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Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint

It is also known as Omniscient Reader (Korean: 전지적 독자 시점; RR: Jeonjijeok Dokja Sijeom) is a South Korean manhwa adapted from the web novel written by Sing Shong (싱숑), a pseudonym used by the married couple who co-authored the original novel. The manhwa adaptation is illustrated by Sleepy-C (슬리피-C) of Redice Studio.

As a struggling office worker, Kim Dokja leads an unremarkable life. His only solace lies in reading an obscure web novel, Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse, which he has loyally followed as its sole reader for 13 years. The story follows Yoo Joonghyuk, a man doomed to endlessly regress through apocalyptic scenarios for the amusement of the Constellations—powerful beings that range from mythic heroes and great sages to ancient gods—and their dokkaebi intermediaries. When the novel finally ends, so does the world as Dokja knows it. Reality suddenly mirrors fiction as monstrous creatures descend, ordinary people gain powers, and they're forced into deadly “scenarios” lifted straight from the novel. But unlike anyone else, Dokja knows what’s coming next. With foreknowledge of the plot’s twists and turns, he becomes the only person capable of changing the story’s outcome. Now Dokja must go from passive reader to active player, rewriting fate, confronting impossible odds, and perhaps becoming the protagonist of a story that was never meant to be his.

SSS-Class Revival Hunter

It is also known as SSS-Class Suicide Hunter (Korean: SSS급 자살헌터; RR: SSS-geup Jugeoya Saneun Hunter) is a South Korean manhwa adapted from the web novel written by Shin Noah (신노아), with illustrations by Bill K.

Some people are born lucky—blessed with fame, power, and fortune as if the Tower itself had chosen them. Kim Gong-Ja, a powerless F-Class hunter with no skills to his name, is not one of them. While others rise as heroes within the mysterious, monster-filled Tower, he is left behind, watching from the shadows and envying the star hunter known as the Flame Emperor. Everything changes when Gong-Ja is granted a rare S-Class ability: the power to copy another person’s skill. The catch? He can only do it after they kill him. Thrown headfirst into a deadly encounter with the Flame Emperor himself, Gong-Ja dies, only to awaken again with a second new skill and the shocking truth about the man he once idolized. With the power to rewind time by 24 hours, he hatches a bold plan: travel 11 years into the past and stop the Flame Emperor before he rises to power.

The S-Ranks That I Raised

It is also known as My S-Class Hunters (Korean: 내가 키운 S급들; RR: Naega Kiun S-Geupdeul), is a South Korean manhwa adapted by seri from the original web novel written by Geunseo, with illustrations by biwan.

After the tragic death of their parents, Han Yoojin devoted his life to raising his younger brother, Han Yoohyun. But in a world resembling modern-day Korea, the sudden appearance of dungeons and monstrous invaders forces humanity to adapt—becoming Awakened Hunters to survive. When a dungeon suddenly appears near Yoohyun’s route to school, he awakens as an extraordinary S-rank Hunter. From that point on, the brothers are driven down separate paths. Yoohyun rises to power, eventually founding one of Korea’s most powerful guilds, Haeyeon, while Yoojin is left behind. Eight years later, Yoojin finally Awakens, but to his dismay, he is classified as an unremarkable F-rank Hunter. During what should have been a routine D-rank dungeon raid, a freak appearance of a Tier 1 monster wipes out the entire party and leaving Yoojin the sole survivor. Trapped inside, unable to escape until the monster is defeated or he's dead, Yoojin watches helplessly as Yoohyun arrives to save him—only to die in his arms. Devastated, Yoojin manages to defeat the monster and is offered a single wish. Without hesitation, he chooses the one thing he wants most: to return to a time before his brother’s death. When he awakens in the past with all his memories intact, he is determined to reconcile with Yoohyun and live a quiet, peaceful life. But fate has other plans. His second Awakening grants him mysterious new abilities, and though he remains an F-rank on paper, Yoojin quickly finds himself surrounded by powerful allies and entangled in a dangerous plot that threatens the world itself.

Trash of the Count’s Family

It is also known as Lout of Count's Family (Korean: 백작가의 망나니가 되었다; RR: Baekjakga-ui Mangnani-ga Doeeotda), is a South Korean manhwa adapted from the web novel written by Yoo Ryeo Han (유려한), with illustrations by PAN4.

After falling asleep while reading the fantasy novel Birth of a Hero, Kim Rok Soo wakes up inside the story—as Cale Henituse, a minor noble infamous for one thing: getting brutally beaten by the protagonist, Choi Han. In the novel, Choi Han loses everything, plunges into despair, and begins his heroic journey by delivering a well-deserved thrashing to Cale, a drunken, good-for-nothing noble. But Rok Soo has no intention of following that script. Armed with knowledge of the novel’s events and the resources of his new identity, he vows to change his fate, avoid conflict, and live a quiet, carefree life surrounded by wealth and comfort. Unfortunately, staying out of the spotlight is easier said than done. With ancient powers, dark forces stirring, and his every step unintentionally altering the plot, Cale may find himself in the middle of a much bigger adventure than he bargained for—all while desperately trying to live a peaceful, luxurious life.

The Extra's Academy Survive Guide

It is also known as How to Survive at the Academy (Korean: 아카데미에서 살아남기; RR: Akademieseo Saranamgi), is a South Korean manhwa adapted by GREEN KYRIN from the original web novel written by Corita.

Ed Rothstaylor is a third-rate villain in a fantasy game, disowned by his family, kicked out of the dorms for his misdeeds, and destined to fade into obscurity. But one day, the main character wakes up in Ed’s body and quickly realizes that if he wants a peaceful, stable future, he’ll need to earn a scholarship and make it to graduation. Now living in the woods and trying to stay far away from the main cast, he plans to keep a low profile. Unfortunately, four of the game’s female leads seem determined to get involved with him and to make things worse, his actions are starting to shift the timeline and alter the story’s original path. Can Ed keep the plot from derailing entirely while staying out of the spotlight?

The Greatest Estate Developer

It is also known as The Greatest Estate Designer (Korean: 역대급 영지 설계사; RR: Yeokdaegeum Yeongji Seolgyesa) is a South Korean manhwa adapted by Lee Hyunmin from the original web novel written by BK_Moon (문백경), with illustrations by Kim Hyunsoo.

Civil engineering student Kim Suho falls asleep reading a fantasy novel—only to wake up as Lloyd Frontera, the good-for-nothing noble whose family is drowning in debt. Known for his laziness, drinking, and thuggish behavior, Lloyd is destined for ruin while the novel’s true hero, knight-in-training Javier Asrahan, rises to greatness. But Suho isn’t about to accept that fate. Equipped with modern engineering knowledge and magical construction skills, he sets out to repair Lloyd’s tarnished reputation—not through heroics, but by rebuilding the world around him. Introducing innovative infrastructure and urban development to the medieval setting, he drastically improves the quality of life for its people—all while turning a tidy profit.

Surviving the Game as a Barbarian

Surviving the Game as a Barbarian (Korean: 게임 속 바바리안으로 살아남기; RR: Geim Sok Babarianeuro Saranamgi) is a South Korean manhwa adapted by Han Tae-su from the original web novel by Jung Yoon-kang, with illustrations by MIDNIGHT Studio.​

After nine grueling years playing Dungeon and Stone—a brutal RPG no one has ever cleared—Hansoo Lee finally reaches the final boss room. But just as victory seems within reach, he receives a notification that he has completed the tutorial. In the blink of an eye, Hansoo finds himself inhabiting the body of Bjorn Jandel, a real barbarian in the game’s harsh, unforgiving world. Now trapped in a reality where death is permanent and failure means execution, Hansoo must navigate a ruined world where only one city remains, its survival dependent on monthly expeditions into a deadly labyrinth. Barbarians like Bjorn are considered little more than muscle, and players like him who are discovered to be possessing their characters are labeled “evil spirits” and killed on sight. Armed with nine years of in-depth knowledge and a barbarian’s brute strength, Hansoo must fight, adapt, and outwit this merciless world to survive. His only option? Conquer the labyrinth and hope it doesn’t conquer him first.

Pick Me Up

It is also known as Pick Me Up! Infinite Gacha (Korean: 픽 미 업!; RR: Pik Mi Eop!), a South Korean manhwa adapted by nicesun (REDICE Studio) from the web novel by Hermod, with illustrations by WASAK BASAK.

