Suzuka, Vol. 2

Things heat up in Volume 2 of Suzuka, and that means emotional storms for Hiroshima native Akitsuki Yamato, who has moved into his aunt's apartment complex, surrounded by a bevy of beauties, including the aloof but talented athlete Suzuka, for whom he has fallen in love with. At high school, it's time for the PE fitness test, meaning a series of events where students compete in events that could win them places on various sports teams. For a school famed for its athletic department, that's a big thing. Yamato doesn't fare well in many events, but surprises everyone and most of all himself when he wins in the 50 meter dash. Granted, it was because his competitor Kobayakawa, who is on an athletic scholarship, had a slow start, but according to Hattori, his mischievous imp of a friend, his victory scored him a few points with the sensible, serious-minded Suzuka. But Hattori's more an assertive kind of guy, telling the wishy-washy Yamato, "You have to make a move and let her know you're interested." Ah, but what if he's shot down? In that case, any of the little things, such as going shopping with her, or even small talk will be impossible, not to mention uncomfortable given that they are both in the same apartment complex. He walks with Suzuka during a windy storm, but when she clutches at him, he thinks he's making progress. But knowing women.... well, who knows how they think, right? Needless to say, it's back to slightly warm and cold again. Yamato finds out more about Suzuka's weaknesses, such as her being terrified during storms when a blackout draws her into his room. Suzuka though seems very temperamental in this volume, hardly giving poor Yamato any slack. Yamato in turn becomes flustered as he gets nervous when he realizes he's in love with her. But she is a well-drawn character, attractive enough, that even her slightly warm-to-cold fluctuations are tolerable at the very best. As for poor Honoka, Yamato's childhood friend, she still carries a torch for him, and gets distracted enough that she accidentally pours a bunch of chili pepper on her noodles with expected results. She's more cheery and positive enough that one might think, "Oh, forget Miss Athlete. Here's someone who's nicer and who really cares." But given manga convention, that's probably not going to happen. And the lusty, dark-skinned Yuuka is there merely for bathtub fan service and to make life miserable for Yamato. However, things build up to a climax when after a day at the FantasyLand amusement park, Yamato confesses his love to Suzuka, with expected results that sets the stage for the third volume. So a lot of drama and things going on with this volume of Suzuka.