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薫る花は凛と咲く [Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku] #12
The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity 12
Two rival schools stand next door to each other: one for elite ladies, one for good-for-nothing boys. But one of those boys might just be a naturally chivalrous diamond in the rough, and one of those girls might be a little more open-minded than is proper...
This cute and twisty manga spin on Romeo and Juliet is the latest hit in Japan, coming to print from a successful digital-first release!
Capulet & Montague, Chidori & Kikyo
Chidori High is a boys' school that takes in the dregs of society with the lowest grades. Next door stands Kikyo Girls' High, where the wealthy, high-class families send their precious daughters. Chidori second-year Rintaro, who has a fierce face but a gentle heart, is helping at his family's patisserie when he meets a girl named Kaoruko. The two hit it off right away...but this blissful peace is quickly disturbed when Rintaro discovers that Kaoruko is actually a student at Kikyo. Worse, she doesn't seem to realize what a huge problem this really is! Will these two be able to forge a path for themselves, and sidestep the traps (metaphorical and literal) laid by their classmates?
This cute and twisty manga spin on Romeo and Juliet is the latest hit in Japan, coming to print from a successful digital-first release!
Capulet & Montague, Chidori & Kikyo
Chidori High is a boys' school that takes in the dregs of society with the lowest grades. Next door stands Kikyo Girls' High, where the wealthy, high-class families send their precious daughters. Chidori second-year Rintaro, who has a fierce face but a gentle heart, is helping at his family's patisserie when he meets a girl named Kaoruko. The two hit it off right away...but this blissful peace is quickly disturbed when Rintaro discovers that Kaoruko is actually a student at Kikyo. Worse, she doesn't seem to realize what a huge problem this really is! Will these two be able to forge a path for themselves, and sidestep the traps (metaphorical and literal) laid by their classmates?
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 9, 2024
51 people are currently reading
596 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
May 13, 2024
Let’s goooooo side ship is sailingggg
July 9, 2025
i love how we are also focusing on the side characters and not just the main couple
April 9, 2026
I adore this series and how it always makes me feel good after I finish a volume. Not everything has to have deeper meaning. Some things can just be wholesome and make you feel good.
I liked how this volume quickly resolved the “other woman” aspect. She was never going to be another woman as that is not what the purpose of her character was. In my opinion she was there to show that sometimes you can make a very positive effect on someone’s life and never even realize it. Some might say that is sad but I find it uplifting. Rintaros kindness changed Satsuki’s life for the better. In her own words helped her become the person she is today.
The majority of the volume focused on Yorita and his confusion of what he wants to do with life. Does he actually want to be a cop or is it just admiration for his brother that is making him think he does? All I know is that ending with him and Madoka has me wondering if they are going to become a side couple. I’m all for it if it means more Madoka, she stays my favorite side character.
Anyways I know if I need to smile I can pick this series up and it will deliver and honestly that’s more than enough for me to keep reading.
I liked how this volume quickly resolved the “other woman” aspect. She was never going to be another woman as that is not what the purpose of her character was. In my opinion she was there to show that sometimes you can make a very positive effect on someone’s life and never even realize it. Some might say that is sad but I find it uplifting. Rintaros kindness changed Satsuki’s life for the better. In her own words helped her become the person she is today.
The majority of the volume focused on Yorita and his confusion of what he wants to do with life. Does he actually want to be a cop or is it just admiration for his brother that is making him think he does? All I know is that ending with him and Madoka has me wondering if they are going to become a side couple. I’m all for it if it means more Madoka, she stays my favorite side character.
Anyways I know if I need to smile I can pick this series up and it will deliver and honestly that’s more than enough for me to keep reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2026
Part of me thinks that this series has run out of things to do with its characters and keeps flagging up these random story arcs. There’s been a little less than perfection over the last couple volumes and that’s genuinely too bad.
Honestly, I think this could do with a side pairing or two. I had an inkling that Subaru might end up in that situation, but nothing happened. And the mangaka at least had the good sense to make Madoka a series regular; she has an energy that is desperately needed.
Anyway, first we have to deal with that whole rival thing that cropped up last time. Somewhat surprisingly, I like the direction they went with Satsuki. It was different enough from the norm and I enjoyed her arc, brief as it wound up being.
