Utsukushii Kare

The series follows the protagonist Kazunari Hira, a high school student who doesn’t talk much, has no friends, and belongs to the bottom of his class. The person he falls in love with at first sight is Sou Kiyoi. He is “The King” who doesn’t hang out with anyone, equally ruthless, and reigns at the top of the class. With the hope Sou will notice his presence, Kazunari serves him devotedly, running errands and buying lunch. But his faith in the absolute monarch gradually falls into lust. Volume 1 – Utsukushii Kare (Completed) Volume 2 – Nikurashii Kare Volume 3 – Nayamashii Kare Side Stories – interlude Utsukushii Kare

Original Publisher

tokuma shoten

English Publisher

tokyopop

Original Language

japanese

Type

Light Novel

## My Thoughts on Utsukushii Kare "Utsukushii Kare" is a novel that definitely left an impression. Having gone in with some expectations, I found myself both captivated and, at times, frustrated. It's a story that lingers, prompting reflection on its characters and their unusual dynamic. ### First Impressions Initially, I wasn't entirely sure what to make of it. The beginning can feel a bit uneasy, especially with the presence of bullying. It's a rough start, and I can see how it might not be for everyone. However, I encourage you to push through, because the story evolves in interesting ways. It certainly veers away from the typical, cookie-cutter romance, which I appreciated. ### What Works Well The strength of "Utsukushii Kare" lies in its characters. Hira and Kiyoi are complex, flawed, and remarkably human. I found myself drawn to their imperfections, and I liked that the story doesn't try to sand down their edges. They aren't striving to become "better" people in the conventional sense; instead, they learn to accept and even love each other's flaws. Kiyoi, in particular, surprised me. He can come across as an "idiot" early on, but his POV chapters offer valuable insight into his feelings and insecurities, adding a lot of depth to his character. The writing style is engaging, and the plot is well-paced. The relationship development feels realistic, even if it's not a relationship I'd necessarily want for myself. ### Areas of Concern The biggest hurdle for me was the communication, or lack thereof, between Hira and Kiyoi. Their inability to express their feelings properly led to a lot of misunderstandings, which, at times, felt frustrating. The dynamic between them can also be perceived as toxic, especially in the beginning. It's a relationship built on obsession and worship, which might not appeal to all readers. ### Final Verdict Despite its flaws, "Utsukushii Kare" is a compelling and ultimately satisfying read. It's a story about imperfect people finding a strange kind of perfection in each other. If you're looking for a sweet and endlessly healthy romance, this might not be for you. But if you're willing to embrace the bittersweetness, the misunderstandings, and the obsessive love, you might find yourself as captivated as I was.