The Dreaming Boy is a Realist

"The Dreaming Boy Is a Realist" (Japanese: 夢見る男子は現実主義者, Yumemiru Danshi wa Genjitsushugisha) is a Japanese light novel series written by Okemaru. The story revolves around Wataru Sajou, who persistently pursues his classmate Aika Natsukawa. However, one day he realizes he is not worthy of her and starts distancing himself. Aika, misinterpreting this as him disliking her, begins to approach him instead. This sets the stage for a romantic comedy about two classmates struggling to convey their feelings, while other girls also start to take notice of Wataru. Initially serialized as a web novel, it was later published as a light novel by HJ Bunko with illustrations by Saba Mizore. A manga adaptation illustrated by Popuri Yoshikita and an anime television series adaptation by Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ followed. The anime aired from July to September 2023.