Manga Like Slow Starter

High school freshman Touji Seryou faces a unique challenge: he must determine within seven days whether he can develop romantic feelings for someone. At school, he's known for an unusual tradition; anyone who asks him out on Monday becomes his date for the week, but by Sunday, he breaks it off, stating he can't reciprocate their affection. Despite this, many girls still seek his attention, drawn to how he genuinely cares for them during their brief time together. Yuzuru Shino, a striking upperclassman from the archery club, is infamous for his unpleasant demeanor after initial infatuations fade. After learning about Seryou’s custom, Yuzuru coincidentally runs into him at the school entrance and playfully proposes a date. Surprisingly, Seryou accepts the invitation seriously. As their week progresses, viewers are left wondering what this unconventional arrangement will uncover.

In "Classmates," Hikaru Kusakabe embraces a carefree lifestyle centered around music, partying, and smoking. His classmate, Rihito Sajou, is the complete opposite—an exceptional student who consistently ranks first in his class and achieved a perfect score on his high school entrance exam. While preparing for a choir festival, Kusakabe notices Sajou struggling with singing and offers to help him practice. They begin a routine of daily after-school practice sessions. Despite their vastly different lifestyles, the two gradually develop a deep connection and begin to experience romantic feelings for each other. As they navigate their final year of high school and consider their futures, Kusakabe and Sajou must face their evolving emotions and support one another through this transformative time.

Kouhei Sugihara lives a withdrawn life because of his hearing impairment. His world shifts when the energetic and spirited Taichi Sagawa enters it. Kouhei sees Taichi’s voice as bright as sunlight. Though often misunderstood by others, Taichi finds in Kouhei someone who truly understands his sincere and warmhearted nature. Taichi’s assertive attitude pushes Kouhei to aim for more, drawing him into a lively social circle he has always wanted to be part of. With Taichi’s support, Kouhei meets people eager to connect with him, even if they sometimes have to repeat themselves. As they work through the challenges of bridging their different lives, Taichi and Kouhei form a bond that goes beyond ordinary friendship and overcomes every barrier. "I Hear the Sunspot" is a touching story about loneliness, self-worth, and building connections through shared human experiences.

Yu Yang is a dependable and friendly second-year university student who, at the start of a new semester, is assigned to help guide each incoming freshman around campus. During this task, he meets Li Huan, a new student whose imposing height adds to an already cold and distant personality. Despite Yu Yang's attempts to be helpful, Li Huan often responds with disinterest. Initially annoyed by Li Huan's behavior, Yu Yang slowly comes to understand that this unexpected meeting might change how he sees life and, possibly, his understanding of love.

Shun Hashimoto and Mio Chibana begin their journey to Tokyo after starting their relationship. The lively city stands in stark contrast to the calm seaside town where their connection first developed. Even with the city's energy, managing a same-sex relationship in a society that often looks down on non-traditional couples proves difficult. Their trip takes them to Shun's old home, the place he left behind after revealing his sexuality. Familiar sights like the same dog and the well-known rooftop bring back memories, but an unexpected meeting with a loud younger brother adds a new twist. Although Shun's mother greets them warmly, his father keeps a cold distance. As they reconnect with old friends and adjust to their new surroundings, Shun and Mio face the difficult task of coming to terms with their pasts.

High school students Chiharu Saeki and Wataru Toda share a close friendship despite their differing positions in the social hierarchy. As the most popular boy in their grade, Saeki frequently turns down confessions from girls by claiming he already has a crush on someone. Both are passionate about movies and often go to the cinema together, taking turns selecting which films to watch. After one of their movie outings, Saeki confesses his feelings to Wataru, explaining that he doesn't expect anything in return. Instead, he proposes that they spend the summer visiting the real-world locations where their favorite films were shot. Though Wataru initially seems unfazed by the confession, he starts to question his own feelings as their bond deepens through this shared journey.

