hykwkagas

[hykwkagas]

Review:

Goto Seiji - Her Love in the Force

MS2 - Falling in love + Epilogue

Ratings-

Plot: 4/5

Romance: 4/5

MC: 4/5

Total: 12/15

I honestly didn’t expect that I’d give lower ratings to his MS2 on an average but I think the reasoning behind that is because the story’s pretty balanced.

Plot: 4/5

We start Goto’s MS2 with the MC and him being paired off to investigate a politician, Senzaki, while being undercover as his bodyguard. For this particular role, the Public Safety detectives enlists the support of the SP Party, the MSB guys, specifically Ichiyanagi aka Subaru. The training regime for a bodyguard is glimpsed through, and I think the main plot continues with little bits of romantic situation occurring in between them tailing and investigating Senzaki. While this is supposed to be the main crime plot, it is obvious that it’s not the “main” plot with Goto’s past being it. Senzaki clearly has ties to Goto’s past, whether he knows it or not, as Goto seems attached to his case in particular. We learn that Natsuki, Goto’s previous partner, was killed as she acted as a decoy, and this must be why Goto was so against MC being one in his MS1. His MS2 closes with the MC and him reconciling after Goto’s cold personality towards her, having Senzaki officially investigated for his extreme views as a politician after he stupidly tries to off another of his rival in front of two bodyguards. No, seriously, I doubt a politician would get that brave with two experienced bodyguards in real life. It just doesn’t make sense to me. The flow of the story was fine, but it did felt like a lot of the translation and grammatical errors weren’t fixed during his route. One of the more glaring bits was the on/off of calling Soma as Makoto, and Natsuki as Makoto as well. It was difficult to concentrate on the story with so many errors, and my sob level decreased because I just can’t get into it. Nevertheless, I did my best to infer and finished the whole MS2 along with his epilogue. Goto’s epilogue made me angry, as we got to see Narita in all of his chauvinistic glory once more, coupled with the minister of Justice who didn’t deserved his sprite. The nerve of Narita to send MC as a front desk receptionist because she’s a woman; boy did I get angry.

Romance: 4/5

I’ll be honest. I wasn’t sure to give it a 3.5 but I decided to round it up to a four. I think it’s fairly obvious in Goto’s MS2 (note I haven’t read His POV) that he had noticed that the MC had developed some sort of feelings for him. What makes it all the more difficult to decipher unlike other routes was that Goto was just not much of a talker, a tease or a meanie. It’s the little nuances happening between him and the MC that we really have to take note of, like him not liking her hanging around the bodyguard team more than needed. I get that he’s supposed to be this huge figure/wall that the MC has to surpass from her past, but the way Goto is written at times makes me think that that’s just it to him. The MC mentioned this many times, along with pushing her feelings away to simply admire him, that it had become a central point even in other subplots where the MC is supposed to be solving her predicament. I wouldn’t say it’s annoying, but it does get old pretty quickly. The best thing this route did was to get Goto asked along the MC to visit Natsuki’s grave, as that was a really nice touch. Some people may not like it, but I think it gives Goto the closure he needed while also reaffirming that he has a future now with the MC. I vaguely remembered this scene when I first read it many years back, but it was still an enjoyable read. It was also really lovely how Goto didn’t wanted to invite the MC back to his apartment as it was messy in his Epilogue, but did so anyway as he wanted her to take a hot shower. Goto isn’t “talk first action later” or “action first talk later” type of person; he’s the person who’s just minding his own business but do care for you in the little gestures and saying the little things to get you going. I think his attention to details is what makes him such a sweet character, which is a breath of fresh air from the others.

MC: 4/5

I really loved the MC in MS1 but she was only okay in Goto’s MS2. It wasn’t such a bad decrease, but I did felt like she regressed a little. The Epilogue for one, disappointed me, as I didn’t wanted the MC to be a doormat in front of Narita and the politician. I felt like there were many times she could’ve rejected his advances and subtly told Narita off, but chose to anyway for the sake of the other instructors and Goto. It was commendable on her part, but if this was real life and I was a friend, I’d be rather angry that such an accomplished woman is being treated like that and would’ve probably lashed out. But at last, I think her sensitivity is one of her good points. The MC mentioned in Goto’s MS2 that she didn’t gave him permission in protecting her and that she didn’t gave him permission to die on her, instead asking Goto to stay alive so that he can focus on his revenge for Natsuki. I mentioned before in my MS1 review that she’s a really subdued and calm personality unlike the other MCs, that it really complements well with Goto’s non talkative nature. We get to see that again in his MS2, with her rationally and calmly talking to Goto about his past and about how he was treating her. It was nice, plainly put, to have an MC who could articulate her thoughts like a reasonable adult, not like the other MCs didn’t, just that Goto’s MC did stood out more in this aspect. Because of that, I felt that Goto’s route was balanced, akin to calm sea waves. And the MC’s personality played a big role in that matter.

