I have only love for this manga at this point. If anything, Haru's weird ways are just cute and the way Shizuku responds is usually even better. The side characters are also pretty well rounded, considering how little time they have, and I have to say I was actually sad when Yamaken didn't get a better shot with Shizuku, while still being GLAD he didn't. I was in a tough spot! Personally, it is a manga I probably wouldn't have looked twice at in a store, but I'm glad I picked it up! XD

This is the Only shoujo or manga that I've read that has a realistic approach to being socially outcast. Even so, It could still be done better.. I read tons of manga's and especially shoujo's where their was a socially outcast main character or side character and suddenly they get a bunch of friends and life is lovely. This is actually kind of borderline that ideal a bit right now, however it started out more realistically so I will give it that. I am STILL looking for a manga that is NOT like what I described, I will let you know if find one. Basing this manga on what it is, it is quite good, enjoyable and Shizuku sticks to her character as well as Haru. This is more of a comedy manga than a romance, but I'm fine with that since the comedy is actually interesting.

Short version: Closest manga I've seen to being realistic socially, but sadly still not quite there.

... Last updated on March 3rd, 2013, 9:11pm

Can I just say how much the characters in this make it awesome. Its very good the plot isn't cliche but it does have its moment. The relationship between Haru and Mizutani is very boring. Because honestly, Haru needs more development. He has had zero since the beginning. I feel like he's dragging the story down. Now I don't dislike him but I just feel like he needs more past time or something so I can understand him better and actually like him. Everyone else is perfect. Read this!!

This manga is amazing to the brim. Exciting, cute and funny. It is definitely one of my top tens. Unfortunately, dear future readers, be aware of the fact that Yoshida Haru has a thick skull.
He may have genuine interests towards Shizuku but what do those 'interests' actually mean? Love as friends or lovers? THIS, is an issue for me. I nearly flipped a table due to his bluntness. Haru could have just made things CLEAR. Take Shizuku and leave any other unnecessary girls! (I may seem cruel but I am itching to say so). But overall, the manga is good.

This is a fun, slice of life type manga that progresses slowly (which just makes the changing moments that much sweeter). All the characters are likable and the series is just as much about friendship as romance (probably even more). The atmosphere is similar to Orange (Takano Ichigo) The drawing is superb-it's clean, pretty, and has a clear style that is uniquely Robiko's. Definitely recommended for anyone who enjoys a slow, well thought out shoujo.

PS Yamaken is freaking cute.

... Last updated on May 20th, 2013, 5:56pm

I've just read the last chapter scanlated (vol 9, ch 33) and I don't understand why some reviews say this is boring and/or frustrating. I think the plot is very much like slice-of-life genres. Very normal things repeat, but every time the plot moves forward (perhaps quite subtly). If that's not your thing, then I guess you'll find this manga boring. As for "frustrating", the story is how Haru & Shizuku develop their relationship, from being frustrated with one another, to learning how to communicate their feelings better and build a stronger, more secure relationship. I don't think the development is too slow (I'm the kind of person who easily drops series, but this one kept me interested), and it sure isn't unrealistically fast (that latter one, I might drop).

I think this manga is primarily driven by the combination of characters (and their development, and the development of their relationships). But I think it's very sweet that even though they might intimidate one another, the characters are all good people, and this is the optimistic story of how they try to get along. My favorite characters are the weird (but unbelievably good-looking) misfits Haru and Natsume XD It might be an overdone old trick, but I feel as if I'm the one falling in love with Haru. This applies for the artwork for all the characters, but especially with Haru, he's such a squishy, baby-faced, ridiculously hyper teenage boy (with a dark, violent, emotionally unstable side), that I find it impossible not to love him because of how the mangaka draws him.

Speaking of Haru's dark side, another point that makes this manga more than just a typical school life romance is how the subtle hints and short flashbacks related to the characters' older family members imply that something less than innocent from the adult world is hovering around the main characters' "simple" teenage lives the entire time. But I think that "darker side of life" emphasizes even more the beauty of youth, wasting time to have fun, and raising a pet chicken, lol.


Edit: I've finally finished reading the series! I think the ending feels a bit rushed and sort of anti-climactic. The story does explore a bit deeper psychologically into Haru & Shizuku's characters and background, and show how they grew together to build a relationship. But I think there are still a lot left that could be made into stories (and there are some things that were left unexplained, especially about their families). However, I'm not going to change my rating, because what WAS written is still wonderful and lovable

... Last updated on September 27th, 2013, 7:23am

Art and story isn't bad. It's quite different from the usual shoujo style. I'm dropped this manga because I couldn't find this manga believable even if its start was slightly novel. I dislike clichés that shows a problematic character suddenly turning perfect and lovable unrealistically.

... Last updated on April 3rd, 2017, 9:11pm

Absolutely gorgeous art, a plot that makes sense, and characters with real feelings and motivations. The only downside to this manga is that the sidestories are hideously boring. I only kinda read the Natsume love interest arc, and basically everything else that didn't involve one of the main characters in some way I just skimmed. I do not care enough about these characters to read entire chapters on them.

First off the art is great. It compliments the story and never feels awkward. And it's cute.

The plot is slow-paced, but the characters feel natural and there is comedy. The heroine can be compared to a ice-cold tsundere, but she maintains a consistent personality even as she grows. And even though the male lead is possessive over the girl, they still maintain a relationship that makes them equals. Which doesn't happen often in shoujo. But there is a lot of dialogue and not much angst at all. It feels very slice-of-life.

... Last updated on July 16th, 2012, 4:53pm

I hardly praise a good shoujo manga. At first I didn't think it was all that special but I liked how the relationships developed. Their personality also grew. People matured! You rarely find strong headed heroines in a shoujo manga like Shizuka! And guys who openly display how attached they are to the one they love.
I know she grew up a loner and all so she's new to these kind of friendships and relationships but her way of thinking is too blunt >_>. At first, she doesn't try to get to know him better...I really hope for the best! You can see her slowly changing and falling deeper in love with Haru <3

... Last updated on June 29th, 2012, 8:54am