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The Summer You Were There Manga #3
The Summer You Were There Vol. 3
CRUEL SUMMER
At Kaori’s gentle urging, Shizuku reaches out to Ruri, the girl she bullied back in elementary school. All Shizuku wants is to apologize, but it soon becomes clear that even that won’t be so easy. Things take a dramatic turn when Kaori faints, and Shizuku learns that Kaori’s been keeping a big secret. Now, with everything out in the open, will things between the two girls ever be the same again?
At Kaori’s gentle urging, Shizuku reaches out to Ruri, the girl she bullied back in elementary school. All Shizuku wants is to apologize, but it soon becomes clear that even that won’t be so easy. Things take a dramatic turn when Kaori faints, and Shizuku learns that Kaori’s been keeping a big secret. Now, with everything out in the open, will things between the two girls ever be the same again?
172 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2022
7 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 26, 2023
Again, I absolutely love how the topic of bullying is handled in this series. Really happy to see a bully victim NOT forgive the mc who bullied her years ago, and also the bully victim is NOT shamed for it and is supported by her friends and is painted as being in the right for unable to forgive bullying and just not wanting to see the bully ever again.
The love interest continues to be my favorite ever (sweet but hiding secrets, a lil sly but also extremely kind). Still probably one of my favorite sapphic couple in fiction ever.
Also, this mangaka’s ability to capture character emotions using their way of drawing facial features is phenomenal.
The love interest continues to be my favorite ever (sweet but hiding secrets, a lil sly but also extremely kind). Still probably one of my favorite sapphic couple in fiction ever.
Also, this mangaka’s ability to capture character emotions using their way of drawing facial features is phenomenal.
November 6, 2023
Best volume this far. It's too bad it took so long for the plot to emerge. I'm finally invested, though.
June 14, 2023
[CW: PTSD, panic attacks, reference to bullying]
Shizuku and Kaori are spending a lot of time together pretending to date over the summer. Shizuku is finally reaching out to the girl she bullied, but she’s not the only one who had something they kept hidden from others. And Kaori’s secret has much more of a time limit attached to it…
The first parts of this volume are very adorable and it’s so deceptively done that I suspect that’s a deliberate choice by the author. Summer continues, Kaori is basically a fixture at Shizuku’s house, they get to go for walks together and Shizuku becomes increasingly charmed.
Even Shizuku trying to write her apology to Ruri, the girl she wronged, is a slow process, but one with Kaori there to gently nudge her along. Once she’s finally happy with her words, having shared them with Kaori first, Shizuku reaches out and a meeting takes place.
And, all is well. Normally. But this isn’t a story about the easy answer. It’s the story about the real answer - that there isn’t an easy one. Shizuku has been through the wringer, but she was the bully, and whatever she’s experienced, well, Ruri has had it worse.
One thing I love about this manga is how it depicts trauma, which is an odd thing to say, but it has an authenticity that I genuinely appreciate. Shizuku’s panic attacks are as believable as Ruri’s visibly shaken visage when she sees her tormentor again. The depiction of their damage is so visceral.
Shizuku’s letter is not performative, but there’s no getting around the fact that facing her guilt is going to help her, possibly more than it does Ruri. That’s not something a lot of narratives about guilt and apology deal with and I was very impressed with the emotional arc of this and the responses of all concerned.
Nobody is wrong here. Ruri has every right to react like she does, Shizuku did a bad thing but is trying to make it better, Ruri’s friend doesn’t think much of any of this for good reason, and Kaori is just doing her best for her friend. I love complicated messes and this is a doozy. It takes a really believable and unique path for this storyline and I respect that a lot.
And then Kaori collapses, meaning the other shoe drops, the one that has been dangling over this story since that first volume and eternally implied by its title. We don’t go there… yet… but it looks like Kaori’s not one for pity and the second her secret is out she’s making moves to shove Shizuku aside.
Which is a pretty logical place for the next drama to come from, and make no mistake - this is high drama. And I actually mean that as a compliment for once. Kaori went all in on helping Shizuku get past the damage the latter caused, maybe now it’s time for Shizuku to return the favour.
