アオのハコ 12 [Ao no Hako 12]

アオのハコ [Ao no Hako] #12

by Kouji Miura, 三浦糀

冬休みを別々の場所で過ごす千夏と大喜。少しの間の同居解消にもかかわらず、頭の中は互いの事ばかりで──。そして年が明け、バド部のスキー旅行で長野に来た大喜。千夏に会えないか淡い期待を寄せていると、本人からメッセージが届き…!?

Genres: Manga, Romance, Sports, Comics, Japanese Literature, Graphic Novels, Contemporary

192 pages, Paperback

First published December 4, 2023

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

As winter break rages on, Taiki is stuck waiting for Chinatsu’s return to have a talk he decided they needed to have. But, when opportunity knocks, is it just the landscape that will remain frozen?

The story starts off diving into the whole Ayame and Kyo situation I was so enjoying last time, so excellent starting point. Nothing really moves forward, but if you want some textbook ‘she doth protest too much’ then here you go.

We then pivot to good old fashioned longing and anxiety, as Taiki and Chinatsu are separated by a lot of distance physically, yet never far from one another’s thoughts, especially since Taiki said he needed to talk to Chinatsu when she got back. You can tell this is building to something because we get a lot of panels from previous volumes showing up.

Spoiler space, I suppose, if you want it. Here’s a helpful reminder - stay hydrated!

Is this the best confession ever? Not entirely, but it definitely sells the affection levels that have been building, especially from Taiki, who has hormonal teenager levels of energy that propel the timetable forward.

Chinatsu certainly doesn’t have any less affection, but she is a methodical character who considers what she’s doing and always has. Her emotions run deeper than being writ large and that has made her seem less dynamic than the rest of the cast, but I appreciate that being her nature.

It also makes for a very funny exchange between her and a friend later when it becomes clear that a dam may very well have burst that Taiki doesn’t even know about. It may be that she is less ‘reserved’ and more ‘pent up’ and that whole section is a good laugh.

And as much as these two care for each other, it is super obvious that Chinatsu is a very, very good flirt and that leads to her suddenly taking point while Taiki still basks in the afterglow of the confession. She is a master at this and I’m really looking forward to seeing their progress.

There are a couple of other funny moments, especially when Taiki feels the inadequacy of his physicality towards his other senpai in Chinatsu’s class and starts pumping iron. We’ll see if that inadequacy comes back to haunt him, along with their decision to keep things secret from their parents.

And then we see the end of the would-be rival, who hashes it out with Taiki in about as typical teenage male a way as I can imagine. Not entirely redemptive, but he does recognize that Taiki’s desire to be there for Chinatsu outclasses his feelings by a mile.

It’s a real winner of a volume and right after I said they needed to bring closure to the pending relationship and make it a thing. They did. And it was awesome. We got to know these characters for enough time that this is a real moment between them, and it means something to the reader as well, but it didn’t come up with more contrivances to keep them apart.

I’m excited for what comes next - the sports setting will organically lend itself to relationship issues and stories that don’t necessarily involve the relationship at all. It’s a really smart combination backed up by great art and solid writing.

5 stars - nailed it once again, and this time there was basically zero presence from the story’s best character, Hina. A resoundingly successful manga thus far.

[v v · Rating 5 out of 5]

THEY FINALLY CONFESSED!!!! 😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️

[MargReadsManga · Rating 5 out of 5]

*high pitched squealing*

[Professional Kermy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue Box Volume 12 is a masterclass in character development, emotional depth, and sports-driven storytelling. This volume takes Taiki’s journey to new heights, diving deep into his personal growth as an athlete and as a person. The internal conflicts he faces are more intense than ever, and you can feel the weight of his struggles with every page. It’s inspiring to watch him work through the complexities of his goals and ambitions, especially as he balances his relationship with Chinatsu.

Speaking of Chinatsu, their bond continues to evolve in a beautiful and realistic way. Their connection is rooted in mutual respect and understanding, and it feels incredibly genuine. The pacing of their relationship is perfect—it’s slow and steady, allowing both characters to grow individually while still supporting each other.

The pacing and emotional beats in this volume are perfectly balanced, with every moment carrying real significance. The artwork remains stunning, capturing the characters’ emotions with perfect precision. By the end of Volume 12, I was once again left with a deep sense of fulfillment, yet an eagerness for what’s next. Blue Box continues to be one of the most emotionally engaging and inspiring manga series I’ve ever read.

[catherine ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect them to get together so soon OMG ???

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ch 100-108

Read on SJ app

[Hoshi]

"I found myself wanting you to be the first person i saw in the morning" <3

[Cikita · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute

[Hisgirl85 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. It's happening! And, it's cute and sweet. I dinged half a star b/c my favorite girl Hina was not as present. I love her even if she is the the otp in the series.

