Hiyokoi

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When trying to find bad things to say about this manga, I'm at a complete loss. Hiyokoi is an extremely cute and satisfying manga about a shy, short girl who falls in love with her class's most popular and extremely tall boy. The story that ensues not only covers their developing romance, it also shows the progression of side characters' stories and experiences. Many conflicts occur within this manga, but the main character solves it with her purity and kindness. This manga also had some really good closure for the final chapters. If you are new to manga, this one is definitely a good "bang ... for the buck". At 67 chapters, it can easily be read in a week or so, and that was just me occasionally reading it maybe 20 - 30 mins a day. Overall, I highly recommend this heartwarming, cute and cheerful manga to anyone, any day.

I feel like Hiyokoi is pretty much a must if you are a fan of school romances.

The story itself is nothing new (but then again, it doesn't have to). Shy girl enters school during the year because she had an accident, and gets noticed by the most popular guy. So far, so generic. But! In my opinion it was really, really well made;

- The main and side characters both are equally loveable
- It doesn't focus on dumb misunderstandings or love triangles to promote drama
- There is a lot of development on both sides (Yuushin isn't simply the popular guy who helps her overcome her ... shyness, he himself changes and grows over time too). Hiyorin grows from the girl hiding under the desk because she's afraid of introducing herself to someone who opens up to others and takes the initiative.
- There is actual romantic development. They start dating rather early (And there are even side-character romances developing as well)

The pacing might not be for everyone, Hiyorin is a very shy person and she really needs her time to slowly change. I felt the pacing was just fine though.

*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 Hiyori ... being 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