If you have not read part 1 of my review, then please click here.
(image from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibi_Ch%C5%8Dch%C5%8D)
I decided it was time to read some shoujo; it’s been a while, and this one caught my eye. I didn’t intend to read a long one, but the art looks cool, so here we go! I am going to be doing shorthand as I read. These descriptions are really more of a reminder to myself about what all I have been able to read so far. Sorry if this bothers anyone! I will do a full description on the final review page of each series I read.
Every post past this point will be a spoiler, so please read ahead with caution!
ch35: they go on a date! it’s short though xD Kawasumi doesn’t know how to act so he walks really fast, and even though she wears plain clothes, Suiren wears new-ish shoes. they’re not broken in, so her feet get hurt and start bleeding. that guy from Kawasumi’s middle school (I forgot his name because I don’t like him >.>) shows up and points this out to Kawasumi who feels bad. after bandaging her foot, Kawasumi carries her home on his back ❤ she says she’ll wear sneakers next time and the times after that. he asks what about if it rains, so she say she’ll wear rain boots and bring an umbrella. he asks about typhoons and snowstorms (thinking of future seasons), and she says they’ll think on it then. so they’re both planning for the future ❤ so cute ❤
ch36: the guy from middle school is back (the manga has reminded me that his name is Atohira xP), and he has another friend with him that they know (but I haven’t gotten a name yet). Ryosuke is terrified xD so after forcing a meal out of Kawasumi’s family, Atohira says that Kawasumi and Suiren will break up soon, then appears in his room. apparently he and the other guy (Ichi-something; they haven’t said more than Ichi-kun or Ichi-chan) used to do Karate but Atohira quit because of “that time”. he also says that as long as Kawasumi does karate, then he will not. Ichi-whatever is focusing on baseball now that he’s in high school; he doesn’t talk much. elsewhere, Suiren wonders why/when Kawasumi started liking her
ch37: the final exam is coming just before Christmas, so everyone decides to study at Kawasumi’s house -without telling him xD Suiren even introduces herself to Kawasumi’s mother -with his help ❤ Yuri’s birthday is the 24th, but they make plans to meet on the 25th ❤ buuuuut, Suiren fails her exam and has to do extra lessons for 3 days, starting on the 25th Dx what’ll she do?!
ch38: so he still has club, so their schedules don’t conflict. Yuri convinces her not to say anything beforehand, but when he shows up, she does tell him because she’s ashamed. he says it’s fine; he still has club anyway. for Christmas, he got her a reference book to help her study (he couldn’t think of anything else, but that’s still sweet ❤ they studied together after all; it’s useful) ❤ she got him gloves, but he didn’t wear them. instead he held her hand ❤ and they went to look at the local Christmas tree ❤
ch39: Suiren asks Kawasumi to visit a shrine with her on New Years, but he can’t because he already has plans, but he gets her number. she spends all day with Aya and Yuri, but he doesn’t call… until after midnight for the real New Year ❤ she says she wants to see him, so he runs over. he has plans later, so they decide to go to a shrine together now ❤
ch40: she has to sneak back inside to get her hat and shoes, and Aya wakes up and catches her >.<; Aya does cover for her a little, though, by fixing the stuffing Suiren put in the bed. Suiren and Kawasumi go to a smaller, closer shrine and both get small luck for the year xD he walks her home, but neither want to leave. she knows he has to wake up early for other stuff, though, so she sends him off ❤ she really is very brave and strong for this relationship. I’m really amazed by her ❤
ch41: Ryosuke’s birthday is on New Year’s! Kawasumi gives him a piece of gum because Ryosuke gave him a corn chip for his birthday xD karate training (at their old dojo; this isn’t their school training) is in the freezing water today, and for some reason Atohira’s there. he chose a highschool without karate because he didn’t want to lose while he was in his prime (…. prime doesn’t end until your mid20s at the earliest, but whatever, Atohira; your choice). he challenges Kawasumi to a match.
