Junjo Romantica: Volume 4

The next volume of Junjo Romantica contains the conclusion to Hiro-san’s and Shinoda’s so-called relationship. Hiro-san clarifies that they cannot be together because he doesn’t love him. Hiro-san comes running when Usagi-san has an emergency: Takahiro breaking his heart. Years later, Hiro-san discovers that Shinoda has found his own happiness. On the other hand, Nowaki doubts whether Hiro-san is happy being with him. And why is Usagi-san the only one who can call Hiro-san by his first name, Hiroki? Later on, Hiro-san sets Nowaki straight and confronts Nowaki about all his worries. How will Nowaki react to Hiro-san’s words? Somehow Usagi-san convinces Takahiro to allow Misaki to stay at Usagi-san’s penthouse. Okay. Maybe Usagi-san bent Misaki’s words a little bit – okay, a lot. But at least now, the couple won’t be torn apart, right? Wrong. Misaki first learns about Usagi-san winning the Kikukawa Award from Sumi, then he learns about Usagi-san’s older brother from Isaka. Usagi-san is forced (by Isaka and Aikawa) to attend some ceremonies for the award. While Usagi-san is away, Misaki tries to decide the perfect celebration gift. But all Usagi-san wants is Misaki and all Misaki wants is to learn more about Usagi-san from the man himself. Later, Misaki decides to make a move in the bedroom like a scene from Usagi-san’s book, resulting in Misaki’s forced “homework.” Will Usagi-san’s homework drive Misaki crazy? The answer: most likely, yes. The book ends with a blast from the past when Usagi-san and Hiro-san first meet as children. Usagi-san doesn’t hold back with Hiro-san, from Usagi-san kissing to hand-holding to comforting Hiro-san in his time of need. I hope to see more scenes between young Usagi-san and young Hiro-san, explaining why their relationship is the way it is today. Shungiku Nakamura did a fantastic job again, from the cover to the story of the characters’ bond with one another. I would recommend this book to any BL manga fan and Junjo Romantica fan. I can’t wait to read the next one and find out what hurdles they must overcome next.