ハニーレモンソーダ [Honey Lemon Soda] Series by Mayu Murata

Uka Ishimori has one dream in life: to have fun in high school! As a self-avowed dense, stone-faced introvert who spent all of middle school hardening her heart against a daily barrage of bullying, breaking out of her shell is easier said than done. Luckily, she’s not alone—Kai Miura, a classmate whose blond hair reminds her of the lemon soda he so enjoys, has her back. Step by step, she endeavors to cast off the shadows of her past and reinvigorate her life!

Making friends, laughing along with her classmates, and even falling in love…To Uka, her current high school life is a dream come true! Although self-doubt still looms over her like a mountain, she’s determined to keep climbing―and what better time to do so than at the school’s welcome hike? But when a strange fork in the road sends the entire class down a dangerous trail, can Uka step up and save the day?

Uka's high school life has really taken off...but seeing Kai rush to his ex-girlfriend's aid brings her crashing down to earth! After all, why wouldn't he? Serina is beautiful, strong, and popular—the total opposite of Uka—so it's only fitting that he'd come to her rescue... moreUka's high school life has really taken off...but seeing Kai rush to his ex-girlfriend's aid brings her crashing down to earth! After all, why wouldn't he? Serina is beautiful, strong, and popular—the total opposite of Uka—so it's only fitting that he'd come to her rescue. Still, if Uka's learned anything from Kai, it's to give everything her best shot—such as volunteering to lead the class's upcoming culture festival preparations! The only problem is, does a shy introvert like her truly have what it takes to corral a bunch of rowdy, uncooperative high schoolers? less

It’s the opening day of Hachimitsu High’s culture festival! With its cute decor, tasty food, charming maids, and potential glimpses of Kai, Class 1-B’s Café Avail is doing better than anyone could have expected―and it’s all thanks to the pillar of the class, Uka. But even the strongest pillars can come crumbling down, and Uka gets a sudden reality check when she’s swarmed by irate girls demanding to know what relationship she and Kai have... moreIt’s the opening day of Hachimitsu High’s culture festival! With its cute decor, tasty food, charming maids, and potential glimpses of Kai, Class 1-B’s Café Avail is doing better than anyone could have expected―and it’s all thanks to the pillar of the class, Uka. But even the strongest pillars can come crumbling down, and Uka gets a sudden reality check when she’s swarmed by irate girls demanding to know what relationship she and Kai have. Emboldened by the festival, Uka may have forgotten just how far apart her and Kai’s worlds are―but everyone else certainly hasn’t! less