5 Seconds Before a Witch Falls in Love is a delightful standalone yuri manga that effortlessly blends fantasy, romance, and lighthearted comedy into one charming package. Written and illustrated by Zeniko Sumiya, this single-volume collection tells the enchanting tale of Meg, a sly and powerful witch, and Lilith, a stern and principled witch hunter. Their dynamic begins with playful antagonism, but quickly evolves into something much more heartfelt, as both characters find themselves tangled in a game of teasing and tender emotions.
The central plot kicks off with Meg living her best mischievous life deep in the forest, constantly toying with Lilith, who is sworn to hunt witches. What starts as a series of cat-and-mouse encounters takes a turn when Meg casts a spell that transforms Lilith into a cat. This incident unexpectedly forces the two to spend more time together, sparking a shift in their relationship. The more Lilith is trapped in feline form, the more Meg’s feelings begin to surface—and the more complicated things become between the two.
What makes the relationship between Meg and Lilith so enjoyable is its classic enemies-to-lovers energy, delivered with a healthy dose of whimsy. Meg’s teasing, flirtatious personality contrasts perfectly with Lilith’s composed and determined demeanor. There’s a constant tug-of-war between affection and duty, and the way their bond develops through magic-fueled mishaps and quiet emotional beats gives the story surprising depth for such a short read. The pacing is quick but never rushed, and Sumiya does a wonderful job letting the relationship bloom naturally.
Aside from the main story, the volume also includes a secondary tale called “Demon’s Harem,” which follows Kanna, a high school girl who can see supernatural beings. She inadvertently becomes the object of affection for both a seductive demon and a flustered angel, leading to a playful tug-of-war of celestial proportions. While this bonus story doesn’t have quite the same emotional impact as Meg and Lilith’s, it offers a fun diversion and shows off Sumiya’s flair for writing quirky, love-filled fantasy side plots.
The art in this manga is as expressive as it is charming. Sumiya’s character designs are clean and full of personality, with each expression—be it Meg’s smug smirk or Lilith’s blushing frustration—bringing extra energy to every page. The magical settings are whimsical but simple, placing the focus on character interaction rather than overly complex backdrops. This minimalist approach works beautifully, enhancing the emotional impact of the more tender moments between the leads.
What stands out most is how the manga balances sweetness and humor with a sincere emotional core. While the setup leans heavily into comedy—especially with Meg’s constant magical antics—there’s real vulnerability beneath the surface. Meg and Lilith’s connection feels genuine, with both characters slowly realizing that the lines between love and rivalry are not as rigid as they first believed. It’s this emotional nuance that elevates the story beyond simple romantic fluff.
For a one-volume release, 5 Seconds Before a Witch Falls in Love does a fantastic job of delivering a satisfying arc. However, it also leaves you wishing there was more—more time with Meg and Lilith, more magical chaos, and more romantic development. The chemistry between the leads is electric, and it’s easy to imagine their story continuing into further adventures filled with enchantment and emotional growth.
I absolutely loved this manga and can’t wait to see if Zeniko Sumiya expands on this world or brings us more stories in a similar vein. 5 Seconds Before a Witch Falls in Love is a perfect cozy read that manages to be hilarious, touching, and surprisingly deep in under 200 pages. I was completely charmed by it from beginning to end, and I’m already hoping for a sequel—or at the very least, another story with the same heart and magic.
