In one single volume, Tsumiki Ogami’s Not-So-Ordinary Life tackles not just three holidays, but also a staple of high school life: Sports Day. It shouldn’t come as a big surprise, seeing as the months from October to December are chock-full of holidays and celebrations in Japan. But it’s how these trademark moments are captured by Miyu Morishita that makes Tsumiki and Yutaka’s lives presented all the sweeter. But first, new character introduction!

The lightning dragon Raizen Shinto arrives, who may be the most electrifying class president imaginable. His skills are top-tier, to the point where entering a room causes Tsumiki’s fur to poof out in the silliest of ways. Despite appearing emotionless, Raizen has a lot of heart and endearing qualities that help make him a welcoming addition to the already-massive cast. And it’s thanks to his interactions with Yutaka and Tsumiki that he’s able to experience new joys and moments of kindness.

Speaking of kindness, that’s where Yutaka often shines in. He may not be a mythfolk, but the way he draws people into him is almost like a superpower. Every student — Tsumiki, especially — gravitates to him because he’s a man who’s both caring and understanding of everyone’s needs and situations. All it took was a bit of a blackout at the school for him to realize what his strongest contributions to the student body are.

When Sports Day hits, Tsumiki and her classmates go hard with both practice and the competition. First, she aids Yutaka in his lack of volleyball passing skills, on top of her inability to hold back on the ball smacks. But when game day comes, it’s an idea from Yutaka that helps bring their team back from behind. It’s no Haikyū!!, but the chapter’s a fun read nonetheless.

It’s followed by a wonderful chapter involving the invisible man Kito and the snake-haired Hebizono. A portrait-drawing exercise calls back to when Kito showed kindness to Hebizono, allowing her to see herself without glasses for the first time. However, this time, Hebizono returns the favor, as she captures the clear-bodied Kito in a way that no other student has in her assignment. I’m not sure if it’ll one day blossom into romance between the two of them, but Kito and Hebizono have certainly become close friends after this one.

As for the romance department, all eyes are on Tsumiki and Yutaka. Their Christmas meetup may have some friendship connotations within it, but their chemistry and endearing kindness to one another is certainly blooming into something special. But it’s when Tsumiki comes over to study with Yutaka when the two of them really start to test the waters. A casual sit on one’s lap, a sniff of one’s pillow, and even keen eyes from Yutaka’s mom and sister are showing that something lovey-dovey is brewing.

Even with so many life events packed in one volume, the latest Tsumiki Ogami’s Not-So-Ordinary Life handles them all with care, kindness, and genuine sweetness. One can’t help but feel warm and fuzzy whenever you witness any of these students deliver so many smile-inducing moments. However, it’s the titular character and her human comrade that remain the top of the sugary goodness that these volumes of Tsumiki Ogami’s Not-So-Ordinary Life constantly deliver. I’d worry about going into a diabetic coma if it weren’t for the fact that this series is just too yummy to stop consuming!

Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.