Are you in search of a captivating manga with two male leads? One is the protagonist’s childhood best friend who went away but suddenly came back, and the other is her classmate. Look no further; this manga is tailored for you. Suppose you enjoy narratives featuring a passionate and highly supportive main female lead radiating energetic enthusiasm, coupled with a dynamic cast of characters boasting diverse personalities. In that case, this manga is an ideal choice. Brace yourself for a thoroughly enjoyable series, where the gratifying conclusions for almost every character will delight you. If you crave a tale where friendship takes center stage, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, this manga seamlessly fits your taste. Encounter a multitude of endearing characters, each displaying numerous green flags that may stir feelings of envy and warmth. This delightful sensation might make you kick your feet left and right with butterflies in your heart as you read. With its fluffy and wholesome nature, the manga promises to bring happiness, occasional frustration, and even moments where you might want to scream. Waiting for Spring by Anashin is the perfect remedy for those seeking a dose of heartwarming fluffiness.
Kodansha US is licensing Anashin’s manga in English and describes the plot as:
A sweet, romantic story of a soft-spoken high-school freshman and her quest to make friends, Waiting for Spring will delight fans of earnest, fun, and dramatic shojo like Kimi ni Todoke and Say I Love You.
Mizuki is a shy girl who’s about to enter high school, and vows to open herself up to new friendships. Of course, the four stars of the boys’ basketball team weren’t exactly the friends she had in mind! Yet, when they drop by the café where she works, the five quickly hit it off. Soon she’s been accidentally thrust into the spotlight, targeted by jealous girls. And will she expand her mission to include… love?
When I first saw the cover of the first volume of the manga, I thought, “Dang, this guy is very cute.” That’s usually how I pick up manga (because I really enjoy stories with very handsome male characters). I read the first three volumes of the manga in September 2022 but stopped because I found it a little overwhelming. There were some things that got me thinking, and I considered taking a pause because the story focused heavily on two male leads, and I’m not usually into that in a manga. I usually enjoy stories with one main lead, but I knew I could finish it at some point in my life.
Fast forward to December 2023, when I was at Barnes and Noble looking at manga and decided to buy all 14 volumes, reading it during my winter break. Honestly, there was no regret because I felt so soft and fluffy inside. I really wished I was the protagonist. There is a heavy sense of second-male sympathy, but by the end of it, I think it was worth reading because you get to see character development and different perspectives between the two male leads.
By the end of the story, you understand how they feel. Not many mangas show the boys’ perspectives, and I felt it was good to know how they tried to make the female lead happy in their own ways. Both of the male leads have their unique approaches to making her happy, and you get to see how they develop and try to capture her attention, filling her heart with their type of love. Honestly, I feel so jealous of her because I want two boys chasing after me, fighting over me. Oh, to be in her shoes!
Waiting for Spring is a delightful manga that effortlessly weaves together love, friendship, and rivalry, creating an enjoyable read for fans of light-hearted romance. The character development in this series is commendable, with evident changes and well-crafted scenarios highlighting the growth of the characters, making the narrative engaging and relatable.
One standout feature of Waiting for Spring is its thoughtful portrayal of what the main leads appreciate about each other. Unlike some other mangas, this one delves deeper into the reasons behind their connection, providing a more nuanced and satisfying experience.
The plot, while simple, is executed brilliantly, offering a perfect blend of cute scenes, emotions, and camaraderie/rivalries. The manga avoids grand-scale misunderstandings, opting instead for focused character development pockets, allowing readers to connect with each member of the cast. The humor is well-executed, and the plot’s direction is apparent from the start.
Mitsuki, the main lead girl, stands out for her self-awareness and ability to understand her feelings and abilities. The story avoids clichés, offering a refreshing take on the love triangle genre with a dash of sports.
The characters, both main and side, are likable, and their growth throughout the series is satisfying. Waiting for Spring successfully utilizes familiar shoujo romance elements but excels in its execution. The art, though not particularly flashy, remains consistent, and the writing is solid, steering clear of flimsy excuses for trophy lovely moments that can plague other shoujo manga.
What sets this manga apart is the authentic friendship between Mitsuki and the basketball player boys. Their camaraderie feels genuine, appealing not only to reverse harem fans but to anyone seeking a heartwarming and well-executed romantic story. Waiting for Spring is a delightful choice for those who appreciate a mix of familiar tropes presented with a fresh and engaging perspective.
I hope you get the chance to pick up this series and enjoy it like I did! If you like the art style, check Anashin’s recent and ongoing manga How I Met My Soulmate. I am really enjoying the story so far! I wrote about it in my first article 6 Ongoing Romance Manga That Will Make Your Heart Flutter.
© Anashin / Kodansha Ltd.