Choking on Love, Vol. 3

むせるくらいの愛をあげる [Museru Kurai no Ai wo Ageru] #3

by Keiko Iwashita

はじめての本の購入で10%ポイントプレゼント
「全部ひっくるめて好きってことだろ」
自分の正直な気持ちと向き合い、
同じ美大のバンドマン・ガクと付き合うことにしたひばり。
自由で強引なガクに振り回されてばかりだけど、
この夏は「普通」な自分から変わりたいと決意して...?

一方、人気歌手「バイフー」の正体が
ひばりの幼なじみ・リヒトだったと判明!
衝撃を受けるひばりに、リヒトが告げたのは――?

マジメ美大生×強引バンドマン、正反対なふたりの爆音ラブストーリー第3巻!

Genres: Manga, Romance, Shojo, Contemporary, Music, College Romance, Comics Manga

184 pages, Paperback

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

Keiko Iwashita (岩下慶子) is a Japanese manga author.

Reviews

[cherie ^_-★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

i need a man who’s as obsessed with me as gaku is with hibari

[Saskia [University era] · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 stars

- I binged the 3 volumes in a few hours, I love this couple so much ugh

[Omnya Ali (Free Palestine) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such a pretty art style, but, unfortunately a bad written story and characters 😤💔

[Adiba(mankind hater) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Idk tbh coz i thought in the second volume that yeah it's lil too fast paced but after this volume I think if it's gonna continue at this pace I'm not gonna like it coz it's just SO FREKIN FAST PACED 😭 like in their relationship everything is happening too fast even tho it's the first time FML is in a relationship 😭😭 + it gets a lil weird at times but i don't really think that's a problem tho

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We want to understand each other because we like each other."

I feel this quote perfectly sums up this volume, and I absolutely love how our leads are getting to know each other better!!

Though oh my goodness, that opening!! I couldn't believe one character came right out and said he was going "to take responsibility"!

And then seeing Gaku "fight back," like YESSSSSS!!

And then our sweet Hibari!I love how she's at a loss for what to do as a girlfriend and keeps overthinking everything, because I find that makes her super relatable! I've already deeply loved her before now, but seeing her be self-conscious, especially in light of Gaku being so free-spirited, somehow makes the series feel grounded. I truly admire how Hibari is slowly pushing herself and being brave in sharing how she feels. She's amazing!

The story itself was awesome! I'm really excited for the festival that's coming up, and I'm definitely shipping two side characters pretty hard! The romance was stellar, and I can't wait to see our leads continue to learn more about one another!

I can't recommend this series enough!!

"I hope that, through loving him…I'll learn to love myself too."

[MAG Scrittrice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Peccato, era iniziato benissimo questo manga, ma poi lei doveva essere la solita che non è sicura se stanno insieme, che non è sicura se lui la vuole, che si vergogna per ogni cosa... E siamo all'università, non alle medie. Lui, poi, per quanto sia interessante e troppo sopra le righe. Non proseguirò la serie.

[SheaOlayy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anotha one 🩷👀👀👀👀🫡🫶🏻

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, there’s no getting around the fact that this volume contains the single biggest depiction (or near enough) of male genitalia that any shojo manga has ever had. And probably will ever have.

It has no bearing on the plot, but it does emphasize one of my chief appreciations for this story - college kids figuring out who they are. They’re just that smidgen more mature. Or not.

It also helps that I really like Gaku and Hibari together. Yes, Gaku is basically a manic pixie dream boy at times, but his energy inspires Hibari artistically as well as personally (when she isn’t calling him out) and he loves her a lot.

My one complaint is that Hibari is so inexperienced at everything, including having a boyfriend. Now, let me preface that, this is perfectly okay for the real world, you do you. My issue is that almost all the girls in all shojo wind up like this, even in college. It would be a bit more interesting to see them both working through some baggage.

Similarly, as much as I am getting too used to the fakeouts that come with couples in stories like this getting close to sex and then backing off very quickly, I do appreciate that they acknowledge it at all. The reason why is also better than somebody bottling it.

