Keiken Zumi na Kimi to, Keiken Zero na Ore ga, Otsukiaisuru Hanashi. #9

Keiken Zumi na Kimi to, Keiken Zero na Ore ga, Otsukiaisuru Hanashi, often abbreviated as Kimizero, began as a light novel series written by Makiko Nagaoka and illustrated by magako. Published by Fujimi Shobo under their Fantasia Bunko imprint, the series explores the romantic dynamics between Ryuto Kashima, an introverted high school student, and Runa Shirakawa, a popular girl with a complex romantic history. The narrative focuses on the juxtaposition of their differing levels of relationship experience and their efforts to navigate a genuine connection despite their social disparities.

The ninth volume continues the established aesthetic of the series, featuring magako's signature soft, expressive character illustrations that lean into the rom-com genre's visual tropes. The series gained significant traction in Japan for its earnest approach to teen romance, which eventually led to a manga adaptation and an anime series in 2023. As a physical release in the long-running light novel series, the volume is characterized by its standard trade paperback format, which is typical of Japanese light novel publishing intended for the domestic market.