This review is for the entire series, which I binged from start to finish over the last 2 days.
I wasn't the biggest fan. I remember watching the anime when it first came out way back when and really liking it even though it was bittersweet, but I was frustrated so many times reading this manga. I did not like Yano from the start; he made fun of Nanami and was downright mean to her so many times, yet she kept on forgiving him after seeing his smile. This boy was also obsessed with sex; it was kind of annoying how he kept on suggesting it to her or bringing it up. Even right after he moved to Tokyo and was firm in his love for Nana, an accidental glimpse of his classmate's boobs had him wavering. Sigh...
And don't get me started on his downward spiral after he moved to Tokyo. Yes I understand he was in a very stressful situation between his mom's health, the upcoming college exams, and his part-time job, but that's no reason to stop communicating with your own girlfriend! It's difficult times like those where you need others' support, and it frustrates me to no end that he cut off all ties with his former life except for Yamamoto, of all people. I can't express how shocked I was when we learned about how she dropped everything in her life (school, promising career, family) just to be with Yano, who doesn't even love her.
I was hopeful that after the 5 year time jump, things would be more positive, but I didn't like the second half of the manga at all. Nanami agrees half-heartedly to a relationship with Takeuchi and treats him like trash after he was there for her time and time again when Yano wasn't. Despite all that, she doesn't say yes to his proposal, because some part of her is still hung up on Yano and why he dumped her without saying a word. And then there's Yano, who has given Nanami up to Takeuchi for some reason I still don't understand. He claims it is because she is too strong and independent, and he wants someone who can depend on him like Yamamoto does, but that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard.
Honestly the whole MVP of the manga was Takeuchi. He was always there for Yano when he needed a friend to goof around with or talk relationships with, and for Nanami when Yano wasn't there or made her cry. Neither of them deserve him, honestly, and I wish he had gotten a better ending than simply as the unrequited side character / best friend.
This was a frustrating series to read. Yes there were some cute moments when Yano and Nanami dated in high school, but there were also many annoying moments as well, especially in the second half. I was super mad when it's revealed that Yano is living with Yamamoto in Tokyo. The scene where he opens the door and says 'Tadaima' to her had me absolutely livid. Their relationship at that point was still not fully explained; they weren't dating and I assume not sleeping together either, but I'm not 100% sure about that.