A Side Character's Love Story

by Akane Tamura

Synopsis:

The last year of Nobuko and Hiroki's time together as college students is upon them.

It's springtime, and job hunting is in full swing for college seniors. Hiroki does his best to support Nobuko, who is caught between studying for the civil service exam and searching for a private sector job. Facing her first real barrier of entry into society, Nobuko worries for the future. What can Hiroki say to help when she begins losing sight of herself?

Volume eleven of Akane Tamura’s A Side Character’s Love Story keeps up on the theme of the last volume: Nobuko and Hiroki are growing up, having different sorts of trouble, and sometimes being kept apart by circumstance.

It’s really quite a bit of development for Nobuko as a character, with Hiroki somewhat in the background, as Nobuko tries to navigate interviewing for jobs and figuring out what she wants to do, and how to show her interest and passion for it. As ever, Hiroki is willing to support her no matter what, and shows his support even when the outcome isn’t what he might prefer.

Really, they’re #relationshipgoals.

Rating: 4/5

A Side Character's Love Story

by Akane Tamura

Synopsis:

"What can I do to move towards a future with you?"

As spring rolls around, Nobuko and Hiroki celebrate their birthdays together. Their third year of college brings with it a number of changes, causing plenty of anxiety for Nobuko -- until Hiroki makes a suggestion... The two of them begin fumbling towards a future after graduation, even as they grapple with their more affectionate impulses.

Volume ten of Akane Tamura’s A Side Character’s Love Story is all about Hiroki and Nobuko navigating their relationship as it becomes both more settled and a bit more difficult — when they’re rushed off their feet, studying hard, and not able to see each other so often, so there’s a risk of distance and growing apart.

I really love that they repeatedly communicate their way through problems and make promises to each other about it. It’s cute, and also a great model for how you can work through a relationship if you’re brave enough to talk — even when that’s difficult, as it is for Nobuko.

Rating: 4/5

A Side Character's Love Story

by Akane Tamura

Synopsis:

"Up till now, even kissing or holding hands has made me so nervous. But now..."

An unexpected mix-up leads to a year-end excursion for Nobuko and Hiroki, who find themselves sharing a hotel room rather suddenly. But as their night alone with each other begins, neither one feels quite prepared... A turning point approaches in the love story of these side characters, as feelings of affection begin to blossom into something more.

Volume nine of A Side Character’s Love Story sees Nobuko try to visit home… and get the day wrong, leading to a need to stay in a hotel. And of course, Hiroki comes to the rescue and joins her (and since I’m always telling you all this is adorable, it is really adorable how eager he is to come and spend the time with her, and see her hometown).

I expected to find parts of this really painfully embarrassing given the whole “there’s only one bed” plot… but I love how Hiroki tries to set Nobuko at her ease and make the situation feel better, and the way they (as ever) talk through their problems. And he gets to meet her family a little too! So the embarrassment squick wasn’t nearly as bad as one would think.

And of course, it’s another little step forward for them…

Rating: 4/5

A Side Character's Love Story

by Akane Tamura

Synopsis:

Winter is here, and the first Christmas that Tanaka-san and Irie-kun will spend together as a couple approaches. The two of them make plans to bake a cake together at Tanaka-san's place. As Christmas begins, they're both a little nervous: it's the first time she's invited a boy over, and the first time he's been in a girl's room. In the midst of it, Irie-kun works up the courage to ask for their second kiss... The heat of their love grows stronger in volume 8.

Volume eight of Akane Tamura’s A Side Character’s Love Story is super cute. I know I keep saying that all of it is cute, and it really is, but it’s turbo-charged here. Hiroki and Nobuko spend Christmas together, and also he gets sick and she goes over to nurse him a little. The glasses scene… be still my heart.

In terms of the arc of their relationship, nothing much changes here except that they get more confident with one another, with showing how they care for each other and treating each other as partners rather than just coworkers (something they struggled with even once they were together, at first).

One criticism: arrghh stop taking your masks off when one of you is sick! Wear them properly!

Rating: 4/5