わたしに××しなさい! 7 [Watashi ni xx Shinasai! 7]

わたしに××しなさい! / Watashi ni XX shinasai! #7

by Ema Tōyama, 遠山えま

Mami avoue son amour à Shigure. Ce dernier n’ayant jamais envisagé leur relation sous cet angle se sent très mal à l'aise et ne sait plus comment réagir avec elle... S'il décide de sortir avec Mami, Yukina comprend qu’elle ne pourra plus compter sur lui pour ses missions. Elle prend les choses en main et se pose officiellement en rivale amoureuse de Mami. La lutte entre les deux jeunes filles s'engage... Quel rôle jouera Akira dans ce quatuor de l’amour ?

Genres: Manga, Romance, Shojo, Young Adult, Comics Manga, High School, Manga Romance

168 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2011

About the author

Japanese Name: 遠山 えま

She made her debut in September 2003 in the monthly manga magazine Nakayoshi with her story, Tenshi no Tamago ("Angel's Egg", no relation to the anime movie of the same name). Gokkun! Pūcho is considered her best representative work. Tokyopop has licenced it under the title Pixie Pop. All of her works are published by Kodansha, and they are enjoyed mainly by preteen and teen girls. None of her series have yet become anime.

Reviews

[Bibliothecat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for the complete series



Yukina's classmates avoid her for the cold look she gives everyone. And that suits her just fine: she loves to observe people as it gives her ideas for the novel she's been writing under the penname Yupina. Yupina's novel has become widely popular but there's one thing her readers are in want of: romance. As this is new terrain for Yukina, she decides she needs some first-hand experience. Coincidently, she finds out that her popular classmate Shigure isn't as nice as he lets on. Yukina decides that he will be the one to teach her romance through her missions of love or else she'll let the school see Shigure's true colours.

Missions of Love is an engrossing and addictive manga whilst also being problematic: people who like to crush things by pointing out all its social and moral impropriety will have a field day with this one. My personal main issue with it, though, is that it suffered from its length. I am very sure that this manga was dragged out after the first volumes proved to be such a success.

This manga starts off very strong in which Yukina and Shigure playing out a perfect high school enemies to lovers scenario. Both of them are strong characters and they're constantly trying to get the upper hand in their power struggle which is also filled with lots of chemistry and tension. At times they are perfectly mean to each other, at other times true feelings start to surface and they begin to care. Rivals are thrown in one after the other and while a lot of people might not like this, I believe it was rather necessary in this particular case as neither Yukina nor Shigure would be willing to confess how they really feel without some jealousy or sense of loss involved.

Tōyama has the tendency to make rival characters come across as creepy psychopaths, it's actually something I never liked about her works. Be that as it may, the first two rivals are Yukina's cousin Akira and Shigure's childhood friend Mami. They are both rather possessive and for the most part feel like meddlers. As the story progresses, though, both of them become more fleshed out and start to move away from their obsessions. This turns both of them into likeable characters who actually have really cute and warm sides to them. Mami in particular really grew on me once she stopped being the little psycho she was introduced as.

I would have much preferred this series to have wrapped up with just those characters and with only half the amount of volumes it actually amounted to. The story seems to progress naturally when suddenly the kindergarten teacher arc is introduced: Yukina's former teacher has left her with insecurities she still struggles with today. Although this was already mentioned early on in the series, the appearance of the teacher seemed to derail the plot. That whole arc feels random and cutting it out wouldn't change the outcome of the series one bit. It almost feels like Tōyama was trying to create new tensions, realised it wasn't going well and opted to drop it in favour of a different plotline. It was over and done with as fast and sudden as it came. I faintly remember even thinking of dropping the series at that stage during my first read.

However, while not as strong as the first volumes, Missions of Love catches itself again and makes a turn for the better - mostly in any case. Another rival character is introduced and it adds both pros and cons to the remainder of the story. Hisame is Shigure's younger brother (through marriage, non-blood related) and boy do they not see eye to eye. This adds some much-needed insight to Shigure's life and why he is the way he is. The problem is that Hisame is yet another psychotic little jerk who, unlike Akira and Mami, stays that way. Sure, he certainly does have a few nice moments and cute scenes, but ultimately, he's a creepy little shit.

