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15 Minutes Before We Really Date #1
15 Minutes Before We Really Date, Vol. 1
Growing up in the same apartment complex, Yuuki and Natsuha have known each other forever. They’ve been friends for so long that everyone just assumes they’re a couple! But as they both approach the final stretch of high school, they get a silly, totally-not-serious idea— what if they actually started dating? What a ridiculous thing to say! Unless…?
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2023
2 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 28, 2024
Meh. It was ok. Veeeeery slow and kinda boring except for the younger sister’s subplot. That was more vibrant and cuter. I rather follow her story honestly.
3, middle of the road, stars.
3, middle of the road, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2025
This was actually adorable, and I can't wait to read volume 2!
November 22, 2023
This was an adorable manga about childhood friends who decide to try dating. While the decision at first feels mostly experimental, it becomes obvious that these two have deep feelings for each other. I love that they commit to maintaining the friendship at the heart of their romance, even as the nature of their connection goes through changes. I also really enjoy the side plot about the younger sister, who herself is forming a special connection with a childhood friend that is quite cute as well.
November 23, 2023
Yuuki and Natsuha have been together for years. As best friends. Now, as the end of high school approaches, Natsuha is less okay with that situation and decides to move things forward, but is anything ever that easy? Especially in manga?
Some books just have no nutritional value and this little confection is very nearly right up there. That said, it’s a high quality confection that manages to slip in some secret nutritional content while it’s being fairly adorable.
It helps because not only does the childhood friend win in the first chapter, but we get to see exactly how awkward that sort of transition can be. Suddenly the person you know best is also the person you’re dating and, at the end of a many year lead-up that already exhausted most of your conversational topics, you’re left with the unexplored of sex along with the cozy familiarity that is both the boon and bane of a relationship.
Phew.
The way this addresses things is so smart. It mines the hell out of that premise to ask all the questions you would think. How do you deal with people who made jokes about the dating you weren’t doing now that you are? What happens when one of you is being serious but the other is still joking around? How do you deal with all those firsts that you can’t really have?
We get a lot more personality out of these two than a lot of leads - Yuuki definitely has his heart in the right place, but he frequently steps in it with his tendency to joke a little too much in the wrong situations. Natsuha is the more romantic of the two, and she’s also nursed a crush on Yuuki for a long time, so their approaches are not at all the same.
Throw in a very unique art style - it’s not stunning, but I love that thick line work - and a great supporting cast and no BS thus far with rivals and such things and it’s way more enjoyable than you might suspect.
Even Yuuki’s middle-school sister who is hellbent on making sure this all works out winds up being a lot better than she has any right to be once she stumbles into her own situation while trying to enable her brother.
This is thoroughly a romance, but it’s so uniquely different that it becomes interesting. The clock is ticking for these two and how that plays out promises even further complications. It’s kind of low-key great.
The only thing I can remember reading that was even close was the She’s the Cutest… But We’re Just Friends! light novels, but they don’t have a patch on this. You can tell these two are old friends from how well the story’s written.
It might not have anything super exciting to say, necessarily, but it does have something new to say and that makes it exciting all on its own. And they start out already dating, or close to it, which puts this way ahead of another ‘wait for the relationship and then end the series’ story.
4 stars - strong start, with a neat twist on the usual shojo set-up and some good characters that are fun to watch and will, I suspect, be fun to watch even more as we go along.
Some books just have no nutritional value and this little confection is very nearly right up there. That said, it’s a high quality confection that manages to slip in some secret nutritional content while it’s being fairly adorable.
It helps because not only does the childhood friend win in the first chapter, but we get to see exactly how awkward that sort of transition can be. Suddenly the person you know best is also the person you’re dating and, at the end of a many year lead-up that already exhausted most of your conversational topics, you’re left with the unexplored of sex along with the cozy familiarity that is both the boon and bane of a relationship.
Phew.
