Shortcake Cake, Vol. 2

ショートケーキケーキ [Short Cake Cake] #2

by Suu Morishita

Ten has moved into a boardinghouse with other high school students to avoid a long commute through the mountains. Ten accidentally overhears Riku talking to Chiaki about his feelings for her. Ten and Riku try to act as if nothing has changed between them, as Chiaki looks on with mixed feelings.

Genres: Manga, Romance, Shojo, Young Adult, Contemporary, Slice Of Life, Graphic Novels

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 25, 2016

About the author

MORISHITA Suu
Name (in native language): 森下ｓｕｕ

Blood type: A
Zodiac: Taurus

Mangaka duo: Story: Makiro (マキロ）, Illustration: Nachiyan (なちやん）

Favourite food: chicken nanban

Assistant: Aizawa Yuki-mei

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhh, this is everything I need right now - fluffiness, silliness, cutness and tonnes of humour! <3

RTC

[KristynRene SwissCheese JellyBean · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 Stars

This one was a bit confusing for me. When there are three different POV narratives going on in a manga, they don’t specify who is thinking what, which leads to confusion. And that ending was confusion incarnate. It put me off a little bit.

I still love the heck out of this story because Chiaki and Riku are fantastic creatures. I wish we had more school scenes because I’m garbage for those, and the angst is dripping from these pages in the most satisfying way. So glad I don’t have this level of communication issues, or I’d become a potato with pigtails. Not saying Ten is a potato, but with those tiny emotions she shows, I’m only suggesting telling the two apart may take more than a solid minute.

Give me volume 3. I need to clarify this confusion.

I’m taking a break from Manga. After the wreck absolute wreck that was L-DK, I needed a pallet cleanser. This story was perfect for that. Now I’m moving on back to my YA Fantasy TBR.

[Dani ❤️ Perspective of a Writer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out more manga and graphic novel reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...


Ten Serizawa has a two-hour commute through the mountains to high school every day, so she can’t spend much time hanging out with her friends in the afternoon. She decides to move into the local boardinghouse, where one of her friends and three other boys are living. Ten’s friends consider her to be as oblivious as a rock when it comes to noticing boys and falling in love, but will she be able to keep her calm and steady heart in her new living situation?

In Shortcake Cake vol 2 it was time to get Chiaki's POV, the other boy in the house that Ten connected with. He is a bookworm and that was a big deal with our little Ten who happens to be one herself! I was a little more confused by him than with Riku who is private about his background but a rather open person socially. Chiaki seems to be close friends with Riku or as close as he seems to get being such a serious bookworm. It took the entire volume but we did get to the bottom of where his feelings lay about Ten.

Ten is such an odd combination of bold, uncertain, clueless and self sufficient. She's not the badass female you find in YA fantasy but I do find her to be a modern girl in realistic terms. I like how openly she asked Riku how she should act after his confession and how sibling like she acted with Rei! We do learn the identity of Rei when he starts to stalk Ten! She is perfectly capable of handling it herself but the boys protest. It really was a volume concentrated on Chiaki and Riku, well, and Rei!

There is an intriguing story being built in Shortcake Cake vol 2 but it is being built slowly. For that reason I felt a lessening of the tension. I guess because I was confused by Chiaki at first. I liked his POV and getting to know him, he is a rather subtle character like Ten and I really like that about him, but at the same time it seems he is resistant to putting his feelings in action. Rei did keep the story hopping and the boys blood boiling, hahaha, in a good way! We need tension especially in this volume as we were so uncertain about Chiaki's feelings!!

I still like the art. I like it better in the paper volume. I think the entire story is more compelling in paper form (from getting a look at Shortcake Cake vol 1!!) Still I am a fan of seeing how a character feels with the little cute changes in the art. Like with Ten she gets these cute cat eyes. And when the art devolves a touch with rounded blank eyes! It just has this wonderful sense of sociability and getting to know others! I hope we can pile in the other characters more too, I'd love to see more scenes like that...

