I Wanna Be Your Girl (2025)

Being in love with your childhood best friend can be complicated, especially when, right before high school, she transitions to living as a girl. Printed for the first time in English, this manga series tells a thoughtful story about the complications of first loves, friendship, and what it truly means to be an ally.“Takase explores gender identity, presentation, and acceptance in this gentle manga that feels comfortably grounded. . . . Sweet and engaging.” —Kirkus ReviewsHime has secretly been in love with her childhood best friend Akira for as long as she can remember. She was the first person who knew that Akira identified as a girl, and she made it her mission to be her Akira’s protector against the world. Hime is thrilled that Akira has finally decided to live as her true self now that they are starting high school.However, as Akira starts to attract all types of attention, Hime takes it upon herself to aggressively stick up for Akira whenever necessary. Not wanting her to be singled out or bullied, Hime decides that her only option is to put herself in Akira's shoes. Hime dresses like a boy in support of the friend she loves...too bad her plan only backfires on them both.

Being in love with your best friend is hard enough, but being a good friend is even harder. The second volume of the hit manga series about the complications of first love, friendship, and what it truly means to be an ally.Hime thinks she’s doing the right thing by sticking up for Akira, but from her friend’s point of view, it’s only making things worse. Akira doesn’t want to stand out because of her transition. Her only wish is to enjoy school, to make memories like everyone else. But Hime’s constant need to speak out on Akira’s behalf is putting these two best friends at odds.And when Akira becomes the manager for the soccer team because of a crush on a boy, Hime feels the rift with her friend growing wider. Although desperate to save her relationship with Akira, everything she tries only creates new problems. What if Akira decides she’s done with Hime completely?

Being in love with your best friend is hard enough but turns out, being a good friend can be even harder. Akira is ready to make up with Hime, and although Hime feels the same, she knows they need to talk about something more. She's kept her love secret for too long. It's time to tell the truth.After struggling with their identities, Hime and Akira are finally ready to accept themselves and each other. Now all that’s left is to finally make up and be honest about their feelings. Will they be able to express themselves correctly and reconcile? The emotional rollercoaster of a series comes to a heartwarming and hopeful conclusion!