I started reading "Love, That's an Understatement" by chance, and honestly, the name is so hard to remember that me and my friends affectionately nicknamed it "the delinquent manga" LOL
Risa Amakawa, like many of us, is a girl who was forced to mature and become responsible for herself at a young age due to the absence of her mother, who spends most of her time at work (yay to all solo moms, you are amazing!). This need for early maturity has made Risa an extremely independent person who feels compelled to deal with her problems on her own. This independence is even reflected in the contents of her bag: she carries all possible and imaginable items to ensure that she can handle any situation without relying on anyone's help.
Due to this forced independence, Risa sees herself as an individualistic and inconsiderate person. However, everything is called into question when she finds a delinquent boy lying in the park, injured from being beaten up by a rival gang. Despite her individualistic nature, Risa decides to help the young boy and ends up gaining a favor in return. Zen, the delinquent in question, insists on repaying the favor and will not be satisfied until he does.
Risa's evolution is something captivating to see, as in each chapter, she gradually steps out of her comfort zone and becomes more involved in Zen's world.
Zen, on the other hand, is the gem of this manga. He, contradicting all stereotypes of a delinquent, is an extremely kind guy and loved by the entire local community LOL his dedication to the female protagonist is extremely adorable.The more they interact, the more Risa gradually breaks down her barriers and allows herself to be swept away (sometimes quite literally) by Zen. The relationships are very well developed in this title, and the romantic scenes are sigh-worthy.
Even the "romantic rival" in this manga has been well crafted by the author. This plotline hasn't reached its peak yet, but it's one of the few instances where the "third wheel" is not someone forced into the story just to hinder the main couple, but rather a feeling that has timidly developed and still needs further exploration.
The manga is relatively new, and I know that Risa's lack of romantic experience (and lack of understanding) will cause some problems in the future (the author is already preparing us for that), but I would like to recommend this title as one of my current favorites.
If you enjoy delinquents (I know you do), romance, comedy, and fangirling, you should read this manga and join the fan club of those who are head over heels for Zen.
