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ハツ＊ハル [Hatsu*Haru] #4
Hatsu*Haru, Vol. 4
On the heels of his inadvertent slip (which went right over Riko's head), Kai's spiraling into depression all over again. He's so befuddled with thoughts of Riko, he even fails one of his finals! While he's preoccupied with makeup exams, his friends are still determined to make Kai and Riko a couple. So when a study group is formed, guess who turns out to be Kai's tutor...Will this study session cover an extra subject-love?!
192 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2015
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70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 15, 2020
Can these children PLEASE communicate!!!
October 1, 2024
*flips a table* GOSH DARN IT. The misunderstandings and how Kai is doing. It is SO hard to have any sympathy for Kai. Seriously, your crush is talking to your childhood friend and having a good time and you think they are DATING??? WHAT THE ACTUAL. But this whole volume just frustrates me and I can tell you I am also not really a Riko fan.
The only thing holding this one for me is the fact that we get to see the friends (Kai's and Riko's) together, see some cute moments, see them try to help out. Oh, and the art.
For now it is on hold, I got these first volumes second hand and now I need to get the rest, and for now I am just not motivated.
The only thing holding this one for me is the fact that we get to see the friends (Kai's and Riko's) together, see some cute moments, see them try to help out. Oh, and the art.
For now it is on hold, I got these first volumes second hand and now I need to get the rest, and for now I am just not motivated.
September 1, 2023
As one gets less stupid the other gets more stupid, classic. Still liking the cute vibes and the friend group is fun.
February 24, 2019
These stupid books keep getting better
December 11, 2018
Okay, this is going to be tough. I want to defend the use of some annoying cliches that occur in romance manga, but I feel work in this particular volume. I want to make it clear that I can totally understand why this volume would put off people who have been enjoying the series so far because of said cliches. However, I really do feel that this series at least has a leg to stand on if one wishes to defend the cliches that occur. Before I go into that rant, a brief fangirl moment of all the things I loved in this volume:
Ayumi is still fantastic and I absolutely adore her. She makes me smile every time she graces the pages with her enthusiasm and genuine desire to help Riko.
I like seeing two priests following different religions playing games together, and it implies that they are friends with a Christian priest as well (the aforementioned priests follow Shinto and Buddhism (?)).
Kai's niece and nephew are so stinking adorable, I can't stand it. I love them so much.
Misaki's character is a great foil for Kai's. His down-to-earth yet caring nature is also really nice and I enjoyed seeing more of his character in this volume.
Okay, fangirl moment aside, I want to talk about the romance manga cliches that occurred in this volume and why they didn't bother me as much as they usually do. First and foremost, the "dense at love" character we all know and love. While this cliche drives me up the wall, it didn't bother me here because I felt it made sense in context. Our dense heroine Takahashi has never viewed Kai as a romantic partner, nor has she had any feelings for anyone other than Sensei. Since she has had such strong feelings for an unrequited love, along with barely getting along with Kai in the first place, it makes sense why she would be so quick to dismiss his confession. He has only recently started changing his behavior around her and there hasn't been enough time for her to both get over her love and consider what his change in personality means. Yes, I'm sure the mangaka is primarily doing this to draw out the plot/drama, but I think it makes sense and am not bothered by it.
The other cliche I want to discuss is "I see my crush smile/blush at another guy, that must mean she loves him" cliche. This one is a little harder only because it could be solved easily by the main character using their words, but again I will defend it. In this case, Takahashi is smiling at Misaki, and Kai truly feels that she loves him and his reasoning is actually sound. Up until this point, Kai has been seen as a shallow playboy, while his best friend Misaki has always been kind, considerate (if not blunt) and a generally good guy. From Kai's point of view, why wouldn't Takahashi go for Misaki? He's a really good guy that has the potential to make her happy and has shown himself to be dependable. I'm not a huge fan of this cliche because it tends to make an unnecessary rift in an otherwise solid friendship, but I have hope that this friendship will stay strong despite this misunderstanding.
