Since I haven't read and commented on a one-shot compilation in a long time (i.e. two years), whether it be yaoi or shoujo, I decided to pick one at random.
The art is pretty decent, and the male leads are mostly bishies.
Run-down of the stories compiled:
1st Story
Pretty okay. The heroine has no mouth filter which was a little amusing and understandable given the quick pace the story had to progress. She was blunt, basically blurted out her honest thoughts about Tsubasa (bishounen) to his face.
There's a moment where he's sort of a d*ck to her, for caveman reasons eye roll.
But it's all resolved pretty quickly. In the end, not bad.
No deep feelings or whatever, but short cute fluff.
2nd Story
eye-twitch. I had to take a moment before continuing the story. SMH Seriously, Japan and their weird portrayal of Christianity in manga. Sometimes I don't mind, but this one made me roll my eyes so hard.
Kanon (female lead) is dating Haru (male lead), the "pastor's son" (who apparently also does some sort of penitence to Mother Mary, which I'm pretty sure protestants don't really do? Whatever. Trying my best not to take it seriously.) I think the author tried to do a play with the "Pastor's kid" trope, and ended up fumbling it. Also, confusing Pastor with Priest.
Anywayyyy, they're dating. Conflict: she hasn't told him she's a miko. Also,
her childhood friend, Arashi, urges her to stop dating Haru and start dating Arashi. BTW, Arashi is a "Parishioner's son", which is apparently more suitable?! IDEK.
They get a happy ending, and end up doing the deed in the school's chapel.
Head, meet Desk-san.
3rd Story
The story opens three years since the death of Ichinose's(male lead) first love, Miku-san (an older woman). Now at 18, he's closed off and still haunted by her death, promising to himself that he doesn't "need a special person".
We suddenly meet a new student whose name is Sakurai Miku, who transferred to Ichinose's school for the purpose of meeting him. Again. Apparently.
She's persistent on being in a relationship with him. Stuff happens. He realises he can't afford to push away love and ends up taking the plunge again.
Basically, grab the opportunity while there's still time to be with the one you love.
4th Story
Rumi (female lead) is a strong judo champion and is childhood friends with the popular hot dude, Tomo (male lead). She's still a girl at heart and so has always yearned for a boyfriend. She goes to a fortune teller who predicts Rumi will meet a black-haired dude and future boyfriend in August.
For some reason, she gets roped into a bet with Tomo, which he wins, and as a result, will be allowed to "observe her" until she gets a boyfriend or no until August. IDK.
During the time Tomo sticks close to her while she searches for her fated one, she becomes more and more conscious of Tomo.
Honestly, this one has to be my favourite of the bunch. I had a feeling it would end the way it did, but it was still entirely satisfying to see fulfilled. Choosing who you want to be with trumps 'fated love' anytime. Loved the guy and how it ended.
5th Story
Rika (female lead) is an uptight megane-type(for less than a handful of pages. Her glasses suddenly disappear for some reason) and VP of the morals committee. She's deeply annoyed and frustrated by Jinguuji's (male lead) actions despite him being the popular Pres. of the committee.
To dispel a certain rumour, he circulates another which ends up involving her.
Actually, of all five heroines in this compilation, I liked Rika the most, and thought her the prettiest. She had an actual personality which I liked, even if it was shown only in glimpses due to the constrictions of having to be a one-shot.
Hmm, but it didn't make me feel anything other than thinking "Huh, I like Rika". I didn't think the story was good or bad. Just pretty bland. The others had some sweet moments (except the second one because gaah but at least it made me react), but this was just plain and completely forgettable.
(-25)
