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冷たくて 柔らか [Tsumetakute Yawaraka] #3
冷たくて柔らか 3 [Tsumetakute Yawaraka 3]
「ありがとう もう1回出逢ってくれて」
エマのことが可愛くて、触れたくて、どうしようもないくらい惹かれていく宝。たとえどんなに自分が辛くて苦しくても、いつか終わらなくてはならない日が来るまでは、エマをずっと好きでいよう。宝は、そう覚悟を決めたけれど──。
エマのことが可愛くて、触れたくて、どうしようもないくらい惹かれていく宝。たとえどんなに自分が辛くて苦しくても、いつか終わらなくてはならない日が来るまでは、エマをずっと好きでいよう。宝は、そう覚悟を決めたけれど──。
176 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2024
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76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 4, 2026
Em and Taka continue to pine for each other 😭
That cliffhanger tho!?!? 👀
That cliffhanger tho!?!? 👀
September 16, 2025
[Thanks to Viz and Edelweiss for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.]
Not quite as strong as last volume, but still very good, would be my initial reaction. There’s still a lot of good material to savour here, but it could stand to nudge the story forward a little bit more.
And yet, I absolutely understand why these two characters would be so reticent to suddenly indulge the obvious romantic tension between them. What I said last time applies just as much here.
Em’s marriage, once we learn more of her courtship, definitely feels like it was done to placate her expected role in society (which just might manifest in the form of the character who shows up at the end of the volume). Hario still acts the nice guy, but it’s clear that this was a marriage of convenience for Em that is becoming increasingly less so.
But who is Em anyway? That’s the real question. Beyond being an object of desire for two different people, we know precious little about her. Even what we do learn seems to be specifically designed to increase her appeal to Taka.
There seems to be clear attraction here - the two of them essentially play house for quite some time and they flirt like crazy. Watching them skirt close to that line and retreat just before crossing is great drama that conveys everything bubbling beneath the surface.
Well, mostly beneath the surface. Taka does go off on Em in frustration at one point, but she’s only half addressing the problem and not in a way that explains anything. It says a lot about what’s going on here that an argument is easier than being honest about how people feel.
But, with Em being married and both of them being women, this doesn’t feel like the ‘happy ending guaranteed’ sort of story. This bubble they live in can only stretch so far before it pops though - there’s at least one moment in this volume where it looks like it absolutely will, then it backs down.
Taka seems to realize this, but can’t help herself anyway. Despite setting clear boundaries, she doesn’t do much to stop things from getting real close to that boundary. She also lets herself get really petty with Hario, knowingly so, who seems virtually clueless in comparison.
The art in this tends to be good, but sometimes veers to ‘less than’ for the chibis, yet it delivers when it really needs to. Some of the imagery in this one is really satisfying - Em eating those milk candy while reading Taka’s blog really lingered with me after the fact.
Saying this isn’t as good as before sounds like a disservice, but the last volume just killed it. This remains very strong and my butt is firmly planted in my metaphorical seat to see where this is heading. It’s taking its time, however, and that both works and does not work at the same time.
4 stars - knocked down a little bit, but this sells its slow burn most of the time, even if I do wish it was moving faster now and then.
Not quite as strong as last volume, but still very good, would be my initial reaction. There’s still a lot of good material to savour here, but it could stand to nudge the story forward a little bit more.
And yet, I absolutely understand why these two characters would be so reticent to suddenly indulge the obvious romantic tension between them. What I said last time applies just as much here.
Em’s marriage, once we learn more of her courtship, definitely feels like it was done to placate her expected role in society (which just might manifest in the form of the character who shows up at the end of the volume). Hario still acts the nice guy, but it’s clear that this was a marriage of convenience for Em that is becoming increasingly less so.
But who is Em anyway? That’s the real question. Beyond being an object of desire for two different people, we know precious little about her. Even what we do learn seems to be specifically designed to increase her appeal to Taka.
There seems to be clear attraction here - the two of them essentially play house for quite some time and they flirt like crazy. Watching them skirt close to that line and retreat just before crossing is great drama that conveys everything bubbling beneath the surface.
Well, mostly beneath the surface. Taka does go off on Em in frustration at one point, but she’s only half addressing the problem and not in a way that explains anything. It says a lot about what’s going on here that an argument is easier than being honest about how people feel.
