Kaoru and Rin 13 - So Close, Yet So Far

What comes after graduation? While others are already making concrete plans for the future, Ayato faces a decision that is anything but easy for him. Because sometimes it’s not so easy to believe in yourself—even when you’ve known your dream for a long time.

At the notorious all-boys school Chidori and the prestigious all-girls school Kikyo, the differences could hardly be greater. But ever since Rintaro and Kaoruko met at Rintaro’s family’s café, it has become increasingly clear that prejudices and societal expectations don’t have to determine which people belong together.

Meanwhile, it’s not just the two of them who have grown closer. Their friends, too, have learned to trust one another, share their worries, and support each other in difficult times.

And it is precisely this sense of unity that is now more important than ever.

Ayato faces a difficult decision

Graduation is drawing near, and with it comes the question of what comes next.

Ayato is thinking deeply about his professional future. Actually, he already has one big dream: he wants to become a police officer, just like his older brother.

But even though this career fascinates him, he’s plagued by self-doubt.

Is he really cut out for this responsible job? Can he live up to the expectations he sets for himself? And does he even have the skills needed to help others in difficult situations?

The more Ayato thinks about his future, the more uncertain he becomes.

A cry for help changes everything

In the midst of his musings, however, something unexpected happens.

A sudden cry for help forces Ayato to take action—and to see himself from a completely new perspective.

Instead of just thinking about what he might not be able to do, he must face a situation in which his decisions can actually make a difference.

In the process, he might gain an important insight: Courage doesn’t necessarily mean not being afraid. Sometimes it shows itself precisely in the desire to do the right thing despite all doubts.

But will this experience be enough to give Ayato more confidence in his own abilities?

Growing up means finding your own path

Kaoru and Rin 13 expands Saka Mikami’s heartfelt story to include an important theme: the search for one’s place in life.

While the relationship between Rintaro and Kaoruko remains at the heart of the series, the people around them are also given space to grow.

Ayato’s fears about the future, his desire to follow in his brother’s footsteps, and an unexpected test of character come together to create a deeply personal story about self-confidence and responsibility.

A heartwarming sequel that shows you don’t always have to know right away where your path is leading—and that sometimes a single moment is enough to recognize your own strengths.

Product Details

• Volume 13 of the manga series Kaoru and Rin
• Author and Illustrator: Saka Mikami
• Genre: Romance, Slice of Life, School Life, and Drama
• Ayato is thinking about his career choices after graduating from high school
• His big dream: to become a police officer like his older brother
• Self-doubt makes him question his abilities
• An unexpected call for help puts Ayato to the test
• Themes: Planning for the future, self-confidence, responsibility, friendship, and personal growth
• Sensitive character development and emotional moments from everyday life
• German edition
• Publisher: Egmont Manga

Career guidance is complicated enough when you just have to choose between different educational paths. Ayato, however, wants to follow right in his older brother’s footsteps and become a police officer. It’s just a shame when the biggest critic of your own abilities is right inside your own head. Maybe sometimes all it takes is an unexpected call for help to find out what you’re really made of.