The way this addresses things is so smart. It mines the hell out of that premise to ask all the questions you would think. How do you deal with people who made jokes about the dating you weren’t doing now that you are? What happens when one of you is being serious but the other is still joking around? How do you deal with all those firsts that you can’t really have?
We get a lot more personality out of these two than a lot of leads - Yuuki definitely has his heart in the right place, but he frequently steps in it with his tendency to joke a little too much in the wrong situations. Natsuha is the more romantic of the two, and she’s also nursed a crush on Yuuki for a long time, so their approaches are not at all the same.
Throw in a very unique art style - it’s not stunning, but I love that thick line work - and a great supporting cast and no BS thus far with rivals and such things and it’s way more enjoyable than you might suspect.
Even Yuuki’s middle-school sister who is hellbent on making sure this all works out winds up being a lot better than she has any right to be once she stumbles into her own situation while trying to enable her brother.
This is thoroughly a romance, but it’s so uniquely different that it becomes interesting. The clock is ticking for these two and how that plays out promises even further complications. It’s kind of low-key great.
The only thing I can remember reading that was even close was the She’s the Cutest… But We’re Just Friends! light novels, but they don’t have a patch on this. You can tell these two are old friends from how well the story’s written.
It might not have anything super exciting to say, necessarily, but it does have something new to say and that makes it exciting all on its own. And they start out already dating, or close to it, which puts this way ahead of another ‘wait for the relationship and then end the series’ story.
4 stars - strong start, with a neat twist on the usual shojo set-up and some good characters that are fun to watch and will, I suspect, be fun to watch even more as we go along.
November 10, 2024
Short, fun, and cute.
March 7, 2024
Childhood friends decide to date as an experiment. After all, they're about to go off to separate universities, so they have a built in reason to break up if it doesn't work out. Of course it'll work out. The ending is extremely obvious right away, and combined with the very slow pace of the romance, it makes for a kind of boring read. I wish that I felt more natural chemistry between the characters, and that it felt like they were on more even footing. Early on, one of the couple confesses to a friend that they've had feelings for the other for a long time, and I was a little disappointed with that. Not working for me, but I think this could be good comfort reading if a very slow romance appeals to you.
November 17, 2023
"I forgot what really matters. Yeah, you're my girlfriend but I've also known you forever and you're my best friend in the world."
I really enjoyed this!
I am a huge fan of the childhood friends-to-lovers trope and am always excited to find more, with this being a great new addition to my collection with that trope! I thought it was very well done and just an overall fun read! I think it seemed fast-paced, but not necessarily in a bad way, and actually really liked how that played a role in the story!
There was a moment when our leads DID feel (and say) they were going too fast and that they didn't have to rush. I really liked that because it showed the progression of their relationship as well as them "transitioning" from longtime friends to something more.
One thing that surprised me is that there are two younger characters and I thought they were SO cute! I had to laugh at how one of them said they were "playing for keeps" in regards to our couple's relationship and totally smiled because YES! I need more of them on page not just for them to help nudge our leads to be more couple-y but also because they have their own special romance blooming! SO cute!
I really liked the art and thought each chapter was fun! For a volume that might sound repetitive with each new chapter, I appreciated how each chapter had a slightly different way of saying the leads were dating one another. (I think even if it had been the same opening with each new chapter, I still would have enjoyed it, but thought I would mention it.)
Overall, I am very much looking forward to the next volume! This was such a fun and sweet first volume! Definitely recommend!!
I really enjoyed this!
I am a huge fan of the childhood friends-to-lovers trope and am always excited to find more, with this being a great new addition to my collection with that trope! I thought it was very well done and just an overall fun read! I think it seemed fast-paced, but not necessarily in a bad way, and actually really liked how that played a role in the story!
There was a moment when our leads DID feel (and say) they were going too fast and that they didn't have to rush. I really liked that because it showed the progression of their relationship as well as them "transitioning" from longtime friends to something more.
One thing that surprised me is that there are two younger characters and I thought they were SO cute! I had to laugh at how one of them said they were "playing for keeps" in regards to our couple's relationship and totally smiled because YES! I need more of them on page not just for them to help nudge our leads to be more couple-y but also because they have their own special romance blooming! SO cute!
