If it were you, I might try to fall in love, Vol. 1. 1
Story and Art: Maru Kubota
Publisher: Yen Publishing House (Print and digital)
translate: Avery Hutley
Lettering: Elena Pizarro Spears
Publication date: March 25, 2025
grade: Older teenagers
type: Comics, bl
Since returning to middle school, Amane hasn’t really liked anyone seriously. He learned how painful it is to share your feelings and be sworn in. Now, Amane has just moved to a new high school in Enoshima, where he meets the boy in his class, ryuuji. Fast friends, tired Amane quickly warmed up for the longing ryuuji, but the warm feeling continued to become much deeper than the friendship. Follow the boys through the romance of high school.
This review contains lighter spoilers If it were you, I might try to fall in love, Vol. 1. 1. I received a free copy of Yen Press in exchange for review.
If it were you, I might try to fall in love,roll. 1 Maru Kubota is a sweet and wholesome BL story that effortlessly attracts readers’ heartfelt narratives.
On his first day in Enoshima, he moved in with his grandmother Amane-kun, which was an unexpected encounter – Taru, a naughty cat, Taru, everywhere. This little chaotic moment begins a series of positive changes throughout his life, from his introduction to Taru’s boss, ryuuji-kun. As an apology for Taru’s actions, Ryuuji-kun invites Amane-kun to dinner at his family’s restaurant. Amane-kun was immediately attracted by the appearance of Ryuuji-kun and later regretted not even asking about his age. Fortunately, fate intervenes, and the two eventually become classmates, and their friendship blooms. Ryuuji-Kun’s easy-going and kind nature helps Amane-Kun feel comfortable enough, fearing to be ridiculed despite his immediate attempt to downplay it. Instead, Ryuuji-Kun accepted him wholeheartedly, gently scolding him to make fun of himself, marking the beginning of Amane-Kun’s journey of self-acceptance, perhaps love.
The storytelling in this comic is fascinating. The pace was very good and I immediately invested in the dynamics of Ryuuji-Kun and Amane-Kun. Ryuuji-Kun’s role as “Mr. Good Man” is not just a front, but it’s obvious that his kindness towards Amane-Kun is real. Meanwhile, Amane-kun struggles with unresolved trauma, especially about love. One of my favorite moments was when Ryuuji-Kun called him to joke, he came out. Amane-Kun’s reaction was impressive. Many of us instinctively laugh at ourselves before others’ abilities, as if it mitigates the blow of potential judgment. But why do we need to reduce ourselves just to make others feel comfortable? We all need a lifetime of life – we are reminded that we are enough and worthy of the same love we are.
The artwork is amazing and has nostalgic charm, reminiscent of the classic Shuhuo comics. The illustrations expressed perfectly complement the warmth and sincerity of the story. Whether it is Ryuuji-Kun’s relationship to remain a deep friendship or it becomes more of a thing, I can’t wait to see where their journey is. This comic is a feeling good, wholesome reading, understanding friendships, past healing and embracing self-love – I definitely recommend it.