#goto seiji #seiji goto #her love in the force #hlitf #hlitf goto #voltage inc #love 365 #review

[hykwkagas]

Review:

Goto Seiji - Her Love in the Force

MS1 - Meeting Him

Ratings-

Plot: 3/5

Romance: 4.5/5

MC: 5/5

Total: 12.5/15

(Note: These are all replays since the last time I’ve played their routes were more than five years ago and are written before I read His POV)

Goto has always been a sweet guy, be it his MSB route or HLITF route. Since I already have a sense of how he acts, it wasn’t all too surprising when he acts sweet to the MC in his MS1.

Plot: 3/5

I gave the plot a 3 mainly because nothing too exciting happens. The romance and the closeness of the MC and Goto were definitely much better than in the other guys routes, but when it comes to the main crime storyline, I find that it’s a little abrupt and too out of the blue. Of course we have the usual story of how the MC works hard at her studies to keep afloat in the academy, but one thing that is starkly different is to how he actually understands his full time aide this time. In fact, the MC’s fraudulent admission felt like it was pushed aside, meant as a comment rather than a drive in the story unlike other routes that I’ve replayed so far. This partly have to do with Goto’s personality and background, and while I admit it is a nice change, it was also quite confusing considering that fraudulent admissions should be a bigger thing. For the main crime subplot, we were told that the chief of the police headquarters got kidnapped and that the Public Safety officers were now in need to coordinate even with their students to retrieve the hostage. As it was out of the blue, biggest point being the sprite of the main criminal Terauchi (sorry I cannot remember your name) only appearing at the end, I’d thought that it was probably a public safety exercise meant to weed out incapable students from the lot. As it’s been years since I’ve played any routes from voltage, and thus cannot remember Goto’s plot at all, I was really proud of myself for thinking it’d go the former way but boy was I surprised when it turned out to be a real thing. It almost felt rushed, as though the writers wanted to churn out a main plot line before the deadline of ten chapters, but it was nevertheless enjoyable.

Romance: 4.5/5

It’s a given, but Goto’s probably the nicest out of everyone in his MS1. We’re not counting the MS2 yet so Ishigami definitely isn’t a contender. Kurosawa isn’t a contender as well as we all know he’s a double edged sword. It was refreshing – I really wished I could use a different word but it just is – to have someone who treats the MC humanely. Kaga did say that Goto wasn’t kind but indifferent, but as compared to the sadistic and mean streaks of the others, was just a breath of fresh air. Nearing the end, we know that Goto wasn’t simply indifferent, rather I think that he’s just bad with words. It was lovely to see a blushy sprite of his so early on in the story instead of seeing it only at the end of the MS2. He seems to find camaraderie with the MC, having both enter Public Safety without any connections or elitism involved. For that specific reason, I do believe that is why he chose her to be his full time aide. The undercover work they did together as a couple was an appetiser, with my favourite part of his whole MS1 being him putting a cold can of coffee on MC’s cheeks. It was a rare display of affection, and I liked it better than when the two gets up close and personal during their private shooting training. Goto seems to keep an eye out for the MC, noticing the hard work she puts in but at the same time, he doesn’t tell this to her face either. At the end of his MS1, we get Goto shielding the MC from a bullet, with it luckily grazing him instead of targeting any vital organs. Kaga mused that the Ace of Public Safety did had a weakness, and it was apparent that Kaga, Soma and Goto already knew of Goto’s protective feelings for the MC, with her being the only one out of the loop. Also, plus points for his MS1 for having the domestic love trope going on with the MC cooking, cleaning and ironing his handkerchiefs for him. If this was real life, I don’t think I’ll be as motivated as the MC hah.

