Manga 111953 Hananoi-kun To Koi No Yamai

I would honestly say that this is not like any typical shoujo/romance series. The way the characters are very skillfully written, their personalities, how they interact with each other, their character development, it's obvious how much thought the author put into each of them.

I get why a lot of people drop this in the beginning, ML starts off as an obvious red flag (hence the title literally meaning "Hananoi-kun and the Disease of Love"), he was pretty much borderline lovebombing all his past girlfriends and he just went out with whoever asked him out first, even I won't defend him on this because it ... was that bad. If this was real life, I'd suggest he go see a professional and get some therapy. His lack of love from his parents and how he took an old man's advice the wrong way doesn't excuse him for his actions but at least it would help the readers understand why he is the way he is. It's such a waste how people drop this after only a few chapters because they're missing out a lot.

I understood him more too because there was also an actual reason why he asked Hotaru out, it wasn't just some kind of spur of the moment, love at first sight or whatever. He was a bit extreme at first but it's not like Hananoi treated her badly, in fact he always asked for Hotaru's consent for everything and I commend Hotaru for being able to tell him how she feels about his actions so he never did anything that would make her feel unsafe or uncomfortable, he respected her immensely. This isn't a "I can fix him" kind of relationship, it's just that Hotaru understood him and liked him the way he is because they actually communicate with each other. As the story progresses, Hananoi slowly accepts that deep inside he also wanted to have friends and he can't depend on just one person (Hotaru) for his social needs, the character development is crazy, it feels like watching a child grow up and mature. I would honestly choose to defend the Hananoi now(I'm at chapter 49 at the time of writing this) with all my heart and soul if anyone would still insist that he's a red flag, I would like to protect both him and Hotaru and I just want them to be happy.

I'm 17 chapters in and I really love this manga! It's a cute premise with their "trial run relationship" and their contrasting personailites make them a really enjoyable couple. Hotaru is ignorant to love and Hananoi is almost dedicated to the idea of it, and together they help teach each other how to be a good partner. As someone on the aromantic spectrum Hotaru is extremely relatable and it just makes her scenes with Hananoi carry a much bigger punch. They are a very cute and accepting couple, communicating with each other their feelings and loving each other for who they are. Whenever ... there is an issue between them they always work together to come to an understanding or improoved for each other. It's very cute seeing their puppy love story play out. A must read for any arospec people and a high tier recommendation to all shojo lovers!!

So I think the most polarizing thing here is obviously going to be Saki Hananoi, our protagonist's relentless stalker I mean love interest. Is getting his hair cut based on an off hand comment endearing? Or would your heart sing when your persuer spends all night looking through the snow for your hair clip, putting his health at risk for the tiniest chance to make you smile? If he hasn't won you over yet, then certainly revealing their shrine to you sounds like a romantic date?


Oh honey, I hope not. Which would be fine enough, but this is all portrayed with complete sincerity from ... the author. This guy would be hit with a restraining order so fast in real life, but here it's portrayed as being endearing, even noble. This book will definitely be a good work out for your suspension of disbelief if nothing else. If you haven't applied for Team Hananoi, you're left with a few cute moments and some good art. But in the end, I've seen cuter moments, and prettier art.