If I have a negative about this volume, it’s that I wish manga wouldn’t be so nebulous about certain things. Kaori has a “respiratory disease”, which I know is good enough for most, but is woefully unspecific to me, given my day job as a health professional.
And, yeah, it’s definitely the slower moving yuri. They might be dating, but this is definitely the stolen glances and blushing furiously school of things. Not that that’s a bad thing either, there’s more than enough going on for the romance to just toddle along at its own pace.
5 stars - every volume of this story has built on the previous ones to keep this story moving forward and, rather than just being the usual yuri story, it is a weighty story of loss and redemption that keeps building to something (hopefully) very special.
Shizuku and Kaori are spending a lot of time together pretending to date over the summer. Shizuku is finally reaching out to the girl she bullied, but she’s not the only one who had something they kept hidden from others. And Kaori’s secret has much more of a time limit attached to it…
The first parts of this volume are very adorable and it’s so deceptively done that I suspect that’s a deliberate choice by the author. Summer continues, Kaori is basically a fixture at Shizuku’s house, they get to go for walks together and Shizuku becomes increasingly charmed.
Even Shizuku trying to write her apology to Ruri, the girl she wronged, is a slow process, but one with Kaori there to gently nudge her along. Once she’s finally happy with her words, having shared them with Kaori first, Shizuku reaches out and a meeting takes place.
And, all is well. Normally. But this isn’t a story about the easy answer. It’s the story about the real answer - that there isn’t an easy one. Shizuku has been through the wringer, but she was the bully, and whatever she’s experienced, well, Ruri has had it worse.
One thing I love about this manga is how it depicts trauma, which is an odd thing to say, but it has an authenticity that I genuinely appreciate. Shizuku’s panic attacks are as believable as Ruri’s visibly shaken visage when she sees her tormentor again. The depiction of their damage is so visceral.
Shizuku’s letter is not performative, but there’s no getting around the fact that facing her guilt is going to help her, possibly more than it does Ruri. That’s not something a lot of narratives about guilt and apology deal with and I was very impressed with the emotional arc of this and the responses of all concerned.
Nobody is wrong here. Ruri has every right to react like she does, Shizuku did a bad thing but is trying to make it better, Ruri’s friend doesn’t think much of any of this for good reason, and Kaori is just doing her best for her friend. I love complicated messes and this is a doozy. It takes a really believable and unique path for this storyline and I respect that a lot.
And then Kaori collapses, meaning the other shoe drops, the one that has been dangling over this story since that first volume and eternally implied by its title. We don’t go there… yet… but it looks like Kaori’s not one for pity and the second her secret is out she’s making moves to shove Shizuku aside.
Which is a pretty logical place for the next drama to come from, and make no mistake - this is high drama. And I actually mean that as a compliment for once. Kaori went all in on helping Shizuku get past the damage the latter caused, maybe now it’s time for Shizuku to return the favour.
If I have a negative about this volume, it’s that I wish manga wouldn’t be so nebulous about certain things. Kaori has a “respiratory disease”, which I know is good enough for most, but is woefully unspecific to me, given my day job as a health professional.
And, yeah, it’s definitely the slower moving yuri. They might be dating, but this is definitely the stolen glances and blushing furiously school of things. Not that that’s a bad thing either, there’s more than enough going on for the romance to just toddle along at its own pace.
5 stars - every volume of this story has built on the previous ones to keep this story moving forward and, rather than just being the usual yuri story, it is a weighty story of loss and redemption that keeps building to something (hopefully) very special.
June 11, 2025
Vol. 1 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 2 ★★★☆☆
Initially, I had mixed feelings about how forgiveness is tackled in this volume. At this point, asking Ruri for forgiveness is self-serving and won't make Shizuku feel better. Instead, the onus lies on her to accept she has done wrong and finally move on. The mangaka is clearly aware of the nuance and that's why things go down the way it does in this volume. However, as much as I appreciate her sensitivity towards such complicated subject matter, I do think she's trying to do too much at once. What's all that about Kaori? Just a bit too convoluted for my liking.
