Getting to know each one step at a time.
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Yuki Shiwasu
Translation: JN Productions
Adaptation: Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane
What They Say
Hiromi idolizes his older cousin Takane and will do anything to protect him—including running away from home! Takane’s got enough problems dealing with work exhaustion and Hiromi’s father itching to take him down, but maybe he’ll be able to find Hiromi with Hana’s help!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
It’s time for Hana as a second-year student to start considering her future career plans. While everyone else has a general idea, Hana is left clueless. When she is invited to Nicola’s costume party, she gets the opportunity to try to see what she wants her future self to be like. This mature version of Hana gets Takane quite overprotective as he clearly likes what he sees.
Hiromi, Takane’s cousin, ends up running away from home because he feels his parents simply don’t listen or pay attention to him. They also failed to see why he likes Takane so much. Hana finds him first, but her phone battery dies, so it’s time to just chill with Hiromi and lend him an ear that he so desperately needs. While the search for Hiromi goes on Takane and Hiromi’s father finally get a chance to confront and understand each other.
Lastly, it’s Hana’s birthday. Takane finally knows that Hana doesn’t like all the expensive gifts he used to shower on her. He takes the time to figure out what to give to her and makes as personable as possible. It’s going great, but Hana already knows about her surprise.
In Summary:
It’s hard to believe this story is already at volume 16. When I first started to review it, I wondered how far this story could go. But, once again, I am reminded in the world of manga, something seemingly straightforward will take a lot of twists, turns and jaunts of the path before the story really moves forward. Shojo is frequently like that, so I should really not be surprised I’ve just completed 16 volumes about an older man and a teenage girl in love!
While I’m sure many people might hate the age difference, I do feel that the creator does a good job keeping it innocent and constantly calling attention to the hurdles that a couple with a large gap needs to overcome. This volume is no different. Not only is their relationship being scrutinized constantly, but Hana is also starting to seriously think about her future after high school. This is a big leap for Hana and shows her maturity developing, and the gap closing between her and Takane.
I still enjoy this story quite a bit. It’s entertaining and keeps me wondering how this manga will turn out in the end.
Content Grade: B+
Art Grade: B+
Packaging Grade: C
Text/Translation Grade: A
Age Rating: Tee
Released By: Shojo Beat (Viz Media)
Release Date: January 5, 2021
MSRP: $9.99
