A sweeter, softer volume with a darker side under the surface.
For fans of this series, I want you to know that I no longer believe Hananoi is destined to be an axe murderer. Morino-sensei gave us a peek underneath his hood, so to speak, and there are reasons why his engine creeps instead of idles. I feel sorry for him a little now. He was almost even likable in this volume, aside from the jealous, possessive stalker overtones he gives off. Oh no! I’m leaning towards axe murderer again!
Honestly, Hananoi is a mess, and poor Hotaru is blinded by love and fooled by his veneer. I just know that soon she will be scrambling to get out of the grave he’s digging for her. Yes, I kid, but the darker undertones of this story are real. Hananoi’s parent’s are flakes as they neglect their son, and he bears some untold trauma that makes him almost sociopathic. In contrast, Hotaru’s such a bright, angelic force in this series. I’m not sure what she sees in that kid, but if she didn’t beam as intensely as several suns every other page, I’d think I was drifting into a horror novel.
In this volume, our lovers blush bashfully, work together at Hotaru’s job, save the day with dog therapy, and blush some more. It’s cute.
This volume felt much more romantic than other volumes. Edward’s possessive. Sorry. Hananoi’s possessive bent is still dysfunctional, but there were more healthy moments between them in this volume than the previous three. I have greater hope for this series, though I do still scan the backgrounds for shovels and other red flags of doom.