ch42: Kawasumi doesn’t call during the rest of break, and Suiren worries about calling his house phone (he doesn’t have a cell phone), so she never calls him. when they get back to school, he has a fractured bone in his left arm. so I guess Atohira won. speaking of, he shows up at the cafe when Kawasumi and Suiren are eating together and sits again =.= Suiren seems troubled that Kawasumi never called her though…
ch43: I should mention, for a while, they’ve been calling Suiren “Shibazeki”; I guess the translation changed her last name, so I’m not sure which is right (Shibazeki has been used longer), but I’m just going to keep calling her Suiren.
back to the manga, we see that Atohira did win. Kawasumi keeps trying to train or run or basically just doesn’t let himself fully rest like he should. Suiren is jealous of his love for karate, but she wishes him luck with it anyway. Atohira was hoping she’d tell him to stop and that he might actually listen to her. he points out that she probably does want him to rest even though she’s not saying it
ch44: …. um… so they leave; on the walk home, he says he’ll walk her home everyday; she asks if they could stop somewhere sometimes; he says yes. it’s all good. Aya and Suiren wait at the cafe for him, and Atohira shows up, then Kawasumi joins them. Atohira talks way too much, too abruptly. Kawasumi says he’ll work hard at karate and his relationship with Suiren; Atohira says Suiren is bottling things up, so they’ll break up; Atohira brings up that Kawasumi didn’t answer before what’s good about Suiren; Kawasumi says there’s lots that’s good about her, and Aya grabs Suiren, tells Kawasumi to stay away from her, and leaves. …. what. the. crap, Aya!!
ch45: Kawasumi calls Suiren later and says sorry. he also explains that he couldn’t say something in front of everyone (which she already guessed). he explains that every other guy kept calling her the takane no hana, but he didn’t see her that way; she wasn’t unreachable, she was just easy going and ok with her situation (I’m paraphrasing). he wants to get to know her more, but he doesn’t feel comfortable saying stuff in front of people. she understands. at school the next day, he apologizes to Aya who apologizes back. Kawasumi and Suiren decide to see a movie after school
ch46: it’s Valentine’s Day! Suiren makes chocolates for Aya, Yuri, and Kawasumi ❤ the girls get their chocolates early, but she hesitates to give Kawasumi’s chocolate to him. she tries at lunch, but when she sees Koharu walk back solumnly, she can’t bring herself to do it. he runs after her, though, and asks for the chocolates, so she give them to him (aww, he finally put in effort; good for him ^^). Ryosuke also got chocolates, and they weren’t just friendship chocolates! he has an admirer named Mina!! he is dazed ❤ also now that his arm is healed, Kawasumi will be going to practice again and can only walk Suiren home on Wednesdays
ch47: Ryosuke tries to talk to Mina, but she keeps ignoring him… he gets depressed, but when she ignores him twice, he decides to give up… Kawasumi asks her about it during lunch, and she says it wasn’t a mistake; she gave him chocolate because she likes him. Kawasumi tells Ryosuke the good news, so Ryosuke starts worrying about White Day again xD Kawasumi also has to think about White Day (March 14, btw), but he also has to think about Suiren’s birthday on March 3rd! also, at the beginning of the chapter, Atohira showed up again, and Kawasumi finally told him to stop calling Suiren by her first name ❤ good boy ❤
ch48: Kawasumi and Ryosuke go shopping for White Day, and Ryosuke’s adorable ❤ a shopkeeper helps Kawasumi get something for Suiren (Kawasumi does limit it to a necklace of some sort, but she recommends one). on her birthday, Suiren tells her mom that she’s dating Kawasumi ❤ they decide to hide it from her dad, though xD at school, Kawasumi calls Yuri from Ryosuke’s phone and asks if he can spend lunch along with Suiren ❤ Yuri agrees, so she steals Aya away for a bit so that Kawasumi can give Suiren her present. it’s a butterfly necklace (<3333333333333333) he doesn’t even know what that means!!!!! she wanted to become a butterfly instead of being a flower out of reach, and he gave her a butterfly necklace!!! that’s so freakin’ adorable!
