Onnako wa Yoyu

Synopsis:

Tomomi is a high school girl who with her two best friends - Chika & Kaede are in the broadcasting club where Ojika-sempai was the ex-president of.

Tomomi is in love with her longtime childhood friend, Sawada. Unfortunately, he likes another girl instead. However, Tomomi decided to keep quiet about her feelings for him and was even willing to help him woo the other girl by giving him tickets so he could go with the girl to a performance. The first chapter is dedicated to how Tomomi loses her first love and how she overcome it. She is also more appreciative of everything around her, from the beauty of the surroundings as well as the support of her friends.

At this same time, it was made quite clear that Ojika-sempai is interested in Tomomi. He has a wonderful & commanding voice, in which he uses to try to court her subtly. In the 2nd chapter, through a series of 'events', Ojika-sempai manage to go home with Tomomi and met her parents (and her very sexy & open sister). It was also reveal that Ojika used to be in the tennis club, but he quitted for some unknown reason and joint the broadcasting club instead.

By the 3rd chapter, both Tomomi and Ojika are quite close with each other already. However, Chika (and Tomomi's sister) warned her that Ojika is a playboy and that she shouldn't be so close with him in fear that she might be toyed by him. Tomomi answered that she only respected him and the one she really like was actually Sawada. Unluckily, Ojika was nearby and overheard her. Later when they were alone at the nurse office, he made a move on her, but later laughed it off as a joke and said that he will always be the senpai that she respects.

Later on, the 3 girls together with Ojika's classmate, Takahashi, decided to visit Ojika (who was living alone) when they found out he was sick. Takahashi also revealed that Ojika's parents actually favoured his dead brother more, and that Ojika has always been like a shadow next to his brother. Furthermore, Ojika actually decided to play tennis to replace his dead brother, who was a good player, and after reaching the finals in the national, decided that his responsibility was done and his brother could rest in peace now, therefore he quitted.

Tomomi's view of Ojika became more and more positive as she sees him in a different perspective now. At the ending of the manga, Ojika was shown leaning on her shoulder while thanking her (this was viewed by Kaede & Chika).

Review:

Although only 1 volume long (3 chapters in total), Hikawa-sensei manage to cramp everything in perfect style. When reading this manga, I don't feel rushed at all. In fact, it is a very calming and straightforward story with no wasted or twisted plot. This is one of the manga that makes me feel very refresh because of its simplicity. For now, Onnako wa Yoyu is the only oneshot manga (i know oneshot is different than 1 volume, but it's still very short, therefore, i consider it as a oneshot) which is able to portray its story realistically in such a short amount. There are loads of humor offered through the secondary characters, especially Kaede & Chika. There are even enough time to show the possible blossoming love of these 2 characters as well, even though most of the story is centered around Tomomi, first with Sawada, and later in a much greater degree, with Ojika-sempai.

As for the artwork - I must say that it is alot better compared to say - Hoshi no Harmony. The lines are clearcut, and clean. The females characters drawn are those very cute and pretty, although the male characters are not exceptional (not even Sawada), except for Ojika-sempai. I'm guessing that Hikawa-sensei wants to emphasize on the looks of our main male character, and therefore bestow good looks only on him.

In conclusion, I felt really satisfied, and also a little sad after finishing the entire story. It was good, but I wish it was longer so that i could enjoy it for a longer time.

Labels: Oneshots/Single volume

Posted at 1:43 AM