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花野井くんと恋の病 [Hananoi-kun to Koi no Yamai] #5
A Condition Called Love, Vol. 5
Hotaru Hinase and her boyfriend, Hananoi-kun, prepare for the beginning of their second year of high school... and their feelings for each other grow stronger by the day. Just as Hananoi-kun begins to show signs that he's ready to come out of his shell, Yao-kun, his rival in love, discovers his secret... and he's determined to make him come clean to Hotaru.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2020
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338 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
June 28, 2024
VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/3Ox_c7EsYmo
Updated Review 6/26/24: This is my favorite volume yet!!
Absolutely love the quote that I wrote in my original review and I think it's because this volume really shows how all the small changes up to this point have affected both our leads. Hotaru has changed SO much, but I wouldn't say it's in a bad way because I love how she is thinking and working through her emotions/feelings, leaving her confident in how she feels for Hananoi.
Hananoi is a little more complicated in seeing the changes that have taken place, but I think him being more open and vulnerable is the biggest thing. We see him without a "mask" nearly as often in this volume and I loved it! However, I do feel bad about how he really did seem like the world was ending when it came to telling Hotaru about the past.
Speaking of her, I LOVED her encouragement to let's start small and get to know each other so they could work up to these big conversations. Talk about being mature!!
Lastly, my feelings toward Yao are so different than they were the first time I read this! I actually gave this volume four stars the first time I read it, but this time I'm giving it five stars because I'm not letting him cloud my judgment. LOL! But I will say that I think he is perfect boyfriend material and makes an excellent foil to Hananoi and all of his "faults." I definitely do NOT ship him with Hotaru, but I can now see how he really is a good guy, but he happened to fall for the wrong girl. LOL!
Very very good volume!
Original Review 12/16/23: "Trying new things is always scary. It always makes me nervous. But if it means I can look at the people I love and see smiles on their faces then I want to try, anyway. Change isn't ALWAYS bad, after all."
The fear that I felt when reading this because PLEASE DO NOT TURN THIS SERIES INTO A LOVE TRIANGLE!
Granted, I know the other guy has ZERO chance, but it's just frustrating that someone is TRYING to get a chance. Like bro, back up, turn around, and go after some other pretty girl who wants to be with you! Maybe that sounds heartless or mean, but I love our ship so much and really don't want anyone with romantic intentions interfering in them growing closer to one another.
Thankfully that ending really dissipated all the angst I was feeling and like how with previous volumes, there is always a theme for that said volume. This volume's theme was about change and I think Hotaru's actions really spoke volumes despite that nothing was hardly said (at least in regards to the ending, which was SO GOOD). She continues to inspire me and hope these two will continue to make strides in their relationship, all the while becoming freer as an individual. I don't know as much for Hotaru, but I think it's very obvious for Hananoi that he has regrets from the past. And in light of the other guy knowing what those regrets may be (or at least the situation), I get what he may be trying to do and trying to tell Hananoi what to do, but that guy really needs to mind his own business.
Anyway, I liked this volume even if it wasn't a favorite in the series thus far. I did, however, really like the ending, but I also loved how Hotaru was able to hang out with some of her girlfriends. It was nice even seeing Hananoi "bond" with one of them!
Cheers to hoping the interloper will not be prevalent next volume and that our couple can continue to express their love and care for one another! <3
Updated Review 6/26/24: This is my favorite volume yet!!
Absolutely love the quote that I wrote in my original review and I think it's because this volume really shows how all the small changes up to this point have affected both our leads. Hotaru has changed SO much, but I wouldn't say it's in a bad way because I love how she is thinking and working through her emotions/feelings, leaving her confident in how she feels for Hananoi.
Hananoi is a little more complicated in seeing the changes that have taken place, but I think him being more open and vulnerable is the biggest thing. We see him without a "mask" nearly as often in this volume and I loved it! However, I do feel bad about how he really did seem like the world was ending when it came to telling Hotaru about the past.
Speaking of her, I LOVED her encouragement to let's start small and get to know each other so they could work up to these big conversations. Talk about being mature!!
