(Good) Handa-kun

Series in one sentence:
X=12

Series in more sentences:
After his jealous best friend lies a popular girl has been spreading nasty rumors about him, Handa is convinced everyone hates him and takes every compliment he gets as a sarcastic attack or angry criticism. Meanwhile, he's the most adored student at school and his nervous, stand-offish behaviour is seen as cool and mysterious.

Finally, some good food.

The first half of episode 1 worried me, it was close to unbearable to sit through, nearly contemplated turning off the series, but the moment the actual series began, it was a joy all way through.
Handa's predicament is tragic, if only because he's so miserably lonely and in need of company. It's a show where every relationship is built on misunderstandings, fairly clever ones as well at times, that's never not funny.

Handa's social awkwardness is pretty endearing and I wish there were more episodes. That it only got 12 and the last one aired 10 years ago, while there're worse animes out there that get 5+ seasons, is sad.

I've come to understand this is a spin-off series of the anime, Barakamon, and if that one is just as good, I might check it out. Regardless, what's definitely worth checking out is Handa-kun.