Chuuko demo Koi ga Shitai!

My Thoughts on Chuuko demo Koi ga Shitai!

"Chuuko demo Koi ga Shitai!" definitely took me on a ride. It's a high school rom-com with some surprisingly dark undertones, a combination that both intrigued and, at times, made me scratch my head. With the tags including everything from "ecchi" to "drama," I wasn't quite sure what to expect jumping in.

First Impressions

Okay, the beginning is a bit rough. The main character, Seiichi, comes across as pretty unlikable, with his strong aversion to "3D girls" and dedication to the 2D world. Honestly, I almost dropped it right there in the prologue. He really leans into the whole "beta JP MC" trope, which can be grating. However, I stuck with it, and I'm glad I did, because he does show some growth as the story progresses.

What Works Well

What kept me reading was definitely the heroine, Ayame. She's a complex character with a rumored past, and her determination to win over Seiichi is both amusing and endearing. The story has a way of drawing you in, making you want to see what happens next, even when you're cringing at the MC's antics. I also appreciated that the chapters are fairly long, giving the story room to breathe and develop. While the premise seems like your typical romcom, the author weaves in some heavy topics, creating a semi-dark drama beneath the surface, which I found to be a refreshing twist. The characters, despite their initial flaws, felt fleshed out and more than just cardboard cutouts.

Areas of Concern

The translation could use some work. There were times when the sentence structure was confusing, making it difficult to fully grasp what was happening. Also, while I appreciated the exploration of darker themes, I felt like the aftermath of some serious events, like the attempted assaults, was glossed over too quickly. The impact on the characters didn't seem to be explored in a meaningful way, which felt like a missed opportunity.

Final Verdict

Despite its flaws, "Chuuko demo Koi ga Shitai!" is an enjoyable read, especially if you're a fan of school rom-coms with a darker edge. Just be prepared for a somewhat annoying MC at the start and some translation hiccups along the way. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's not perfect, but it's definitely worth checking out if you're looking for something a little different in the genre.