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My Coworker Has a Secret! #2
My Coworker Has a Secret!, Volume 2
Akari is an average 25-year-old office worker who harbors a secret she hides from her colleagues; she's a huge otaku, to the point that her obsession is ruining her financially! When her lunch is stolen by a pigeon, a kind, attractive stranger offers his homemade bento in its place, and after graciously accepting, Akari tells him the reason she's so destitute. Of course, she assumed she'd never see him again... but he's the newest hire at the company where she works! Will he keep her secret? And will she learn more about this kind-hearted man?
178 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 11, 2023
VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/dEq1B4CspV8
Updated Review 7/20/23: I love this story so much! *happy sobs*
Original Review 3/11/23: I think I've got the "meme" right when I've seen some fangirls of manga characters say "screaming, crying, throwing up" because that feels pretty accurate of how I feel right now! LOL!
This second volume was SO wonderful!
My favorite part of volume one was Akari's love for Ren-Ren and how her life is the way it is because of that love for him, so I was surprised that this volume took a turn in focusing much more on the real-life romance. Did I dislike that? No way!
In fact, this is one of the few times I liked the transition of the relationship and how it naturally came to be. The author's note at the end and what she pointed out was perfection because I honestly feel these two have one of the most natural friendships to relationships I've read recently in manga. It was so very meaningful and touching!
The art in this is absolutely hilarious! It honestly reminds me of No Longer Heroine because there were these panels of SUPER dramatized expressions that left me laughing out loud A LOT when reading! But on the flip side, there were a lot of soft and lovely panels that I deeply enjoyed and strongly appreciated.
This short series was a HUGE delight to read! I DEEPLY enjoyed reading it and very much loved these two characters and their relationship. The communication was fantastic and loved how even when the characters struggled, someone would always come along to encourage them to express their feelings and not deny what they feel. It was very beautiful and made this story all the richer.
Definitely recommend to otaku and romance lovers! This is a very sweet and fun story!
Updated Review 7/20/23: I love this story so much! *happy sobs*
Original Review 3/11/23: I think I've got the "meme" right when I've seen some fangirls of manga characters say "screaming, crying, throwing up" because that feels pretty accurate of how I feel right now! LOL!
This second volume was SO wonderful!
My favorite part of volume one was Akari's love for Ren-Ren and how her life is the way it is because of that love for him, so I was surprised that this volume took a turn in focusing much more on the real-life romance. Did I dislike that? No way!
In fact, this is one of the few times I liked the transition of the relationship and how it naturally came to be. The author's note at the end and what she pointed out was perfection because I honestly feel these two have one of the most natural friendships to relationships I've read recently in manga. It was so very meaningful and touching!
The art in this is absolutely hilarious! It honestly reminds me of No Longer Heroine because there were these panels of SUPER dramatized expressions that left me laughing out loud A LOT when reading! But on the flip side, there were a lot of soft and lovely panels that I deeply enjoyed and strongly appreciated.
This short series was a HUGE delight to read! I DEEPLY enjoyed reading it and very much loved these two characters and their relationship. The communication was fantastic and loved how even when the characters struggled, someone would always come along to encourage them to express their feelings and not deny what they feel. It was very beautiful and made this story all the richer.
Definitely recommend to otaku and romance lovers! This is a very sweet and fun story!
February 12, 2025
considering this series is only two volumes, i guess you could say it wrapped everything up? i think i would have liked to see a bit more scenes between the couple though
July 10, 2026
3.5
2026 reads: 148/300
akari and kazama continue developing their relationship in this volume. i do wish we’d gotten a bit more of their story to properly wrap things up, but i did still enjoy this volume! i would be interested in reading more from the mangaka.
2026 reads: 148/300
akari and kazama continue developing their relationship in this volume. i do wish we’d gotten a bit more of their story to properly wrap things up, but i did still enjoy this volume! i would be interested in reading more from the mangaka.
