"No Matter How I Look at It, It's You Guys' Fault I'm Not Popular!" centers on Tomoko Kuroki, a socially awkward high school girl who enters her second year with the expectation that her life will transform into a glamorous, socially active experience akin to the dating sim games she obsessively plays. However, her lack of social skills, self-awareness, and tendency to misinterpret social cues lead to a series of cringe-worthy and humorous misadventures. Tomoko’s attempts to navigate friendships, romantic interests, and school life are often thwarted by her own insecurities and overactive imagination, which frequently spirals into delusional fantasies about popularity and relationships.

The narrative explores Tomoko’s interactions with her classmates, including her more socially adept younger brother, Tomoki, who becomes an unwilling participant in her schemes. Other key characters include Yuri Naruse, a quiet and reserved girl who becomes one of Tomoko’s few genuine friends, and Yuu Naruse, Tomoko’s childhood friend who embodies the confident and outgoing personality Tomoko envies. As the story progresses, Tomoko’s struggles with self-esteem and her inability to connect with others are juxtaposed with moments of growth, albeit often subtle and incremental.

The manga delves into themes of loneliness, self-perception, and the challenges of adolescence, presenting a blend of comedy and pathos. Tomoko’s experiences are marked by her frequent misunderstandings of social norms, her awkward attempts to fit in, and her occasional moments of introspection. The series balances its comedic tone with a realistic portrayal of the difficulties faced by someone grappling with social anxiety and isolation, making Tomoko a relatable yet flawed protagonist. Through its episodic structure, the story captures the mundane yet poignant aspects of high school life, offering a nuanced look at the complexities of human interaction and self-acceptance.