“I like you, therefore I like you.”
It’s such a simple explanation, but one that describes a fluttering new love, the tingling of a warm hand to hold, discovering the little things that make you care for your special someone.
This series was a turning point for Clamp, perfect for the end of one century and entering the next. The art style changed, the focus of their drawing process first started with the outlines then filling in the details, a new approach for them. Clamp said this allowed them to make more portioned and softer lines. The characters also had more normal-sized eyes (other than our sparkling precious heroine of course) and more grim expressions on them as a whole. It’s very different, even fur their ever-changing style, but the ladies are proud of it.
Their goal was for people to question, “Is this Clamp?” Ha! I feel they succeed.
Our story follows Hinata (Hina,) a bubbly, child-like, overly innocent first year high schooler who lives alone in a giant house with her teddy bears. On a snowy evening, she slides down from her porch to discover the empty house next door is moved in. Recused from slipping, Hina meets a man with glasses who helps her. Although he is quiet, she notices how kind his eyes are. Then another shock appears; he’s her new home room teacher (she attends an all girl school so he’s popular, lol!)
The two keep bumping into each other and sensei does little things Hinata loves: walking to school with her, checking for noises, picking her up over her fence, patting her head, asking how she is, and many more. With each interaction, each tender coincidence, as she called it, Hina begins to fall for her neighbor and teacher, it is as easy for her as breathing.
But, there are several factors in the way. So obvious, like their 16-year age gap and him being her teacher. Also how’s he the only male in a girls school. He has a lot of fan girls, to his chagrin. Lol! But, sensei seems distant, despite being kind and exceedingly observant of Hina.
Mystery is stitched into the pages. Why does Hina live alone? Who her father is. If Sensei meeting Hina is truly a chance encounter. The reason for the sad, concerned look Hina’s best friend has over her all the time. Even if this story is light and engaging, these questions and solving them pair with it nicely.
I really like the character of Tomo too. Especially with him being an author too. Clamp expressed they would love to write a whole story on him and his friend, who is also a mystery, Kizu. I would love that!
And “Suki” has a picture book inside this manga! Clamp does brilliantly with this!
They went for a story that was a simple love story, one that would easily be a movie, meaning they knew their ending from the start and they got to achieve it. Their names were also normal, Clamp joking it was refreshing to not worry about fantastical names.
It sadly never got any other medias and our main four were only animated in the “Clamp in Wonderland 2” video. Hina and sensei also make an appearance in a chapter in “Legal Drug.” It was so nice to see what they were up to, even briefly, two years later!
I like this story. For what it is. Simple as that.
