Maddies Manga

Try as they might, no one can get in between Zen and Risa. This volume covers winter break and the approaching exam season. Risa watches as Fumiya struggles with the pressure exam season brings, knowing she’ll be in his position in just one year.

Author

This series is written by Fujimomo. X, Instagram.

Genre & Tropes

High school romance, yankee/delinquent romance, love triangle.

Info about this series (ongoing)

There are six English volumes published digitally, and three volumes published digitally.

TL;DR rating

This volume was so lovely! We were blessed with a lot of Zen and Risa fluff, and we also got to see a different side of Fumiya. A 10/10.

You can check out volume eight of this series for yourself below!

My thoughts on this volume (Spoilers!)

Fujimomo wrote about how she enjoys writing Fumiya’s character, and that really shines through in this volume! It was so nice seeing a different side of him, as now that he’s become more serious about his studies, he’s begun neglecting some of his delinquent hobbies. I would say he’s the character that’s gone through the most growth throughout the series, so it’s really nice to watch him try to better himself in this volume!

Although he still is unable to get along with Zen, I couldn’t help but sympathize with him in this volume. Through his own actions he has surrounded himself with people who are really only interested in fighting. While he probably didn’t think much of it at the time, it seems to start to annoy him when he starts to put his focus on non-violent things. As soon as he starts to soften his “friends” begin to take notice, and they aren’t all that happy about it. I really felt bad watching what these “friends” tried to do to him in this volume. It felt as though I was watching a gang try to take out a member that was trying to leave.

The added stress of trying to get into a good school on top of all of his “friends” actively wishing for his downfall must of really taken a toll on him, and he vents this anger physically on Zen. It’s absolutely not deserved, but I really enjoyed watching his whole arc—I agree with Fujimomo, he’s one of the most human characters in the series.

Speaking of Zen and Risa, they were incredibly cute, as always. In earlier volumes I had been slightly worried about Risa’s relationship with Fumiya—I was scared it would turn into a true triangle, as why didn’t she tell Zen about her relationship with him!? Thankfully it seems like the only reason Risa didn’t fully disclose her relationship with Fumiya to Zen is because their relationship is purely “academic rivals”, and nothing more. So, there’s really not all that much to disclose.

Her relationship with Zen is strong enough that she doesn’t need to explain every little thing she does, and Zen doesn’t expect her to! I really love their communication, as it doesn’t allow any unnecessary drama to arise. All of the drama comes in the form of more tolerable instances, like the boys fighting, and it is often cleared up quickly.

I especially enjoyed watching Zen admit to Fumiya that he was a little jealous of him—while Zen and Risa share a lot, Zen knows that he can’t share anything academic with her. Unlike Fumiya. It’s clear this has been bothering Zen a little, but it’s just motivation for him to work harder! On top of that, I actually enjoy the fact that Zen and Risa aren’t able to relate to every little thing—that would be boring. I like that they both have little quirks and interests that the other can’t always understand.

Things I particularly enjoyed (spoilers)

❤️ Zen telling Risa that he wants to show her his cool back (literally, he want her to be able to watch him grow, in a cool way), and Risa responding with “why your back? stay beside me.” (implying that she wants them to grow together.)

🧡 Zen picking Fumiya up so that he could make it to his test on time! Zen really is the most dependable guy—he even helps out his enemies when he knows they could use a hand.

💛 Fumiya being embarrassed at the fact that Risa spotted him with his parents when they ran into each other at the shrine. Fumiya is a man of many faces!

💚 Overly confident Risa!! The bedroom scene!!

💛 Risa’s ability to eat a crazy amount of food—it feels a little random, but it adds a sense of mystery and wonder to her. I too have ordered two entrees at a restaurant (albeit unknowingly), and I only wish I could have eaten everything like she did.

🧡 Risa hosing Zen and Fumiya down when they were fighting in the street! We love a fearless girl!!