But, with Em being married and both of them being women, this doesn’t feel like the ‘happy ending guaranteed’ sort of story. This bubble they live in can only stretch so far before it pops though - there’s at least one moment in this volume where it looks like it absolutely will, then it backs down.
Taka seems to realize this, but can’t help herself anyway. Despite setting clear boundaries, she doesn’t do much to stop things from getting real close to that boundary. She also lets herself get really petty with Hario, knowingly so, who seems virtually clueless in comparison.
The art in this tends to be good, but sometimes veers to ‘less than’ for the chibis, yet it delivers when it really needs to. Some of the imagery in this one is really satisfying - Em eating those milk candy while reading Taka’s blog really lingered with me after the fact.
Saying this isn’t as good as before sounds like a disservice, but the last volume just killed it. This remains very strong and my butt is firmly planted in my metaphorical seat to see where this is heading. It’s taking its time, however, and that both works and does not work at the same time.
4 stars - knocked down a little bit, but this sells its slow burn most of the time, even if I do wish it was moving faster now and then.
October 13, 2025
4⭐️
La historia se anda alargando porque ambas no se han comunicado… LO CUAL MAKES SENSE. Salir del closet a los 33 no debe ser facil, PERO YA NECESITOQUE HABLEN, QUE CIERREN SU STATUS MARITAL Y QUE CHAPEN
La historia se anda alargando porque ambas no se han comunicado… LO CUAL MAKES SENSE. Salir del closet a los 33 no debe ser facil, PERO YA NECESITOQUE HABLEN, QUE CIERREN SU STATUS MARITAL Y QUE CHAPEN
gay
October 25, 2025{Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!}
Volume 3 continues with Takara's plight of being in love with a married woman who gives her crazy mixed signals about whether there is some sort of attraction between the two of them. The main theme of this volume is jealousy and how Takara has to mitigate these feelings to prevent blowing up her friendship with Em.
The best part of this story to me is that Hario, Em's husband, doesn't suck. If he did, as Takara points out, it would be really easy and perhaps justified for Takara to break up Em's marriage. Instead, you just feel bad for everyone involved because this situation is hard. Hario doesn't deserve to be cheated on, but also it's obvious from how he courted Em (I believe he says he asked Em out nonstop until she said yes which is... not great but on the scale of bad things you could do as a man that's like a 2), she just fell into his lap because she needed someone to rely on and Takara wasn't there anymore. Crazy.
Another compliment I have for the manga in total so far is that the world feels real. Other adult mangas I've read tend to feel like the settings are just set pieces (you go to generic office, generic station, generic bar, etc) and the side characters are there to be comic relief or expository characters ("don't know what asexuality is? well, mc, turns out I'm asexual now and I will tell you all about it"). This manga feels grounded in reality which makes you want to stay with these volumes a little longer.
While not much progression is made in this volume, we end off with Em's mother making a surprise visit, which will give us insight into why Em is such a passive person and perhaps something in regard to Em's sexuality. I'm pretty excited for the next one because man, this story is going to end up with someone getting hurt (and that person is most likely going to be Hario). 4.5/5 rounded up.
Volume 3 continues with Takara's plight of being in love with a married woman who gives her crazy mixed signals about whether there is some sort of attraction between the two of them. The main theme of this volume is jealousy and how Takara has to mitigate these feelings to prevent blowing up her friendship with Em.
The best part of this story to me is that Hario, Em's husband, doesn't suck. If he did, as Takara points out, it would be really easy and perhaps justified for Takara to break up Em's marriage. Instead, you just feel bad for everyone involved because this situation is hard. Hario doesn't deserve to be cheated on, but also it's obvious from how he courted Em (I believe he says he asked Em out nonstop until she said yes which is... not great but on the scale of bad things you could do as a man that's like a 2), she just fell into his lap because she needed someone to rely on and Takara wasn't there anymore. Crazy.
Another compliment I have for the manga in total so far is that the world feels real. Other adult mangas I've read tend to feel like the settings are just set pieces (you go to generic office, generic station, generic bar, etc) and the side characters are there to be comic relief or expository characters ("don't know what asexuality is? well, mc, turns out I'm asexual now and I will tell you all about it"). This manga feels grounded in reality which makes you want to stay with these volumes a little longer.