I really liked the art and thought each chapter was fun! For a volume that might sound repetitive with each new chapter, I appreciated how each chapter had a slightly different way of saying the leads were dating one another. (I think even if it had been the same opening with each new chapter, I still would have enjoyed it, but thought I would mention it.)
Overall, I am very much looking forward to the next volume! This was such a fun and sweet first volume! Definitely recommend!!
November 17, 2023
"I forgot what really matters. Yeah, you're my girlfriend but I've also known you forever and you're my best friend in the world."
I really enjoyed this!
I am a huge fan of the childhood friends-to-lovers trope and am always excited to find more, with this being a great new addition to my collection with that trope! I thought it was very well done and just an overall fun read! I think it seemed fast-paced, but not necessarily in a bad way, and actually really liked how that played a role in the story!
There was a moment when our leads DID feel (and say) they were going too fast and that they didn't have to rush. I really liked that because it showed the progression of their relationship as well as them "transitioning" from longtime friends to something more.
One thing that surprised me is that there are two younger characters and I thought they were SO cute! I had to laugh at how one of them said they were "playing for keeps" in regards to our couple's relationship and totally smiled because YES! I need more of them on page not just for them to help nudge our leads to be more couple-y but also because they have their own special romance blooming! SO cute!
I really liked the art and thought each chapter was fun! For a volume that might sound repetitive with each new chapter, I appreciated how each chapter had a slightly different way of saying the leads were dating one another. (I think even if it had been the same opening with each new chapter, I still would have enjoyed it, but thought I would mention it.)
Overall, I am very much looking forward to the next volume! This was such a fun and sweet first volume! Definitely recommend!!
I really enjoyed this!
I am a huge fan of the childhood friends-to-lovers trope and am always excited to find more, with this being a great new addition to my collection with that trope! I thought it was very well done and just an overall fun read! I think it seemed fast-paced, but not necessarily in a bad way, and actually really liked how that played a role in the story!
There was a moment when our leads DID feel (and say) they were going too fast and that they didn't have to rush. I really liked that because it showed the progression of their relationship as well as them "transitioning" from longtime friends to something more.
One thing that surprised me is that there are two younger characters and I thought they were SO cute! I had to laugh at how one of them said they were "playing for keeps" in regards to our couple's relationship and totally smiled because YES! I need more of them on page not just for them to help nudge our leads to be more couple-y but also because they have their own special romance blooming! SO cute!
I really liked the art and thought each chapter was fun! For a volume that might sound repetitive with each new chapter, I appreciated how each chapter had a slightly different way of saying the leads were dating one another. (I think even if it had been the same opening with each new chapter, I still would have enjoyed it, but thought I would mention it.)
Overall, I am very much looking forward to the next volume! This was such a fun and sweet first volume! Definitely recommend!!
August 2, 2025
This was an adorable first volume of this cute and wholesome mini manga series.
A big thing for me that I didn’t necessarily like was the pacing. Things felt rushed and choppy, but this didn’t have a huge overall impact on my rating. I did not realize before starting it but there is an author note right at the back, which would have been a lot better if it was at the front! Anyhow, the author writes that this first started out as a series on Twitter/X before they compiled it and made it into a full on manga. This probably owes to it feeling sometimes short or cut too soon, which I probably would not have dwelled on as much if I had read this beforehand.
The author also writes they intended the series not to have any crazy or dramatic turnings, but to soak up and enjoy even those every day moments. I think this is a really sweet sentiment and enjoyed the last part of the last chapter where Natsuha reflected on this too.
I really liked the two main characters, Natsuha and Yuuki. Yuuki’s younger sister (whose name I CANNOT even find properly in the volume, was it Nao?) was also a funny character and to be honest, I would like to see a bit more of her with Sousuke.
