Takane no Hana-san #12

Takane no Hana-san, written and illustrated by Kotoko Mukouda, began its serialization in the manga magazine Bessatsu CoroCoro Comic in 2018. The series centers on Hana Takane, a highly capable and beautiful office worker who struggles with extreme shyness and insecurity regarding her crush on a younger subordinate, Bachi. Issue 12 contributes to the series' long-running exploration of the comedic misunderstandings and internal monologues that define the central dynamic between these two characters.

Mukouda's design aesthetic for the series relies on sharp contrasts between the protagonist's professional exterior and her frantic, vulnerable internal life. The artwork has been well-regarded for its expressive character designs, which lean into exaggerated comedic tropes common in the workplace romantic comedy genre. As the series progressed into its double-digit issue count, it solidified its place as a staple of digital and print manga platforms in Japan, consistently recognized for its lighthearted tone and relatable character-driven humor.