Warning: reading Hatsu*Haru volume 6 may lead to cuteness overload. Because this whole volume was adorable from start to finish.
At the end of the last volume, Kai was leaning in for a kiss yet again. This time, though, he does manage to close the distance and kiss her. The result is very Riko-like: she delivers some physical blows to her admirer. But as Kai deals with his latest rejection, she secretly doesn’t mind as much as she once did.
I’ve always felt like the side characters shine in this series, and while they are still a major factor, Riko and Kai finally take the lead as they awkwardly deal with their feelings. Kai’s monologue shows him going from heaven to hell and back again at points. Riko herself still needs a push or two in the right direction, but she’s the one who invites Kai for a talk. Suffice to say, you won’t have to worry about waiting for the final volume to see any progress in their relationship.
While the events that happen may be a little too familiar to shoujo manga readers, Hatsu*Haru attacks everything with a fun zest. There is a fairly big misunderstanding and a first date, both which play out as you may expect. But the supporting cast and the visuals both provide plenty of cover to give the series a surprising freshness. Ayumi is having a hard time not blurting things out while Taka takes a cue from her and meddles with the main couple. Everyone else is following the action — literally, they follow Kai and Riko on their outing. Seeing Ayumi fast asleep during a romantic movie while Taka just stares at her while both the playboy and the innocent one bawl their eyes out was one of the many smile-filled moments I had in this volume. But the side action doesn’t take away from Kai both panicking and getting upset as Riko appears to be seeming nonchalant about hanging out with him.
But as there’s still quite a few volumes left in this series, it’s time for another romance to enter the spotlight. Depending on where volume 7 goes, things might be a little rushed. Taka’s secret is finally revealed, and we also see him moving past it. On one hand, it’s good that we won’t be trading one unrequited love arc for another, but on the other hand, all this is revealed in a single chapter! Of course, there’s still the issue of getting Taka and Ayumi together, so this storyline is still incomplete. I did like the ending though, as it’s more of a “we’re officially friends” moment instead of partners-in-crime or lovers. I wish more manga showed this step in a relationship.
So while Hatsu*Haru volume 6 has some major developments, the real selling point is that it’s the equivalent of comfort food: good and heartwarming. It’s exactly what I want out of a rom-com.