A perfectly mundane finale.
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Io Sakisaka
Translation: JN Productions
English Adaptation: Ysabet MacFarlane
What They Say
Ninako loves Ren, but seeing Ando get hurt while protecting her makes her feel sad and confused – to the point where she turns Ren down when he confesses his love for her! Has Ninako lost her chance with Ren? Or will they find a way to be together?
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Ren pushes Ninako about exactly what’s going on, but she unfortunately manages to shrug him off without explaining once again. Ando finally finds out that she turned him down, and he decides to make his move. He tells Ninako off a little for pitying him while still not going out with him, and then steals a kiss. Ninako erupts in emotions at Ando for playing the bad guy, and she finally realizes just how pointless her actions have been. She rushes off for the train station and finally catches Ren. There she lets out exactly what she’s been feeling, finally admitting her love for him. He of course reciprocates, allowing the series to wrap up just as they become a couple.
Next up comes a bonus chapter starring Manabu set in his past. In his first year of high school, Manabu meets the third year Ritsuko Kashiwagi and falls head over heels, even though she’s out of his league. However, he persists in pursuing her, giving it his all after being turned down over and over. Though he eventually succeeds his victory is bitter sweet, as she has to leave to study abroad, so they can’t enter into a relationship. Even so, the two part on good terms, leaving Manabu to keep trying his hardest in his own special way.
Finally, we get a look at Ninako and Ren going out on a date. Will Ninako’s silly feelings that Ren isn’t in as much love as she is ruin things, or will things turn out okay in the end?
In Summary
Though the ending isn’t particularly surprising, it is cathartic to see Ninako finally stop worrying and let her feelings out. The emotions flow nicely, and Ando manages to sneak in a few decent moments, making for a solid if unsurprising conclusion. The big surprise here is the bonus Manabu story. He didn’t have much of a chance to shine in the main series, but his chapter makes for a shockingly touching little story. Add in a so-so epilogue, and you get a serviceable though unexceptional conclusion to the story.
Content Grade: B
Art Grade: B+
Package Rating: B+
Text/Translation Rating: B
Age Rating: 13+
Released by: Viz Media
Release Date: May 6th, 2014
MSRP: $9.99