Lastly, my feelings toward Yao are so different than they were the first time I read this! I actually gave this volume four stars the first time I read it, but this time I'm giving it five stars because I'm not letting him cloud my judgment. LOL! But I will say that I think he is perfect boyfriend material and makes an excellent foil to Hananoi and all of his "faults." I definitely do NOT ship him with Hotaru, but I can now see how he really is a good guy, but he happened to fall for the wrong girl. LOL!
Very very good volume!
Original Review 12/16/23: "Trying new things is always scary. It always makes me nervous. But if it means I can look at the people I love and see smiles on their faces then I want to try, anyway. Change isn't ALWAYS bad, after all."
The fear that I felt when reading this because PLEASE DO NOT TURN THIS SERIES INTO A LOVE TRIANGLE!
Granted, I know the other guy has ZERO chance, but it's just frustrating that someone is TRYING to get a chance. Like bro, back up, turn around, and go after some other pretty girl who wants to be with you! Maybe that sounds heartless or mean, but I love our ship so much and really don't want anyone with romantic intentions interfering in them growing closer to one another.
Thankfully that ending really dissipated all the angst I was feeling and like how with previous volumes, there is always a theme for that said volume. This volume's theme was about change and I think Hotaru's actions really spoke volumes despite that nothing was hardly said (at least in regards to the ending, which was SO GOOD). She continues to inspire me and hope these two will continue to make strides in their relationship, all the while becoming freer as an individual. I don't know as much for Hotaru, but I think it's very obvious for Hananoi that he has regrets from the past. And in light of the other guy knowing what those regrets may be (or at least the situation), I get what he may be trying to do and trying to tell Hananoi what to do, but that guy really needs to mind his own business.
Anyway, I liked this volume even if it wasn't a favorite in the series thus far. I did, however, really like the ending, but I also loved how Hotaru was able to hang out with some of her girlfriends. It was nice even seeing Hananoi "bond" with one of them!
Cheers to hoping the interloper will not be prevalent next volume and that our couple can continue to express their love and care for one another! <3
Read
August 6, 2022i don't like hananoi's attitude much but then there are these really pretty panels of him and i just have to let it go.
also, that homeroom teacher... („ಡωಡ„)
the fact that the drama is from some elementary school fight is kinda ehhhhh
august 5, 2022
also, that homeroom teacher... („ಡωಡ„)
the fact that the drama is from some elementary school fight is kinda ehhhhh
august 5, 2022
April 9, 2021
Ce tome était incroyable!
Hananoï et Hotaru sont décidément incroyablement adorables 😭!
Je suis contente que leur relation avance petit à petit et qu'Hotaru prenne les devants!
J'aime vraiment beaucoup le personnage de Satomi. Elle est si mignonne!
Hananoï et Hotaru sont décidément incroyablement adorables 😭!
Je suis contente que leur relation avance petit à petit et qu'Hotaru prenne les devants!
J'aime vraiment beaucoup le personnage de Satomi. Elle est si mignonne!
February 21, 2023
Ich glaube, ich bin an einem Punkt, an dem ich die Mini-Rezensionen nicht mehr spoilerfrei verfassen kann.
In diesem Sinne:
DER ERSTE KUSS IST GEFALLEN! ✨ Endlich! Ich habe diesen Moment so sehr herbeigesehnt und er war mehr als perfekt. Ich liebe es, dass sich Hananoi und Hotaru die Zeit nehmen, die sie brauchen. Dass ihre Liebe in ihrem eigenen Tempo wächst. Für mich als Leser manchmal echt grausam, aber dafür sind die prickelnden Momente zwischen den beiden so besonders. Band 5 hat einen besonderen Platz in meinem Herzen. ❤️
In diesem Sinne:
DER ERSTE KUSS IST GEFALLEN! ✨ Endlich! Ich habe diesen Moment so sehr herbeigesehnt und er war mehr als perfekt. Ich liebe es, dass sich Hananoi und Hotaru die Zeit nehmen, die sie brauchen. Dass ihre Liebe in ihrem eigenen Tempo wächst. Für mich als Leser manchmal echt grausam, aber dafür sind die prickelnden Momente zwischen den beiden so besonders. Band 5 hat einen besonderen Platz in meinem Herzen. ❤️
April 1, 2025
4.5⭐️.