Elsewhere, I’m becoming a massive fan of the rival in this one. Not because of him, he sucks and is weirdly obsessed, but because of Gaku’s interactions with him. He respects the hell out of Rihito’s talent, but Gaku won’t cede any ground when it comes to Hibari. Gaku’s diss in this one is absolutely on fire and I chortled when I read it.

Otherwise? I could legit do without him, but such is the way of many rivals. His extremely goofy actions with that ring are bizarre and over the top in a way that really clashes with the best aspects of the story.

Still, it’s super romantic and features a strong core couple that I really enjoy together. And, I like that they’re both doing art and are actually good at their craft. Hibari needs inspiration, but when she pushes herself she’s clearly got a great eye for the visual.

It’s a mostly realistic look at college dating, with just a couple things stuck in there that I don’t think add much or, in some cases, are distractingly unnecessary. On balance, however, those are minor faults.

4 stars - a cute pairing that have romance, some passion, and are figuring themselves out as a duo in almost all the right ways. It’s not the definitive college manga, but it’s a darn good one.

[-moonprismpower- · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I want to like myself, the way the person I like, likes me.”

I totally felt that. I’m Hibari in so many ways…

[squish · Rating 4 out of 5]

gaku ate up second male lead.

DO I KNOW HIS NAME? uhhh…. KINDA?!?!?!

“i need to make a move.” OH NO YOU DON’T.

“too bad you won’t make a song called ‘mutual love’” BYE HE DEVOURED HIM UPPPP.

him giving a key to his room to her?!?!?! oh, he knows they’re locked in now.

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, I'm still reading this only because of the drawing style.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last page 💀

[Jess | jadecanread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gakuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu.

Bless college aged romance manga. It's so refreshing!!!!!

Rihito giving Hibari an engagement ring was unhinged behavior. I love it.

Recap: They're dating, Rihito gives her an engagement ring, Gaku disappears and Hibari finds him in his apartment, photoshoot for the guys, insecurities, school festival prep.

[Fiona T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[ℂ ✧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puc ser objectiva amb aquesta sèrie? Impossible, em sembla una meravella ❤️ la química dels protagonistes és una passada i la possible parella secundària és super cuqui!!!! No tinc molt clar què voldrà fer el rival amorós perquè ho té ben magre... I les il·lustracions???? Xulíssimes ❤️❤️❤️

[Knouck · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75⭐️
J’ai oublié de log dsl mais j’aime bcp cette série hihi

[ʚ amelia ɞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beach chapter???? IT'S PEAKKKK. Also i really love how all of these characters take different courses at art uni it's so freaking cool.

[dora♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

gaku is too funny i swear😭

[BiancaElena · Rating 4 out of 5]

se începe anul citind al 3-lea volum, tot la Cărturești

[**Sognatrice di libri** · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuo a trovare questa serie molto divertente e piacevole; la lettura inoltre è molto scorrevole che non vedi l'ora di leggere il prossimo volume per vedere cosa succederà.

[Mariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another solid volume in the series. The art is, as always with this talented mangaka, beautiful, both in the nuanced characters and the atmospheric settings. Every page feels alive and carefully crafted.

What continues to set this series apart for me is the cast. The characters are a little older, university-aged rather than high schoolers, and that shift is refreshing. With that age, though, comes the expectation that we will avoid the overdone clichés of endless insecurities and drawn-out misunderstandings. I’ll admit, there were a few moments when I thought, oh no, here we go again. But thankfully, Hibari’s moments of insecurity and Gaku’s avoided conversations were kept brief, subtle, and resolved quickly. I really hope it stays this way, because everyday life offers far more interesting possibilities for drama and complexity than recycling the insecure-girl/overconfident-guy dynamic we have seen a hundred times.