MC: 5/5

I gave the MC a full five points because of how straight laced she is. It could be very one dimensional to some, but I liked that there’s an equal amount of emphasis on work in her route. She gets to go on two major missions in his MS1, the first undercover work with Goto at the start, and her being a decoy for the Public Safety at the end. We get to see this country side, peace loving MC progress from making mistakes to being a bad ass and having a main role to play as the decoy. If this was real life (yes I say this a lot) it would be impossible for a trainee to be put into that situation, considering her overall grades in the academy. It would have probably went to someone like Naruko but I have faith that it was her hard work before and after classes that pulled through. She didn’t hesitate at all to save the child from the nuisance, knowing he’d go as low as to take a child hostage. The MC didn’t even hesitate to kick his butt when Goto got hurt from shielding her, only retreating when she saw Kaga emerged out of nowhere. This was also the route we get to see Instructor Narita in all of his chauvinistic glory. I was just hollering when Naruko told him off but of course the chauvinistic ass managed to put a fast one on the MC. But even so, the MC remained calm and only vowed to work harder, doubling her efforts, which was what led Goto to notice her in the first place. For her grit, perseverance, patience and smarts, it’s no wonder that she gets a full points for Goto’s MS1. My favourite MC as of this review I’m writing is Shinonome’s, whom I know many don’t really love 😜 But Goto’s MC is just as subdued as him, which is good since she’s meant to compliment his personality.

#goto seiji #seiji goto #her love in the force #hlitf #hlitf goto #voltage inc #love 365 #review

[hykwkagas]

Review:

Ishigami Hideki - Her Love in the Force

MS2 - Falling in love + Epilogue

Ratings-

Plot: 4/5

Romance: 5/5

MC: 5/5

Total: 14/15

Oh wow, I totally swooned the whole time reading Ishigami’s MS2 and epilogue. I’ve forgotten how the story progresses, but it was a nice surprise all together experiencing it again as though it was my first time reading it.

Plot: 4/5

Compared to his MS1, it did feel as though the action taking place was a little rushed as now that I’m writing this review, I can’t really remember why the MC got into a cruise ship in the first place. I do feel like Ishigami’s routes are more romance based than action based, and I don’t think it’s a bad thing either. In fact, it is a breath of fresh air from all the other routes. The drama unfolds as the instructors had a reshuffling of their aides, with MC being assigned to Goto in what she assumed is Ishigami’s way of rejecting her feelings. It stings, but her friends especially Chiba is there for her. Like I mentioned before, if this was real life, I’d definitely go for Chiba too as he’s just the sweetest. The hot and cold continues but the real action only takes place after the students were assigned to get their hands on a chip that contained valuable data. It actually made me happy to have these other no faces classmates praised the MC and keep a lookout for her. It was interesting to see how much of the SP bodyguards from MSB we saw (hello Mizuki my fave) as compared to the other routes (even Kurosawa’s) but it was probably meant to be an ode to his route in MSB. It was very action packed midway while on the cruise, with the possibility of the MC dying even if the gas used had been mildly threatening, though a threat is still a threat.

Romance: 5/5

Which brings me to my next point, the romance! Oh boy, if I gave Kurosawa’s route a maximum five points as well for the angst and drama, then these five points for Ishigami’s route is for his sweetness! Maybe it’s because he’s not used to love, but he’s very careful around the MC and very very tender and gentle with her. It almost feels as though he treats her as his favourite shiny toy, where he plays with her once in a while but ultimately just simply admire as though she’s fragile. I’ve played his route before many years back but I didn’t recall Ishigami being this sweet, or maybe I just learnt to appreciate sweet guys better now that I’m older hehe. The MC and Ishigami starts dating pretty early on in his MS2 as compared to the other routes where the romance only takes place or is official from the end of the ninth chapter. While Ishigami’s romanctic journey takes place towards the end of the eight chapter, or even earlier if we count in the cruise drama, which was a pleasant surprise from the others. I feel like his epilogue is also the best epilogue I’ve read, which mentions a proper, action packed date with some spicy times at the end. He’s so soft with the MC, but also so dominating at the end that my heart fluttered uncontrollably reading his route, and do know that meganes aren’t always my type of otome guys I’m into. Ishigami might as well be the sole exception as I think I developed a big fat crush on him with how sweet he was to the MC.

