Hakusensha's Young Animal magazine has announced that author Sekina Aoi's light novel series Asobi no Kankei will be adapted into a manga by artist Koruri. The serialisation is scheduled to debut in the magazine's upcoming issue on September 25. Original character designs for the romantic comedy are credited to illustrator Kurehito Misaki.
Romantic Entanglements at a Board Game Cafe
The narrative focuses on Kotarou Tokiwa, a high school dropout serving as a substitute manager at a board game cafe named Kurumaza. Kotarou harbors unspoken feelings for his fashionable co-worker, Mifuru Takanashi, who ironically holds no interest in board games. Adding to Kotarou's dilemma, Mifuru is already in a relationship. To cover up his feelings, Kotarou invents a fictional girlfriend—only for his imaginary partner to mirror a frequent customer who frequents the shop.
The original light novel series is published by Kadokawa under their Fujimi Fantasia Bunko imprint, featuring artwork by Misaki. The fourth volume debuted in Japan on August 20. Sekina Aoi is widely known for creating intricate romantic comedies, having previously written Gamers! and Seitokai no Ichizon (Student Council's Discretion), both of which were adapted into anime series. Aoi's recent manga project with Ryō Tsuzura, My Crush’s Crush (Boku no Suki na Hito ga Suki na Hito), also recently had a television anime adaptation confirmed.