AHHH they had their first kiss!! I’m so happy, my babies are the cutest 🥹💘
AHHH they had their first kiss!! I’m so happy, my babies are the cutest 🥹💘
September 10, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Ahhh finally. KISS KISS FALL IN LOVE !!!
This was eventful. But now the next vol awaits their past. I can’t wait!!
Ahhh finally. KISS KISS FALL IN LOVE !!!
This was eventful. But now the next vol awaits their past. I can’t wait!!
April 4, 2021
3,5 Stars
And here comes on his big and mighty horse, the love triangle! No one was expecting it, so it comes as a surprise! And soo much suspense, I’m really curious with who Hotaru is going to end up with! (Yes, I did take sarcasm as a second language in high school!)
As the series progresses, I’m more and more conflicted about it. It’s true that there a lot of cute things, but there are also annoying things things such as Hananoi’s behavior. It’s okay to be jealous, but Hananoi’s jealousy is whole other level. Hotaru can’t even give a high five to Yao. Moreover, we learned in the previous volume that Hananoi went to grade school with Yao and Hotaru and he has been keeping this information, on purpose, from Hotaru since they “met”. When he wants to tell her about it, Hotaru says that even if they are a couple, they don’t have to say everything to each other. Even though I agree with Hotaru and I liked that the author include this conversation in the manga, I still think that it is used as an excuse in order to push back the revelation.
Except that, we had a chapter on Yao-kun, on how he met Hotaru which was really cute. I’m glad that the two rekindle their relationship even though, I guess this will lead to a love triangle. I liked their friendship and I wish that more shojo portrayed normal relationships between boys and girls without one of them loving the other one.
And here comes on his big and mighty horse, the love triangle! No one was expecting it, so it comes as a surprise! And soo much suspense, I’m really curious with who Hotaru is going to end up with! (Yes, I did take sarcasm as a second language in high school!)
As the series progresses, I’m more and more conflicted about it. It’s true that there a lot of cute things, but there are also annoying things things such as Hananoi’s behavior. It’s okay to be jealous, but Hananoi’s jealousy is whole other level. Hotaru can’t even give a high five to Yao. Moreover, we learned in the previous volume that Hananoi went to grade school with Yao and Hotaru and he has been keeping this information, on purpose, from Hotaru since they “met”. When he wants to tell her about it, Hotaru says that even if they are a couple, they don’t have to say everything to each other. Even though I agree with Hotaru and I liked that the author include this conversation in the manga, I still think that it is used as an excuse in order to push back the revelation.
Except that, we had a chapter on Yao-kun, on how he met Hotaru which was really cute. I’m glad that the two rekindle their relationship even though, I guess this will lead to a love triangle. I liked their friendship and I wish that more shojo portrayed normal relationships between boys and girls without one of them loving the other one.
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September 23, 2020I'd like to see how the author reveals their pasts, which are much more entwined than Hotaru realizes. At some point his grandmother mentioned that Hananoi insisted on moving out when he got to HS, so I wonder if he intended to go to the same school as Hotaru, or if that is unrelated and it is a happy coincidence they met again. It certainly sounds as if he tried to date several times (well, that's how she first sees him, getting dumped), so he probably wasn't carrying a torch all these years. It did give an impression that he wanted very much to comfort her when her hair was cut, but was incapable of making a move. If she was as sunny and bright as Yao described her, he also was probably aware of her and possibly attracted to her personality even if he didn't talk to her back then.
I do have to say that in HS, I barely even thought of things that happened in elementary. Is it normal to have this much angst over events that occurred so long ago (approximately 25% of your life ago!)?
I do have to say that in HS, I barely even thought of things that happened in elementary. Is it normal to have this much angst over events that occurred so long ago (approximately 25% of your life ago!)?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2020
FINALLY! Finally... they kiss for REAL...
