Technically it's a solid 7.5 but I feel no regret in putting this on 8 since it's incredibly good for such a short-kinda of manga but it has some things that I understand and would've liked much more if it was fleshed out. But even as it is, I loved reading it!
It has a nice pace without feeling terribly rushed and there were a lot of surprises along the way that I liked seeing. "Precious life lessons" is also a nice way to put into it.
Nanami is such a lovely protagonist and I loved all the three boys (and know why it would be so difficult for readers to choose between "the actual perfect ML"). I like Ichijou a lot tho, but maybe it's because I'm okay with his type of awkward yet kind character. Chihiro is best boy™, deserves the world, and Ieiri surprised me a lot... they all need to be happy, that's my final thought.

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Those Not So Sweet Boys is the kind of manga that sneaks up on you with its charm. What starts as a seemingly familiar high school romance quickly grows into something heartfelt, engaging, and utterly addictive. If you’re a fan of wholesome stories with just the right dose of drama and emotional growth, this one’s for you.

The story follows Midori Nanami, a responsible and hardworking girl who accidentally gets wrapped up in the lives of three troublesome boys after a chance encounter. Tasked with helping them reintegrate into school life or risk losing her scholarship, Midori becomes the unexpected glue holding this unlikely group together. What follows is a slow-burn story filled with meaningful friendships, budding romance, and surprising emotional depth.

Each of the boys, especially the seemingly cold but deeply layered Rei Amamiya, has more to them than their aloof exteriors suggest. Watching them slowly open up to Midori (and to each other) is one of the manga’s most rewarding aspects. There’s a real sense of growth as the characters begin to trust, care, and change for the better.

The art is clean and expressive, perfectly capturing the sweet and awkward moments of young love. Mitsubachi Yuki’s signature style shines here, delivering soft emotions, heartfelt dialogue, and characters you can’t help but root for.

Those Not So Sweet Boys is exactly what the title implies, a story about people who aren’t perfect, but whose sincerity and emotional growth make them lovable. It’s sweet, honest, and full of warmth. Definitely a hidden gem in the world of school romance manga.

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