Shortcake Cake vol 2 continues to setup Ten's world... It's exciting and new in a boarding house for this country girl... But Ten has her whits about her and she can take care of herself! Riku, Rei and Chiaki will have to give her some room or risk her making them back off... We'll see what happens in Shortcake Cake vol 3!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity
⋆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tension
⋆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Plot
⋆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Art


This is a multi-volume series and there may be references to the plot of those volumes... SO READ WITH CARE! Here is my review of 1 | 2 | 3 |


Thanks to Edelweiss and VIZ Media for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It has not influenced my opinions.

______________________
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Please like this review if you enjoyed it! *bow* *bow* It helps me out a ton!!

[Alice4170 &#x1f319; · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️hhmmm

[Kaitlynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Read 8/9/2023:
Chiaki is precious and should be protected at all costs. Ten is H I L A R I O U S, and I like how she protects her friends. Rei is also kind of hilarious, and I know he's supposed to be the antagonist, but his character is actually so interesting.

First Read 2/11/2020:
So I think that this is going to be The Year Of Manga for me... I've read like 80 volumes of different manga, which is great! I was on a kick for awhile then just kind of got away from them for a bit. Now that's the only thing I really want to read right now. Can't wait to see what happens next in this series!

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fine for what it is -- a juvenile soap opera -- but lacking in originality and that certain spark that that makes you want to come back for more. (Unless you have the next volume on the hand from the library already and time to spare.)

[Kesa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somehow it escalated too quickly ..

[Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one SO MUCH!!!!! 🥰

This one has some more character depth and better flow than the first book, which I found a bit confusing. We get to know a bit more about Rikus background, and how creepy “young master” falls into things. Chiaki is still adorable.

Just a funny, adorable, sweet, addition to the series. Lots of time spent on Ten and her relationships with Riku and Chiaki.


Steam: none but developing tension and some hand holding

[huna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm all in for Chiaki 😤😤

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

YOUTUBE VIDEO REVIEW: https://youtu.be/BVD99nvqgvs

Updated review 5/9/25: I almost want to give this a four stars instead of five stars like I originally did because how did I forget this volume wasn't pure fluff?! LOL!

Yes, there WAS fluff, but Riku's blunt rejection? Chiaki getting angry on Ten's behalf? Rei causing a bunch of drama? Like, how did I forget all of that?! Right from the start, you can already start to see the strife unfolding between two characters and never realized how prevalent it was until now.

Still a very good volume! I'm just surprised by how different things were from what I remembered! LOL!

Original Review 6/15/22: Ahh this series is so precious!

It has the perfect blend of drama that isn't overbearing, but also doesn't "skimp" on it! (Not that I would have an issue if it did LOL) It's keeping the story moving forward and making all these characters adorable!

I still continue to love Riku, especially with that opening! I think I'm only going to continue to feel that way as we learn a little bit more about a previous character that is definitely making things interesting!

But also Chikai! FLAILS! These was a pivotal moment that I was internally squealing about!! There's a new development that I am 100% here for and DEEPLY appreciate how Chikai is handling things!

Another well done volume with Ten being awesome in sticking up for her friends, not putting up with smack, and having the cutest expressions!

[JW · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, that was a lot of confessions in one volume. I guess the author didn’t want to waste time with a slow burn and so all the cards are out on the table.

The volume wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t exactly very good either. Most of the characters feel flat to me, and although the author has made the triangle painstakingly obvious, I don’t feel a draw to either guy. I’m not rooting for anyone, which is weird for me.

This type of manga usually leaves me grinning like an idiot, but this one just left me feeling meh.

I would really like to see more character development in the next volume.

[⛅ Sunny (sunnysidereviews) ⛅ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like everything escalated way to quickly, which I'm not necessarily upset about. However, all of a sudden 2-3 boys just started calling Ten (the main character) "mine," as if she was some kind of property they owned. That part of the book made me feel uncomfortable, because no one owns someone, and I honestly think that was inappropriate. Nevertheless, I hope to continue the series. Maybe it'll get better!

