My Lover / Мой любимый / Watashi no Koibito

My Lover (Мой любимый) is a manga series that was published in 2002. The story revolves around a young girl named Emi who accidentally overhears a love confession meant for her older and more popular sister. Shocked and heartbroken, Emi hangs up the phone without revealing her true identity. As Emi enters high school, she unexpectedly meets the person who had made the confession - it turns out to be her classmate. With time, Emi's feelings for him start to grow, and she finds herself falling in love. However, there are many obstacles in their path, including Emi's insecurities and the fact that he initially had feelings for her sister. Throughout the manga, the story focuses on Emi's personal growth and her journey of coming to terms with her own self-worth. She begins to realize that she doesn't need to be compared to her sister and that she is capable of finding love and happiness on her own. The plot of My Lover delves into the complexities of teenage emotions, including love, jealousy, and the desire for validation. Emi's character development is a central aspect of the story, as she learns to navigate her own feelings and gain confidence in herself. The artwork in the manga is beautifully detailed, capturing the emotions of the characters through expressive facial expressions and body language. The panels effectively convey the story's progression and add depth to the narrative. My Lover also touches on themes of friendship, identity, and the importance of self-acceptance. Emi's relationships with her friends and family play a significant role in her personal growth, as she learns to lean on them for support and understanding. Overall, My Lover is a heartwarming manga that explores the journey of self-discovery and finding love in unexpected places. The story's relatable characters and well-crafted plot make it an enjoyable read for fans of romance and coming-of-age stories.