MC: 5/5

During the whole course of his MS2 and epilogue, I feel like the MC had been nothing but relatable. The way she acted around Riko, Ishigami’s and Kaga’s classmate was something I’ll probably do in real life too. It is easy to say that you will focus on work or studies when you’re hopelessly upset about love, but the reality is that it’s hard to get that special someone out of your head when you’re that affected by his presence. In that sense, I think the MC was portrayed as accurately as I think a young woman in love could be. It could be annoying to some readers to how much she sprouts off about love, but I think if the dude is Ishigami, you’d have a hard time not acting like her too. The only negative aspect of the MC that I didn’t quite agree with is her relying a lot on Chiba. He’s a good guy and he likes her, and he’s definitely a good friend, but I wonder if it was necessary for him to know about the troubles and feelings the MC had for Ishigami. Seems too cruel to put him into a situation like that, but that’s just me. I would think confiding in Naruko would be a better choice, but perhaps Chiba could offer better insights since he’s observed the MC more keenly than others, to even notice the feelings Ishigami do have for the MC already. In terms of her work ethics, I think she is amazing. The MC even made Goto speechless when she asked him if he’d abandoned the SP team and the politician if he was in her position, causing those already used in the field to reflect on her idealism. Some people may say it’s too naive of her to choose to abandon orders to retreat during the cruise drama, but I think it’s realistic that someone as upright and just as her would not retreat to save people that she knows need her help. In fact, I think it was mainly her adrenaline talking as she chased after the bad guys one after the other, which is why I think the writing was realistic at this point. The MC is also as sweet to Ishigami as he is to her, not holding back to tell him of her true thoughts to let the man she loved know how much she loves him. It is admirable, as relationships are all about communication. I mentioned this in the MS1 review, but she’s a think first, action later type of MC, and I do think it still holds true in his MS2 and Epilgoue, even when facing steely circumstances. It’s an admirable trait for the MC to have, and I can’t wait to see greater things from here.

#ishigami hideki #hideki ishigami #her love in the force #hlitf #hlitf ishigami #voltage inc #love 365 #review

[hykwkagas]

Review:

Ishigami Hideki - Her Love in the Force

MS1 - Meeting Him

Ratings-

Plot: 4.5/5

Romance: 3/5

MC: 4/5

Total: 11.5/15

(Note: These are all replays since the last time I’ve played their routes were more than five years ago and are written before I read His POV)

The demon cyborg’s route was a joy to read through. I’ve already known what type of character he is but I guess it’s been so long since I’ve played any of their routes that Ishigami didn’t felt too harsh in my opinion. In fact, I think he’s being very courteous and normal, though it might just be the years talking haha.

Plot: 4.5/5

While seemingly normal and repetitive, we get introduced to the character Maruoka early on in the story, meant to serve as a rival of sorts to the MC. It was definitely kind of obvious with how he gets a sprite that he had some relevance and influence to the story, meant to be an antagonist to the MC’s own route. The story progresses pretty quickly, and it felt very movie like with how the MC got involved in trouble at the end, was shot at her shoulders and taken hostage etc. I liked how fast paced it was, but in terms of writing I do feel that it could be written or vetted through better with some in texts missing. Like other MS1s, they usually have a smaller plot line to allude to a bigger plot line in MS2, and I feel like this has to be the most “main” plot line I’ve read in an MS1. The action scenes were good so I’m looking forward to what MS2 has to offer.

Romance: 3/5

We get glimpses of Ishigami looking away or looking down after his conversation with the MC, which makes me hopeful that he does starts thinking of her a little differently midway through. I felt that the plot for Chiba liking the MC was long overdue in other routes, so it was nice that it was addressed in Ishigami’s route though I did felt bad for Chiba. No lie, if this was a real life situation, I would have probably chose Chiba over Ishigami with how unattainable the latter is. It also made me wonder if a subplot for a love triangle was necessary in the first place, considering the other routes went by just fine without Chiba proclaiming his love for MC. I have to disagree with views saying MC was a little too love sick in Ishigami’s route, however, though I’ll elaborate on what I feel about her in the MC section. Romance wise, I do feel that Ishigami is someone who needs a little push before he finally realises his feelings so people like Chiba and Kurosawa are probably necessary to push the romance subplot. It’s very obvious Ishigami starts to care for the MC but is just being very curt about it.

MC: 4/5

Out of the three MCs so far that I played (with Kurosawa and Shinonome), Ishigami’s MC would be my least favourite but it isn’t as if she’s bad. It does seem she’s more of an airhead than the others but she also feels more private and doesn’t run her mouth at weird timings, which compliments Ishigami’s personality. She’s a hard worker, evident from how she fainted and developed a fever when she was pushed to her limits, but the writing did seem to gloss over those parts instead like the other routes. In that sense, I could see why many doesn’t seem to like her as much as she’s more of a “think first, action later” type of person. She may be my least favourite so far but she is still by far a really good MC so it breaks my heart that people couldn’t relate to her while playing Ishigami’s route. The instructors clearly adore her (in their own weird ways) and sticking up for her in front of Narita the snake was really satisfying to see, especially when you have someone like Kaga as well backing(?) you up. She’s also much softer than the other MCs and doesn’t really give off a puppy vibe even though it’s been said a few times that she was a dog wagging her tail for Ishigami. I likened her to an older dog, wiser than others and more subdued in her personality. It was lovely reading her route because for one, I didn’t cringe at anything she outwardly said haha.

#ishigami hideki #hideki ishigami #her love in the force #hlitf #hlitf ishigami #voltage inc #love 365 #review

[hykwkagas]

Review:

Shinonome Ayumu - Her Love in the Force

MS2 - Falling in love + Epilogue

Ratings-

Plot: 4/5

Romance: 4/5

MC: 5/5

Total: 13/15

I went into his MS2 expecting greater things, which thankfully it did, but his Epilogue was a little underwhelming to be quite honest. It was what I expected of a Shinonome route but it still let me down a little having finished it.

Plot: 4/5

We get a continuation from his MS1, where we delve deeper into the connection Sachi’s husband, Sekizaka, has with the politician who apparently has affairs. The plot for Shinonome’s MS2 gets much darker, with the mistresses said to be involved in a terrorism plot. There are also more things that the MC is involved in, and having Chiba, one of her closest friends be involved with her too was neat. I liked that both Naruko and Chiba were more involved in the things MC does as friends than they were in other routes. The writing doesn’t feel too choppy, minus a few incomplete sentences here and there, having both MC’s and Shinonome’s connections be more expanded upon along with the main plot. For the Epilogue, I did liked how they tied in Sachi’s wedding with Sekizaka, as a form of closure for Shinonome, but I’ll elaborate more on that in the romance section since I have quite a few things to say about that. Continuing off in the MS2, I like the whole involvement of Soma, Goto and particularly Kaga who is Shinonome’s direct supervisor. It wasn’t just a random side support for the MC or to chastise her type of situation, but the fact that it involved the main plot to counter terrorism was well done. I especially liked MC’s interactions with Kaga in Shinonome’s route, though I do think he’s still a meanie wherever route he goes lol.

Romance: 4/5

I think it’s very obvious at the start of his MS2 that Shinonome already caught on to MC’s feelings for him, although liking it to a crush rather than love. He comforts her when his jokes got a little too far, surprised that it was actually far deeper than what he thought it was. I think when MC cried in his arms that day, he probably had the time to self reflect on who MC was to him and if he was going to pursue her as a love interest, though there is a part of me that wants to believe that he had already made that decision from the start, only choosing to go after it abit harder after her show of emotions. Naruko brought up some good points in her lines when she likens a similar relationship to what the MC and Shinonome has to a friendship, and it did felt very friendship like. Shinonome had to come to terms with himself that Sachi, his love, was already a married woman and that MC was also creeping up on him as a potential love interest. Since we’re on the topic of Sachi, I didn’t liked how her after wedding in the epilogue just turned into a cute little tidbit story considering the others epilogues had been spicier. It was also kind of frustrating having to wait on Shinonome saying that he loved MC, and I do get that was the main point driven for the epilogue, but just felt that it could be done better considering his personality. Having read the previews for his sequels, I assume the writers will make Shinonome’s and MC’s romance into this slow burn trope, so I’ve kept that in mind as well when writing this review. There were fortunately many great lines Shinonome had as well in regards to him liking both Sachi and MC differently, which I thought was pretty neat. He likened Sachi not as a married woman he was in love with, but rather a woman he loved that got married in MS1. It was bittersweet for sure. While he appears more smooth in his way of talking about Sachi, and appears more rough towards MC, I do like his approach to MC better as it felt clumsier, something that I think only MC knows about him. Kaga apparently knows this too, however, as he called either Shinonome or the MC a child, over a jealous display when Kaga had called her over.

MC: 5/5

Let me tell you the patience Shinonome’s MC has is amazing. I would probably complained from being his gofer and having to take up his mean jokes, but the power of love trudges on. I gave his MC a full 5 points because she’s very honest with her feelings. It takes guts to admit to a person you love that you know loves someone else, that you loved him and that you also accept that it could be unrequited. While it appears that she does everything Shinonome asks her to without a doubt, the scene with Soma, Kaga and essentially Namba asking her to spy on Shinonome made me like her more. It must be tough to snoop on someone you liked and respected, but she chose to set those feelings aside, albeit momentarily, as she had to do her job as a Public Safety student. She did it in an empathetic way too, which was really nice to see. One of my favourite scenes of her was when she worked with Goto during their undercover, and having been stuck with him after getting caught. It showed how far she got in the Public Safety world that Goto - along with the higher ups instructions - would also bring her along to a real undercover mission and I do think it speaks volumes that it’s a two person mission. Granted, she’s already an officer, but they already knew she wasn’t used to the city work and that she still could do far better from where she was currently at. Her tenacity in both her private and public life is admirable, and she had to be with a love interest like Shinonome. She’s a very cute MC, who I do feel gives off a puppy vibe, and I find myself laughing and crying along with her during scenes. With how complicated Shinonome’s life and personality is, I appreciated her good hearted nature.

#shinonome ayumu #ayumu shinonome #her love in the force #hlitf #hlitf shinonome #voltage inc #love 365 #review

[hykwkagas]

Review:

Shinonome Ayumu - Her Love in the Force

MS1 - Meeting Him

Ratings-

Plot: 3/5

Romance: 3.5/5

MC: 4/5

Total: 10.5/15

(Note: This review onwards are mainly all replays since the last time I’ve played their routes were more than five years ago and are written before I read His POV)

I went into Shinonome’s route already having a grasp of what his character is as I’ve played his routes before, but it’s been such a long time that I really couldn’t remember anything. We know that Shinonome has a mean streak and doesn’t exactly treat his MC well but there are certain timings to indicate that he does feel bad over the way he treats her at times. It does feel like I complain a lot during my review of his route this time but I mean it in a nice way since I do love all of the HLITF boys and their MCs.

Plot: 3/5

I gave the plot 3 points but to be honest I was debating if I should have gave it a 2.5 instead. Unlike Kurosawa’s route where the action is fast paced, although repetitive, nothing big actually happens in Shinonome’s MS1. There is the matter of the purse snatcher and the Public Safety’s rivalry with the criminal division, but in terms of a major plot line, nothing really happened much during his MS1. In fact, I would think that a lot of the little things taking place, for an example the school trip, is just a prelude or building up to his MS2. For an academy related premise, I think the good points was that it did felt very school related, but I was abit disappointed that there wasn’t much action. Hopefully there will be more in the MS2.

Romance: 3.5/5

If you’re into mean jerks with a soft side, then Shinonome would probably be the one for you. The reason I call him a mean jerk is because he has a sharp tongue, but he doesn’t really treat the MC that badly. I’m not sure of what to think of him treating her like a gofer during the whole duration, but the fact that he does little things back for her is a plus. The dynamics of both Shinonome and the MC are actually pretty playful and funny, but I would not be too cool about it if it happened to me in real life. I like that it’s stated from the start that Shinonome is emotionally unavailable due to his married childhood friend, Sachi, but it was interesting that he would even agree or suggest to go on a date with the MC. I think he has an idea towards the end of his MS1 that MC probably developed feelings for him, and I wouldnt put it past him to use her in the beginning as well as a means to move on. Something along the lines of her making his empty free time more enjoyable. It does feel like he’s more forthright about his feelings at the end, as I don’t think he’s the type of character that would do things if he didn’t at least bear an interest in her.

MC: 4/5

Unlike Kurosawa’s MC, I do feel like Shinonome’s MC is more of a doormat, but I also don’t think it can be helped given his personality. I find myself rooting for her when she worked hard, and had to do and arrange the school trip when Shinonome asked her to. It was frustrating to see her sleep in the closet though and I guess I was expecting too much of him to maybe even put a blanket over her or something. The MC seemed to build a good repertoire as well with the other instructors, with how hard working she is and how hard she is trying to prove herself. She’s a very humane MC, who wears her emotions on her sleeves and I like that she’s willing to apologise without making excuses for herself when she’s caught in her idealisms. I do find myself rooting for the MC more than Shinonome to be honest haha.

#shinonome ayumu #ayumu shinonome #her love in the force #hlitf #hlitf shinonome #voltage inc #love 365 #review

[hykwkagas]

Review:

Kurosawa Toru - Her Love in the Force

MS2 - Falling in love + Epilogue

Ratings-

Plot: 4/5

Romance: 5/5

MC: 5/5

Total: 14/15

Oh boy, did I went into this with lower expectations having read his MS1 earlier but it might be because I did that I found myself really enjoying the latter half of his route. His MS2 was nothing short of suspense, and it was truly a roller coaster ride. I’ll tie in all Epilogues with the MS2’s as I think it concluded their overall routes better. As usual, spoilers below. P.S I’ve yet to read His POV yet.

Plot: 4/5

The story starts with MC having supposedly wreck her head about how to deal with the one night stand she had with Kurosawa, and it does take a turn, though I’ll elaborate about this in the romance section. Just like in MS1, the story takes place at a fast pace, with continuation from where we left off with the drug dealing cult, added with Kurosawa’s very own back story. We are introduced to two characters, his uncle and cousin, that elaborates bits of his character that the MC has not yet seen of him. The conclusion to the crime aspects of the story did ended on an abrupt note, having an open ending instead but it could just be that the writers wanted to expand on the story building for his future episodes. Compared to MS1, it was less repetitive as we have MC working in a disguise to solve this case so the information we as readers get are more on hand, which is much more fun than just reading of her simply observing people. Again, I’m not saying MS1 was bad due to that reason as I do understand it helps the story flow. Though, since I’m more of an action oriented person, MS2 was more up to my alley than the previous part. The side characters like the little girl Sayumi or the other hospital staff Kodamura(?) were great, but not as impactful as in MS1, which was a little pity. I do like how involved the rest of the instructors/chief are this time round, even hinting that Ishigami, the MC’s direct instructor, have been keeping a close eye on her. I’m glad.

Romance: 5/5

I’m a weird empath so I do feel things more strongly than others, but I tend to cut my emotions off really quickly. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve sobbed at certain scenes with Kurosawa acting all friendly to the MC but in actuality pushing her away. I feel like I do relate to Kurosawa more than his MC to be quite honest, but I think that was why this was great on the romance aspects. Even though Kurosawa and me are more similar, I could feel and emphasise and experience how the MC felt with her inner thoughts, actions and words. If I were to be put in that situation, I’ll probably act like her, which is weird, since I just mentioned I’m more like Kurosawa than her. I think this fact was a nice tidbit, having made me feel to how lonesome Kurosawa could actually be when the MC was angry with him. I sob a lot during the other HLITF stories too and Kurosawa is no exception. I know this is a more mature story, but it’s really funny to me how out of all the routes, Kurosawa’s was the one I felt with most sexual tension between him and his MC; considering that he’s probably the most boy next door trope compared to the other characters. Of course, we also know he has a hidden darker side, which makes it all the more sexy I think.

MC: 5/5

Like I mentioned before, I absolutely adored the MC in this MS2. She didn’t allowed herself to be a doormat, steeling herself to walk away from something that wasn’t ideal in her heart even if she was head over heels in love. I think she had every right to be angry over what he had done to her and I liked that the writers addressed her trust issues with him after he left her cold after their one night stand together. I also liked how she conveyed her thoughts clearly and maturely when she got into a proper relationship with him, and even went out of her way to tell him so during their Epilogue. Communication is always important in a relationship, and even more so with a guy like Kurosawa. A scene that comes to mind was when Kurosawa placed his head on her shoulders on the train after a night out together, and she quickly let him know that she was uncomfortable with how half baked he had been acting towards her and also declined his advances. I didn’t expect for her to slap him afterwards though as I’m never a fan of physical altercations but the writing did build up to show how frustrated she had been getting with him. I also liked the little blur bits of the sprites/background they showed when the two were in the reference room, signifying that she couldn’t take his antics any longer as she found herself crying. It was a nice little detail (that made me sob too). Other than the romance aspects, the MC showcased her grit again in this MS2 with how long she tailed after a potential suspect while the other trainees moved ahead of her. She’s quick to apologise as well for getting too carried away with her judgment, which makes for an excellent Public Safety Officer. Compared to MS1, she definitely grew up a lot, and I think her being angry at Kurosawa and distant from him did helped her to shape up better as well. It’s very human of her to form irrational thoughts but also learn from it and apply her past experiences to them. It was an enjoyable read thanks to the MC’s development from MS1 and I look forward to future Kurosawa episodes from now on.

#kurosawa toru #toru kurosawa #her love in the force #hlitf #hlitf kurosawa #voltage inc #love 365 #review

[hykwkagas]

Review:

Kurosawa Toru - Her Love in the Force

MS1 - Meeting Him

Ratings-

Plot: 4/5

Romance: 3.5/5

MC: 3/5

Total: 10.5/15

(Note: I’m a pretty lenient reviewer so take it as you may)

Kurosawa was one of those routes that I wanted to play after finishing his route in My Sweet Bodyguard. I expected greater things, as I think the writing in HLITF is heaps better than in MSB. His MS1 fell slightly short off my expectations but it wasn’t as horrible as the reviews I’ve read so far, but to be fair, to each their own. Let’s get to why the ratings are like this. (Spoilers included)

Plot: 4/5

The only reason why the plot isn’t a full five stars is because I feel like there are points where it gets repetitive. To be as fair as possible, real life stakeouts probably takes as much time and repetitiveness so I guess there is that element of realism in the writing to reflect that. Of all Voltage plot lines, the ones HLITF have is my personal favourite simply because it’s written better, not too naive or mature, pretty balanced etc. The story progresses pretty quickly and it doesn’t feel too off considering that Kurosawa isn’t her direct instructor, which is written great, when you factor in the premise of the whole plot anyway. A cult involving drug deals definitely is shady but like how the MC questioned in the end to why Public Safety was involved, I too was confused when she linked it to terrorism. Maybe it was because I read too fast, but I didn’t really understand the link to it, because it was insinuated that drug dealings were in no way Public Safety’s main domain of work. I think it was due to funding of drug dealings that will in whole fund the whole terrorism aspect/organisation. If this was real life, I’m very sure both Public Safety and the criminal division will work together to handle the situation but this is an otome after all. I’ll re-read the end when I have the time so I can grasp the situation a little better.

Romance: 3.5/5

There’s... not much romance in his MS1 to be honest. There are alot of underlying tension between the MC and Kurosawa, but in terms of acting on it, I would say it’s almost nonexistent. MC treats Kurosawa as an ideal senpai, someone she admires greatly and only in the later half did she let it get to her that she might have feelings for this guy, though as many Voltage routes, it’s always a denial first. The Happy Ending at the last chapter felt not too happy in my opinion. They banged and then he left her but that is also standard HLITF MS1 endings I guess in terms of how open ended it felt. The CG did made up the abrupt ending, as I was blown away when I saw the illustration. Really really well done 🥵 Rather than romance, I think the underlying sexual tension they have with each other is much more than the romance aspects. Kurosawa clearly cares for the MC, but I don’t think either of them caught on to it yet pretty much during the whole duration in this MS1. It was pretty confusing to suddenly have him tell the MC that her company was a one time thing when it’s already implied that he liked her, but then again, I think first time readers to Kurosawa might find it jarring but I expected it having read his MSB routes before.

MC: 3/5

Kurosawa’s MC is actually pretty relatable, though there are some things she said that I cringed really hard at. One instance that comes to mind is the beginning of the route when she said to arrest the creep, which quickly became a running joke in the route. She’s more thick skinned as well (maybe not as much as Kaga’s from the little I remember) because if I was in her shoes, I don’t think I can survive working with Ishigami who was always cold to her at all. In fact, Ishigami does seem harsher on her as compared to the other routes. I really like how they highlighted her as being really kind, like there’s a good amount of emphasis to show her as that type of person, which I think is perfect for Kurosawa’s real personality and complements him. My favourite part of the story was when she didn’t gave up on the informant, though I did think it was stupid of her to involve her mother considering the nature of her job, and she should have known than to involve civilians in the force’s matters. She seems to be a more action first, think later type of person, which isn’t so bad but I do think it’s too unidealistic for someone who aspires to graduate from the Academy. I would say her being thickskinned, her grit and also her kindnesss are the better aspects of the MC’s personality during Kurosawa’s route. As for worse parts, it would be her naivety and foolishness having already worked as an officer before. Or maybe that was just meant to highlight how peaceful the countryside was as compared to the city, given her workload and thinking.

#kurosawa toru #toru kurosawa #hlitf #her love in the force #hlitf kurosawa #voltage inc #love 365 #review