By god, does this manga make me feel so uncomfortable. I'd rather not read about what a disgusting, lying protagonist who actually
I never understood what weak characters were until I began to read this manga and watch its anime adaptation. Everything that the characters do is only done for the sake of drama or adding to the plot. I feel like none of the characters have depth, and only act in a way that will make the story interesting. This story would be so different if was just normal and told the truth once in a while, instead of constantly lying when he really has no reason to. He's stupid for the sake of plot, not because his stupidity is part of an interesting character.
This isn't a character-driven story. It's like the author thought up a plot beforehand, thinking, "Hey, wouldn't be cool if this happened?!" and then thought "Alright, but I already have this written, so how do I force this to happen anyways?"
If you're looking for a romance story, you have waaaaaay better options out there. I find that the tension feels forced. The chemistry between the first girl, Chizuru, and the protagonist Kazuya is uncomfortably one-sided. They barely have positive interactions. They don't get along. Kazuya is basically always arguing with her. Chizuru has keep reminding Kazuya of her boundaries since she is only a rental girlfriend. They simply don't get along, and that's what makes the "romance" aspect of this manga so unbelievable. If you've ever even been mutually attracted to someone before, then perhaps you might know what I mean. I can't imagine acting the way Kazuya does, even if I was in the same position with my S/O. There's better romance manga and anime (and other forms of media!) out there.
I can't relate to someone who perpetually lies and acts immature, especially when it comes to romantic endeavors. While a relatable protagonist is not necessarily a good protagonist, I should be able to at least empathize with a well-written protagonist. Instead, I feel scorn. By god, can't the man just download Tinder instead of shelling out money for a rental? I feel so distant from him. I feel like an angry god condemning this guy's sins.
That being said, I know that some people out there may relate to him. Getting romantically fixated on a certain person, then jerking out the pain away? I've been there. (Albeit in high school, but, yeah, sure.) But he is so so so desperate to the point that he continuously makes bad choices. Choices so bad that I can't understand them. He constantly lies to his family and friends to try and cover up his stupid mistakes. He is so much of a man-child that he fills me with contempt.
I dislike Kanojo, Okarishimasu/Rent-a-Girlfriend for its characters only acting to serve the plot, its poor quality as a romance, and its rage-inducing protagonist. People can definitely disagree with any of my points, but in my opinion, I can't enjoy it in other way than the same way I enjoy poorly edited YouTube "Cringe Compilations". This manga makes me want to shrivel up into a raisin and then get chucked into the lava pits of Mercury.
And for that reason, I'm going to continue reading.
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