Two rival schools stand next door to each other: one for elite ladies, one for good-for-nothing boys. But one of those boys might just be a naturally chivalrous diamond in the rough, and one of those girls might be a little more open-minded than is proper… This cute and twisty manga spin on Romeo and Juliet is the latest hit in Japan, coming to print from a successful digital-first release!
Chidori High is a boys’ school that takes in the dregs of society with the lowest grades. Next door stands Kikyo Girls’ High, where the wealthy, high-class families send their precious daughters. Chidori second-year Rintaro, who has a fierce face but a gentle heart, is helping at his family’s patisserie when he meets a girl named Kaoruko. The two hit it off right away…but this blissful peace is quickly disturbed when Rintaro discovers that Kaoruko is actually a student at Kikyo. Worse, she doesn’t seem to realize what a huge problem this really is! Will these two be able to forge a path for themselves, and sidestep the traps (metaphorical and literal) laid by their classmates?
An eventful Christmas Eve brings a battle won and hard lessons learned. After much needed reflection, Ayato is able to confide in his friends about a hope he’s held in his heart since childhood. As for Rintaro and Kaoruko, their passionate exchange in the chill of Christmas night is all that occupies their minds, though the upcoming new year’s festivities may just shake things up…
Chidori High is a boys’ school that takes in the dregs of society with the lowest grades. Next door stands Kikyo Girls’ High, where the wealthy, high-class families send their precious daughters. Chidori second-year Rintaro, who has a fierce face but a gentle heart, is helping at his family’s patisserie when he meets a girl named Kaoruko. The two hit it off right away…but this blissful peace is quickly disturbed when Rintaro discovers that Kaoruko is actually a student at Kikyo. Worse, she doesn’t seem to realize what a huge problem this really is! Will these two be able to forge a path for themselves, and sidestep the traps (metaphorical and literal) laid by their classmates?
Chidori High second-year Rintaro is a gentle soul, with a fierce face and an even fiercer reputation. Used to being judged by everyone around him, he finds himself thrown off balance when he meets the open-hearted Kaoruko, a girl who attends a rival school and should be his polar opposite in every way. But her genuine attitude slowly makes his walls crumble. Despite their growing relationship, the rivalry between the two schools becomes a deep chasm that may be hard to cross, especially after Kaoruko’s best friend, Subaru Hoshina, finds out about their relationship…
Despite the hostile rivalry between their schools, after spending time together, Rintaro and Kaoruko have begun to feel comfortable around each other. However, even with their growing bond, the barriers between the two schools are so high that Rintaro finds himself at a loss with his friends. The secret of his relationship is putting up walls between them. And so, Rintaro calls Kaoruko and her friend Subaru to a meeting, hoping to find a solution…
Despite his new closeness with Kaoruko, the divide between Chidori and Kikyo became a constant source of worry for Rintaro. In the end, the introductions between his friends and Kaoruko’s friend, Subaru, went well. Not only are they starting to build a good relationship, but Rintaro finally decided to open up more to the people around him. With Rintaro revealing his past struggles, the bonds of friendship deepen. Summer is right around the corner and now that he has many new friends to spend it with, it’s time to make plans!
After spending so much time together, Rintaro has grown comfortable around Kaoruko, and has even begun to suspect he may like her as more than a friend. But just as the school term was drawing to a close and Rintaro began looking forward to spending his first summer vacation with all his friends, Kaoruko’s friend springs a surprise on him: her birthday is only a few weeks away! So now, after agonizing over what to get her, he finally decides to bake her a cake with his own two hands. Will the effort and devotion he’s putting towards his cake be able to touch Kaoruko’s heart…?
Rintaro has begun to acknowledge his growing feelings for Kaoruko, but keeps them close to his chest. Until, one summer day when the two of them are alone, he’s overwhelmed by affection and the words, “I like you,” spill from his lips without warning. With things still left unspoken between them, Rintaro knows he owes Kaoruko an explanation and vows to tell her his real feelings… But how will Kaoruko react?
The summer festival marks a momentous occasion for Rintaro and Kaoruko as their relationship reaches new heights, amid an outpouring of feelings and a poignant recollection of their first meeting. Now a couple, the two cautiously navigate what that means both for their own interactions, and how they interact with those around them—friends and schools included. Luckily, there’s still time to find their footing, as summer vacation continues…
An eventful birthday celebration for Saku brings the whole group closer together, as presents and fond memories are shared. With the end of summer vacation looming, Rintaro sets his sights on his next cake: one celebrating all Kaoruko has accomplished in a particularly busy season. The couple meets for one last date before school is back in session, but a surprise visitor quickly throws a wrench in their plans…
Rintaro and Kaoruko reach an important relationship milestone when Rintaro formally introduces himself to her mother and brother. However, before they can make another leap forward, Kaoruko’s friends from Kikyo discover them mid-date. At school, Subaru tries to ease the other girls’ minds about their Chidori friends, even suggesting they meet the boys for themselves. Rintaro wants to offer his support, too, and comes up with a very visible way to show it…
Subaru convinces the girls who spotted Kaoruko and Rintaro on their date to meet the Chidori boys for themselves. While the hangout goes well enough at first, an outburst from Ayu threatens the progress made. Thankfully, the group manages to talk it all out, and now that their friends have been introduced to each other, it’s time for the next hurdle in Kaoruko and Rintaro’s relationship: visiting Rintaro’s home together!
While Kaoruko formally introduces herself as Rintaro’s girlfriend to his parents, the Chidori boys, Subaru, and Madoka enjoy a day out together at the arcade—a vision of friendship beyond schools. The seasons change, and with cooler temperatures comes a highly-anticipated school event: the overnight field trip! Chidori and Kikyo may be visiting different places, but is that enough to stop Kaoruko and Rintaro from sharing new experiences with each other?
Following an eventful class trip, Rintaro just about returns to his daily routine when a surprise visit from his older brother throws a wrench in the works. Fortunately, the advice he receives as a parting gift helps him get just a little closer to Kaoruko. But as the couple’s relationship deepens, a figure from Rintaro’s past makes a fateful appearance—and she may not be able to keep a lid on her feelings…
The year draws to a close, and the question of life after high school begins to creep up on Chidori and Kikyo students alike. In an unexpected turn, Ayato seems to be the one struggling the most with his future plans. Rintaro aches to support his friend, but genuine concern and his indecision about his own path weighs him down. Meanwhile, his Christmas date with Kaoruko fast approaches…
An eventful Christmas Eve brings a battle won and hard lessons learned. After much needed reflection, Ayato is able to confide in his friends about a hope he’s held in his heart since childhood. As for Rintaro and Kaoruko, their passionate exchange in the chill of Christmas night is all that occupies their minds, though the upcoming new year’s festivities may just shake things up…
Building on the whirlwind that was the year before, Rintaro celebrates a birthday to remember with Kaoruko and all their friends at a bustling amusement park. Not long after, Saku and Subaru sit down for a one-on-one study session, the pair’s relationship deepening as they agree to meet again for a mock entrance exam. Meanwhile, the biggest thing on Kaoruko’s mind is how fast Valentine’s Day is approaching…
