I do not consider myself someone who seeks out niche, little known pieces of fiction to feel like a hipster lording over their "different"-ness over others. I am generally a mainstream kinda person, especially when it comes to reading manga. However when I heard that Hero sensei, the author of one of my favorite romcoms of all time, Horimiya had started a new series- I felt compelled to check it out. And to that end, I am oh so glad I did. Ako to Bambi is like the hot chocolate you drink as you peer out of the window on a rainy day, contemplating the warmthyou feel. It's the loneliness of being alone in that room but being happy with that regardless. It's like a fleeting touch of a loved one- gentle and warm. Our story starts off in a fashion that is both utterly mundane and utterly fantastical. A spirit girl meets a lonely writer in a supposedly haunted apartment? It feels like quite the wish fulfilment trip. But of course, it's anything but. Our story in fact is one about self discovery, one about self contemplation and one about just... being around people, enjoying life and finding comfort in the little things in life. And perhaps, sharing that same joy with someone else.

It's weird to see less than a few hundred people reading such an utterly compelling work of fiction but I can't say I am too surprised. Well maybe just a bit, maybe in a few years, this review will end up being the very first one on this page. And I couldn't be happier for it. But until then- go read Ako to Bambi. Cherish the little moments in life before they slip away. ;)