The Girls Around Me All Like My Best Friend, It Was Supposed to Be That Way

Nagatsuki Kouki’s best friend, Shimomura Taiyo, has been popular with girls since junior high school. Some girls approached Nagatsuki, but it was all just a means to get close to Shimomura Taiyo. Because Shimomura Taiyo was too popular, he kept getting into trouble, and the two of them chose high schools far away. However, for some reason, Kamiyama Fumika, from the same junior high school, was there as well. Furthermore, he saved two popular girls in his class, Mizusaki Yayoi and Satouchi Yoko, from being picked on, and they ended up spending their lunch break together. All three girls, Mizusaki Yayoi, Satouchi Yoko, and Kamiyama Fumika, were after Shimomura Taiyo, and it was supposed to be none of Nagatsuki Kouki’s business……

Original Publisher

kakuyomu

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on The Girls Around Me All Like My Best Friend, It Was Supposed to Be That Way "The Girls Around Me All Like My Best Friend, It Was Supposed to Be That Way" – quite the mouthful of a title, isn't it? I went into this one expecting a lighthearted, possibly chaotic, rom-com. What I found was a story with some genuinely heartwarming moments, but also a few stumbles along the way. ### First Impressions The premise definitely grabbed my attention. The idea of girls initially interested in the MC's best friend eventually falling for him instead has a lot of potential for comedic misunderstandings and sweet romantic development. The initial chapters delivered on that promise, setting up an interesting dynamic between the characters. The school life setting felt familiar and comfortable, which I always appreciate in a slice-of-life story. ### What Works Well The strongest aspect of this novel, in my opinion, is its potential for creating heartwarming moments. The author clearly aims to deliver a story about friendship, love, and self-discovery. I found myself invested in the budding relationships, especially the main pairing of Nagatsuki and Kamiyama. The "love interest falls in love first" trope is executed reasonably well, making for some cute and engaging scenes. ### Areas of Concern However, I did find myself agreeing with some common criticisms. The pacing felt uneven at times, with certain plot points dragging on longer than necessary. I also felt that the introduction of additional characters, like the student council president, diverted attention from the core relationships without adding significant value to the overall narrative. The initial premise felt somewhat abandoned, leading to some inconsistencies in character development. The story seemed to struggle with figuring out its direction after the initial setup. ### Final Verdict "The Girls Around Me All Like My Best Friend, It Was Supposed to Be That Way" is a mixed bag. It has moments of genuine charm and heartwarming romance, but it's also plagued by pacing issues and a somewhat muddled plot. While the premise is intriguing, the execution could be refined. If you're looking for a light read with a focus on romance and don't mind some narrative bumps along the way, this might be worth checking out. However, if you prioritize tight plotting and well-developed characters, you might find yourself a little disappointed.