Vol. 2 ★★★☆☆
Initially, I had mixed feelings about how forgiveness is tackled in this volume. At this point, asking Ruri for forgiveness is self-serving and won't make Shizuku feel better. Instead, the onus lies on her to accept she has done wrong and finally move on. The mangaka is clearly aware of the nuance and that's why things go down the way it does in this volume. However, as much as I appreciate her sensitivity towards such complicated subject matter, I do think she's trying to do too much at once. What's all that about Kaori? Just a bit too convoluted for my liking.
August 12, 2023
i love how the topic of bullying was handled here.
THE CLIFFHANGER?? HELLO?? I AM NOT OK.
THE CLIFFHANGER?? HELLO?? I AM NOT OK.
December 8, 2023
цю манґу якось в принципі важко оцінювати, вона проста і передбачувана, але це не погано, навіть складні теми (булінґ, не/прощення) ніби добре змальовані, але... але все одно важко читається без якихось неочікуваних штук, які б могли змусити тебе хотіти якнайшвидше прочитати історію; цей том відчувається більше як 3.5, я ж заокруглила до більшого
July 15, 2024
No tengo mucho por decir la verdad, la historia en si no me está generando nada y la trama me parece medio meh. Ya estamos empezando a ver glimpses de por qué este manga tiene el tag #tragedy xd pero es lo único positivo por ahora.
2 de 5 estrellas.
2 de 5 estrellas.
December 4, 2023
KAORI NAURRRRRR
April 14, 2025
Lots of emotions in this one, and a super mean cliffhanger! I love how the story gains more depth here, and I love to get to know the girls better.
February 6, 2024
I read this in public which was a terrible idea. I had tears in my eyes, was trying not to bawl, and telling everyone I'm fine. This volume just hurt. I love this series.
July 30, 2023
July 2023. GL manga about an ex-bully with crippling guilt who writes depressing stories to channel her angst, and the cheery classmate who pressures her into being pretend girlfriends for the summer.
I continue to be annoyed by this series, but the library had it available so I figured why not? Turns out I found volume 3 annoying as well.
“The Summer You Were There” vol 3 by Yuama.
I continue to be annoyed by this series, but the library had it available so I figured why not? Turns out I found volume 3 annoying as well.
“The Summer You Were There” vol 3 by Yuama.
October 18, 2025
The depiction of apologies and bullying are done so much better than in many other novels. I have cried already, and the ending only left me grasping for the next volume.
March 3, 2024
Grâce à la parution simultanée de 3 tomes d’un coup, Meian nous permet de replonger rapidement dans l’univers sensible et dur à la fois de Notre été éphémère, nous faisant assister avec émotion au noeud du problème de l’histoire pour mieux nous toucher avec.
C’est sans la moindre difficulté que j’ai replongé dans l’histoire dure et âpre de Shizuku, ancienne harceleuse qui a pris conscience de l’horreur de ce qu’elle avait commis et se l’est pris en pleine figure, se retrouvant elle-même en difficulté. Depuis le début, j’aime beaucoup la façon dont l’autrice traite la question du harcèlement sans tomber dans la facilité à travers cette adolescente qui se sent très mal dans sa peau et a peur d’avancer dans la vie car elle n’arrive pas à se pardonner. C’est très touchant et j’aimerais que ce soit réaliste pour y voir un message d’avertissement aux potentiels harceleurs : attention ça peut vous détruire vous aussi.
Dans ce nouveau tome, cependant, avec l’aide de son amie d’un été : Kaori, elle entreprend une démarche essentielle pour elle : écrire et rencontrer son ancienne victime pour s’excuser. On peut se demander qu’elle est la part de pensée pour Ruri dans cette démarche quand même bien personnelle et un peu égoïste, il faut le reconnaître. Heureusement, l’autrice y va avec beaucoup de pincette et montre vraiment une jeune fille pleine de repentance, qui ne souhaite pas raviver de mauvais souvenirs mais s’excuser et peut-être ainsi permettre à son ancienne victime d’avancer elle aussi, même si on sait que ça n’a rien de facile.
