Childhood friends to lovers? Excellent, give me 14 of them right now! I knew from the title I was going to eat I Can’t Stand Being Your Childhood Friend up. And how could I not? Friends to lovers is always an enjoyable trope but throw in years of longing and it becomes a little bit more special.
About I Can’t Stand Being Your Childhood Friend
I Can’t Stand Being Your Childhood Friend is a series by An Momose. It’s being published in English by Seven Seas Entertainment. It centers on two childhood friends-turned-roommates dealing with a new level of their friendship. Now in college, Aoi and Ryouta are still as inseparable as they were in high school and before. But little does Aoi know, Ryouta’s been harboring feelings for him for a long time.
Everything changes when Ryouta’s true feelings come to light. Aoi now has to figure out how he truly feels about Ryouta and their relationship. Luckily for both of them, they have gay neighbors who help them navigate this tricky spot and lead the way to love.
My Thoughts
This sort of premise isn’t new, but I love the way it’s being approached in this series. Once Ryouta’s feelings are known, he charges right in and makes it clear where he wants to go next with Aoi. Aoi still has to figure out his feelings, and living with Ryouta does not make that easy. I appreciated how Aoi’s conflicting feelings are depicted. Aoi has loved Ryouta all his life, but has he loved him in this way?
I also love the inclusion of a side couple and how they become instrumental in these two taking the next step. I think something we don’t see often is how pivotal friends can be in helping you figure out your identity or help you process your feelings. In this case, the neighbors are older, so they have more experience. This makes it easy for them to spot the things Ryuota and Aoi can’t.
My favorite part is knowing that there are two more volumes to come! I love Aoi and Ryouta together, and I’m looking forward to seeing where their relationship goes next.
Where to Buy I Can’t Stand Being Your Childhood Friend Vol 1
I Can’t Stand Being Your Childhood Friend Vol 1
Mangaka: An Momose
Translation: Tristan K. Hill
Lettering: Kai Kyou
Editor: Suzanne Seals
Senior Editor: J.P. Sullivan
Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment
I Can’t Stand Being Your Childhood Friend, Vol 1 is available for preorder now and will be released on October 14.
Thank you, Seven Seas Entertainment, for the ARC.