...and more than once! However, the not-so-secret secret still hasn't been revealed to Hotaru. And Yao is barking up Hananoi's tree about it, insisting he needs to come clean to Hotaru, about what he saw in secret, that fateful day so many years ago. What is going to happen next? Oh, and did I mention that Hotaru & Hananoi finally kiss? Boy, do they ever! More than once! Sometimes a heavy rainstorm leads to good things... I love this story! Art, so cute. Just fun to look at. Dialogue, straight from the heart, so frank & honest. Characters, believable, likeable, relatable, admirable, adorable. You can't help but pull for these two!
...and more than once! However, the not-so-secret secret still hasn't been revealed to Hotaru. And Yao is barking up Hananoi's tree about it, insisting he needs to come clean to Hotaru, about what he saw in secret, that fateful day so many years ago. What is going to happen next? Oh, and did I mention that Hotaru & Hananoi finally kiss? Boy, do they ever! More than once! Sometimes a heavy rainstorm leads to good things... I love this story! Art, so cute. Just fun to look at. Dialogue, straight from the heart, so frank & honest. Characters, believable, likeable, relatable, admirable, adorable. You can't help but pull for these two!
April 16, 2024
4.5 cute stars. Tension is building with the secret from the dude's past while cuteness develops. I think I may know what it is, but arg! I hope I'm wrong.
August 10, 2022
This volume.....this guy is getting on my nerves LMAO.
August 12, 2023
AAHHH I LOVE THEM !!
August 31, 2023
im screaming theyre too cute
January 12, 2024
This man is THE red flag 🚩🚩🚩
Hotaru honey, how could you choose this man when Yao is right there!!!!?!!!!!!!
Hotaru honey, how could you choose this man when Yao is right there!!!!?!!!!!!!
May 17, 2025
Hananoi finally softens up a bit and is more likeable. I'm still not sure at all what this whole elementary school drama stuff is going to be. It hasn't been presented all that well. Hotaru is still such a great character. She carries this series and there are many great moments with her opening up and confronting her feelings. The art is really great! There are some seriously fantastic pages here.
December 5, 2024
I think this is moving too slow without much to keep you interested. But the little tidbits are decent at keeping nosy me reading.
RECAP: New year, new classes, lunch plans, Hotaru calling Hananoi his first name, Yao looking into Hananoi in their middle school and asking him to tell Hotaru, bowling outing, kissing in the classroom.
RECAP: New year, new classes, lunch plans, Hotaru calling Hananoi his first name, Yao looking into Hananoi in their middle school and asking him to tell Hotaru, bowling outing, kissing in the classroom.
November 27, 2020
Yes to healthy relationships!
Yes to kissing with consent! (Unlike some other mangas in which attacking the girl is considered cool!)
& finally,
yes to cute boys :)
Yes to kissing with consent! (Unlike some other mangas in which attacking the girl is considered cool!)
& finally,
yes to cute boys :)
February 16, 2023
3.5 stars
Content/TW-
1 crap, 1 geez, 1 oh my god, 2 god, 1 damn it, 1 oh my gosh’, 2 dumb, 3 forms of hot, 2 forms of shut up;
2 embraces; she sits in his lap; 1 almost kiss; 2 forehead kisses; 3 kisses (one ending with her pinned to the floor); 1 babe (from a girl to FL); A guy's wording about a girl making her boyfriend happy on his birthday gets him glared at by Hanaoi; A few mentions of kissing & a real kiss (and him waiting for her to give him a sign that she’s okay with it); A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of a couple getting to first base; A mention of a womanizer; Dating, dates, boyfriends/girlfriends, falling in love & such is the main focus & discussed often.
Content/TW-
1 crap, 1 geez, 1 oh my god, 2 god, 1 damn it, 1 oh my gosh’, 2 dumb, 3 forms of hot, 2 forms of shut up;
2 embraces; she sits in his lap; 1 almost kiss; 2 forehead kisses; 3 kisses (one ending with her pinned to the floor); 1 babe (from a girl to FL); A guy's wording about a girl making her boyfriend happy on his birthday gets him glared at by Hanaoi; A few mentions of kissing & a real kiss (and him waiting for her to give him a sign that she’s okay with it); A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of a couple getting to first base; A mention of a womanizer; Dating, dates, boyfriends/girlfriends, falling in love & such is the main focus & discussed often.