September 12, 2025
Coworker secret
During the middle of their passionate one-sided embrace they are interrupted and separate before he falls over from exertion. He wakes up the next morning and doesn’t remember trying to hug her or kiss her. They go to work together and it’s her turn to be jealous of him as other girls start to flirt with him. Anyway it’s revealed later that he thought him doing that was just a dream and his friend punches him for no real reason and I get it was for comedic effect but come on.
Anyway rival guy at work declares that he loves the main character. Uhhh she says no to rival and goes with the rich guy’s son. He kisses her forehead.
We kinda fast forward to them being together. This book is just…not compelling. She kind of starts to be more of an adult and he starts to let his feelings show. And then BAM he proposes. Maybe I’m too cynical but this book is just fluff and short with no real tale to tell.
During the middle of their passionate one-sided embrace they are interrupted and separate before he falls over from exertion. He wakes up the next morning and doesn’t remember trying to hug her or kiss her. They go to work together and it’s her turn to be jealous of him as other girls start to flirt with him. Anyway it’s revealed later that he thought him doing that was just a dream and his friend punches him for no real reason and I get it was for comedic effect but come on.
Anyway rival guy at work declares that he loves the main character. Uhhh she says no to rival and goes with the rich guy’s son. He kisses her forehead.
We kinda fast forward to them being together. This book is just…not compelling. She kind of starts to be more of an adult and he starts to let his feelings show. And then BAM he proposes. Maybe I’m too cynical but this book is just fluff and short with no real tale to tell.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2026
4⭐️
I thought this was a very charming and sweet conclusion to their story. At times, it just felt like a very prolonged epilogue, but I enjoyed it all the same!
I thought this was a very charming and sweet conclusion to their story. At times, it just felt like a very prolonged epilogue, but I enjoyed it all the same!
September 3, 2023
3.5 stars. Just a sweet story with a sweet and quick conclusion.
July 31, 2024
Volume two doesn’t delay by helping us let go of those held breaths and continuing from where it ends in volume one. However, that’s just the beginning as both Akari and Kazama learn to understand and accept their feelings and take the next step forward.
The story in volume two shifts focus to Akari’s real life relationships while also retaining her love for Ren-Ren on the side. It was interesting to see this friends to lovers relationship develop naturally over time. I enjoyed reading how their relationship helped them grow stronger and more confident in themselves. That’s not to say it was smooth sailing. There were quite a few bumps along the way but with the help of their friends they were easily overcome.
Aside from Akari and Kazama, I really loved Rintaro’s character. He’s a unique one who’s comfortable in his own skin but also very supportive throughout. Rintaro’s character bought the guidance and comedy the manga needed when things got a little too sad or confusing. I hope he gets a spin-off series because I’d like to see Rintaro’s everyday life.
The artwork in this series is simple yet expressive. The story focuses on emotions both in the visual artwork and in the dialogues. It achieves this by using easily recognizable and dramatic facial expressions as well as iconography to define the emotions further. The artwork also uses chibis which is always a win for me.
This story has ended and it was supposed to be short, but I wish it wasn’t. I felt like I would have loved to see a bit more romance and the characters’ life after giving their relationship a name. It probably doesn’t change but that’s me being selfish because I didn’t want the series to end. At least, I think we should have been invited to see the wedding.
Overall, this was a satisfying ending to a good series. I liked the balance of work and romance coupled with some simple slice of life elements. The artwork is gentle on the eyes and expressive, while the story is kept simple by focusing on the relationship between Akari and Kazama. This is definitely a good read if you’re looking for a short office romance that develops naturally.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
The story in volume two shifts focus to Akari’s real life relationships while also retaining her love for Ren-Ren on the side. It was interesting to see this friends to lovers relationship develop naturally over time. I enjoyed reading how their relationship helped them grow stronger and more confident in themselves. That’s not to say it was smooth sailing. There were quite a few bumps along the way but with the help of their friends they were easily overcome.
Aside from Akari and Kazama, I really loved Rintaro’s character. He’s a unique one who’s comfortable in his own skin but also very supportive throughout. Rintaro’s character bought the guidance and comedy the manga needed when things got a little too sad or confusing. I hope he gets a spin-off series because I’d like to see Rintaro’s everyday life.