The final cliche I want to talk about is the "I don't have a chance with her so I'll go back to my old ways" cliche. This is geared more towards bad boys/playboys but you get my point. This one doesn't bother me predominantly because it makes sense in terms of Kai's character and his age. Kai is a teenager who, for the first time, has fallen in love with someone. He has gotten sick multiple times due to this love, and he has made some solid attempts to improve his chances of being with his new love. Upon seeing her happy with his best friend, he feels he has no choice but to give up, a natural conclusion a teenager would draw. Kai feels like he doesn't stand a chance, so he just gives up. It does bother me that he gives up so easily, but Takahashi's reaction at the end of the manga was poignant and I think will refresh his motivation to win her over.
Those are my thoughts for this volume. Sorry it became so long, but I really wanted to talk about romance cliches and how they can be done well with the right execution and context. I truly love this series and cannot wait for volume 5!
Ayumi is still fantastic and I absolutely adore her. She makes me smile every time she graces the pages with her enthusiasm and genuine desire to help Riko.
I like seeing two priests following different religions playing games together, and it implies that they are friends with a Christian priest as well (the aforementioned priests follow Shinto and Buddhism (?)).
Kai's niece and nephew are so stinking adorable, I can't stand it. I love them so much.
Misaki's character is a great foil for Kai's. His down-to-earth yet caring nature is also really nice and I enjoyed seeing more of his character in this volume.
Okay, fangirl moment aside, I want to talk about the romance manga cliches that occurred in this volume and why they didn't bother me as much as they usually do. First and foremost, the "dense at love" character we all know and love. While this cliche drives me up the wall, it didn't bother me here because I felt it made sense in context. Our dense heroine Takahashi has never viewed Kai as a romantic partner, nor has she had any feelings for anyone other than Sensei. Since she has had such strong feelings for an unrequited love, along with barely getting along with Kai in the first place, it makes sense why she would be so quick to dismiss his confession. He has only recently started changing his behavior around her and there hasn't been enough time for her to both get over her love and consider what his change in personality means. Yes, I'm sure the mangaka is primarily doing this to draw out the plot/drama, but I think it makes sense and am not bothered by it.
The other cliche I want to discuss is "I see my crush smile/blush at another guy, that must mean she loves him" cliche. This one is a little harder only because it could be solved easily by the main character using their words, but again I will defend it. In this case, Takahashi is smiling at Misaki, and Kai truly feels that she loves him and his reasoning is actually sound. Up until this point, Kai has been seen as a shallow playboy, while his best friend Misaki has always been kind, considerate (if not blunt) and a generally good guy. From Kai's point of view, why wouldn't Takahashi go for Misaki? He's a really good guy that has the potential to make her happy and has shown himself to be dependable. I'm not a huge fan of this cliche because it tends to make an unnecessary rift in an otherwise solid friendship, but I have hope that this friendship will stay strong despite this misunderstanding.
The final cliche I want to talk about is the "I don't have a chance with her so I'll go back to my old ways" cliche. This is geared more towards bad boys/playboys but you get my point. This one doesn't bother me predominantly because it makes sense in terms of Kai's character and his age. Kai is a teenager who, for the first time, has fallen in love with someone. He has gotten sick multiple times due to this love, and he has made some solid attempts to improve his chances of being with his new love. Upon seeing her happy with his best friend, he feels he has no choice but to give up, a natural conclusion a teenager would draw. Kai feels like he doesn't stand a chance, so he just gives up. It does bother me that he gives up so easily, but Takahashi's reaction at the end of the manga was poignant and I think will refresh his motivation to win her over.
Those are my thoughts for this volume. Sorry it became so long, but I really wanted to talk about romance cliches and how they can be done well with the right execution and context. I truly love this series and cannot wait for volume 5!
April 9, 2021
Continuing from last volume's sudden confession, I thought it was too early for Ichinose to admit his feelings but as luck would have it, it did NOT get through Takanashi. This volume featured them having a study party and it's here that honestly one of the best dialogues I've read from this manga yet.
Also in this boy meets world manga, we also see Ichinose misunderstanding Takanashi and Taka together and thought that Takanashi is happier with Taka. I think this was a new twist to the story cause usually it's the girls who are jealous from their friends but it is actually quite the opposite in here. Honestly, while this MAY have been seen in other mangas, I thought it works well in this type of manga because I think the main point of this manga is the boy discovering love for the first time and I guess him being jealous of his friend also makes up for that.
Anyway, I really am enjoying reading this manga and the dialogue slaps and I can't wait to read more from this.
