Skip and Loafer #8

Volume 8 of Misaki Takamatsu's Skip and Loafer presents a wonderfully charming cover: a flustered young woman in a plaid skirt and red accessories looks up in surprise as a tall, tousle-haired boy leans in close, the two of them sharing a single red umbrella amid delicate blue hydrangea blossoms. The composition captures that particular breathless moment between awkwardness and warmth that makes this series so endearing. If you've been following this heartfelt slice-of-life manga, volume 8 is a lovely reason to keep turning pages.