So I had a weird experience with this one.

The synopsis really grabbed me, hence why I read it, but even going in knowing the story and actually reading it... I’m not really sure how to explain what it is. It’s such a weird story, and I think my confusion stems from not really knowing how to categorise it. Surface level, you can enjoy it, but I keep getting the sense that even the manga doesn’t know what it is. There’s definitely romance, but the monster elements break up the tone so rapidly that it gives you whiplash. Like there’s one more where the leads are having a meet cute, and all of a sudden a giant and terrifying monster appears and attacks everyone, and we focus on that for ages. Then we go back to the couple in lightening speed, and it left me reeling over how quickly we go through events.

And it’s not as if the monster elements are just there to further the romantic plot. They do, but the mangagka put a lot of work into making them creepy and scary. One design reminded me of Parasyte, a horror manga. The art is lovely, going for a cute shojo style with the leads, only adding to the whiplash when you get to the monsters and it gets creepy out of nowhere.

If I had to pick a genre, then it would be romance, mostly because the monsters and supernatural elements aren’t explained well, and it was mostly rushed through to get to the love story. And honestly... the romance is quite adorable. Our two leads are clearly smitten with each other, their relationship moves quickly, and their chemistry works. I usually don’t love romance plots, but this one felt different.

Despite how dissonant it can be, I still enjoyed this thoroughly. The relationship holds promise, and I hope the next volume explores and irons out the world more.