My Childhood Friend Had a Boyfriend, So When I Was Making Lunch for Another Girl, My Childhood Friend Started Acting Strange

My Thoughts on My Childhood Friend Had a Boyfriend, So When I Was Making Lunch for Another Girl, My Childhood Friend Started Acting Strange

This title definitely grabbed my attention, and I dove into "My Childhood Friend Had a Boyfriend..." with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. I'm a sucker for a good romance, but the premise felt like it could easily devolve into frustrating territory.

First Impressions

Initially, I was intrigued. The setup is classic: childhood friends, unrequited feelings, and the dreaded "she's dating someone else" twist. The male lead, Takeru, seems like a decent guy, trying to do the right thing by respecting his childhood friend Akari's relationship. Then there's the introduction of another girl, Chisato, who adds another layer to the dynamic. It felt like the story had potential for some sweet, maybe slightly angsty, development.

What Works Well

The slice-of-life elements are fairly well executed. The cooking aspect, while perhaps a bit of a trope, adds a cozy feel to some scenes. I also appreciate that Takeru attempts to create some distance between himself and Akari once he learns about her boyfriend. This shows a level of maturity that's often missing in similar stories. Chisato also emerges as a likable character, offering a refreshing contrast to the… complicated situation with Akari.

Areas of Concern

Okay, here's where things get tricky. The character of Akari seems to be a major sticking point for many. Her actions are often perceived as selfish and irrational. The fact that she continues to rely on Takeru even while dating someone else, and then asks her boyfriend for permission to continue doing so, raises some serious red flags. It feels like she wants to have her cake and eat it too, which can be incredibly frustrating to read. The plotline involving a childhood promise also feels a bit contrived, like a flimsy excuse to justify Akari's behavior.

Final Verdict

"My Childhood Friend Had a Boyfriend..." is a mixed bag. While it has moments of sweetness and potentially interesting character dynamics, the frustrating behavior of certain characters, particularly Akari, can make it a difficult read. The story seems to lean heavily on drama, which might appeal to some, but others might find it tiresome. It's an okayish read if you're looking to pass the time, but don't expect a deeply satisfying or particularly well-written romance.