Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Danjo no Yuujou wa Seiritsu suru? (Iya, Shinai!!)
"Can a boy and girl just be friends? (No, they can't!!)" That's the question this rom-com seems to be asking, and after diving into it, I've got some thoughts. It's a story about childhood friends, Yuu and Himari, navigating the tricky waters of friendship, romance, and, well, a whole lot of drama.
First Impressions
Initially, the premise intrigued me. Childhood friends slowly realizing their feelings for each other is a trope I often enjoy. The slice-of-life and school life elements also appealed to my taste for lighthearted stories. However, I quickly found myself conflicted, as some aspects really worked for me while others fell flat.
What Works Well
The core of the story, the evolving relationship between Yuu and Himari, has its moments. There's a certain sweetness to their interactions, especially as they become more aware of each other. I appreciated the story's willingness to portray flawed characters. It's refreshing when characters aren't perfect and their struggles feel relatable, even if a bit over the top at times. The side character Enomoto is also a bright spot, someone I found myself rooting for.
Areas of Concern
Honestly, Himari's characterization is where things started to wobble for me. I found her behavior quite off-putting at times. Her seemingly egotistical nature and the unnecessary drama she brings into the story made it difficult for me to fully invest in her romantic arc with Yuu. The plot occasionally felt dragged out, and some of the character decisions felt unreasonable, adding to my frustration.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, let's talk spoilers for a sec. Some plot points really tested my patience. Himari's actions after realizing Yuu's attention was shifting to Enomoto seemed excessive and borderline manipulative. And Yuu's willingness to drop everything for Himari, even considering leaving school, felt like a step backward in his character development.
Final Verdict
"Danjo no Yuujou wa Seiritsu suru? (Iya, Shinai!!)" is a mixed bag. While the core romance and flawed characters offer some appeal, the execution, particularly Himari's character and the drawn-out plot, left me wanting more. It's a story with potential, but it needs some serious refinement to fully win me over. If you're a die-hard fan of the childhood friends-to-lovers trope and can tolerate some questionable character choices, you might find something to enjoy here. Otherwise, proceed with caution.