On that note, I also hope this series does not fall into the copy-paste rhythm of school-based manga where we march through the usual events: school festival, field trip, fireworks, or the inevitable aquarium date. These characters are artists, studying in a unique and inspiring environment, so why not lean into that? Imagine a weekend camping trip in the woods, not glamping but real camping. Or sailing, or visiting a rural village, or restoring an old building together, or exploring different Japanese art forms and how they have evolved over time. The possibilities for fresh, layered storytelling are endless, especially with this cast and setting.

That said, I appreciate that this volume does try to sidestep clichés. Some relationships are explosive and move fast, but that does not mean they are doomed. It is exciting to see a couple be honest and assertive about their feelings, to say, “I don’t want to pretend this isn’t thrilling. I want to be close to you, and I want you to know how much joy this brings me.” Building intimacy does not always have to be slowed down or shamed. Getting to know someone deeply can take years, but that does not make passion or proximity any less valid along the way.

I also enjoy the supporting cast on both sides, and I am looking forward to seeing more of their individual stories unfold. As for the main couple, I genuinely like watching them act like a couple, taking risks, diving into the unknown, and navigating their feelings head-on simply because they are in love. That sincerity is what makes this series feel both refreshing and worthwhile.

[K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Three volumes was enough of a try; at that point, you can tell what the story's going to be and if there's any potential. And nope, this is getting bland and repetitive already.

Gaku continues to be the weird quirky genius who reacts before thinking, generally acts pretty childish, and gets away with it all because he's handsome and talented and doesn't appear to have many money issues. (I wonder if he came from a rich family.) He's constantly causing issues for his bandmates, and while he does take responsibility - like personally apologizing to everyone and running errands for them so they can get un-banned from the school festival, he just feels...really immature overall.

He's obsessed with Hibari, but it's getting harder to tell why. At one point, he kisses Hibari, then says "oh yeah I don't know anything about you really. What do you like, other than me?" And instead of having a conversation, they just...kiss some more.

Hibari, meanwhile, has a couple of moments that were a really, really bad sign for her character and the story. One was: "I hope that, through loving him...I'll learn to love myself."

NO. Absolutely not. That is not how it works and is such a major problem with a lot of romance stories. She has to love herself first, not love herself because she's becoming someone Gaku likes.

The second is when one of her friends/classmates comments on how Hibari never does design work outside of school.

Are you uh. Serious? Then why is she even studying it? She's not very good at design. She doesn't have particularly interesting ideas. She doesn't know what types of designs she likes or what her style is. She doesn't even do any designs unless it's a class assignment.

It's a lazy way to write a very boring character who knows nothing about herself and is apparently only going to learn anything through her super talented boyfriend. That's not a story I'm interested in reading, and I'm disappointed to find out that's what it's becoming.

Honestly, Rihito and Gaku's weird dynamic is the most interesting part of the series. I love how Gaku adores him on first sight - simply because he's beautiful, not because he knows his music - and then instead of getting jealous of his talent and his longtime crush on Hibari, just tries to hug him and become his friend.

Too bad the rest of the story is full of tired tropes and Hibari has turned into the insecure blushing "I'm not good enough to have all these hot men interested in me" heroine that I really don't like.

[Recensionidelloracolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dopo il secondo volume ero molto scettica sull'evoluzione della storia, ma per fortuna con questo numero mi sono in parte ricreduta.
Ho apprezzato che sono tornate in scena le ambientazioni universitarie e della band del protagonista, con anche l'entrata in gioco dei personaggi secondari che sono molto ben caratterizzati sia fisicamente che caratterialmente.
Inoltre, in questo volume la trama si distacca dai soliti cliché (in parte presenti) del triangolo amoroso e c'è un'evoluzione ben consolidata della coppia formata dai protagonisti.
Unica pecca...è proprio la protagonista. Rispetto al suo partner è veramente troppo molle e sempre impaurita di ogni cosa avvenga tra loro due (no, non intendo cose spinte, parlo anche del semplice tenersi la mano). Spero che con l'andare avanti della storia si rafforzi anche lei e cresca come maturità.
Direi che con questo volume confermo la mia volontà di continuare la storia...e vedremo come andrà con il prossimo numero!

