Tomoko Kuroki, the main character from Watamote (short for Watashi ga Motenai no wa dō kangaetemo omocha ga warui), is a socially awkward high school girl who struggles with making friends. Throughout the series, Tomoko’s journey revolves around her attempts to become more popular and overcome her social anxiety, but she often faces failure or awkward situations.
In terms of making actual friends, Tomoko does have some limited interactions with people who show kindness toward her. These relationships are not fully developed into deep friendships, but they are steps toward her growth:
1. Yuu (the classmate): Yuu is one of the few characters who befriends Tomoko. She is a classmate who seems to notice Tomoko’s social struggles and tries to reach out. Though their friendship isn’t the focal point of the series, it represents a rare positive social interaction for Tomoko.
2. Mikako Satsukitane: Mikako is a popular girl who somewhat takes an interest in Tomoko, though she doesn’t seem to fully understand Tomoko’s social anxieties. She occasionally interacts with her, but their relationship remains more of a surface-level acquaintance rather than a deep friendship.
3. Kii-chan: A character from Tomoko’s middle school, who contacts her after a long period of silence. However, this relationship doesn’t really turn into a full-fledged friendship due to Tomoko’s awkwardness and inability to connect with others.
Overall, while Tomoko does make a few acquaintances and has moments where she seems close to making a friend, her journey is more about her personal growth and dealing with her insecurities, rather than immediately forming deep friendships. The series portrays her as a relatable character who, despite her efforts, has a tough time building lasting relationships, but it shows that she is gradually learning and growing as a person.
