayal towards Mogami, also made him pretty unlikable at the beginning of the series. But slowly, he understands his mistakes and renews his feelings towards her. Still, he was obviously too late, and Ren is the one who gets Mogami, and again, I am not complaining.
Minori Kushieda (Toradora)
Minori showed us what it feels like to have a proper heartbreak. She is not only likable but also cheerful, helpful, and friendly to her peers. Heck, she even liked Ryuji when he was still in love with her.
She just chose her friendship over love and sacrificed her heart for her bond with Taiga. We all need a friend like Minori in our lives, be she is an existence too good to be true. And because of this reason, I wish she too, could have gotten a happy ending with a loved one.
Kikuchi Touma (Ao Haru Ride)
Touma is another second lead from Ao Haru Ride, who just has bad luck. He is someone who started with a complicated history with Futaba, but he gradually falls for her.
And, after understanding his own feelings for her, Touma tries his best to have her occupied with him. When Futaba gets rejected by the main lead, Kou, Touma quickly takes the chance to confess his feelings and date Futaba.
But he still loses the battle when he realizes Futaba can never love anyone besides Kou. Ultimately, the series concluded with Futaba and Kou reconciling and starting a relationship, while Touma decided to just cheer for Futaba from a distance. Truly a tragic fate!
So, which of these characters stole your heart, let us know in the comments.
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