January 7, 2025
เป็น re-read หลังจากหยุดอ่านมานานมาก ตอนไปญี่ปุ่นเมื่อต้นปี ลูกๆ ของเราก็ดำเนินเรื่องไปถึงเล่ม 14 แล้ว (January 2024) เราเพิ่งซื้อเล่ม 7 ในปิ่นโต พอเปิดอ่านก็คือลืมเนื้อเรื่องแทบสิ้น เลยย้อนกลับมาอ่านเล่ม 5 เปิดมาทั้งโฮตารุจังกับฮานาโนอิคุงก็ขึ้นปี 2 ซะแล้ว
- เล่มนี้เป็นช่วงที่ทั้งคู่ได้เริ่มทดลองอะไรใหม่ๆ ด้วยกัน หลังจากทำงานพิเศษที่ร้านหนังสือด้วยกันแล้ว โฮตารุจังก็อยากทำความรู้จักชีวิตของแฟนหนุ่มของตัวเองมากขึ้น อีกทั้งไม่อยากกดดันหรือบังคับให้เขาต้องเปลี่ยนตัวเอง เป็นคนใจดีและน่ารักมาก อบอุ่นมากๆ รู้สึกอยากมีโฮตารุจังเป็นของตัวเองสุดๆ 😭❤️
- ยาโอะคุงเพื่อนสมัยเด็กของโฮตารุจัง ว่าที่พระรองแสนดี ด้วยความที่ไปรู้เข้าแล้วว่าฮานาโนอิคุงกับตัวเองและโฮตารุจังเคยอยู่โรงเรียนประถมเดียวกันเลยอยากให้ฮานาโนอิคุงเปิดใจเล่าเรื่องในอดีตนี้ให้แฟนสาวของตัวเองรับรู้ เจ้าตัวแฟนหนุ่มผู้ขี้หึงบอกอย่ามาสอดดด ไม่ใช่เรื่องของเอ็งงง แต่สุดท้ายคำพูดของยาโอะคุงก็มีความถี่ที่ optimal พอที่จะทำให้ฮานาโนอิคุงตระหนักถึงความสำคัญของตัวเขาเองต่อผู้อื่นบ้าง สัญญาณแห่งการเปลี่ยนแปลงได้เริ่มขึ้นแล้ว!
- เคโกะคุง แฟนหนุ่มของเคียวจังเพื่อนโฮตารุ ทั้งคู่ได้อยู่ห้องเดียวกันกับฮานาโนอิคุง และเขานี่แหละที่พยายามเข้าหาและอยากทลายกำแพงใจฮานาโนอิคุงเข้าไปให้ได้ จำได้ว่าตอนอ่านเล่ม 6 เคโกะคุงนี่ MVP ของแท้เลย รักตัวละครนี้ไม่แพ้ใครเลยล่ะ!
สู้ๆ นะทุกๆ คน ขอให้โฮตารุจังได้เรียนรู้รักอย่างดี ถนอมและพยายามไปกับฮานาโนอิคุง และขอให้ฮานาโนอิคุงพัฒนาตัวเองเพื่อตัวเองให้ได้ไวๆ นะ แม่เป็นกำลังใจให้ 頑張ってね！
P.S. และพวกเขาก็จูบกันครั้งแรกในเล่ม 5 ค่ะ ร้อนแรงมากลูกๆ แซ่บบบบบบ 🫦👀❤️🔥
- เล่มนี้เป็นช่วงที่ทั้งคู่ได้เริ่มทดลองอะไรใหม่ๆ ด้วยกัน หลังจากทำงานพิเศษที่ร้านหนังสือด้วยกันแล้ว โฮตารุจังก็อยากทำความรู้จักชีวิตของแฟนหนุ่มของตัวเองมากขึ้น อีกทั้งไม่อยากกดดันหรือบังคับให้เขาต้องเปลี่ยนตัวเอง เป็นคนใจดีและน่ารักมาก อบอุ่นมากๆ รู้สึกอยากมีโฮตารุจังเป็นของตัวเองสุดๆ 😭❤️
- ยาโอะคุงเพื่อนสมัยเด็กของโฮตารุจัง ว่าที่พระรองแสนดี ด้วยความที่ไปรู้เข้าแล้วว่าฮานาโนอิคุงกับตัวเองและโฮตารุจังเคยอยู่โรงเรียนประถมเดียวกันเลยอยากให้ฮานาโนอิคุงเปิดใจเล่าเรื่องในอดีตนี้ให้แฟนสาวของตัวเองรับรู้ เจ้าตัวแฟนหนุ่มผู้ขี้หึงบอกอย่ามาสอดดด ไม่ใช่เรื่องของเอ็งงง แต่สุดท้ายคำพูดของยาโอะคุงก็มีความถี่ที่ optimal พอที่จะทำให้ฮานาโนอิคุงตระหนักถึงความสำคัญของตัวเขาเองต่อผู้อื่นบ้าง สัญญาณแห่งการเปลี่ยนแปลงได้เริ่มขึ้นแล้ว!
