花と悪魔 [Hana to Akuma] #1

The opening volume of Hana to Akuma sets a charming, atmospheric tone right from its cover, where a tall, elegantly dressed young man in a top hat and dark cape stands beside a small girl in an elaborate pink lolita gown, both holding yellow flowers against a soft backdrop of roses. The contrast between his cool, composed demeanor and her wide-eyed sweetness hints at the warmth and tension at the heart of this series from Hakusensha's Hana to Yume Comics line. A lovely starting point for anyone drawn to stories where unlikely pairs find their way to each other.