Be My Worst Nightmare!, Vol. 1 offers a charming and introspective look into the chaotic emotional world of high school life. The story revolves around Sayo Hoshikawa, a student struggling with his self-image—particularly his short stature. Things take a turn when he witnesses his long-time crush get rejected by none other than Itsuki Mashiba, the tall and seemingly untouchable classmate Sayo finds irritating. What begins as jealousy quickly snowballs into a tangled mess of confusion, awkward encounters, and a series of unexpected emotional turns.
At first, Sayo’s feelings toward Mashiba are anything but friendly. He sees Mashiba as someone who effortlessly excels at everything Sayo can’t, from looks to popularity. But when Mashiba starts paying attention to him, calling him “cute” and teasing him in ways that feel more personal than playful, Sayo’s emotional barriers begin to crumble. These interactions leave Sayo flustered, unsure whether Mashiba’s remarks are sincere or simply meant to mock.
The story adds a surreal twist through a series of vivid dreams in which Mashiba makes frequent appearances. These dreams are more than just narrative flair—they serve as a window into Sayo’s subconscious, revealing conflicted feelings he can’t quite articulate during the day. As the line between reality and fantasy blurs, readers watch Sayo slowly begin to accept truths about his identity, even if he can’t say them out loud just yet.
Visually, the manga shines with expressive character art that emphasizes every awkward glance, nervous smile, and emotional blow-up. The height difference between the leads is emphasized in subtle but effective ways, symbolizing both emotional distance and underlying attraction. The artwork does a fantastic job of mirroring the ups and downs of teenage emotions, making each page feel lively and layered.
I found this volume funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly moving. Be My Worst Nightmare! takes a seemingly simple school romance and layers it with emotional honesty and dreamlike flair. Sayo’s insecurities and awkward self-discovery are painfully relatable, and Mashiba’s mysterious charm keeps you guessing. I genuinely loved this first volume, and I’m excited to see how their relationship continues to unfold.