Of course, the downside is that Satsuki and her two girlfriends end up being a bit more interesting than the regular crew, so it’s kind of a shame to get that little taste of her life and then nothing else. I’d rather see her moving on than the current stasis that is the main story.
So much of this is build-up for a Christmas date between Rintaro and Kaoruko that we have yet to see, plus struggling with career paths and what the future might hold. It’s not bad, but I didn’t love it.
The career path turns out to be zeroing in on Ayato hiding his actual desires for his career from his friends. As usual, everybody is super nice and respectful about this. Which is really sweet and all, but this series really has become all frosting and no cake.
As Ayato begins to launch into his backstory by the end of the volume, which involves his brother, I do find myself struggling to care a little. I like these characters a lot, but they really need more to do than make nice all the time.
It’s partly down to my personal tastes as well - of the many tropes we see throughout manga like this, I do think career surveys are amongst the least interesting and nothing here is changing that opinion.
Still, this survives based on Satsuki and, back with our regulars, through its general appeal around having a group of great friends. Yes, I do think this is both a strength and a weakness in this particular instance.
The big spread of everybody in uniform to help out at the bakery is pretty great and offers lots of little moments for the cast, same as the earlier karaoke party. These small touches are what really make this enjoyable.
There’s also a very cute bonus manga of Kaoruko trying on Rintaro’s jacket and her resultant embarrassment that speaks to a very slightly more naughty and less reserved version of the former and it’s really great. I wish it had more moments like that in the main chapters.
This is still very good, but it has established a pattern that works but lacks surprise and can come across as a bit rote. It’s a trap that many series can fall into if they go long and it’s just one of those things. The flashes of brilliance are still there, but they are just a bit buried.
4 stars - mostly for the bonus manga and Satsuki’s mini-storyline. The other chapters are okay, but the parts are more enjoyable than the whole for a lot of it. Still enjoyable, but it could use a bit more oomph.
Honestly, I think this could do with a side pairing or two. I had an inkling that Subaru might end up in that situation, but nothing happened. And the mangaka at least had the good sense to make Madoka a series regular; she has an energy that is desperately needed.
Anyway, first we have to deal with that whole rival thing that cropped up last time. Somewhat surprisingly, I like the direction they went with Satsuki. It was different enough from the norm and I enjoyed her arc, brief as it wound up being.
Of course, the downside is that Satsuki and her two girlfriends end up being a bit more interesting than the regular crew, so it’s kind of a shame to get that little taste of her life and then nothing else. I’d rather see her moving on than the current stasis that is the main story.
So much of this is build-up for a Christmas date between Rintaro and Kaoruko that we have yet to see, plus struggling with career paths and what the future might hold. It’s not bad, but I didn’t love it.
The career path turns out to be zeroing in on Ayato hiding his actual desires for his career from his friends. As usual, everybody is super nice and respectful about this. Which is really sweet and all, but this series really has become all frosting and no cake.
As Ayato begins to launch into his backstory by the end of the volume, which involves his brother, I do find myself struggling to care a little. I like these characters a lot, but they really need more to do than make nice all the time.
It’s partly down to my personal tastes as well - of the many tropes we see throughout manga like this, I do think career surveys are amongst the least interesting and nothing here is changing that opinion.
Still, this survives based on Satsuki and, back with our regulars, through its general appeal around having a group of great friends. Yes, I do think this is both a strength and a weakness in this particular instance.
The big spread of everybody in uniform to help out at the bakery is pretty great and offers lots of little moments for the cast, same as the earlier karaoke party. These small touches are what really make this enjoyable.
There’s also a very cute bonus manga of Kaoruko trying on Rintaro’s jacket and her resultant embarrassment that speaks to a very slightly more naughty and less reserved version of the former and it’s really great. I wish it had more moments like that in the main chapters.
This is still very good, but it has established a pattern that works but lacks surprise and can come across as a bit rote. It’s a trap that many series can fall into if they go long and it’s just one of those things. The flashes of brilliance are still there, but they are just a bit buried.
4 stars - mostly for the bonus manga and Satsuki’s mini-storyline. The other chapters are okay, but the parts are more enjoyable than the whole for a lot of it. Still enjoyable, but it could use a bit more oomph.
