”Love, that's an understatement, Vol 1” by Fujimomo

”Love, that's an understatement Vol 1” by Fujimomo is like a semi-mafia romance set in a school environment. I loved how the worlds of smart girl, Risa, and Zen and his group of delinquents mix.

To some is Risa a very responsible person. To her classmates, she's robotic and cold. Of course, she doesn't like their view of her, but she is this way to not cause worries. But it has the effect that Risa is alone and doesn't know how to ask for help.

I liked the mental picture the mangaka draw with Risa's heavy bag. Risa's bag is full of things that can help her in any given situation, so she doesn't have to rely on others. It becomes clear that it's a heavy burden if you can't get help when you need it.

Risa is by no means a damsel in distress. She's more than capable of taking care of herself. We see it again and again in the story. There are scenes where most people would panic, but where she stands up for herself, and I screamed in delight!
I LOVE how strong she is and that she reacts and doesn't go cry in a corner.

Risa meets the MC, Zen, by chance, when she finds him beaten up in the middle of the street. Others pass him in the hope of not seeking trouble, but she stops and offers her help. Days later Zen finds her to say thank you, and to pay back her favor. But she's not interested in any favors and he pretty much chases stubbornly after her for the entire book, keeping offering her his help.

It complicates things for her, because the crew that beat up Zen becomes interested in her, and is suddenly after her too.

Her easy and controlled life gets a lot more action from here on.

If you are wondering if this story is violent – the answer is: Not more than other shojos.
He's a delinquent and there is this fight going on between his group and Fumiya's group and so far I don't know if that makes him the good or the bad guy.

But I am falling for his confidence, awkward flirting, and stubborn nature.

I look forward to the next volume. I can't wait to see what will happen next!

BTW this series is by the same mangaka that wrote ”Lovesick Ellie”.