What do you think?
Rate this book
Kase-san Series #3
Kase-san and Shortcake
A Future Without You..?
It's the last summer of high school, so Kase-san and Yamada decide to make the most of it and head for the pool! Unfortunately, the end of high school isn't only about celebration. Yamada cheers Kase-san on as she trains for the upcoming track meet, but her mind is filled with thoughts of the future -- and what it means for her relationship with Kase-san.
It's the last summer of high school, so Kase-san and Yamada decide to make the most of it and head for the pool! Unfortunately, the end of high school isn't only about celebration. Yamada cheers Kase-san on as she trains for the upcoming track meet, but her mind is filled with thoughts of the future -- and what it means for her relationship with Kase-san.
170 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2015
11 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 3, 2018
Finally, finally a manga about gay girls that I can read and buy and have on my bookshelf without feeling vaguely grossed out. Maybe it's because this one was actually written by a woman (gasp), and maybe even...written for women instead of for straight men (bigger gasp)?
Whatever the reason, I absolutely love this series. The art is adorable, the characters are sweet and allowed to have some depth (and female friends! There isn't a single named male character in this series so far and I love it), and they actually communicate! And discuss boundaries! And aren't portrayed as the blatant stereotypes of "masculine sexually hyperactive girl" and "meek weepy inexperienced super feminine girl"!
It feels wrong to even categorize this series as yuri, because it isn't (in the same way something like Yuri On Ice isn't yaoi, but that's another topic). It isn't filled to the brim with gross and damaging stereotypes, the girls aren't hypersexualized in either their designs or their personalities, characters actually act like real people and are allowed to just be sweet with each other while maintaining a healthy balance of sexual desire because they're still teenagers dammit... Basically, it isn't written by/for straight men. And I adore it for that.
Whatever the reason, I absolutely love this series. The art is adorable, the characters are sweet and allowed to have some depth (and female friends! There isn't a single named male character in this series so far and I love it), and they actually communicate! And discuss boundaries! And aren't portrayed as the blatant stereotypes of "masculine sexually hyperactive girl" and "meek weepy inexperienced super feminine girl"!
It feels wrong to even categorize this series as yuri, because it isn't (in the same way something like Yuri On Ice isn't yaoi, but that's another topic). It isn't filled to the brim with gross and damaging stereotypes, the girls aren't hypersexualized in either their designs or their personalities, characters actually act like real people and are allowed to just be sweet with each other while maintaining a healthy balance of sexual desire because they're still teenagers dammit... Basically, it isn't written by/for straight men. And I adore it for that.
July 19, 2018
In this volume Yamada and Kase are a little older. This is the last year of high school and they are looking for which university go.
Yamada invites Kase to go to her house after class and well ... Kase kind of lost it. The friend of Yamada provokes her, but Yamada is just very naive and doesn't understand the meaning of the act.
When alone in the bedroom Kase asks if Yamada is ready to do "it", "it" she doesn't explicitly say what is and Yamada thinks she wants to kiss her.
In short, the two have a moment in the room where Yamada says she doesn't know anything about it, but whatever Kase wants to do, she will want it too (which is kind of weird, but ok).
They are interrupted by the mother of Yamada that call to her on the phone. Which I think was good, because Yamada doesn't look ready for this.
Later in the comic the two face some drama when they realize that their university choices are in different cities and therefore they would have to separate or live a distance relationship.
But Yamada is still plagued with jealousy and her lack of confidence which drives her to make a choice that seems to me more for fear of losing Kase than her professional vision.
In conclusion, some things were a bit problematic, but I decided to close my eyes to it. 4.5 stars
Yamada invites Kase to go to her house after class and well ... Kase kind of lost it. The friend of Yamada provokes her, but Yamada is just very naive and doesn't understand the meaning of the act.
When alone in the bedroom Kase asks if Yamada is ready to do "it", "it" she doesn't explicitly say what is and Yamada thinks she wants to kiss her.
In short, the two have a moment in the room where Yamada says she doesn't know anything about it, but whatever Kase wants to do, she will want it too (which is kind of weird, but ok).
They are interrupted by the mother of Yamada that call to her on the phone. Which I think was good, because Yamada doesn't look ready for this.
Later in the comic the two face some drama when they realize that their university choices are in different cities and therefore they would have to separate or live a distance relationship.
But Yamada is still plagued with jealousy and her lack of confidence which drives her to make a choice that seems to me more for fear of losing Kase than her professional vision.
