Yōko Nogiri’s romantic drama manga, Bokura no Suki wa Warikirenai (Our Love Is Not That Simple), is set to conclude in just two more chapters. The announcement was made in the August issue of Kodansha’s Dessert magazine, which published the 25th chapter on Tuesday, signaling the impending end of the series.
The Narrative Arc of Bokura no Suki wa Warikirenai
Launched in November 2022, Bokura no Suki wa Warikirenai has captivated readers with its intricate love triangle, a staple of the shojo genre, but with a unique and emotionally charged premise. The story centers on Yui, a high school sophomore whose life takes an unexpected turn after her divorced parents decide to remarry, bringing her back to her hometown after an eight-year absence.
Upon her return, Yui finds herself reunited with two significant figures from her past: her popular older brother, Hayato, and her handsome childhood friend, Ritsu. What initially seems like a fascinating new chapter in her life quickly escalates into a complex emotional landscape as Yui realizes she may be developing romantic feelings for her brother, Hayato. This realization thrusts her into a “heartbreaking love triangle,” a central theme that has resonated deeply with its audience. The narrative further complicates when Ritsu offers Yui a proposition: to “date me? You can use me as a disguise to hide your feelings for him.” This setup explores themes of forbidden love, familial bonds, and the confusing path of adolescent romance, all wrapped within the conventions of school life and drama.
The manga has been serialized in Kodansha’s Dessert magazine, a prominent publication known for its shojo titles. Its release in November 2022 positioned it as a relatively new entry in the shojo landscape, quickly gaining a following despite its sensitive core premise of potential romantic feelings towards a sibling. The series is officially listed with genres including shojo, drama, romance, and school life, and it delves into the “love polygon” theme, a more complex variant of the standard love triangle.
Yōko Nogiri’s Esteemed Career in Shojo Manga
Yōko Nogiri is a notable figure in the shojo manga world, recognized for her ability to craft compelling romantic narratives. Before Bokura no Suki wa Warikirenai, Nogiri garnered attention for several other works that have made their way to Western audiences. Her debut in the West came with the bestselling romance That Wolf-Boy Is Mine! in 2016, which was followed by other popular titles such as Love in Focus and Those Not-So-Sweet Boys.
Nogiri’s works often explore the intricacies of young love, personal growth, and navigating complex social dynamics. For instance, That Wolf-Boy Is Mine! features a girl moving to Hokkaido who discovers her classmate’s secret, while Love in Focus centers on a high school girl passionate about photography. Her series Those Not-So-Sweet Boys delves into a diligent high schooler falling for a “bad boy” and uncovering the hidden lives of him and his friends. These titles showcase her versatility within the shojo genre, often blending romance with elements of drama, school life, and even hints of fantasy or unique premises.
Her storytelling typically resonates with readers who appreciate character-driven plots and emotional depth within the context of high school romance. The upcoming conclusion of Bokura no Suki wa Warikirenai marks another significant milestone in Nogiri’s career, leaving fans to anticipate her next creative endeavor in the ever-evolving world of shojo manga.
