The delicate, wavering emotions and uncertainty of adolescence are simply precious… “Classmates” by Asumiko Nakamura（中村明日美子）

Let me introduce EDGE COMICS “Classmates” by Akaneshinsha（茜新社）!

Below is a quote from the back cover. This post includes impressions and a review that touch on the story! If you just want a quick idea of what it’s about, I’d be happy if you read only the red text and highlighted parts.

A story of boys who meet, lock eyes, and stand on the verge of adulthood… ―――

During music class before the choir festival, Kusakabe Hikaru (草壁光) notices that his classmate, the bespectacled honor student Sajō Rihito (佐条利人), isn’t singing. Assuming that Sajō simply thought singing was pointless, Hikaru later discovers something unexpected. One afternoon after school, he sees Sajō practicing the song earnestly in an empty classroom, and without thinking, he finds himself calling out to him…

The first installment of a heart-fluttering boys’ love series that refreshingly portrays a pure high school romance!!

From EDGE COMICS “Classmates” by Akaneshinsha（茜新社）

If you want to fully experience the essence of adolescence, this is the perfect series to pick up!

This is the work that first introduced me to Asumiko Nakamura（中村明日美子） (＾＾) I was instantly drawn in by the atmosphere of Sajō-kun and Kusakabe-kun on the cover, and ended up buying it on impulse thinking, “I have to get this!!” But it truly became one of the titles I’m so glad I purchased…!! I absolutely love stories where two contrasting characters are drawn to each other, and from the very beginning there was a delicate, almost fragile feeling in the air (I had a strong sense I was about to be completely hooked), so I read it carefully, savoring each page. What I found there was the precious exchanges of adolescence and their shy, uncertain first love (＾＾)

The unique art style and those wonderfully bendy, almost rubbery-looking joints(and I mean that as the highest praise)

If you’re familiar with Nakamura-sensei—or already a fan—you’ll know exactly what I mean, but her distinctive art style is truly one of a kind, and the subtle allure in those sidelong glances is simply breathtaking (〃▽〃) There are endless moments that make your heart race—panels where they lock eyes, the cover illustration, and so much more—but I’ll stop myself here…!! (If I could, I would happily talk about every single scene in detail.) At first glance, the characters’ standing poses almost look as if their joints are loosely flexible and fluid (said with full admiration), yet at the same time there’s a wonderful sense of depth and softness to the artwork… it’s irresistible (＾＾) I completely fell in love with this art style, which feels like a perfect blend of sweetness and subtle sensuality…!! Now, I’d love to dive into the story itself and share more thoughts!

What would you do if you noticed that the seemingly perfect honor student had lost their motivation?

The school choir festival is probably something everyone has experienced at least once during their student days. While practicing in music class for the big performance, Kusakabe-kun notices that the honor student standing next to him, Sajō-kun, is only mouthing the words instead of actually singing. At first, he assumes Sajō might just be acting aloof, as if singing isn’t worth his time. But then, unexpectedly, he happens to see Sajō practicing all alone in an empty classroom after school. Without thinking, Kusakabe calls out, “Want me to help you practice?” Even he is surprised by his own offer, and soon a secret after-school practice session begins between him and Sajō—two boys who had barely interacted before.

Was he working so hard at singing for their homeroom teacher? The slow, simmering feeling of jealousy—perhaps for the very first time.

After several practice sessions, Sajō-kun is finally able to sing with confidence. As the day of the performance approaches, Kusakabe-kun senses that the way Sajō looks toward their homeroom teacher carries a different meaning, and he ends up asking him a certain question. Yet, afraid of hearing the answer, Kusakabe lashes out at Sajō with cold, distancing words.

Even their misunderstandings are portrayed beautifully, and the way their hearts waver because of jealousy is utterly captivating. The latter half is filled with scenes so moving and heart-fluttering that your chest might actually ache—I truly hope you’ll experience it for yourself (＾＾)

There is also a spin-off story centered on their homeroom teacher, Hara Manabu (原 学), and it’s so heart-fluttering it almost hurts (in the best way). At the same time, the shift in perspective offers a fresh and thoroughly enjoyable experience…!! The series actually continues beyond this volume, so I hope to share my thoughts on the later installments in future blog posts—please look forward to it (＾＾)