Suki Desu Suzukikun - Manga Chapter 72

He admits to using Chihiro as a sounding board for his feelings about Sayaka. He admits he knew she loved him and that he weaponized that love for his own comfort. He says the words: "I was a coward. I kept you close because I was afraid of being alone, even though I knew I was hurting you."

If you haven’t read Suki desu Suzuki-kun!! Chapter 72 recently, go back. Read it in the rain if you can. And remember: sometimes the most powerful love stories are the ones that take the longest to begin. suki desu suzukikun manga chapter 72

For long-time readers, this is cathartic. The "perfect" twin finally shows his ugly, human underbelly. As the rain begins to lighten, Hikaru steps forward. He reaches out to touch Chihiro’s wet hair. The panel zooms in on his eyes—wide, vulnerable, nothing like the flirtatious prince we met in Volume 1. He admits to using Chihiro as a sounding

And then he stops.

He says: "Chihiro, I think I..."

Chapter 71 ends on a cliffhanger that made the fandom hold its collective breath. After Chihiro decides to give up on Hikaru for good—believing she will never be "good enough" for him—she walks away in the rain. Hikaru, watching her retreat, realizes the terrifying truth: the girl he needs is leaving. He sprints after her. Warning: Full spoilers for Chapter 72 ahead. I kept you close because I was afraid

The chapter ends on a title card: Analysis: Why Chapter 72 Resonates So Deeply 1. The Subversion of Shoujo Tropes Most shoujo manga would have used this moment for a dramatic kiss under the rain. Ikeyamada deliberately subverts this. The phone call interruption is not a lazy plot device; it is a brutal reminder that real life does not pause for romantic confessions. Chihiro’s decision to leave—to prioritize family over a boy who took years to notice her—is an act of quiet strength that redefines her character. 2. Hikaru’s Redemption Arc Begins Prior to Chapter 72, Hikaru risked being an irredeemable character. He was charming but shallow. This chapter is where his redemption arc truly begins. By admitting his selfishness without expecting forgiveness, he becomes three-dimensional. Readers who disliked him for toying with Chihiro’s emotions finally see the potential for growth. 3. The Art of "What If" The unanswered confession— "I think I..." —is a brilliant narrative choice. It leaves the door open for two possibilities: Was Hikaru about to say "I think I love you" or "I think I need you"? The distinction matters. The ambiguity allows the next several chapters to explore whether his feelings are genuine love or simply fear of abandonment. Fan Reactions and Lasting Impact When Chapter 72 first aired in Japan on Sho-Comi issue #18 (2013), the reaction on social media (then Mixi and early Twitter) was explosive. Fan polls showed a 94% approval rating for the chapter, with many calling it "the turning point that saved the series."