Ayaka Is in Love with Hiroko! Vol. 1
I had been excited to read Ayaka Is in Love with Hiroko! for a while, especially after watching the live-action drama adaptation first and completely falling for it. I actually preordered this through TOKYOPOP as a personal read, and finally getting to experience the manga version felt so worth it.
♡ My Review
This volume is adorable in the most chaotic way possible. Ayaka is fully and completely in love with Hiroko, and she makes zero attempt to hide it. The catch? Hiroko is also a lesbian… but she keeps convincing herself Ayaka couldn’t possibly be flirting with her.
That misunderstanding creates so much of the humor here. Ayaka keeps trying to confess through obvious flirting, sweet gestures, and dramatic declarations while Hiroko internally spirals trying to rationalize every single moment.
What makes it work so well is how lovable both leads are. Ayaka is earnest and determined, and Hiroko’s overthinking is funny while still feeling believable. She carries a lot of hesitation because of her past, and the manga balances that emotional weight with the rom-com chaos really nicely.
Since I watched the drama before reading, it was really fun seeing where the original scenes came from. A lot of moments felt instantly recognizable, and it made me appreciate both versions even more.
I also really liked that this is an office romance with adult characters. It feels refreshing compared to school-centered romance, and the workplace setting adds extra tension because of Hiroko trying to stay careful while Ayaka is determined to break through every emotional wall.
Volume 1 leaves things in such a fun spot. It’s sweet, awkward, funny, and full of romantic tension.
★ Why Read It
- Adorable yuri rom-com energy with lots of mutual pining.
- Adult office setting instead of a school romance.
- Great balance of comedy and emotional vulnerability.
- Super expressive art that sells every awkward moment.
- Perfect if you loved the drama adaptation.
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🌷 Personal Read
This was a personal read that I picked up out of curiosity and love for the story. All thoughts and reactions are completely my own as a reader 💕
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