I'm looking for something (preferably a shoujo, or a shoujo-esq manga) where the female and male leads come together because one of them agrees to help the other with something, and they end up falling in love.

I would like for there to be other love interests, or at least for it to be obvious that neither of them is helping the other because they have a crush on them.

I would also prefer if they don't fall in love until a ways into the manga, but as long as it's several chapters in, it's okay, I guess.

Something like Koukou Debut would work, though I'd rather they took a little longer to fall in love, but whatever.

I haven't read this, but Ousama No Shichiya looks perfect. Only it's super short, and I'd like something that has either 30+ chapters, or is ongoing.

what about "midnight secretary"? there's some smut in it, but it's cute and funny. the lead couple actually hate each other in the beginning, but have a boss-secretary relationship. ohmi tomu's works are always fun to read too!

Last edited by strawberrystride at 6:38 pm, Jan 22 2011

Hotaru no Hikari

And I second Midnight Secretary.

Love So Life
Koishi Tagari no Blue
Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen

I second Hotaru no Hikari and recommend the jdrama version of it.

What about V.B. Rose?

I've tried Midnight Secretary, but wasn't really into it. Thanks, though.

Both Hotaru no Hikari and Love so Life look really good. I've also read Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen, and it's not what I'm looking for because a) He loves her from the start, and b) There aren't any other love interests. V.B. Rose looks interesting though, and it's been recommended to me before, so thanks.

I'd rather if the female lead was interested in a relationship, just not one with the male lead, but then at some point she changes her mind.

For future reference, I would like it if the 'business' relationship they have is not a fake marriage, please (though fake boy/girl-friends is ok).

Thanks.

Otome Youkai Zakuro? I'm speaking of the anime though since the scanlations are just beginning. This seems to fit...

I'll do anime suggestions since I think they are either: (1) ahead of scanlations; (2) anime originals...

Kuragehime!!! <3 It's cute... This totally fits... we don't know who she'll end up with!!

Princess Tutu was a surprise... (it has nice classical pieces!) The story/plot gets deeper and darker as you go through both seasons.

Spice and Wolf -- I think this is more about companionship when they start helping each other out... What a tease...

Escaflowne - if you're okay with action/mecha... this had a nice balance of shoujo and shounen elements.

As for manga... (longer than 20 chapters)
Shiawase Kissa Sanchoume? XD Oh slow, oblivious romance...

L-DK? (Too bad there's only 6 chapters scanlated right now.) Though... she's pretty interested in the main guy... :/

Try Shuukatsu!! - Kimi ni Naitei. They meet at a job interview, then find out they are in the same university. He sort-of becomes her mentor. It's only 2 volumes, though.

hmm what about Yamato Nadeshiko Shichihenge

Ha Ha!! I got the perfect one for you! Kare wa Tomodachi is exactly as you describe. the main girl fell in love with a popular guy so she ask his "best friend" to help her set them up together. later on the main girl and the "best friend" fell in love with each other. this is an ongoing manga give it a try! im sure you'll like it!

Hmm, strictly business? I've got a few that are sorta in that category:

Hapi Mari

Private Prince

ATASHI WA SORE WO GAMAN DEKINAI

Barairo My Honey

Chiyou yo Hana yo

Haa Haa, basically a good portion of manga by the author YOSHIHARA Yuki.

Hope that helps

________________
"How do you always find an excuse to get spontaneously naked!!"

- Absolute Boyfriend

All the good ones were listed already, but I second:
Hapi Mari
Midnight Secretary
Private Prince

There's also:
Arakure
Kimi wa Pet
Love Celeb
Watashitachi no Shiawase na Jikan

________________