If It’s You I Might Try Falling in Love, Vol. 1
Story and Art: Maru Kubota
Publisher: Yen Press (Print & Digital)
Translation: Avery Hutley
Lettering: Elena Pizarro Lanzas
Publication Date: March 25, 2025
Rating: Older Teen
Genre: Manga, BL
Amane hadn’t seriously liked anyone since back in middle school. He learned how painful it was to be laughed at for sharing your feelings and had sworn off ever since. Now, Amane’s just transferred to a new High School in Enoshima, where he meets Ryuuji, a boy in his class. Fast friends, the jaded Amane quickly warms up to the eager Ryuuji—but that warmth continues to grow into feelings much deeper than friendship. Follow the boys through their frustratingly authentic journey through high school romance.
This review contains light spoilers for If It’s You I Might Try Falling in Love, Vol. 1. I received a free copy from Yen Press in exchange for a review.
If It’s You I Might Try Falling in Love, Vol. 1 by Maru Kubota is a sweet and wholesome BL story that effortlessly draws readers into its heartfelt narrative.
On his first day in Enoshima, where he moves in with his grandmother, Amane-kun has an unexpected encounter—Taru, a mischievous cat, jumps on him out of nowhere. This small, chaotic moment sets off a chain of positive changes in his life, beginning with his introduction to Taru’s owner, Ryuuji-kun. As an apology for Taru’s behavior, Ryuuji-kun invites Amane-kun to his family’s restaurant for a meal. Instantly drawn to Ryuuji-kun’s good looks, Amane-kun later regrets not even asking his age. Fortunately, fate steps in, with the two ending up as classmates, and their friendship blossoms. Ryuuji-kun’s easygoing and kind nature helps Amane-kun feel comfortable enough to come out as gay, though he immediately tries to downplay it, afraid of being laughed at. Instead, Ryuuji-kun accepts him wholeheartedly and gently scolds him for making fun of himself, marking the start of Amane-kun’s journey toward self-acceptance—and perhaps, love.
The storytelling in this manga is captivating. The pacing is excellent, and I was instantly invested in Ryuuji-kun and Amane-kun’s dynamic. Ryuuji-kun’s “Mr. Nice Guy” persona isn’t just a front—it’s clear that his kindness toward Amane-kun is genuine. Meanwhile, Amane-kun struggles with unresolved trauma, particularly regarding love. One of my favorite moments is when Ryuuji-kun calls him out for making a joke out of coming out to him. Amane-kun’s reaction felt deeply relatable; many of us instinctively laugh at ourselves before others can, as if it softens the blow of potential judgment. But why should we diminish ourselves just to make others comfortable? We all need a Ryuuji-kun in our lives—someone to remind us that we are enough and worthy of love exactly as we are.
The artwork is stunning and carries a nostalgic charm reminiscent of classic shoujo manga. The expressive illustrations perfectly complement the story’s warmth and sincerity. Whether Ryuuji-kun and Amane-kun’s relationship remains a deep friendship or evolves into something more, I can’t wait to see where their journey leads. This manga is a feel-good, wholesome read about friendship, healing from the past, and embracing self-love—and I absolutely recommend it.
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