It’s summer time but Shinohara Sumi is at school taking up her supplementary lessons instead of having fun under the shining sun at the beach. While she is frustrated that she can’t have her enjoyable summer, she meets a mysterious boy named Yoshino Mitsuru who offers his help. Her feelings begin to grow for Mitsuru as she spends her time with him. But she cannot shake off the feeling that there is something more to Mitsuru than meets the eye.

Kimi ga Hikari explores the growing relationship between Sumi and Mitsuru. Although Sumi doesn’t know anything about Mitsuru, she can’t help but be drawn to the boy who is willing to help her and spend his summer with her. With each passing day, Sumi will eventually know who Mitsuru is and the purpose for his unexpected visits. There is a twist in the end which is quite adorable in its own way. The manga is drawn beautifully, giving that summer feel to the readers. If you want more endearing oneshots like this one, then it’s best to read this author’s other works, as she writes some of the best oneshots out there.

Fujisaki Aiji exchanges a promise with his childhood friend Itou Mao that they will be each other’s first kiss. 13 years into the future, Aiji seems to have a long way to go to make their promise come true. First, Mao is a well-known actress that everyone loves, and secondly, he is only an insignificant actor who only shows up in horror shows. While worrying that his childhood friend might have forgotten their promise, Mao shows up at his apartment, asking him to help her for her next role by going on a date with her!

We will be honest and say that this oneshot is full of clichés. But what makes this manga a good read is that readers get to see it from the hero’s perspective, which is quite rare for its genre. In Sentimental Shounen A, Aiji is the one who feels insecure because of Mao’s radiant image. He tries his best to match Mao in every way that he can, but Aiji is Aiji and he can’t change that. It’s quite cute how Aiji feels flustered around Mao and tries to hide it by being cool. Aiji may not be confident enough to stand beside his longtime crush, but thankfully, Mao is there to ease his mind and give him the little push that he needs. Sentimental Shounen A is a oneshot from Kimi wa, Ore ga suki datte ittara donna kao suru darou, so better read it if you haven’t yet!

Snow women are beings who wield the power of snow and can enchant men with their eyes alone. They live deep in the snowy mountains and generally give birth to female children. However, Fukami Yamato is a rare exception to this. Yamato is not just any special male-born child, but he is also the son of the most powerful snow woman in their village back in his mother’s day. That is why Kakiuchi Hiori, a snow woman, is out on a mission to take Yamato into her village and marry him off to a powerful snow woman. The problem is, Hiori’s enchantment can’t lure Yamato to come with her. In fact, she is the one who gets lured by him. What can Hiori do to make Yamato mesmerized by her?

The manga mainly focuses on how Hiori will seduce Yamato. While she tries her best to tempt him, Hiori gets to know Yamato and his family. As she stays with Yamato, her perception towards her own kind changes and even considers protecting Yamato from the possible fate he may have. It’s funny that instead of him falling for her, Hiori ends up being the one who is in love with him, which is quite ironic. The story may be short, but the sweet relationship between Yamato and Hiori is truly entertaining to read.

Tougo intends to confess his love to Suzu. To make the moment perfect, he intends to confess while it’s snowing like how Suzu’s parents did when they were young. Unfortunately, no one can control the weather; so he settles for fake snow made out of cutout paper and places it on a tree branch. However, he accidentally slips and has been in a coma for 4 years. Now that he is awake and kicking, he wants to start over again and woo Suzu to be his girlfriend once more. But 4 years is a long time and a lot has changed. How will Tougo cope up with the years that he missed?

This is another manga that is from the guy’s perspective. Kanojo no Namida ga Yuki da Toshitara takes on a realistic approach regarding love and friendship. Usually, shoujo manga tends to show that if there is a strong love between the two parties, then they can overcome all obstacles that come their way. This manga also shows that, albeit with a different approach. While Tougo and Suzu did love each other, the love that they presently have is different from before. The manga, overall, is bittersweet. It tells us that not all people can wait for someone and that letting go is sometimes the best option. Koyomi Minamori is best known for her heart-wrenching stories, so be sure to check out her other works if you want something that is similar to this.

Kounoike Chiaki and Amatsu Miyabi seem to be the perfect couple in everyone's eyes. Both are attractive, smart, well-mannered and are from a distinguished family. Two dazzling puzzle pieces that fit together. It all changes, however, when Chiaki’s father gets arrested for corruption. In that instant, everyone turns their gaze away from Chiaki and starts to avoid him. To be with him again, Miyabi changes herself to be Chiaki, even if it means receiving the same scornful treatment as Chiaki .

Puzzle is not your ordinary shoujo oneshot. It’s darker and twisted, delving deeper into the psychological aspect of the story. Before her transformation, Miyabi didn’t like the fact that she doesn’t fit in with anyone despite the fact that a lot of people admire her. After finally meeting Chiaki, she feels that they are perfectly matched and doesn’t want to let go of the relationship that she has with him. Although their circumstances have changed, Miyabi and Chiaki will remain together, constantly changing to fit each other. The story is quite complex, but if you enjoy that kind of thing, then give this oneshot a try!

