Shiho has what we used to call a “difficult” personality. She appears to make decisions that work against her best interests more often than not. Should you happen to point it out to her, you become the problem. In Whisper Me A Love Song,  Volume 7 and Volume 8, Himari finally helps Shiho to see that the problem is that Shiho has piled every one of her issues up to form a barrier between her and Aki…and, really, she likes Aki, it’s just that all that stuff has kept her from admitting it. With the high tension of the school festival filling the air, will Shiho break permanently with her former bandmate, or open a new chapter between them?

When we learn, finally, what Shiho’s issue is – it is a perfect moment. Yes, of course, his would affect her and yes, of course, someone as high-strung and “difficult” as she iswould retreat into herself, finding fault with everyone around her, rather than taking a look at herself. But Shiho also comes off as selfish and willful here. When the penny finally drops and she sees what she is doing, it is very satisfying. We (and Himari) are immediately hopeful that Shiho will figure out how to build a healthier relationship with Aki.

In the mean time, back in mostly-functional relationship land, Himari and Yori enjoy their first school festival together with all the little joys and moritifcations that brings.

And then the Battle of the Bands begin and Lauraley comes out swinging. Who will win is not nearly as important as what will happen after that, but our little angel, Himari has shepherded her sempai into a situation that is much more likely to be win-win. Good on her.

These volumes are perfect high school drama. Just a teeny little bit of real world drama, and a lot of adorable love-love, unencumbered by concerns of growing up in a hostile world, centering on good friends, and having fun playing music. It’s the perfect recipe for fulfilling high school years.

Thanks to the team at Kodansha for doing a top-notch job with the character voices, so that when we hear them speaking in the anime – streaming now on HIDIVE – they really sound exactly the way we imagined they would. ^_^

Ratings:

Art – 9
Story – 8
Characters – 9
Service – 0
Yuri – 8

Overall – 9

In most high school manga, summer is a time for our protagonists to go to the beach or pool, and make beautiful memories. For Himari, this summer will be the busiest of her life. Somehow she has become the manager of Lorelei, the greatest rivals Yori-sempai’s band, SS Girls, has.

Luckily, Himari is not as much in a pickle as that sounds, since the members of Lorelei are not only treating her well, but teaching her useful skills. Himari is able to offer some promotional suggestions, as well. Honestly…she’s thriving.

Himari finally asks Shiho what the deal with her leaving SS Girls is, and she is invited on an outing as a response. What could the big secret be? It’s not so much a secret, as a teenage unused to processing complicated feelings of /spoilers/.

There’s only one problem. Himari’s time with Yori-sempai has been slashed to pieces and she’s worried that too much distance between Yori and she might hurt their relationship. Yori is putting a brave and generous face on, but it’s killing her with jealousy. Yori admits that, and they affirm their feelings for one another. Yori’s plans for a first kiss don’t pan out, but at a summer festival, they finally get the time to just talk and be together and have the romantic kiss they deserve on a giant two-page spread. Yay for beautiful summer memories!

When they are caught in a sudden summer deluge, they end up at Yori’s house. As the volume ends, Yori contemplates what it will mean to having her girlfriend overnight. I admit, watch Yori stress about being attracted to Himari is a kinda cute. I think I get why Aki teases her all the time. ^_^

I know I keep saying this, but I really do love this manga. It’s sweet and genuine and has feels without manipulation or creeping. I love Takeshima-sensei’s art, and the “timing” of her page layouts. The characters are universally likable (even Shiho, sometimes.) I cannot wait for this anime and just really hope the animation team does it right. _^ Certainly, I can say with enthusiasm, that Kodansha handles this manga beautifully. Kebin Steinbach gives all the characters their own voice…you can really hear Himari and Yori and Shiho….beautiful lettering from Jennifer Skarupa, Tiff Joshua TJ Ferrentini’s editing gives it that final polish and once again Matthew Akuginow’s cover is just a lovely thing, with a great contrast between the smooth gloss and textured finish. All around, a fantastic edition.

Ratings:

Art – 9
Story – 8
Characters – 9
Service – 0
Yuri – 8

Overall – 9

Volume 7 will bring the great reveal of Shiho’s dark secret, out in English this June from Kodansha!