I Cannot Reach You 8

I Cannot Reach You 8 by Mika

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Kakeru remains as naive as ever, but on a whole, the boys are largely on the same page finally. Their closest 3 other friends are in varying states of knowledge about their relationship at the beginning, but everyone is in the know by the end, though Yamato is trying to be more conscious of his actions in public - something he clearly struggles with given the number of near misses in public despite his concern with things he overhears while they're out on their date. Kakeru's oblivious nature really comes out in their camping trip though, despite Yamato's jealousy and their friends subtly trying to set things up for them. It doesn't truly feel like an end, but it does denote the end of this period in their school life together and a agreement with what they mean to each other, even if Kakeru is still way too embarrassed and Yamato still has issues with timing and holding back.

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I Cannot Reach You 7

I Cannot Reach You 7 by Mika

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Kakeru is determined to finally return Yamato's feelings, except nothing ever goes as planned. For all his desperation to look cool and set things up just right, he somehow manages to make himself ill, panic himself into a fever, fall over again, etc. Somehow though, Yamato is always right there beside him to help pick him up, and sometimes even catch another piece to the puzzle of why Kakeru is acting so out of character. Yamato gets a bit ahead of himself in his joy though, putting them in a few questionable situations that max out Kakeru's embarrassment meter so the poor boy doesn't know how to respond and even more trouble trying to act normal.

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I Cannot Reach You 6

I Cannot Reach You 6 by Mika

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The majority of this volume is the boy's early days getting to know each other and learning about Yamato's dad. Yamato struggles with his memories and conflicting feelings with his father, while Kakeru remains his usual confused yet determined self trying to help his friend. It looks like there are hints Kakeru may have played another significant role in these events, unbeknownst to anyone as his father didn't get a clear look at the child who helped him when the accident took place. Time moves forward back to the present day just in time for Kakeru to panic over their first valentines day and if he's inadvertently taken too long to return Yamato's feelings.

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I Cannot Reach You 5

I Cannot Reach You 5 by Mika

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Kakeru's insecurities are really getting the better of him, and it's not making Yamato too happy. It seems like they have an issue of assuming, worrying, brooding, and not talking when they need to, especially with how quickly Kakeru hits his max on his embarrassment meter and runs off. It's Christmas, and they both want to spend time together instead of in a group, but a good amount of the time ends up in a group anyway because of Kakeru's insecurities. Somehow, he manages to work himself up so much that he passes out on their date, not that Yamato seems to mind. If anything, he's too busy cursing himself for not noticing Kakeru wasn't feeling well and trying not to lose control. The story is broken up a bit with a flashback to how the kids first met in school and Kakeru's innocent blundering slowly managing to break the ice around Yamato.

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I Cannot Reach You 4

I Cannot Reach You 4 by Mika

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Yamato unintentionally puts Kakeru through a bit of an emotional rollercoaster after the school trip. For all of his flailing and panicking, Kakeru doesn't seem to be against the idea, he just doesn't know what to do with that information or his own emotions yet. There's a fairly good mix of sweet moments mixed with awkward hilarity as they try to navigate their new relationship, not that they're dating just yet. It seems there may have been another school trip at one point that involved skiing, though this appears to maybe be a flashback to earlier in their relationship as friends given they are now in the same class, so it wouldn't make sense for Kakeru to be on a class trip while Yamato is hanging out on his own. It seems more than one person has picked up on the changes in the boys as well, though very few actually know about the events leading up to these changes. 

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I Cannot Reach You 3

I Cannot Reach You 3 by Mika

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Kakeru remains as oblivious as ever, though there are some definite hints towards Yamato's feelings. Kakeru is at least aware enough that he's able to make up his mind during their student trip and try to move forward, not that he expected Yamato's response. It seems some of their classmates have figured it out, while others are still touting about the greatness of finding a girlfriend and how the boys should do that sooner rather than later. We end on a rather emotionally charged cliff hanger in this volume with Yamato's confession. 

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I Cannot Reach You 2

I Cannot Reach You 2 by Mika

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This remains a very slow burn series at the moment, though Kakeru is starting to acknowledge some possibilities and his own feelings, while also arguing with himself that it isn't possible and he's making things up. Meanwhile, Yamato is sure of his own feelings and afraid of what may change in the future. The side story at the end is rushed, but also very sweet and if anything, highlights the boy's relationship and strong feelings. Now if they could just both work out what they want and actually learn to talk to each other.

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I Cannot Reach You 1

I Cannot Reach You 1 by Mika

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Yamato and Kakeru are nearly polar opposite, one being attractive, organized, and an excellent student while the other is considered very average, tends to be a bit chaotic, and frequently needs supplemental classes. What most don't realize, is that the two are childhood best friends. Kakeru isn't just dense when it comes to his school work though. Even with several hints and signs, he doesn't have a clue when Yamato is trying to open up to him either, which isn't helped by some of the others now planning mixers and talking about girlfriends all the time. It's a set up for a very slow burn, but also cute to watch the fumbling with mixed messages and odd encouragement. Hopefully no one gets too hurt along the way.

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