スキップとローファー. 1

The story is set at my alma mater. It was so vivid that I was startled—I even wondered if the author was one of my classmates. When I entered high school, having just come out of a long period of truancy, I definitely gave off the vibe of an outcast. Fearing that if my true self were exposed, I’d either be mercilessly bullied or, at best, looked down upon, I dressed up to the nines, joined the dance club, gossiped, got along with the boys as much as possible, and dated a cool guy from the...

I decided to read this after learning it was set at my high school. The atmosphere of the school building, the class competitions, and even the smallest details were faithfully depicted, bringing back memories of that time. Although it’s a school-life manga, the appeal isn’t limited to the protagonist alone. Whether they’re the popular kids in class or those who aren’t, each character is carefully portrayed not merely as a “role,” but as a human being with their own worries and emotions. You...

Mitsumi-chan's lack of self-consciousness will save the world