Hiyokoi

*Review contains spoilers* Story 6/10 This story doesn't have anything particularly too interesting or out of the ordinary. Nothing really major or surprising happens, it is not a life changing manga, however, I liked this story. It is a cute and light romance to follow, a very easy and enjoyable read. I really liked the main character's size difference as I think this is something very relatable to for people all ages. The manga had it funny moments (like whenever Yuushin would have to squat in order to be able to hug or kiss Hiyori). I did find somethings like extra, unnecessary and annoying (such as Hiyoribeing extremely shy and self-conscious with Yuushin, the whole drama between Ritsuka and Hiyori; still can't believe long life friends would simply treat each other like that instead of talking things over, although I did find Ritsuka feelings understandable. Also Akiho wanting to kill herself and wanting to make Hiyori break up with Yuushin for no reason since she liked Kisaki? I really don't see why this character was added in such a somber way.) Side note: so it seems Hiyori had a major accident that put her out of school for a very long time but other than the first day of school it was never mentioned again? not even a question by someone? like, nobody was interested into knowing what happened or even if she had any permanent consequences after the accident? she did not feel the need to talk about it, ever? So, you are telling me Hiyori is alive by a miracle but not even a finger was hanging in a weird angle, not a limp, no therapy? Art 6/10 Art looked OK to me, I have seen better, I have seen worse. It wasn't painful in the eyes or too beautiful to handle. Characters 7/10 Hiyori: so...where to begin? I must say I didn't find her super annoying or stupid or anything like that. I think she is likable. However, I did find her excessive shyness and self-consciousness around Yuushin too much (note the word excessive?). How is it possible Hiyorin and Yuushin dated for a whole year but she still felt uncomfortable kissing or holding hands? and, how is it possible Hiyori is so clumsy that she keeps tripping on herself? In my opinion, this was overdone throughout the story. To me, Hiyori is the least interesting of all characters. Yuushin: He, on the other hand, saves the manga! I found Yuusin charming and for once I could understand the lead male being so popular, not just because he is the lead, but because he was actually funny, goofy, friendly and pretty much did as he pleased without really thinking about looking good or interesting to other people. He wasn't idolized or presented as unattainable. He is basically someone you would like to be friends with. This guy is soooo patient with Hiyori (dating someone you can't hold hands with, kiss or even compliment without it getting awkward or being an issue?). I think it was cute how Yuushin was as inexperienced as Hiyori in love despite being so popular. I really liked the other characters, specially Ritsuka and Kou. Richan was very energetic and Kou was so sarcastic that I found him too amusing. At times I wasn't sure about their pairing, with Ritsuka going the extra mile for him and Kou barely following, but I preferred them over having a whole love triangle further develop with Yuushi-Hiyori-Kou. I also found funny these little hints people would make regarding Natsuki being homosexual, when she in fact was not but never tried to clarify so or seemed bothered by it, and when she does find a boyfriend, he seems to be on the very sensitive side (contrary to her). Enjoyment 7/10 Again, I like reading and this was a cute story to invest time on. I am actually going to miss reading this. Life changing? No. Entertaining? Yes. I didn't feel like dropping it at any point. Overall 6/10

[⋆̩] Shining Rain Review: Hiyokoi is a simple romance to enjoy an afternoon reading manga. I think that was my conclusion after following the manga throughout all the years of its release. It is one of my favorites manga among dozens of those I have read, doesn't it have a story not unlike the conventional, honestly? it's quite cliché, but you will not fall in love with Hiyokoi for this reason, but for the development of the relationship between the main couple. It is spontaneous and sweet, in my opinion, the two have captivating personalities despite being very different, but seeing how Hyorin is inspired by Yuushin,trying to overcome her own fears and insecurities in someone who she has fallen in love makes our hearts smile. And seeing Yuushin open up and be able to be himself freely with someone he likes without worrying about other things makes you realize that they were not made for each other, but are building up to be because they are young and are now understanding the responsibilities of sharing feelings with one another. And it’s good to realize that even the biggest problems involving the plot between them doesn’t make the relationship toxic, misunderstandings or love triangles are not the focus (just as they shouldn’t be lmao) Seeing them learning about each other, growing up with each other, and falling in love with each other makes you want to read more and more. It's a rhythm of history that makes you want it to be like that in others too. To tell you the truth, the two probably have one of my favorite developments among all the shoujos I've read. I read the other reviews and realized that maybe this story is not for everyone, but if you haven't read it yet, give it a try, I think it's incredible and I hope you can find the same.

So, Hiyokoi is fine. It's pretty standard, cliche, popular boy/shy girl tropey shoujo manga. If you're looking for something to pass time, Hiyokoi is fine to read, but if you're looking for a good quality manga with a solid story, you're not missing anything by skipping this one. The best way I can describe Hiyokoi is just a less funny and less enjoyable version of Kimi ni Todoke. Personally, I think the main character is really annoying, the rivals pose no real threat, and the side conflicts all come as easily as they go. I feel reluctant to say any of this because it's prettynormal for this genre, but all these cliches come to the point where it becomes infuriating. This is especially apparent in Akiho—she comes in as this *mysterious* potential rival and then just decides to off herself just because...?? And then Kou develops feelings for what...?? By the middle-end of the manga, I just got so tired of the main couple because they'll "fight" for a minute, Hiyorin will cry, and then Hirose will be like "don't be sad!", and they'll make up. There's never any real conflict between the couple aside from Hiyorin's own insecurity regarding Hirose's popularity (girl just get over it he's popular). Honestly, the only likable character is Kou, but I think that's just because the bruting boy type is just popular within the audience. I would also say Natsuki is really funny, but she basically gets no screentime anyways.