November 5, 2025
*** 3.25✨ ***
January 21, 2026
Lo senti un poco flojon....
August 4, 2024
yorita's past let's go ! i'm most curious about his backstory because he gives off mysterious yakuza vibes.
August 22, 2024
IM GOING TO CRY AND NOT THE GOOD KINDA CRY😭😭😭😭. AYATO😭😭. I loved the focus on him in this volume, he deserves it fr. His whole character is one I can really relate to tbh. The fear of the future and what it will bring, the not knowing of what you really want, the questioning of if you even have something you are really passionate in to really do it in the future, the keeping in your worries like Kaoruko and Rintaro to not worry anyone. He’s just too real😭 I felt so bad and I could also really see why he is the way he is. His dream of being a police officer because of his brother😭😭. I loved Rintaro for returning the favour and hearing him out without judgement or giving an opinion. He just unconditionally loves him like everyone else and is so supportive no matter what, it’s just so sweet and rare. I really do hope Ayato goes for what he really whats and never goes back. He deserves to be passionate in his dream and happy too
I really liked the start of the volume where it focused on an outside side character for a few characters. Really expands on the world and also gave me an outside look on Rintaro. Again why was everyone so afraid of him😭😭. He was the sweetest back then and now. I just dont get it at all. I liked how the girl backed down after seeing Kaoruko and Rintaro together at the station. That’s a girls girl fr. I loved how it somewhat healed her and eased her in some way towards her regret from her past and I’m glad she can finally move on.
The whole karaoke scene was too wholesome and I loved how Madoka is integrated into the group now. The whole friend group is just too cute.
Loved that rain and bench scene with Kaoruko and Rintaro too. I loved how they both communicate and can trust in each other with their worries. They just really deserve each other. AND THAT HUG. ADORABLE. Just the most healthiest couple ever. Like ever.
It took me so long to finish this volume because I don’t want to finish this manga. Like ever😭😭😭😭 I don’t want to say goodbye. I don’t 😭😭😭 I am too attached
I really liked the start of the volume where it focused on an outside side character for a few characters. Really expands on the world and also gave me an outside look on Rintaro. Again why was everyone so afraid of him😭😭. He was the sweetest back then and now. I just dont get it at all. I liked how the girl backed down after seeing Kaoruko and Rintaro together at the station. That’s a girls girl fr. I loved how it somewhat healed her and eased her in some way towards her regret from her past and I’m glad she can finally move on.
The whole karaoke scene was too wholesome and I loved how Madoka is integrated into the group now. The whole friend group is just too cute.
Loved that rain and bench scene with Kaoruko and Rintaro too. I loved how they both communicate and can trust in each other with their worries. They just really deserve each other. AND THAT HUG. ADORABLE. Just the most healthiest couple ever. Like ever.
It took me so long to finish this volume because I don’t want to finish this manga. Like ever😭😭😭😭 I don’t want to say goodbye. I don’t 😭😭😭 I am too attached
April 13, 2026
Okay, I'm calling it at 12 volumes; at least in terms of buying the series. I've cancelled the rest of my preorders and will hopefully be able to get the rest through the library as they come out. (The annoying part is that manga isn't really available through my local libraries, so I have to request from other systems, but this is a big enough shoujo series to probably be available. If not, oh well.)
I'm just getting really bored. I saw something recently from the publishers about how Mikami actually started writing this while she was still in high school, which made a lot of things fall into place. That's probably why it feels so stagnant after the first few volumes...she has nothing to say about life post college because she...hasn't...experienced that. At least not as a regular person who has to go through career plans and all the things being struggled with by the characters in this volume - because she's just going to write this series for a million volumes while nothing in particular happens to anyone.
Which isn't to say that I disliked it. It's just that people do not speak to each other the way the characters in this series have been doing for too many volumes now.
Everything is A Speech. No one can communicate normally or just have an average conversation, like a bunch of teenagers hanging out together. They have to spend page after page talking about how supportive they are and how great friendship is and how they'll always be there for each other and how important it is that they never say anything remotely wrong or even slightly unkind to each other.
There's just no...substance, in a way? I don't need drama or villains, but my goodness is it dull when every single character is the portrait of perfection. That does also seem like a modern day youth issue, too, where everyone is afraid of being cancelled for saying something slightly wrong.
