Ep. 10
Go For It, Nakamura! Episode 10 opens with Otogiri reflecting on taking a smoke break after a long day at work. Niou quickly stops him, reminding him that smoking is not allowed on school grounds.
The next day, Otogiri tells the students that their next test is going to be very hard. Upon hearing this, Nakamura decides to remain after class and study in the library.
But when he gets there, the library is packed. Luckily Hirose is already there with his friends and invites Nakamura to sit next to him. Nakamura agrees easily enough, happy to think he will be near Hirose, but this becomes a distraction and he has a hard time focusing on his schoolwork.
Instead, Nakamura watches Hirose study Modern Japanese from a distance, and finds his behavior surprisingly endearing.
Takeuchi later suggests they go to a family restaurant because he’s hungry. Nakamura is first scared he is being left out, but Hirose invites him along, too.
At the restaurant, the group engages in discussions about television shows, music, and video games. Nakamura finds he knows little about these interests and is too embarrassed to admit it.
For a moment, Nakamura joins Hirose to get drinks for everyone. He learns little but significant things about Hirose, such as his hatred of coffee. Hirose also says that his sister likes her coffee with hot chocolate and Nakamura tries it. The idea excites Hirose, who even suggests a prank of adding coffee into Takeuchi’s cola.
Back at the table, the prank goes off without a hitch, but backfires when Takeuchi spits out his drink, accidentally soaking Nakamura.
Meanwhile, at school, Otogiri notices that Niou is acting unusually energetic again. He soon discovers that one of the reasons for Niou’s behavior is his interest in another teacher he admires.
The second half of the episode opens with a teaser for the fictional anime Lovable Lunches. An autograph signing is announced and Nakamura is already on his way to attend it.
Kawamura and her friends also go to the event, with tickets. Before signing, they stop at a themed restaurant based on Lovable Lunches, grabbing a quick bite together before splitting up to explore on their own.
To pass the time until the event Kawamura goes to a bookstore. There she unexpectedly sees Nakamura nearby. Nakamura panics, and is instantly ducking down, overcome with embarrassment and fear of being seen.
His anxiety reaches such a pitch that he considers not going at all. But he stays, and he preps with a Lovable Lunches cloth as a sort of makeshift face covering while waiting in line.
His disguise only makes him look more suspicious and even a police officer questions him briefly. Kawamura recognizes him immediately, despite his efforts. She knew he was interested in Lovable Lunches so she is not surprised.
The autograph session is coming up soon and Nakamura is getting more and more anxious about what he should say to the creator. Before he can get himself ready Kawamura finishes her turn and even gives a letter to the author, leaving Nakamura next.
Nakamura gets nervous and has trouble talking to him, and initially inadvertently frightens the manga creator. But the creator soon finds out he is just a shy but true fan and answers nicely. The interaction concludes on a high note, as Nakamura receives a special drawing of his favorite character, making the experience meaningful for him.
Episode Breakdown
The strongest moments of Go For It, Nakamura! Episode 10 are those that embrace the relatable, everyday feelings. The first half of the episode has that sense of seeing someone you know in a different situation and realizing how little you know about them. This uncertainty, tinged with curiosity, is dealt with in a subtle and effective manner through Nakamura’s interactions with Hirose.
At the same time, the episode illustrates how small shared experiences can build connection. Trying a new drink, something as simple as that, becomes a way for Nakamura to learn more about Hirose, and it shows how attraction can often grow from ordinary moments rather than dramatic events.
The second half shifts focus from Hirose and the setting moves to the Lovable Lunches event. It’s a little less emotionally strong but it helps flesh out the world and give more attention to supporting characters like Kawamura. The emphasis is shifted so that the episode is not a repetition and the story is varied.
The first half of the episode is more emotionally deep and relatable, but the second half is a light and fun contrast as the show heads for its final stages.