When we first meet Madoka, it is a little bit saccharine. However, it's well worth the wait of getting through. Madoka is a longtime transgender girl (In Japan, the word 'he' is used) [full name- Yamada Madoka] The first clue is not something we, as English-speakers, would take note of. Madoka uses 'he', but the name, Madoka, is a girl's name. After she is introduced by the teacher, she takes her seat. Itsuki snubs her. Madoka picks up an eraser, but still Itsuki is very curt. Rather than take offense, she thinks it's manly and cool.
Later, when she goes around distributing kairanban (neighborhood newspaper) she crosses the Tanokana house. When she is greeted by a black Shiba Inu dog, she falls in love. (By the way, I had a Spitz cross - very lovely!) Then, Itsuki walks up, and is miffed by Madoka's dress. Madoka slaps Itsuki, and Itsuki slaps Madoka. Shortly thereafter, Hiroto (known early as 'big brother') sees Madoka, takes pity on her, and invites her in. Itsuki takes note, and Hiroto introduces him... as a transgender boy.
I won't say too much more, other than to mention two other characters. The first is good, the other, um, not so good. The first is Mai, nemesis of the first two (and especially that of Itsuki). She is very realistic, understandable - if not heroic. She's kinda like the Green Goblin in the Spider-man movies. You get her, even if you don't condone her. The other is Takato, twin brother of Hiroto. He swears revenge on Madoka... but does practically nothing. 'Throwaway' is defined here.
All in all, despite the hiccups, a good read.
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