Also I don't think teenage guys talk to each other like this. It's so incredibly heavy on feelings and affirming each other, and they're never just...dudes being dudes.
I do really like the guys' tired but very supportive teacher, and I wish there could be a bit more from the adults' perspectives, maybe. It might help to break up the school days tedium a bit.
The one part I was really looking forward to - the introduction of Rintaro's middle school classmate, and him finding out that he was actually admired back then - went absolutely nowhere. The girl talked to her friends - wildly supportive and sweet and perfect like everyone else - and then ran off to tell him that he'd changed her life for the better, and then saw him with his cheerful new girlfriend and "had her heart broken" and will probably never appear in the story again.
Instead, she had her whole speech about how wonderful her friends are and how lucky she is to have them, and then we moved back to the main characters. What was the point of even including her then?
The next arc is about them planning out their futures, although they're still young enough that it is going to take So Many Volumes to get there. (I'd thought I'd seen spoilers a year ago about Kaoruko , so I'd thought the series would start to time-skip more and move into their college and adult lives, but maybe not?) Right now, the only person who knows what she wants to do is Hoshina, who plans to be a lawyer.
Which is a great goal and I sort of see where she's coming from, but she's still literally terrified to speak in front of anyone, so how exactly does that line up with a career in law? It doesn't make a lot of sense.
The others all have no idea what they want to do or who they want to be, which is realistic for teenagers but also kind of boring. There's a Big Mystery with Ayato obviously lying to his friends about not having any career goals, and Rintaro tying himself in knots because he wants to ask him about the police exam notebook he saw in Ayato's bag, but not in any way that would pressure him or seem like he's trying to decide Ayato's future for him or --
It's kind of stupid. Just ask him if he wants to become a police officer. Like a normal person having a normal conversation.
I am intrigued by the ending, with something mysterious about Ayato's older brother, who was a policeman and the object of Ayato's admiration. The panels around him are all kind of dark and ominous, so did he die in the line of duty? Is he just not close with their family anymore?
I do want to read a bit more to find out, but we'll see how long that continues.
Just kind of disappointed because in the early volumes this was becoming one of my favorite shoujos, but it got so incredibly preachy after a while, with no real emotional journeys. It probably should've ended after 8-9 volumes, with the friend groups meshing and everyone looking forward to a bright future.
But that's one of the things that makes me not big on shoujo as a genre...they have a habit of ruining promising starts by draaaaaaaaaagging out the story until it ruins itself. It's sad because initially I'd liked the sweet, gentle nature of the story, but it turns out that when all you're eating is cake, you do get sick of it after a while.
I'm just getting really bored. I saw something recently from the publishers about how Mikami actually started writing this while she was still in high school, which made a lot of things fall into place. That's probably why it feels so stagnant after the first few volumes...she has nothing to say about life post college because she...hasn't...experienced that. At least not as a regular person who has to go through career plans and all the things being struggled with by the characters in this volume - because she's just going to write this series for a million volumes while nothing in particular happens to anyone.
Which isn't to say that I disliked it. It's just that people do not speak to each other the way the characters in this series have been doing for too many volumes now.
Everything is A Speech. No one can communicate normally or just have an average conversation, like a bunch of teenagers hanging out together. They have to spend page after page talking about how supportive they are and how great friendship is and how they'll always be there for each other and how important it is that they never say anything remotely wrong or even slightly unkind to each other.
There's just no...substance, in a way? I don't need drama or villains, but my goodness is it dull when every single character is the portrait of perfection. That does also seem like a modern day youth issue, too, where everyone is afraid of being cancelled for saying something slightly wrong.
Also I don't think teenage guys talk to each other like this. It's so incredibly heavy on feelings and affirming each other, and they're never just...dudes being dudes.
I do really like the guys' tired but very supportive teacher, and I wish there could be a bit more from the adults' perspectives, maybe. It might help to break up the school days tedium a bit.
The one part I was really looking forward to - the introduction of Rintaro's middle school classmate, and him finding out that he was actually admired back then - went absolutely nowhere. The girl talked to her friends - wildly supportive and sweet and perfect like everyone else - and then ran off to tell him that he'd changed her life for the better, and then saw him with his cheerful new girlfriend and "had her heart broken" and will probably never appear in the story again.
