Different people have different views when it comes to love and relationships. Some see it as a jar of poison that brings nothing but misery. On the other hand, some see it as a beautiful rainbow adorning the bright skies after a tumultuous rain. Another interesting take is comparing it to a beautiful rose. It may seem pretty and nice at first glance, but it’s actually filled with prickly thorns. Different takes, usually, are accompanied by different experiences and stories. That said, not all love stories are filled with rainbows and butterflies some include something sinister.

Discussion Time

Love and Heart follow the story of Yoh Yagisawa, a college freshman. After an ugly breakup, she expects her next days to be a bit gloomy and frustrating, but it turns out fate has something else set up for her. When she goes home that night, an interesting surprise is waiting for her. A handsome young lad is waiting for her. According to him, he’s her childhood friend and her new roommate. Not only that, he already has Yoh’s mother’s permission. In fact, she’s the one who’s given him the keys to the place she’s staying at. However, this person is shrouded in something mysterious.

1. Not The Typical Romance

In most romance series, the main leads usually seem to be destined for each other right from the get-go. Actually, Love and Heart is something like that. However, the author does a pretty good job confusing the readers whether or not this main ship is something good or bad. There are multiple times wherein the author presents something shady, which in turn, makes us doubt Haruma, the male lead. But after a few pages, we then get to see him redeeming himself, which makes us feel stupid for actually doubting. However, the author then throws another confusing detail, and the cycle just continues to repeat itself.

2. Strong-willed Female Lead

Unlike other romance series wherein the female lead is usually a damsel in distress, Yoh is pretty strong-willed. Even though she probably can’t hold herself well in a fight, she’s not the usual annoying pushover. She doesn’t fear confrontations and facing anything that threatens her life. In fact, she doesn’t even flinch when facing the person stalking and secretly taking pictures of her. Instead of wrecking her stalker’s life, she firmly tells her off instead. Now, that’s what we call badass.

3. Mysteriously Sinister

If you’re thinking that there seems to be something amiss with this whole plot, then you’re not the only one. Haruma just has this weird vibe going on. In fact, even his background is quite sketchy. Even though that’s already been cleared up and everything, he is still doing something shady. There are panels wherein his kind and gentle character completely switch into someone sinister. It’s revealed that he has something to do with the stalker incident.

Final Thoughts

Love and Heart are interestingly complicated. It’s not just the typical linear romance wherein the leads overcome difficulties together. We’re actually still not sure where to stand in terms of the Yoh and Haruma ship. Up to this moment, we’re still uncertain as to what kind of character Haruma is. We’re certain we haven’t seen most of his character yet, and we want to see more of him. After all, he’s intriguingly sinister.

Writer

Author: Christian Markle

I am a copywriter, proofreader, and editor. I love watching anime, reading manga, and writing my own stories. Watch out in the future as you may see one of my works one day. Manga and anime were big parts of my childhood. I grew up watching Yu Yu Hakusho, Slam Dunk, One Piece, and Dragon Ball Z. Those were probably one of the happiest and most carefree days of my life. In fact, most of my values are probably molded by manga. No, that's not an exaggeration.

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