My Love Mix-Up! Review
by Aruko / Wataru Hinekure
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Quick Take
- Aoki borrows Hashimoto's eraser — with Ida's name written on it — and now Ida thinks Aoki likes him
- BL-adjacent misunderstanding comedy that somehow generates genuine emotion
- Warm, funny, and sensitively handled — better than the premise suggests
Who Is This Manga For?
- Fans of shoujo romance who want something with a twist
- LGBTQ+ readers looking for positive, funny representation
- Comedy romance fans who enjoy misunderstanding-based setups
- Complete series seekers in the romance genre
Content Warnings & Age Rating
Age Rating: T (Teen) Content Warnings: LGBTQ+ themes
Yu's Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Story Depth | ★★★★☆ |
| Art Style | ★★★★☆ |
| Character Development | ★★★★☆ |
| Accessibility for Non-Japanese Readers | ★★★☆☆ |
| Reread Value | ★★★★☆ |
Story Overview
Aoki likes his classmate Hashimoto. One day he borrows her eraser, which has the name 'Ida' written on it — Hashimoto likes Ida. Ida spots Aoki with the eraser and thinks Aoki wrote his name on it — meaning Aoki likes him. Aoki, too embarrassed to correct the misunderstanding, goes along with it. Then something unexpected happens: the more time he spends with Ida to 'pretend,' the more his feelings start to actually change.
Characters
Aoki's journey from 'I'm definitely not gay' to 'oh no' is handled with humor and genuine sensitivity. Ida is straightforwardly accepting and kind, his possible feelings for Aoki developing in parallel. Hashimoto remains a friend throughout, and the series doesn't treat the LGBTQ+ elements as scandal or drama.
Art Style
Aruko's art is clean and expressive — the comedy reactions are well-drawn and the romantic moments are warm. Character designs are distinct and the art handles both funny and sincere moments effectively.
Cultural Context
My Love Mix-Up! exists in the tradition of BL-adjacent shoujo — manga for women and girls that explores same-sex romance without full BL framing. The Japanese market has a rich tradition of this type of content, and the series is notable for handling it with more nuance than typical.
What I Love About It
What impressed me about My Love Mix-Up! is that it never treats Aoki's changing feelings as a crisis or a revelation to be feared — they're just feelings, developing naturally, worth paying attention to. The series is kind to its characters about who they are becoming. That kindness feels unusual and valuable.
What English-Speaking Fans Say
My Love Mix-Up! received strong reviews internationally and sold well in VIZ's Shojo Beat imprint. LGBTQ+ readers praise the positive, non-melodramatic handling of the subject matter. The complete 9-volume run is praised as a satisfying arc.
Memorable Scene ⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Spoiler Warning: The moment when Aoki finally admits — to himself and then to Ida — that his feelings are real and not a misunderstanding, and Ida's response, is the most emotionally satisfying moment in the series.
Similar Manga
- Our Dreams at Dusk — More serious LGBTQ+ manga
- I Think Our Son Is Gay — Family LGBTQ+ manga with similar warmth
- Kiss Him Not Me — BL-adjacent comedy romance
Reading Order / Where to Start
Start from Volume 1. Complete at 9 volumes.
Official English Translation Status
Status: Complete Publisher: VIZ Media Volumes Available in English: 9 of 9
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Genuinely funny misunderstanding premise
- LGBTQ+ elements handled with care
- Complete series
- Chemistry is real
Cons:
- Misunderstanding setup requires suspension of disbelief
- Early volumes can feel predictable
Format Comparison
| Format | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paperback | Amazon | VIZ edition — all 9 volumes |
Where to Buy
You can find My Love Mix-Up! on Amazon:
👉 Buy My Love Mix-Up! on Amazon
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*Affiliate link — I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Written by
Yu
Manga Enthusiast from Japan
I grew up in Japan and manga literally saved me during a tough time in elementary school. My English isn't perfect, but my love for manga is real — and I want to share it with you.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.