Only the Ring Finger Knows:
The Lonely Ring Finger

When I first read the manga Only the Ring Finger Knows I thought it was a wonderful story. When I found out it was originally a novel, I thought it was a shame I didn't read Japanese. When I found out it was being released in English, I pre-ordered it. As for anyone else who fell in love with Yuichi and Wataru, I strongly suggest buying it.

Only the Ring Finger Knows is comprised of two stories, the first one being the title story and the second one called The Lonely Ring Finger. Yes, for those of you who weren't sure, the novels continue past what the manga showed us. The first story is what you will remember from the manga; boy looses ring, boy finds ring, boy meets icy cool guy, boy finds out cool guy has the same ring, misunderstandings and feelings collide, boy falls in love with cool guy, cool guy loved boy from the start, they swap rings. If you hadn't read the manga, I apologize for the spoilers but it's much better than that I can assure you, both in the manga and in the novel.

In The Lonely Ring Finger, it is time for Yuichi's entrance exams for college. As he spends his time studying and cramming so he can get into his first choice of schools, Tokyo University, the budding relationship between Wataru and himself begins to feel the strain and a bit of guilt. The feeling that they have to spend every free minute they can find together mounts into one earnest suggestion: Let's go to bed. Don't get too excited though, yaoi fans, we're talking about sensible high school students with exams on the horizon. Rather than a hasty jump in their relationship, a bet is made. If Yuichi can score within the top thirty of the country, Wataru will sleep with him.

With more at stake now than ever, Yuichi buckles down even harder on his studying. Meanwhile, Wataru meets Miho Ookusa, a very popular female classmate who seems to have some ulterior motives for her constant interferences in his life. With more misunderstandings and exasperating choices made in this volume than seen before, you will both want to both reassure each character and bonk them over the head.

Throughout the novel there are lovely pages which depict certain scenes, drawn by the lovely Hotaru Odagiri, the same woman who drew the manga release. These bits of eye candy are a treat to look on, especially the ones including our protagonists and Satoru Kannagi continues to deliver a very honest story about two boys trying to both disguise and revel in their new found love.

If you liked the manga, you will love the novel. If you loved the manga, I expect you've already read and discovered the continuing story between Wataru and Yuichi. Either way, I strongly suggest picking up a copy and entering their troublesome world where true love proves to conquers all.