ch49: he puts the necklace on for her, but realizing how close they are after, he apologizes and steps away. she steps closer and they hug (oh my heart!!! I wasn’t prepared for this amount of cuteness!!!!) ❤ winter’s almost over which means new semester and maybe new classes! Aya, Yuri, and Ryosuke end up in the same class, and Suiren and Kawasumi are in a class together now =O also the girl sitting behind Suiren is named Sotomura Meguna; I hope she’s nice
ch50: Meguna nominates Kawasumi and Suiren to be class reps together, and the guys in the class freak out, so that doesn’t happen xD she wanted to get it settled quickly, I guess (I think it would’ve been better not to bring it up, personally). Mina is also in the same class as Aya, Yuri, and Ryosuke! so Ryosuke now has a girlfriend xD and Aya’s annoyed by it (but she’s not interested in love and she’s mean to him anyway, so I don’t think it’s serious..? I hope it’s not…) the guy Yuri liked at work is in a long-distance relationship, so she’s out of luck in love… but Koharu and her friend are going to a mixer, and they need 2 more girls! now they’re all going together xD Atohira’s there, too =O (Aya thought he looked cool; I think it’d be nice if they worked out)
ch49.2: (apparently I got off in my numbers somewhere… I think I forgot to count an extra chapter as <something>.<something>, but this should set me straight now) we see how Mina started to like Ryosuke (Takaya Ryosuke is his full name), and it’s actually pretty sweet ❤
ch50: Atohira got tricked into going to the mixer because it’s one of the guy’s birthdays which reminds him that it’s also Kawasumi’s birthday (wait, it’s Kawasumi’s birthday? our Kawasumi?! no answer on that, btw). this causes a stir because Koharu’s there. Atohira leaves, she chases him (sorry, Aya; looks like you won’t be paired with him after all. that would’ve been interesting, but your personalities really would’ve clashed anyway…). she finds out he does Karate, waits for him, and asks if he really doesn’t want a girlfriend *facepalm* she does have a thing for strong guys…
ch51: Atohira rejects Koharu because he wants to focus on karate, so she says she’ll cheer for him instead. he seems to like this. also, it is Kawasumi’s birthday xD he asks Suiren to buy him a bottle of tea from a vending machine for a present xD she’s not happy about it, but she hopes to redeem herself next year. he felt weird bringing it up before >.<; Atohira’s in his house again xP he tries to take Kawasumi’s tea, but Kawasumi won’t let him. Suiren wants to plan a birthday party for Kawasumi for Wednesday, but he calls her and says he can’t walk her home for a while because of an upcoming tournament xP
ch52: the boys in class cause a riot if Kawasumi and Suiren even look at each other >xP because of this Kawasumi tells Suiren that they probably shouldn’t talk in class. she agrees and even Aya sees his point, but that doesn’t make it hurt any less… Meguna is also joining the other girls for lunch now ❤ Suiren is starting to feel very lonely and unsure of herself <=( she’s worried she’ll lose Kawasumi
ch53: we see a flashback of Kawasumi and Atohira in middle school. Atohira won the last time they fought, but then quit karate by going to an industrial school. Kawasumi’s always looked up to him, so that’s why this next tournament is so important. for this reason, he’s super focused and doesn’t want to mess anything up by causing Suiren problems in class (but by ignoring her, you’re making her lonely xP he’s not good with girls; he doesn’t know, but still!!!). on an unrelated note, Mina and Ryosuke are adorable ❤ on another note, I think Ichi is Kawasumi’s older brother? Idk yet; they don’t look very similar, but I know Kawasumi has at least one brother. now it’s time for the tournament, but Suiren isn’t there yet…
ch54: Kawasumi wins against Atohira for the first time! he calls Suiren right away! but he was so focused on the match, he never even told her when it would be… she would’ve gone to support him if she’d known… now it’s time for the school trip, and the 2nd years go to a theme park! there’s a myth that if couples kiss at the top of the ferris wheel, they’ll be happy for the rest of their lives. when Suiren approaches Kawasumi to ask him to ride with her, they get chased by the boys in the class, so they run to the ferris wheel. she just wants to be happy with him, so she tells him about the myth and says she wants to kiss him. I wonder how badly his head is about to explode… they haven’t even hugged a 2nd time; they still blush just thinking about it
