Koga, Mitsuki

Overview

Mitsuki Koga is a central character in the manga series “The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All,” written and illustrated by Sumiko Arai. She is a high school girl who shares a deep interest in rock music and works part-time at a CD shop. Her unique situation and interactions with her classmate Aya Oosawa form the core of the story.

Personality

Mitsuki is depicted as a thoughtful and considerate individual. She takes measures to maintain her anonymity at work by wearing unisex clothing, a face mask, and contacts instead of her glasses and school uniform. This transformation leads Aya and her friends to mistakenly believe she is a boy, referring to her as “Onii-san” (older brother). Mitsuki’s actions show her desire to keep her work and school life separate, indicating a cautious and private personality.

Role in the Story

Mitsuki’s role is pivotal as she becomes the object of Aya’s affections, albeit under the guise of being a boy. The story explores their budding relationship, with Mitsuki navigating the complexities of Aya’s feelings and her own identity. Her part-time job at the CD shop serves as a backdrop for their interactions, highlighting their shared love for music.

Relationships

• Aya Oosawa: Mitsuki’s relationship with Aya is central to the story. Aya develops a crush on Mitsuki’s workplace persona, unaware that it is her classmate. Mitsuki’s efforts to keep her identities separate lead to a complex dynamic between the two.
• Joe: Joe is Mitsuki’s uncle and the manager of the CD shop. He serves as a parental figure and guardian to Mitsuki, providing support and guidance.
• Megumu Narita: Megumu is a classmate who first connects Mitsuki’s workplace and school personas, noticing similarities between the two. This discovery adds a layer of tension to the story.
• Chizuru and Mao: These are Aya’s friends and classmates who are also part of the narrative, often discussing Aya’s feelings for “Onii-san.”

Significant Plot Points

• Aya’s Crush: Aya’s mistaken belief that Mitsuki is a boy leads to a series of misunderstandings and emotional conflicts.
• Mitsuki’s Secret: Mitsuki’s efforts to keep her identities separate create tension, especially when Aya discovers the truth.
• Relationship Development: The story explores the development of Aya and Mitsuki’s relationship, focusing on their shared love for music and their daily high school life.

Reception

The manga has received praise for its artwork, particularly the use of color and the concise storytelling, which makes it accessible to international readers. Critics have noted that while the concept is not new, the series handles its subject matter better than similar works, with a focus on the characters’ interactions and development.

Conclusion

Mitsuki Koga is a complex and intriguing character whose story in “The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All” offers a unique exploration of identity, relationships, and the power of shared interests. Her interactions with Aya and the other characters provide a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of high school life and personal identity.