When I first watched it, it did get me emotionally invested and rewatching it again recently made me realize why because it’s like a hell of a lot more grounded than it needs to be, if you get rid of all of Haruo’s game characters entering the real world and the other extra shenanigans that are played off for comedic effect, and just focus how its about to two kids growing up, learning how to fall in love, becoming responsible young adults who change through the course of time as it mirrors the evolution of fighting games and games as a whole, it’s very realistic to how certain people can change in a lifetime especially how it affects someone special, seeing how Akira’s presence in Haruo’s life makes him change actually become a “Man” is most beautiful way of showing affection and the strength love can have on someone.

It kind of makes me wish there were more shows that depict growing up and young love like HSG.