While not much progression is made in this volume, we end off with Em's mother making a surprise visit, which will give us insight into why Em is such a passive person and perhaps something in regard to Em's sexuality. I'm pretty excited for the next one because man, this story is going to end up with someone getting hurt (and that person is most likely going to be Hario). 4.5/5 rounded up.
January 27, 2026
[3.25 stars!!!] ngl, this volume felt a little repetitive to me as there is no groundbreaking progress yet in their relationship. however, we see taka’s feelings get deeper—she starts being jealous, being confused of em, always wanting to be there for her, and always convincing herself of being satisfied where she’s at right now. hario’s character is taking me back to heck from imagine me and you (2025) and im so seated and scared at the same time. i also feel like em knows her effect on taka and she’s using her feminine power sometimes to tease her, esp during the part where they almost kissed (they’re so freaking cute). my advice? ruin the friendship!!!! ((;
July 4, 2024
書封那種冷感的時尚雜誌風我覺得還蠻誤導的，身為主角對已婚好友產生愛意的寶，其實是個心地作為都相當樸實有良心的好人。裹足不前在那自我掙扎已經足足三集了耶，跟她一出場就是跟男友打分手炮，對比還真不是普通大！而被愛慕著的好友艾瑪，似乎過著兩面生活的謎般的魔性女，不知為何從以前就對寶視為救命英雄般抱著傾慕。這部漫畫對於三十歲普通社會人性格描寫還挺寫實的，進度雖然緩慢，不過我蠻喜歡的。下一集終於要揭露艾瑪的性格之謎了嗎？
January 1, 2026
What in self the sabotaging lesbian shenanigans are you doing Taka!!! And Ema!! You tease! Kiss her already, Taka won’t make the first move until the heat death of the universe is upon us!!!!
Such a fucking delight as always 💖
Such a fucking delight as always 💖
October 21, 2025
The theme of this volume was definitely jealously, and it made for an interesting read. We see Takara dealing with the realization that while she is in love with Ema, loving from afar doesn't mean she's free from feeling jealous of Ema's husband. Ema's true feelings, especially towards Takara, are continuously hinted at in this volume as well, as she starts to notice Takara's shifting emotions. One of the things I like the most about this series is it's ability to make each character multifaceted; it's hard to see any character as super good or bad, because they're written with realistic pros and cons to their character. I'm really interested to continue, but if I'm honest the trajectory of the story scares me into thinking the end will probably break my heart.
Thank you to Viz and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Viz and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2025
I love “Pink Candy Kiss”. The slow burn romance, and longing should drive me nuts, but it’s so sweet. Ami Uozumi’s delicate line work and writing are so beautiful, I always have a pleasant time while I’m reading a new volume. The plot has moved along just a little as Ema sets up her apartment. I’d say the central conflict is Takara dealing with the pain of loving Ema, and trying to set boundaries for herself so she doesn’t ruin their friendship. I was very intrigued by the cliff hanger of this volume, Ema’s mother shows up and doesn’t seem very welcome. There seemed to be hints that perhaps Ema’s homelife was unstable when she was in middle school? I’m curious how her mother will act towards her and what will be revealed about Ema’s past! My hope is that this confrontation will give the series the nudge of momentum it’s lacking. I don’t mind the slow pace, but I can understand other readers being frustrated by it. I can’t wait for volume 4!
Thank you NetGalley and Viz Media for the digital ARC of “Pink Candy Kiss” vol. 3 by Ami Uozumi in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Viz Media for the digital ARC of “Pink Candy Kiss” vol. 3 by Ami Uozumi in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2025
This series is still going strong! I love how it's rebuilding the relationship between our main characters. It feels realistic, and I'm still not sure where I think the story will go so it keeps me curious as I read. I'm truly enjoying every character so far and feel like I'm really getting a vibe of each one, which often times in romance focused manga the side characters can get a little lost. I'm always excited to see the next volume of this series announced, and I'll be continuing to read each one.
October 25, 2025
This volume for sure tuned down the "will they, won't they" angst but it equally left me with questions about where the storyline is headed and how messy it'll get.
