Tags: Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life, School Life

A Story of Sweet Romance and Solo Activities!

It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed a rom-com. Thankfully this new series is exactly my cup of tea as it mixes a sugary-sweet romance and a bridging of the gap between popular and loner students through fun solo activities!

The first half of the story comprises Yashiro teaching several members of the popular students how to have fun alone and away from the hustle-and-bustle of popular group activity. Egged on by his first student, Hanamizawa, they run through several possible solo outlets, from enjoying a spa day to one-person karaoke.

From there, it isn’t long before others get involved in the action. Suspecting something foul afoot, Hanamizawa’s friend, Chikaze decides to join. Sceptical of the amount of fun someone can have alone, Yashiro sends her on a magical mystery cycle tour. The cycle tour ends up being quite the labyrinthian special and ends up being quite the eye-opener for her.

Deciding against the usual popular vs loner approach, the author gives the first part of the volume a fresh feel, appearing adult as both sides can share experiences and openly discuss the positives of having time to yourself and enjoying solo-endeavours. Although, I do feel the author missed a trick by not thoroughly exploring the benefits of group activities as well.

The second half focuses exclusively on the wholesome and fluffy romance that has been blossoming in the background of the story so far.

Unlike most light novels, the love interest, Nue, isn’t front and centre and works almost like a parallel to her shy personality. Throughout the first half of the novel, we’re given little hints about Yashiro’s love interest, mentions in passing, texts and the occasional movement from the seat behind him. That is until the final part of the novel is given from Nue’s perspective.

Nue’s view on events and the love story with Yashiro is my favourite part of the volume. The two of them are perfect for each other, Nue’s social anxiety paired with Yashiro’s intrusive and inquisitive nature works well in finally allowing Nue to get all her thoughts across.

It’s this intrusive nature that finally pushes for a confession and helps Sato and her bully problem.

The rest of the story requires a good dose of insulin as it’s wonderfully sugary. We get a nice date with the two of them at a book festival where Yashiro takes great care to make sure Nue’s comfortable with her surroundings. Moreover, there’s a great team-up between Nue and the popular girls as she boosts her confidence with a cheongsam.

Overall, Yashiro’s Guide is a wonderful addition to any fan of romcoms. With a well-paced fluffy romance element coupled with great handling of communication disorders and what it means to find your own happiness and comfort, this certainly does place itself above being just another rom-com.