The main character is the female reporter Sumire. She finds a runaway boy in a box outside of her apartment. She wouldn't allow a stranger living with her unless it's a harmless pet. And thus the boy Takashi becomes Momo, the dog.
Having a human pet may sound pretty silly but the story is not silly at all. And all dirty minded will be disappointed.

Sumire shows a strong, strict and tough image of herself to the outside. She's top in her job and does everything very professional. That also gives her a unapproachable appearance among her colleagues.

Hasumi (male role #2), an upperclassman from old college days, has always been interested in her and vice versa. So it doesn't take long until both start dating. And he's a cool dude too - wish his side was better shown and presented.

Sumire wants to keep up her perfect image and restrains herself from showing her weaknesses and flaws to him. That works well and he falls more and more for her.

That brings trouble to her inner balance.
In secret she smokes, plays video games and can become all teary suddenly. Those are the sides that Momo does know very well. As the understanding petdog it's his task to listen and comfort.

However, Momo soon will have troubles too because he slowly falls for her. But since he also respects Hasumi and because of certain other circumstances he keeps that to himself.

So who will get her at the end? ^^



I don't know whether Sumire actually realized at the end that her own forced image in front of her boyfriend Hasumi was the reason that gave this relationship no chance from the beginning. The bond between the two would be much stronger otherwise, just like to Momo/Takeshi.

Takeshi on the other hand, as in the petrole, was presented her very self right from the beginning and thus had already an advantage over any other man.

The ironical thing is that Hasumi actually still had a clumsy and naive girl image of her in his mind. Taking that he surely wouldn't mind the faults she desperately tried to hide from him and wouldn't just still love her, he'd love her even more knowing all about her. After all she is a lovable person.
Those two would be a great couple if just Sumire hadn't hidden half of her personality.

That's the arching thing about this story.
Such chances that get missed because you stand yourself in the way happen often in real life. Sad, isnt it?
Also in a relationship you want to be accepted as your very self, but then you actually should show it.

It's the message of the manga, at least that's what I took from it.


Be yourself.



So why did I rate it 8? Well it's the length. 7 volumes would be enough, but all those extra chars and stories weren't necessary and just dragged it out. I was dieing to know what will happen between Momo and Sumire and didn't want to know about her colleagues at all.
However, now I'm sad that it's over and I won't read anything new about the people there. Well except for Takeshi's cameo appearance in Kiss & Never Cry.

Sumire's bigger sister, who never shows emotions on her face, surely would deserve a manga for herself, seems pretty interesting. LOL.

i do really hate the idea of cheating.. but what happen to Hasumi-sempai is somehow understandable. (And i do really happy for the plot, it opens way for sumire x momo :)) As for shiori, i don't like this bitchy-slutty woman at first, but in the end i kinda sympathize her, this woman is only miserably looking for love she's never got before in her chaotic life and family, and i do think she really loves Hasumi from deep down her heart. I think Sumire's got more, there's nothing to lose if she release others. And hasumi too, already has (at least more) perfect life (than shiori). There's nothing wrong if he shares his happiness to other who need it. The concept of mutual need, giving and sharing when you have more and lack any, are what i like about this manga.