The Love Song of the Cracker Ball

かんしゃく玉のラブソング

by Minta Suzumaru

Since they were kids, Takeo has looked after his next-door neighbor Wako. Though they are the same age, Wako was very sensitive to the cold and would often fall so sick he had to miss school, days at a time. But now, Wako is stronger than before, perhaps thanks to Takeo's incessant care... or perhaps because Wako has been fighting a silent battle every single day... Being next door neighbors with the love of your life, having them sneak into your room at night and sleep in your bed, walking to school together every day, and watching them date others while having to support them would make anybody stronger... Wako wants to stay by Takeo's side for as long as possible. He doesn't mind if Takeo finds a girlfriend and has mentally prepared himself for when Takeo finds a wife. But Wako's world flips upside down when Takeo says something unexpected like, "I could go for a guy, too." (Source: Futekiya) Note: Includes three extra chapters.