君には届かない。 4 [Kimi ni wa Todokanai. 4]

君には届かない。 [Kimi ni wa Todokanai.] #4

by Mika ., みか

Childhood best friends. Two halves of a whole. Yamato and Kakeru. A romantic sunset in Arashiyama and a sudden downpour lead to...Kakeru’s first kiss?! But much to Kakeru’s dismay, Yamato’s fever kiss was just that. With no memory of what happened, Yamato is acting like nothing changed between them—even though everything did. Angry and confused by Yamato’s memory loss, can Kakeru pull himself together enough to confront him about what happened in Kyoto?

Genres: Manga, Romance, LGBT, Young Adult, Contemporary, Boys Love, Yaoi

188 pages, Paperback

First published March 27, 2021

Reviews

[Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

You're part of my identity / I sometimes have a tendency / To look at you religiously (Nothing Even Matters – Lauryn Hill & D’Angelo).

Hey, I have an important update… this manga is really good, and I seriously recommend it to everyone and everybody! Okay, that’s it, bye. Just kidding, I'm just having a hard time coming up with anything to say right now because there's a very real possible that I might have liked this one a little bit too much. I'm sure you know what that's like, right? I mean, I still can't find the words for Circe by Madeline Miller and it's been years! Otherwise, I do think it’s important for you to take any recommendation from me with a grain of salt because my tastes in things are always so hyper specific and fine-tuned that, at this point, I honestly have no idea what another human being would like. If you were to ask me for a good Keanu Reeves movie to check out right now, I’d tell you to go and immediately watch The Lake House featuring the man himself and Sandra Bullock, and I’d do so knowing full well that said movie has a 35% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. John Wick or The Matrix wouldn't even cross my mind even though I love those movies too! My unique interests even transcend mediums, because when it comes to video games, I love “city builder” type games, but I could never get into the ones like Sims City or Fabledom because it makes me feel too omnipotent to not have a dude to control representing me. I couldn't even play the acclaimed game Hades despite it having a hot dude as the main character because I don't like "Rogue-like" video games, and again, I hate games where the camera is too far up in the sky! As for books, I'm sure you know I love myself a gay mystery, but I hate how most of them are stuck in a contemporary setting and always feature a cop love-interest. Does that not feel like a complete oxymoron to anyone else? For real though, these main characters should reevaluate their priorities. If cops don't belong at Pride, then why the hell would they belong in your pants! That's also why I had to stop reading Josh Lanyon’s stuff, too cop centric. And let’s see, I almost always dislike manga that focus too much on yearning and rely on overly sappy plot contrivances in order to keep the main couple a part… unless it’s gay. I guess this is my way of explaining that due to how most of I Cannot Reach You is structured, there's a lot here that shouldn’t work for me, and yet I continue to absolutely adore this manga with all of my heart. I honestly couldn’t find it in me to dislike any of the plot developments, and trust me, I tried! But no matter how clear it was that the characters will remain at a certain amount of distance from each other for the length of the story in order to keep the manga going for as long as possible, I still find myself captivated.

