There's also 'Fruits Basket'. Kyo Sohma is a strong - built character. His love story with Tohru Honda is complex. With the added element of the Sohma family curse, their relationship develops gradually. Kyo has to overcome his own insecurities and the curse to be with Tohru.
Well, the characters. The anime guys in these visual novels usually have distinct looks, from spiky hair to cool outfits. And their personalities range from shy to bold.
There was an anime guy named Kai. He was a popular and confident character. Once, he got injured and had to be on bed rest for a long time. With limited movement and a diet full of comfort foods his friends brought him, he gradually started to gain weight. His once - chiseled jawline became a bit rounder, and his abs were replaced by a soft belly. But as he recovered and worked hard to get back in shape, he learned a lot about self - acceptance and the importance of health.
One common theme is self - discovery. In many such stories, the guy discovers more about himself through his relationship with the girl. For example, in 'Your Lie in April', Kousei rediscovers his love for music and his own self - worth while falling in love with Kaori.
The contrast is appealing. It goes against the traditional gender roles. In normal stories, guys are often seen as the dominant ones. So, when an anime girl is in the dominant role, it's fresh and interesting.
A theme could be unexpected love. In 'Toradora!', Ryuuji never expected to fall in love with Taiga. They were so different and had other initial goals. But love just happened in an unexpected way. Also, friendship turning into love is a common theme. In many of these anime, the characters start as friends or at least friendly acquaintances, and then gradually develop deeper feelings for each other.
Another theme can be self - discovery. Through the process of drawing the girl, the guy might learn more about himself, his feelings, and his artistic style. It could be a journey of understanding his own identity as an artist and as a person in relation to the girl he is drawing.
One common theme is the breaking of gender norms. In these stories, the anime girl defies the traditional expectation that the guy should be in control. For example, in 'Fullmetal Alchemist', Winry Rockbell is a skilled mechanic. She doesn't let the male alchemists around her overshadow her skills and knowledge, and she often stands her ground when it comes to decisions related to her work, which is a form of domination in a sense.
Let's say there's an anime guy, Yuki. He's part of a popular anime about a group of friends in high school. Yuki is usually the cool and handsome type. But then he starts dating a girl who loves to bake. She makes him all kinds of delicious cakes and pastries. Yuki can't resist and starts eating them every day. Soon, his slender frame starts to fill out. His jeans get a bit tighter around the waist and his face gains a bit of softness. However, he still has his charming smile and his friends still love him just the same.
Maybe the guy in the van has a personal vendetta against Sango. He might be someone from her past that she wronged accidentally. In the fanfiction, Sango could use her combat skills to try and escape the van when the kidnapper least expects it.