In So Deep, It's Love Already, Volume 1

by Reida Soragaki

This unconventional teen romantic comedy manga features a heartbroken fangirl main lead and a shy easily embarrassed love interest.

Otaku Momoka Kirino has devoted her life to her favorite characters — and Shuuto Kametani, the scary, snappish new boy in class, is just her type! When she catches a glimpse of his blushing face and learns his secret fear of embarrassment around girls, she falls head over heels into... stanning him with all her heart?

But a proper fan is dedicated to spreading their love for their favorites far and wide. As Momoka learns of the protective and gentle nature behind Shuuto's intimidating front, she finds herself worrying that she might want to keep him all to herself...

Genres: Manga, Romance, Young Adult

184 pages, Paperback

Published February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This builds up to be better than it starts with. It is one of those exaggerated stories that thrives on being vaguely ridiculous, but it actually works better when it boils itself down to just be an actual romance.

Momoka has a type and it’s apparently antisocial with a hint of danger. Shuuto is the new kid in class and he’s exactly that and, perhaps, a little over the top to begin with.

I feel introducing Shuuto with threats to kill any girl who gets close is a lot. Yes, I know he doesn’t mean it, but it’s kind of off-putting anyway. He’s much more extreme than the usual scary-looking dude and it doesn’t add much. He was enough before all that, but that’s just me.

His whole deal turns out to be blushing like mad around girls and being embarrassed, so he shuns people and wears a mask. And Momoka can’t get enough, which slowly turns from stanning to swooning as the story goes on.

And the way they come together is pretty dang winning. Momoka decides to make it so everybody knows how great Shuuto really is and also tries to help him get over his girl block.

This ends up blowing back on her when she starts to see that he really is kind of great and sweet, but she ALSO starts to help her classmates see it and subsequently draws other female gazes to Shuuto.

Momoka is one of those ‘damn the torpedoes’ heroines that I always prefer in my shojo. She completely inserts herself in Shuuto’s life, but without being overbearing. She’s the platonic ideal of the madcap relationship in I’ll Win You Over Yet, Senpai!.

There are a decent number of strong set pieces here, backed up by Momoka’s down to earth friend who is entirely too normal for this story, but that’s precisely why she works. Her judicious deployment keeps the story a little more grounded than it otherwise would be.

The haunted house and pool scene are really adorable and I loved the way that Momoka and Shuuto first meet. And when Momoka reveals the reason she doesn’t do anything but stan her faves, Shuuto really does step up. There are no shortage of genuinely romantic bits.

I wouldn’t say this is essential reading, but I liked it well enough once it got going. It’s a very good version of a standard romance that overcomes a protagonist who starts off as a total arse.

I’m really excited to see Momoka finding love, even if it is with Shuuto (who does crumble pretty easily once he starts getting used to her, so it’s honestly not that bad). It won’t be a must-read, but you won’t regret it if you like this style of romance.

3.5 stars - yeah, okay, this managed to become sweet enough by the time it was done. I’ll let it round up because I’m rather looking forward to more of this.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this manga bravely asks, “are you a fan or are you in love?” And, the answer is a sincere—why not BOTH???

It’s a bit silly—in that shoujo manga way. But, it’s also pretty cute?

Our shy boy Kametani here is absolutely adorable—every time a girl flusters him, I want to squeeze his super pink cheeks. And, Kirino is a sweetheart. She’s got that precious, weird girl energy that I empathize with in my bones.

Anyway.

I’m looking forward to reading more of this? I definitely want to glean whether or not this author has a foot fetish—because why do we see Kirino’s feet at all??? I could probably count on two hands the number of times I’ve seen bare feet like this in ALL of the shoujo manga I’ve read.

Anyway, anyway.

Many reasons to keep reading. I’ll keep you posted~

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting to like this as much as I did! It was just so cute and goofy. I'm looking forward to reading the next volume!

[DonutKnow · Rating 3 out of 5]

He’s cute. But I’m waiting for a second lead 😜

[E (manga_runner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“While sinking deep into the depths of my obsession.. I got a feeling that something new was beginning”
When Momoka says this, it feels on point to sum up the volume.

