Sugars (YAMAMORI Mika)

'Sugars' is a captivating manga series that seamlessly weaves romance, school life, and shoujo elements into an enchanting tapestry of love, friendship, and self-discovery. With each volume containing six short stories focused on a chain of individuals, 'Sugars' delivers a high-quality reading experience for fans of the genre. Whether you are an avid manga enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of shoujo manga, this series is a must-read.

The first story introduces us to Kie, an 18-year-old girl who has never been asked out. As her high school life is winding down, her friend suggests that she try a love potion-like candy. To her surprise, the candy works, and suddenly every guy is vying for her attention, including her good friend Shimon. However, as Kie falls deeper in love, she starts questioning the authenticity of their feelings, fearing that it might all be a ruse.

In another tale, we meet Mami, Kie's best friend, who often turns down admirers despite always being pursued. One day, a younger boy who loves Jack Johnson approaches her, asking her to taste some sweets. Although Mami isn't particularly fond of sweets, she finds herself falling for him. But just when she starts to open up, she discovers that he already has someone he likes, leaving her heartbroken.

The third story revolves around Tomomi, who is called in as a replacement volunteer to bake cakes on Christmas Eve. Unexpectedly, she finds herself working alongside the quiet and nerdy student council president. Despite their initial differences, the two bond over their shared experience and end up having a delightful time together.

Maika takes center stage in the fourth story as she harbors a secret love for her teacher. In her efforts to be closer to him, she volunteers to pick weeds after school. However, her plan takes an unexpected turn when another student joins the volunteering activity. Maika courageously confesses her feelings to her teacher, ultimately leading to his resignation. Surprisingly, the other volunteer reveals that he orchestrated the entire situation to have a chance at being with Maika.

The fifth story introduces Hiro, a popular high school student known as "Mr. Valentine" for his transformation from an awkward middle schooler to a stunning heartthrob. Yet, amidst his newfound popularity, Hiro can't help but think of the one girl who gave him chocolate when he was still considered unattractive.

The final story revolves around Ginjirou, who constantly finds himself overshadowed by his friend Akira. What makes it worse is that Akira, despite being a girl, possesses an undeniable allure. Whenever Ginjirou gets close to a girl, his friend inadvertently steals their affections. However, when a guy shows interest in Akira, Ginjirou can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.

'Sugars' beautifully captures the complexities of romantic relationships and the nuances of friendship. Each story unfolds with a delicate balance of tender moments, heartache, and unexpected twists. The characters are compelling, relatable, and undergo significant growth, adding depth and resonance to their individual journeys.

Whether you're seeking a delightful bout of romance or an exploration of the intricacies of human connections, 'Sugars' delivers on all fronts. With its charming artwork, intriguing storylines, and well-developed characters, it's no wonder that manga enthusiasts eagerly await each new installment. For a high-quality reading experience, be sure to read the latest issues of 'Sugars' online and immerse yourself in this enchanting world of sweet sweets stories.