Putting aside Hisame's creepy ways, the latter volumes mainly deal with the characters' inner feelings which is particularly important in regard to Yukina. She is a tricky character in the sense that a lot of her behaviour seems odd. I can easily see her coming across as a character who is impossibly oblivious to love when it's standing right in front of her. You could read this manga and ask yourself time and again, why is she being so dense? In that same sense, you might wonder how she can share intimate moments with multiple characters without understanding why it's wrong or why it would bother others. While it's never actually spelt out, it is highly implied that there is more to it than just poor characterisation. I don't know much about the different sexual identities, so I won't go ahead labelling Yukina as something I know nothing of, but it's clear that while Yukina feels sexual attraction, she struggles with the concept of love. She is genuinely trying to understand what's inside her heart and beats herself up over not succeeding. She loves different people around her but she doesn't seem to understand the differences between the love one has for friends, family members and the romantic type.

People who have only read the first few volumes and criticise this manga over Yukina blackmailing Shigure into playing love games, this problem does actually get addressed in the latter volumes. Although Yukina is generally speaking a confident girl, there is something about her that prevents her from reading certain social cues, and I suspect it's the same that prevents her from understanding the different kinds of love. Yukina is often seen doing things that either stand out or just makes others around her feel awkward. She herself doesn't feel any of this awkwardness and it's usually done out of complete innocence. Once again, I am no expert, but there is definitely a complexity behind why Yukina is the way she is and a lot of this manga's ultimate question is whether or not Shigure can love and accept her for who she is.

Missions of Love does have a couple more things sprinkled throughout that rub me the wrong way: I can't get my head around when Yukina, Shigure and Akira get intimate at the same time, I wish there would have been more closure to what became of Mami and Akira (I can't say I care what became of Hisame) and what is it with Yukina's breasts?! I love Tōyama's art but can we take a moment to look at how material hangs over breasts - Yukina seems to have rather large ones but it doesn't mean her clothes should stick to her.

Drawing 101:



Here I'm just nitpicking but Yukina's breasts are definitely drawn like the former.

Missions of Love has it's issues - no doubt there. But it's nicely drawn and really brings out what you'd expect from an enemies to lovers plot. For the most of it, it's an enjoyable read and one that you don't put down easily. I'd definitely recommend it to romance lovers who can turn a blind eye to the issues that come with Yukina and Shigure's story.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the nth time, I'd say that the cover is so misleading. (In fact I'm beginning to think that the sole reason smut is included in the genre list is because of the cover illustrations.) But anyway. I actually gave this four stars; this is such a huge improvement! I thought I would forever be stuck in labeling Watashi ni xx Shinasai! with only three as the highest rating. It has notched up mainly because of the increasing sweetness of the romance between the characters. It was all so sweet - and I'd say Mizuno and Akira seemed pretty good together (I think I'm beginning to ship this two). Unfortunately though, they were making a big deal out of the eyeglasses and the weakness stuff all over again. It was so infuriating. But Ema Tōyama, why did you have to make such a hot sensei?

[Starbubbles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe I read all this so fast. I needed all of my cognitive ability to go towards my papers, not indulging romantic whimsies. It was a lot of fun, no matter how I looked at it.

[Lesedelfin · Rating 3 out of 5]

In den "xx me!" Mangas erforscht Yukina nach wie vor noch das Gefühl des Verliebt seins. Die Unbeholfenheit der Protagonistin hat mich immer auf eine gewisse Art begeistert, denn man wusste nie, was sie als nächstes tun würde. Weil sie einen Liebesroman schreibt, muss sie natürlich auch wissen worüber sie schreibt. Männliche, unfreiwillige Hilfe bekommt sie von ihrem Klassenkameraden Shigure, dem sie Missions aufträgt, die er mit ihr machen soll. Umarmen oder bestimmte Aussagen, oder, oder, oder. Ihre gewonnenen Erkenntnisse waren bisher recht schräg, aber manchmal auch ganz lustig und ein kleines bisschen zum fremdschämen.
Ihr Cousin Akira ist sehr um sie bemüht und auch Shigure hat ein Mädchen, dass er schon ewig kennt und für die er sich verantwortlich fühlt.
Die Paarkonstellationen könnten unterschiedlicher nicht sein und so manches Mal habe ich gedacht, wenn Shigure diese und diese Entscheidung treffen könnte, wäre die Geschichte vorbei. Aber natürlich bauscht man das ganz noch ein wenig auf und Ema Toyama hat schon so manche plötzliche Handlung für sich sprechen lassen.