In So Deep, It’s Love Already
-Shojo, romcom
-sweet, cute, wholesome read
- Release Feb. 2
- TOKYOPOP DRC
This was a series that I had on my radar to pick up for 2026 and was super excited when I found out I had the opportunity to read the DRC. It did not disappoint and I will definitely be picking up the physical volumes.

Shuuto starts his first day at school coming off intimidating to draw a line between him and the girls- this is a cover to hide his secret. However, this does not deter Momoka from going full fan girl- asking if she can stan him. While fan girling over Shuuto, Momoka discovers a different side of him- someone who is gentle and at times protective. Noticing he wants to get closer to the guys in class, she steps to help. They gradually get closer and she realizes her feelings of being a fan are transforming into something more.

I absolutely loved the gap moe of Shuuto, while he has an intimidating vibe underneath the mask he has a gentler vibe. You can notice the growth between the two’s relationship as they get closer and it becomes more than a 3D Oshi and fan. I love the characters' designs and personalities, especially the blushing Shutto. As Momoka seems to dive head first when she likes something- giving her whole to it. Like true shojo fashion, Momoka does start to get the conflicting feeling of wanting to help him but also not wanting anyone else to know the real Shuuto. I liked that it didn’t start out with a one sided love.

The transitions from one chapter to the next feels smooth and not clunky or awkward- the pacing also feels just right. I will admit the cover was what caught my attention and after reading volume one I did look up the release schedule for it.

[Hisgirl85 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4 stars. Want to have a knock-off of Tamon's B side mixed with Not Just a Pretty Face and a dash of end game romance from Daytime Shooting Star? Do you like predictability and evening TV--no--predictable and classic feeling shoujo? Well, if your answer if yes to both of those, and you like a blushing and angry/mean cuz he's emotionally immature and frustrated male main character who is also cute, this manga may be for you.

I mean, it's definitely for me if the first volume is any indication. I liked it a lot. I'm here for weird antics. The guy is a jerk to girls and the girl is über creepy towards him (and kind of in general), so a match I can stan.

Edit: also, this is a reread, but first time I read the official English translation. I still dig it.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This feels like a lighter, goofier version of And Yet, You are So Sweet - Kirino's still problematic in her desire to make a real live classmate her oshi, but she knows it's a problem and is getting over that right quick...and her reasons for thinking it's better to otakufy love rather than just fall for someone make perfect teenage girl sense. I didn't love it, but I do want to read more.

[Martha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. I mean, Utage wishes she would admit to her feelings by the end of FIRST volume. But like she's way more entertaining than Momoka by a landslide. It's painfully okay, very reminiscent of old school shojo with the ML hating, I mean, being afraid of girls.

It has interesting ideas only to rush past them or ignore them. Like I would absolutely prefer a crossdressing or maid cafe chapter than that average haunted house one. But whatever.

[Dayamarali Espinosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new release manga and it so adorable cute and I love it. I can’t wait for the vol 2. Reading on the Hoopla apps. I rate this between 4 or 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Teen Romantic Comedy manga features a heartbroken fangirl main lead and a shy easily embarrassed love interest. I courage anyone to read this cute comedy high school manga.

[Kadi P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky, weird, but quite charming. This was fun! Filled with awkward moments that were turned squeal inducing by great characters who genuinely suited each other.

Everything that felt over the top and excessive was counteracted by backstory, interesting dialogue, fantastic chemistry, and brilliant art.

I would read this again a few more times and it would still be a great read.

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

this one is not for me. a few cute panels but overall this guy is beyond prickly, he’s mean and overly aggressive with girls. that plus the super quick insta-love and the art that’s just okay means I won’t be continuing.

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Tokyopop in exchange of an honest review.

This was just the cutest thing ever! Review to come in February.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute!

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I died

[Kimi Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay this is super adorable and I will be getting volume 2

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was fine, but really wasn't for me. The scene where he painted her nails was cute though.