- The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All is a yuri romance manga by Sumiko Arai
- Premise: Aya falls for a stylish record-store clerk who turns out to be her classmate Mitsuki
- Stats: Over 2.25 million copies sold and 2M+ social followers worldwide
- Anime: The TV anime adaptation is scheduled to premiere in 2027 on Crunchyroll
- Start reading: The official English edition is published by Yen Press, starting with Volume 1
Series Overview: The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All
The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All (Japanese: 気になってる人が男じゃなかった) is a music-driven yuri manga created by Sumiko Arai and published by KADOKAWA in Japan, with the official English edition released by Yen Press. The story follows Aya Oosawa, a fashionable high-school girl who becomes fascinated by a cool employee at a record store — not realizing that the person behind the shop persona is her quiet female classmate, Mitsuki Koga.
Video Highlights:
- Official anime teaser released by Crunchyroll
- The anime adaptation is expected in 2027
- First animated look at Aya and Mitsuki's record-store encounter
The series won the Web Manga category at the 2023 Next Manga Awards, and the official anime site reports global sales exceeding 2.25 million copies with over 2 million social media followers — remarkable numbers for a web-origin yuri title.
If you are completely new, read the series spoiler-light: Volume 1 alone sets up the misunderstanding, the record-store setting, and the musical bond between the two leads.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Original title | 気になってる人が男じゃなかった |
| Author | Sumiko Arai (新井すみこ) |
| Japanese publisher | KADOKAWA |
| English publisher | Yen Press |
| Genre | Yuri, school romance, slice-of-life, music |
| Copies sold | 2.25M+ worldwide |
| Anime premiere | 2027 (Crunchyroll) |
Main Characters: Aya and Mitsuki
The romance works because the two leads occupy opposite social worlds while sharing one common language: music. Their contrasting styles also drive the central identity misunderstanding.
Aya Oosawa
- Outgoing, fashionable high-school girl
- Gyaru-inspired style and lively presence
- Drawn to alternative and rock music through the record-store scene
- Falls for the store clerk before learning the truth
Mitsuki Koga
- Quiet, reserved classmate of Aya
- Androgynous style that fuels the misunderstanding
- Deeply knowledgeable about alternative music
- More comfortable expressing herself through music than words
The Pairing
- Aya's direct enthusiasm meets Mitsuki's cool reserve
- Music acts as their shared language and bridge
- Contrasting visual styles make the pair instantly recognizable
The misunderstanding is not played as a cheap trick. Aya's initial misreading of Mitsuki explores how appearance, fashion, and self-presentation shape first impressions — a recurring theme throughout the series.
Music Guide: Where Romance Meets Rock Culture
Music is not background decoration in this series — it defines the setting, shapes character identity, and gives Aya and Mitsuki a way to connect before they fully understand each other. Author Sumiko Arai discussed these creative roots in an interview with uDiscover Music.
| Music Element | Role in the Story |
|---|---|
| Record store | Central meeting place; where Aya encounters Mitsuki's alternate persona |
| Rock records | Establish the energetic, slightly rebellious mood |
| Album art and headphones | Visual language that supports the manga's fashion-forward identity |
| Listening habits | Reveal Mitsuki's private inner life and Aya's growing curiosity |
Unlike a standard school romance, this series builds emotional pacing through physical music culture — browsing shelves, sharing recommendations, and listening together. It is one of the strongest music manga in recent yuri publishing.
Beginner Guide: How to Start Reading
Understand the premise
Aya develops feelings for a cool person at a record store, unaware it is her classmate Mitsuki presenting a different side of herself at work.
Follow the yuri romance
The emotional core is the slow-building relationship between the two girls, driven by attraction, curiosity, and misunderstandings.
Savor the slice-of-life details
School corridors, part-time work, fashion, and awkward conversations matter as much as big romantic beats.
Track the music threads
Pay attention to records, playlists, and listening habits — they chart the relationship's progress.
Read in volume order
Start with Yen Press Volume 1, then Volume 2, following the official series listing for new releases.
Recommended for fans of yuri, school romance, fashion-conscious character design, music-centered settings, and gentle character-driven comedy.
Reading Order and Where to Buy
| Order | Volume | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Vol. 1 | Introduces Aya, Mitsuki, the record store, and the identity misunderstanding | Yen Press |
| 02 | Vol. 2 | Continues the developing relationship, school life, and romantic tension | Yen Press |
| 03 | Series listing | Follow official publication for future volumes | Yen Press series page |
| Platform | Format | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Yen Press series page | Series info and volume links | Full series listing |
| Yen Press volume pages | Official volume listings | Volumes 1 and later |
| BOOK☆WALKER | Authorized digital edition | Volume 2 and other digital volumes |
| KADOKAWA store | Japanese editions and merchandise | Japanese volumes |
Support the creator by using official channels only. Unauthorized scanlation sites harm the series' international publication prospects.
New Reader Checklist:
- Read Volume 1 from Yen Press
- Meet Aya and Mitsuki in the record-store setting
- Note the music references in each chapter
- Follow the official anime site for 2027 updates
- Check the Yen Press series page for new volumes
Anime Adaptation and Awards
The TV anime adaptation was officially announced, with Crunchyroll's teaser indicating a 2027 premiere. The official anime website introduces the core relationship between Aya and Mitsuki and serves as the primary source for production updates.
| Recognition | Detail |
|---|---|
| Next Manga Awards 2023 | Winner, Web Manga category |
| Global sales | 2.25M+ copies |
| Social reach | 2M+ followers |
| Anime status | Scheduled for 2027 on Crunchyroll |
Keep adaptation news separate from manga content in your reading: character bios and volume info belong to the manga; trailers, staff, cast, and broadcast details belong to the anime until more is officially confirmed.
FAQ
Q: What is The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All about?
It is a yuri romance manga by Sumiko Arai. High-school girl Aya Oosawa falls for a stylish record-store employee, not realizing the person is actually her female classmate Mitsuki Koga. Their relationship develops through shared music, school life, and the gradual unraveling of the misunderstanding.
Q: When does the anime premiere?
According to the official anime website and Crunchyroll's teaser, the TV anime adaptation is scheduled to premiere in 2027 on Crunchyroll. Further production and cast details will be announced on the official site.
Q: How many volumes are available in English?
Yen Press publishes the official English edition, beginning with Volume 1 and Volume 2. Check the official Yen Press series page for the most current volume count and upcoming release dates.
Q: Is the series worth reading if I am new to yuri manga?
Yes. The series is frequently recommended as an accessible entry point because it blends yuri romance with school slice-of-life, music culture, and fashion-conscious art. Its 2023 Next Manga Award win and 2.25M+ copies sold reflect broad appeal beyond core yuri readership.