Are We Now Dating?

**Are We Now Dating?** (恋人？始めました, *Koibito? Hajimemashita*) is the second episode of *Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii* anime series.

## Summary

Narumi and Hirotaka went from being otaku friends to being in a relationship. However, Narumi feels awkward and starts avoiding Hirotaka. When they notice what's going on, their senior coworkers Hanako Koyanagi (a cosplayer) and Tarō Kabakura (a mild otaku) try to give some advice.

## Trivia

* This episode is based on Volume 1, Chapter 2 and Volume 3, Chapter 18 of the manga.
* When Narumi walks in and then quickly drops behind her desk, Hirotaka asks Taro if there is a trap door by her desk, similar to the one from "Komaka sugite Tsutawaranai Monomane Senshuken".
	+ "Komaka sugite Tsutawaranai Monomane Senshuken" is a segment from a Japanese variety show called *Tonneruzu no Minasan no Okage deshita*. In the segment, constestents perform impersonations of famous people and characters in front of a panel of judges. If the judges do not like it, a trap doors open beneath the contestant and they immediately drop down into a hole.
	+ In the subtitled version of *Wotakoi* on Amazon, it is simply subtitlted as "That show", even though Hirotaka clearly says the full name of the segment.
* At the beginning of the episode, when Narumi looks up from her desk and sees Hirotaka staring at her menacingly while Tarō is standing rigidly at attention behind him and an orange light is seen behind them, it is a reference to the anime series *Neon Genesis Evangelion*.
	+ Specifically, Hirotaka is portraying Gendo Ikari doing the "Gendo Pose" while Taro is portraying Kōzō Fuyutsuki, who is Gendo's right hand man.
		- Hanako also refers to Taro as "Fuyutsuki" following the scene.
	+ The orange light behind them is likely a reference to LCL.
	+ Also, the introductory drum beat from the song, "Decisive Battle" can be heard briefly when they are shown. The song is typically heard when NERV HQ and the Evangelion pilots are preparing for launch.
* After Narumi hugs Hirotaka by the elevator after his apology, he sings out "Donghae...". She then asks him why is he referencing "Komaka sugite Tsutawaranai Monomane Senshuken". This another reference to "Komaka sugite Tsutawaranai Monomane Senshuken" that was mentioned at the beginning of the episode.
	+ Specifically, Hirotaka's line is a reference to comedian Myo-chan, where he and his group would impersonate South Korean soldiers who on the brink of death before belting out the first line of the South Korean national anthem. As such, Hirotaka is singing in Korean to express his relief.
	+ As before, the subtitled version of *Wotakoi* on Amazon omits the reference to "Komaka sugite Tsutawaranai Monomane Senshuken", even though it is clearly heard. Instead, Narumi's lines are simply subtitled as "Wait, what language is that? What are you saying?"
* In the second half of the episode, there are additional references to the anime series, *Neon Genesis Evangelion*:
	+ Narumi Momose is listed as "Team Ayanami", in reference to Rei Ayanami and views her as the cutest heroine of the story, .
		- She also does the "Gendo Pose" in reference to Gendo Ikari when explaining her view.
	+ Hanako Koyanagi is listed as "Team Asuka" and uses the German phrase "Krieg" (war) in her speech, in reference to Asuka Langley Sohryu.
	+ Tarō Kabakura is listed as "Team Mari" in reference to Mari Makinami Illustrious.
	+ Hirotaka Nifuji is listed as "Team Shogōki" in reference to Evangelion Unit-01
* The store that the group visits, Animate, is an actual chain of retail stores in Japan and parts of Asia. It is the largest retailer of anime, video games and manga in Japan
	+ In the manga version, the store's name is not mentioned and all of the manga covers are obscured.
* The poster that Tarō Kabakura sees above Animate features Megumi Kato from the anime series *Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend*.
	+ The anime versions of *Saekano* and *Wotakoi* were produced by A-1 Pictures
* The manga that Hanako picks up is volume 9 of *Mahoutsukai no Yome*.
* The special limited edition manga that Narumi picks up is *Hitorijime My Hero* volume 7.
* The Boys Love manga that Narumi Momose recommends to Hanako Koyanagi is volume 4 of *Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu*.
* The other Boys Love manga that Narumi shows off to Hanako are:
	+ *Theo*
	+ *Kimi wa Natsu no Naka*
	+ *Tashiro-kun, Kimi tte Yatsu wa.*
* Hirotaka Nifuji finds volume 16 of *YuruYuri* for Taro, who reveals that he is a huge fan of the series.
	+ In the manga version, the manga that Hirotaka finds for Taro is partially obscured but clearly features the outlines of Kyouko, Chinatsu and Yui from *YuruYuri*.
* Signs for *Koi to Yobu ni wa Kimochi Warui* and *Senpai ga Uzai Kouhai no Hanashi* can be seen in the store. Both of them share the same publisher as *Wotakoi*. Ichijinsha.
* Hirotaka can be seen holding a copy of *Tejina-Sempai* volume 4.