Hitomi-chan Is Shy with Strangers #9

Volume 9 of Chorisuke Natsumi's charming romantic comedy finds its two leads sharing a casual, sun-drenched moment together — Hitomi, dark-haired and thoroughly flustered with rosy cheeks, sits close behind a wide-eyed, equally blushing boy in a white t-shirt, her hand resting on his shoulder against a bright blue sky backdrop. The cover captures the series' signature warmth perfectly: two people clearly caught in that delightfully awkward space between friendship and something more. Natsumi's art remains as expressive and inviting as ever, making this 2024 volume a cozy addition to one of shojo manga's most endearing ongoing series.