Crush or competition? Breaking down Damian’s feelings for Anya in Spy x Family

Damian blushing as seen in Spy x Family
Damian blushing as seen in Spy x Family (Image credit: Wit Studio)

Spy x Family is a popular series known for delivering a wholesome story set in the middle of high-stakes missions. In this story, there is a subplot between Damian Desmond and Anya that has been equal parts silly and cute, and this deserves attention. Their relationship started as rivals at school, but it developed into a complicated dynamic.

Since their first interaction in Spy x Family, Anya knew she had to befriend him to help her dad’s mission. But she ended up punching him directly in his face as she defended her classmate. For the first time in Damian's life, someone dared to treat him normally, and when she came to apologise for her actions, his child brain could not fathom this, and he seemingly started liking her.

In the story, it looks like he has a crush on Anya, but he does not show it. It could be because he is afraid that his friends would make fun of it, as they are still in the stage where a boy would be teased for liking a girl.

Therefore, he gets flustered around her and constantly tries to push her away. It is hilarious because when Loid looks at the dynamic, he does not understand that Damian actually likes Anya.

Anya and Damian as seen in anime (Image credits: Wit Studio)
Anya and Damian as seen in anime (Image credits: Wit Studio)

After the apology incident, even if Damian tries his best to avoid her, he can't help but keep an eye on her. He struggles to understand what he’s feeling. At one moment, he’s calling Anya a "peasant," and the next, he’s blushing when she speaks to him.

Meanwhile, Anya in Spy x Family is far from being a typical love interest. The biggest reason that sets her apart is her ability to read minds. Anya is incredibly chaotic and unpredictable, which makes someone like Damian keep his guard up.

Though Anya initially sees Damian as a mission target for Loid’s Operation Strix, she gradually develops a weird sort of fondness for him. Her efforts to get closer to him often come off as strange, mainly because of her telepathic abilities that make her say exactly what Damian is thinking.

Damian is still a child, and he lacks the maturity to comprehend every complex emotion he feels. But in Spy x Family, there are instances where he could dive right in to protect Anya and tries to show that he cares about her opinion.

It is also noticed that he feels jealous when she hangs out with other boys. In one of the manga chapters, Anya is in a class with new people, and somehow within the span of one lecture, she ends up being noticed by two other boys. We see him feel jealous, but he just walks it off.


Damian’s future and the symbolism behind their bond in Spy x Family

While it seems like the dynamic between Damian and Anya is part of the subplot, it does not mean that it isn’t important. His character in Spy x Family represents the future generation of Ostania, and Anya is somehow tied to Westalis. Their becoming friends could be a subtle message that shows us how there is a possibility of attaining peace.

In a world divided by war, secrets, and mistrust, Damian and Anya’s relationship is a quiet rebellion. It’s messy, immature, and filled with misunderstandings, but it’s also rooted in genuine connection. If these two kids can find common ground, maybe there’s hope for their world after all.


Final thoughts

It is obvious that Damian has a crush on Anya, but because they may still be children, they may not be able to understand it. Damian and Anya's story in Spy x Family captures something very real: the confusion, vulnerability, and innocence of a first crush.

As the series continues, it’ll be interesting to see how their bond changes. For now, what we do know is that Damian Desmond’s feelings for Anya Forger go far beyond competition. It may have started with a punch, but where it goes next is anyone’s guess.

Edited by Nimisha