The artwork in this series is simple yet expressive. The story focuses on emotions both in the visual artwork and in the dialogues. It achieves this by using easily recognizable and dramatic facial expressions as well as iconography to define the emotions further. The artwork also uses chibis which is always a win for me.
This story has ended and it was supposed to be short, but I wish it wasn’t. I felt like I would have loved to see a bit more romance and the characters’ life after giving their relationship a name. It probably doesn’t change but that’s me being selfish because I didn’t want the series to end. At least, I think we should have been invited to see the wedding.
Overall, this was a satisfying ending to a good series. I liked the balance of work and romance coupled with some simple slice of life elements. The artwork is gentle on the eyes and expressive, while the story is kept simple by focusing on the relationship between Akari and Kazama. This is definitely a good read if you’re looking for a short office romance that develops naturally.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
March 3, 2023
I can't decide between a 3.5 or a 4. If 3.75 was a thing, I think that would be the closest star rating.
I take back what I said about this being a slow-burn romance in volume one. The romantic relationship milestones went from ten to two hundred in this volume! I do like that this volume doesn't let misunderstandings fester for too long. I hate miscommunication tropes, especially unnecessary ones that are just to generate "drama". This volume doesn't do that, it has the characters talk it out fairly quickly. Almost... too quickly. Nothing really feels satisfying, because it flies by so fast! I felt like I got plot whiplash the way it flew by so quickly. I think this is the last volume? I can't tell, but I saw a tiny "The End!" on the bottom of the last page, so I'm going to assume it's the last volume for this series. A pity, I thought it would be longer, going off of the feeling from the first volume. This series was short and sweet and is a quick read good for a fluffy pick-me-up.
I take back what I said about this being a slow-burn romance in volume one. The romantic relationship milestones went from ten to two hundred in this volume! I do like that this volume doesn't let misunderstandings fester for too long. I hate miscommunication tropes, especially unnecessary ones that are just to generate "drama". This volume doesn't do that, it has the characters talk it out fairly quickly. Almost... too quickly. Nothing really feels satisfying, because it flies by so fast! I felt like I got plot whiplash the way it flew by so quickly. I think this is the last volume? I can't tell, but I saw a tiny "The End!" on the bottom of the last page, so I'm going to assume it's the last volume for this series. A pity, I thought it would be longer, going off of the feeling from the first volume. This series was short and sweet and is a quick read good for a fluffy pick-me-up.
September 26, 2026
The final volume was great! It continued nicely from the events of the last. Again, things didn't feel rushed and the ending was satisfying. My absolute favorite part about this volume was how Ritsu encouraged Akari to talk to Kaho. He wasn't passive but supportive and this gave Akari the confidence and courage to talk to Kaho. I also like how the conversation happened and again that it happened. Kaho's friendship was so important to Akari and instead of ignoring it, she made it right.
Overall, this was a nice series that reminded me of Wotakoi and the artstyle reminded me a little bit of Fruits Basket.
Overall, this was a nice series that reminded me of Wotakoi and the artstyle reminded me a little bit of Fruits Basket.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2026
4.5 stars rounded UP ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Maybe it’s just because this story is complete in two volumes, but I really liked how neatly the author wrapped up all the conflicts. I definitely would have followed Akari and Kazama through more books, but this shorter format works too and can be quite refreshing.
This coworker romance between opposites was adorable and everything from the art to the dialogue to the side characters all contributed to give it a fun, fresh feel. It was pure, wish-fulfillment fluff, but—especially in small doses—I am completely okay with that. Good stuff.
Maybe it’s just because this story is complete in two volumes, but I really liked how neatly the author wrapped up all the conflicts. I definitely would have followed Akari and Kazama through more books, but this shorter format works too and can be quite refreshing.
This coworker romance between opposites was adorable and everything from the art to the dialogue to the side characters all contributed to give it a fun, fresh feel. It was pure, wish-fulfillment fluff, but—especially in small doses—I am completely okay with that. Good stuff.