[kells · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't get enough of these two cuties <3 I wish there was more attention on this manga cuz there needs to be an official ship name for Hibari & Gaku🥹 Their love is so pure and sweet. I love how gentle and affectionate Gaku is towards Hibari and Hibari is breaking out of her shell growing more confident to love the more time she spends w him!! My future bf shld have traits like Gaku frfr.

I liked how there were a few more interactions between Airi & Jou-san in this volume too cuz girlie's got a fat crush and he thinks she's cute too... they would be cute together... he's so😩 too (actually all the band members r attractive). I've been on aboard this ship😎

Once again why tf is Rihito here, what is his purpose... at least Gaku put him in his place with the mutual love comment LMAOAOAOAOA

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Dieser Band war wirklich toll. Nicht nur wird Hibari und Gakus Beziehung ernster, wir erfahren auch mehr über die anderen Figuren. Ich mag es total, dass die Figuren auch alle viel reifer sind, was den Manga auch für ein älteres Lesepublikum interessant macht. Gaku und Hibari (auch wenn diese noch etwas unsicher in Sachen Liebe ist) unterstützen sich gegenseitig in ihren Träumen und Zielen, gehen auf einander ein und ich fand es auch toll, dass Gaku Rihito gegenüber nicht iwie doof geworden ist, sondern einfach überzeugt von ihrer Beziehung ist. Ein kleines Mysterium um Gakus Familienverhältnisse hat sich aufgetan und nun steht das Unifesz bevor. Kann den nächsten Band nicht abwarten, die Reihe macht einfach so Spaß☺️

[Pernille · Rating 4 out of 5]

another volume that had me blushing, giggling and kicking my feet. a beach chapter, band backstory, sleepover, multiple kisses and more cuteness?? count me in. i loved every second of this. misunderstandings luckily got resolved quickly and the second male lead doesn’t stand a chance, so it luckily was a volume free of drama and filled with chaos and cuteness instead. it makes me happy that gaku and hibari continue to inspire each other and bring out the best in each other. meanwhile jou and airi are also getting a bit of content together. they would make a lovely couple, so i can’t wait to see a possible confession in the next volume. i’m looking forward to the art festival!

[Kaitlynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

* Breathe In, Breathe out*

**up to chapter 14**

This series is so cute, I can't handle it!! The artwork is beautiful. The characters are adorable, and the story itself makes me happy. The idea that Gaku has a twin is interesting, and I hope we get to meet him... I love how earnest and straightforward Gaku is and how much he supports and encourages Hibari. Also ! For some reason, Gaku is giving me Jungkook vibes, and I think that's also part of the reason why I find him so endearing.

I need the next chapter nOOOowwww..

[maria cecília · Rating 4 out of 5]

Só amo muito o desenvolvimento do casal, por mais rápido que seja, todos os momentos são únicos e preciosos. Deixa aquele quentinho no coração e um alívio de não ter que esperar muito tempo pra alguma coisa acontecer. Eu amo um slow burn, mas as vezes quando as coisas são dinâmicas também é bom.

Gaku e Hibari continuam crescendo juntos e isso me deixa feliz, porque eles não são tóxicos um com o outros. Cada um tem seus defeitos? Sim, mas eles conseguem trabalhar nisso.

[riri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THEM SM THEY ARE SO CUTEE🥹 I love how aiki was so real when she almost confessed bc girl I would to😭 when hibari and gaku started dating ughh they deserve to be together but i hope she starts to feel more expressive and leane that its okay to love someome even though his popular ~ I understand her too bc i would be scared if some crazy fan started getting mad at u for dating someone that hot

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Gaku. This manga and gazing at the stars next door is what brought me back to manga. Neither character is perfect and sure they are figuring stuff out and a little yelly. Liked the reference to her other series which I didn’t like.

But seriously Gaku is my man. He is so into her and whatever woman deserves. When he and Rihito have their heart to heart …. When he has her stay the night…. I need more in English ASAP