- เคโกะคุง แฟนหนุ่มของเคียวจังเพื่อนโฮตารุ ทั้งคู่ได้อยู่ห้องเดียวกันกับฮานาโนอิคุง และเขานี่แหละที่พยายามเข้าหาและอยากทลายกำแพงใจฮานาโนอิคุงเข้าไปให้ได้ จำได้ว่าตอนอ่านเล่ม 6 เคโกะคุงนี่ MVP ของแท้เลย รักตัวละครนี้ไม่แพ้ใครเลยล่ะ!
สู้ๆ นะทุกๆ คน ขอให้โฮตารุจังได้เรียนรู้รักอย่างดี ถนอมและพยายามไปกับฮานาโนอิคุง และขอให้ฮานาโนอิคุงพัฒนาตัวเองเพื่อตัวเองให้ได้ไวๆ นะ แม่เป็นกำลังใจให้ 頑張ってね！
P.S. และพวกเขาก็จูบกันครั้งแรกในเล่ม 5 ค่ะ ร้อนแรงมากลูกๆ แซ่บบบบบบ 🫦👀❤️🔥
May 21, 2022
Cute, but clinically so…
★★★½☆ If you read my other reviews, you realize that I have issues with this story. I now understand why. There is a clinical, methodical, by-the-numbers feel to their relationship. It’s compartmentalized. If Hotaru and Hananoi suddenly declared Tuesday was kissing day, and sharing feelings was only allowed on Wednesdays and Saturdays, I wouldn’t be surprised.
The main characters also have inconsistencies that align more with plot lines than actual personalities. Hananoi is cripplingly shy and reserved until the scene calls for unbridled passion. Hotaru is perfectly understanding until she is supposed to be bad at communicating. Cynically speaking, if Hotaru isn’t being used as the plot brake, could it be that I have misunderstood things? Could I have been so fixated on Hananoi being an axe murderer that I missed that he was the only convincingly human character in the story, and Hotaru is the true sociopath?
But what do I know? It’s just a manga, and I have my own compartmentalizations. Today I allow myself to clean the bathroom sink, as if it didn’t need to be cleaned the other six days of the week.
On a final note, making out in school on the floor is all fun and games until a teacher walks in. I would never admit if that was spoken from personal experience.
★★★½☆ If you read my other reviews, you realize that I have issues with this story. I now understand why. There is a clinical, methodical, by-the-numbers feel to their relationship. It’s compartmentalized. If Hotaru and Hananoi suddenly declared Tuesday was kissing day, and sharing feelings was only allowed on Wednesdays and Saturdays, I wouldn’t be surprised.
The main characters also have inconsistencies that align more with plot lines than actual personalities. Hananoi is cripplingly shy and reserved until the scene calls for unbridled passion. Hotaru is perfectly understanding until she is supposed to be bad at communicating. Cynically speaking, if Hotaru isn’t being used as the plot brake, could it be that I have misunderstood things? Could I have been so fixated on Hananoi being an axe murderer that I missed that he was the only convincingly human character in the story, and Hotaru is the true sociopath?