Instead, she had her whole speech about how wonderful her friends are and how lucky she is to have them, and then we moved back to the main characters. What was the point of even including her then?
The next arc is about them planning out their futures, although they're still young enough that it is going to take So Many Volumes to get there. (I'd thought I'd seen spoilers a year ago about Kaoruko , so I'd thought the series would start to time-skip more and move into their college and adult lives, but maybe not?) Right now, the only person who knows what she wants to do is Hoshina, who plans to be a lawyer.
Which is a great goal and I sort of see where she's coming from, but she's still literally terrified to speak in front of anyone, so how exactly does that line up with a career in law? It doesn't make a lot of sense.
The others all have no idea what they want to do or who they want to be, which is realistic for teenagers but also kind of boring. There's a Big Mystery with Ayato obviously lying to his friends about not having any career goals, and Rintaro tying himself in knots because he wants to ask him about the police exam notebook he saw in Ayato's bag, but not in any way that would pressure him or seem like he's trying to decide Ayato's future for him or --
It's kind of stupid. Just ask him if he wants to become a police officer. Like a normal person having a normal conversation.
I am intrigued by the ending, with something mysterious about Ayato's older brother, who was a policeman and the object of Ayato's admiration. The panels around him are all kind of dark and ominous, so did he die in the line of duty? Is he just not close with their family anymore?
I do want to read a bit more to find out, but we'll see how long that continues.
Just kind of disappointed because in the early volumes this was becoming one of my favorite shoujos, but it got so incredibly preachy after a while, with no real emotional journeys. It probably should've ended after 8-9 volumes, with the friend groups meshing and everyone looking forward to a bright future.
But that's one of the things that makes me not big on shoujo as a genre...they have a habit of ruining promising starts by draaaaaaaaaagging out the story until it ruins itself. It's sad because initially I'd liked the sweet, gentle nature of the story, but it turns out that when all you're eating is cake, you do get sick of it after a while.
November 15, 2025
"Mi hermano era policia" cómo que ERA??? El arco de Ayato está siendo duro😣
Rintaro llevando a sus amigos a la pastelería para trabajar en NOCHE BUENA, años aprendiendo sobre la cultura japonesa y todavía hay cosas que me sorprenden.
Todo el tema de las aspiraciones laborales para su futuro es algo que entiendo y simpatizo mucho con varios personajes. Es completamente normal que a los 16 años no sepan que es lo que quieren hacer de su vida, no está mal no saber que van a hacer, lo jodido es que te presionen a elegir algo a ESA edad. Poniéndome en el lugar de Shohei, todavía están en la etapa donde lo único que debería preocuparles es que hacer para divertirse.
Rintaro llevando a sus amigos a la pastelería para trabajar en NOCHE BUENA, años aprendiendo sobre la cultura japonesa y todavía hay cosas que me sorprenden.
Todo el tema de las aspiraciones laborales para su futuro es algo que entiendo y simpatizo mucho con varios personajes. Es completamente normal que a los 16 años no sepan que es lo que quieren hacer de su vida, no está mal no saber que van a hacer, lo jodido es que te presionen a elegir algo a ESA edad. Poniéndome en el lugar de Shohei, todavía están en la etapa donde lo único que debería preocuparles es que hacer para divertirse.
April 12, 2024
Oh. Let’s. GOO BABYYYY THE HMS SIDE SHIP IS SAILING
September 28, 2025
5 ✨ stars
all the friendships in this one are so precious
all the friendships in this one are so precious
November 12, 2025
voy a llorar los amo demasiaofidifkwbkd
JURO POR DIOS QUE SI SAKU Y SUBARU NO TERMINAM JUNTOS ME MATO
JURO POR DIOS QUE SI SAKU Y SUBARU NO TERMINAM JUNTOS ME MATO
January 3, 2025
i should've read this in high school, it would've help me.
April 1, 2026
Ay Ayato, no nos pueden dejar así 🥺🥺
August 21, 2025
when will a love like this hit me? cute!!!
March 5, 2026
La primera parte de la antigua compañera de Rintaro fue relleno. Lo demás estuvo 10/10, y vamos a llorar con el arco de Yorita ya lo vi todo, voy a buscar los pañuelos.
March 8, 2026
Yorita🥹
June 2, 2024
sadly, the series is just kinda starting to lag for me (has been for the last few volumes). it'sstill cute and has itswholesome moments but the characters areall just so... good. no one has any flasws and everyone gets over their obstacles so easily, which is kinda boring 🤷🏻♀️
i really really loved the first half ofthe series and hopefully i'll come back to it in the future again 🤗
i really really loved the first half ofthe series and hopefully i'll come back to it in the future again 🤗
April 30, 2026
4.5/5 stars. Another character getting a background story. And, it's the holidays! Love this volume and this series.
May 3, 2026
I’ve officially reached the "sunk cost fallacy" stage of this series. At this point, I’m reading more out of a sense of duty to see how it ends than any actual investment in the cast.
The Main Gripe: Perfectly Packaged Trauma
The characters have become "perfectly imperfect" to a predictable degree. Every time a character gets the spotlight, we discover a hidden trauma or a secret embarrassment that is neatly solved within a few chapters. It has become a repetitive formula: one friend hides a struggle to be "thoughtful" or "sacrificial," and the rest of the group swoops in to rescue them with a display of saint-like wisdom.
What’s becoming frustrating is the hypocrisy of it all—these characters are incredibly wise when helping others, yet they are completely unable to live out what they preach when it’s their turn to struggle. For a group that values "opening up," they sure do spend a lot of time hiding things from each other just to trigger the next group therapy session.
The Narrative Filler
The introduction of the "rival" felt particularly pointless—a side-story detour that didn't move the needle on the main plot at all. It felt like "filler" in a series that already has an oversized ensemble cast of people who are already too nice to each other.
The Silver Lining: Ayato
Ayato’s career aspirations are the only thing keeping me tethered to the page. It’s a genuinely interesting look at a career path that younger generations often undervalue. However, I’m bracing myself for the reveal that his "secret" was only hidden as a plot device to show us, once again, how precious and understanding this friend group is.
The Verdict
We’re building toward a big Christmas date, but after 12 volumes of "empty cuteness," I’m not expecting fireworks. If the story stays this "safe," a bit of blushing and a kiss is likely the ceiling. I’m staying just to see if the cycle finally breaks, but I’m not holding my breath.
The Main Gripe: Perfectly Packaged Trauma
The characters have become "perfectly imperfect" to a predictable degree. Every time a character gets the spotlight, we discover a hidden trauma or a secret embarrassment that is neatly solved within a few chapters. It has become a repetitive formula: one friend hides a struggle to be "thoughtful" or "sacrificial," and the rest of the group swoops in to rescue them with a display of saint-like wisdom.
What’s becoming frustrating is the hypocrisy of it all—these characters are incredibly wise when helping others, yet they are completely unable to live out what they preach when it’s their turn to struggle. For a group that values "opening up," they sure do spend a lot of time hiding things from each other just to trigger the next group therapy session.
The Narrative Filler
The introduction of the "rival" felt particularly pointless—a side-story detour that didn't move the needle on the main plot at all. It felt like "filler" in a series that already has an oversized ensemble cast of people who are already too nice to each other.
The Silver Lining: Ayato
Ayato’s career aspirations are the only thing keeping me tethered to the page. It’s a genuinely interesting look at a career path that younger generations often undervalue. However, I’m bracing myself for the reveal that his "secret" was only hidden as a plot device to show us, once again, how precious and understanding this friend group is.
The Verdict
We’re building toward a big Christmas date, but after 12 volumes of "empty cuteness," I’m not expecting fireworks. If the story stays this "safe," a bit of blushing and a kiss is likely the ceiling. I’m staying just to see if the cycle finally breaks, but I’m not holding my breath.
April 7, 2026
(The English descriptions keep being out of pace here on GR. Ignore it.)
A girl who had a crush on Rintaro in his previous school hasn’t forgotten him and a chance encounter brings her feelings back. She wants to know if she could have a chance with him, so she waits for him at a station, only to see him with Kaoruko. Her heart breaks, but luckily she has her friends who console and support her.
It’s the end of exams, and the group of friends celebrate by going to karaoke. Future careers come up, but only Subaru knows what she wants to be. Yorita, one of the boys, says he just wants to get a job. Rintaro feels something is off about this, and after mulling it over with everyone else, he brings it up with Yorita. A good, heartfelt conversation follows.
