I can’t with this series, it’s just so wholesome and adorable and the type of manga I’ve been looking for. Don’t get me wrong the more intense (aka sexual) has its place, but the sweet/clean romance of this one is exactly what I didn’t know I wanted at the moment.
Volume 2 picks up right where Volume 1 ends with Aoki trying to figure out wtf is going on inside his head. The big cliffhanger is answered right away with Hashimoto and Aoki continuing their conversation. If anything it makes Aoki even more confused and sends him through yet another emotional ringer. If you’re here for the rom-com/comedy of errors aspect, don’t worry it keeps going in this one 😀
The big mix-up in this volume is between Aoki and Aida (his BFF). Aoki confesses to Aida after Aida gets it in his head that Ida is out to get Aoki, about the original mix-up causing another mix-up in that Aida forces Aoki to tell Ida it was all a misunderstanding even though he’s fallen for him.
The most endearing part of the story is when Aida realizes (after getting slapped by Hashimoto) that Aoki really does like Ida and throws everything he can behind helping Aoki. The simple acceptance and conversation around how Aoki shouldn’t be ashamed or afraid to tell anyone was just adorable.
The chaos continues with a group date and more misunderstandings (that trail into the next novel) between Aoki and Ida, but the final scene of Aoki falling asleep with his head on Ida’s shoulder on the train was just OMG SQUEEE SWOON YES MORE PLEASE. It was the first sign of affection between the two other than a rescue attempt and some shoulders/elbows thrown. That scene perfectly captures Aoki’s exhaustion from his constant emotional upheaval and Ida’s confusion as he’s maybe experiencing feelings/love for the first time.
Recommendation: This series is killing me with cuteness overload. It’s the more queer joy I’ve been searching for since finishing the Netflix Heartstopper adaptation and re-reading that series and Check, Please! The hopelessness of Aoki and Ida, the subplot of Hashimoto and Aida, there are just so many details and moments that give me all the feels—legitimately—I may combust when Aoki and Ida actually kiss! I’ve already read it a couple of times and I find something else that makes me so happy every time I read it.