Reality hits you pretty hard when you switch from Shojo to Josei, I mean, I was expecting a similar ending but not one as harsh as the one Ichikawa threw at us.
Tada, Kimi wo Aishiteru is a very well written tragedy which blends many feelings. The story starts with the meeting of Segawa Makoto (English student and amateur photographer) and Satonaka Shizuru (French student who looks like a kid). After that first meeting, their friendship starts blooming and Satonaka falls instantly in love with Segawa who only has eyes for his classmate, the beautiful, Toyama Miyuki. The mangaka takes us then on a journey to show us how the relationships between the characters develop. Even though Satonaka loves Segawa and confesses to him, she helps and supports his love for Toyama. Toyama has always secretly liked Segawa but when he finally goes out on a date with her, he feels confused and somehow unsatisfied. When Satonaka convinces Segawa to kiss her for a romantic picture, the kiss opens his eyes and lets his feelings for Satonaka free, but is it too late?
I think that Tada, Kimi wo Aishiteru is the perfect representation of a realistic josei drama. The character development is flawless and the ending (even though it made me cry) is suited to the plot. Love, Realism, Death, and Friendship are all pieces of the big Tada, Kimi wo Aishiteru puzzle. The story is very touching, especially the last chapter, and the bittersweet love story drowns your heart in an ocean of feelings. I really enjoyed reading this manga and I definitely recommend everyone to read it.