In the final chapter, the group of friends come to help Rintaro’s family at the pastry shop. It’s Christmas, and the place is packet. But everyone is having a great time.
This was another wholesome volume. I like how the time progresses and the characters grow up and mature, facing new challenges as they do. The focus has shifted from Rintaro and Kaoruko’s romance a little, giving room for other characters. Yorita clearly has a reason for why he’s hesitant to choose what he wants, but that’s left for the next volume. Looking forward to reading it.
A girl who had a crush on Rintaro in his previous school hasn’t forgotten him and a chance encounter brings her feelings back. She wants to know if she could have a chance with him, so she waits for him at a station, only to see him with Kaoruko. Her heart breaks, but luckily she has her friends who console and support her.
It’s the end of exams, and the group of friends celebrate by going to karaoke. Future careers come up, but only Subaru knows what she wants to be. Yorita, one of the boys, says he just wants to get a job. Rintaro feels something is off about this, and after mulling it over with everyone else, he brings it up with Yorita. A good, heartfelt conversation follows.
In the final chapter, the group of friends come to help Rintaro’s family at the pastry shop. It’s Christmas, and the place is packet. But everyone is having a great time.
This was another wholesome volume. I like how the time progresses and the characters grow up and mature, facing new challenges as they do. The focus has shifted from Rintaro and Kaoruko’s romance a little, giving room for other characters. Yorita clearly has a reason for why he’s hesitant to choose what he wants, but that’s left for the next volume. Looking forward to reading it.
October 29, 2024
This manga is so darn heartwarming😭🎀.
I love how they show from sensitive topics to most relatable ones but in a healthy way. Every character and his/her relationship with their loved ones is so pure be it their friendship, bond b/w sibling and parents like everything. I loved how they portrayed the fear of the future in this volume. As someone who likes her major in uni but is still confused with her what ifs and questions like "have i chosen the wrong one?" "What if I end up w no future with my major" I related to it sm but maybe that's how life is, you can never be certain about the future no matter how planned you want it to be. You can fail in one thing and be successful in another , you can pass out w a particular major but in the future can be a part of a completely different major. I've learned this a while although tho I'm still very scared of an uncertain future but I really hope future Adiba would be the person who won't be afraid of uncertainties and would actually realise the fact that she'd find her way in life through one way or another and would understand the beauty of uncertainties.(Currently I hate em💀)
Okay thanks for listening to my ted talks lmao I just felt sm I had to write it out 🫶🏻✨
I love how they show from sensitive topics to most relatable ones but in a healthy way. Every character and his/her relationship with their loved ones is so pure be it their friendship, bond b/w sibling and parents like everything. I loved how they portrayed the fear of the future in this volume. As someone who likes her major in uni but is still confused with her what ifs and questions like "have i chosen the wrong one?" "What if I end up w no future with my major" I related to it sm but maybe that's how life is, you can never be certain about the future no matter how planned you want it to be. You can fail in one thing and be successful in another , you can pass out w a particular major but in the future can be a part of a completely different major. I've learned this a while although tho I'm still very scared of an uncertain future but I really hope future Adiba would be the person who won't be afraid of uncertainties and would actually realise the fact that she'd find her way in life through one way or another and would understand the beauty of uncertainties.(Currently I hate em💀)
Okay thanks for listening to my ted talks lmao I just felt sm I had to write it out 🫶🏻✨
April 25, 2026
I think I have to admit to myself I just don't like this series. The way these kids talk... it feels like everything is an event. We have been through 12 volumes of them confessing every single fear and insecurity to one another which is fine but the conflict seems so low stakes. And I do like manga that is low stakes or just really joyful but this one I struggle with. I go back again to how they speak, they are so emotionally mature in managing and regulating their feelings but so quick to despair it's hard for me. As I mentioned, every talk is an event. A monologue almost. The rival hs thing seems so obsolete and I feel bad but going back to her insecurities in the beginning which we have seen no one (not one time) make fun of her for her long, beautiful, and thick hair or eating. His seem a little more plausible as we have seen and other have mentioned how he was so isolated before getting to high school.
2/6 stars
2/6 stars
June 16, 2025
4.5/5 Yorita's backstory, finally!
