Unrequited Love Songs Recommended for High School Students | Love Songs to Listen to While Thinking of Your Crush

loveback number

back number – Koi (full)

This is an unrequited love song by back number that captures a man’s bittersweet feeling of “I want to confess—I have to…” to someone he won’t be able to see much longer.

back number has many popular unrequited love songs like HAPPY BIRTHDAY and Takane no Hanako-san.

But since we’re recommending songs for high school students this time, here’s one that easily brings school to mind! They go to the same school, yet he can’t confess his feelings—he just watches from afar as his feelings grow stronger.

Many high schoolers will probably think, “That’s just like me.”

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sasashina

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RomanticismMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Romanticism

A song with an uplifting, fast-paced sound that feels like a snapshot from a bittersweet youth—the impression is refreshingly vivid.

The gentle vocals that stay close to the hearts of high school students and the straightforward, heartfelt lyrics will resonate deeply.

Released in October 2019 and written specifically for Shiseido’s “SEA BREEZE” commercial, this piece features Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s signature poppy, catchy melody line—sure to make you hum along before you know it.

It’s a perfect track for high schoolers who spend their days carrying the ache of unrequited love and their feelings for someone special.

It’s a wonderful song that makes you feel as if it’s expressing the emotions deep in your heart through music.

I want to be your lover.Abe Mao

Mao Abe – I Want to Be Your Lover [Official Music Video]

Even people who usually don’t overthink and consider themselves optimists show a different side when they fall in love, don’t they? Even someone with an easygoing mindset can end up, just like in this song, agonizing—second-guessing everything, wanting to ask the other person this and that, wishing they hadn’t said something, and just spiraling.

It’s a song that conveys those helpless feelings of being in love, packed with a sincere, pure desire to “become lovers.” Highly recommended.

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utatane

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Love is hard.riria.

riria. / Love Is Difficult. feat. Aru. from Miteinohanashi [Music Video]

This song gently accompanies the start of love, portraying the bittersweet feelings within.

It interweaves the perspective of a girl who struggles because she can’t read the other person’s feelings and a boy who can’t quite express his own, vividly capturing the miscommunications of romance.

Riria’s clear, translucent voice and Aru.’s gentle vocals match exquisitely, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released digitally in November 2023, it sparked a big response, especially on social media.

It’s a must-listen for high school students wrestling with love.

If you listen while thinking of someone you like, you’re sure to find moments you can relate to.

sparklingmosao.

Kira Kira / Mosawo. [Music Video]

This is a love song that leaves a strong impression with Mosawo’s sweet vocals and lyrics that delicately express the feelings of being in love.

Released digitally in September 2020, the track gained major support among younger listeners, especially on social media.

The song expresses feelings for a crush as “sparkling,” portraying the beloved as someone who shines like a jewel—an image many listeners relate to.

It beautifully captures both the ache of not being able to honestly convey your feelings and the joy of being in love, making it a perfect song for high school students experiencing unrequited love.

Why not listen to it while thinking of the person you like?

Leading someone on is a serious offense!arekunn

Teasing Is a Serious Crime! / Are-kun [Official Music Video]

This song depicts the heartache of an unrequited crush tossed around by someone’s teasing behavior, all through a comedic lens.

Its lyrics capture a racing heartbeat, affection for the other person, and mounting frustration, resonating deeply with listeners.

Showcasing Are-kun’s unique expressive style, the track gained buzz after its September 2023 release, especially on social media, with numerous TikTok videos using parts of the song.

It’s recommended for anyone troubled by a crush’s mixed signals or feeling the frustration of unrequited love.

The relatable lyrics will encourage and uplift you.

By your side.riria.

riria. / By Your Side [Audio Video]

Heart-fluttering and pulse-racing feelings that just won’t stop! This song portrays the emotions of a youthful crush.

You can’t stop thinking about that person, and when you see them having fun with another girl, you can’t help but feel jealous… Those pure feelings are packed into the lyrics.

Released in May 2022 as an insert song for ABEMA’s dating reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita” (Today, I Fell in Love) and included on Riria’s first EP, “Kiroku” (Records), the track captures earnest wishes like wanting to be by the side of the one you love and wanting them to show their smile only to you.

Conveying the heartache of unrequited love and unwavering affection for that special someone, this piece is highly recommended not only for high schoolers in love, but also for anyone who wants to reminisce about their own youth.