"Nanchatte Ren'ai" is a romantic comedy anime series that centers around the lives of high school students navigating the complexities of love and relationships. The story primarily revolves around Nao Yazawa, a second-year high school student who harbors feelings for her childhood friend, Yuuto Setoguchi. However, Yuuto is oblivious to Nao's feelings and instead has a crush on Nao's best friend, Aki Honda. This unrequited love creates a love triangle that drives much of the narrative tension.

Nao, determined to win Yuuto's affection, decides to seek advice from her older brother, Keiichi Yazawa, who is a college student and somewhat of a playboy. Keiichi suggests that Nao should pretend to be in a relationship with him to make Yuuto jealous. This plan, however, leads to a series of misunderstandings and comedic situations, as Nao struggles to balance her true feelings with the facade she has created.

As the story progresses, other characters become involved, adding layers to the romantic entanglements. Aki, unaware of Nao's feelings for Yuuto, begins to develop her own romantic interests, further complicating the dynamics between the friends. Meanwhile, Keiichi's own romantic life becomes intertwined with the high school drama, as his interactions with Nao and her friends reveal more about his character and past relationships.

The series explores themes of unrequited love, friendship, and the challenges of expressing one's true feelings. The characters' interactions are marked by a blend of humor and heartfelt moments, as they navigate the ups and downs of young love. The narrative structure is episodic, with each episode focusing on different aspects of the characters' relationships and personal growth.

Throughout the series, Nao's journey is central, as she learns more about herself and what she truly wants in a relationship. The evolving dynamics between Nao, Yuuto, Aki, and Keiichi provide a rich tapestry of emotional and comedic moments, making "Nanchatte Ren'ai" a engaging exploration of teenage romance and the complexities of human emotions.