In conclusion, some things were a bit problematic, but I decided to close my eyes to it. 4.5 stars
December 14, 2019
The relationship gets a little more settled and a little more physical. Maybe it's time to introduce an old flame to shake things up?
February 25, 2025
Another great volume. This time we have Kase-San going over to the gf house. Oh my oh my, things get SPICY! (But not too spicy) and of course they're going to different schools...hearts might be broken? A fun series, cute characters.
January 15, 2021
cute this was cute and i would like a girlfriend now please
September 12, 2025
I just can't seem to get away from this series?? It was recommended to me again (this time very specifically as green flag, and a friend of mine is also liking it so far) And I picked it up, and before I knew it I’d read the whole thing— I honestly don’t know what to think. Was my past review harsh? Quite likely. But I still feel like a lot of the points stand- this book didn’t feel atrociously fanservice-y, but it was still there. Possibly what bothered me more was that the scenes were a little strong for the character’s ages— …or were they not?? I haven’t the foggiest. The reason I’m bumping it up a star is because underneath all my concerns, the main couple is actually very cute? They are indeed very green flag, and they’re both outstanding as individual characters to boot. …I just don’t know about the rest of the content. But if it weren’t for my uncertain feelings, I’m sure this book would score a much higher star rating from me.
September 6, 2022
2.3!
ehh a bit repetitive w/similar plot structures being used again and again. and yamada being clueless abt physical intimacy btwn girls and bringing the entire “but we’re two girls!” shtick is kinda tiring imo. their relationship is cute, but honestly, that’s all I can say abt it. (also! communication pls!) all in all, a light and easy read ^^.
ehh a bit repetitive w/similar plot structures being used again and again. and yamada being clueless abt physical intimacy btwn girls and bringing the entire “but we’re two girls!” shtick is kinda tiring imo. their relationship is cute, but honestly, that’s all I can say abt it. (also! communication pls!) all in all, a light and easy read ^^.
February 8, 2024
I just love this series!! Gets me all giggly!
August 30, 2022
weird timing in this and the last one - it's like their relationship doesn't progress unless something is on the page so in 1 year of dating they've kissed 3x?
**per person who recommended this to me, this may be characteristic of the way this was published and also the genre of manga this is. I haven't read much manga so idk. Still cute though!!!
**per person who recommended this to me, this may be characteristic of the way this was published and also the genre of manga this is. I haven't read much manga so idk. Still cute though!!!
February 5, 2020
4.5 Stars. This series in general has been exactly what I need it, which is definitely reflected in the review. It is pretty simple - pure lesbian fluff. It isn't hyper-sexualized and it gave me space to not think about a lot of the social issues - which would be a negative in most cases for me but I think I went into this with different expectations than a typical YA or other books. It's a really sweet read
October 7, 2018
Super cute and quick read, my only issue was that the main character kept referring to the love interest as "Boy-ish" and that was a main reason for her liking her? But other than that it was just super fluffy and cute! About a girl on the track team (I love sporty girls lol) and a gardener type girl who is kinda useless but loves flowers.
October 22, 2025
Review for complete series
Kase-san and Morning Glories was originally published as a one-shot - I purchased it thinking that's all there is to it. I found out about the continuation of it before I actually got around to reading my copy. At that stage, I was really torn about what to do: I can't stand reading incomplete series, but the following volumes were quite pricey. I had half a mind to get rid of my copy again but eventually settled for giving it a try first - after all, it might just be good enough as the one-shot I thought it was.
Volume one was adorable - it didn't take much more convincing and I was up and ordering the rest of the series. Having read it as a whole now, I can say that each volume is equally beautiful and that I have absolutely no regrets for investing in this rather pricey series - it was worth every cent!
The main characters Kase and Yamada are quite different from one another, yet they make such a harmonious couple that won my reader's heart in an instant. Kase is athletic and keeps a feminine side despite being very much a tomboy. She is very protective of Yamada but is surprisingly generous and empathetic. Yamada can only be described as adorable and a bit of a goofball - she's had me laughing many a time with how much joy she takes out the simple things. She's definitely the naive and clumsy type but she also manages to stand her ground and make her own decisions when something is important to her.
As a couple, despite their differences, they couldn't have been better matched. Kase seems very much aware of her sexuality while Yamada only seems to understand hers gradually. It's clear from the start, though, that Yamada is in awe with Kase and the author did such a great job with how their relationship unfolds. It just has such a warm and sweet feeling to it! Although Yamada occasionally points out that they are both girls, the story never treats this as an 'Oh my god!' realisation. I feel as though a lot of stories with LGBT characters use it more as a trope for extra drama, but Kase-san and the Morning Glories is plain and simple an adorable story about two people in love who both happen to be girls.
