The romantic comedy anime I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class is about to air its final episode. Episode 12, the last installment of the Spring 2026 season, will broadcast on June 23, 2026. The series has followed the unlikely friendship between the quiet Maki Maehara and the popular Umi Asanagi throughout its 12-episode run. The anime, produced by studio Connect, has received positive attention for its character development and sweet romance.
Global Release and Streaming Information
The final episode will premiere in Japan on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:30 PM JST. For international audiences, Crunchyroll is streaming the series with English subtitles and an English dub. The episode is typically available shortly after the Japanese broadcast.
Fans can also find the show streaming on Crunchyroll Amazon Channel and available for purchase on the Apple TV Store. The series has been accessible on Bilibili for viewers in select regions. Tokyo MX, Kansai TV, BS Asahi, and AT-X are the primary Japanese television networks broadcasting the series.
Episode 11 Recap: Maki and Umi Become a Couple
Episode 11, which aired on June 16, 2026, delivered the payoff fans had been waiting for throughout the entire season. The episode showed Maki finally confessing his feelings to Umi, and the two became a romantic couple.
The episode provided a light and endearing look at their first week as boyfriend and girlfriend. Maki caught a cold and Umi insisted on nursing him back to health at her home. The episode showcased Umi’s vulnerable and caring side, which she rarely revealed at school. Reviewers noted that seeing Umi’s anxiety over Maki’s illness was a delightful change from her usual composed demeanor.
The episode also featured Umi’s supportive mother Sora and father Daichi, who served as a charming reflection of what Maki and Umi’s future relationship might look like. Anime critics praised how the episode allowed the main couple’s relationship to feel genuine and earned.
What Happened in Previous Episodes
The anime has followed Maki Maehara’s journey from a lonely high school student to someone who finds friendship and romance. The story began when Maki ran into Umi at a video store and discovered their shared love for B-grade movies. Umi, who is considered the second prettiest girl in their class, asked Maki to be her friend, starting their secret after-school hangouts.
Throughout the season, the series explored their growing bond through various school events. The school festival episodes showed Maki being chosen as a committee head and Umi supporting him despite others mocking him. Their relationship deepened as they celebrated Christmas together and met each other’s families.
The show also explored Umi’s complicated friendship with Yuu Amami, the prettiest girl in class. Umi had fears that Maki would abandon her for Yuu, similar to past experiences. This conflict came to a head when Maki advised Umi to repair her friendship with Yuu, but Yuu instead encouraged Maki and Umi to remain close. The series concluded its main romantic storyline in Episode 11, leaving Episode 12 to show the new couple’s life together.
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Final Episode Expectations
With Maki and Umi officially a couple after Episode 11, the final episode of I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class will likely focus on their developing relationship. Early previews suggest the episode may show Umi continuing to care for Maki after he fell ill at the end of Episode 11.
The series has had some pacing criticisms, with some viewers feeling the confession came surprisingly early. However, most critics have praised the show for its genuine character interactions. The anime has managed to stand out in the competitive spring season with its relatable take on romance and friendship.
I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class will conclude on June 23, 2026. The series has built a dedicated following during its spring run and has received positive reviews for its charming characters and heartfelt storytelling.
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