In "Our Dining Table," Yutaka Hozumi struggles with eating in public because people say his presence ruins the mood and alters the taste of food. One day while eating alone, a young boy approaches him, and Yutaka shares his onigiri. Soon after, the boy's older brother arrives, introducing Yutaka to Tane and Minoru Ueda, who have a significant age gap. During their next meeting, the brothers express interest in learning how to make Yutaka's unique rice balls, with Tane insisting they were the best he had ever tasted. Reluctantly agreeing, swayed by Tane's cuteness and Minoru's intimidating presence, Yutaka teaches them how to cook. Over time, these cooking sessions turn into shared meals, strengthening the bonds between Yutaka and the siblings. However, Tane and Minoru's close relationship triggers painful memories for Yutaka, revealing hidden emotions beneath their seemingly simple gatherings.

During their high school spring semester, Yuiji Hasegawa begins to suspect that his quiet classmate, Yamato Yoshinaga, has romantic feelings for his straight best friend, Kyousuke Hongou. While in a shared study group, Yuiji catches Yamato holding Kyousuke's hand as Kyousuke sleeps, and Yamato shows clear embarrassment upon being discovered. Though initially hesitant due to Yamato's homosexuality, Yuiji decides to keep the incident secret, leading to the start of their friendship. Despite their differing experiences with love, the two seem to grow closer as they work toward understanding each other better. However, the unspoken possibility remains that their relationship might develop beyond just friendship.

Masahiro Setagawa grew up despising the idea of heroes because no one ever stepped in to rescue him from his bleak existence. By his teenage years, he had become an errand boy for local delinquents, content to stay that way until he crossed paths with Kousuke Ooshiba, known as the "Bear Killer," a man who unhesitatingly beats up wrongdoers. After learning Kousuke's identity, Setagawa becomes his underling and also develops a friendship with Kousuke's brother, Kensuke. Years later, the dynamic between Kousuke and Setagawa remains unchanged, stuck in their original master-servant arrangement. However, when Setagawa witnesses Kensuke with his boyfriend Asaya Hasekura, a misunderstanding arises involving Kousuke, prompting Setagawa to realize that his feelings toward his mentor are more complicated than he once believed.

Akira Kagiura, a hardworking first-year high school student, shares a dormitory room with his senior, Taiga Hirano, for six months. Though initially nervous about living in the dorm, Kagiura has grown comfortable and happy thanks to Hirano's gentle care. As time passes, Kagiura becomes increasingly dependent on his upperclassman, and he begins to develop romantic feelings for his kind-hearted roommate. With only six months left before they must go their separate ways, Kagiura resolves to confess the deep love he holds for Hirano before their time together runs out.

Kutsuna Satoru, a hat maker, discovers Kashiba Ryou collapsed on the side of the road. Kashiba has traveled to Japan with the purpose of taking his own life. Volumes 2-3: Dear Hatter Volumes 4-7: The Speaker

Three years after finishing high school, Hikaru Kusakabe and Rihito Sajou are maintaining their long-distance relationship. Kusakabe throws himself completely into his music career, putting in intense effort and having few chances to see Sajou. Meanwhile, Sajou keeps busy with college club activities and hanging out with friends. Even so, Sajou finds it hard to cope with Kusakabe's absence. When Kusakabe makes an unexpected visit one day, Sajou decides to call off their engagement. Though their feelings for each other remain unchanged, both Kusakabe and Sajou must adjust to this new situation, holding onto the hope that they might reunite someday.

In this newest volume of the I Hear the Sunspot series, Kouhei continues studying, while Taichi enters the workforce to pursue his individual goals. The pair starts a new chapter in their lives together.

College student Junpei Shishido has a talent for forming friendships, often reaching beyond his own department to do so. While wandering campus one day, he spots Leo Onizuka, a distant student who looks strangely familiar. When they cross paths again, Onizuka denies knowing Junpei and actively tries to avoid him. Later, Junpei comes across Onizuka's ID card and recalls their connection, along with the infamous nickname tied to Onizuka. Expecting his college life to end because of this discovery, Onizuka is taken aback when Junpei suggests they become friends and vows to keep his past hidden. This unusual bond starts to grow between two very different people. Slowly, the once withdrawn Onizuka begins to open up, yet stays true to who he is.

Following the immense success of I Hear the Sunspot, its continuation, I Hear the Sunspot: Theory of Happiness, has now been unveiled. How will this relationship, which is "more than friends but less than lovers," evolve further?

One Christmas evening, after finishing her shift, 26-year-old Yamada comes across a distressed and drunk high school boy and chooses to let him stay. The boy is dealing with his emotions regarding same-sex attraction. The story centers on the relationship that develops between a heterosexual adult and a gay teenager, highlighting the connection of their hearts beyond differences in gender.

