It began with a mistake. When Tanaka and Nakata are given each other’s papers back, they come to a horrible realization... They have almost identical names. And test results. And body types. And taste in fashion. And sports scores. And hobbies. The list goes on, and as annoying as it is, at least they know they always have each other. And maybe, just maybe, their similarities run even deeper.
By Gorou Kanbe
Series Like Two Peas in a Pod
Volume 1
Release Date 08.06.2021
Genre Boys Love
Age Rating 13
Publisher Tokyo Pop
CW Cheating
Rating ★★★☆☆
My Review
Right from the start, this story grabs your attention, and not in the lighthearted way I initially expected. But to be honest, I love a bit of angst, so the shift works for me. These two share so much: they’re in the same class, have similar heights, almost the same weight, and even mirror each other’s taste in clothes, interests, and most notably, they both like the same girl.
When Tanaka starts dating the girl they both like, things get messy. The friction between Tanaka and Nakata doesn’t just happen because of the romantic element, though—it’s deeper than that. Nakata, in particular, seems to wrestle with more than just the loss of a potential relationship. It's reletable, I think most of us have had dynamics or contact change whenever a friend comes into a relationship.
Eventually, the two clash, and the misunderstandings cause some heated arguments. But being teenage boys, they make up just as quick.
From the start, I felt bad for Nakata. Also because Tanaka doesn't come across as a really nice character. It almost feels like the story is more about Nakata than anyone else. I couldn’t really warm up to Tanaka and his girlfriend, to be honest. Nakata’s friend Futaba, on the other hand, is in my opinion the best character in this manga. She’s incredibly supportive, and I found myself more invested in her friendship with Nakata than the romance. In contrast, Tanaka gives off this vibe of “it’s okay if I do it, but it’s not okay if you do it,” which didn’t sit well with me.
The turning point for Tanaka only comes when he starts thinking Nakata might be dating Futaba, which makes his feelings and behavior toward Nakata all the more frustrating. It feels like Tanaka doesn’t realize what he had with Nakata until he thinks he’s lost it- but when he does it, it's fine?
While the romance didn’t really capture my heart, I can’t deny that the emotion and tension in this manga are portrayed well. The story pulled me in more for Nakata’s emotional journey and his evolving friendship with Futaba than for the romance between Tanaka and the girl. If anything, this feels like Nakata’s story, and that’s what made it worth the read for me.
So, if you’re someone who loves friendship drama with a dash of romance and complex emotions, this one might be for you!
