Kimi ni Koi wo Suru Nante, Arienai Hazu Datta

My Thoughts on Kimi ni Koi wo Suru Nante, Arienai Hazu Datta

This novel, with its charmingly long title, explores the unlikely romance between a "plain" male protagonist and a popular female lead. I dove in expecting a sweet, if perhaps tropey, high school romance, and my experience ended up being a bit of a mixed bag.

First Impressions

The premise is certainly familiar: average guy helps popular girl, and she inexplicably falls for him. At first, I was a bit skeptical. The initial chapters felt a little rushed, and I wasn't entirely sold on the chemistry between the leads. The male lead is intentionally unremarkable, lacking ambition and often getting pushed around, but it's clear this is a setup for character development.

What Works Well

I found myself appreciating the story's dedication to depicting realistic character interactions and emotions. The multiple POV format really allows you to get inside the heads of both the main characters, understanding their insecurities and motivations. The story has a good pace and keeps you interested throughout. The author knows when it wants to end and how, which is always a plus.

Areas of Concern

My biggest issue, echoed by some readers, is the execution of the romance itself. The female lead's initial infatuation felt somewhat forced. While the story aims for realism, the characters' actions sometimes felt contrived, particularly the reliance on misunderstandings to drive the plot. Some readers were also frustrated by the male lead's passivity and what they perceived as simping behavior, especially concerning the female lead badmouthing him.

Final Verdict

Kimi ni Koi wo Suru Nante, Arienai Hazu Datta is a decent read, especially if you're a fan of high school romance and slice-of-life stories. While it has its flaws, particularly in the pacing of the drama and the somewhat underdeveloped male lead, the novel ultimately delivers a heartwarming and relatable story about overcoming insecurities and finding love. It's not the most outstanding novel in the genre, but it's a worthwhile way to spend a few hours. I'd rate it a solid 3.5 out of 5.