[Reece Simmonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time I’ve teared up at a book in a long while. This volume (specifically chapter 103 and 104) have my heart forever. :’)

[ǫᴜɪʀᴋʏ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

They are just the cutest! I love Taiki and Chinatsu so much. This manga in particular is one of my favorites, because of the scenery and the cutesy and giggly feels I got from reading it! <3

[christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

THEY’RE SO CUTE 😵🤧

[Valeria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Siento que hay una baja en el hype porque llegamos al desenlace principal que es la trama romántica, ya son pololos después de todo el pining, pero sabí qué? Sigo emocionada con cada capítulo nuevo que va saliendo dshfiasugl Porque lo que más me gusta de este manga es la importancia que le dan tanto al romance como a sus caminos deportivos y estamos ahondando cada vez más en las metas de Taiki, se viene bueno ahí. Obvio con Chinatsu no tanto porque ya tuvo su momento en el campeonato y la trama con la amiga, que obvio retomarán en tercero (esta review ya se va con spoilers xd).

Este volumen igual fue básicamente Taiki en la competencia de novatos, Taiki y Natsu siendo unas cosas nanais que se miraban y se sonrojaban. Y la manager del club de bádminton con el amigo de Taiki echándose el ojo sin hacer nada xd Terminamos con los peques ahora en segundo, con los nuevos del club especialmente uno y una posible nueva arista para un triángulo en la rama femenina??

[Luke Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It finally happened! Chinatsu and Taiki are finally a couple and finally going out. When I read this I was looking to see if Chii’s dad was drawn at all because of what is currently happening in the manga as of chapter 177, but his face is never drawn in this volume at all. On one instance a text bubble conveniently covers up his face and on another it only shows the back side of his head (his hair). It made me curious as to if Miura-sensei didn’t have a full grasp of Chii’s dad at this point. Anyways overall I really enjoyed this volume and I feel like there’s a bit of foreshadowing at the beginning of how Ayame feels about Kyo.

[Sarul Sakulthong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue Box มีครบแทบทุกจุดที่ผมตามหาเวลาอ่านรอมคอมสักเรื่อง
- เคมีดีๆระหว่างพระ-นาง
- Slow burn romance ที่ค่อยๆ Build up อย่างละเมียดละไม
- ตัวละครชวนให้หลงรักและตามเชียร์ทั้งตัวเอกและตัวประกอบ
- การไล่ตามความฝันของพระ-นาง
- ฉากตลกโปกฮาเรียกรอยยิ้ม
- บรรยากาศ Brotherhood ระหว่างพระเอกและผองเพื่อน
ฯลฯ
ผมงงตัวเองมากที่ไปอยู่ไหนมาตั้งนานไม่รู้จักเรื่องนี้ ของโคตรดี รู้ตัวอีกทีก็ตกหลุมรักเรื่องนี้ไปแล้ว อ่านไม่หลับไม่นอน ยกให้เป็นมังงะรอมคอมขึ้นหิ้งในดวงใจไปเรียบร้อย อยากดูเวอร์ชันอนิเมะตอนตุลาคม 2024 นี้แล้วสิ หวังว่าจะทำออกมาดีสมกับความดีงามของเวอร์ชันมังงะ

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5
This volume! We get some incredible plot movement and so many cute moments. I'm so excited for where this story goes next and how these characters will continue to grow. The conflict in this series is changing slightly but in new, exciting ways.

[Justin Perucca · Rating 5 out of 5]

That confession was perfect and Chinatsu discovering her feelings and wanting more in the relationship is so adorable. Definitely my favorite volume in the series. I hope there isn't any more love triangle crap later though

[Mik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, sigo leyendo solo porque algunos personajes me parecen interesantes, pero como que ya me aburrió pila.

[Aidan]

Not Blue Lock looking like a volume of Kimi ni Todoke

[siren ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

it feels like it’s my birthday and not taiki’s !!!!!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

last volume's angst was worth it - this one was SO soft and sweet.....THEY ARE FINALLY TOGETHER AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

😭😭😭😭

[Latifah S Ningrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy for Taiki and Chinatsu

[bea &#x1fab4; · Rating 4 out of 5]

the confession at the lake sighhhhh chi and taiki are so sweet

[Grace Arango · Rating 5 out of 5]

I screamed while reading this but in the best way possible

[Estela · Rating 4 out of 5]

AL FIN SE CONFESARON

[Nonô · Rating 5 out of 5]

YEAH!🙌

[Sweetdhee]

yaaaa aaampuuuuun, aduh aduh aduh

[Jazzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

😱

[mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

so cute 😍