But what do I know? It’s just a manga, and I have my own compartmentalizations. Today I allow myself to clean the bathroom sink, as if it didn’t need to be cleaned the other six days of the week.
On a final note, making out in school on the floor is all fun and games until a teacher walks in. I would never admit if that was spoken from personal experience.
January 13, 2024
I'm sorry to say, but I think Hotaru has better chemistry with Yao, her childhood friend, than Hananoi. Hananoi's continued jealous behavior towards Hotaru makes me a little uncomfortable. If I had a partner and they weren't interested in anyone but me, or they were abrasive towards my friends, I wouldn't like it.
I don't a hundred percent understand the main conflict, that is, Hananoi having gone to the same elementary school as Hotaru during the bullying incident. A complaint I've had about that whole thing in previous volumes was Hotaru blaming herself for getting bullied and that line of thinking never being challenged, and also, by the time I was in high school I wasn't really thinking about elementary school?
On the other hand, the manga has tons of cute moments between Hotaru and Hananoi to distract me from whatever issues I have with the story. My personal favorite was when Hotaru calls Hananoi 'Saki-kun' for the first time, or when they share their first kiss in the empty classroom. There's something endearing about how the two of them can be so shy and awkward with each other.
I don't a hundred percent understand the main conflict, that is, Hananoi having gone to the same elementary school as Hotaru during the bullying incident. A complaint I've had about that whole thing in previous volumes was Hotaru blaming herself for getting bullied and that line of thinking never being challenged, and also, by the time I was in high school I wasn't really thinking about elementary school?
On the other hand, the manga has tons of cute moments between Hotaru and Hananoi to distract me from whatever issues I have with the story. My personal favorite was when Hotaru calls Hananoi 'Saki-kun' for the first time, or when they share their first kiss in the empty classroom. There's something endearing about how the two of them can be so shy and awkward with each other.
June 6, 2024
It's a new school year and their classes have changed, so of course it would seem schedules change as well. Hanananoi is surprisingly easy about having Hotaru's friends around and getting along with them, especially for one who claims he doesn't want friends and only has room for Hotaru in his life. Yao is digging into where he remembers Hanananoi from and manages to smooth things over a bit with Hotaru so they're friends again though he still doesn't seem too happy with her boyfriend. Satomi even seems to be joining in on some of their activities now, even though her original only connection to any of them is through the bookstore. Hotaru is still painfully shy at times as well, but she's making her own realizations when it comes to her relationship with Hanananoi and her feelings. Seems to be rather happy with their first kiss and overall progression of their relationship, even if she is still struggling to use his first name Saki rather than his last name as has been standard.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2024
The fear that I felt when reading this because PLEASE DO NOT TURN THIS SERIES INTO A LOVE TRIANGLE!
Granted, I know the other guy has ZERO chance, but it's just frustrating that someone is TRYING to get a chance. Like bro, back up, turn around, and go after some other pretty girl who wants to be with you! Maybe that sounds heartless or mean, but I love our ship so much and really don't want anyone with romantic intentions interfering in them growing closer to one another.
Anyway, I liked this volume even if it wasn't a favorite in the series thus far. I did, however, really like the ending, but I also loved how Hotaru was able to hang out with some of her girlfriends. It was nice even seeing Hananoi "bond" with one of them!
Granted, I know the other guy has ZERO chance, but it's just frustrating that someone is TRYING to get a chance. Like bro, back up, turn around, and go after some other pretty girl who wants to be with you! Maybe that sounds heartless or mean, but I love our ship so much and really don't want anyone with romantic intentions interfering in them growing closer to one another.
Anyway, I liked this volume even if it wasn't a favorite in the series thus far. I did, however, really like the ending, but I also loved how Hotaru was able to hang out with some of her girlfriends. It was nice even seeing Hananoi "bond" with one of them!
February 5, 2024
I love that Hananoi-Kun is trying so hard to open up to more people! Also, when Hotaru kissed his forehead and then hid and was talking about how that was a sign?!?!?!? Oh my gosh!!!! I'm obsessed!!!! If you have not read this yet, WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING? Megumi Morino is a freaking genius. I feel bad though for Yao because I feel like he's in love with Hotaru but doesn't realize yet and I don't want him to get his heart broken, but also, Hananoi-Kun is perfect for Hotaru-Chan so he should find true love in someone new! Overall, I love the character development we're seeing in these characters and the art style is so cute! I especially love the little blushing lines whenever Hananoi and Hotaru kissed. Read this manga. Definitely worth your time (also it takes maybe a half an hour).
