Beloved Romantic Comedy "I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in the Class" Concludes Light Novel Series

Tokyo, Japan – The heartwarming and humorous light novel series, Class de 2-banme ni Kawaii Onnanoko to Tomodachi ni Natta (English I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in the Class), is set to conclude its literary journey with the release of its tenth and final volume on July 1st. The announcement, made via the official X (formerly Twitter) account of illustrator Azuri Hyuuga, marks the end of a celebrated run for the romantic comedy that has captured the hearts of readers since its inception.

The series, penned by Takata, first emerged as a digital sensation on the Kakuyomu website in November 2020. Its unique premise and relatable characters quickly garnered a dedicated following, leading to its acquisition by Kadokawa. The light novel made its official print debut under Kadokawa’s prestigious Sneaker Bunko imprint in December 2021, featuring illustrations by Tom Osabe. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Azuri Hyuuga took over illustration duties from the second volume onwards, lending his distinctive artistic touch to the subsequent installments.

The announcement of the series’ conclusion comes shortly after the release of its ninth volume on April 1st. The cumulative success of I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in the Class is underscored by its impressive circulation figures, with a combined total of 1.6 million copies in print and digital formats, as reported by Kuranika. This significant readership attests to the series’ widespread appeal and its ability to resonate with a broad audience.

A Journey Through Time: The Genesis and Evolution of a Beloved Series

The narrative of I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in the Class began not on bookstore shelves, but within the digital pages of Kakuyomu, a popular web novel platform. Author Takata initiated the romantic comedy in November 2020, laying the foundation for a story that would eventually blossom into a multimedia phenomenon. The series’ inherent charm and engaging storytelling soon caught the attention of publishers, leading to its formal adoption by Kadokawa.

The transition to print began in December 2021 with the first volume, adorned with illustrations by Tom Osabe. However, the artistic landscape of the series underwent a significant shift with the second volume. Azuri Hyuuga stepped in to replace Osabe, a change attributed to "various circumstances." Hyuuga’s subsequent contributions became integral to the series’ visual identity, shaping the characters and their world for the majority of its publication run. The ninth volume, released just last month on April 1st, served as a penultimate chapter, building anticipation for the grand finale.

Beyond the Light Novel: A Multifaceted Phenomenon

The success of I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in the Class extends far beyond its original light novel format. Recognizing the property’s immense potential, Rin Ono brought the story to life as a manga adaptation, which commenced serialization on the Alive+ web service in July 2022. The manga has also seen steady progress, with its seventh volume released on December 26th of last year and the eighth volume slated for a June 26th release. This parallel narrative in manga form has undoubtedly broadened the series’ reach and introduced its charm to a new demographic of fans.

The international appeal of the series has also been a significant factor in its growth. Yen Press recognized the global demand for the romantic comedy and officially licensed the manga in English in December 2024. Their efforts to bring the series to English-speaking audiences have been met with enthusiasm, with the second volume shipping in November 2025 and the third volume scheduled for release on June 23rd. This international expansion further solidifies the series’ status as a cultural export.

Accolades and Recognition: A Testament to Quality

The critical acclaim and numerous accolades garnered by I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in the Class are a testament to its exceptional quality and narrative prowess. The series first gained significant recognition by winning the Special Prize in the Romantic Comedy category of the 6th Kakuyomu Web Novel Contest. This early endorsement highlighted its potential and set it on a path to broader success.

Further cementing its position in the literary landscape, the novel achieved remarkable rankings in prestigious awards. In the 2022 edition of the Next Light Novel Award’s paperback category, it secured a respectable seventh place. The following year, in the 2023 edition, the series demonstrated its growing popularity by ascending to the coveted first place. These achievements were further amplified when Kadokawa recognized I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in the Class as the best-selling new light novel series of 2022, a significant honor that underscores its commercial success and critical reception.

From Page to Screen: The Animated Adaptation

The popularity of I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in the Class reached a new zenith with the announcement of a television anime adaptation. This exciting development was unveiled during the livestream for Kadokawa’s Sneaker Bunko 35th Anniversary Festa! in September 2023. The animation project was entrusted to the acclaimed studio Connect, known for its high-quality productions. The 12-episode television anime series premiered in Spring 2026, bringing the beloved characters and their heartwarming story to life for a wider audience. Crunchyroll, a leading platform for anime streaming, further enhanced accessibility by simulcasting the series with subtitles in multiple languages, allowing global fans to experience the anime simultaneously with its Japanese broadcast.

A Synopsis of Heartwarming Connections

At its core, I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in the Class revolves around the protagonist, Maehara Maki. Maki’s high school years were marked by a quiet struggle to forge meaningful connections and make friends. However, his life took a transformative turn with the arrival of Asanagi. While secretly acknowledged by the boys in class as the "second cutest girl," Asanagi chooses to spend her Fridays with Maki, opting for his company over that of her best friend, Amami, who holds the undisputed title of "cutest girl in class."

Their clandestine meetings unfold in the comfortable sanctuary of Maki’s home. Here, they indulge in a shared world of video games, movies, manga, and a delightful array of junk food, including pizzas, hamburgers, and copious amounts of cola. Despite the potentially unkempt appearance of their gatherings to an outside observer, these moments represent a cherished and intimate escape for both Asanagi and Maki, a testament to the burgeoning bond between them.

Official Statements and Future Implications

While the official X account of Azuri Hyuuga delivered the primary announcement regarding the light novel’s conclusion, further official statements from Takata or Kadokawa are anticipated to provide deeper insights into the decision-making process and express gratitude to the fanbase. However, the narrative’s natural progression towards a satisfying conclusion, coupled with the immense success across various media, suggests a deliberate and well-planned ending.

The conclusion of the light novel series does not signify an end to the franchise’s presence. With the manga adaptation continuing its run and the anime adaptation poised for its premiere, the world of I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in the Class will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences. The series’ success serves as a powerful example of how a relatable story, originating from a digital platform, can blossom into a beloved intellectual property with a global reach. The final volume’s release on July 1st will undoubtedly be a bittersweet moment for fans, marking the end of one chapter while celebrating the enduring legacy of a story that championed the beauty of ordinary connections and the joy found in shared, quiet moments. The continued availability of the manga and the forthcoming anime adaptation ensure that Maki and Asanagi’s heartwarming journey will remain accessible and cherished for years to come.