Hey wait, maybe all of this works as a point in I Cannot Reach You's favor, seeing as I'm totally in it for the long run at this point and I'm just happy to be along for the journey! I mean, such transparent writing should irk me (as it has in many other books and manga), but here I stand categorically un-irked! Okay, so the plot this time around continues to follow I Cannot Reach You's classic snail’s pace that I've come to readily associate with the manga, where Kakeru finds himself reeling over Yamato going for the double gut punch by both confessing his love for him and giving him his first kiss. Woah, never mind about the a snail’s pace, huh? You’d think this would be the part where they get together, right? Well no, because it turns out that Yamato was sick with a fever and the lightheadedness had him speaking in realness for once. Oops, you know how it is, “And all my friends are way too drunk to save me from my phone. So sorry if I say some things I mean” and whatnot. Drama continues to ensue between Kakeru and Yamato and they have to figure out how to navigate their feelings as they transition from friendship into something more. Look, it’d be easy to take a look at this story and call out hack writing at the amount of obstacles getting in the way of any kind of relationship development between Kakeru and Yamato, but let’s be real, it’s not like any of this indecision and stupidity is unrealistic; Kakeru’s literally just now grappling with the thought that he might be queer while Yamato never once thought that his lifelong crush would someday be reciprocated, so please cut them some slack! It’s as heartbreaking as it is sweet. Besides, the disappointment from Kakeru's non-answer to Yamato's confession is alleviated a bit with this volume's extra side content at the end, which showcases the two of them in more humorous and romantic situations, showing that they're just as funny and entertaining as they've always been, even without the narrative needing to put a label on their relationship. Sure, you could call me the Tasmanian Devil the way I'm trying to spin this review in a positive light, and I could easily spend all my time nitpicking to find something that I disliked, but I'm thinking I’d much rather focus on the all of the positives. And with the watercolor-esque styling to the art, the tender and slow burn romance, and the melancholic yearning evoking classics like In the Mood for Love, I can honestly say that the positives are all I'm seeing right now.

These buildings could drift out to sea / Some natural catastrophe / Still, there's no place I'd rather be.

[Morgan ♓︎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have the same problem with this volume that I've had with the last two. It feels like there has been very little progress from volume one. While I don't mind a slow burn, this series is lacking some serious tension between the characters that I think make slow burns enjoyable. The characters are still cute though and I do like the tropes in this romance so I will continue to read when the english translated volume 5 comes out

[Nathan Bartos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is becoming one of my favorite manga series; I'm so excited to continue with this painfully slow burn romance.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah there's so much miscommunication between these two and Kakeru is so in his head about everything he's freaking himself out. They talked more in this volume and I can't wait to see them grow closer in the next one. Kakeru is just extremely unsure about his feelings and he probably doesn't know if he actually wants to reciprocate Yamato's feelings or if he's feeling some attraction to Yamato just because he knows he likes him? I just want to shake the both of them. This volume was a little frustrating. They were both super cute though. Love the art. Love the little big eyed blank chibi face Yamato has sometimes.

Side note: love Hosaka. He's such a little shit and I think a relationship between him and Yamato's sister is going to be funny, because she will absolutely mess with him and it'll be great.

[Cyndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the fever dream!!! I was so happy at the end of volume 3, but ugh... Still reading because these boys are adorable and I've already bought the next 2 volumes, but I need some progress please!

[bow down to our ace king victor vale · Rating 3 out of 5]

review for all previous volumes + this one: im happy we’re seeing some development in their relationship! tho the miscommunication is still a bit meh, i still want to finish the series and see a proper ending for our two leads :).

[Neoday☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

So my baby boys are doing good 💕

[Megan K · Rating 4 out of 5]

These 2 are low key kind of annoying

[mimimimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

They are ADORABLE, gonna keep rooting for them!!

[smile · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally he finally confessed though there hasn't been much progress. Like Kakeru hasn't confessed back yet. Although there was more physical contact in this volume that I greatly appreciated! Also Hosaka is for sure my favorite side character and I still hate Fujino. These boys were pretty silly and I love them.

[micah · Rating 3 out of 5]

four volumes of yearning with only a tiny bit of relationship progression, im starting to get so tired of series (please give us SOMETHING to work with)

[Paula (lovebookscl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me la pasé riendo todo el vol.

Me gusta que aunque se aclararon varias cosas, los personajes se están tomando el tiempo de procesar todo: la nueva información, que signfica para su relación como amigos, que quieren hacer realmente, etc. Mi vol favorito hasta ahora.

[Suppi]

Mika continues to be utterly peak at rending my soul from my body

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tbh Kakeru just seems like a dumb dumb at this point and things are dragging on too long. Not as many cute moments in this volume. I’m glad consent was addressed in this one though.