In the brutal world of Pick Me Up, a notoriously difficult mobile gacha game, 1-star heroes are nothing more than disposable tools—fodder to learn boss mechanics before real heroes take the stage. That’s what Han Seojin, a top-tier player ranked 5th globally under the alias "Loki," believed until everything changes. During a raid, a strange bug causes him to lose consciousness, and when he wakes up, he finds himself inside the game... as Han Islat, a level 1, 1-star hero. Trapped in the lowest tier of a game he once dominated, Seojin now faces the ultimate challenge: climb from the bottom of the ranks, rally a team of underdogs, and conquer the dungeon’s 100th floor to return home. But to do that, he’ll have to outwit the newbie player known to the in-game characters as “Master”—the one now controlling him and treating them all as disposable pawns.

The Knight Only Lives Today

It is also known as Eternally Regressing Knight (Korean: 오늘만 사는 기사; RR: Oneulman Saneun Gisa), a South Korean manhwa adapted by Lee Hyun-Min and Ganara from the original web novel written by Soulpung, with illustrations by Ian.

Enkrid was called a genius once, but the praise turned bitter as he grew older and his dream of becoming a knight slipped further from reach. Mocked for his lack of talent and urged to give up, he refused to let go. He trained harder, slept less, and pushed his body beyond its limits. Still, it wasn’t enough. One day, he died—stabbed through the neck in a hopeless fight. Then he woke up. Back at the start of that same day. Now trapped in a mysterious loop, Enkrid finds himself with unlimited chances to train, fight, and fail—and to learn from every mistake. With death no longer the end, how far can a dream take him when time itself becomes his greatest weapon?

The Top Dungeon Farmer

It is also known as Solo Farming in the Tower (Korean: 나 혼자 탑에서 농사; RR: Na Honja Tapeseo Nongsa), a South Korean manhwa adapted by Lim Hyeong from the original web novel written by sdcknight, with illustrations by Lee Ha Kyung.

When a mysterious black tower appeared in Seoul, people called it a dungeon—a perilous place filled with monsters, varied terrain, and unimaginable treasures. For many, it was a battleground. For Sejun, an ordinary underdog, it was supposed to be his big break. So when a black portal from the Tower appeared before him, he didn’t hesitate. He jumped in. He expected to land on the first floor, just like the stories he had heard from the first Awakened, where they were given a choice between the warrior or mage class. Instead, he found himself stranded on an uncharted floor of the Tower. His grand ambitions quickly shifted to a far simpler goal: staying alive. With only a few items from a grocery run and his bare hands, he turned to the most unlikely solution in a deadly dungeon: farming—specifically, growing cherry tomatoes and green onions. What began as a desperate attempt to live another day soon turned into a thriving livelihood. With optimism, quick thinking, and the help of a few loyal, furry companions, Sejun transformed his dangerous, isolated corner of the dungeon into a surprisingly profitable oasis.

The Sichuan Tang Clan’s Entomologist

It is also known as Entomologist in Sichuan Tang Clan, Fabre in Sichuan’s Tang Family and The Poison Master of Sacheondang Clan (Chinese: 파브르 in 사천당가; RR: Pabeureu in Sacheondangga), a Chinese manhua adapted from the original web novel written by Erhuhu, with illustrations by Kraken.

Fabre, a popular streamer with millions of followers, is known for his specializing in poisonous insects and daring encounters with venomous creatures. During a live stream in Africa, he’s bitten by a black mamba, dies, and to his shock awakens in Murim—a mystical world steeped in martial arts, ancient clans, and fantastical beasts. There, he settles into a quiet life in an abandoned temple nestled in the mountains, happily cultivating a variety of poisonous species. But his peace is interrupted when members of the Tang Clan—a famed martial arts sect known for their mastery of poison and stealth weapons—arrive seeking shelter from the rain. When Fabre helps them track down the elusive Blue-spotted Centipede using his modern expertise, they're intrigued by his potential and extend an invitation for him to join their family.

Dungeon Reset

Dungeon Reset (Korean: 던전 리셋; RR: Deonjeon Riset), a South Korean manhwa adapted by Ant Studio, based on the original web novel written by Daul.

GENERAL NOTES:

How can Mafuyu be animated even cuter than before? Like I don't even know how but how can he look even more adorable???!!

I love the intentional placement of sound and music in Hiiragi mix, moments of silence are so effective in highlighting tension, awkwardness, release, nervousness. Like even 1 minute into the movie, you hear the boys breathing as Uenoyama is tuning the guitar and Mafuyu is sitting beside him. It's those little details that show the atmosphere between characters perfectly.

I like the balance of Hiiragi/Shizu's storyline and Mafuyama's storyline, it's following the manga closely and shows the complexity and intertwining of their stories. It's a good way to juxtapose the different struggles between the two couples and what they needed from each other to overcome their miscommunication! I think the team took feedback from the Given Movie 1 2020 and OVA broken up into two parts when it should have worked better as one longer movie.

I saw on reddit I think that Hiiragi's VA is still relatively new to the industry but I saw a HUGE improvement in his voice acting in this movie, the range he gave to Hiiragi is amazing!

SCENE REACTIONS

This scene was so funny I CACKLED Uenoyama and Hiiragi with their catty energy I LOVE THEM

2. I fell off my couch at this scene HHAHAHA

While Uenoyama's face is funnier in the manga, something about the animated rocket launch from earth JUST GETS ME HAHHAHA. Ok serious talk though how did I not notice that when Uenoyama got confessed to and when Haruki told him he's about to debut, his brain turns into astronaut footage? I think it's a very smart way to illustrate that for Ue, music = love and one cannot exist without the other.

3. OMG Uenoyama's face HAHAH awww man I know he's bummed as hell at Mafuyu's "I'll think about it later" (to the debut proposal) but his face, Ueki and Itaya's faces send me straight to heaven

You know how Ue feels? Our munchkin cat feels like he just proposed to his lover and his lover said, hmnnn I'll think about it. 😭 Chemical, emotional, physical, psychological damage right here>>>

4. The voice acting here from Hiiragi's VA Fumiya Imai SLAPS SO HARD

It's definitely giving deja vu, similar energy to Uenoyama panicking about Mafuyu, gosh I love Hiiragi and Uenoyama's baby gay panics it's so cute.

5. Kageyama is that you?!

6. The sound design and use of silence in this entire scene....incredible, showstopping, amazing, impactful yes yes yes

7. This scene animating Shizu's flashback to childhood was really well done.

It's interesting that in the movie they didn't speak too much about Shizu being transferred from foster home to foster home, or what he had to do to get by. But also, in the manga, I'm pretty sure that they didn't have this scene of a child Shizu closing his hands over "precious stone" but I think it absolutely elevated my connection to Shizu as a character. It really shows that he believes he has been selfishly holding Hiiragi back and that he has been trapping Hiiragi all this time. It gives so much more context to what he did next which if it wasn't clear already, he tried to push Hiiragi away in order to free Hiiragi from him. 8. HOLY SHIT wow goddamn I would not want to live where Akihiko is living oh my 💀💀💀

Watching this scene animated with the noise of the highway really highlights how bad Akihiko's living conditions are. I flagged this because in the Given Manga sequel 10th mix [SPOILER AHEAD], there is this whole thing of Akiharu's disparity with their living conditions so....this is interesting....just putting it out there.....

I also don't remember this scene in the manga, but I really appreciate it, it shows the contrast of Akiharu in the first Given movie vs. this one and how their love and care for each other has evolved! Very cute! I'll make a part 2 soon!

____

The first thing to discuss is the overall quartet - including the connecting duos within said quartet, though the details of those will come in later. The four of them met as children, likely forming their cute little group around the age five or six years old, with Shizusumi being the last member of the group but clearly joining in kindergarten or (at latest) grade one. Becoming a group at such a young age leads them to setting up stronger relationships, and they do this mostly successfully. As much as they differ in personalities, the whole group is just precious at the beginning. There’s a teasing relationship between Mafuyu and Hiiragi as well as Shizusumi and Yuki, there’s the absolute adoration of Yuki from both Hiiragi, there’s the kind of tag along duo that is Shizusumi and Mafuyu, as well as the early childhood loves of Shizusumi and Hiiragi and Mafuyu and Yuki. In their early childhood, up until high school, the quartet is just wholesome. While there wasn’t a full focus on childhood friendships, the flashes shown do tell the audience that it was a bright time in the group's life, they were happy together even if they had individual struggles.

