Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Everyone Thinks that I Like Him
"Everyone Thinks that I Like Him" promised a fluffy, comedic romance, and for the most part, it delivered. This novel takes the classic misunderstanding trope and runs with it, creating a scenario ripe for humor and heartwarming moments. While it wasn't without its flaws, I found myself charmed by the characters and their journey.
First Impressions
The premise is simple: the MC innocently takes a photo, and suddenly, everyone is convinced he's head-over-heels for the ML. The initial chapters were definitely amusing, watching the chaos unfold as friends and classmates jumped to conclusions. I was immediately drawn to the potential for lighthearted fun and the promise of a sweet romance. However, some of the early interactions, specifically the meddling of the MC's friends, did raise a few red flags for me.
What Works Well
The strength of this novel truly lies in its characters. The author has created believable and relatable individuals, especially the MC and ML. Their interactions felt organic, and I appreciated the slow-burn development of their relationship. It was refreshing to see a romance built on genuine friendship and trust, where both characters supported each other's growth. I particularly enjoyed the realistic portrayal of family dynamics, especially the varying levels of acceptance surrounding their relationship. The side characters also added a lot of flavor to the story. They were hilarious and essential in making the story more interesting and hilarious. The translator did a very good job delivering this story too, congratulations!
Areas of Concern
While I enjoyed the humor, the constant misunderstandings did wear thin at times. It felt like the side characters were overly invested in the MC and ML's relationship, to the point where it felt like a public spectacle rather than a genuine connection. I can see how this could be cute to other readers. Additionally, some readers may empathize too much with the protagonist and it completely ruined their experience. I’ve been in situations where I’m misunderstood in similar ways and no one would believe me, so reading this made me remember the feeling in those times and become as genuinely angry as the protag. Don’t recommend this if you read in “first person view” and sympathize too much with the main character, it will feel very forced.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers felt that the ending was a little bland, that there wasn't much giving of the ML feelings before it. MC had the most s*upid reason for not understanding his feelings towards ml, and when they finally got together there wasn't that fluffy or passionate reaction I don't think it was realistic either.
Final Verdict
Overall, "Everyone Thinks that I Like Him" is a delightful and fluffy read perfect for those seeking a lighthearted school romance. While the constant misunderstandings might not be for everyone, the well-developed characters, sweet relationship, and humorous situations make it an enjoyable experience. If you're looking for a feel-good story with a focus on character interaction and a dash of realism, this novel is definitely worth checking out.