ch55: the ferris wheel has to stop for maintenance while they’re on the top. he moves like he might kiss her, but he stops when he realizes the guys from class can see them. he doesn’t want to kiss her because of the myth, but he does want her to be happy. she tells him that she wishes he’d told her about the tournament and that he’d call more and that she wants to see him more; she wants to know him and talk during class. she starts crying. she wants to know he thinks about her, and he says that he does; he’s thinking about her seriously, and he’s sorry. they get off the ferris wheel without kissing, and he walks away while she goes to her friends crying. she doesn’t know how to fix them
ch56: it’s Wednesday now. they haven’t talked since the trip. she wants to talk to him, but she gets scared of what’ll happen this time (ugh, I feel this so much; I get it). he runs to the cafe to meet her. Atohira shows up again xP he basically speaks for both sides. Kawasumi acknowledges that he didn’t manage karate and his relationship well; they weren’t balanced. when he walks her home, it’s raining. they carry separate umbrellas and don’t walk near each other. she drops her umbrella and hugs him from behind, asking him to stay with her. he hugs her back and says he always will <x,3 they decide they need to go at their own pace. now it’s almost summer time again
ch57: they’ve decided to keep their distance from each other, so they’re on an unofficial(?) break. Suiren thinks they’re still dating. the class changes seating, and Kawasumi’s sitting behind her now ❤ he doesn’t walk her home anymore, and they don’t talk at school. she still likes him, though, and without talking, he asks her to go to the festival with him by slipping her a note ❤ she agrees even though it’s still some time away. she’s glad he’s still thinking about her ❤ also Yuri’s talking to Daisuke from the mixer! Suiren wishes her luck and offers to help anyway she can if Yuri needs her ❤ now it’s time for the festival, and Suiren puts on her yukata ❤
ch58: this year, they decide not to use masks. and they play some of the games =) Ryosuke’s worried, but they stand firm about not wearing masks this time. Kawasumi’s good at the shooting game; Suiren is not xD she does good at another game where you hook a balloon, though, and she keeps doing little happy dances which are adorable ❤ Kawasumi thinks so, too, but he can’t say it right xP when classmates start seeing them holding hands, Kawasumi decides to carry her princess-style instead; he’s not hiding anymore ❤ they talk during the firework show, and he admits he was lonely without her. she was lonely without him, too, and he says he would’ve run over anytime if she’d just told him. so now they realize they need to actually talk to understand each other (it only took a year, but they’re finally getting it ❤ ) they hold hands and go to see the rest of the fireworks together ❤
ch59: Suiren calls Kawasumi, but since it’s his house phone, his older brother answers; yep, it’s Ichi from before. he hangs up on her because he’s a jerk. Kawasumi calls back shortly after, and they go on a date. Kawasumi decides they should try lots of stuff to learn more about the other one. turns out, they have nothing in common, but they’re both glad they know that now. Yuri calls Suiren and asks for help, please come to the cafe. they race over, and Yuri asks them to go on a double date with her xD
ch60: well, she actually wants them to follow her on her date and give her advice xD I know they’re dating, but they’re basically the worst people to ask xD Suiren agrees immediately and Kawasumi’s talked into it. Daisuke’s sweet and cute; he keeps texting on the date, but (turns out) he’s asking his friends for advice. when they’ve inevitably discovered, it all works out. Daisuke thinks she’s cute, but he’s bad with girls. Suiren speaks up for Yuri and says she’s sweet and cares for others more than herself. Daisuke and Yuri decide to try going out again on their own this time. Kawasumi praises Suiren later for being brave enough to stick up for her friend ❤ he reflects that this is his first time seeing this side of her, though
ch61: the girls have some girl talk. things are going well between Yuri and Daisuke, though they’re not officially dating yet. Meguna asks if Aya likes anyone, and she says she doesn’t. she looks too long at Ryosuke in the hall, though, and I think Mina notices. Suiren blames her own weakness for why Aya doesn’t like anyone. later, Suiren and Aya run into Atohira. Suiren asks how she can be strong in heart like him; he says he’s not strong in heart, he just doesn’t read atmospheres (that’s for sure). he says it’s something she has to strive for on her own, but then asks her to treat him cheesecake at the cafe; I guess he’ll teach her after all (?)
