Kodansha’s Romantic Drama Expands with New Chapter Starting in November
Fans of Megumi Morino’s heartfelt romance manga A Condition Called Love (Hananoi-kun to Koi no Yamai) have something new to look forward to. Following the conclusion of the main series earlier this year, a brand-new side story manga has officially been announced. This fresh installment is set to launch in the January 2026 issue of Kodansha’s Dessert magazine, which hits shelves in November 2025.
The news was revealed in the September issue of Dessert, sparking excitement among longtime readers eager for more emotional depth and character development. While details remain limited, the side story promises to explore new angles and likely shed light on supporting characters or previously untold moments in the original narrative.
What’s the Story About?
Originally serialized in 2017, A Condition Called Love follows Hotaru Hinase, a high school student who is initially disinterested in love—until she crosses paths with the emotionally intense and deeply affectionate Saki Hananoi. What begins as an awkward, impulsive confession in front of their classmates evolves into a complicated but heartfelt journey through teenage romance, personal boundaries, and emotional growth.
Spanning 17 volumes, the series stood out for its nuanced depiction of relationships, exploring what it really means to love and be loved—especially when dealing with emotional dependency and the growing pains of adolescence.
The Side Story: What to Expect
Although Kodansha has not revealed specific plot details, fans speculate the new series could:
- Revisit Hotaru and Hananoi’s relationship after high school
- Explore side characters like Tsuki, Miyamoto, or Kyo-chan more deeply
- Dive into untold emotional beats from the main series’ timeline
Given Morino’s tendency to take a thoughtful and realistic approach to her characters’ emotional arcs, expectations are high for meaningful storytelling that complements the original run.
Character Spotlights
Hotaru Hinase
A kind-hearted and honest high school girl, Hotaru starts off believing that love isn’t for her—until Hananoi enters her life. Through her evolving relationship, she learns to balance emotional responsibility with genuine affection, often putting others before herself but gradually finding her own voice.
Saki Hananoi
A seemingly perfect student hiding emotional fragility beneath a cool exterior. Hananoi’s deep longing for love makes him a compelling yet flawed character, and his journey toward a healthier relationship dynamic forms the heart of the series.
Anticipation Builds
With the main manga ending just months ago, the quick turnaround for this side story shows that demand for A Condition Called Love is still strong. For those who followed the series from the beginning—or discovered it via its growing international readership—this continuation offers both closure and new emotional threads to explore.
🔍 Key Highlights
- 🗓 Side story launches in November 2025
- 📘 Follows the conclusion of the 17-volume original manga
- 🖋 Created by Megumi Morino, known for emotionally resonant teen dramas
- 📍 Will be published in Kodansha’s Dessert magazine
- ❤️ Fans hope for deeper focus on side characters and post-graduation life