Also in this boy meets world manga, we also see Ichinose misunderstanding Takanashi and Taka together and thought that Takanashi is happier with Taka. I think this was a new twist to the story cause usually it's the girls who are jealous from their friends but it is actually quite the opposite in here. Honestly, while this MAY have been seen in other mangas, I thought it works well in this type of manga because I think the main point of this manga is the boy discovering love for the first time and I guess him being jealous of his friend also makes up for that.
Anyway, I really am enjoying reading this manga and the dialogue slaps and I can't wait to read more from this.
May 22, 2022
CW: casual ableism (st*pid, idi*t, d*mb)
February 26, 2025
she is completely oblivious ofc 😖😖😖 it’s giving adrien agreste
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2019
One step forward, two steps back. I'm thinking that's how our lead, Kai, feels. *sigh* will Riko ever get that Kai loves her?!
January 2, 2019
Volume Review: 5/5
This story keeps getting better and better (although still a bit predictable). I still love her artwork style - a lot of head shots and very slight and subtle changes of expression which show so much. Also some bromance going on. I'm interested in the side couples.
I am really liking Misaki-kun (Taka). He's just my type.
Kai is ridiculous as usual but also comic relief. I'm rooting for him!
This story keeps getting better and better (although still a bit predictable). I still love her artwork style - a lot of head shots and very slight and subtle changes of expression which show so much. Also some bromance going on. I'm interested in the side couples.
I am really liking Misaki-kun (Taka). He's just my type.
Kai is ridiculous as usual but also comic relief. I'm rooting for him!
May 29, 2019
In Summary
Ayumi switches roles from being a snooping reporter to actively supporting Kai’s endeavors to win Riko’s heart. This adds an extra element of fun to the group efforts to bring Riko and Kai together. Unfortunately, the reasons preventing pair from getting on the same page are getting weirder and weirder, and I’m starting to feel more frustration toward their romance than anything else.
The Review
Volume 3 ended with Kai essentially confessing his feelings to Riko. When Volume 4 continues the scene, that confession goes right over Riko’s head. Kai even takes the agonizing step of clarifying his feelings, but Riko still doesn’t get it. As a reader, this is a letdown because so much tension and emotion built up only for Kai’s efforts to go to waste because Riko is—as Ayumi puts it—“denser than a black hole.”
Thus, we have a lot of drama that results in absolutely no progression in Kai and Riko’s relationship. However, even though Riko doesn’t pick up on Kai’s feelings, Ayumi does. Deciding that Kai’s genuinely in love with Riko, she decides to give her support, and in no time, she winds up on Kai’s Romantic Endeavors Support Group with Miki, Tarou, and Takaya.
The Support Group gets their next big chance to push Riko and Kai together when Kai, Miki, Kagura, and Kiyo fail their exams. Tarou proposes a study camp at his family’s temple, and the same eight participants from the amusement park date join in. Although the lack of progress between Riko and Kai is frustrating, the interactions in the group scenes are quite fun. Having Ayumi actively take Kai’s side is also an improvement. Before, she was an outsider whose out-to-get-a-scoop tendencies were annoying and intrusive; now, she’s pretty much part of the circle and trading private jokes with the others.
There’s only so long Fujisawa-sensei can get away with Riko not picking up on Kai’s feelings, especially with the growing number of people aware of his crush. So Kai hits yet another bump in the road when he misinterprets a moment between Riko and Takaya and concludes that they’re mutually attracted. This leap is nearly as implausible as Riko’s ultra denseness, especially since the subject of Riko and Takaya’s conversation is Kai. Ultimately, it feels like an excuse to put Kai through the agony of imagining his crush with his best friend (although it is entertaining).
Extras include story-thus-far, embedded author’s notes, 10-page extra chapter, and afterword.
For more manga and book reviews, drop by my blog Keeping It In Canon!
Ayumi switches roles from being a snooping reporter to actively supporting Kai’s endeavors to win Riko’s heart. This adds an extra element of fun to the group efforts to bring Riko and Kai together. Unfortunately, the reasons preventing pair from getting on the same page are getting weirder and weirder, and I’m starting to feel more frustration toward their romance than anything else.
The Review
Volume 3 ended with Kai essentially confessing his feelings to Riko. When Volume 4 continues the scene, that confession goes right over Riko’s head. Kai even takes the agonizing step of clarifying his feelings, but Riko still doesn’t get it. As a reader, this is a letdown because so much tension and emotion built up only for Kai’s efforts to go to waste because Riko is—as Ayumi puts it—“denser than a black hole.”
Thus, we have a lot of drama that results in absolutely no progression in Kai and Riko’s relationship. However, even though Riko doesn’t pick up on Kai’s feelings, Ayumi does. Deciding that Kai’s genuinely in love with Riko, she decides to give her support, and in no time, she winds up on Kai’s Romantic Endeavors Support Group with Miki, Tarou, and Takaya.
The Support Group gets their next big chance to push Riko and Kai together when Kai, Miki, Kagura, and Kiyo fail their exams. Tarou proposes a study camp at his family’s temple, and the same eight participants from the amusement park date join in. Although the lack of progress between Riko and Kai is frustrating, the interactions in the group scenes are quite fun. Having Ayumi actively take Kai’s side is also an improvement. Before, she was an outsider whose out-to-get-a-scoop tendencies were annoying and intrusive; now, she’s pretty much part of the circle and trading private jokes with the others.
There’s only so long Fujisawa-sensei can get away with Riko not picking up on Kai’s feelings, especially with the growing number of people aware of his crush. So Kai hits yet another bump in the road when he misinterprets a moment between Riko and Takaya and concludes that they’re mutually attracted. This leap is nearly as implausible as Riko’s ultra denseness, especially since the subject of Riko and Takaya’s conversation is Kai. Ultimately, it feels like an excuse to put Kai through the agony of imagining his crush with his best friend (although it is entertaining).
Extras include story-thus-far, embedded author’s notes, 10-page extra chapter, and afterword.
For more manga and book reviews, drop by my blog Keeping It In Canon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2020
3.75 star. I think I am falling in love with Misaki-kun. (~￣▽￣)~ Reading about the strong silent type who inevitably has a secret *blush*. I'm also starting to think Riko has brain damage. But is it terrible that I'm sad she hasn't beat anyone up in a while.
......yeah. I think she is unbelievably slow. -Misaki (╥_╥)
I dont know why Mikki and Tora text about Kai because he is always dazed and confused about everything so he would probably never hear them anyway. It's still funny though.
I enjoy the authors mini skits of their bugself so cute. I feel like I'm getting to know them better and better also they are quite funny. Chapter 16 front page was so Kawaii. It looked like a flashback of them as kids and Misaki saving Kai from falling out a window seal. Kai is oblivious to his safety. (⊙ω⊙) Child flashbacks are always my favorite.
......yeah. I think she is unbelievably slow. -Misaki (╥_╥)
I dont know why Mikki and Tora text about Kai because he is always dazed and confused about everything so he would probably never hear them anyway. It's still funny though.
I enjoy the authors mini skits of their bugself so cute. I feel like I'm getting to know them better and better also they are quite funny. Chapter 16 front page was so Kawaii. It looked like a flashback of them as kids and Misaki saving Kai from falling out a window seal. Kai is oblivious to his safety. (⊙ω⊙) Child flashbacks are always my favorite.
January 28, 2021
[ ★★★★ / 5 ]
Taka seriously is the best I love him so much— 🥺
I like Ayumi too! She is a well-rounded character. Her appearance always gives a different texture to the story.
Everyone is such a good person and I just like how minimalistic the conflicts are ((since most of it are Kai's missunderstanding and his drama-queen behavior LMAO)).
So far, I really enjoyed this series~ ✨
((p.s: the extra chapter was gold 🤣 i stan sango nee ✊🏻😌))
Taka seriously is the best I love him so much— 🥺
I like Ayumi too! She is a well-rounded character. Her appearance always gives a different texture to the story.
Everyone is such a good person and I just like how minimalistic the conflicts are ((since most of it are Kai's missunderstanding and his drama-queen behavior LMAO)).
So far, I really enjoyed this series~ ✨
((p.s: the extra chapter was gold 🤣 i stan sango nee ✊🏻😌))
January 2, 2023
Kai can’t seem to catch a break in this volume since his emotions have caused him to become sick and miss school, several times. However, I’m partially blaming him because all of this issues can be solved with simply communicating with Riko. My frustration with that aside, I did enjoying seeing more of all of their friends. Also, seeing how deep Kai and Takaya care for each other, and especially with the flashback that showed their friendship as young children, in this volume was adorable.
May 30, 2019
Checcarino questo numero!
Quasi, quasi il mio personaggio preferito è Taka. Mi piace come si comporta nei confronti di Kai e anche il rapporto che costruisce con Riko e, soprattutto, quello con Ayumi.
Son proprio contenta di aver comprato questa serie!
Quasi, quasi il mio personaggio preferito è Taka. Mi piace come si comporta nei confronti di Kai e anche il rapporto che costruisce con Riko e, soprattutto, quello con Ayumi.
Son proprio contenta di aver comprato questa serie!
August 7, 2020
Taka is, without any doubt, my favorite character!
I loved the angst in this one.
The artist is quite good at different expressions probably because of their style.
**spoiler**
The ending was predictable but fairly unbelievable in that we thought Kai was doing better. Ah well.
I loved the angst in this one.
The artist is quite good at different expressions probably because of their style.
**spoiler**
The ending was predictable but fairly unbelievable in that we thought Kai was doing better. Ah well.
November 14, 2020
This volume is filled with lots of misunderstandings. Riko is so oblivious to Kai’s feelings. It’s almost annoying. No one really tells each other what they are actually thinking ... but I guess that’s realistic of 15-16 year olds.
December 13, 2018
4.5 cute stars
February 15, 2020
Oh boy! I’m in love with Kai. He’s so dramatic 😂 and I live his niece and nephew they are so dang cute! 😍
March 19, 2021
i wish riko would hurry up and realize her feelings but then again i like the slow burn
April 1, 2021
3.75/5 stars
December 8, 2021
4,3 stars
December 26, 2021
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Extra
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Extra
June 11, 2022
3.5 stars.
March 26, 2023
This series is so cute and just the right amount of frustrating to feel realistic and keep me engaged.
March 30, 2023
Excerpt -- Never Say This to a Short Person
I'm done with your ultra-dense shrimpiness!
I'm done with your ultra-dense shrimpiness!
January 28, 2024
PERO KAI😾
March 27, 2020
I’m such a loser for loving this series so much lol
January 19, 2020
~4 Stars
While it would have been nice for Riko to see what Kai was saying, that would have been too easy. Of course she takes it as merely meant to cheer her up. Though there are hints that she just won't let herself think that he likes her that way, which is somewhat of a good sign.
We get quite a lot of Misaki in this volume. There's still the developing of a relationship between him and Ayumi, and it's obvious they're forming some kind of understanding type of relationship, even if they don't quite see it yet. But then we get a curveball as Kai thinks Misaki and Riko are starting to hit it off. This shows a really mature side of Kai, as he believes he can't compete with Misaki, and we get some insight into their friendship because of this. They've known each other for a long time, and Misaki has always been there for Kai, even if he didn't realize it at the time. They've formed a really close friendship over the years, a caring and respect for each other. It's sweet.
Aside from that, it's nice to see the rest of the guys trying to root for Kai, and trying to push him and Riko together. Also Kai's family. I love how big and close they are, and enjoy seeing them all together, and him taking care of the kids. It's so sweet.
The romance is going to take a bit longer, I suspect. But it's fun to see it grow, and I like the side characters a lot, as well. I'm enjoying getting to know them better, and would actually like more of that at times.
While it would have been nice for Riko to see what Kai was saying, that would have been too easy. Of course she takes it as merely meant to cheer her up. Though there are hints that she just won't let herself think that he likes her that way, which is somewhat of a good sign.
We get quite a lot of Misaki in this volume. There's still the developing of a relationship between him and Ayumi, and it's obvious they're forming some kind of understanding type of relationship, even if they don't quite see it yet. But then we get a curveball as Kai thinks Misaki and Riko are starting to hit it off. This shows a really mature side of Kai, as he believes he can't compete with Misaki, and we get some insight into their friendship because of this. They've known each other for a long time, and Misaki has always been there for Kai, even if he didn't realize it at the time. They've formed a really close friendship over the years, a caring and respect for each other. It's sweet.
Aside from that, it's nice to see the rest of the guys trying to root for Kai, and trying to push him and Riko together. Also Kai's family. I love how big and close they are, and enjoy seeing them all together, and him taking care of the kids. It's so sweet.
The romance is going to take a bit longer, I suspect. But it's fun to see it grow, and I like the side characters a lot, as well. I'm enjoying getting to know them better, and would actually like more of that at times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews