As an otaku scholar who has spent years dissecting the nuances of the "childhood friends to lovers" trope, I can confidently say that "I Want to End This Love Game" (Japanese title: *Aishiteru Game wo Owarasentai*), written and illustrated by Yuki Domoto, is one of the most refreshing and high-tension romantic comedies in recent years. Serialized in Shogakukan’s *Sunday Webry*, this manga masterfully navigates the thin line between platonic comfort and romantic desperation.
The Plot: A Game of Hearts and Pride
The story revolves around two high school students, Yukiya Asagi and Miku Sakura. They have been inseparable since childhood, but their relationship is defined by a peculiar ritual they started in elementary school: the "I Love You Game." The rules are deceptively simple: they take turns saying "I love you" to each other, and the first one to get embarrassed, blush, or lose their cool loses the round.
While this started as a childish prank, the stakes have shifted drastically now that they are in high school. What was once a joke has evolved into a sophisticated form of psychological warfare. Both Yukiya and Miku are painfully aware that they have fallen deeply in love with one another, yet neither is willing to "lose" the game by making a genuine confession. To admit their feelings outside the context of the game would mean surrendering their pride and potentially changing the comfortable status quo of their friendship forever.
The narrative follows their daily lives as they escalate the game, moving from simple verbal declarations to "attacks" involving physical proximity, thoughtful gifts, and staged romantic scenarios—all under the guise of trying to make the other person "crack."
Demographic and Genre
"I Want to End This Love Game" is categorized as a Shonen manga. While the romance genre often leans toward Shojo or Seinen, this series fits perfectly within the Shonen demographic due to its focus on the male protagonist's internal monologue, the competitive "battle-like" structure of the romance, and its vibrant, energetic art style. It appeals to a wide audience by balancing "moe" moments with genuine emotional depth, making it a staple for fans of series like *Kaguya-sama: Love is War* or *Teasing Master Takagi-san*.
Key Themes and Analysis
1. The "Status Quo" Trap:
One of the most poignant themes is the fear of change. Yukiya and Miku are terrified that if the game ends, their relationship might crumble. The "game" serves as a safety net—a way to express their deepest feelings without the vulnerability of a real confession. The manga explores how childhood friends often get stuck in roles they outgrew years ago.
2. Pride vs. Vulnerability:
The story is a classic "battle of wits." Both characters are incredibly stubborn. The manga examines how pride can be a barrier to happiness. Every chapter is a tug-of-war between the desire to be honest and the instinct to win the "confrontation."
3. The Evolution of Intimacy:
As the series progresses, the "attacks" become more intimate. The manga beautifully illustrates the transition from childhood playfulness to adolescent attraction. It captures the small, heart-pounding moments—a shared umbrella, a lingering gaze, or a brush of the hands—that feel like world-ending events when you're a teenager in love.
Why You Should Read It
What sets this manga apart is Yuki Domoto’s incredible art. The facial expressions are the highlight; the way the author renders a "poker face" slowly breaking into a blush is top-tier. The pacing is also commendable; unlike many rom-coms that drag out the "will-they-won't-they" indefinitely, *I Want to End This Love Game* provides constant progression in their emotional proximity, even if they haven't officially crossed the finish line.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a story that combines the sweetness of a pure romance with the tactical tension of a competitive sport, this is the manga for you. It is a brilliant exploration of how the words "I love you" can be both a weapon and a shield, and how the hardest game to win is the one where you're playing against your own heart.
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