I really want to get more insight on her relationship with her husband. That cliffhanger shows that she trusts him enough to be knowledgable of her familial issues but I really wonder if he thinks anything is odd about their relationship? I'm all for married couples cohabitating as they see fit but I'm curious to how he really feels.
Thanks so much to Viz and Edelweiss for the DRC.
I really want to get more insight on her relationship with her husband. That cliffhanger shows that she trusts him enough to be knowledgable of her familial issues but I really wonder if he thinks anything is odd about their relationship? I'm all for married couples cohabitating as they see fit but I'm curious to how he really feels.
Thanks so much to Viz and Edelweiss for the DRC.
November 16, 2025
Volume 3 of Pink Candy Kiss was starting to feel a little repetitive to me, but right at the end was a new plot point that hooked me in for next time. I'm still very much rooting for Taka and Ema and curious how the addition of a new character will open up the dynamics of everyone, including Ema's husband, Hario. While the story and characters are sweet, I'm hoping subsequent volumes are when we can dive a little deeper.
March 8, 2025
I think also, something that is really valuable with this manga is the fact that we are seeing this from the point of view of the single one, so that we also, as readers, don't know anything for sure. This makes it more subtle and gives it enough tension to mitigate any potential frustration from the lack of visible progress.
November 16, 2025
4.5⭐️
Just an incredible series!!!
And It's starting to look like Ema married Hario as a cover, a way to assimilate into the expectations that society has and demands of women. I think she's aware of her sexuality and maybe even has accepted it to a degree but married him to keep it a secret. However, I'm not saying she doesn't love and appreciate her husband she just isn't in love with him. She has always loved Takara. So anyone who's interested in reading this manga series, there isn't any physical cheating so far but Ema is definitely cheating emotionally.
I am a little worried because a story like this is hardly executed well but so far it's really good and emotionally gripping.
Just an incredible series!!!
And It's starting to look like Ema married Hario as a cover, a way to assimilate into the expectations that society has and demands of women. I think she's aware of her sexuality and maybe even has accepted it to a degree but married him to keep it a secret. However, I'm not saying she doesn't love and appreciate her husband she just isn't in love with him. She has always loved Takara. So anyone who's interested in reading this manga series, there isn't any physical cheating so far but Ema is definitely cheating emotionally.
I am a little worried because a story like this is hardly executed well but so far it's really good and emotionally gripping.
April 18, 2025
3.5 / 5
September 11, 2025
i am hurt and i dont want anyone in this manga to be hurt. i am always for the sapphics but i feel real bad for hario. he is so kind and understanding.
pausing with this volume for a while :)
pausing with this volume for a while :)
Read
October 14, 2025Leído hasta el tomo 3 de momento. Me encanta como dibuja la mangaka pero a la historia le falta un poco de chicha.
October 25, 2025
Honestly I found myself zoning out multiple times while reading this because I was so bored. I’m hoping this particular volume was the issue because I do like this series.
November 6, 2025
These two are stressing me OUT
December 29, 2025
At ayun na lumabas na din si mother dear hahayst...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2025
Cute volume! The lesbian foolishness and yearning continues and I’d expect nothing less.
January 13, 2026
The yearning from Taka is driving me insane but we also see some pining from Em too in this volume. This is definitely a slow burn read but hoping we learn more about Em in the next volume!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2026
3.75/5
November 10, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
In volume 3, Ema is finishing the process of moving into a new place. Takara struggles with wanting to be closer to Ema, but not wanting to encroach on her marriage. Things are also getting busy with Ema's work life.
I am enjoying watching them both toe the line with each other. However, I'm not the biggest fan of miscommunication and repressing true feelings. I know this is what's supposed to make the story more juicy, but personally it stresses me out. Still, I'm looking forward to reading volume 4 and seeing how things are resolved. Especially with the surprise plot development at the end.
In volume 3, Ema is finishing the process of moving into a new place. Takara struggles with wanting to be closer to Ema, but not wanting to encroach on her marriage. Things are also getting busy with Ema's work life.
I am enjoying watching them both toe the line with each other. However, I'm not the biggest fan of miscommunication and repressing true feelings. I know this is what's supposed to make the story more juicy, but personally it stresses me out. Still, I'm looking forward to reading volume 4 and seeing how things are resolved. Especially with the surprise plot development at the end.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews