I don't know how to rate this, nor do I know what to fully say because it's been at least a day since I read this, and I am STILL mad by the direction of this volume…
Look, I know I can be delulu with stories and whatnot, but I didn't expect to be so blindsided that our new couple would have nothing but more obstacles right from the start of this volume.
I hate the new female challenger, I like the male challenger but I'm not shipping him with Chi, and hate how I'm worrying this is going to turn into a love square when it doesn't need to be. Let Subaru do his acting thing WITHOUT
I knew things would not be easy. I expected and planned that, but I did NOT plan for two interlopers to be more active and feel it could be something even more challenging in the future.
I know I'm angry because I'm really sad, honestly. The first five volumes have been absolutely amazing, but I'm seriously thinking of stopping here because Chi IS going to suffer moving forward. I have zero doubts about that.
But I don't want her to suffer AND have other people trying to affect their relationship. I love her too much as a character to see her go through more pain and hardship than she already has...
Now that Chiaki and Subaru are dating, it’s time to complicate this story in the time honoured tradition of bringing rivals into the mix. Including the guy who I was hoping we might end up not seeing shoved in that role.
This is still a very strongly written story, don’t get me wrong, but the ins and outs of its details are still slightly less compelling this time when we get to the whole rivalry thing.
Amidst that, however, we have tons of very cute Chiaki and Subaru interactions that are frankly adorable. The two of them are crazy about one another and it’s great to see them actually together more often than not this volume. Ammitsu is good at this sort of thing and has only gotten better, in my estimation.
Now, the other thing here is that you can kind of see why this situation would develop for Subaru. He’s an actor and that means both popularity AND acting partners. There are things that are bound to happen, even if he doesn’t have any interest.
And Chiaki’s her own problem, what with her dismal self-confidence, even after landing the boy of her dreams. She already feels lesser and that’s even before taking her status as a normie into account versus her boyfriend.
So, the stage is set for some rough seas ahead. The storyline with Takahashi and Chiaki is less interesting to me, although I did love that fake dating came up and got summarily dismissed.
Takahashi is concerned that Chiaki’s in for a rough ride, which she is, but his concern clearly starts heading off in a whole other direction, given the looks he keeps giving her when she visits his place.
As for Subaru, his latest hurdle is his costar, Kurokawa, who’s incredibly frosty, but an amazing actress. Except she’s having serious problems with their new romance and getting grief like she never has.
Kurokawa is a lot more of a rival than she first seems, naturally, but I also mean that in the sense that she’s got a cold charm that I found really good at conveying her appeal as an actress. Doubly so when that thaws a little bit and she turns out to be less harsh than she seems (by a smidgen).
I really liked Kurokawa’s addition to the cast because she is one of the rare ‘here’s a new girl’ types where I absolutely see why she’s a potential problem (I mean, we know she won’t be, but she still sells it). And once Chiaki learns about her, well, that whole confidence thing just makes it worse.
It’s really good, probably as good as you can make another round of rivals. This is a feature of shojo that I am typically underwhelmed by, but it’s so prevalent that I accept it, while judging the pants off it. This outing is pretty good for what it’s doing.
4 stars - the other volumes had more oomph, but this one isn’t lacking in entertainment. It’s a strong volume of a series that I think is acquitting itself very well so far.
Now that Chiaki and Subaru are dating, it’s time to complicate this story in the time honoured tradition of bringing rivals into the mix. Including the guy who I was hoping we might end up not seeing shoved in that role.
This is still a very strongly written story, don’t get me wrong, but the ins and outs of its details are still slightly less compelling this time when we get to the whole rivalry thing.
Amidst that, however, we have tons of very cute Chiaki and Subaru interactions that are frankly adorable. The two of them are crazy about one another and it’s great to see them actually together more often than not this volume. Ammitsu is good at this sort of thing and has only gotten better, in my estimation.
Now, the other thing here is that you can kind of see why this situation would develop for Subaru. He’s an actor and that means both popularity AND acting partners. There are things that are bound to happen, even if he doesn’t have any interest.
And Chiaki’s her own problem, what with her dismal self-confidence, even after landing the boy of her dreams. She already feels lesser and that’s even before taking her status as a normie into account versus her boyfriend.
So, the stage is set for some rough seas ahead. The storyline with Takahashi and Chiaki is less interesting to me, although I did love that fake dating came up and got summarily dismissed.
Takahashi is concerned that Chiaki’s in for a rough ride, which she is, but his concern clearly starts heading off in a whole other direction, given the looks he keeps giving her when she visits his place.
As for Subaru, his latest hurdle is his costar, Kurokawa, who’s incredibly frosty, but an amazing actress. Except she’s having serious problems with their new romance and getting grief like she never has.
Kurokawa is a lot more of a rival than she first seems, naturally, but I also mean that in the sense that she’s got a cold charm that I found really good at conveying her appeal as an actress. Doubly so when that thaws a little bit and she turns out to be less harsh than she seems (by a smidgen).
I really liked Kurokawa’s addition to the cast because she is one of the rare ‘here’s a new girl’ types where I absolutely see why she’s a potential problem (I mean, we know she won’t be, but she still sells it). And once Chiaki learns about her, well, that whole confidence thing just makes it worse.
It’s really good, probably as good as you can make another round of rivals. This is a feature of shojo that I am typically underwhelmed by, but it’s so prevalent that I accept it, while judging the pants off it. This outing is pretty good for what it’s doing.
4 stars - the other volumes had more oomph, but this one isn’t lacking in entertainment. It’s a strong volume of a series that I think is acquitting itself very well so far.
3.5/4 stars. Slowed down and wobbly as it figured out where to go next. Lots of set-up and discussion about main heroines insecurities and low self-esteem/worth but it seems to be getting worse. She really isn't working on herself
4.5/5 – A Lovely Volume with a Slightly Wobbly Ending
This volume of Gazing at the Star Next Door was heartfelt, beautifully drawn, and full of sweet moments—though not entirely perfect. Still, it's pretty close.
Chi and Subaru are finally dating—officially, at least between themselves. Of course, keeping their relationship a secret doesn't last long. Chi’s friend Takahashi-kun and Subaru’s friend Shindo-kun figure things out pretty quickly. And just like that, the not-so-secret relationship adds another layer of chaos to their already complicated teenage lives.
Subaru is a child actor, Chi his longtime childhood friend, and together they’ve always shared a special bond. It makes total sense that when their carefully balanced world starts to spin out of control, it feels like a mini-disaster. But what makes this series shine is how much they care for each other. Even when things get messy, they always try to make the moments they can control meaningful. It’s that tenderness—the effort, the awkwardness, the sincerity—that keeps me rooting for these two all the way.
My only real complaint? The ending. Chi, sweetheart—there’s a difference between being supportive and completely ignoring your own feelings. I get the setup: fake dating for work or appearances is a common manga trope. But I was left wondering… What exactly was the point here?
Do friends not go out to dinner, aquariums, or amusement parks without it being seen as romantic? Are male-female friendships really that rare in this story’s world? And if fake dating involves actual dating behavior (kissing and such), why on earth would Kurokawa-san pick a guy who already has a girlfriend to play the part? That choice just felt unnecessarily dramatic. The main story had plenty of momentum on its own, and the fake dating arc disrupted what could’ve been a sweet exploration of Chi and Subaru’s early days as a couple.
Honestly, I would’ve loved to see more of that post-confession "new relationship bliss" before drama was thrown back into the mix. There was already so much potential for comical and heartfelt tension in having to sneak around friends, parents, and coworkers.
Still, despite its flaws, this volume remains a lovely continuation of a story full of heart. Chi and Subaru continue to grow as individuals and as a pair, and their quiet devotion to one another keeps this series shining bright.
this vol pissed me off sm omg takahashi is so weird like why are you obsessed with a high schooler. this ending is so stupid, chiaki my love stop putting the cool gf act on pls, it isn't even morally right to date someone while already having a girlfriend, even if it would be fake 😭 this volume made everything go downhill im ngl
Of course once the main couple starts officially dating (secretly) the SECOND LEADS COME OUT.
I’m thrilled by the progression of the story.
Recap: they kissing, her coworker finds out, he books a new role and his costar is a nepo baby, she defends her coworkers bike from a scorned woman and that woman slaps her, her coworker takes care of her then calls out him and says her problems are his problems, costar tells him to take her on a date. (I’m too lazy to type out names, good luck future me who reads these recaps to remember what happens when she eventually picks up the next volume.
4.5 stars I get how romance manga work with dramatic plots, but it does get a little frustrating to barely get to enjoy moments of the beginning of a relationship without immediately ending up with secrecy and jealousy drama. Mostly enjoyed this despite that.
okay i honestly want them to not date and be with the second leads. but i also want them together because it's cute? but the second leads for both parties are way more interesting...i'll cross my fingers that my second lead syndrome actually manifests.
Chi needs to develop some self confidence ASAP. I really like the stuff with Takahashi so far. I’m withholding judgement on this date situation until the aftermath.
I love this manga. There are introduction of rivals but we know how much our couple love each other so they aren’t anything!! But I do love a man who gets jealous so Subaru stay jealous.