Story: 9
Hana-kun to Koisuru Watashi is a breath of fresh air of sorts. How so, you ask? At first, you see the boy introduced as a "delinquent." Yes, I know that's been used a lot, but hear me out. So the titular Hana is misunderstood, however. He isn't just the typical tough guy with a rarely shown soft side, he's a bit on the quiet side and because of the way others perceive him, he's mistaken to be an unreasonable troublemaker. Nanase, the heroine, didn't exactly see him in a good light. She was a bit wary of him, but, over time and after just a few initial misunderstandings (which are resolved pretty quickly), she learns that he's kind, a good person, and that he's caring. However, she learns that he likes someone, and here's another cliche avoided. The person in question isn't the popular or pretty girl. If I went past here it, there would be spoilers, and you don't really need a story summary or synopsis for reviews. At first, I didn't like this manga that much. Yet after re-reading 1-2 times, I understood things and they all added up into a great manga. Once certain things happen, it was the start of this series gradually moving up to my heart. It literally knocked out all my other favorites. There's something going on when it knocks down my favorite seinen series of several years, and that I keep re-reading over and over when it's still ongoing.
I had to re-read Hana-kun to Koisuru Watashi multiple times -just- to find most of the "shoujo cliches" that actually are used. I must say, such cliches are quite scarce with this one. An example would be the girl has no umbrella scenario. Yes, they share an umbrella, but there is absolutely no romance on Hana's part, and Nanase doesn't start blushing like crazy. They spend a normal afterschool time as friends at a ramen place Hana frequents. Very slice of life like and normal, but still sweet in a moderate way. Another factor to mention is that "appearances" are barely brought up, like the other hundreds of shoujo manga out there.
Art: 8
I didn't really notice the art at first, but that's how I'm usually like starting most manga. I don't pay a lot of attention to how good or bad art is unless it's particularly either of the two. For this manga, it's all right at first. I didn't notice that it's not exactly the best with the starting chapters, but the art -does- notably change. The beginning art is still decent enough to keep going, so even if it doesn't impress you at first, remember that it notably improves! I purposely compared the current and starting art, and you can visually see differences. Overall, I like and enjoy the art, even if it's not the best, it's still enjoyable. Nanase's eyes aren't drawn too huge (even if they're on the big side anyway; that's a shoujo manga element), and the art style isn't the kind that's overused to death. The style's really one of a kind. I've actually tried out half a thousand or so shoujo manga that aren't even listed in my manga list, and let me tell you something. There are times where different mangaka from different time periods "somehow" end up with art styles that are much too similar. Heck, more than usual, it looks downright bad and displeasing, even with some new shoujo manga. You won't have to worry about that with this. There are a few minor inconsistencies if you look carefully, but it doesn't affect your reading. Oh, and I shouldn't forget to mention that even from the beginning, character facial expressions are hilarious during funny moments. During such times, the way faces are drawn are very expressive and comical. I enjoy how well that's done. The art style used in Hana-kun to Koisuru Watashi is the opposite of boring with this added factor. It makes the manga real funny and something to like.
Characters: 9
Ah, yes, our two main characters are really what make this series so great. You have Sakashita Nanase, who isn't your typical airhead and isn't treated like a loser like so many other shoujo manga. She's diligent, doesn't blush super duper easily, she's pretty, cute, kind, and a bit on the innocent side. Nanase's caring and considerate, but isn't afraid to call herself out whenever she thinks she's being selfish or acting out of place. She's also the class representative, and she's smart. One thing I like a lot about her is that she isn't the typical girl who blushes constantly EVERY time she's around the boy she likes, or avoids him (which causes typical "problems" in other shoujo manga). She casually talks to Hana in the cafeteria when they pass by each other, all the while keeping the fact that she likes him in the back her head. She's not overly shy, and she's a genuinely good-natured girl, who has flaws she sets to improve upon over time. Of course, we can't forget Daikou Hana. From a misleading appearance and attitude that he gives off to others, he's literally seen as bad-natured to nearly everyone else. Nanase thought badly of him, too. Through her, we find out that that he picks fights with people for understandable reason (even if he thinks of violence a bit too quickly to solve situations, he doesn't get into fights often). When he starts falling for Nanase, we begin to see his reservedness, shyness, and kindness. Also how he's careful around her, and just how much he treasures her after a certain point. He's not your typical pretty boy, nor is he the typical popular cliche boy. He's adorable in both actions and appearance, and he's a caring person. Hana also has a slight shy side, and he's a sweet guy. Oh, and of course! The side characters are memorable, and they're interesting.
These two do very cute things. Innocent, sickeningly cute things, but in a good and heartwarming way of sorts. It kind of pierces you through the heart with fluffiness. Examples would be (watch out for semi-spoilers here!) when the two become a couple, and Hana steals a quick kiss from Nanase, and he flees (it's an actual "sound effect" from the manga). Nanase is standing there, and he does a side kiss from behind, fleeing, and it becomes a comical moment. There's a part where she mentions that they make faces at each other when they have nothing to say, Hana's kind look at her when they're together, a ton of things. I'm quite surprised that I haven't died reading this shoujo manga. It's too sweet for anyone's heart.
Enjoyment: 10
If you haven't noticed already, I very much enjoy this series. It utilizes very few cliches, the main two are great characters, the story isn't overused, and implements its own ideas. Don't forget that it'll also make you laugh. In all honesty, I feel like everyone should give this a try. It's very sweet and adorable. Re-reading this so many gosh darn times is a good thing. Every time I do so, I am never disappointed. I will warn you, though. It probably or might seem like nothing too special at first, but once you've gotten past a certain point, and whether you re-read it or not, you will enjoy it as well. I seriously hope that this underrated manga gets noticed someday, as it is well-received by fans from the manga site I use, but not elsewhere. I daresay that it's a rare gem hidden in the rough. I really do hope that you'll enjoy it, too!