Was sie ihren Lesern im siebten Band präsentiert, war für mich als relativ normal fühlenden Menschen, richtig unglaublich. Ich verstehe die Geschichte und ich verstehe, dass die Charaktere einfach null Ahnung haben, aber hier wird so extrem mit den Gefühlen rumgespielt, dass ich mich echt zwingen musste weiter zu lesen.
Für die Story selbst geht es auf, weil es zu dem bisherigen Chaos und bestimmenden Ton passt, aber für mich persönlich war das recht übertrieben und sehr überspitzt.
Und gerade wenn ich denke Yukina ist die komplizierteste Person, setzt Shigure einen drauf! Ich glaube die bräuchten alle mal eine kalte Vernunftsdusche ;)

Nach sechs bisherigen xx me! Mangas kenne ich den Zeichenstil der Mangaka ja ein wenig, aber trotzdem war ich wieder überrascht, wie riesig einzelnde Szenen gezeichnet waren und wie groß die Schrift war. Zu manchen Szenen passte es, wenn die Charaktere gebrüllt haben oder etwas deutlicher werden sollte. In diesem siebten Manga fand ich es aber klein wenig zu viel des Guten...

Für diesen Band habe ich definitiv ein größeres Nervenkostüm gebraucht, aber trotzdem bleibt es spannend, kurios und ich denke ein paar angedeutete Handlungen können in den Folgebänden noch für so manche Erschütterung sorgen. Ich werde die Reihe auch weiter lesen und hoffe, dass dieser Band in Punkto Schwierigkeit ein Aurutscher war ...

[Jillian -always aspiring- · Rating 2 out of 5]

2020 Read #230

The art continues to be the best selling point of this series since all the characters are pretty twisted and selfish. They may be despicable and underhanded, but they look cute anyway!

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is really picking up. I can't stop reading!

[Rubi · Rating 3 out of 5]

So Mami finally confesses but Shiguee doesn't know what to do....go figures lol
Yukina sill doesnt admit to herself that she really likes him and poor Akira is trying to balance two girls with emotional issues😂

[David Doel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it is Mami who makes this story tolerable. She is so awful, everyone else seems likeable.

[Story of a Book Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

addictive

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suddenly everyone seems to be baring their hearts!

[Judyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

~3.5-4/5

I’m falling more and more in love with the characters in this series, and I really like that.

Akira kind of has all of my votes at this point. He’s so sweet. And he’s so sweet to Yukina. There’s one scene in particular between them in the pool that’s just kind of adorable. I really don’t think he has much of a chance, but I want him to. Which means that I want him to have his own romance, because I love him. I’m seeing something forming between him and Mami, but I’m not sure how I feel about that.

Then there’s Shigure. I like Shigure, I do. But he’s also really frustrating. He gets so stuck in his own head, and it drives me a little crazy. Still, there was a particularly steamy scene between him and Yukina in this volume, which was nice. Then there’s the fact that Yukina has officially decided to fight Mami for him.

I’m getting used to Mami. She’s a sweet girl, and I feel bad for her feelings for Shigure. I also think that her and Yukina could become friends, once they get over their whole rival thing. I also like how they’re maybe bonding over Yukina’s novel (even though Mami doesn’t know that it’s Yukina’s), depending on where that goes. And, I love the way Yukina gets so excited over her novel. She’s so cute when she does.

I’m just plain enjoying this series. It’s becoming cute and funny, and now I’m very attached to the characters. The drama in this series isn’t too over-the-top, and I really appreciate that. I’m excited for the next volume.

[Read more at my blog, Geeky Reading!]

[Amy Gideon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

Yukina is an interesting heroine and I think she's delightful. She's honest and brave, which I like, but also a bit manipulative and selfish. I'm not sure if I like her, but I like reading from her POV. I want to see how her love experiment goes.

As for Shigure, he's not a good guy. He really shouldn't be the hero and I shouldn't like him, but I do. I love how real he is with Yukina and how fake he is with everyone else. He's selfish, deceitful, brash and a bit arrogant. I think I like that the author made such a flawed character the hero. I like reading from his POV as well.

It's an interesting love story between two less than lovable characters. There's a bit of a BDSM vibe throughout the series, only they keep swapping dominance roles. Overall a fun read.

[Soobie has fog in her brain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ich habe vergessen, eine Rezension zu schreiben...

Ich möchte die Reihe bis zum Ende lesen aber ich finde immer neue Dinge zu lesen... Es ist gut und die Zeichnungen sind sehr, sehr schön aber ja, es ist schwer. Ich mag auch Yukina und Shigura als Hauptfiguren...

[Reina Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

UGH. Here we go again, the cover is inappropriate and doesn't have any relativity to the freaking story.

actual rating: 4.5 stars

It was supposed to be a 5, but the cover bothers me. Odd.

[Lecy11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much

[Karina Rari · Rating 4 out of 5]

es ist immer noch gut, nur langsam nervt das hin und her der Protagonisten

[Jessica Duet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so good. Loving the drama and characters.

[Célia ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note : 3 ⭐.
Commentaire : ∅

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

People are finally owning up to their feelings in this volume.

[Bryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not loving this plotline much but hopefully it'll move quickly.