[DeepL Translation - needs review] One day, an ordinary high school girl, Umi Kakimoto, falls in love at first sight with a beautiful girl in the next class, Akira Segawa. Umi is puzzled by her feelings, but she hopes to become friends with Segawa, who has a mysterious air about her...
(Translator: DeepL)
Gosh, I read this so quick but there is so much to digest!! Wow, this volume had a lot of feels ;o;
We begin in the past, seeing a peek of Segawa's childhood, and how she's always been an outcast, even from her own father. But we also learn her reason for her un-ending search for a mermaid. (So heartbreaking!) Was her rescuer real? Or imaginary?
The story-telling is so well done, and I'm once again blown away by the author's ability to show emotion and get you immersed in the scenery. The crashing waves, the stormy rain, the unintelligible chatter of classmates. When Umi learns Segawa has gone missing, your heart races as you watch Umi desperately searching for her. Their relationship can be just as turbulent as the ocean, but also just as strong. And when the rain finally clears, there's a special glow about them.
This volume also lightly touches on a couple side characters, as we start to learn just a bit more about the other girls in Umi and Segawa's life, and how they all intertwine. I'm super curious to see where things go with them as well.
For Japanese learners: Like the first volume, this is the same level. I'd recommend N4/N3 at minimum (N4 will be a struggle), with lots of kanji knowledge (no furigana), or lots of patience to look up kanji, haha.