Title: My Special One Vol. 8
Author: Momoko Koda
Publisher: Viz Media
Language: English
Format: Paperback
Pages: 184
Genre: Shojo, Romance
Publication Date: November 5, 2024
The Story
Volume 8 of My Special One continues to focus on Kanato and Emika’s developing relationship. The theme of this volume is living rent-free in your head because both Emika and Kanato overthink every single possible situation; however, through it all, they decide on one thing and one thing only: it’s time to confess! Of course, getting to that point is easier said than done.
Kanato attempts to make the move first; however, he almost blows it. He and Emika were invited to a daytime talk show where they had them write things down on cue cards about one another that were supposed to be endearing. When Kanato went first, he got nervous and wrote that he liked the funny faces she made… then followed it up by how she’s a fun drunk. Instead of being compliments, it turned into a back-and-forth diss battle! Realizing that he made a mistake, he invited Emika over for dinner at his place. He did his best to indirectly tell her his feelings but then Kouta shows up unexpectedly at his place… drunk.
Later, Emika gets the opportunity to return the favor. She tried to talk to Kanato at their wrap/after party but he kept getting swept away. Thankfully, they were setting up to make some closing remarks and she had the opportunity to speak. She used that time to indirectly confess her feelings for Kanato and then ran off to the bathroom because her nerves kicked in and she couldn’t take it any longer. Kanato chased after her and suddenly…
The rest of the volume deals with the aftermath of that moment!
Characters
Obviously, with this being a trilogy of sorts, the main focus was on both Kanato and Emika. I feel as if I can lump their development together because they both experienced the same thing… a problem with overthinking the situation. They both asked a bunch of what-ifs and imagined scenarios that didn’t happen. They also wondered how they were perceived towards one another, and even with Kanato having lunch with his new co-star, Emika felt extreme jealousy and that spiraled into even more out-of-control thoughts. She wondered if she was being annoyed or too pushy, etc., etc. Kanato was always worried if he had screwed up and made her mad or if he was pushing her away. So much second-guessing going on but I liked it because that’s exactly what happens when someone falls in love. All of the little things that happen between two people suddenly become monstrous mountains that seem impossible to comprehend. You begin to worry about being perfect instead of just being natural and Emika and Kanato are the perfect epitome of what happens when you do that.
Kouta and Sahoko did get a little bit of time here. Sahoko mainly offered up some advice to Emika to just be herself and don’t change who she is which is the best advice you could give anyone being in love for all of the reasons I stated above. It’s such a small part of this volume but it’s very profound because the entire theme was centered around trying to be something you’re not to impress the one you love. With Sahoko saying that it throws the entire volume into perspective. In a way, that one line turned this whole volume into a life lesson anyone could use. Simple and so effective!
Kouta is a dingus. I’ll just leave it at that without spoiling a hilarious moment!
Final Thoughts
I will admit, this little trilogy was fun. The Kanato/Emika arc started off strongly and freshened things up; however, the second volume dragged a bit and a lot of things felt unnecessary. The final part (at least I’m assuming it’s the final part with the way it ended) brought things back around and made things refreshing and exciting again. I can’t see there being a fourth part as I think it’s time to get back to Sahoko and Kouta. With their inclusion in the volume, it’s almost as if it were a nod to the readers to not forget about them because they are coming back soon.
As I said two reviews ago, not a lot of series will take this much time to develop their side characters. This was refreshing, fun, a little frisky, and wholesome. The only complaint I will have in the future is if they received all of this development and dedication and they are relegated to the back burner. Then, and only then, will I question what all of this build and attention was for but I can’t see that happening. Besides, it may seem like that as we get reacquainted with Sahoko and Kouta for a little bit but I expect them to get mixed back in. Heck, I can even foresee a double date getting set up in the future. I mean, it would be sacrilege at this point if they don’t go that route!
I don’t normally do this but if I were to rate this arc by itself, I’d give it a 3.5/5. Nice yet a little slow but very fulfilling and sweet in the end. Let’s see what Volume 9 brings and how we shift back to our main characters…. Or… is there anyone else that needs attention? Hmm… we’ll see!
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This item was provided for review by VIZ Media.