April 11, 2021
Bref, j’ai bien fait de laisser une chance à « A tes côtés » car même si je ne suis pas encore pleinement rassurée en ce qui concerne Hananoï, Megumi Morino semble être sur la bonne voie pour en faire un personnage passionnant à suivre, et non pas un stalker obsessionnel comme le premier tome le laissait supposer (et j’exagère à peine !). J’aime beaucoup son couple avec Hotaru, ça respire la bienveillance et la communication et bien qu’ils fassent de très petits pas, ils avancent ensemble et en apprenant chacun l’un de l’autre. Enfin, j’apprécie aussi le fait que la mangaka laisse un peu plus de place à ses personnages secondaires qui ne manquent pas d’intérêt !
December 26, 2023
I really like Hotaru as a main character. She has a different vibe than most shojo manga female characters, and she's a nice change from the usual FMC characteristics.
I'm still on the fence about Hananoi. His attitude can be hard for me to want to root for him, but I have a feeling that in either vol 6 or 7, we will get more background story on him. Right now he's a bit possessive of Hotaru which can be a red flag in some cases.
I hope there is not a love triangle coming with Hotaru's friend and co-worker Yao. He seems really friendly and just wants to see Hotaru happy, but there's just something off.
Also, why is that homeroom teacher hot?...
I'm still on the fence about Hananoi. His attitude can be hard for me to want to root for him, but I have a feeling that in either vol 6 or 7, we will get more background story on him. Right now he's a bit possessive of Hotaru which can be a red flag in some cases.
I hope there is not a love triangle coming with Hotaru's friend and co-worker Yao. He seems really friendly and just wants to see Hotaru happy, but there's just something off.
Also, why is that homeroom teacher hot?...
August 9, 2024
It was so cute how Hotaru is trying to call him by his given name. It is so true how it is hard to get used to stuff like that. In this volume, we also find out about the backstory of Yao-kun, which does explain some things about how she behaves in front of him. The way Hotaru stopped Hananoi from telling her something he was afraid she wouldn’t like, saying that he doesn’t have to and that they can work toward serious topics with time, was very touching.
The leads also got to know more about each other, which is always something we readers are interested in (at least I am). It was a very eventful volume that was much appreciated.
Spoiler ahead...
And omg! They had their first kiss together!!!!! So cute!!!!!
The leads also got to know more about each other, which is always something we readers are interested in (at least I am). It was a very eventful volume that was much appreciated.
Spoiler ahead...
And omg! They had their first kiss together!!!!! So cute!!!!!
April 2, 2024
I’m enjoying this manga a lot! We get to understand Hananoi’s actions a bit more, his family has always neglected him and he just wants someone to choose him first, which in this case is Hotaru. He’s trying to change for the better and become a better boyfriend! Their first kiss was really cute, Hotaru was finally ready and she let Hananoi know. Also, Hotaru chose Hananoi first on his birthday and that made him really happy! I’m excited to see more of them and of Hananoi’s friendship with Keigo and also the manager!
August 10, 2020
2020 Read #520
Distance makes the heart grow fonder! I haven’t been the biggest fan of this series, particularly because Hananoi’s character has rankled me a bit in the past, but...dammit, there were so many adorable moments in this volume! I won’t spoil *what* exactly happens, but I warmed up to Hananoi and his relationship with Hotaru. I just really hope that my feelings will grow more and more when I see these two interact and grow beside one another.
Distance makes the heart grow fonder! I haven’t been the biggest fan of this series, particularly because Hananoi’s character has rankled me a bit in the past, but...dammit, there were so many adorable moments in this volume! I won’t spoil *what* exactly happens, but I warmed up to Hananoi and his relationship with Hotaru. I just really hope that my feelings will grow more and more when I see these two interact and grow beside one another.
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