Imagine having to endure a two-hour bus commute every day just to attend your dream high school. Now picture waking up before dawn and trekking from your mountain home to make that journey. This is the frustrating predicament Ten Serizawa faces in Suu Morishita’s delightful manga, Shortcake Cake. She longs for the freedom to spend time with her friends and enjoy her youth, but her demanding commute leaves little room for anything else.

At the suggestion of a friend, Ten decides to move into a boarding house where her classmate Ageha resides. Conveniently located just seven minutes away from school, it promises to be a game-changer for Ten. However, there’s a catch – the house is filled with boys!

Supported by a caring house mom and understanding parents, Ten embarks on a new chapter of her life, filled with endless possibilities. But when it comes to matters of the heart, she’s utterly clueless. Like a character from Ouran High School Host Club or The Wallflower, Ten’s interactions with her male housemates are heartwarming and hilarious. The manga’s breezy pace allows us to get to know each character while moving the story along. Ten’s unique personality clashes with the resident playboys, often leading to humorous and awkward moments. Amidst the laughter and lightheartedness, an eventual romantic relationship begins to bloom, leaving readers eager to discover who will become Ten’s “favorite.”

Shortcake Cake isn’t a complex tale, and it doesn’t need to be. It’s a sweet and fluffy shojo comedy that seamlessly blends romance and humor. Just like the delectable cake it’s named after, this heartwarming manga is a delightful treat, inviting readers to relax and enjoy the charm of its lovable characters.

Publisher: Viz Media
Story and Art: Suu Morishita
Rating: T

This article was originally published in the December 2018 issue of Otaku USA Magazine. Fecomic brings you more exciting content like this, so be sure to check out their website.