It’s the perfect time to cozy up with a heartwarming romance manga. Today, I’m diving into 15 Minutes Before We Really Date Volume 1, published by Yen Press. Does it offer the lighthearted romance you need? Let’s find out.
A Sweet High School Romance
The story centers on Yuuki and Natsuha, two high school seniors with just six months left before graduation. They’ve lived next door to each other since childhood, fostering a close bond. Naturally, throughout middle and high school, rumors circulated that they were dating, but in reality, they’ve always just been friends.
However, with college applications leading them in different directions, Natsuha suddenly proposes that they try dating. After all, they’re both single, already close, and have nothing to lose, right? Yuuki doesn’t seem fazed by the idea and agrees, given they spend most of their time together anyway. But transitioning from childhood friends to lovers proves harder than they imagined.
Hidden Feelings
We quickly learn that Natsuha has had feelings for Yuuki for quite some time. She even felt hurt when he spent the summer complaining about not having a girlfriend, unaware that she would have gladly dated him. Unlike Yuuki, who never seriously considered dating her, it’s interesting to watch their relationship evolve, knowing Natsuha’s deeper emotions. I’m eager to see when Yuuki will start recognizing his own feelings for her.
Short, Sweet Chapters
15 Minutes Before We Really Date Volume 1 contains fourteen short chapters, along with three bonus chapters. These range from five to ten pages, offering glimpses into the characters’ lives without overstaying their welcome. The structure feels similar to It Takes Two Tomorrow, Too, though here the chapters follow a more continuous narrative.
Several chapters focus on their first day as an official couple, as well as their first date. These scenes highlight the awkwardness of trying to change from friends to something more intimate. The bonus chapters break up the narrative nicely, offering insights from other characters or events that happened before the main story began. One such chapter introduces Yuuki’s little sister, who’s thrilled that her brother and Natsuha are finally dating (she thinks it’s long overdue!). She even secretly follows them on their first date. It seems she might have a budding romance of her own in the future.
Perico’s Unique Art Style
This series marks mangaka Perico’s debut work in English, and their first long-running series in Japan. The series originally started as a Twitter comic, which explains the short chapters and the artwork’s unique style. Perico’s art feels sketchy, almost as if it was drawn in pencil without inking. This sometimes makes the characters look a bit blurry, especially when compared to the crisp color pages. The larger format used by Yen Press might also contribute to this effect.
It takes a few chapters to get used to the art style, especially since the structure can feel scattered. Perico often switches between traditional panel layouts and more experimental formats, creating an unconventional reading experience. However, despite the chaotic feel, the free-form art seems to reflect the characters’ uncertainty in their new relationship. Perico’s approach, though unexpected, ultimately works for this particular story.
Translation and Release
Yen Press brings 15 Minutes Before We Really Date Volume 1 to the West, with Caleb Cook handling the translation and Rachel J. Pierce taking care of the lettering. The translation flows smoothly, and although there are no translation notes, there’s little need for them, as the story doesn’t rely heavily on cultural references. The dialogue reads well, and there are no significant issues with the release.
The series has already concluded in Japan with six volumes released between 2019 and 2023. In English, Yen Press plans to release Volume 2 in April, but there’s no word yet on when Volume 3 will follow. It seems we might have to wait for a slow, steady release schedule.
Final Thoughts
15 Minutes Before We Really Date Volume 1 has its quirks, but at its core, it’s a sweet and simple romance. The lack of heavy drama keeps the story light, and with only six volumes in total, it’s unlikely to overstay its welcome. If you’re looking for a gentle, feel-good romance to enjoy, this series is well worth picking up.
