Nagisa FuruyaCríticas

*reviewed from uncorrected eARC via netgalley*

teen/adult manga translated from Japanese - 18 y.o. dark-haired awkward loner Akito "Eito" Tachibana meets light-haired, apparent social butterfly Tomoya (nicknamed "Hachi" because his name Hatta has the character for eight in it) and both can finally relate to being endlessly teased about their names by their highschool classmates. They're in separate tracks (Eito in sciences and Hatta in humanities) so they would never interact ordinarily, but all of a sudden Eito sees Hatta everywhere and he has trouble keeping his cool.

This was an adorable, fun read for ages middle-grade and up, showing the awkwardness of that first boy crush (and eventual first kiss). If there ever was a reason to not want to leave high school, these two characters have found it. Don't miss the translation notes at the end, which explain how the characters of Akito are commonly misread as Eito.

February 2024 bingo challenge: graphic novel, published in March (12 Mar 2024; originally published in serial January-October 2014 plus bonus chapter), takes place in winter and through the spring into graduation; debut manga.½

I have only read a handful of manga books as I am just getting into the genre. This one, in particular, I found to be just okay. It didn't rock my world, but the art was good, and it was a quick read, which I go to graphic novels specifically for, but it somehow felt incredibly slow-moving. overall, like the few other mangas I've read, I have found that the main characters look so similar that I got them a little mixed up sometimes, but as I am new to the genre and drawing style, I can honestly attribute some of these flaws in my reading experience to be overall user error. but the plot wasn't that engaging and i didn't feel very connected to the characters as i have in the past for other books with similar themes.

2.5, cute idea but the plot felt dependent on coincidences and the gang-related stuff felt a little unbelievable.

I kind of thought I was in need of a BL break after all I’ve been reading but I guess not, because this one is so good! I notably skillful translation—I really believed these were older high school guys talking. And this couple just genuinely has a ton of chemistry. Plus a confession of feelings that happens right at the beginning?! Amazing! I’m excited to read the second volume.

About two guys who went to the same high school, but were opposites in that Junpei is easily sociable and gets along with everyone, whereas Leo is outcasted and generally struggles to make social connections. They wind up at the same university and Junpei helps Leo become more comfortable socially.
Really is just a nice story of someone who is more socially awkward trying to navigate how to make friends in university, with a small hint of a possible romance at the end. And it has lots of great artwork of cats, which is always a bonus. A good, quick, feel-good manga.

"You're here right in front of me.
You and my summer with you."

A perfect story to read on a cold day. Sweet and heartwarming.

"I'm going to really try to make sure I never let go of the hand you let me hold, Wataru."

They are so cute together. I love them. Wataru & Chiharu

When Wataru discovers his best friend Chiharu has romantic feelings towards him, their relationship becomes ambiguous. Wataru has never had sexual or romantic feelings towards boys before, and doesn't mind that Chiharu loves him. As they continue their friendship over summer break, the bond between them grows and Wataru has to admit to himself that friendship with Chiharu is deeper and more special than he believed. Nagisa Furuya's illustrations and story telling draw us into this sweet, coming of age romance. The season and the setting of the book makes one remember how summer breaks from school are ripe with possibilities and growth. I'm looking forward to reading Volume 2 and a happy ending for the two high school seniors seems imminent.