The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All, Vol. 1 is the kind of manga that starts with a wink and ends with a grin. It’s a romcom, but with a twist sharp enough to cut through genre tropes and give you something fresh, funny, and just a little bit subversive.
The story follows Aya, a sweet and slightly awkward high school girl who catches feelings for a cool, androgynous musician she sees at a live show. She’s smitten instantly—leather jacket, aloof attitude, all the classic heartthrob elements are there. The twist? That musician turns out to be Mitsuki, a girl. And rather than spinning off into tired confusion or melodrama, the story pivots beautifully into something far more honest and engaging.
What unfolds is a refreshingly cute and respectful exploration of queer attraction and identity, wrapped up in all the fluffy goodness of a shoujo-style slow burn. Aya is earnest, fumbling, and completely relatable as she tries to reconcile her feelings with the assumptions she’s been handed. Mitsuki, for her part, is guarded but gentle, giving the story balance and emotional depth. The dynamic between them is adorable and surprisingly grounded, built on mutual curiosity and genuine connection.
Visually, the manga is stylish and expressive. There’s a punk-rock energy in Mitsuki’s design and a soft, comedic rhythm in Aya’s reactions that keeps things light without undercutting the real emotional stakes. Every panel pops with character, whether it’s an awkward blush, a sidelong glance, or a bit of music-fueled introspection.
I absolutely loved reading Volume 1. It was charming and thoughtful in equal measure, with just enough humor to keep the tone breezy and fun. But what really stuck with me was the gentle authenticity of its core relationship. It’s rare to find a manga that handles this kind of premise with so much heart and so little fuss.
I can’t wait to read the next volume. If this debut is any indication, Aya and Mitsuki’s story is just getting started—and I’m definitely sticking around to see where it goes.
English