Bloom into You, Vol. 4

My affection for this series grows with each volume. The creator tugs on heartstrings as she emphasizes that this book features a love triangle, focusing more on Touko's best friend who harbors a major crush on Touko. Tensions run high among our emotionally confused trio as they share a room and a bath at a summer camp organized to rehearse a custom-written, highly personal play for the upcoming school festival.

Hm, not really much has happened, so I don't really know what to say, tbh.
I do like how similar the play is to Nanami's feelings and how it might influence what she chooses to be in the end as well, but at the same time, that's so cliché. Why can't a play in a story just be something fun, without reflecting the struggles of the actors in their life? I get why authors do that – it's a great way to dive deeper into a character's personality without adding a dramatic plot that might end up being too unrealistic or sth –, but hmm... idk, lol.

Also, the more time Yuu and Nanami spent apart, the less I ship them. I don't have anything against them, of course, but I don't particularly ship them either. Or, rooting for, might be a better show more description. It feels more like they're a fling or sth, but nothing that lasts.
Like- when you befriend people at elementary school but then end up going to different schools and just slowly part ways. You might not have parted because of a fight, it was just because of circumstances and life.
That's how they feel like, to me at least. And, honestly, I wouldn't mind if that's how it ends. I'm sure it won't, considering how popular the manga and anime are, but yeah...

I did like the new revelation of Nanami's sister and how she was different at school than at home. I mean, it's pretty normal for people to have different personalities at school/work and home, but it's a big deal for Nanami, of course.

My theory for the ending is, that Nanami will just choose the person she would want to be, like a mix of all personalities she has. Instead of choosing one. Or at least that's probably what Yuu suggested for the play's ending, but the play's ending will definitely have an impact on their real life. show less

If you've enjoyed the first three volumes there's nothing here likely to disappoint.

We learn a little more about Touko's history, and gain some understanding into why she's happy in a relationship in which her love is not returned.

The art is as great, characters are cute and engaging and we've reached the halfway point.

Bring on Volume Five...