It’s time to get back to Yamaguchi Kun. Isn’t So Bad. Let’s get back into this adorable series with volume 3, shall we? Please see my reviews for Volumes 1 & 2 for anyone needing a refresher.
Chapter 9
Yamaguchi-kun and Satsuki have decided to give their friends the slip at the Summer festival. At first, Satsuki is a shy little bean until she and Yamaguchi kun stop for a snack. After Yamaguchi kun sees her enjoying the snack, he feels relieved.
When Yamaguchi kun compliments her on her hair and Yukata, Satsuki reminds herself not to get her hopes up. When one of their friends calls Yamaguchi kun, Satsuki admits she would like to spend a little more time together, just the two of them.
When they enjoy the fireworks, Satsuki can’t tell what’s louder, the fireworks or her beating heart? Yamaguchi kun confesses to liking Satsuki!
What? a confession within the first ten chapters of a high school romance? No 20-30 chapters of miscommunication first? I’m here for it! Then this happened.
Being honest about mutual feelings?! Way to go, Satsuki!
Chapter 10
Yamaguchi kun is adorably surprised to learn that Satsuki feels the same way. He tells her he looks forward to getting to know her. The next morning, Satsuki is so happy she fears that the confession might have been a dream.
Yamaguchi kun clears up any confusion Satsuki might have had when their friend and Yamaguchi kun fanboy, Ishizaki kun, playfully touches Satsuki. Yamaguchi quickly declares that Ishizaki kun shouldn’t touch her so much because she is his girlfriend now.
I am living for all this early series honesty! While going around town with their friends Satsuki can’t help feeling a little shy, especially when Yamaguchi calls her by her first name in front of everyone. Her shyness makes Yamaguchi kun think Satsuki regrets that they are a couple now. When Satsuki explains what is making her feel shy, Yamaguchi reassures her that nothing he has done has been sudden. He has put a lot of thought into his actions, including his confession.
When Satsuki asks if Yamaguchi kun is excited about them being a couple, he gets all blushy, and it is the cutest thing. To hide his shyness, Yamaguchi kun tells Satsuki not to let others touch her so easily. (Referring to Ishizaki kun playing around.)
Satsuki orders a cutesy, somewhat embarrassing couple’s dessert to show her excitement.
Yamaguchi kun feels a bit embarrassed just looking at it. (I feel you, bro.) When Satsuki asks him to take a selfie with the cute straw, Yamaguchi declares he must get mentally ready.
Chapter 11
Taking advice from her friends Koto chan and Waku chan, Satsuki gets all dolled up for her first date with Yamaguchi kun. She’s afraid she might have gone overboard when Yamaguchi kun doesn’t immediately recognize her.
Since Yamaguchi kun was kind enough to show her around his hometown, Satsuki decides to take the lead on where they should go for their first date. They go to the planetarium. Yamaguchi kun soon has Satsuki smiling after she asks him what he likes to do on the weekends. He deadpans, “Study.” Only to reveal he was joking and enjoys playing video games.
Satsuki explains that she fondly remembers the planetarium because she would often visit with her parents. Since she loved the planetarium, she learned to overcome her fear of dark places. She stops herself just shy of saying she’s always wanted to go with someone she likes. When the two reach for the door simultaneously, they feel awkward.
Poor Satsuki! They finally arrive, only to discover that the planetarium is closed for renovation. To top it off, it starts to rain. When Satsuki can’t believe their luck, Yamaguchi kun starts to laugh. He reassures her that despite the mishaps, he is having a lot of fun and has enjoyed learning new things about Satsuki.
They have such a cute shy little bean moment when Satsuki confesses she wanted to look her best for their date that I squealed while reading.
The Icing on the cake was the first hand-holding moment between the two new lovebirds. So ends their rain-filled first date.
Chapter 12
Now that Summer break is over and their first date has also ended, it’s back to school for Satsuki and Yamaguchi kun. Although she never intended it to be a secret, Satsuki feels shy when Ishizaki kun lets it be known that she and Yamaguchi kun are an item.
Satsuki’s self-conscious reaction to her classmates finding out about their relationship has Yamaguchi kun worried. Satsuki starts avoiding Yamaguchi kun for the rest of the school day. She starts to leave until Ishizaki kun comes to her to apologize for making her the center of attention. Satsuki thanks him because he helped her realize that she and Yamaguchi kun aren’t doing anything bad despite what others may or may not think
Satsuki finds Yamaguchi kun and explains that although she can be self-conscious sometimes, she wants to be with him above all. (I find the level of honesty between them refreshing.)
Yamaguchi kun is relieved by Satsuki’s words. This results in their first hug. (My heart it’s melting.)
Yamaguchi kun promises Satsuki that he will try to get to know his classmates so she can feel more comfortable about their relationship. He explains that he honestly didn’t care about being a loner, but now he has Satsuki to consider. He even jokes that if he gets along with everyone, he and Satsuki can flirt more openly.
Overall impressions? 9/10 What I am thoroughly enjoying about this series is that although it doesn’t; try to reinvent the wheel, it does things in a refreshing manner. For example, the main couple has gotten together early. The things they are shy about are real things to be nervous about. What I mean is their worries are things people/teens really worry about. Most importantly, misunderstandings between them have so far been cleared up quickly.
