“Tsukiatte Ageteru” ga Kuchiguse no Daunaa de Ue Kara Mesen no Kanojo ni, “Hoka ni Suki na Hito ga Dekita” to Messeeji wo Okuttara Dou Naru ka Kenshou Shite Mita.

「I’m just doing him the favor of dating me.」 That was the catchphrase of my girlfriend ── Sakura Miharu. A downer, moody, yet a very beautiful and popular girl. Miharu and I have been childhood friends since forever, and I’ve always had a crush on her. But Miharu never gave plain old me a second glance. I could never convey my feelings to her and had almost given up on my love. However, right after we entered high school, for some reason, she said to me. 「If you really want to, I don’t mind dating you.」 And from there, my hellish life began. I couldn’t even hold hands with her properly, and Miharu treated me like a servant. She made me the bu*t of jokes in front of everyone, had me run errands like a lackey, and always laughed saying, “I’m just doing him the favor of dating me.” After nearly half a year of this life, on the way back from a date, Miharu said. 「──I’m bored, so let’s break up.」 Something inside me broke. Like a spell that had been cast for a long time has finally been lifted. Miharu immediately apologized jokingly. To her, I sent a message back. ──Sorry, but I found someone else I like. This is the story of a girl who suffers, regrets, becomes jealous, cries, and apologizes until the very end, and what happens after she apologizes.

Original Publisher

kakuyomu

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on “Tsukiatte Ageteru” ga Kuchiguse no Daunaa de Ue Kara Mesen no Kanojo ni, “Hoka ni Suki na Hito ga Dekita” to Messeeji wo Okuttara Dou Naru ka Kenshou Shite Mita. This title is quite a mouthful, I know, but underneath the lengthy name lies a story that really surprised me. Initially, I thought I was diving into a fairly standard revenge-harem setup. I was pleasantly proven wrong. This novel delves into the complexities of its characters and the psychological baggage they carry, making for a far more thoughtful experience than I anticipated. ### First Impressions The beginning does lull you into a false sense of security. You expect the typical tropes – the ex-girlfriend who regrets her decision, the sudden influx of girls vying for the protagonist's attention. However, it quickly becomes apparent that this isn't your average wish-fulfillment fantasy. Instead, I found myself drawn into a narrative that felt more like a light thriller, where everyone has secrets and hidden depths. ### What Works Well What truly shines here is the character development. The characters are multifaceted, and their actions, even when morally questionable, are understandable within the context of their past experiences. The protagonist is a breath of fresh air – he's not dense or oblivious, and he demonstrates a maturity in handling relationships that's rare to see. His ability to reject a girl for valid reasons, showing he's serious about relationships, was a pleasant surprise. Furthermore, the novel tackles themes of self-worth and personal verification in a way that prompts genuine reflection. I also appreciate the translation, which makes the story very accessible. ### Areas of Concern While I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, the ending did leave me a little wanting. The final chapters take a philosophical turn, which, while not inherently bad, felt somewhat pretentious to me. It nearly bogged down the story's conclusion. The open-ended nature of the ending, while perhaps intentional, didn’t quite satisfy my desire for closure. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some users have noted the ex-girlfriend's backstory is quite complex and heartbreaking. Her actions stem from deep-seated issues, making her a sympathetic, albeit flawed, character. The "best friend" is also seen as a potentially manipulative figure, adding another layer of intrigue. ### Final Verdict Despite some minor issues with the ending, "“Tsukiatte Ageteru” ga Kuchiguse no Daunaa de Ue Kara Mesen no Kanojo ni, “Hoka ni Suki na Hito ga Dekita” to Messeeji wo Okuttara Dou Naru ka Kenshou Shite Mita" is a captivating read. It's a coming-of-age story wrapped in a deceptive package, exploring the messy pasts and complex relationships of its characters. If you're looking for something short, bittersweet, and thought-provoking, I highly recommend giving this a try. I give it a solid 4/5.