This is great.

However, I'm realizing a lot of the absurd elements from the kdrama that I initially thought were hilarious in an ironic way were actually from the mind of an author who seems very unequipped to write about bullying. Lol.

I've come to this conclusion from the little side bars by the mangaka. I realize it was 1992, but damn, the response of "I'm not sure what to say, except that we've got to hang in there and overcome this" to fans writing letters to the author about bullying is quite concerning.

Anyways, it's great melodrama, but I'm a little put off by how tone deaf the author is. But I guess I'm... not surprised? I'm still gonna keep reading.

Maybe as I continue, I'll gain a better understanding of the author's perspective or see if there are any redeeming qualities that might change my initial impression.

Despite the flaws in the author's handling of the bullying theme, the overall story and its drama still have the power to engage and captivate me.

It will be interesting to see how the plot unfolds and if the author manages to address the issue of bullying more effectively in the later parts of the work.

For now, I'll suspend my judgment and enjoy the ride.

I'm currently engaged in reading, specifically with the intention of comparing it to the live dramas of Meteor Garden and Boys over Flowers.

My most prominent thought upon reaching this volume is, "OH, THAT'S why the actor in Meteor Garden had those ridiculously stupid curls." I find myself forgiving them now.

Moreover, the main character in the books is significantly emotionally stronger. In the dramas, she often spends a great deal of time sitting and waiting to be rescued. However, in the books, she is more assertive. She's like, "Yeah, I don't care what you say or do, I'm not going to let it have any impact on me."

This difference in the portrayal of the main character's emotional strength is quite striking and makes for an interesting comparison between the literary and visual adaptations.

After watching Japanese dramas, anime, the 2018 adaptation of Meteor Garden, the first movie adaptation, and starting both Korean and Thai series - all within a span of less than two months... I would say that I am completely obsessed with Domyoji and Makino.

It's impossible for me to rate the actual source material lower than 5 stars. Especially when you take into account how beautiful the drawing style is! (Let's just overlook Domyoji's bad hair in the first few chapters... Something must have inspired Daoming Si's pineapple head, and I actually love MG's pineapple head.)

I find myself constantly drawn back to these stories, eager to explore every detail and nuance. The characters have become so real to me that I can't help but be invested in their lives and relationships. Whether it's the intense chemistry between Domyoji and Makino or the charming personalities of the supporting characters, there's something about this franchise that keeps me coming back for more.

I'm not sure if it's the romance, the drama, or the overall charm of the story, but I know that I'm hooked. And I can't wait to see what new adaptations or interpretations come out in the future.

This statement, "This did not age well. My underdeveloped, abused adolescent brain loved it though," holds a certain complexity.

Perhaps it refers to a particular experience, object, or idea that has not fared well over time. The mention of an "underdeveloped, abused adolescent brain" adds a layer of personal context. It implies that during a vulnerable stage of life, the individual had a fondness for something that, in hindsight, may not have been as positive or valuable.

This could lead to a sense of nostalgia or a realization of how much one has grown and changed. It might also prompt reflection on the impact of past experiences on one's current perspective.

Overall, this simple sentence seems to encapsulate a range of emotions and thoughts related to the passage of time and personal growth.

Okay so...

Thoughts on this manga.

This is probably one of the manga I bought simply because I had a strong craving to read a physical manga.

To be honest, this story is rather confusing. However, I really love the main girl. She is extremely headstrong, which is quite admirable. As for the boys, I feel that I would like to get to know them better because they might not be as bad as they seem at first glance. But the actions they have showcased so far are indeed quite bad.

The main girl also makes me giggle sometimes. There are parts in the manga that are quite funny and light-hearted, which is a nice touch.

Regarding the ending story or ending chapter, I think there was a preview or something of another story at the end. And I really love that story. Well, maybe not love in the truest sense, but I would give it a 4 stars rating. It's just so wholesome and heartwarming.

For now, I would like to carry on with this series and see where it takes me.

A cute story indeed. I have a liking for the girl, Tsukushi. However, what's the deal with her parents? It seems that they didn't attend a good school, and now if she doesn't, she'll supposedly bring shame to them. What on earth is that all about? And then there's this Flower boy F4 group. I still don't quite understand them. Especially Rui. He's such a strange guy. Domyouji is truly annoying! But despite all that, this story has a strange allure. It's quite addicting, especially considering that I'm not a huge fan of the artwork. Everyone has these swollen faces yet deep expressions. The pace and the introduction are good, though.

