Being the Sidekick in a Romantic Comedy Isn’t Easy!

A mysterious beautiful transfer student, a gorgeous classmate, a cute stepsister, a lovely junior, and a stunning student council president. Surrounded by all these beautiful girls, one might think I, Subaru Aoba, am living an exciting high school life… but no, it’s actually my best friend, Tsukasa Asahi. That’s right, I’m not the main character, just the carefree best friend. This is the story of a romantic comedy harem with beautiful girls, the protagonist… and his best friend as an extra.

Original Publisher

kakuyomu

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Being the Sidekick in a Romantic Comedy Isn’t Easy! Okay, let's dive into "Being the Sidekick in a Romantic Comedy Isn’t Easy!" I went in expecting a lighthearted, trope-filled romp, but I got something a little different, a little deeper, and definitely a little… slower. ### First Impressions My initial impression was one of slight impatience. The beginning felt like a *very* long prologue. It took a while for me to really get invested, like I was waiting for the story to actually *start*. I wasn't sure if I was going to keep going. ### What Works Well Once the story hits its stride (around chapter 60, from what I've seen), things really pick up. The focus shifts from simple rom-com antics to a more character-driven narrative exploring themes of past mistakes, guilt, and personal growth. I found this shift refreshing. The character interactions are well-written, and I appreciated the depth given to the protagonist and those around him. The author clearly put a lot of thought into the characters' backstories and motivations, and it really pays off. The friendship between characters feels genuine, and the story explores the complexities of those relationships in a satisfying way. The build-up is slow, but the payoff is worth it. ### Areas of Concern The slow pace is definitely a double-edged sword. While the extensive prologue allows for thorough character development, it might deter some readers who are looking for a quicker, more action-packed story. Also, the student council president's storyline felt a little contrived and convenient to me. It felt like a plot device rather than an organic part of the narrative. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning I'm going to try to keep this vague to avoid ruining anything, but one thing I noticed is that this story is not your typical romance. Romance is present, but it's not the central focus. It's more about the characters' journeys of self-discovery and healing. Be prepared for some emotional moments and potentially some darker themes. ### Final Verdict Overall, "Being the Sidekick in a Romantic Comedy Isn’t Easy!" is a surprisingly engaging story that subverts expectations. While the slow start and some plot conveniences might be off-putting to some, the strong character development and exploration of deeper themes make it a worthwhile read. If you're willing to be patient and invest in the characters, you'll be rewarded with a story that's both heartwarming and thought-provoking.