Memorable Manga Moments: We Were There vol. 14

June 1, 2012

When I first reviewed this series, I started with volume 8. In my review I stated that reading these scenes by Obata between Yano and Nanami was like watching scenes from my own youth unfold before me. Bokura ga Ita, We Were There, resonates with me on a very personal level. So when I came across this scene in the most recent volume, it tore at emotions I’ve had buried for a long time.

Nanami confronts Yano about not coming back to her after college. She tells him that she hopes his new life makes him happy because that is what she wants for him. However, Yano admits that she’s wrong.

After that, Yano explains what happened after he left, and why he hasn’t come back. Nanami listens and accepts his choice.

The truth is difficult for both of them. Nanami especially because she realizes more of what Yano feels. This following scene really clinches the emotions of the characters.

Yano loves Nanami, but knows he can’t make her happy right now. He wants her to move on and forget about him. It’s very painful for Nanami, who knows she can’t stop loving Yano. She also knows Yano well enough that she can interpret where this is coming from. So she provides him with support and love once again. She tells him that he can endure this and make it through. Just like he always has.

These two just kill me. Timing, circumstance has always been wrong for them. Yet neither can really let go. It’s painful to watch and compelling as hell. I’ve been Nanami. It’s excruciating when you know the other person loves you, and still chooses another path. But you just can’t walk away. Because the possibility still exists. So you keep on loving them.

I wonder how it will turn out for Yano and Nanami. Please tell me it’s a happy ending, Nancy!!

(Nancy Thistlethwaite is the Editor in Chief that works on We Were There at Viz.)

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Laura

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Super mom and teacher until the kids go to bed, then romance manga addict and writer until the caffeine wears out! Specializes in the shoujo and josei genre of manga and anime.

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2 Comments

As much as I love realistic endings, I can’t help but want Nanami and Yano to find their way back to each other, even if that seems impossible. I think the reason I want things to work out for them even though they’ve suffered so much is because in the end I feel like neither of them are at fault for their relationship failing. After reading volume 14 I went back to reread some of the middle volumes when Takeuchi first reveals his feelings for Nanami and Yano makes a comment that you can’t force yourself to fall in love – or to fall out of it. I only wish these characters would take that advice, but what I love most about We Were There is how beautifully it shows that there is no easy solution to problems of the heart.

starsamaria Jun 04, 2012

Seeing Yano and Nanami interact after the timeskip has always been difficult to watch. You want things to be better, but it’s hard to imagine how things could get better at this rate. For a while, I honestly thought the best way for things to improve for both of them was if they just moved on, even if that wasn’t something I wanted to read in the end. At least things feel a lot better for them now than a few volumes ago.

Yerocha Jun 03, 2012