For regular novels, I enjoy a lot of chapters per book. However, I didn’t like that as much with this manga. That being said, I think I understand why the author would approach that kind of division in the story and again, it makes a bit more sense having read the author note at the back of the book.
The art style is really cute and different to the ‘thinner’ anime style which has become really popular nowadays. The characters feel softer, warmer, more rounded and lighter since their style is almost more ‘chibi-like’, which added to the overall sweetness of the characters and their relationships.
Overall, this one is probably a 3.75 for me but rounded to 4 as that is too awkward of a number. Unsure if I’ll pick up more volumes yet or just keep it as a sweet one and done volume. :)
A big thing for me that I didn’t necessarily like was the pacing. Things felt rushed and choppy, but this didn’t have a huge overall impact on my rating. I did not realize before starting it but there is an author note right at the back, which would have been a lot better if it was at the front! Anyhow, the author writes that this first started out as a series on Twitter/X before they compiled it and made it into a full on manga. This probably owes to it feeling sometimes short or cut too soon, which I probably would not have dwelled on as much if I had read this beforehand.
The author also writes they intended the series not to have any crazy or dramatic turnings, but to soak up and enjoy even those every day moments. I think this is a really sweet sentiment and enjoyed the last part of the last chapter where Natsuha reflected on this too.
I really liked the two main characters, Natsuha and Yuuki. Yuuki’s younger sister (whose name I CANNOT even find properly in the volume, was it Nao?) was also a funny character and to be honest, I would like to see a bit more of her with Sousuke.
For regular novels, I enjoy a lot of chapters per book. However, I didn’t like that as much with this manga. That being said, I think I understand why the author would approach that kind of division in the story and again, it makes a bit more sense having read the author note at the back of the book.
The art style is really cute and different to the ‘thinner’ anime style which has become really popular nowadays. The characters feel softer, warmer, more rounded and lighter since their style is almost more ‘chibi-like’, which added to the overall sweetness of the characters and their relationships.
Overall, this one is probably a 3.75 for me but rounded to 4 as that is too awkward of a number. Unsure if I’ll pick up more volumes yet or just keep it as a sweet one and done volume. :)
November 5, 2024
There isn't really anything extraordinary about this manga. That is, of course, not to say that it is bad by any means. In fact, I think that the art style is absolutely adorable and the relationship before the characters is equally sweet. However, everything from the premise of the manga to the tropes that unfold don't really stand out. Additionally, I believe that the shorter chapters simultaneously hurt it and allow it to benefit. If it had been allowed to unfold like a standard narrative format, it might have dragged on and resulted in a story that would ultimately become dull over time. Instead, by breaking it up into "episodes" within each chapter, Perico-sensei was able to present the plot to readers in small, bite-sized pieces that played into the tropes without making them tiresome. This did make it hard to become super attached to the characters, however, and the lack of plot might prove to be harmful in the long run. For a first volume, however, it was cute and I was able to enjoy myself in spite of the trope-y nature.
January 13, 2024
The art's great and in terms of romance, I really usually like the childhood friends to lovers thing. Some parts of this manga really work and some parts don't. There are conversations that the characters can have with each other only because they have a deep rooted friendship first and foremost. That's pretty refreshing. It's also kind of funny that they are nonchalant about the strangest things. However, there's also some frankly terrible jokes, mostly in the point of view of the guy's younger sister.
The art is good. Some of it is stunning. This artist really excels when they have a full page spread and have room to do dynamic poses and details, even if the dynamism itself is laid back. I picked this up on recommendation, but the cover art and some of the art features between chapters really sold me in the long run.
So, for me this was okay. Not bad, not outstanding. 3/5 stars
The art is good. Some of it is stunning. This artist really excels when they have a full page spread and have room to do dynamic poses and details, even if the dynamism itself is laid back. I picked this up on recommendation, but the cover art and some of the art features between chapters really sold me in the long run.
So, for me this was okay. Not bad, not outstanding. 3/5 stars
April 19, 2024
Childhood couple falling into a relationship together because people have assumed they've been dating for ages, and they've decided to try it out. It's not even 15 minutes; it's like the first five pages. It's really light and fluffy, but fun if you go in with that idea. (I sort of would like them to eventually decide to move on because it's _so_ very pat that they fall into these roles with each other, but also I don't expect that's where it's going to end up.)
November 7, 2024
I love the time concept of the manga (though I've only just read the first volume) where the two characters Yuuki and Natsuha decide that after being lifelong friends who live next to each other that they should date. Each chapter is 15 minutes before... holding hands, stealing glances, making it official, etc.
It's a sweet romance that shows the potential for love matches who were friends to lovers.
It's a sweet romance that shows the potential for love matches who were friends to lovers.
June 2, 2024
The repetativeness of the first panels of each chapter got kind of annoying, but I understand this started off as a series on twitter, so I guess that's fine. I don't know if it was just my copy, but the inking was super dark. Story-wise, it was super cute and I can't wait for my library to carry volume 2!
November 22, 2023
This was cute. I like that they didn't force the dating aspect of this series. They're taking it slow and getting to know each other in a different way other than friendship. I will definitely be reading more of this series.
October 16, 2024
Cute read!
Classic trope but omg they reminded you every other page.
Main couple are likable and what not but somehow the secondary couple towards the end seemed more charismatic and I care to know more about them than the main MC.
Will continue reading series but overall okay. Not urgent!
Classic trope but omg they reminded you every other page.
Main couple are likable and what not but somehow the secondary couple towards the end seemed more charismatic and I care to know more about them than the main MC.
Will continue reading series but overall okay. Not urgent!
February 13, 2025
Adorable. Laughed aloud multiple times. A sweet teenage friendship/romance. Beautifully illustrated. The little sister spying and plotting how to get/keep them together was great. Immediately want to read the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2025
This was so wholesome and cute. I love how innocent the entire relationship was and the display of how young love can also be a process especially when you've been friends first. There was no adultification of it. Just pure wholesome love.
February 7, 2026
Cute slowburn childhood-friends-to-lovers slice-of-life manga. Slowburn in the sense that they start dating from chapter 1 but they're taking the change in status very slow, so even holding hands is a Big Deal.
February 28, 2026
2025 review:
Adorable. Laughed aloud multiple times. A sweet teenage friendship/romance. Beautifully illustrated. The little sister spying and plotting how to get/keep them together was great. Immediately want to read the rest of the series.
Adorable. Laughed aloud multiple times. A sweet teenage friendship/romance. Beautifully illustrated. The little sister spying and plotting how to get/keep them together was great. Immediately want to read the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2023
Such a heart warming manga.
November 26, 2023
The art in this is beautiful and the story is kind of sweet though repetitive. I’m not sure I’m inspired enough to pick up future volumes…it was just sort of okay.
December 12, 2023
This was cute!
December 19, 2023
Childhood friends to lover
January 4, 2024
Cute little slice of life-ish romance manga! I don't read a ton of modern setting manga but I did really like this one, twas fresh and sweet!
February 2, 2024
It was alright.
I didnt like the fact that in every chapter it was told how they have been friends and now they are dating.
I GOT IT FROM THE FIRST TIME. DON’T NEED TO TELL ME 1000 TIMES
I didnt like the fact that in every chapter it was told how they have been friends and now they are dating.
I GOT IT FROM THE FIRST TIME. DON’T NEED TO TELL ME 1000 TIMES
February 11, 2024
So cute!
I’m such a sucker for a friends to lovers story, and I love how the style for this one is different from other manga. The way it’s written in little short stories is so refreshing.
I’m such a sucker for a friends to lovers story, and I love how the style for this one is different from other manga. The way it’s written in little short stories is so refreshing.
February 21, 2024
cuteness overload 💕💕 i love reading fluffy shit like this cant wait to read more parts🥰
February 22, 2024
Cute but a bit insubstantial.
April 3, 2024
It's about two childhood friends that students at their high high think they're a couple
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews