This adorable, fluffy, and feel-good romance revolves around Riri and Atsuko’s unusual yet perfectly in-sync budding relationship.
Set in the mid-to-late 80s, Riri is a new transfer student who quickly develops an infatuation with the school’s most feared delinquent, Atsuko. Riri’s outgoing, honest, and insistent personality contrasts with Atsuko’s tough, isolated, and rough-around-the-edges demeanor—making their interactions all the more fun and romantic.
Their friendship begins when Riri convinces Atsuko to read a small list of funny, cute words every week as a favor. Atsuko’s usual stoic, sukeban persona paired with words such as “tum-tum” or “fwuffy” amuses Riri to no end, leading her to constantly plead with Atsuko to continue their silly game. Despite her complaints and grumbling, Atsuko’s tough façade begins to crack as she finds herself wanting to entertain Riri more and more.
Fujichika-sensei’s art style evokes nostalgia for the unique, fresh, and youthful aesthetic of 80s animanga, while also paying homage to classic shōjo romance tropes—but with a yuri twist. If you ever wished for a yuri manga counterpart to cult-classic early shōjo works, Fujichika-sensei delivers that and more on a silver platter.
What makes this series stand out is not just the gorgeous art or the black-cat x golden-retriever couple dynamic, but also its depiction of blossoming feelings, (un)subtle yearning, and the messy, confusing emotions that come from both characters resisting their desire to express how they truly feel. Without spoiling too much, Riri and Atsuko care for each other in ways that reflect their unique personalities. Readers will no doubt enjoy watching the brave, feared, and strong Atsuko turn into a puddle of mushy feelings when simply thinking of Riri. Fujichika-sensei also develops Atsuko’s character beautifully, as she grapples with the societal pressures of 80s Japan while still dedicating herself to protecting and cherishing both Riri and their private, tender moments. You can’t help but root for her.
Overall, this story is a fun read that doesn’t shy away from the era’s quirks—rival gangs, school fan clubs, a seemingly invincible delinquent, a relatable transfer student, and plenty of very 80s hairstyles. Yet the plot knows when to take itself seriously, especially when diving into the characters’ inner monologues, intentions, and “more-than-friends, less-than-lovers” development. Riri and Atsuko’s romance unfolds through blushes, subtle touches, and intimate moments, perfectly capturing that universal feeling of “Is this more than a friendship?”
Please check out Fujichika’s The Delinquent and the Transfer Student Vol. 1, which will be released in English by Seven Seas Entertainment in April 2026. The series is complete in three volumes, originally published in 2021, so be sure to follow through the releases if you enjoy this heartfelt yuri gem.
OF THE VALLEY 
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