You typed frantically on your laptop keyboard, laughing out loud as you chatted with one of your closest friends over the internet. She was one of the people who had introduced you to anime in the first place, and was responsible for your undeviating obsession with Japan and its culture.

One of your favorite artists had posted a new work, depicting your favorite character in an intricately painted scene. You squealed softly and struggled to think of a comment that accurately embodied your immeasurable excitement. It wasn’t that you weren’t satisfied with reality, but that you found yourself easily immersed in the exhilarating pull of a well-presented anime.

When your boyfriend arrived to spend time together, you hardly noticed the sigh that escaped his lips as he noticed another poster. You didn’t mean to lace every conversation with references to your shows and mangas, but found the comments slipping out against your better judgment. Despite his bewilderment with your obsession, he gave you a cheerful smile. It was the highlight of his day, spending time in your apartment after a long morning of practices.

“How has your day been?” he asked, his hand warm against the curve of your shoulder. You grinned, standing up from your chair and turning around to hug your visitor.

“It was great! Look at this awesome fanart someone did!” You gestured to your computer screen, clicking the image to make it larger. “And there’s a rumor that they might be releasing a special video or something! I can’t wait!” Looking to the screen again, you clucked your tongue. “Ugh, look how cute he is! Why can’t anime characters be real?”

A shine of moisture slicked your boyfriend’s lower lip as he pouted slightly. His eyes drew downward, his brow cast in a puzzled frown.

“Am I not cute enough?” You laughed, cupping his cheek with your hand. “Of course you are! It would be weird if you looked like an anime character.” You grinned. “He is really handsome though, for a drawing,” you added as an afterthought. Your boyfriend rolled his eyes dramatically, falling to the couch with a theatrical huff of breath.

“Why do you always do this?” he asked with exasperation. “You’re so obsessed with anime and Japan and everything in it. I just don’t understand! I mean, I’ve seen those shows too and they’re good, but not worth dying over. They’re not even real!” You were insulted slightly by the force with which he voiced his complaints.

“But Japan is really awesome! I think you just need to watch a few of them again, and then you’ll see why they’re so-” He nearly stood up, giving you an incredulous look in the process.

“No! I don’t want to watch them again! I came here to spend time with you! My real, living, breathing girlfriend because I love you! But whenever I visit, you’re busy giving all of your attention to a fictional drawing thought up by a couple of artists and their obnoxious imaginations! Why do you have to be such an otaku?” he argued. You stared for a moment, unsure of your own reaction.

“Are you…jealous of an anime character?” He glared, falling back to the couch with his arms crossed tightly in front of his chest. He looked forward towards the television, unwavering in a determined struggle to keep the atmosphere cold and uncomfortable.

“Yes. Yes I am. And it’s ridiculous that I should have to be.” You stood up from the computer, sitting on the couch with your face close to his. Folding your legs under your lap, you kissed him softly on the cheek.

“I like my animes, but I love you. You’re more important to me, I promise!” You bit your lip. “And I’m really sorry for ignoring you so much. Sometimes it’s hard for me to keep my focus on the real world.” Your eyes looked downward, genuine guilt in your inflection. He turned to kiss you, pulling you to his lap with strong arms.

“That’s alright. I’m sorry for getting upset. But really, who needs a character when you have me?” His voice was childish and whiny, but you saw a twinkle of playfulness in his chestnut eyes. You kissed him again.

“It’s true. You have the advantage of existing.” He laughed, helping you stand as he slid off of the couch.

“Come on,” he laughed. “Let’s take advantage of real life and go somewhere.” You followed him eagerly out the door, all thoughts of anime swiped from your thoughts.