In 2023, I think I delved a bit deeper into the issues that all these teens are facing. What's wrong with this school? Where are the staff? Domyouji is such an idiot. Not only does he get words wrong (and I've done that myself a few times, although not as frequently as this guy), but he also seems to think that Tsukushi could possibly like him and that his behavior would make her happy. Aiya! He takes arrogance to a whole new level!

Matsumoto Jun, look what you have done to me!

I watched the first episode of the dorama months ago. At that time, I was not familiar with Arashi (ergo, MatsuJun), and I could not finish it. I hated it passionately. I even swore that I would never read the manga. However, months later, here I am, doing the exact opposite. Why? Because I like MatsuJun. And he is widely known as "Doumyouji".

So, okay, I don't completely hate it. But that's only because of the "bully" issue. Makino gets bullied over and over again, but she is a fighter. In fact, she kicks Doumyouji's not-pretty face, which I thought was quite nice.

Not nice, on the other hand, is Doumyouji himself. He is repulsive and cowardly. I mean, just because he feels threatened, does he have the right to hire 3 guys to gang-rape Makino? And what about Hanazawa? Makino is so dumb to like him. Yes, he saved her from a rape, but what does he say when she thanks him? "Maybe I shouldn't have. What's the big deal? It's only your virginity, right?" Yeah, Makino, that guy is really sweet and misunderstood. ***eye-rolled***

I guess I have to read one more volume. Ughhh, only for you, MatsuJun. Because really, I don't like the characters, nor the plot, nor the art. 1.5 stars (one for the bully theme; 0.5 for the rest)

I entered into this manga with rather low expectations, yet I was pleasantly astonished.

I am not a devotee of the intense bullying that has occurred in this very first volume. I am uncertain as to why this is such a prevalent theme in the majority of the contemporary mangas that I peruse.

Notwithstanding that, I have a great love for the main character's spirit! I highly appreciate the fact that she fought back instead of merely accepting it passively.

I am extremely interested in observing where this story will lead.

It will be fascinating to see how the main character continues to develop and overcome the challenges presented by the bullying.

Perhaps she will find a way to turn the situation around and emerge stronger.

I look forward to reading further and uncovering the mysteries and adventures that lie ahead in this manga.

Domyoji's hair makes me want to cry.

It's just so unique and has this certain charm that I can't quite put my finger on. Every time I see him with that hairstyle, it's like a visual treat.

Also, I'm low key reading for this Miki side plot ngl. There's something about her story that intrigues me. Maybe it's the mystery surrounding her or the way she interacts with the other characters.

I find myself eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next in her storyline. It's a nice break from the main plot and adds an extra layer of depth to the overall story.

I can't wait to see how it all unfolds and how Miki's story will impact the other characters.

This was my very first “girly” manga that I read!

I have a deep love for the main female character. She is incredibly strong-willed and has the courage to stand up to the rich bullies, the F4.

The story is filled with excitement and drama, which made my reading experience truly enjoyable.

I had a great time going through this series and I'm quite certain that I will read it again in the future.

It's not just the plot that吸引 me, but also the character development.

The main female character grows and changes throughout the story, which makes her even more relatable and endearing.

Overall, this manga has left a lasting impression on me and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good “girly” story.

I have to admit that I don't have much knowledge about this series.

It mainly focuses on intense hazing, and there is also a romantic element between the girl and the hazers.

In fact, I have given up on this series twice before because I simply couldn't bear it. This time, I forced myself to read it, and it was even worse than I had expected.

I have heard a great deal of positive things about this series. On many websites, people include it in the top 10 best shojo reads. I thought to myself, "Okay, fine, I'll give it another try. Maybe it'll improve."

Well,

um, no.

This was extremely bad. There were so many absurd "I can't believe that just happened, that was so cringy/unfortunate/etc" moments.

The main character is so naïve that it actually hurts. I had hoped that she would grow stronger and really take a stand for herself. She does make some progress, but then she backs down again, which was very disappointing.

Moreover, this series feels so dated. The hairstyles and outfits are straight out of the nineties, along with what I assume are the old-fashioned principles.

I really don't know how I managed to finish this.

So this is where it all started! Wow!

It's truly amazing to stand here and think about the beginning of everything. This place holds so much history and significance.

As I look around, I can almost picture the events that took place long ago. The people who were here, their dreams, their struggles.

It's a reminder that every journey has a starting point, and this is it. From here, countless possibilities have emerged and led to the world we know today.

Standing in this very spot makes me feel a sense of connection to the past and a responsibility to shape the future.

I am filled with a mix of excitement and awe, knowing that this is where it all began.

It's a moment that I will never forget, and it will surely inspire me to keep moving forward and creating my own story.