[Karen Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

6.5

[Cristina⏃ϟ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Como me gustan 🥰
Son tan monis :3

[DonutKnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that Yamato is the soft yandere type 🥰🥰🥰

[Leticia · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEN THE CHARACTERS ACTUALLY COMMUNICATE WHAT THEY ARE FEELING 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[Lottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of slowburn romance I am loving this series.
The art continues to be gorgeous and I really love these characters.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

May 2022. Volume 4 of this sweet BL about two lifelong friends coming to realize their romantic feelings for one another in high school. Like the other volumes, this one isn’t particularly unique in general premise, but the execution is so charming and lovable and sweet I really adore this series.

Another series I will plan to buy in full when I can. I read the earlier volumes from the library and preordered this one, which just came out this last week. I had to resist temptation earlier in the week when I was just supposed to rest my brain 24/7, because it had come and I couldn’t read it yet!

“I Cannot Reach You” volume 4 by Mika.

[Senise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so mad in the beginning of this but I’m glad that whole “I don’t know what happened” and “should I tell him?” thing didn’t last long because I would have actually DNF’d.
They’re so adorable tho, I’m loving how everything is developing

[luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

E-??? Seems like Kakeru is angry~ nah, he didn't anymore. And Yamato. Are ya trying to make another scenario..huh? sussy & kute *focus in reading this* 🙇🏻‍♀️

[Johnee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly not as good as Vol 2 & 3 for me. I still enjoyed it but I think the bar was raised with the previous two volumes. Looking forward to reading the final vol when it’s released in December!

[eve.lyn._.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

≜⇎⋠𝙸 𝙲𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑 𝚈𝚘𝚞⋡⇎≜
   4.25 Stars
    After the shared moment between Kakeru and Yamato that changed the course of their relationship, nothing has been the same for Kakeru. So Kakeru faces Yamato, only to discover that his best friend has forgotten what happened during that moment. He agonises over it often, questioning whether he returns Yamato's feelings for him. Yui watches the drama unfold. Under his calm demeanor, he points out to Yamato that Kakeru would rather have the truth than his avoidance of it. A funny study session has Yui and Yamato's younger sister meet, causing a hilarious scene to unfold. I Cannot Reach You Vol. 4 is the fourth volume in the series, and it provides readers with a satisfying start to a mutual romance.

    I Cannot Reach You Vol. 4 had the moments I had waited for for so long, yet it was my least favourite volume. That being said, it didn't pale in comparison; I just didn't love it as much as I loved the past three volumes. The story picks up where it left off, with a flustered Kakeru. It was hilarious to see Kakeru agonise so much over his relationship with Yamato. Mika really emphasises this with the new facial expressions that Kakeru has—it was absolutely hilarious to see his reactions. As Mika described this volume, it was focused on Yamato and Kakeru's "bashful phase."

       It was hilarious to see both boys stumble over their words and cringe over their actions. One of my critiques is that the story does feel repetitive at times. While this doesn't affect my reading experience too much because the events play out differently as well as the situation, the underlying concept of what happens seems to remain the same between all the books. I appreciate how Kakeru and Yamato enter the new level of their relationship slowly rather than rushing into it headfirst.

     I would have loved to see more Yamato perspective, as the book was mainly told through Kakeru's. Nevertheless, I still enjoy this book, but this book was particularly filled with miscommunication that could have been avoided. Yui was probably one of my favourite additions to the cast. I love how he has the "Howl hairstyle," as I like to call it. He is absolutely hilarious and straightforward. He said all the things the readers wanted to say to the characters. He acted almost like a relationship counsellor for Kakeru and Yamato. I love how Yui goes from hilarious and comedic to serious and wise. I found it so hilarious when he wanted to see the drama that ensued and tried to follow Yamato and Kakeru to the rooftop.🤣🍿

       Yamato's relationship with his sister was so hilarious. She was wise and kind, but snarky at the same time! I loved their relationship. The first meeting between his sister and Yui was awkward and hilarious at the same time. I would love to see an unexpected romance start between the two of them! In conclusion, I can't wait to get my hands on volume five!
☑️PLOT
☑️CHARACTERS

[Andreth Saelind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, FINALLY 🥹

"Is it ok for me not to give up yet...? Is it ok, if I keep liking you...?"

