The story begins when Ryunosuke, a second-year high school student, is asked for advice by Shiori, his childhood friend, who is struggling with her own self-worth. She looks down on herself despite being beautiful and smart, and Ryunosuke is confused about why someone like her would ask him for advice. He has never been in love before, but he tries to give her honest and heartfelt advice.
The protagonist, Ryunosuke, runs into his childhood friend, Hinagata, who he hasn't talked to much since they entered their second year of high school. Ryunosuke had just officially informed his teacher that he was quitting the club, and he didn't want to be asked why he left, so he tried to leave. However, Hinagata stops him and tells him that he did his best and thanks him for his hard work. Ryunosuke remembers the first time he played catch with Hinagata and they reminisce about their childhood memories. The next day, they find out that they are in the same class and sit next to each other. They begin to have small talks during classes and breaks, and Ryunosuke finds out that Hinagata is popular and strong-willed but rejected confessions from people because she had feelings for someone else. Ryunosuke decides to consult with her to help and support her.
This is a heartwarming and nostalgic moment between childhood friends who have lost touch but find each other again. The author does a great job of capturing the awkwardness and familiarity of their reunion and how their friendship has changed since they were kids. The dialogue between Ryunosuke and Hinagata feels natural and genuine, and it's easy to root for their friendship to continue growing. The subtle hints of romance and Hinagata's unrequited feelings add depth to the story and make it more intriguing. This LN is a great example of how simple moments between friends can be just as impactful as grand gestures or dramatic plot twists.
As Ryunosuke counsels Shiori, he starts to see her in a new light and realizes that he has feelings for her. However, he is unsure if his childhood friend feels the same way. Shiori gives him subtle hints about the kind of person she likes, but he is too afraid to ask her directly if she is talking about him. This leads to some hilarious and heartwarming moments between the two characters.
One of the strengths of Osananajimi kara no Renai Soudan is its well-crafted characters. Ryunosuke is a relatable protagonist who is unsure of himself and his feelings, and Shiori is a complex character with her own insecurities and struggles. Their interactions are natural and believable, and the reader can't help but root for them to end up together.
The pacing of the story is also well done. It takes its time to develop the characters and their relationships, but it never feels slow or tedious. Each chapter reveals more about the characters and their motivations, and the story keeps the reader engaged throughout.
The art by Yatomi is gorgeous, and it adds an extra layer of depth to the story. The illustrations perfectly capture the emotions of the characters and enhance the overall reading experience.
Overall, Osananajimi kara no Renai Soudan is a fantastic light novel that is sure to delight fans of the romance genre. It has relatable characters, a well-crafted story, and beautiful art. The ending is satisfying, and it leaves the reader with a warm feeling of hope and happiness. If you are looking for a heartwarming and romantic story to read, Osananajimi kara no Renai Soudan is definitely worth checking out.
