I Was Hated by the Girls I Was Supposed To Have Saved, and I Decide To Live Alone ～But It’s Funny, I Was the One Who Saved You at That Time～

My Thoughts on I Was Hated by the Girls I Was Supposed To Have Saved, and I Decide To Live Alone ～But It’s Funny, I Was the One Who Saved You at That Time～

This title alone is a mouthful, but after diving into "I Was Hated by the Girls...", I've got some thoughts. It's a web novel that definitely evokes strong reactions, and while it has its charms, it's not without its flaws.

First Impressions

Initially, I was intrigued by the premise. A protagonist who once played the hero, only to be betrayed and now adopts a loner lifestyle? Sounds like a recipe for some compelling angst and maybe even character growth. The first few chapters definitely lean into that angsty vibe, but I soon found myself wondering where the story was going.

What Works Well

One of the strongest aspects is the MC's intelligence and his cynical outlook on life. It's refreshing to see a protagonist who isn't just passively accepting his situation but is actively trying to navigate it according to his own flawed logic. I also appreciated the slow-burn nature of the romance. It's not your typical "love at first sight" harem scenario; instead, the girls seem to admire him for who he is, which feels more genuine. I also felt that the slow burn romance could be a good thing for some.

Areas of Concern

However, I can't ignore some significant issues. The pacing feels glacial. Many readers mentioned that after over 100 chapters, the central conflict hinted at in the synopsis—the reason for the girls' hatred—still hasn't surfaced. This lack of progress can lead to boredom. Furthermore, some found the protagonist unlikeable, describing him as an "a**hole for no real reason." The character's internal monologues can be grating, and his actions sometimes feel inconsistent with his stated desire to be left alone. The world-building is also quite shallow. The constant emphasis on every girl being "model-level cute" feels like a generic harem fantasy and detracts from the story's realism.

Final Verdict

"I Was Hated by the Girls..." is a mixed bag. It has an interesting premise and a unique protagonist, but the slow pacing, shallow world-building, and inconsistent characterization hold it back. If you're looking for a quick, satisfying read, this might not be it. However, if you enjoy slow-burn stories with a cynical protagonist and don't mind a bit of teenage angst, it might be worth checking out, just be prepared for a long haul.