J’ai beaucoup aimé le rôle de Kaori dans tout cela. Véritable pilier sur lequel s’appuie Shizuku, elle est là, l’encourage, l’aide, lui donne des idées, l’accompagne et la soutient. C’est un peu très beau personnage. La mise en scène de ces moments d’ailleurs douloureux et compliqués est assez simple et sobre. On voit la peur gagner l’héroïne. Cela se passe dans un lieu neutre, avec peu de monde, pour éviter d’autres regards. Et surtout on se focalise sur l’humain avec les duos de Shizuki et Ruri forment avec leurs amies-piliers dont elles ont si terriblement besoin. C’est touchant.
Nous sommes ainsi dans un moment charnière, représenté de manière très douce mais qui cache une réelle profondeur et un message loin d’être simple. Ajoutez à cela la révélation, enfin, du secret que Kaori cachait à Shizuku et qui lui explose au visage et vous aurez un tome plutôt dramatique mais tellement touchant et émouvant, où vraiment les questions du harcèlement et de la reconstruction sont abordées avec finesse et subtilité. On est touchés.
Article complet : https://lesblablasdetachan.wordpress....
C’est sans la moindre difficulté que j’ai replongé dans l’histoire dure et âpre de Shizuku, ancienne harceleuse qui a pris conscience de l’horreur de ce qu’elle avait commis et se l’est pris en pleine figure, se retrouvant elle-même en difficulté. Depuis le début, j’aime beaucoup la façon dont l’autrice traite la question du harcèlement sans tomber dans la facilité à travers cette adolescente qui se sent très mal dans sa peau et a peur d’avancer dans la vie car elle n’arrive pas à se pardonner. C’est très touchant et j’aimerais que ce soit réaliste pour y voir un message d’avertissement aux potentiels harceleurs : attention ça peut vous détruire vous aussi.
Dans ce nouveau tome, cependant, avec l’aide de son amie d’un été : Kaori, elle entreprend une démarche essentielle pour elle : écrire et rencontrer son ancienne victime pour s’excuser. On peut se demander qu’elle est la part de pensée pour Ruri dans cette démarche quand même bien personnelle et un peu égoïste, il faut le reconnaître. Heureusement, l’autrice y va avec beaucoup de pincette et montre vraiment une jeune fille pleine de repentance, qui ne souhaite pas raviver de mauvais souvenirs mais s’excuser et peut-être ainsi permettre à son ancienne victime d’avancer elle aussi, même si on sait que ça n’a rien de facile.
J’ai beaucoup aimé le rôle de Kaori dans tout cela. Véritable pilier sur lequel s’appuie Shizuku, elle est là, l’encourage, l’aide, lui donne des idées, l’accompagne et la soutient. C’est un peu très beau personnage. La mise en scène de ces moments d’ailleurs douloureux et compliqués est assez simple et sobre. On voit la peur gagner l’héroïne. Cela se passe dans un lieu neutre, avec peu de monde, pour éviter d’autres regards. Et surtout on se focalise sur l’humain avec les duos de Shizuki et Ruri forment avec leurs amies-piliers dont elles ont si terriblement besoin. C’est touchant.
Nous sommes ainsi dans un moment charnière, représenté de manière très douce mais qui cache une réelle profondeur et un message loin d’être simple. Ajoutez à cela la révélation, enfin, du secret que Kaori cachait à Shizuku et qui lui explose au visage et vous aurez un tome plutôt dramatique mais tellement touchant et émouvant, où vraiment les questions du harcèlement et de la reconstruction sont abordées avec finesse et subtilité. On est touchés.
Article complet : https://lesblablasdetachan.wordpress....
July 6, 2024
Pfffff this one really left me feeling nauseus because of the bullying themes. I don't support the idea that a bully should try to reach out to their victim just to feel better about themselves knowing that the encounter will only reopen the wounds for that person and that the damage is already done. It felt very self-serving.
