Have you ever found yourself caught in the act of talking to yourself about a silly secret that can hurt a friendship only to have someone unexpectedly overhear and engage you in conversation? You start to ramble to this stranger, assuming you won’t cross paths again, but fate has other plans, leading to unexpected encounters in your daily routine. If you enjoy situations like these in stories and romances set in the office environment, then My Coworker Has a Secret! is the manga for you.
With its many complex personalities, this manga will have you laughing out loud while also allowing you to find moments of deep relatability in the characters’ actions. If you’re seeking a story where you can truly connect with the characters and their choices, then look no further. Plus, since it’s a short read, it’s perfect for those moments when you need something quick to pass the time. Give it a read—you won’t be disappointed.
Synopsis: Akari is an average 25-year-old office worker who harbors a secret she hides from her colleagues: she’s so obsessed with the pretty-boy idol Ren-Ren that it’s ruining her financially!
When her lunch is stolen by a pigeon, a kind stranger offers his homemade bento in its place, and after graciously accepting, Akari tells him the reason she’s so destitute. It’s the first time she’s revealed her secret otaku lifestyle to anyone. Of course, she assumes she’ll never see this stranger again… until he shows up as the newest employee at her office! Can Akari trust him to keep her tragic and embarrassing secret from their coworkers?
I rarely come across romance stories set in the office, so I was excited to stumble upon this one. The story proved to be entertaining because all the characters were interesting and acted silly at times. Their communication wasn’t always the brightest, but there was something satisfying about how their issues were resolved throughout the story. Communication was portrayed as a challenge, reflecting the complexities of the characters’ personalities, which made things tough yet relatable. The characters found themselves in situations that many readers could understand and relate to.
There’s a part where a small misunderstanding occurs, but it’s resolved in a funny way by the end, adding to the enjoyable reading experience. The manga’s ability to turn potentially bad situations into humorous ones helped to build up the romance storyline. While there are moments where the main character’s actions may frustrate readers, it’s one of those stories where you accept things for what they are.
Although the story is relatively short, I feel it could have been improved with another volume or a few more chapters to add depth to the romance. Personally, I enjoy lovey-dovey romances, so I would have appreciated more development in that aspect. Nonetheless, I still found the story enjoyable, which is why I recommend this manga.
As I mentioned before, My Coworker Has a Secret! stands out as an office romance story, a genre that is often underexplored in manga. This rarity alone makes it a compelling read, offering a refreshing change of pace from more common settings. With adults as the central characters, the story delves into the complexities of workplace relationships and adds a mature layer to its romantic themes.
What sets this manga apart is its cast of characters, each with their own quirks and complexities. They are not just cookie-cutter figures but individuals with depth, making the story more engaging and relatable. While their interactions may sometimes lead to moments of frustration or confusion, these instances add depth to the narrative, keeping readers invested and eager to see how the relationships unfold.
If you’re someone who enjoys stories with well-developed characters and dynamics that can evoke a range of emotions, from amusement to mild irritation, then My Coworker Has a Secret! is tailor-made for you. It’s the kind of manga that keeps you guessing, eagerly turning pages to uncover the secrets and revelations hidden within the office setting.
Read My Coworker Has a Secret!
Volume: 2
Chapter: 12 plus 2 extra chapters
This is a story that I was recommended by TOKYOPOP. I received a list of romance manga, and this was the one I enjoyed the most! Thank you, TOKYOPOP, for allowing me to be a part of your mailing list and for letting me review your licensed manga!
Who is TOKYOPOP? TOKYOPOP established the market for manga in North America. Over the past 25 years, TOKYOPOP has published thousands of books in both print and digital formats, highlighted the role of diverse creators, partnered with many of the world’s most famous brands, produced and distributed anime and live-action content, and pioneered the use of technology in visual storytelling. (TOKYOPOP About Us)
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