“Is there anything you want me to do for you, Hirano-san?” Kagiura asks again, as their unique relationship continues to evolve.
Hirano, a second-year student, and Kagiura, a first-year, share a dorm room at their high school. However, Kagiura has developed feelings for his roommate. Despite Hirano’s repeated reassurances—kindly at first, but firmer later—that he doesn’t feel the same way, Kagiura holds onto hope. Hirano’s innate kindness is evident as he allows Kagiura ten seconds of physical contact each day, limited to holding hands. This small gesture, however, only fuels Kagiura’s belief that perhaps Hirano’s defenses are beginning to falter.
The Academic Challenge
As the school year draws to a close, exams loom large for all the dorm residents. To continue rooming together in the next academic year, they must pass their end-of-year exams. Hirano is academically strong, so this isn’t a concern for him. Kagiura, on the other hand, excels in sports—he’s on a scholarship—but struggles with his studies. Despite Hirano’s coaching, Kagiura finds it hard to keep up, making him realize that these might be their last days sharing a room.
A Friend’s Advice
Seeking advice, Kagiura confides in his classmate Niibashi, who takes a practical approach to their situation. Niibashi points out that Kagiura might be relying too much on Hirano. Perhaps instead of waiting for Hirano to wake him up every morning, Kagiura could take the initiative and wake Hirano instead. This suggestion gives Kagiura a new perspective on their relationship.
A Slow-Burning Romance
The development of the relationship between Hirano and Kagiura has been painstakingly slow, even slower than the earlier volumes of Sasaki and Miyano. Shou Harusono’s intent to create characters distinct from her other works is clear, but this has resulted in a complex and challenging dynamic. Readers are likely meant to wonder if Hirano will eventually give in to Kagiura’s persistent affection. However, this dynamic raises concerns, especially since Kagiura’s relentless pursuit continues despite Hirano’s clear boundaries.
Kagiura’s vision of a perfect relationship is modeled after his parents, which could be seen as sweet but also highlights his emotional immaturity. His constant attempts to win over Hirano can feel uncomfortable, especially as Hirano has already stated his feelings multiple times. If the story is leading to Hirano developing romantic feelings, more narrative development is needed for this to feel genuine. Kagiura’s frequent pouting may be endearing to some, but to others, it may seem childish and insistent.
A Fresh Dynamic
A refreshing change in the narrative comes with the return of Ao Ichinose, a character briefly introduced in Volume 3. Ichinose, who suffers from stress-induced stomach pains, particularly during exams, was Hirano’s first roommate when Hirano was a first-year. His return introduces an interesting subplot as he reconnects with the dorm administrator. Ichinose’s relatable struggles and his presence bring a much-needed breath of fresh air to the story.
Art and Style Evolution
Shou Harusono’s distinctive art style continues to evolve in this volume. Her full-face reaction shots now feature more detailed contours, enhancing the emotional depth of her characters. The story’s slow pace remains, but there are moments of change. One such instance is when Hirano asks Kagiura to teach him how to play basketball, providing Kagiura with the opportunity to take control for once. This clever move by Hirano subtly shifts the power dynamic in their relationship, giving Kagiura a chance to shine. However, the scene ends with a visit to the nurse’s office, as Kagiura tends to Hirano’s blistered hands. This chapter stands out as one of the best illustrated in the volume.
Catching Up with Japan
With the release of Hirano and Kagiura Volume 04, Yen Press has brought English-speaking readers up to date with the Japanese publication. Meanwhile, Sasaki and Miyano Volume 10 is scheduled for release in Japan in February 2024. The current volume includes four color pages at the beginning, showcasing Harusono’s exceptional color work, with the cover’s subtle magenta shades reinforcing this impression.
Leighann Harvey’s translation remains smooth and engaging, though this volume lacks the translation notes present in earlier installments. There is, however, a brief afterword from the mangaka. In her afterword for Volume 3, Harusono described Volume 4 as a “romcom,” but this doesn’t quite feel accurate.
Final Thoughts: A Complicated Pairing
Fans of Sasaki and Miyano will appreciate the brief glimpses of the two characters, as well as the return of Hanzawa, whose enigmatic smile remains as mysterious as ever. Yet, the central relationship between Hirano and Kagiura continues to feel uneasy at times. The story seems to suggest that it’s okay for Kagiura to keep pushing Hirano’s boundaries, even though Hirano has clearly stated his disinterest. Personally, I find this dynamic uncomfortable, but others may interpret it differently.
