While the scenario of having fake relationship is by no mean original, this story executes it very well and it was a very enjoyable read. The story is solid, the author does not make use of cliches and I particularly like the fact that details not related to the main story are only mentioned in passing.

Yuzu (FMC) asks Yamato (MC) to be her pretend boyfriend in order to achieve a certain purpose. What I like is that Yuzu isn't just using Yamato. She has prepared a befitting reward for him... more>> to do the job and makes a real effort to befriend him and get to know him better as a part of this fake relationship and makes it a worthwhile experience for him too. Her narcissistic comments are basically just friendly banter and she isn't acting high and mighty at all.

Yamato isn't your average cringy loner who doesn't know how to interact with people either. While he's certainly a loner, he knows how to read the mood and play along with Yuzu's jokes.

I really like the chemistry between the two and look forward to future developments.

Note: The main LN focuses more on school life drama rather than the sweetness between the two. There are scenes where you'll scream "cute!" but it won't give you diabetes.

Update: Finished volume 2. It is just as great as the first volume. <<less

I like this novel so far, the main characters' flirting (without realizing that they are flirting) kind of reminds me of Ending Maker. They have to "pretend" to date each other and end up getting closer in the process.

Spoilers!

Pros: extremely easy to read.

Cons: pretty much everything else.

... more>> 80% of the story is excessive (yet cute) flirting with no real purpose. What's left of the plot couldn't have been more stereotypical: riajuu x loner "fake" couple with "opposites attract" vibes (check), lots of "misunderstanding" moments (check), FL being jealous of MC's childhood friend (check), extreme amounts of idle and meaningless chatter that doesn't contribute to any story development (check), etc.

That itself isn't particularly a bad thing for a romcom, but what's discouraging is the author's lack of imagination & creativity. For instance, the whole point for Yuzu to form a fake couple with MC was to help Kotani confess to Sota. Seems logical. But when Sota firmly rejects Kotani, clearly stating he has no interest in her, it was a good opportunity for the story to develop further, to switch scopes to something else. But guess what, our "fake" couple just decided to "try to help her confess one more time" and stay together under that pretext again. Very innovative and refreshing.

Characters are also rather uninspiring and shallow.

My biggest disappointment was MC who himself declared to be an introvert. On paper. But in fact his only semi-loner characteristic was his passion for gaming. He turned out to be a former point-guard and a basketball team captain (!), who dumped his girlfriend in middle school on a whim after hitting on her. He casually talks to all the riajuus, manipulating them and setting them up on the fly like it's nothing, taking proactive positions and issuing commanding orders left and right when it comes to organizing events, performing as an actor.. Introvert my ass. And his excuse for this is that he actually doesn't like it because it's too taxing. I'm not convinced, sorry. That ruins the whole idea of being a loner in a relationship with a riajuu. In reality MC fits perfectly into Yuzu's clique and his "creepiness" is just a facade that is only used as a pretext to make jokes.

Yuzu is just your typical cheerful and cute girl, who tries to hide her flaws by putting on an act while being "afraid" to show her true self (as if there is any). In vol 1 it seemed that she truly liked games like MC (which felt pretty artificial regarding her character), but in vol 3 she abruptly lost all interest in them despite spending weeks playing. Which again seemed like a pretext to create an illusion that she and MC got something in common. In fact the only thing she really liked about MC was his ability to take initiative and be proactive. This is, hands down, very true in terms of realism, but we are not here for that, aren't we?

Don't really want to spend any time discussing side characters as they mostly act as dummies (with the exception of Hina, maybe). No real character development, no meaningful inner-conflicts, no acting out their free-will, no solid motives, no nothing.

Kotani is just mindlessly set on "confessing to Sota" throughout the whole story in order for MCs to have a reason to stay together.

Sota is supposed to like Yuzu, but stubbornly refuses to show any signs of that in his behavior, lacks motivation and overall has completely emotionless and "sterile" personality.

Their third buddy has no character at all.

All in all. A disappointing, yet a relaxing and easy read. Seemingly big potential in vol 1 that turned out to be a fluke further on. <<less

You know I learned something about myself after reading this, that I've matured enough to be not that bothered when there's an annoying character in the novel... The fMC is not the most lovable thing you could find, she has blatant flaws but also has surprisingly cute side to her, BUUUUUUT... I can't help but think the combination of her personalities is a perfect recipe for a manipulator in real life... but yeah this is just more of a wholesomeness with a tad bit of drama.. Alas the wholesomeness went... more>> more to the side stories and the ending was cut short much faster than I would've preferred... MC used to be a chad but later embraced his actual self of introvertedness that's a pretty rare treat and their casual banter was also fun to read... <<less

This is the best of the "we're fake dating" stories by far. Also the loner/popular pretty girl stories. Not that it has to face high standards in that regard, but it is truly above the rest. For one, the author actually knows how to write comedy and banter, and the romance scenes don't feel like they were copy pasted like a lot of the romcoms on this site. There is some drama in this story, but its pretty light, it does a good job at providing some stakes to the... more>> relationship between the two protagonists without overstaying its welcome. It's a tried-and-true romcom, that doesn't waste a lot of time like some do. Both of the protagonists are funny characters that I couldn't get enough of. My only real complaint is I wish there were more short stories, they were cute af. <<less

It's one of the better romcom I've ever read. MC and FMC interactions are cute and funny. I like how MC himself is some reliable person too. Though their confession was drag out a bit longer than it should and there're not enough after story. But overall is a really good novel to read.

Also. Another plus for me because I like how the author made MC and FMC played Tales of Symphonia together lol

I really like school life romcoms that do not go down a trope rabbit hole and consider this one as one of those. The story has a few twists and turns without getting blown out of proportions, dragging on or getting repetitive, following a rather simple goal from start to the end. The characters behave in a realistic appropriately mature (and immature) way for their age without feeling artificial and their interactions are funny yet feel natural.

Also I must note that the translation by the Foxaholic group is great, it... more>> was like balsam for sore eyes after being damaged from reading a lot of MTL's... <<less

I really like the interaction between the primary characters. The MC is not a shy/pathetic character, but rather has a charisma that may entice the FMC later on. The premise is rather basic, but their connection and the way they pick on each other make it interesting and refreshing.

Easily my favorite Romcom @ NU right now. I like the fact that although MC is a loner, he isn't a pushover. He's got iniative and is actually a very popular person when needed. Now, the FMC is narccisistic but endearing. She cares for others, sometimes even above her own well-being. Their interaction are gold, might be one of the best character interactions in romcoms. (Go for SSes for sugar). Maybe I just love bickering couples

The actual drama in the main storyline is actually pretty interesting. It is a very... more>> realistic problem high schoolers can have. Now, the side stories are very very very good. I might say that they are better than most romcoms even though its just sides.

Last but not least, thank you for chocolala and Seiryuu for translating. <<less

8.5/10

I love the relationship between the MC and fMC, its really cute and sugary sometimes, and the drama arcs weren't bad. If theres one thing I want to complain about, it's how vague the MC and fmc's relationship is made by the author. Even after technically (sincerely) confessing, they still remain a "fake couple" and don't make it official even though they act (and flirt) like a real couple.

Otherwise though, amazing novel, I really recommend reading it if you love sugary slice of life romcoms

I didn't really have high expectations for this kind of story at first. But turns out that this is such a great novel, easily one of the best japan romcom I've read so far.

MC is a chad that's for sure, but FL is not fallen behind either. Their chemistry just is so good. FL's narcissistic may be annoying for some people but she really suit my taste so I enjoy it so much.

Just give it a try, if it's suit your taste then believe me it's worth your time to... more>> continue till the latest volume. The story is consistent so far. <<less

Easily one of the best novel of its genre out there, if you want a good romcom with awesome lead characters and good interactions then just sit down and start reading it.......

This is one of the best romcom LN I have ever read (maybe in top 3), I'm really looking foward to read vol 2, but also the side stories also very sweet, a good way to spend time waiting for vol 2

The 1st volume was awesome. One of the best I have read and I have read a fair share of light novels. While it may seem to copy the pretend lovers trope this is a lot better than other novels of the same trope and the ending of the 1st volume was mind blowing.

LOving the dynamic between the main characters. The MC is not some shy/pathetic guy but actually has a personality that might attract the FMC later on. The story is quite typical however, their relationship and the way picker at each other keeps it fun and refreshing

This is one of those stories I think every Romcom fan should read, even if it isn't the best. The plot is pretty mediocre but I can ignore it since the characters are amazing. Their development throughout the series is really good and their chemistry makes reading so much fun. I haven't had this much enjoyment reading a romcom in quite a long time. My biggest gripe is honestly that its so short. I'm glad the author didn't stretch the series out to 10 volumes, unlike other authors *cough cough*... more>> Roshidere *cough cough* but I feel they could have written at least one more volume.

Spoiler

Ending the series on a confession is absolutely mind boggling

[collapse]

Unfortunately, the author seems to not be interested in writing anything else. Their Kakuyomu page is dead and they wrote another novel that seems to have been axed after two volumes so I'm assuming this series got the same treatment (They seemed to want to write a fourth volume in the V3 afterward). The last thing they wrote was an extra story for new years 2023 (or is it 2022?) that takes place a few days after the final volume. It's sad they probably will never write a continuation, but it does leave what happens after to our imagination.

Overall, give it a read if you have the time. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. <<less

I have to say this one takes a VERY, VERY long time for it to become what its reviews say it is, but regardless it is still good. WOULD RECOMMEND hyaku pacento.

To start it's a really good novel. No unnecessary harem (not until volume 2 but I haven't read that far and don't plan to), the MC is pretty relatable for a change and I don't find him annoying and all developments makes sense. The reason I rated it so low is the FMC she's just super annoying. Don't get me wrong I know I might be the only one who thinks that or maybe everyone thinks that and find that annoying-ness cute like the MC but I just don't. Its... more>> a shame that I found such a great LN but I'm not interested cause the FMC's not my type : ( <<less

It was a short but sweet story recommended for anyone who loves romcom like myself

thanks to the translator for giving us this goodness

Definitely without a question one of my fav romcom LNs

this was a great read. I loved the dynamic between the MC and the fl. (Also, the side characters were enjoyable when they appeared too)

the FL reminds me of teruhashi from saiki k (who I also adored), narcissitic and 'perfect', but still really good people that do their best for their friends and everyone around them.

MC is very interesting too, I enjoyed his character a lot. He isn't a 'woe is me' loner, just someone who prefers their own company most of the time, and the story explores things... more>> that led to that realization.

It has a few moments where im like 'ehhh' but it's still a very good ln <<less