Chikasugiru Karera no, Juunanasai no Tooi Kankei

Sakamoto Kenichi lives with a distant relative, a girl named Izumi Rina, in the house he shares with his mother. Rina’s reserved personality, caring nature, and defenselessness from growing up in an all-girls school make Kenichi, who is troubled by his distance from others, aware of adolescent sexuality for the first time. Seventeen years old, Kenichi tries to hide the fact that he is living under the same roof with a girl the same age as him from his friends, but Mori Yuriko, his childhood friend, finds out, and the distance between them changes slightly. A love story that reflects a seventeen-year-old in the throes of a sensitive and volatile relationship.

Original Publisher

famitsu bunko

Original Language

japanese

Type

Light Novel

## My Thoughts on Chikasugiru Karera no, Juunanasai no Tooi Kankei "Chikasugiru Karera no, Juunanasai no Tooi Kankei" promised a sweet romance with childhood friends and cohabitation, a trope I often enjoy. After diving in, I found a story that, while generally pleasant, had some elements that left me wanting more. ### First Impressions The premise itself is quite appealing: childhood friends navigating the complexities of teenage romance while living together. It sets the stage for plenty of heartwarming and potentially dramatic moments. I was ready for a journey filled with first love, awkward confessions, and the challenges of growing up. ### What Works Well The story's strength lies in its realistic plot development. The progression of the relationship between the main characters feels natural, even if it's not always what I personally hoped for. There's a certain charm in seeing how their bond evolves through everyday interactions and shared experiences. The absence of overly dramatic and annoying conflicts is also a plus. It makes for a relatively relaxing read, perfect for when you're looking for something light and heartwarming. ### Areas of Concern However, the novel isn't without its flaws. At times, the narrative felt a bit "bland," lacking a certain spark to truly captivate me. I found myself occasionally struggling to stay fully engaged, needing to push through certain sections. Also, the main character's indecisiveness can be frustrating. While it might be a realistic portrayal of a teenager grappling with his feelings, it can also test your patience. The inclusion of excessive exposition, some of which felt like filler, also detracted from the overall flow of the story. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, let's talk about *that* ending. I know I can't be the only one who felt the "best girl" didn't win! The victorious heroine's personality… well, it rubbed me the wrong way. From criticizing the protagonist's character to intruding on his family life and then resorting to the silent treatment, her actions felt off-putting. Especially considering she had ample opportunity to express her feelings before the other girl even entered the picture. ### Final Verdict Overall, "Chikasugiru Karera no, Juunanasai no Tooi Kankei" is a decent read with moments of genuine sweetness and relatable characters. While it might not be the most groundbreaking romance novel out there, its realistic portrayal of relationships and lack of unnecessary drama make it an enjoyable experience. Just be prepared for a potentially frustrating protagonist and an ending that might not align with your personal preferences. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.