Watashitachi wa Koi wo Shiranai

Watashitachi wa Koi wo Shiranai is simple but effective, a wholesome and lighthearted romcom that delivers exactly what it sets out to. Its standout quality lies in its two leads, who are both likable and genuinely compelling. They’re fleshed out just enough to rise slightly (and meaningfully) above their respective archetypes. The female lead is an aloof, introverted bookworm whose hobby is writing web novels. The male lead is a clumsy yet popular “golden retriever” type who is jokingly infatuated with his little sister. Seated next to each other in their first year of high school, the two gradually grow closer. It’s far from a uniquesetup, and you shouldn’t expect much more depth as the story progresses, but it’s charming. One plot point I found particularly interesting was the female lead writing about her friendship with the male lead. The author doesn’t handle it with much subtlety, but it’s a realistic portrayal of the naïveté and earnestness of young love. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a soft, feel-good “fluff” manga with likable characters and minimal drama.