The beloved romantic comedy series, Takata's Class de 2-banme ni Kawaii Onnanoko to Tomodachi ni Natta (I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in the Class.), is preparing for its grand finale. Illustrator Azuri Hyuuga's official X account recently shared the news that the light novel series will conclude with its tenth volume, set to release on July 1. This bittersweet announcement comes alongside the exciting prospect of a highly anticipated television anime adaptation set to premiere in Spring 2026. Fans have followed the endearing journey of Maehara Maki and Asanagi for years, and now both the end of the light novel and the beginning of its animated life are on the horizon.
The Light Novel's Journey Concludes
Since its inception as a web novel, Second Cutest Girl has captured the hearts of readers with its unique take on high school friendships and romance. The upcoming tenth volume, scheduled for a July 1 release, will mark the culmination of Takata's narrative. Azuri Hyuuga, who took over illustration duties from the second volume, has been instrumental in bringing the characters to life visually, contributing significantly to the series' charm and popularity. The ninth volume was just released on April 1, building anticipation for the final installment. The light novel series has achieved significant commercial success, boasting a cumulative 1.6 million copies in circulation, including digital editions, a testament to its widespread appeal and dedicated fanbase.
From Web Novel to Bestseller
Takata originally began writing this romantic comedy on the Kakuyomu website in November 2020. Its engaging premise and heartwarming interactions quickly gained traction, leading to Kadokawa acquiring the series for publication. The first volume hit shelves in December 2021 under their Sneaker Bunko imprint, initially featuring illustrations by Tom Osabe. Due to various circumstances, Azuri Hyuuga then stepped in to provide illustrations from the second volume onward, becoming an integral part of the series' visual identity. This transition did not deter its growing popularity, as the series continued to flourish, solidifying its position as a fan favorite in the light novel landscape.
Manga Adaptation Continues Strong
Beyond the light novels, the world of Second Cutest Girl expanded with a captivating manga adaptation. Rin Ono began serializing the manga on the Alive+ web service in July 2022, bringing Takata's story to a wider audience through sequential art. Kadokawa has been diligently publishing the physical volumes in Japan, with the seventh volume released on December 26 last year, and the eighth volume eagerly awaited for a June 26 release. Recognizing its popularity, Yen Press licensed the manga for English publication in December 2024, making it accessible to international readers. The second English volume shipped in November 2025, and the third volume is scheduled to ship on June 23, allowing English-speaking fans to keep pace with the ongoing story.
Acclaimed by Fans and Critics Alike
Second Cutest Girl has not only achieved commercial success but has also garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades throughout its run. The series proudly won the Special Prize in the Romantic Comedy category of the 6th Kakuyomu Web Novel Contest, highlighting its strength as an engaging web novel. Its transition to paperback further solidified its standing, as it ranked an impressive seventh place in the 2022 edition of the Next Light Novel Award before climbing to secure the coveted first place in the 2023 edition. Furthermore, Kadokawa, its publisher, recognized the series as the best-selling new light novel series of 2022, underscoring its significant impact and popularity within the industry. These awards reflect the series' consistent quality and its ability to resonate deeply with both readers and industry experts.
Anime Adaptation Arrives in 2026
Adding to the excitement, a major milestone for the series was announced at the livestream for Kadokawa's Sneaker Bunko 35th Anniversary Festa! in September 2023: a television anime adaptation. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing Maehara Maki and Asanagi come to life on screen, with Connect producing the 12-episode television anime. The anime is scheduled to premiere in Spring 2026, promising a vibrant and faithful adaptation of the beloved story. Crunchyroll will be simulcasting the anime with subtitles in multiple languages, ensuring that the series reaches a global audience and allowing fans worldwide to experience the charm and humor of Second Cutest Girl as it unfolds in animated form.
What is Second Cutest Girl About?
The story centers on Maehara Maki, a high school student who struggled to form connections and make friends. His life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Asanagi. Despite being quietly known as the second cutest girl in class by the boys, Asanagi chooses to spend her Fridays not with her best friend Amami, who holds the title of the cutest girl, but with Maki. Their cherished, hidden time together involves delving into games, watching movies, immersing themselves in manga, and indulging in junk food like pizza and hamburgers, all while guzzling cola. To outsiders, their activities might seem a bit unkempt, but for Asanagi and Maki, these carefree moments in the comfort of Maki's home represent a truly special and private bond.
As the light novel series draws to a close with its tenth volume, fans have much to celebrate and anticipate. The journey of Second Cutest Girl, from its humble web novel beginnings to a best-selling light novel, a popular manga, and now an upcoming anime adaptation, is a testament to its enduring appeal. While saying goodbye to the light novel might be bittersweet, the prospect of experiencing Maki and Asanagi's story animated in Spring 2026 offers an exciting new chapter for this beloved romantic comedy. Be sure to mark your calendars for the final volume and the anime premiere to experience the full scope of this charming series.