This volume was just both of them figuring out what to do after the events of the school trip in Kyoto, and what it means for their friendship. The fact that the volume starts with Yamato not remembering what happened made Kakeru, and me, pretty mad! They eventually figure it out, and we witness their first honest discussion about their feelings. Saying that I am proud of these two would be an understatement! Yamato is opening up and talking about his feelings, and Kakeru is not running from his problems anymore.

While again the action has slowed down for this volume, the depth of emotions that we see the characters experience largely makes up for it. Kakeru is standing his ground and letting Yamato know that he won't accept him leaving, just because his feelings are out in the open now. And Yamato is learning to be more honest and respectful of Kakeru's boundaries.

I am SO happy to see Kakeru choosing to stand by Yamato's side and wanting to figure things out TOGETHER 😭 that's where the strength of their friendship really shines.
Another great volume, lots of feels, onto the next one...

[Jude · Rating 4 out of 5]

And this completes my 2022 reading challenge!
I've had mixed feelings on this series, but I really liked this volume. It wasn't anything new that blew me away or anything, but I guess I was in the mood for something fluffy and this was it. I enjoyed the conflict, all the mixed feelings, seeing the main characters squirm, and the amount of plot advancement we got. Yamato was so good in this volume lol He's such a gem. I also loved the side characters of Hosaka and the other friend; they were hilarious with one wanting to see the world burn and the other one trying to keep the fire under control. There were some amusing bits throughout this whole volume, period. Was fun.

Spoilery thoughts:
-I didn't like the whole forgetting about the confession and kiss part. It wasn't necessarily boring, but it was ultimately pointless.
-I thought it was super interesting how the issue of consent was brought up and addressed. Liked it a lot.

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

We see the fall-out from the last volume here. Kakeru is sort of melting down about what happened on the bridge. He's so confused. Not only that, but Yamato passed out with a fever and he doesn't remember what happened which is driving Kakeru crazy. He's so angsty here.

I almost gave this volume 5 stars as well. I thought it did a great job with emotions and feelings of where these characters are at. I do feel like some of the anxiety about the love declaration is being settled. I feel the pacing is really good here. I love the friends that help the two get through this. Yamato's sister is a life saver here.

Again, the Netflix series pretty much put the page on the screen. Its so refreshing. This story is just lovely. I love the characters and just how pure and sweet the relationship is between these two character whether on screen or page.

I can't wait to read the next volume.

[George Dominguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

slowly but surely we are getting there! obviously our two lead characters are facing some communication issues but they are both opening up and expressing their feelings to one another, and it is absolutely amazing! this book seems to be a slow-burner but in all honesty I don't really mind :)
I have volumes 5 & 6 and I will continue reading them tomorrow, I know we'll get a volume 7 soon but I hope it isn't the last! I am really loving this series so incredibly much and I want to see so much more with our characters happen!!
also the extra story: On the slopes... SOOOOO CUTEE !!! I love seeing the old memories of the two and seeing how *spoiler-ish* Yamoto really liked Kakeru as kids and you can tell that's also when Yamato started to develop his feelings for Kakeru :) ... also the little kiss Yamato gave Kakeru with the ski mask... so cute 😞♥️

[R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yamato unintentionally puts Kakeru through a bit of an emotional rollercoaster after the school trip. For all of his flailing and panicking, Kakeru doesn't seem to be against the idea, he just doesn't know what to do with that information or his own emotions yet. There's a fairly good mix of sweet moments mixed with awkward hilarity as they try to navigate their new relationship, not that they're dating just yet. It seems there may have been another school trip at one point that involved skiing, though this appears to maybe be a flashback to earlier in their relationship as friends given they are now in the same class, so it wouldn't make sense for Kakeru to be on a class trip while Yamato is hanging out on his own. It seems more than one person has picked up on the changes in the boys as well, though very few actually know about the events leading up to these changes.