High school is usually a game of keeping up appearances, but Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura are playing on a completely different level. To everyone at school, Hori is the ultimate social butterfly—bright, popular, and effortlessly academic. But once the bell rings, she sheds the flashy persona to become a dedicated homebody, juggling housework and looking after her younger brother. Then there is Miyamura, the quiet, unapproachable guy in the back of the class who everyone assumes is a total nerd. Little does anyone know, under that oversized uniform and gloomy bangs hides a rebellious soul covered in piercings and tattoos.

When a chance encounter brings their secret lives crashing together, an unlikely bond forms that is as hilarious as it is heartwarming. Watching these two peel back their layers and find comfort in someone who truly sees them for who they are is what makes this series a gold standard for the rom-com genre. It is a sweet, sometimes bitter, and absolutely addictive dive into the chaos of youth and the masks we wear. This edition even features 12 extra chapters to give you even more time with this iconic cast.

If you are craving more stories about the complicated highs and lows of being a teenager, you should definitely check out the emotional journey of Ao Haru Ride or dive into the refreshing school-life drama of Blue Box.

Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life, School Life, High School, Rom-com, Seinen, Secret Identity, Heartwarming, Youth