I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in My Class (WN)

I, Maehara Maki, someone who couldn’t make any acquaintances or friends in high school, finally had someone to hang out with outside of school. A girl. Her name was Asanagi-san. The boys in my class called her ‘The class’ second cutest girl’ behind her back. On Fridays, she would refuse her best friend, Amami, ‘the cutest girl in class’ invitation just to hang out in my house with me. Together, we played games, watched some movies, read some manga while eating junk foods like pizza and hamburgers, and chugging cola without a care in the world. To others, we may seem sloppy, but it was a precious, secret time together for Asanagi-san and myself.

Original Publisher

kadokawa

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in My Class (WN) "I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in My Class" immediately grabbed my attention with its title. It's a premise ripe with potential for a heartwarming and funny romance, and after diving in, I can see why it's resonated with so many readers. While it has some stumbles along the way, there's a definite charm to this story. ### First Impressions Initially, I was a bit wary. Some readers pointed out the first meeting between the MC and the female lead felt a little forced and unrealistic. I can see that perspective; it definitely veers into wish-fulfillment territory early on. However, I decided to stick with it, and I'm glad I did. ### What Works Well The core of this novel lies in the relationship between the main characters. I found their banter and interactions genuinely engaging. There's an honesty in their communication that makes their chemistry believable, and many readers have also praised the translation for making it an easy and enjoyable read. I especially appreciated the MC's personality. He's not your typical self-deprecating loner, which is a refreshing change of pace. The story balances fluff with just enough substance to keep things interesting, and the comedy hits the mark most of the time. The slow-burn romance and transition from friendship to lovers is also well-executed in the beginning. ### Areas of Concern Unfortunately, the novel seems to lose its way a bit after the main couple gets together. Several readers have mentioned a significant drop in quality, citing unnecessary drama and plotlines that feel forced. The "basketball arc" in particular seems to be a point of contention, with many viewing it as filler. Dialogue can also feel unnatural at times, with characters stating the obvious instead of showing their feelings. The introduction of love triangles also seems to sour the experience for many. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Several reviewers discuss plot points beyond chapter 100, including the basketball arc, Yuu's feelings for Maki, and the onsen arc. Be warned that reading further may reveal plot details. ### Final Verdict "I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in My Class (WN)" is a mixed bag. The first 100 chapters offer a sweet and engaging romance with well-developed characters. However, the story seems to stumble in later arcs, introducing unnecessary drama and plotlines that detract from the overall experience. While the initial premise is strong, the execution becomes inconsistent. If you're looking for a lighthearted rom-com with a focus on character interactions, it's worth giving the first portion of this novel a try. Just be aware that the quality may decline as the story progresses.