Masaki Fujiyoshi fully commits to his role as a homemaker and partner. As an omega, a secondary gender that allows him to bear children regardless of biological sex, he often feels like a burden to his supportive spouse, Hiromu. The couple endured many difficulties before settling into their current domestic life. After the birth of their son Hikari, they moved to a neighborhood better suited for raising children. Now that Hikari is approaching his second birthday, the family is building meaningful connections within their community. These include their neighbor Yuuki, a beta college student who has grown attached to Hikari, and Hiromu's colleague and friend, Matsuo. They also encounter a solitary father often seen at the local park. Though their present life is fulfilling, unresolved ties to their past remain. People from before their move have begun to reappear, leaving Masaki and Hiromu uncertain about their intentions.

Following the loss of his job in Tokyo, Mitsuomi Kozuka, now 25, returns to the rural area of his youth. The countryside initially appears unchanged over time. However, his life soon intersects with that of Yamato Kumai. Though they share the same age, Yamato exudes a vibrant and youthful spirit that sharply contrasts with Mitsuomi’s demeanor. Despite this, Mitsuomi finds solace and a sense of belonging in Yamato’s presence. Nevertheless, residing in a close-knit, traditional community complicates their ability to openly express their feelings, leading to challenging circumstances and scrutiny from the villagers.

In "Fools," university student Kwon Eungi, who shows little interest in romance, is known for being distant and hard to approach. He dedicates himself to reviving the struggling classical guitar club, which comes back to life with the arrival of freshman Choi Jeongwoo, whose upbeat personality contrasts with Eungi's reserved demeanor. Through shared guitar sessions and frequent gatherings with their mutual friends, Eungi and Jeongwoo often cross paths. Learning that Jeongwoo has recently gone through a breakup, Eungi develops an unusual concern for their well-being, prompting him to acknowledge a budding romantic interest. Despite realizing that Jeongwoo may return these feelings, Eungi, who has never experienced romantic attraction before, approaches their evolving relationship cautiously, though it becomes increasingly difficult for him to resist drawing closer.

In "Smells Like Green Spirit," Mishima, a junior high student, suffers relentless bullying because of his sexuality and feels out of place in his small, rural town. His only genuine happiness comes from secretly using a lipstick he took from his single mother. This brief joy ends when he loses the lipstick and unexpectedly finds Kirino, the soccer team captain and one of his main bullies, secretly applying it on the school roof. As summer unfolds, Mishima and Kirino begin a search for a place where they can be their true selves, though opening Pandora's box often leads to unexpected complications.

After sharing several years together, Mitsuomi Kozuka and Yamato Kumai live happily in the countryside, giving the impression of a strong bond. Although they share tender moments, both struggle to put their emotions into words. Mitsuomi suggests a domestic partnership, similar to an unofficial marriage, but Yamato is reluctant to make a commitment. While trying to work through their misunderstandings and discomfort, the two consider how to build a future free of regret.

When Ryuu transfers to Hitomi's school, he catches Hitomi's attention. Intrigued by rumors of a large tattoo on Ryuu's back, Hitomi begins to approach him. As time passes, Hitomi's developing bond with Ryuu turns into a stronger sentiment, but before Hitomi can fully understand these feelings, Hikaru arrives and draws Hitomi's focus.

Akira Minato takes over a dilapidated old laundromat left to him by his grandfather, hoping to escape his exhausting corporate job and enjoy a quiet, easygoing life. That plan gets complicated when an unusually handsome high school student named Shintarou Katsuki starts coming in as a customer. As the two grow closer, Akira is desperate to keep his sexuality hidden from Shintarou, but a careless slip of the tongue accidentally reveals that he's gay.

Kohei Sugihara, a college student navigating life with hearing loss, and Taichi Sagawa, his perpetually optimistic former classmate, discovered each other by happenstance and their connection deepened into love. With the arrival of spring, Kohei nears graduation and begins seeking a job. Simultaneously, Taichi assumes responsibility for a new coworker. Despite their growing obligations, the couple's circumstances seem to be improving. Yet their tranquility is shattered when Ena, a past romantic interest of Kohei's, suddenly resurfaces.