My Love Story!!, Vol. 12

俺物語!! [Ore Monogatari!!] #12

by Kazune Kawahara, Aruko (Illustrations)

A gentle giant with a heart of gold finally stops being a love underdog in this hilarious romantic comedy!

Takeo Goda is a giant guy with a giant heart. Too bad the girls don’t want him! (They want his good-looking best friend, Sunakawa.) Used to being on the sidelines, Takeo simply stands tall and accepts his fate. But one day when he saves a girl named Yamato from a harasser on the train, his (love!) life suddenly takes an incredible turn!

Genres: Manga, Romance, Shojo, Graphic Novels, Humor, Comics, Comedy

192 pages, Paperback

Published May 2, 2017

About the author

• Birth Date: March 11th, 1972
• Blood Type: A
• Zodiac: Pisces

Kazune Kawahara (河原和音) made her manga debut at age 18 with Kare no Ichiban Sukina Hito (His Most Favorite Person). Also, while thinking of her manga, she often spaces out and brings grocery baskets home. Adores her nieces.

Reviews

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much like this John Wayne-style tribute cover, which follows other similar covers echoing western pop stars. I did not particularly care for the shallow Tanaka episode, where Tanaka wants to be friends with Suna just because he's handsome and could help him with popularity via social media. What I like about this volume is a surprising plot turn that I won't reveal, because it is a Big Deal, but I'll say the set up for the 13th and final volume is pretty dramatic. Gotta go! Have the 13th right here, and. . .

[Rod Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

UPDATED - September 22, 2025

I'm happy that as the series nears its conclusion we are given more time with Takeo Goda's best friend, Makoto Sunakawa. We even get to see the normally chill and reserved character get mad not once but twice in the course of the book.

With this series I always talk of Team Ai or Team Rinko, but really this bromance series is a hands-down victory for Team Suna.


ORIGINAL REVIEW - August 29, 2017

A dramatic development threatens to upset the status quo. This adorkably chaste series just warms my heart.


FOR REFERENCE:

Contents: Chapters 43-46 -- Bonus Chapters

[Tris (bookinreads)]

Que tiernos son y me duelen :(

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before the Plot Twist, the examination of Suna's and Takeo's friendship is lovely. The Plot Twist? Pretty cliche.


Full review eventually appearing on ANN.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously don't want this to end 😭

[Ray Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

[ Releído en 2022. ]

Definitivamente ha sido uno de los volúmenes más emotivos de toda la serie y es que, con todo y que es una comedia romántica (shoujo), es imposible que no sientas algo de lo que los protagonistas experimentan.

El tomo se divide en tres partes:
En la primera, se resuelve el conflicto del estudiante transferido y, como siempre, Takeo sale al rescate, siendo el mejor hombre en cada situación, lo cual sólo me hace amarlo muchísimo más. Me queda claro que él es uno de esos héroes que necesitamos en nuestras vidas, y si no somos capaces de encontrarnos uno, no estaría nada mal aprender un poco de él y su corazón de león.

En la segunda, Rinko se entera de que su papá es ascendido y, por lo tanto, tendrán que viajar a España para acompañarlo. Ahora bien, el problema inicia cuando ella huye de casa y Takeo la persigue, con tal de convencerla de regresar.

El drama no es nada nuevo, si soy honesta, pero no pude evitar llorar de angustia y de dolor porque Takeo y Yamato han permanecido juntos ya por un buen rato y justo ahora, que pensaban en ir a la misma universidad, les sale la noticia de que tendrán que separarse. A todas luces, es como romperme el corazón en mil pedazos porque es claro que los dos se quieren muchísimo y la distancia suele ser un factor que determina un rompimiento.

Aun así, les tengo fe y sé que lograrán salir de esta. Takeo ha demostrado ser un hombre excepcional y Rinko también es muy fuerte, pese a tener un cuerpo pequeño. Creo fervientemente que su amor podrá más que la distancia, y de alguna forma todo se resolverá.

