それでも歩は寄せてくる [Soredemo Ayumu Wa Yosetekuru] #4

The cover of this fourth volume from Kōdansha sets a perfectly awkward, charming tone — a flustered girl with a purple braid clutches a wrapped gift box while a tall, composed boy in a school uniform stands beside her, surrounded by lively Japanese text capturing what feels like a very loaded moment. Soichi Yamamoto's Soredemo Ayumu wa Yosetekuru continues to deliver its signature blend of shogi club romance and gentle comedy, and the body language here — her visible panic, his studied calm — says it all without a word of translation needed. A delightful pick for fans of slow-burn school romances done with real warmth and wit.