To quickly explain the rating here: even if the other couples weren’t interesting, and they are, I would totally give this book 5 stars just because of the ongoing mess that is Azuma and Taira’s relationship.
I’m not sure why I like them so much, but the tale of a mopey kid who tried hard to glow up for high school and failed and the girl who has godawful taste in boys coming together (maybe) has completely taken over this story for me.
These two are such a disaster that I was ecstatic to see so much of the volume devoted to their trials. We already knew about Azuma’s issue with guys, but it’s now compounded by her having a real crush for the first time ever.
Azuma finding that a crush is making her more easily frustrated with Taira and keeping her from being as up front as she used to be is a welcome little detail that really drills down into the fraught relationship between two people not in a relationship.
Taira is basically Eeyore, but the poor guy won’t let himself actually like Azuma. Or at least acknowledge it. The reason why is better than you’re thinking, I assure you. Yes, a failed relationship is involved, but I so appreciated how he saw that breakup. It’s a whole other thing and really explains Taira in general.
Oh, they are so fun, but Yamada and Nishi are a blast too. It’s been many a jellyfish since my first manga aquarium date in Bloom Into You, but these two have a darn good one here.
Nishi is always enjoyable because she is such a shy character, but she keeps putting herself out there anyway. That takes a lot of effort and it’s reflected in her demeanour and inner monologue.
And, since I just wrapped up Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro, let me just say that this is how you do a first kiss properly.
Which then leaves us with Tani and Suzuki, who have become more supporting players in their own story, but that’s okay. I like the plethora of polar opposites we have here, plus Hon’s disinterested snarky commentary off on the side.
Tani and Suzuki do festival things and celebrate Suzuki’s birthday, all with an eye on the future and what course their lives will take. There’s a lot of soul-searching on Tani’s part, while Suzuki hopes to figure herself out as she goes.
And that’s all really good too; these two are great together and all this future stuff is leavened with them enjoying the time they have left. The story’s trademark wild takes and silly antics are still present in force, yet the spectre of having to grow up now looms over it with everything that entails.
5 stars - I mean, I already explained it. This series has been a consistent favourite and I’m hoping it ends as enjoyably as the rest of it has been.