High School Debut, Volume 12

This is an amazing series. I have been waiting for this book ever since i had finally finished the 11th book. I even reread the series since i was still waiting for this book to come out. And now i have to wait for the 13th book lol. But this book is an amzing continuation to an amazing series!

In this volume, Haruna and Yoh take an overnight trip together. Haruna, having been informed by Asami what an overnight trip means, is freaking out. She doesn't feel ready to have a physical relationship with Yoh, but she thinks it's probably expected of her. After all, she doesn't want to disappoint him. So she tries to prepare herself, but she totally loses it anytime Yoh comes near. Will she really be able to go through with it? Then, Asa throws a jealous fit over Haruna and Yoh being together. She doesn't like Haruna making her brother look "uncool", and the two girls get in a fight over it. Later, Haruna is looking forward to her class trip to Kyoto and Tokyo. However, Mami has been acting strangely. She tells Haruna that she's betrayed her, but Haruna has no idea what she's talking about. Then it looks like Mami might have feelings for Yoh... Finally, Haruna tries to help Yoh when he realizes that he doesn't know what he wants to study in college. But will she be ok when he chooses a far away college? This was a good volume. I liked the part about whether Yoh and Haruna are ready to take the next step. It's something that most couples face, and most girls should be able to sympathize. I liked the spotlight on Mami, too. She's a good character and really doesn't get enough time in the manga. Also liked the end. It portrays yet another problem couples in high school face, and I thought Kawahara did a pretty good job with it. I liked how Haruna tries to be supportive, but she really doesn't want Yoh to leave. However, this volume wasn't without its problems. The main one is that Haruna often overreacts, to the point where I can't take her seriously. Coincidentally, "High School Debut" vol. 12 was released in English at the same time as Love Com, Vol. 15, which has a similar plot-line about physicality. These two manga have a lot of similarities to begin with, and it's impossible not to compare. The heroine of "Love Com", Risa, has a similar reaction to the situation, but it's not as over the top as Haruna's. Also, Risa is aware of that her behavior is off, and that makes a big difference. Asa's interruption didn't help. It was kind of sweet to see her get jealous over her brother, but it slowed down the pace of the manga. You'd think she'd be over Haruna and Yoh's relationship by now, and her childishness gets a little old. Next, while I liked the plot with Mami, the thing she was so worried about turned out to be kind of silly and unrealistic. And the final part just had the same problem with Haruna's over-reactions. Actually, I think that's the biggest problem with the whole series. But it's still a good manga in the end. It's more original than a lot of stuff out there, and the characters are definitely likable. I think it's good that the next volume will be the last one, but it's been a fun ride all the same.

High School Debut vol. 12 is the last volume before the final volume 13. The main story is that Haruna and Yoh are on their first overnight trip together...meaning they will be sharing a room! This creates an intimate and slightly awkward setting for the both of them. Can Yoh and Haruna handle the heaviness of the situation or will they call it quits? This volume could have all gone up in smoke but the mangaka pulled it off brilliantly. It was excellent. You can really feel the love on all sides and we even see a some character development. The only problem I have with this is that Asa randomly just brings up some big conflict even though H+Y have been going out for a WHILE. You re Many things occur in this volume and to understand the next one, you will have to read vol. 12. High School Debut overall, including this vol., is an extremely enjoyable series and I will be very sad to see it come to an end.