What the victim says really made me feel awful, it hit too close to home "What do you want me to do? Do you want me to say "it's okay"? I was desperately trying to forget everything. I thought it would get better as time passed... but the things I used to like I now hate and the school I go to is different. To tell the truth I didn't want to see you."
Also the plotwist... yeah like that kind of
What the victim says really made me feel awful, it hit too close to home "What do you want me to do? Do you want me to say "it's okay"? I was desperately trying to forget everything. I thought it would get better as time passed... but the things I used to like I now hate and the school I go to is different. To tell the truth I didn't want to see you."
Also the plotwist... yeah like that kind of
August 21, 2025
THIS manga. Ugh. Bravo. It hooks you right from the start, keeps you on a tight leash while you devour page after page, and then knocks you down into a little crying heap in the second half. This was beautiful. Its relatively short as even though its 6 volumes, each one is only a few chapters. I liked the length and pace; there is no padding or fluff or pointless sections to this story as the author definitely had a clear vision and kept things concise. This was incredibly heartwarming and delightful, but also one of those devastating manga’s where the author probably wanted you to hurt a little.
Volume three!!! Secrets are coming out; emotions are getting bigger. At this point the story dives into the main plotline and from here on out readers will be smiling with tears in their eyes. You have been warned!
Volume three!!! Secrets are coming out; emotions are getting bigger. At this point the story dives into the main plotline and from here on out readers will be smiling with tears in their eyes. You have been warned!
September 23, 2023
I knew it! Even though I hoped to be wrong.
I’m happy for Shizuku for finally letting out the guilt she felt for bullying Ruri to her best ability. And also good on Ruri for handling the situation the way she did and having a good support system.
Seeing how the story is carrying out, I’m nervous to read the next volume.
I’m happy for Shizuku for finally letting out the guilt she felt for bullying Ruri to her best ability. And also good on Ruri for handling the situation the way she did and having a good support system.
Seeing how the story is carrying out, I’m nervous to read the next volume.
September 25, 2024
3.5 stars
the couple that’s fake dating and slowly falling for each other and the shy and aloof one confiding in the cheery partner and the cheery one being sick despite her kindness and openly loving personality is getting to me guys,, it’s slowly growing on me,,,
nevermind why’d she have to end things when shizuku finds out and is obviously attached and distraught grr kaori i’m out to get you
the couple that’s fake dating and slowly falling for each other and the shy and aloof one confiding in the cheery partner and the cheery one being sick despite her kindness and openly loving personality is getting to me guys,, it’s slowly growing on me,,,
nevermind why’d she have to end things when shizuku finds out and is obviously attached and distraught grr kaori i’m out to get you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2024
This (the way the bullying is handled, both for the bully and the victim) has been so well done. And it's right, Ruri-chan does not have to accept the apology. Then Kaori. Oh my god. She's now going to push Shizuku away... Clearly, I am way too invested. I loved the little dolls they have of each other on a couple of the title pages. So cute.
June 22, 2023
This series deals with some heavy topics but they were well done in this volume
July 11, 2023
Yuri drama, tearful apologies for unforgivable hurts, and shocking unnamed wasting disease! Still holding out hope for a good ending for them, though.
April 8, 2024
i literally saw this coming but i’m still SAD
June 10, 2024
4,5 ⭐️
August 29, 2024
This story is going to have me sobbing, I just know it :'(
September 20, 2024
Ale lecę jak Ricardo Petarda. Kocham niezmiennie mam nadzieję, że do końca tak będzie
October 28, 2024
If you liked "A Silent Voice" and "I Want to Eat Your Pancreas" and yuri then this is the series for you.
there isn't much surprising in the plot if you're familiar with those other series.
there isn't much surprising in the plot if you're familiar with those other series.
December 2, 2024
no fucking way this is doomed yuri bitch im gonna have a freakout
December 22, 2024
Ugh it’s just gorgeous and I’m mad about it
January 1, 2025
IM DRUNK IN THE BACK OF THE CAR AND IM CRYING LIKE A BABY COMING HOME FROM THE BAR
January 19, 2025
U want to hurt me ? Oh god. So good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews