Koibito Daikō no Baito o Hajimeta ore, Nazedarou… Fukusū no Bishōjo Kara Shimei Irai ga Haitte Kuru (LN)

This sense of distance―― It’s sad and frustrating. Ryoma Shiba, a University student who lacks money, searches for a part-time job with a high hourly wage. On the other hand, Himeno Kashiwagi is a girl who proclaims she has no interest in love but wants a boyfriend. At the same time, they both hear about “Lover agent” from their friends and immediately register, unexpectedly scheduling a date with one another. On the day of their first meeting, they were both nervous, but despite that, they held hands and drank tapioca, passing the time as a couple would. In the midst of all this, Himeno’s friend discovers them, and the situation gets awkward. When Himeno had trouble explaining, Ryoma lies, saying they were “dating”. Ryoma acts as a real boyfriend, making Himeno’s heart pound… This is a real love story that begins with a rental relationship.

Original Publisher

kadokawa sneaker bunko

Original Language

japanese

Type

Light Novel

## My Thoughts on Koibito Daikō no Baito o Hajimeta ore, Nazedarou… Fukusū no Bishōjo Kara Shimei Irai ga Haitte Kuru (LN) ### First Impressions Okay, so "Koibito Daikō no Baito o Hajimeta ore, Nazedarou… Fukusū no Bishōjo Kara Shimei Irai ga Haitte Kuru" – try saying that five times fast! – is a mouthful, but the premise is pretty straightforward: a guy takes on a rent-a-boyfriend gig. Right off the bat, I was intrigued by the comparisons to "Rent-a-Girlfriend," but with the promise of a less frustrating protagonist. That alone was enough to pique my interest. ### What Works Well What immediately grabbed me, and what seems to be a common sentiment, is the MC. Unlike some of those… *other* romance protagonists, Ryoma Shiba is actually a decent human being. He's not a wimp, he's not overly perverted, and he's got his head on his shoulders. He's working to support his sister, and he's generally a mature and thoughtful dude. That's a huge plus in my book. The heroines are also a strong point. They each have distinct personalities and their own baggage, which makes them feel more than just cardboard cutouts. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic with Aira, the rich girl who craves familial love. The interactions are sweet and fluffy, and the author does a solid job of fleshing out their individual struggles. The story is a refreshing take on the rom-com genre, especially with the MC using common sense and smarts. ### Areas of Concern While I generally enjoyed the story, I did notice some potential pitfalls. Several readers expressed concern about the pacing, particularly in the later volumes. It seems like some plot threads are left dangling or resolved in a way that feels rushed. Another concern is that the story might veer into harem territory, which, for some, is a major turn-off. I can understand that frustration, especially if you're expecting a more focused romance. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers noted that Aira and Hazuki's character arcs felt incomplete, with Aira disappearing abruptly and Hazuki not getting enough development. Also, there is a mention of differences between the LN and WN versions of the story, with some readers feeling the WN does a better job of developing the heroines and their relationships with Ryoma. ### Final Verdict Overall, I found "Koibito Daikō no Baito o Hajimeta ore, Nazedarou… Fukusū no Bishōjo Kara Shimei Irai ga Haitte Kuru (LN)" to be a solid and enjoyable read. The strong protagonist and charming heroines make it a worthwhile entry in the rom-com genre. While there are some pacing issues and potential for harem tropes, the overall experience is positive. If you're looking for a lighthearted and fluffy romance with a likable MC, this might just be up your alley.