La tercera parte consiste más bien en un par de extras donde Suna da a entender que, en algún momento de su vida, quiso ser igual de fuerte que su mejor amigo. Ah, y también que quizá Takeo sea el único que no conozca su enojo. Una vez más demuestran que su amistad es a prueba de balas y que no habría uno sin el otro.

Sin duda, tengo nervios de continuar con el último volumen de la serie porque esta es una historia que amo muchísimo y que siempre me ha alegrado los días con su presencia. Los tres personajes principales son únicos y sé que siempre los llevaré en mi corazón. Sin más qué decir, ¡a por el siguiente volumen!

REVIEWS ANTERIORES:
Volumen 1 | Volumen 2 | Volumen 3 | Volumen 4 | Volumen 5 | Volumen 6 | Volumen 7 | Volumen 8 | Volumen 9 | Volumen 10 | Volumen 11

[yel ᰔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

➺ 4/5 🌟

the penultimate volume and there's a sudden turn of event at the last part there!

[Mehsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Re-read 2021: Ah yes, this volume. I still think it is bad that they just pull Yamato out of school with only one year to go. Hello? This is the most important year + you can't just pluck her out of her home and her friends like that. I am sure there is another solution. So yeah, while maybe not the best thing to do, I did think it was great that Yamato did that thing she did in this one and just stepped up. Just did something selfish. Just for a bit. I felt so sad for her. I am glad it is just one year, but that is not going to be a fun year for her. Stuck in a strange country, not speaking the language (or English that well).
As for the Tanaka stuff, I am glad that worked out but BOY that was just frustrating to read. :|
I loved the bonus story though. I am glad Takeo did what he did.

----------------------------------


I was waiting for both 12 and 13 to be out so I could read and finish this series without having to wait.

And I am so happy I did that, as this book ends on a certain point. Yes, I am not rating this volume too high. Why? First up because the first part is about Tanaka, a highly annoying character that I feel should never have been added, especially given what happens when Takeo and Suna finally get through him. I was really rolling me eyes. Was all this needed? Couldn't we just have more Takeo x Yamato? So yeah, I struggled to get through the first part, and then the second part came.

I had already heard stuff about this manga's ending, but I hadn't expected them to be true and so stupid. Is it really necessary to have Yamato leave Japan? To have her move with her family to freaking Spain? It just felt silly, especially since they are in their last years and are starting to think about college. I was actually hoping to see them go to college together, but then BOOM, transfer.
Also I don't get why Yamato can't just finish her school here? She is almost done, it seems stupid to just transfer her to a country with a language she doesn't know + she isn't that fluent in English.

I was a bit angry at Takeo for how he couldn't see why Yamato ran away (and took him with her). He found her unreasonable. Yes, it was a bit silly and over the top that she just ran away (and apparently no one cares to ask about how old these 2 are), but I can understand. She just wants to be selfish for once. Her dad also said she never did anything for herself. Not truly at least. She wants to be with Takeo for a bit longer.

The last pages of this chapter had me in tears. Poor Yamato. I do hope the next volume will still have these two together though, I will definitely be unhappy if it turns out they broke up/found different people. I have been rooting for these two so long, and it just feels cheap that the author made Yamato have to go to Spain. :|

I do want to say that I just adore how the parents gave Yamato space during this time. Sure, they were worried, but Takeo was updating them and Suna with all the latest information. I am glad they decided to just let Yamato be selfish for a bit.

Ah, and I just love Suna and Takeo's friendship, they are really fantastic friends. Plus in that bonus story? It was amazing what Takeo did for Suna there.

So yeah, I will be reading the last volume as soon as I have this review up. I want to know what happens in the last volume. I want to know if they stay together (marriage, please!).

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/jmsPL9GTb58

I NEVER expected that my DEEP dislike towards Tanaka would change after reading the chapters surrounding him in this volume, but I would say my feelings have.

Now I don’t LOVE his character, BUT!

I did feel quite a bit of compassion for him and admired Takeo in how he was willing to learn more about Tanaka, especially in light of how Suna is. 

And speaking of, I’m all here for a blunt Suna!   Even a grumpy Suna as we saw in the bonus chapter too! It was definitely nice in seeing what he was thinking, even if he pulled no punches (figuratively speaking of course!). 

I was also surprised by how emotional this volume made me! I don’t read the blurbs before I start these volumes so I was SUPER shocked about the news Yamato receives and how it’s going to affect their relationship moving forward! 

The events that unfold after that were really moving and felt our characters' heartache and pain right alongside them. I was definitely thankful for the humor that the bonus chapters brought because those ending pages of the story brought tears to my eyes.

While I agree with Suna that I KNOW our couple is going to be okay, it’s still hard seeing how sad they’re feeling (and even how sad I am too).

Hoping for a good and romantic ending to this series because goodness I’ll be crushed if it’s not!!

[Conejo Literario · Rating 5 out of 5]

ESE FINAL, CON UN DEMONIO.

[Wordsworn · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE FRIENDSHIP FEEEEEEELS IN THIS VOLUME

AHHHHHHHH, IT'S SO WONDERFUL <3333

(Also, I realized again that I'm very much like Suna in certain ways, haha...)

[Sylwia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favorite volume of the series.

[marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vol. 7 ★★☆☆☆
Vol. 8 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 9 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 10 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 11 ★★☆☆☆

I can't stand Tanaka. He's obnoxious and unlikable. I get why he's like that and I do feel bad for him, but he's still insufferable. That said, I love having more arcs about Suna and Takeo's friendship. Also, it's funny to see Suna, who's usually so calm and unperturbed, thoroughly disliking someone. Had this volume just been of the Tanaka arc, it would've gotten 4 stars. Unfortunately, Kawahara decides to introduce more conflict with a lame trope. This series used to have interesting takes on typical shoujo tropes, but it has since lost its spark.

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful series! This volume though is quite serious compared to the story up to this point. The book's theme is the true meaning of lasting friendship. Most of the book centres on the new boy, Tanaka. We finally find out what his angle is and the subjects of friendship, lying and social media are explored. Then the final chapter brings shocking news for Takeo and Rinko, the first real major upheaval for them that they have had to deal with.

[Jenna D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clunky writing and scene transitioning, but the emotions run high for the first time in this volume. Even if it follows a bit of a cliche trope in young love fiction. Cannot believe there is only one volume left in the story.

[Sean O'Hara · Rating 2 out of 5]

In which the author decides it's time to wrap the series up and ham-handedly introduces a dramatic twist.

[S.Q. Eries · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Summary

My Love Story!! hits another one out the park! As Takeo discovers, Tanaka is using others to achieve his own shallow goals, which sparks a near rampage out of our main character. However, what’s even funnier is Suna’s reaction when Tanaka airs his unfiltered thoughts about Takeo. It’s male bonding magic when self-absorbed superficiality collides with earnest friendship!

The Review

It was initially unclear where the plot was going with the introduction of fashionable transfer student Tanaka, but it winds up a hilarious arc that shows a hitherto unseen aspect of both Takeo and Suna. Takeo’s strong point since the very beginning is his popularity among other males, and Tanaka’s the first guy we’ve seen (other than the groper) that dislikes him. However, Takeo’s clashed with other boys before and actually has a proven strategy for turning enemies into friends. To be sure, this strategy is the sort a grade school kid would rely on, but that’s okay because Suna is acting a bit childishly as well. Suna’s definitely the most mature character in the cast, and despite all the crazy stuff Takeo drags him into, he’s never gotten really mad. Now we get to see what Suna is like with someone he seriously dislikes.

Meanwhile, Tanaka is a much more typical teenager, insecure in his relationships and obsessed with looking good on social media. I’m not sure if Tanaka’s chat group lies are meant to be social commentary, but when the three go out for a day trip and Takeo takes all of Tanaka’s posts at face value, the results are a riot. I’m not a fan of Aruko-sensei’s particular art style, but the expressions in this arc deliver huge comedic impact nonetheless, and I really wish I could see these chapters animated.

Then it’s back to Takeo’s love story and the next challenge for our main couple: the Yamamoto family is moving–to Spain! The announcement takes everyone by surprise, and although he’s crushed by the news, Takeo does his best to be a supportive boyfriend and reassure Yamato of his commitment to her even while they’re apart. Thus, Yamato’s last days in Japan go pretty much as one would expect–until she runs away from home! It’s a shock to everyone, Takeo included. But even though she’s been portrayed as a model daughter, her actions–though drastic–are not out of character. Still, it’s anyone’s guess how this arc will end, and I look forward to its resolution.

Extras include story thus far, two sizable bonus chapters, and notes from the creators.

For more manga and book reviews, drop by my blog Keeping It In Canon!

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creo que este penúltimo manga me gusto mucho, tenemos al principio un chico que no cree en una amistad eterna, pero gracias a Takeo ve que tiene que confiar en todos, no envidiar una amistad porque las tuyas no han tenido ese especial, no quiera decir que las personas olvidan a la gente, porque entendemos que muchos estan en un rumbo distinto, unos conocen más personas, otros menos, pero lo importante es que sin importar la distancia siempre se mantendrá el sentimiento de haber conocido buenas personas y compartir buenos recuerdos.

Hablando de recuerdos, también observamos que uno de los personajes se tiene que ir, es demasiado duro pero va relacionado más o menos con lo anterior, debemos entender que una relación a larga distancia siempre será dura, no esta en nuestras manos pero es posible mantenerse en contacto. Yo no se si soy una fiel creyente, pero sé que una relación siempre funcionará si hay comunicación y confianza sin importar que tan lejos este una persona.

Pero en definitiva los extras que nos da el manga me hicieron reir mucho, es un buen balance porque tenemos drama pero también alto emotivo y divertido.

Bueno este manga creo que va a ser uno de mis favoritos.
Buenas lecturas les deseo.
:)

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suna me cae muy bien. Acá con el estudiante de intercambio decidió que le cae mal y por eso no quiere ayudarlo, a pesar de que Takeo le dice que su actitud deriva de sentirse solo. Creo que es obvio que mudarse tanto y no formar lazos durante la adolescencia debe ser duro, más que nada por la etapa, y eso crea esa idea de que es mejor estar solo desde el inicio si al final te vas a ir. Bien ahí por Takeo.

En este tomo se muestra más rango de emociones en Suna y eso me agradó haha, como lo de su oscuro pasado en el que quiso tener musculos como Takeo. También me gustó el extra del libro porque demuestra una vez más cuán fuerte es la amistad de estos dos y eso es bonito.

Ahora, lo serio de la segunda mitad es por Rinko, su padre será transferido a Españita y la familia irá con él, lo cual abruma a Rinko porque no quiere ir y dejar a Takeo, lo cual causa que huya con él a Okinawa para crear recuerdos. Terminar la prepa e iniciar la uni es todo un tema y más cuando tienes pareja como es el caso de estos dos.

[Isabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

HOWDY PARDNER, this is such a silly cover! lol ore monogatari has the wildest variety of covers, to be honest. especially considering that it's a shoujo.

So, about the volume itself. The plot with that guy wanting to be Suna's friend? meh. meeeeeeeh all over.

It's cute to see Suna and Takeo's friendship put to the test, but I expected more. Tanaka is such an annoying character, so when his plot was over, I was actually glad! lol

We're in the last few chapters of the series, this is no time to introduce new characters! Let alone ANNOYING ones. There's at least TWO characters that could benefit with some "screentime" and development, if that was the case, but NOPE.

After that, there's the angsty part of the volume: Yamato's family is moving away. OH NO. WHAT NOW?????

This was far better, but it didn't keep me from lowering the score a bit. I hope the last volume makes up for it.

[Ana Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penúltimo tomo de este manga shoujo tan, pero que tan bonito.

Se nota que la serie está a punto de acabar: los dos primeros capitulos tratan sobre Tanaka, ese personaje insoportable (más que el pastelero, sí) que se introdujo en el volumen anterior, y sobre el distanciamiento, la soledad, las redes sociales... Definitivamente los protagonistas de esta serie son mejores personas que yo, solo digo eso.

En los dos últimos capítulos se produce un giro inesperado de los acontecimientos: la familia de Yamato debe irse a España, pero ella no quiere, así que, como buena adolescente, se rebela y... Hasta aquí puedo llegar sin hacer spoilers.

Al final hay dos capítulos extra, muy cortitos, sobre Takeo y Suna que vienen muy bien para aliviar la tensión después de dos capítulos tan dramáticos.

[The Book Dragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Takeo and Suna face the new kid Tanaka head on, Takeo-style, which brings up questions about long distance friendships (Tanaka is a transfer student). That leads into questions about long distance relationships and straight into our next drama train. Hoh...boy... more...not talking. I mean, I get it. This is a tough situation. And, no, running away from home is NOT the answer (at least in this case). And I get that this is something that's hard to talk about, especially with family. But there are less extreme measures here...

Then there are two bonus chapters sorta focused around Sunakawa. The first one... OOF I don't blame Suna for being upset. The second one... that's adorable.

This series has 13 volumes.

[Mahra · Rating 5 out of 5]

*this review is for the entire manga*

1. If you want to read a cute shoujo manga with nice twist, this is the one.

2. The characters are cute, but it’s a shoujo manga so there is some drama.

3. I like the art, this author’s art is my fav.

4. I kinda hoped the author showed us an epilogue about how their relationship went and stuff but all in all I loved it.

5. I enjoyed reading this manga so I totally giving it 5 stars. (I’m sure if I read it in another mood i would give it 4 stars)

[Celinda Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cuteness overload!!!!!! As always Takeo & Yamato are amazing together, but I really loved the continued development of Takeo & Suna's bromance! I love how Suna is so protective of Takeo and vice versa. Also the Takeo & Suna side story at the end is amazing! Excited for the next volume, but sad that it's the last one.

[Miss Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

it turns out i really enjoy seeing how suna acts when he dislikes someone. 😆 no hesitation, just 'i don't like you' up front. takeo's a better man then all of us because i too, dislike tanaka, and would not have put in the effort to befriend him

also, i'm sad about the end twist! i really sympathize with yamato's feelings here, its good that takeo's trying to support her

4 stars

[Zian B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that Takeo managed to get through to Tanaka and become friends with him despite everything that happened. I found it funny that Suna kept ignoring him and love his dedication to not liking anyone that doesn’t like Takeo. I feel so bad for Yamato and got worried in the last two chapters. I’m cautiously excited for the last volume.

[Rahmah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Takeo benar-benar deh, mungkin dia anak Capricorn *dan benar aja, pas gugel emang Capricorn orangnya suka nggak enakan* XD

Hubungan Takeo x Suna itu udah kayak saudara. Suna bebas berekspresi kalau di depan Takeo, begitu pun Takeo yang selalu bergantung ke Suna ^^

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume is sweet in so many ways. How Takeo handles new kid Tanaka, how he handles Yamato’s reaction to her big news, and the two bonus stories about Takeo’s and Sunakawa’s friendship. I like this series so much and am sad the next volume is the end!

[-moonprismpower- · Rating 3 out of 5]

That Tanaka guy situation was weirdly short. Kind of abrupt. I mean I get the message… Don’t “pretend” to live a cool life on social media…go do it!!!

And oh god not a long distance relationship!!!!! Why oh why is that always a way to end shojo series???? So typical.

[Paula Gimenez · Rating 4 out of 5]

En este tomo se logra algo que me parece una de las maravillas del entretenimiento: sentir bronca y disgusto por un personaje o situación, pero que obviamente está hecho a propósito. Realmente siento admiración por los autores que son capaces de hacer esto.
Y tal como se dice acá, en todas mentira hay algo de verdad, y (para ser un poco torpe) eso Takeo lo tiene bien claro. Cualquier otro hubiera dejado a Tanaka de lado, incluso Suna, pero Takeo no. Y eso muestra la grandeza como persona que es (bueno, personaje, que pareciera que me lo olvido...).