After progressing from pretend crush to pretend dating, Maaya isn’t sure how to properly conduct herself. While she should be embracing all of the newfound girlfriend benefits Chigira is happy to give her, she isn’t exactly sure how a “good” girlfriend should behave.
You can check out volume three of this series for yourself below!
My thoughts on this volume (Spoilers!)
This was actually my third time reading this specific volume, for a variety of reasons. I think And Yet, You Are So Sweet is an overall cute story, but you need to be in the right mood to appreciate all of its sweetness. Much like A Sign of Affection, the story focuses more on our main couple learning more about themselves and each other. There isn’t all that much plot outside of their relationship, with a side character trying to cause some mischief typically being the biggest hindrance included.
I re-re-read this volume only because I couldn’t remember where I left off previously. As I was reading everything came rushing back to me, and I remembered why I put it down in the first place—Maaya can be a frustrating female lead if you’re not ready for her. Even after Chigira clearly shows his affection for her, she’s unable to fully accept the fact that he’s interested in her. She has difficulties expressing herself when she’s with him, and overthinks absolutely everything. If this were any other male lead I could see him getting frustrated with her, but thankfully Chigira is a very patient boy.
My main gripe with this volume is with the final chapter. Throughout the entire volume, Maaya struggles with accepting Chigira’s feelings. She finally is able to act like her regular self, and to me, I thought there was a little bit of growth in her. Maybe she matured a little? I found myself thinking. And then the final chapter happened. I understand her being upset at the fact that she was placed in a separate class from Chigira in the new semester, but breaking down crying in the middle of class when someone else won the chance to be a part of the library committee? For me, it was a bit much.
The entire interaction with Tezuka after the crying scene pushed me off the ledge. Who agrees to do literally anything someone requests of them just for giving up their spot on a committee? Maaya clearly has a one-track mind, and she goes head-first to do whatever needs be done. So, should she have to obey a boy she doesn’t even really know for a week in order to be on the library committee with Chigira again, she will. Watching her be forced to be a pack mule was agonizing for me. Is spending an extra hour or two with your boyfriend, who you could see just about any day after school anyways, really worth it?
And that ending… Oh boy.
My favourite parts of this volume (spoilers)
💛 Chigira trying to use Maaya’s lap as a pillow after he caught her stalking him, and her freaking out, leading to him hitting his head on the ground… Poor Chigira…
💚 Chigira clearly being shown to have come to terms with his feelings for Maaya! I really loved being shown little pieces of his perspective throughout the volume. In contrast to Maaya’s excited craziness, Chigira’s calm and introspective scenes really stand out.
💙 Maaya gathering up the courage to ask Chigira for a hug!! I hope we see more of brave Maaya from here on out!
❤️ Chigira giving Maaya his cardigan when he saw how upset Maaya was at their class schedule!!
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