ch62: when Kawasumi meets her at the cafe, she tells him about her meeting with Atohira. he asks why she can’t ask him for advice, and she says it’s because he’s kind, but she also thinks it’s because she’s like Atohira (I mean, -ish?). when he walks her back, he gives her a hug before they part (<3) and says that if Atohira says anything awful, then she should tell him ❤ when Aya drops her off at the cafe, he asks if Suiren is weak because of Aya. Suiren says no and Aya leaves, and Suiren tells Atohira not to hurt Aya. he says he just wanted her to realize. he points out that singling out Kawasumi will make the other guys mad, so why not just greet everyone. she’s terrified, but he tells her that change is hard. he’s dealt with similar reactions from girls that she’s been getting from guys, but he doesn’t let it bother him. when she leaves the cafe, she’s immediately approaced by two guys and freezes up, so Atohira calls her over and walks her home. he realizes she has the same aura as Kawasumi’s older brother, Ichi, and starts to understand her more(?). when they depart, he’s mildly flustered xP (I seriously don’t like him, and I’m not sure why. but he needs to stay away from her; she has Kawasumi!)
ch63: Suiren manages to say a greeting to the class which leaves them all stunned. Aya doesn’t ask how the meeting with Atohira went. during lunch, Kawasumi goes to the roof to check on Suiren. they stand inside at the top of the stairs while her friends eat outside on the roof. she asks if he was worried, and he says he always worries about her. she moves closer to hold his hand, they both blush, then he kisses her on the cheek!! GO, KAWASUMI!!! he leaves while she’s still stunned <333 later that night, Atohira’s over at his house and asks why Kawasumi hasn’t asked him about the meeting. Kawasumi answers that he’s not going to ask Atohira; he’d ask Suiren. Kawasumi asks why he’s mad, and Atohira says he’s not, then leaves to hang out in Ichi’s room. Ichi asks him the same thing, and he again says he’s not angry (these bros got your number, Ato)
ch64: the cultural festival is coming up, and this year, you need a ticket to get in, so Koharu tries to give one to Atohira. he refuses, though, and points out that it seems like she’s already in love with him. she thinks she may just be in love with love. when he sees Suiren later, he steals her away for a little bit to ask her some questions. he confesses that he’s kind of interested in her, and she’s very troubled and not ok with this. he tries to get to know her, but he realizes that she could only have feelings for Kawasumi (who shows up and saves her without realizing it <3). Atohira runs into Koharu later, and she gives him the ticket anyway. she says she won’t confess yet and asks if there’s anyone he likes. he says there’s not, but there might be someone who fits the bill. she comments that he looks like he’s already in love, then walks away crying, lamenting that she didn’t even get a chance to confess this time before she was rejected (she really is getting the short end of the stick in this manga; shot down by two guys; jeez!). they both reflect they can’t let go of their feelings yet (her for him and him for Suiren)
ch65: everyone’s getting ready for the cultural festival! Suiren has to stay behind to help with the maze while Kawasumi goes to club. Aya’s supposed to walk her home, but Atohira steamrolls his way in instead >xP he drags her home even though she’s terrified >=( he decides he needs to find something to dislike about her and finds out she likes baking bread; he likes bread; they both like melon bread; crap this isn’t going to plan. and he realizes she’s kind and gentle even if she dislikes something. he likes her looks, too. he realizes the only way to get over her is if she rejects him, so he confesses to her (he’s not trying or wanting to break her and Kawasumi up; he already knows it wouldn’t work).
