“Cheerful, energetic high school girl Chika and shy, reserved boy Waya couldn't be more different. But they have a secret: every Wednesday after 9PM they meet outside the convenience store where Waya works. Bit by bit, under the light of the moon, a unique connection begins to blossom in this enchanting coming-of-age love story!” (Azuki)
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When it comes to romance, one of the more commonly used tropes in anime and manga is “socially confident girl who falls for her often shy, reserved male classmate.” It's a classic premise seen in some of the most popular titles of the last decade because it appeals to the idea that there truly is someone out there for everybody. “Our Aimless Nights” by Koumori is another cute manga series that reaffirms this idea while portraying a slow-burning yet authentic, budding high school romance.
“Our Aimless Nights” follows high school students Chika and Waya as they develop a relationship. Chika is everything Waya is not. She's outgoing, popular, personable, and generally well-liked, while Waya is broody and quiet and typically fades into the background. He has no idea why someone like her would take any interest in someone like him, while Chika can't think of anyone she'd rather talk to more. It's the standard definition of opposites attract, and that alone has a fun appeal if you enjoy the classics or appreciate a little harmless adversity in your romance.
The story's foundation is familiar, but its transparent approach to teenage romance helps separate “Our Aimless Nights” from the other stories. When dealing with the “introvert meets extrovert” trope in a school setting, for example, there should be a balance between being so mature that the manga feels unrealistically advanced and being so reserved that readers are left bored or unsatisfied. Koumori's manga falls nicely between the two, with a relationship that feels natural for these characters. They're still young. They're still figuring themselves out, and seeing the couple act awkward or confused is an honest interpretation of young adult romance. As a reader, you're practically a fly on the wall, privy to every up and down of this relationship, especially considering Koumori goes the extra mile and gives the audience detailed insight into how the characters think and feel.
While the romance aspect of this manga is quite compelling, the build-up is slow enough to almost kill the momentum at first. This isn't the kind of story that hits the ground running from chapter one or even chapter two. It takes a few installments to truly get a feel for the characters and gauge their chemistry, as it almost feels like they have none initially. However, as the story and relationship progress, so does the intrigue. The slower start allows the audience to see different sides of Chika and Waya, which may change their impressions of the relationship and its timing down the line. The characters' personalities and motivations are allowed to change and grow, which is a testament to Koumori's ability to write honest, dynamic-feeling young characters.
Like with most mangas, the art in “Our Aimless Nights” also seeks to enhance the overall experience. It's simple in its execution, with minimal backgrounds to draw more attention to the intimate moments and character expressions. The action may not always come across as enthusiastic as some other artists, but the minimalist style seems to highlight and draw attention to the more critical romantic aspects. Not a single smile, blush, or frown feels wasted. Plus, the simple panels make the dialogue easier to follow and focus on, without getting confused by the inner monologues. This manga is an ideal example of “less is more” when discussing the medium.
Overall, “Our Aimless Nights”is an enjoyable read. Despite adopting a commonly used premise, the authentic approach to the characters and dedication to the storytelling illustrate how much effort the mangaka put into crafting a realistic teen romance. With more chapters on the way, “Our Aimless Nights” by Koumori is an easy series to get excited about following in the future.
