Tomodachi no Hanashi
The Secret of Friendship

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A gentle and emotionally rich series, this story is one that's left me with a whirlwind of feelings, some of which are difficult to put into words, and others that are quite bittersweet. With just four chapters, it seems that this tale leaves me pondering many things.

Narugami, the character, is a truly good guy. I am overjoyed that he's the kind of person who can bring happiness to Eiko's life. What's more, he deeply cares for his closest friends and wants nothing but the best for them. He's remarkable in his ability to see Eiko for who she is, just as Moe mentioned to her, ... "If there's someone who truly understands you, they'll be head over heels for you." He possesses a unique perspective and isn't swayed by superficial appearances.

To be honest, as I read this story, I couldn't help but question, "Is this just friendship, or is it love?" I know it might sound cliché, but when I read the thoughts and actions of Moe towards Eiko, I couldn't stop wondering, "Could she be in love with her?" I understand that this story isn't a yuri tale. I know that.

I truly cried when Moe expressed her wishes for Eiko to be happier than anyone else in the world, to see her radiant smile, to make her happy, and to keep her from being sad or shedding tears. But she can't give Eiko a boyfriend, she can't give her the joy of being with someone she loves, and she can't provide her with the happiness of marriage and having children. "I can't give you those moments of happiness," she said. I know this is a deep and profound friendship, but reading these lines melted my heart and set it ablaze. I love her thoughts for Eiko.

I was genuinely saddened by something, but when I saw Eiko happy and read Moe's thoughts, my emotions became a mix of sadness and joy, much like how she feels. It's a feeling of not wanting your friend to leave, yet desiring her happiness.

I read this short series back in High School and completely forgot about it until recently! I was scrolling through my old Instagram posts, then I saw the adorable Eiko with Narugami pop up on my screen.

In three chapters you follow the perspectives of three people; Eiko, Narugami and Moe. Although they all go to the same High School, they have completely different lives and out looks on the world. You get to follow them learn about their own feelings, true friendship, how to treat other and more.

I highly suggest this short series (does it count as a series if it's one volume?!) to anyone ... who loves true friendship, realizing that not every human on the planet is a jerk and of course love <3

Though some people might say that this manga could be longer, it's short and sweet, yet quaint story, is a perfect fit for three chapters.

What I really enjoyed about this manga was the fact that both the relationships between a significant other, and a best friend are equally well explored. The manga manages to delve into what it really means to have a best friend from a few select angles. As someone who really loves his best friend, the story really rang true to me, but perhaps a bit more extreme.

As for the significant other aspect, the story shows more about what it ... means to really care for the person you're interested in because a real relationship isn't without it's obstacles along the way. One has to put up with many different things, whether they stem from the person they love, or from other obscure sources. This manga does a good job of highlighting that.

However, for those that really like a more traditional manga style romance, the real hidden gem in the 4th chapter that takes some small measure of digging to find on the internet. The 4th chapter goes on to explore more about what some people would do for other people, and accentuates the theme of obsession to a very finely honed degree.

Overall, a short, yet worthwhile read, and easy to take some small measure of wisdom from.