ch66: when he asks for an answer, she almost throws up; she’s not used to this kind of confrontation (or it might just be the gross melon bread from before). she says she’s sorry, so it’s close to a rejection. he goes out for curry with Ichi later. when Kawasumi asks Suiren about it, she tells him he doesn’t have anything to worry about (because she promised Atohira she wouldn’t tell him). Kawasumi goes to Atohira to ask him, and Atohira says he’s not acting like a man. time for the cultural festival! even though Atohira threw away his ticket, Daisuke makes him come along. Yuri, Aya, Ryosuke, and Mina’s class do a takoyaki stand (which Aya rules at), and Suiren and Kawasumi’s class do a maze. when Kawasumi sees Atohira, he brings up that Atohira said he’d leave Suiren alone, and Atohira says he’s not being manly
ch67: Koharu’s class is doing a traditional Japanese cafe. her friend drags over Atohira who doesn’t look happy xD he eats in her cafe, and she thanks him, but he was never there for her, and she doesn’t even know it <=( I’m tired of her heart getting broken… before Atohira can leave, Kawasumi finds him at the gate and tries to convey that he’s always looked up to Atohira, but Atohira’s being obtuse and leaves on a sour note. this bums Kawasumi out; he wants to be together with Suiren, but it really sucks that this guy he’s looked up to his whole life won’t acknowledge him or even listen to him
ch68: Atohira doesn’t hang out at Kawasumi’s house anymore. it’s already New Year’s, and Kawasumi’s still gloomy about it. Suiren goes to the shrine with Yuri because Aya’s working and Kawasumi’s at the dojo. Yuri gets a call from Daisuke (they’re dating now ❤ he’s about to go to college to become a hairdresser, though, so it’ll be a long distance relationship), and Suiren says she should go. Suiren gets overwhelmed by the crowd though and runs into Atohira and Ichi. Atohira convinces her to spend the day with them and takes her to an amusement park. she suffers through many rides before Atohira gets her on the ferris wheel with just him. *eternal anger*
ch69: Atohira acts like a spoiled child; it really shows this one time, but I think that’s why I don’t like him much; he doesn’t put much thought into the others around him. some people he does, but mostly… he does things for people’s benefit even if it hurts them. honestly, I do admire that about him, but he doesn’t take the time to make the wound less or to say or do things more gently. he just acts and lets pieces fall where they might, and I find that careless.
in this case on the ferris wheel, he behaves like a child. he wants her to figure out why he wanted to ride with her then gets petulant when she can’t figure it out, so he makes her ask him instead of just telling her xP they talk some. he asks about Kawasumi; he acknowledges that he considers Kawasumi a friend and that he’s been worrying about him. she admits she’s jealous of Atohira because Kawasumi looks up to him so much. at the top of the ferris wheel, he kisses her cheek, and she has to work not to hurl xD he makes Ichi walk her home…which means his house. when Kawasumi gets home (what is his first name? O.o), he realizes she met Atohira and asks how he’s doing. later, Atohira gives a letter of (mostly) challenge to Kawasumi, saying this will be their last fight. he tells Suiren, and she promises to wait for him at her house after
To read part 3 of my review, then please click here.
Completed Manga Review 