【Masterpiece】 A Romance Manga Shrouded in Mystery! The Landmark of “School × Romance” That Was Also Adapted into an Anime – Mysterious Girlfriend X!

Love is sweet, painful, and sometimes strange and unpredictable. 'Mysterious Girlfriend X' by Ueshiba Riichi explores the true nature of “love” with a unique approach. Its strangeness sets it apart from typical romance manga, yet the pure portrayal of love slowly but surely captures the reader's heart.

At the center of the story is an ordinary second-year high school student, Tsubaki Akira. His ordinary school life takes a drastic turn after meeting a certain girl. The girl's name is Urabe Mikoto. Having just transferred into the class, she barely interacts with classmates, sleeps with her head on the desk during breaks, and suddenly bursts into laughter during lessons—exhibiting baffling behavior. Though confused by her, Tsubaki becomes fatefully involved with her due to a certain incident. One day after school, Tsubaki inexplicably scoops up and licks Urabe's drool that had dripped onto her desk. After that strange act, he collapses with a mysterious fever, but when Urabe visits him, she diagnoses it as “love sickness” and cures him by giving him her drool again. Smiling, she says, “You fell in love with me, didn’t you?”

From then on, the two start dating, but there’s hardly any of the sweet exchanges seen in typical couples. Their only form of physical contact is the daily “drool exchange” from Urabe after school. Though far removed from conventional notions of romance, this strange ritual fosters a uniquely intimate bond no one else can replicate. While confused, Tsubaki gradually realizes his feelings for Urabe, and she, in her own unique way, expresses her affection for him. Their relationship is never clingy, yet it conveys a deep bond—tinged with mystery and bittersweet charm, it irresistibly draws readers in.

The greatest appeal of this work undoubtedly lies in the character of Urabe Mikoto. Quiet and mysterious, closed off to others and behaving enigmatically, she remains an “incomprehensible being” to both Tsubaki and the reader. Yet glimpses of her sincere and adorable side peek through the mystery, and this contrast elevates her to a one-of-a-kind heroine. The strange dream scenes and her occasional unique emotional expressions further highlight her character vividly.

The appeal of this work has also been highly praised in its anime adaptation. Through animation, Urabe’s strange charm and the distinct atmosphere created by the music are enhanced, allowing viewers to enjoy a uniquely anime-style world. However, the original manga offers even greater depth. Ueshiba Riichi’s meticulous and delicate artwork captures the characters’ subtle expressions and emotions, revealing new details with every read. Watching the anime first before reading the original is by no means too late. In fact, enjoying both will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the world of 'Mysterious Girlfriend X.'

'Mysterious Girlfriend X' may bewilder with its unusual premise, but it slowly works its way deep into the heart. This story, which delicately depicts a boy’s first love through an unusual lens, brings fresh air to the romance manga genre. For those unsatisfied with ordinary romance and seeking something deeper, this is a must-read.