Setia is from the Ulfa clan and is expected to be married to a man from another village. Unfortunately, bandits attacked her village, leaving her the sole survivor of the Ulfa clan. As she buries her parents while wearing her dirty wedding outfit, the tyrant king, Azurite, takes an interest in her and captures her to be his personal toy. But Setia, who wants to fulfill her dead parents’ wish, will not yield to the king and even dares to badmouth him and attempts to escape to no avail. As she tries to convince Azurite to let her go, she learns more about him and starts to understand who the real king is.

Setia and Azurite’s relationship didn’t start quite well when they first met. This is because of Azurite’s mean and brutal way of treating Setia. But Setia, who is fierce and brave, does not let the tyrant king push her down however he wants. As the chapters go on, the author shows a more venerable and kind side of Azurite. While the start of the manga is quite rough because of Azurite’s attitude, it turns cute and funny once both of the characters decide to share a piece of themselves with each other. Since this manga is written and drawn by the same author who did Akatsuki no Yona, readers will definitely feel the same vibe as with said manga.

Lance is a demon who has been punished by the lord of hell to guard the gates of heaven and hell. To end his punishment, he must collect one million human souls to enter hell. But there’s a catch, he must only tell lies and never tell the truth. If he does, he will merge with the gate and die. Now feeling impatient with only one human soul to go, he decides to go in the human realm and drag the next person who will face the gates. But what will he do once he realizes that the next person will be his most cherished one?

Although we have the typical kind and naive female lead, the reason this manga is on this list is because of Lance. Since Lance is a demon, he is expected to be self-centered and a deceiving character. Even though he only thinks about himself, he can’t help but fall for Leo’s sweet and accepting behavior. Sabaki no Mon may have fewer romantic moments, but Lance’s way of thinking and character development is something to behold. The story simply shows that even a selfish man can love and can sacrifice anything for the sake of love.

Aoi Shun has always been in her older sister’s shadow. Unlike her talented and well-loved sister, she is a tomboy and a rebellious delinquent who doesn’t think much about her future. Because of her unruly attitude, she is often compared to her sister, much to her dismay. But beneath her tough exterior is someone who is extremely talented at playing the flute and wants to be appreciated for it. However, everything takes a turn for the better when she meets the famous photographer, Tokisaka Yohsuke, at her secret spot in her neighborhood.

Dear Green focuses on Shun’s growth as a character. Because of her ever-growing insecurity and her awkward behavior, she is mostly left alone and is often misunderstood by those around her. What is so charming about this manga is how Yohsuke and Shun continue to inspire each other. Dear Green is truly relatable since a lot of people tend to be unsure when they unconsciously compare themselves to others. Another recommended oneshot from this author is By Hero which is equally engaging as this one.

The shy and meek girl, Michiru Kisaragi, suddenly discovers the death of Makoto Takashi, whom she admires because of his bright attitude and the way he appreciates the picture that she took last summer. While searching for a nice view to take pictures, she encounters the ghost of Takahashi. He said that he can’t leave because of his utter regret of not celebrating his birthday, which is 5 days away. Until then, he intends to stay on Earth.

Toumei na Sekai gives a message to its readers to live life to the fullest. Takahashi, who did his best to enjoy his last moments, encourages Kisaragi to do the same. Because of Kisaragi’s quiet demeanor, a lot of people tend to not notice her. Takahashi advises her to be confident and be more open to other people. He tells her to start little by little and enjoy every moment that she is in. Although Takahashi and Kisaragi’s time is limited, the romance between the two does not feel forced, and is in fact, very inspiring. If you want to read their story, Toumei no Sekai is included in the first volume of Kaichou wa Maid-sama!

The beautiful and handsome Rin finally finds the perfect hands for him! The talented Miwako, whose hands are slender and can perfectly play the piano, is Rin’s current target. For hundreds of years, Rin has traveled to a lot of places seeking to perfect his appearance. The last part of him that needs to be changed is his hands. To get Miwako’s hands, he offers her one wish that he can grant. The gentle and kind Miwako refuses his offer, but will nonetheless give her hands to Rin, as long as she is allowed to play the piano until the day of her teacher’s wedding. Rin complies and stays with Miwako for the time being.

Like every other shoujo manga, Akuma ni Itsukushimi no Te wo revolves around the love story of a demon and a human. But what makes this manga so special is that the flow and the execution of it are surprisingly beautiful. The art is exquisitely done as well as the characters’ growth, which is also the reason why this manga is so memorable to the readers. The manga shows Miwako's unrequited love towards her teacher and Rin’s growing feelings for Miwako. As the two get closer, Rin begins to want Miwako herself, instead of her hands. Rin and Miwako’s story is an open ending which is up to the reader to interpret. Either way, it’s a happy one so don’t hesitate to read this wonderful piece by Takagi-sensei!