I loved this. Umine was so fucking annoying, even after she got what she wanted. Ayumi's spirit was so sweet -- it's a little idealistic in saying that a good attitude and kindness will make everyone love you but hell, it's 99% right. Umine's problem wasn't that she was ugly or fat or anything -- it was that she was bitter and angry and didn't try to make the best of it. Like when she says: "They don't understand the pain I've had to suffer since they have good looks by nature." -- like oh, boo-f*cking-hoo, baby. Go cry a river -- not all of us are gorgeous, it's not just you. Also...it's not their fault other people are bullies and society sucks. In reality, in the context of this story, Ayumi incredibly nice to Umine (even considering all that's happened) so Umine is punishing the person who deserves it the LEAST.
Don't get me wrong: I get why Umine is the way she is so I feel sympathetic to why she did what she did and why she was desperate to not have things change back. The poor thing was treated so poorly by so many people to the point she couldn't see what she did have going for her and her own good points. BUT I just thought she was SO mean-spirited at some points...like damn, bih, you're not even gonna let Ayumi make the best of it? She's just gotta suffer. Okay then, girl -- I kind of respect the multi-layer evil plan here. One thing about Umine, she's not half-assing this, lol. At another point, one of the male MCs says: "After all, those guys from our class aren't doing things like bullying you, right? Wasn't it merely because you regard your surroundings to such a degree of negativity?" Umine has super low self-esteem, was on the verge of suicide.
You really pity Umine in waves and Ayumi helps to remind you that ultimately, that's the emotion you should feel toward someone who (quoting Ayumi): "tried their best to get like and love others...but there is a limit to how many times you could do so without expecting any [like or love] in return...the wounded parts of your heart, your bitterness changed you..." Although I am not sure someone could get as warped as Umine...geezy Pete's. Her mom isn't super affectionate, but it's very clear she cares about her daughter and was having her own trouble coping with Umine's personality...(Do NOT get me wrong, her mom was f'ed up for what what she said at the hospital, but it could be because Umine had no injuries at the end of the day so it was NBD in her eyes? IDK, just not the reaction I would have if it were my kid even if they turned out okay.)
Also: Kaga was so, so swoon-worthy. I haven't felt like this about a shoujo MC in a while (since I was a wee lass, lol) so that was refreshing, too. He's so supportive because he really likes her regardless and would have been with her regardless of how she looked, so long as she was herself on the inside.
Everything turns out fine at the end and LOL @ the boys when they see Umine and Ayumi holding hands in their bodies. AND Umine being so cute at the end...refreshing although...after that headache, I don't know if I'd be as nice as them...lmao. I wanted Ayumi + Kaga endgame and that's my biggest pet-peeve.
I inhaled all 15 chapters so quickly. Overall, good pacing without feeling rushed. Some of the character motivations were a little "ehhh, okay, I see it but also...eeehh, ok" but they worked at the end of the day. Art is very nice! Really good stuff, interesting story.
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