This manga series is so heart warming, healing, comforting, and healthy. They show some vulnerable and relatable topics and struggles, but in a very gentle way. They always make me feel seen, and this one was relatable as well. This volume talks a lot about when you haven't figured out yet what you want to do with your future. That it's both okay to now know yet or maybe do have more of an idea. That it's normal to feel that way, that it's more than okay to take your time, and that eventually everything will work out in the end.
All characters are just so considerate and caring about one another, they all communicate so well, and it's just amazing. I love them all so much! And that hug!
I can't wait to read the other volumes, and I especially can't wait for the anime!!
This manga series is so heart warming, healing, comforting, and healthy. They show some vulnerable and relatable topics and struggles, but in a very gentle way. They always make me feel seen, and this one was relatable as well. This volume talks a lot about when you haven't figured out yet what you want to do with your future. That it's both okay to now know yet or maybe do have more of an idea. That it's normal to feel that way, that it's more than okay to take your time, and that eventually everything will work out in the end.
All characters are just so considerate and caring about one another, they all communicate so well, and it's just amazing. I love them all so much! And that hug!
I can't wait to read the other volumes, and I especially can't wait for the anime!!
September 20, 2025
This volume really stood out to me because it wasn’t about high-stakes drama but about something so real and relatable like figuring out your future. I loved how each character had a different approach, Subaru already sure about becoming a lawyer, Sohei not wanting to think about it, Rintaro unsure if his baking passion is more than a hobby and then Ayato’s struggle hit the hardest, caught between chasing his dream and settling for what’s easy. What made it even more powerful was the group’s response when Ayato said he wasn’t ready to share, they respected that completely, showing the kind of patient, understanding friendship that feels rare and so genuine. Add to that Rintaro’s effort to seek advice just to be a better friend, and this whole volume became a beautiful reminder of how supportive bonds can make even the scariest life questions feel a little less heavy.
July 14, 2024
Ai que volume bom viu. Tava demorando eles mostrarem mais sobre a personalidade do Ayato, e finalmente veio ai! Gosto como não é só romance nesse mangá, mas também sobre as grandes inseguranças da adolescência. Decidir e pensar sobre o futuro é assustador pra qualquer um. Há uma grande pressão da sociedade nessa fase, principalmente no final dos anos escolares e é bem cansativo. Muito boa a forma como tudo é abordado, pois pra cada pessoa essas decisões vão afetar de uma maneira diferente. E o Ayato é uma das pessoas que sente um grande conflito, mas ele é bem explorado aqui.
October 31, 2025
liked how we can always get to know the other characters, they don't feel shallow. we don't get info dumped from the beginning, instead we get them piece by piece. But I really liked the first Manga's way more. They're still good but it feels stretched, in some type of way. If you get what I mean.
And the way Rintaro cares for his loved ones, wow! What a guy!
Oh my poor Yorita, follow your fucking dream!! Loved how Rintaro‘s mom, helped Yorita a bit out, by showing him the stress in the kitchen.
And the way Rintaro cares for his loved ones, wow! What a guy!
Oh my poor Yorita, follow your fucking dream!! Loved how Rintaro‘s mom, helped Yorita a bit out, by showing him the stress in the kitchen.
July 27, 2024
Vaig seguint la sèrie i mantinc l'opinió: és un slice of life entretingut, molt cuqui i tendre, amb uns personatges ideals poc versemblants al meu parer, però adorables i que ens mostra un moment vital ple de dubtes i incerteses que es van resolent a poc a poc. Les relacions entre els personatges són el punt fort, encara que de vegades l'slow burn sigui bastant agònic o hi hagi poca sensació de progrés.
February 19, 2026
This volume brings a pretty varied story, and this time the spotlight is on Ayato Yorita. It dives into how they talk about the future, and the things holding Ayato back from chasing his dreams.
And honestly, the vibe is still the same as always sweet, funny, and super wholesome. Kaoruko’s presence feels like such a warm comfort for Rintaro, and the two of them are just way too adorable together! 🥹✨
And honestly, the vibe is still the same as always sweet, funny, and super wholesome. Kaoruko’s presence feels like such a warm comfort for Rintaro, and the two of them are just way too adorable together! 🥹✨
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