May 12, 2025
This volume was just full of cute moments - our two MCs had a moment between them, but only one remembered. As time passed, they eventually found their way to one another and this made for a quick and lovely end to a 2 part manga. Sometimes all we need is something short and romantic. I loved the funny moments between the MCs - they were the perfect opposites for one another 💜 Being a fan is the best, so it was awesome to read a manga that talked about it 😉
October 17, 2023
This was very cute and also the shortest Manga series I think I've ever read. Because it was so short, the ending felt very abrupt. There was plenty there. It could have kept going. Like with the first one, I don't think this is the best translation. At the best of times, some of the dialog just feels odd. Overall I enjoyed it, and I would continue if there was ever more.
February 15, 2024
Awww, I love this itty bitty little two book series.
This one has so much to love. An otaku office worker who is terrified of people knowing she's an otaku, a handsome guy who is always saving the day, and even a transgender character who becomes fast friends with our otaku gal.
I think this story is the perfect length, and is just adorable and so much fun.
This one has so much to love. An otaku office worker who is terrified of people knowing she's an otaku, a handsome guy who is always saving the day, and even a transgender character who becomes fast friends with our otaku gal.
I think this story is the perfect length, and is just adorable and so much fun.
April 19, 2024
Short and sweet. The pace of the romance is very rushed and cliche shoujo, but it’s fluffy for anyone that just wants to relax a bit.
It didn’t focus much on her fangirling after all. I expected Kazama to have a connection to Ren-Ren, but I guess not. Apparently the waiter at the pub is his brother, but that was sort of tossed out there with no follow up?
It didn’t focus much on her fangirling after all. I expected Kazama to have a connection to Ren-Ren, but I guess not. Apparently the waiter at the pub is his brother, but that was sort of tossed out there with no follow up?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2023
really adorable but you can feel the pacing speed up quite a bit, to be wrapped up in this volume. also, what kind of last second drama was that (let's not live together because we have NO REASON to!!!?!!?). ahh...still very cute and fluffy overall though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2025
Super cute although a bit rushed since this is only two volumes. I do feel like for it being rushed, it also felt like they talked SO much 😂
Still, a really cute story and I would recommend to anyone looking for a sweet adult romance with no spice.
Still, a really cute story and I would recommend to anyone looking for a sweet adult romance with no spice.
March 16, 2026
this was such a sweet and cute ending to the story! like volume 1, this was a quick and enjoyable read!! most definitely the type of read I thoroughly enjoy and I hope to read many more like this one!
August 31, 2026
There were some lovely conversations about love and emotions in this volume.
Also wrapped up nicely, and quickly, not drawing out things too much. And without too many miscommunications as well, which is a big plus in my book.
Also wrapped up nicely, and quickly, not drawing out things too much. And without too many miscommunications as well, which is a big plus in my book.
March 14, 2023
Did someone just hit the fast forward button?! This went from "I like him/her" to a marriage proposal in the blink of an eye!
June 12, 2023
This was alright, but not nearly as fun as the first one. It felt like a super generic ending. Is it the end? I don't feel like much happened.
June 18, 2023
It's cute, light, and meh. Nothing special.
September 23, 2023
very sweet and fine but unmemorable
October 14, 2023
First was more fun, but cute if not abrupt ending to the series.
August 18, 2024
4.5/5.0 🌟
I love it. Binge read it in one night. It's pretty much a lighthearted read or if you want something that is short. Opposites attract will always be such a combination!
I love it. Binge read it in one night. It's pretty much a lighthearted read or if you want something that is short. Opposites attract will always be such a combination!
October 6, 2024
The premise was definitely wearing a bit thin by this volume. 😅 Or maybe it’s just that the romcom shenanigans don’t compare to A Business Proposal, which I was reading just before this, haha. 😆
January 18, 2025
Perfect resolutions all around. I wish this series was longer. It's definitely one of my favourites.
February 17, 2025
Very cute with declaration of feelings and resolving friendships. I thought it wrapped up very nicely.
August 18, 2025
This was a really cute short series!
November 19, 2025
So cute 🥰 I love seeing it from their perspectives and the natural way that they just wanted to get married ❤️❤️❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2026
Cute but started to look like an extended epilogue towards the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews