After Marrying My Childhood Friend Who Was Supposed To Hate Me for Being a Gloomy Person, It Turns Out That She Actually Loves Me Very Much. She’s a Cool Takane No Hana on the Outside, but She’s Completely in Love With Me.the Girls Are Curious to Talk to Me, but Sorry, I’m Already Married

My Thoughts on After Marrying My Childhood Friend Who Was Supposed To Hate Me for Being a Gloomy Person, It Turns Out That She Actually Loves Me Very Much. She’s a Cool Takane No Hana on the Outside, but She’s Completely in Love With Me.the Girls Are Curious to Talk to Me, but Sorry, I’m Already Married

Okay, that title is a mouthful. Let's just call it "After Marrying My Childhood Friend" for sanity's sake. I went into this novel with a bit of hope, I'll admit. Childhood friend romances can be really sweet. However, my experience was… mixed, to say the least.

First Impressions

The premise is certainly intriguing: a gloomy guy unexpectedly finds himself married to his cool, popular childhood friend who apparently harbors secret feelings for him. It sounds like a recipe for fluffy, heartwarming romance with a bit of comedy thrown in. Unfortunately, the execution left me wanting.

What Works Well

Honestly, the female lead is the strongest point of this novel. She's portrayed as a dedicated and affectionate wife, showering the male lead with attention and support. She's essentially the dream girl archetype, and I can see why some readers might find her appealing. Her unwavering affection is the main draw.

Areas of Concern

My biggest issue lies with the male lead. He is, to put it mildly, frustrating. He's portrayed as incredibly dense, failing to grasp his wife's obvious affections even after she's practically spelling it out for him. His constant self-deprecation and lack of self-confidence make him difficult to root for. I found myself wishing he would just take a chance and embrace the relationship.

The plot also feels rather thin. Beyond the initial setup of the arranged marriage and the wife's doting behavior, there isn't much substance. The story meanders without a clear direction, relying heavily on slice-of-life scenarios that don't always feel meaningful or engaging. The writing style, while readable, doesn't particularly stand out. It's functional but lacks a unique voice or flair.

Final Verdict

"After Marrying My Childhood Friend" had potential, but ultimately falls short due to its weak male lead and underdeveloped plot. While the female lead offers a glimpse of what could have been, it's not enough to carry the entire story. If you're looking for a light, fluffy read with a devoted female lead and can tolerate a frustratingly dense protagonist, this might be for you. However, if you prefer more depth, complexity, and a relatable main character, I'd recommend looking elsewhere. I give it a 2.5 out of 5 stars.