Then high school comes along, and the quartet accidentally breaks into a trio, with Mafuyu drifting away. There are quite a few factors to this unintentional splitting up - the different high schools, SYH forming, and the struggles of being teenagers with mental health issues. Seperation is the biggest issue here, Yuki, Hiiragi, and Shizusumi all go to the same high school and end up forming a band because Yuki picked up guitar and Hiiragi was more than eager to join, with Shizusumi doing whatever Hiiragi does. Mafuyu ended up going to a different high school, and didn’t end up as part of SYH, meaning he didn’t spend as much time with the group. It leads to a slight alienation, he didn’t know anything about music or bands, he didn’t attend the practices even just to listen in, and he didn’t know how to communicate the loneliness he felt because of new distance. Meanwhile, none of the formed trio actually seemed to notice this distance. Yuki was enchanted by guitar and songwriting, Hiiragi was enchanted by Yuki and the band, and Shizusumi was just in love with Hiiragi. In the end, the groups of SYH were good, they were mostly happy together, and high school didn’t appear to phase them at all. The issue is how Mafuyu drifted, and the rift between him and Yuki, which led to loneliness and communication issues between them. Overall, the trio dynamic is bad for the group, it didn’t work out, and it may have led to the tragedy of Yuki’s death. Had they been able to stay a quartet throughout high school, there wouldn’t have been the same sense of loneliness on Mafuyu’s end, and the communication issues may not have come on as heavily. In a way, this era of the group shows off why a trio within a quartet is a bad idea, while duos in a quartet can work - it’s a matter of one person being completely left out versus two people and two people. 

So as groups, it works out most of the time. The quartet works perfectly for everyone, they were all happy when together. While there were two clearer duos within the group, as well as one connecting duo, it didn’t change the happiness that was felt by the quartet when together. They look back on their childhood memories fondly, they know that the times they had were amazing while they lasted, and they all wish that Yuki had stayed with them longer. It’s the trio dynamic that didn’t work for them, and while it may have been happy in the moment for the living members of SYH, to look back on the period is bittersweet - there are certain warning signs that can be seen now about the rise in tension to the fight and Yuki’s death. For Mafuyu, it’s a time of regrets and bitterness. He hates that he never spoke up, but he’s bitter that he was left behind in the first place. So the quartet was the ideal dynamic for all four of them, but it’s not just the entire group that’s interesting - there’s also the duo dynamics within the group. Each duo has their own interesting and fun dynamic to explore, with some of them having more information on them than others.

Possibly the most unknown dynamic belongs to Shizusumi and Yuki. Shizusumi is the only one of the quartet who truly acknowledges that Yuki was the center of their group. He is also the one who appears more nonchalant about Yuki’s death by the point he appears in the manga - likely being the only one to process his grief normally. Shizusumi, while close with Yuki, was likely the furthest from him. Now that doesn’t mean they weren’t still close - the two were still childhood friends, part of the same group from a young age. However, the third week bonus omake does apparently say that Shizusumi and Yuki had a similar relationship to Hiiragi and Uenoyama - one where they would bicker and call each other names. With this in mind, any panels where Shizusumi is seen as antagonistic towards Yuki, can be explained as him keeping up old habits after his death. This brings a more lighthearted view to their relationship - it feels more likely that Shizusumi is coping and grieving by acting more normal, he’s trying to stay steady. He said at one point to Uenoyama “that “suffering” of yours is alien to me” - while this was in reference to romance, it’s possible that this also extends to grief. His relationship to Yuki isn’t a focus because he worked through his grief differently from Hiiragi and Mafuyu, making him less relevant in terms of story. It leads to Shizusumi and Yuki’s relationship being the least known about, but it feels likely that the two were still good friends, even if they weren’t given the same focus as the other’s with Yuki.

Shizusumi and Mafuyu have a lot more known about them currently, which can lead to a few points being figured out within childhood. These two were, in a way, the drag along friends. Shizusumi was there because of Hiiragi and Mafuyu was there thanks to Yuki, if it hadn’t been for their connecting friends, who knows if these two would’ve actually connected. In childhood, it seems like they were a bit distant, more introverted and quiet than their extraverted counterparts. This didn’t stop a bond from existing though - as Shizusumi and Mafuyu in their teen years are definitely close, and they have a unique sort of bond. These two are honest - or rather, they're blunt in a way that’s different from others. It seems likely that these two figured out in childhood that both of them were the quiet type, therefore not being the types to mince words, especially with each other. Mafuyu is also able to come to Shizusumi when he has an issue, which makes it likely that the two may have been able to rely on each other for advice in the past and built up that no-nonsense type of relationship. It feels likely that they held both a shallow and deep bond, as they weren’t vital to each other, but they were also the ones who they could trust for straightforward advice and talks. This does develop to the point of being a firm friendship within the actual manga, as the reconnection appears to strengthen the bonds of those left from the original quartet. While Shizusumi and Mafuyu may not be the duo that go out to just hang out and have fun, they are the ones who are able to have those serious conversations, thanks to their appreciation for bluntness.

Next, the icons themselves, the childhood friends to lovers gone right, Shizusumi and Hiiragi. From the beginning Shizusumi was pretty in love with Hiiragi, like solidly having a crush since they were children. Hiiragi was definitely the closest to Shizusumi of the entire group, still is, always will be, and it’s really cute - even if he hasn’t necessarily always returned Shizusumi’s romantic feelings. These two were a duo, they were happy and cute, with Shizusumi pining over Hiiragi, while Hiiragi chased after Yuki - be that platonically or romantically. Even with the different types of feelings, this didn’t stop them from being super close - Shizusumi never actually let jealousy get the best of him when it came to his friendship with Hiiragi throughout their younger years. The two have a very classic introvert-extravert friendship, which is always a cute dynamic to see, and they keep it until Shizusumi decides to confess. While Shizusumi never necessarily made his feelings for Hiiragi known while Yuki was alive - mostly due to him thinking Hiiragi was in love with Yuki - the same restraint doesn’t hold after Yuki’s death, which causes some slight tension between them, albeit not for very long. What the confession does though, is force Hiiragi to rethink a lot. He has to go back and figure out his own feelings, because while he may not have loved Yuki romantically, he definitely idolised him - to an unhealthy degree. But Hiiragi either realises or decides to ignore that he had any inkling of romance towards Yuki, instead looking back and deciding that no, it was Shizusumi who made sense for him, who he loved. So while yes, there was slight tension while Hiiragi was forced to confront his own feelings, they undoubtedly came back stronger. These two are together no matter what type, they’ll always have each other’s backs in the hard times and the best times. This is the healthier childhood friends to lovers, they’re better prepared, knowing what they’re getting into with each other. It’s why the confession and their night together comes across so rough, they aren’t going to live in a world of perfection, and it’s clearer for them. Hiiragi may want a fairytale, but he can accept that he won’t get it, and he doesn’t care because he loves Shizusmi. Meanwhile, Shizusumi doesn’t want some fairytale life, but he gets the closest thing to it by being with Hiiragi. It makes them real, and it makes them a good couple, their development together rough and real, no longer the chase and innocence of childhood, but just as filled with love.

Now, onto Hiiragi and Mafuyu, who are somehow one of the most chaotic duos by the end of the manga. As children, there was definitely a Yuki shaped wedge between the two of them. The issue for these two came up because Yuki was their person - the one who they were close to that connected them to the group. Hiiragi and Yuki were the connecting friendship in the whole group, they were the reason it existed in the first place. Mafuyu joined the group because he and Yuki were him and Yuki, they were always together. Hiiragi had also picked up on this dynamic between Yuki and Mafuyu, which may have kept him from approaching, from wanting to intrude, especially because he idolised Yuki and that relationship he had with Mafuyu. But no matter what, this led to them being friends, but not exactly close within their childhood - in spite of the teasing dynamic that they had together. In childhood, they simply were around each other, they were friends, without actually being that close. This changed after Yuki’s death, as they had a chance to grow closer than they were before, and they do - both needing that support from each other. Hiiragi doesn’t want to fail Mafuyu, he’s reaching desperately for his forgiveness, and Mafuyu can accept that he still needs Hiiragi (and Shizusumi) in his life, that he shouldn't be alone. This is what leads Hiiragi to reaching out and Mafuyu to accepting and letting them closer than ever before. These two weren’t all that close in childhood due to their relationships to Yuki accidentally keeping them apart, but they end up growing extremely close after his death, realising that they can rely on each other, support each other through their grief and guilt over Yuki’s death, and come out stronger than before.

Onto Yuki and Hiiragi, who are the extraverted connecting friendship of the young quartet. They weren’t the closest of the group, but they were the ones who brought the entire group together, they were the bright ones, the ones who were loud and bold in personality. These two were best friends, they were a star and his admirer. Hiiragi and Yuki had a good relationship, they did, they also have the interesting dynamic of idol worship. As cute as the friendship is, and as fun it can be for one character to admire another, Hiiragi takes it to the point of idol worship, to the point where he thinks of Yuki as a star on stage while he’s a captivated audience member. It’s not the best way to view someone who should actually be an equal, and it’s slightly curious that these two have this dynamic when they were childhood friends. Hiiragi likely met Yuki at a young enough age for there to have been a reason, that reason just isn’t shown within the story, as the more important thing to remember is that Hiiragi had a slightly skewed view of Yuki due to this halo effect. It also means that Hiiragi appears to brush off any flaws - like when it came to the fight, he likely minimized how bad it actually was in his narrative to try to try to keep his perfected image of Yuki, as well as Yuki and Mafuyu’s relationship. That being said, while the idolisation isn’t necessarily great, Hiiragi and Yuki still had a good friendship. From what’s shown, Yuki never appeared to belittle or take advantage of Hiiragi’s high view of them, which makes sense given that he probably wouldn’t have had a reason to. They were undoubtedly the connecting duo, and they basically created the ultimate quartet, so thank you Hiiragi and Yuki, we really do need extraverts.

Final duo, the owners of the best codependent relationship in the series, Mafuyu and Yuki. These two started out so sweet, so innocent and precious, and so healthy. They checked off all the boxes for the sweet childhood friends to lovers, introvert-extravert, overly expressive/non-expressive ship tropes and dynamics. The issue comes with them growing too close, they blur the lines not only of friends and lovers, but also between being a duo and being one person in some ways. They were considered to be opposites in the ways that mattered, so much so that it appears to a readers view they may have molded themselves around each other, creating their dynamic based on what they thought the other needed them to be, rather than completely having their own personalities. They made themselves compliment one another, likely uncounsioucly, and in doing so took on two extreme opposites that usually need a balance. They didn’t let themselves find this balance within themselves because they found it in each other. They were two halves of one whole, in the worst possible way. It may be because of this though, that Mafuyu and Yuki could be considered for the star-crossed lovers trope. At least according to Hiiragi, Yuki and Mafuyu felt paired up by the universe. In the end though their codependent dynamic of being all the other wasn’t and all the other needed screwed them over. It created a sense of knowing what the other needed and wanted even if they didn’t actutally know, it was just that they thought they were beyond words - and no teenage couple is beyond communication, something Given makes sure to show. Overall, this is probably the most heartshattering of the relationships in Given as it doesn’t have the same type of closure as most of the other ones do, as Yuki’s dead. At least Mafuyu heals, it’s just still not a fun one to think about - childhood friends to lovers gone wrong in one of the worst ways possible.

The final trio that ends up existing is Shizusumi, Hiiragi, and Mafuyu. These three come out stronger than before, they’ve built better bonds than seen in their childhood - though that could be because not enough of their childhood was shown. From what is presented though, there’s definitely a stronger relationship between Mafuyu and the other two, while Hiiragi and Shizusumi have basically just upgraded to a romance. By the end of the story, Hiiragi and Mafuyu do claim each other as little siblings, which seriously does show an improvement between them. Hiiragi and Mafuyu used to have an almost one-sided teasing dynamic, and Hiiragi thought it was Mafuyu not liking him when it was probably just Mafuyu not knowing how to socialise the same way. To see them grow to bond more after Mafuyu’s self-imposed isolation is genuinely beautiful, it shows how death will heavily impact a group, but that doesn’t mean they can’t come stay together and even become stronger. The same thing goes for Shizusumi and Mafuyu, as they also seem to grow possibly more comfortable with each other, can’t be too sure as they weren’t really shown interacting as children - but if anything that could be evidence they’ve definitely grown. Of course, Shizusumi and Hiiragi proved that they’ll always stick together, they can support each other throughout whatever hard times they’re going through, and they’ll be able to move forward just as well. The trio went through an awful, absolutely devastating loss when Yuki committed suicide, but they were able to reconnect and improve how they are as a group of friends. Honestly, this trio is beautiful to think about, it shows great perseverance in the most difficult times and how tragedy can be overcome with support.