so people with fat or slightly ugly face are considered second class human? no wonder young woman today take the same idea about beauty. also, why the main protagonist cry all the time? can't she mature up just a bit, choose what to cry about and what not to? she is 19! not 12! given her tough past, she should be able to do so!

oh, well, this is a shoujo manga. i'm lead to believe i should not expect little girl can compare rationally.

I had the opportunity to read this manga during its original run (even though I was just a kid), and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Having gone back and read it for a second time just recently, there are a lot of things that I missed as a child, but are crystal clear to me now that I'm older. When you read this series, you have to look beyond what these characters display on the surface to truly understand them. Despite their obviously gruff or even comical exteriors, they are all actually very complex people with very complex feelings. It's very deep and not my usual cup of tea, but this is not a series to be passed up or looked down on. At least give it a try.

All I can say is that nothing is as it seems; if I say anything more, then I'll give everything away.

... Last updated on June 28th, 2010, 7:02am

I read this whole thing... in one breath. I really wasn't expecting to like it, but it really surprised me. I loved all the characters and even though the story SOUNDED stupid and cliche, it turned out to be really good. The art too, is actually quite nice once you get used to it. The ending was great and happy too... anyway, even though I did think the story was complicated and too incest-y at times it really ended up not being as bad as I thought...

Let me just say that it is josei and it is mature (but no smut at all, thankfully) and if you keep an open mind you'll definitely love this. It's heartwarming and deep.

This is one to hold tittle great shoujo manga... Cause the story is quite simple, yet realistic n problematic ^^; ... full of beautiful and touching philosopies of life. And how the heroine struggles that make her evolved from little bud to be beautiful blossom flower.
I'd like every shoujo mangaka read this manga. It would give them great aspiration to make good quality manga

... Last updated on September 1st, 2009, 3:30am

This series is so much better than a lot of shoujo series I see now (I not saying ALL, there are plenty of great ones). Maybe because it's a decade old? I don't know. But it has a lot more depth and a more interesting storyline than a lot of shoujo manga. And frankly, I think the art is fantastic ( I find the simplicity and similarity of a lot of shoujo art nowadays somewhat annoying). Anyway, this story really hooks you in with the enticing plotline and fantastic characters. It might seem like 16 volumes is a lot, but each chapter is stuffed with awesomeness and emotion! Anyway, I absolutely love this manga (and wish there were more english releases of it!) and I recommend it to anyone looking for good shoujo.

this is an awesome manga, one of the few shoujo manga i ever came to like. i can't say i find it very realistic *caugh* but there's a sweetness around these characters that's not just made of cotton candy. and their meanness is glorious.

but sweetsense needs a proofer >.<

... Last updated on May 26th, 2009, 12:37pm

Finally, this project's been picked up again! Thank you so much, SweetSense! And please, please, please stick with it. This is, like, the best shoujo manga ever. Probably the most realistic heroine you'll find in this genre - she isn't some sort of super-genki, pretty, giggly, cutish creature with the intelligence of a gnat. Instead, she's a real girl with a real figure (not a stick-insect!) and a real mind and a real heart, and a quiet, reflective personality that is romantically swayed but not brainless. She's not super-weak or super-strong, but just a girl that's in-between, that has her stubborn moments and her vulnerable moments. Such a great character.

Please to be continuing this project! <3

Very good. I must say. Comedic and dramatic and eccentric.
Heard people complaing about the art. Nothing to whine about at all.
It's not a new series, and has very good art for its time. Not shoujo-ish (a very important thing).
I love the characters' personalities. Very unique and funny.
The main characters are all loveable.

Quite the original story. Although I must say, the stranslations are poor...
Hope to see more in the near future.

I've recently read up to the lastest Chapter. It's a great series. I hope it gets more scanlations. I like the characters. Up to one point I liked Sumire but in one chapter I didn't like him. Aoi has replaced his lead. I like Aoi for some reason.

The art grows on you, and it does get better I guess. The story itself is interesting. I like to read more of this. Hope more chapters come along!

This is one of those series that you will never forget. It has that old drawing style and heartwarming scenes that will surely make your day and you will love each and every one of the characters. This is a must read for all shoujo/josei lovers as well as all manga lovers. I recommend this with all my heart!