Kisaragi confessed to her crush and wiped out hard, then got slammed on social media. Lamenting in the library, she’s overheard by the very popular Chigira. His suggestion is that she direct her one-sided crush energy to him instead so she can feel better. And you can pretty much write the rest of this series for yourself.
But you shouldn’t, because it’s pretty darn fun and sweet. It’s very standard issue shojo, but it’s done well and if reading a lot of this type of book in the last year and change has taught me one thing, it’s that even formulaic storytelling can be hard to do well.
Both our leads are good people - Kisaragi has major self-esteem issues and some very odd stalkerish tendencies that are mercifully downplayed (except when Kisaragi eggs her on), but she’s just a teenage girl figuring herself out and I appreciate that she makes an effort moreso than most heroines.
Chigira’s also really suited for Kisaragi and it’s definitely one of those books where everybody but Kisaragi can see how into her he is. They have a very sweet, understated romance with a few really good moments. He really appreciates her for who she is and that comes through in the writing.
There’s a very gentle sunrise scene that I really loved, a fun little shopping trip (with one delightful reaction shot), some on point laundry folding, and a lot of train shenanigans. There’s also at least one solid laugh when Kisaragi’s attempts to get Chigira’s attention via scent go horribly awry.
I also appreciate Kisaragi developing from being so down on herself to being, well, slightly less down on herself. She may be oblivious to her own good points, but she eventually accepts that she wants certain things and is willing to make that known. I mean, there aren’t exactly deep themes here, but it’s a nice touch.
If I had to pick on anything, it’s probably the potential rival (mercifully not the guy who crapped all over Kisaragi in the beginning), who I hope does not come back because he’s way, way too pushy and ‘won’t take no for an answer’ than I like. He deserves no time of day whatsoever.
Chigira also gets one tone-deaf line about forcing Kisaragi to do something, but it’s a one-off he doesn’t follow through on so he can have a pass there. Lord knows we’ve had leads in these types of books who were way, way worse.
3.5 stars, I think. I was going to give it 3 straight because typical, but on rumination I do like the chemistry between these two - they’re not the most original couple in the most original story, but I’m rooting for them, which is kind of the entire point, y’know?