[Jolien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Same as volume 1. Cute story, lovely simplistic art.
Nothing all that special though. However, I will probably still continue with the next volumes

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Idk! This isn't my favorite. Like I feel like I'm liking it okay, but it's just not *grabbing* me y'know? I think the romance/crushing happened too quickly. Like it seems like they're trying to play it as a love/like, but it's like the characters haven't given enough to like each other beyond their looks yet? Sometimes insta love works and sometimes it doesn't.

[Ruthsic · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this second volume, the focus shifts quickly to the love triangle being developed with Ten, Chiaki, and Riku. At the end of the last volume, Ten comes right out and asks Riku whether he likes her, to which he sincerely replies yes. This makes Ten contemplate the whole thing about romance and she is confused on how to act around him now that she rejected him. However, while they are still getting back to their normal, the arrogant kid Rei who had bit Riku on their outing comes to her and asks her out (while also insulting her in the same breath) and obviously he is doing it to mess with Riku, so the latter and Chiaki both seek to protect Ten from that kid.

This story is high on drama suddenly and I thought it might develop it slowly but it got here very fast. I like that Chiaki and Ten are both starting to think about romance and are contemplating fake dating to turn off Rei, but it feels a bit over the top? Rei isn't even a threat - at least not to Ten; he is much more likely to hurt Riku. Also, we finally know how Riku knows him but not what happened for Riku to end up at the boarding house. Seems like there is more history as Ran also seems to know Rei's attendant, and the whole thing better be explained soon because otherwise the character's reactions seem exaggerated.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from Viz Media, via Edelweiss.

[Cee · Rating 4 out of 5]

These characters are adorable. While there is still more focus on the male characters personality, I am still holding out hope that the other girls will get their turn eventually. Ten is awesome though! I love how nice and considerate she is and protective of her friends. It is nice to see a female character defend a male one. Like, so blown away by this?? 

This series is a romance one, but in a way where so far only the romance and scenes building the romance are mentioned. I'm hoping we will get more story and plot points as it goes on. Looks like we have a love... triangle or square starting up. 

[Jessica-Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has been so long since I've encountered one of these good old'fashion love triangles, and although the 15 year old in me is delighted, I'm just not hooked by the series so far.

I like the premise and the mix of character personalities, but the two leading guys have carbon copies designs and I keep having to remember which one has black hair just to keep them straight. I also know from past experiences that I need some sort of plot to sustain my interest and this volume isn't showing much potential there.

If I come across the next volume I'll probably read it, but I'm not going to seek it out.

[Mary Emma Sivils · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things got a little more complicated in this volume, and I’m here for it! I love that Ten isn’t the bashful, blushing girl that’s so typical in this kind of manga. I’d like to learn a little more about her personally, though. It feels like, so far, I’ve been learning a lot more about the people she’s making friends with.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much angst...so many confessions...so much drama!! I'm not sold on Rei, I desperately need the backstory here because he's been mostly just annoying and rude. Chiaki and Ten are starting to be super cute though...I hope we get more out of the female characters soon!

[☽｡⋆ Naidah ₊˚ෆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ Ahh.. this has my head spinning 😵‍💫
There’s a love square? I don’t even know. It’s complicated - but not as annoying and complicated as ao haru ride (to compare to something)…

Still a good read it’s just an “eh” reaction from me.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ridiculously sweet and wholesome, yet there is that delicious thread of tension. I feel good things coming in the books to come. A very promising series.

[Mina ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Suu Morishita - the author - knows how to build a good romantic relantionship for her main protagonists without rushing in.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Kimi Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ugh and we instantly got a love triangle and insta love from almost every character except the main female 🫠🫠 oh boyyy I am too old for this, if I wasn’t buddy reading this whole series with a friend I would DNF 🫣😭

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ich liebe einfach die beiden Jungs und auch Ten. Sie ist unglaublich selbstbewusst und lässt sich nichts gefallen.
Und dann das Geheimnis... Bin gespannt, was daraus noch wird.

[liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute I love the artstyles I just don't like how Riku and Chiaki act like Ten can't defend or take care of herself. I get they're worried, but she hints at them multiple times that she's fine on her own and can handle it. I do like the idea of this series though, other than that!

[Jae's Manga Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume Review: 5/5

"Riku, do you like me?" and so starts the love.

I love Riku so this volume was great because it has lots of his perspective. But Chiaki is really growing on me as well. And the silly zashiki-warashi was weird in this one - I'm looking forward to knowing his story and what it has to do with Riku. I like how Ten said the flowers didn't do anything.

I'm rambling here but overall I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to read more of this series!

[Laura✧˚ · . · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5/5.
This was such a fast and quick read but it was nothing special. I love chiaki. He loves books and he’s quiet and he wants to help Ten. Ten in this volume is annoying. People want to protect her and she keeps running off and ignoring them. Riku confessed his feelings to Ten but she rejected him, however he acts normal and Ten seems to be into him (even if she doesn’t realize it yet). After the rejection, we see Riku struggling with his feelings and Chiaki doesn’t know what to do. It was so cute how he brought him books to read, even though Riku doesn’t read but I think it was a nice gesture. We don’t get to see much from the other roommates apart from Ren and it was a shame. We see this random guy who is following Ten everywhere and sending her flowers. He calls her ugly but honestly it was funny because he’s so dramatic and hilarious. It was pretty obvious what was his reasoning and the plot was as well. He’s trying to get tens attention to piss Riku because they are brothers. In the end he got into the house but Ran was there and Chiaki finds out after the dinner, but he has a plan. He tells the guy that him and Ten are into each other so hell back off. Riku is miserable because they are “dating” and even if it’s fake it does hurt him and they’ll have to pretend for a little longer. And on top of that, Ten likes Chiaki for real so there’s a lot of drama. Overall I can’t believe the young master stole the show with his antics and his random ideas to pursue ren to piss Riku off. It was really funny and cute and the love triangle was a little bit less annoying. Also Riku having feelings for ten seems so … off? Does he like her for real? Or is it because she’s the first girl who has rejected him?. Anyways idk if I’ll continue reading this series because it’s fun and cute but that’s it.

[Ren (A Bookish Balance) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Volume 2 picks up where volume 3 left off with Ten accidentally overhearing Riku’s feelings for her. The two find a way to deal with them.

I don’t go into shoujo romances expecting a lot of depth, but Shortcake Cake feels particularly surface level. Another week passes within the second volume and I have a hard time believing Ten captures the interest of three different boys in such a short amount of time. I probably feel this way because I don’t really feel like I know Ten, I like that she’s upfront and calm, but those are really the only traits I attribute to her. I also don’t find the conflict caused by Rei in this volume particularly compelling, especially given we don't know Rei's motivations

Other small nitpicks, I didn’t love the classical author quotes Chiaki uses in the first volume, but was a bit more annoyed with them this time around. This also has nothing to do with the story, but I don’t like how this series is formatted in that there isn’t a chapter index and its not always clear when the chapter ends/starts. I own the third volume so I'll read it, but at this point I don't think I'll get much farther than that with this series.

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[Rereader · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I had mentioned in my review for volume one that I wasn't sure if I was going to continue the series or not. I had mentioned that the series wasn't anything new, the artwork was okay, and the characters were fine but nothing special. Despite all of that, I decided to go ahead and try the second volume, and I have to say, I'm glad that I did. Bare in mind, all of my previously mentioned thoughts remain unchanged, but this is still a good series to read. It's not anything special, but it's a nice, simple story, a nice break from some of the heavier stuff I tend to read. I think what sold me on continuing the story was the lead character, Ten. She's not the strongest nor the funniest female romance protagonist, but I admire how she's determined to handle situations on her own. Even though she acquiesces to Chiaki and Riku's demands to accompany her, I like how she really just wants to handle situations on her own and even hides from them because of that. I also enjoy how blunt and straightforward she is, telling off Rei and even arguing with Riku and Chiaki. I can't say how her character will change/grow as the series goes on, but I do enjoy her character. I will definitely be following this series, I'm curious to see where it will go.