I also have to mention how cute the art is. I really appreciated Takashima Hiromi art style, be it the cute and dainty girls or the hilarious expressions the characters wore during comedic moments. I thought it was a shame that, apart from a mid-aged teacher, there was never a proper drawing of a male character. It's another thing I noticed in LGBT focused stories; characters from the opposite gender are either non-present, unimportant or just nasty - I find that both a shame and unrealistic. But anyway, moving on, as far as art goes, I would love to see more of it!
As it happens, there is a sequel called Kase-san and Yamada. As much as I loved the original series, I am yet undecided on whether I will read the sequel. Takashima Hiromi seems to be one of those authors who manage to dish out a volume every 1.5 years. Depending on the length of the series, I might honestly not have the patience for this to conclude. That being said, Kase-san and Morning Glories is an episodic kind of story with a slice of life feel to it, which makes it an easy series to stop and consider concluded at any given time.
June 24, 2022
Deeper into their relationship they go. There is a naivete in how the lead acts but, really, they are in high school and even as a senior it is not weird for her to be so maladroit about sex.
My first relationship was just as clumsy and my girlfriend because of her mother's... issues, was missing a lot of basic facts about her body but did have a lot of shame. So it is not unreasonable for me to see that be it society or familial, the MC is just... clueless. It also leads to the funniest bit in the volume where she tries to google "two girls, more than kissing".
I feel like in the same vein there is a jealousy thread that runs throughout and is the impetus for the ending... it is not exactly healthy relationship material. But, the story plays everything about emotions and such so real it feels honest to be kind of a freak in your first relationship and as long as there is growth and maturity, it does not have to be so bad ultimately.
It is overall very sweet but realistic navigation of new feelings and emotions and I want to know what comes next!
---------
EDIT:
I forgot to mention this the first time I wrote this, but this is the first volume that is more of a continuous long-form storyline. It is interesting. Different. It started as a bunch of progressing but solo "one-shot" stories but here we have every story directly feeding into the next one. It does change the flow but it is not a bad thing.
My first relationship was just as clumsy and my girlfriend because of her mother's... issues, was missing a lot of basic facts about her body but did have a lot of shame. So it is not unreasonable for me to see that be it society or familial, the MC is just... clueless. It also leads to the funniest bit in the volume where she tries to google "two girls, more than kissing".
I feel like in the same vein there is a jealousy thread that runs throughout and is the impetus for the ending... it is not exactly healthy relationship material. But, the story plays everything about emotions and such so real it feels honest to be kind of a freak in your first relationship and as long as there is growth and maturity, it does not have to be so bad ultimately.
It is overall very sweet but realistic navigation of new feelings and emotions and I want to know what comes next!
---------
EDIT:
I forgot to mention this the first time I wrote this, but this is the first volume that is more of a continuous long-form storyline. It is interesting. Different. It started as a bunch of progressing but solo "one-shot" stories but here we have every story directly feeding into the next one. It does change the flow but it is not a bad thing.
September 7, 2020
Honestly, I really didn’t like this one, for several reasons.
1) Yamada’s continual fear about Kase-san with other girls is getting extremely old at this point. It’s happened again and again, with Kase-San very clearly continually into Yamada, and it’s ridiculous.
2) Yamada’s naivety and Kase-san’s pushing forwards regardless. Kase-san wants to move the relationship forward physically, and Yamada is both entirely clueless as to what she’s asking for AND that there is even further to move. (Which, honestly, is completely ridiculous given she’s a high school senior, even if she doesn’t know specifics.) But do they have a frank talk? Nope! Kase-san just sorta pushes forward.
3) The continual focus on these two girls having a physical relationship. Bruh, they’re high schoolers? These are kids? Please stop. It’s deeply uncomfortable.
1) Yamada’s continual fear about Kase-san with other girls is getting extremely old at this point. It’s happened again and again, with Kase-San very clearly continually into Yamada, and it’s ridiculous.
2) Yamada’s naivety and Kase-san’s pushing forwards regardless. Kase-san wants to move the relationship forward physically, and Yamada is both entirely clueless as to what she’s asking for AND that there is even further to move. (Which, honestly, is completely ridiculous given she’s a high school senior, even if she doesn’t know specifics.) But do they have a frank talk? Nope! Kase-san just sorta pushes forward.
3) The continual focus on these two girls having a physical relationship. Bruh, they’re high schoolers? These are kids? Please stop. It’s deeply uncomfortable.
September 13, 2022
Même avis que pour le précédent :
Il y a un certain nombre de passages qui me cringent comme les moments de "désir" et la naïveté de Yamada mais je suis sûrement juste un peu trop vieille pour ça. Pareil, insister sur le fait que "nous sortons ensemble même si nous sommes des filles" aujourd'hui ça me paraît redondant mais je pense qu'à 15 ans quand je refoulais mon homosexualité, lire ça m'aurait sûrement évité bien des désagréments. Je pense que tout le monde, y compris les lesbiennes, a droit a sa petite romance d'ado un peu cringe et légère et que dans ce genre là, avec ce manga là on est pas trop mal.
Il y a un certain nombre de passages qui me cringent comme les moments de "désir" et la naïveté de Yamada mais je suis sûrement juste un peu trop vieille pour ça. Pareil, insister sur le fait que "nous sortons ensemble même si nous sommes des filles" aujourd'hui ça me paraît redondant mais je pense qu'à 15 ans quand je refoulais mon homosexualité, lire ça m'aurait sûrement évité bien des désagréments. Je pense que tout le monde, y compris les lesbiennes, a droit a sa petite romance d'ado un peu cringe et légère et que dans ce genre là, avec ce manga là on est pas trop mal.
September 11, 2017
This third volume continues to be adorable and cute as they start their last year of high school together. Yamada is naive but enthusiastic as she continues to grow her relationship with Kase-san, but there's also worries about college, and how long they can be together like this. I'm not sure if the series could support it without widening the cast somewhat, but I'd love to continue to read about them both in college and beyond, too.
September 8, 2025
Es ist irgendwie gleichzeitig mehr und weniger als letztes mal passiert. Kase-San und Yamada sind sich zwar näher gekommen auf mehreren Ebenen, aber dafür gab es recht wenig Plot diesen Band. Find ich aber nicht schlimm, ich mag Slice of Life Mangas sehr gern. Und bei den beiden Süßmäusen les ich mir auch gern ein paar sinnfreie Kapitel durch. Manchmal geht es einfach darum das Glück der beiden zu genießen :3
January 3, 2018
This is a really charming series with beautiful, simple art. The storyline isn't unique or groundbreaking but honestly a nice, sweet and drama-free story about two girls who fall in love is hard to find sometimes, so I'm happy to have this series on hand! This particular volume has both girls worrying about whether their relationship can survive the transition from high school to college.
January 17, 2024
4 stars. Yamada and Kase are seniors about to graduate and head to university. This volume was all about the struggles of picking a university but there was also some relationship developments between the two including the introduction of Kase's ex girlfriend. This series continues to be so stinkin' precious and I'm having a wonderful time with it.
January 26, 2018
It's so cute and heartfelt! This volume marks the usually more episodic storyline turning into a larger overall plotline. There looks to be only one volume left after this. Is this the end? I hope not!
5☆
5☆
April 13, 2018
Even though it's meant to be more of a cute plot device showing how innocent Yamada is, the scene where she has to look up how two women have sex highlights an actual problem in LBGTQ+ sex ed - namely that there often isn't any.
February 9, 2019
I love this series because of the two characters. Their relationship with each other is just adorable but also feels very real. The author has been doing a fantastic job progressing their relationship at the proper pace with each volume.
Very excited and curious to see what happens next!
Very excited and curious to see what happens next!
January 7, 2023
A very beautiful story about two high school girls that fall in love with each other and start dating. This manga manages to talk about a lot of worrisome issues that come with being in a lesbian relationship and how the characters work through them. Very worth the read!
April 20, 2024
I found this book, before realizing that it was the third one in the series. Overall, I still thought it was really cute. The romance between the characters was really sweet and I found myself captivated by the relationship. I would really like to find the first two and the continue reading it :)
June 20, 2025
Oh my gosh I absolutely adore this series. It truly does show the early stages of a young lesbian relationship. Every time I read another volume I get sent back to when I started dating my girlfriend and the butterflies I felt then.
September 15, 2017
It's cute and precious, and the art gets better and better every volume.
September 16, 2017
A little communication could go a long way. It's still really enjoyable, though, and I like the direction it seems to be heading.
October 8, 2017
adorable and kind. and full of sweet teen anxiety.
November 2, 2017
I love this series so much! It just keeps getting cuter with each volume.
April 15, 2018
Random find at the book store. Only downside is that I could only find the three books. 😭 why not more?!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews